Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Kanailah Walker
Hello , my name is Kanailah Walker I’m from a small country town in Ga where you gotta try to make it out at least. I have been wanting to be a content creator for the longest since I was a child & still to this day I don’t even watch tv I’m watching YouTube/Content videos . In the last 2 years I have been receiving opportunities to be extras for Big Tv shows and collabing with big influencers. Read more>>
Atticus Roness
I’ve been singing my whole life, did theatre to start, learned guitar shortly after and began playing professionally at around age 16. Then joined by my brother and childhood friend formed my first band, AQUASHADE. That lasted in various formations until the pandemic. My brother and I then split off to form a more vintage rock outfit, The Corduroy Blue. This lasted 3 years, and then as fate would have it, I began my solo career under my name, Atticus Roness, about a year ago. My debut album ‘Square One’ is out everywhere now. Read more>>
Stephanie Cousin
The road is never smooth. What is best for you doesn’t come overnight and it will never be easy to achieve. I’ve had many struggles, people using my talents, stealing my music as well as my personal problems everything just mixes. Read more>>
Latoya Knowling
My name is Latoya Knowling I am the ceo/founder of Thick Gurlz Trending( TGT). I started my boutique clothing business in 2019. My business was very successful for the first 2 years. In 2021 COVID came and i had to close my doors to my business. Due to overseas late shipments. I guarantee my customers with the best quality,the best satisfaction,and the best customer service. I am my brand. Today I excited to announce I will be relaunching my business this coming winter. Read more>>
Victora Bianca
I began my journey as a host & curator in 2021. I was emerging out of a very dark time in my life. I needed an escape so I started back writing poetry. I once buried my passion for poetry for years, but God spoke to me & assured me of my calling so I followed Him. I suddenly began feeling the inclination to share my gift of poetry with the world but still apprehensive; I needed to feel safe sharing intimate details about my life so I created my own space. I started hosting my own poetry events — Hood Healing Poetry Events. Read more>>
Nadine Johnson
My journey began with humble roots, where the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience were instilled in me from a young age. These values guided me through my academic pursuits, culminating in a degree in business, and eventually led me to a successful career in corporate management, with a focus on analytics, finance, and operations. While in Jamaica, I built a life that balanced my professional ambitions with a deep commitment to my family. Yet, when I migrated to the U.S., I faced the challenges that many immigrants do, restarting from scratch and finding my place in a new world. Read more>>
Carl Adams
As far as struggles…nothing out of the ordinary. As you’d expect, there’s a mixture of things that make it harder. Mainly life getting in the way as it often does, but that’s for everyone. There’s also the general apathy of consumers who are spoiled for choice. It’s harder than ever to get in front of them, and even harder to stay in front of them. Read more>>
Venida Hudley
The solo journey tested my adaptability and also preconceptions about a continent I had known only through others’ accounts. My book will serve as a valuable learning tool for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge of Africa and equip readers to make informed decisions and navigate complex situations like traveling alone to another country and creating unique volunteer experiences that align with personal desires. You can follow me on my journey to publishing on my Instagram and LinkedIn. Read more>>
Joya Gresham
My name is Joya Monique Gresham, I was born and raised in Fremont, OH a small town where everybody knows everyone. It’s not expected for a lot of people to “make it.” Ever since I was a child, I made it my mission to prove everybody wrong. I’ve always loved journalism, media, and the entertainment industry. When I was young, and in my teenage years, my family would often have fashion shows/ plays at local churches or our town theatre. However, growing up just like anyone else I faced challenges that pushed me to where I am today. Not all parts of my story are glitter and gold. Read more>>
Curtiss Wheeler
I started Allsect Pest Control on my own with nothing but experience, a truck, and a vision. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to build a business that truly cared about people—both the customers and the team I’d eventually build. It wasn’t easy—there were long days, setbacks, and a lot of learning along the way. But I stayed consistent, focused on providing quality service, and made sure every customer felt valued. Read more>>
Kadin Collins
Many people did not believe in my ideas. But the love from my family-my mom, my aunt Sandra, my cousin KB, the memory of my grandparents kept me going. Their encouragement reminded me of why I started in the first place. Every struggle became a motivation, and every setback helped me get a better idea on what Kraftzbykadin stands for. This journey has taught me to fight for what I want. I’m proud of the progress, even when it’s been hard—and I’m more confident than ever to keep crafting something that feels great for anyone who uses it. Read more>>
Jackie Edmundson
Professionally, I’ve worked across sectors from the federal government, private equity-backed companies, startups, and agency life. I’ve worn many hats with a focus on people, process, and productivity. I’ve led multi-million-dollar transformations impacting thousands of employees and helped scale businesses with intentional strategy, clear structure, and a people-first mindset. I’ve stepped into chaos, fixed what’s broken, and built frameworks that unlock growth and restore alignment. Read more>>
Gregory Lafortune
This has grown to a career dedicated to helping people, particularly men, become better advocates for their personal and family health. If I can help men decrease rates of chronic disease and promote healthful eating and longevity, families will benefit. Leaders will live longer. Communities will strengthen. I believe that optimal nutrition is the key to optimal performance in all areas of life. I give credit to my faith in Jesus Christ, my family, and many community colleagues/partners for where I am now. Read more>>
Kirahvi Bello
I have encountered many obstacles in my life, but have overcame them through focusing on the end goal and the people I surround myself with. Being an independent author, everything comes out of my personal pockets, printing, formatting softwares, copyrights, editing and more. When I sell books, it funds the next book so marketing is imperative to my success, or I fail. With the out of pocket costs, I have to make tough decisions around book releases and realistic budgets. Read more>>
Carolina De La Hoz
During the pandemic, I began exploring photography and painting as a creative outlet and quickly realized the impact it had on others. What began as a hobby grew into Carolina’s Canvas, a business dedicated to helping people feel seen and celebrated through professional photography and custom artwork. Once I stepped away from my government job, I poured everything into building my brand, leaning into Jesus and persistence to grow it from the ground up. Today, I specialize in professional headshots, portraits, and curated creative experiences that not only deliver high-end images but also foster confidence and connection for my clients. Read more>>
Jenna and Idalene Williams
When Dr. Idalene retired in 2022 as a full-time college professor, she and my father, Rev. William M. Williams Jr. (retired) relocated to the Atlanta area in July 2023. Over the next few months, we prayed and discussed the process of achieving our dream of opening a Nutrition Club. Hence, we began working on our business plan and the search kicked off in June of 2024 for our first brick and mortar. We found our location after only a few weeks. The moment we walked into 145 Jonesboro Rd., we knew this is where God wanted us to plant the seed that is now Impact Nutrition. We use Herbalife Nutrition products to make our shakes and energy teas. Our mission is “Impacting you to a healthier lifestyle”. Read more>>
Nasceas Timms
Around that same time, my 72-year-old mother, Bessie Taylor, was having trouble caring for our aging family dog after we were displaced by a house fire in 2022. She mentioned how hard it had become to manage simple tasks like letting the dog out or cleaning up after him. That moment stuck with me—not just because of her struggle, but because it made me realize how many other people must feel the same way: overwhelmed, underserved, and quietly sacrificing their bond with their pets due to something as manageable as dog waste. Read more>>
Tru Straub
In saying that, I thought the best way to share my gifts were to start with my own podcast ( Label 1976) and give my audience, the Label 1976 music spotlight along with stories of the artist that I choose to highlight in my episodes. Open my audience up to music they may not have heard. I also have a “things you possibly, perhaps didn’t know” where I give tidbits of strange history or something that I’ve learned during my researching for the podcast. We then may embark into a topic of folklore or crime. The podcast is a gambit of things, but we do not deal in politics. Read more>>
Jae Shin Cross
When COVID-19 happened, the restaurant I was working in had to pivot and focus more on their social media to advertise their business. My whole life was that job, and I would have done anything to keep it alive. My amazing boss offered for me to be the creative director of their establishment, and I was overwhelmed by an opportunity where she trusted me with their optics. I was 23 and had really only done work for myself and some freelance videography. But I had a camera, photoshop, and a lot of pent up creativity. Read more>>
Quinae Jackson
Growing up on the southside of Atlanta, Georgia gave me early lessons in equity, belonging, and inclusion. Believe or not bussing was still a thing , although disguised under the umbrellas of gifted and talented. I took buses across town to schools that looked and felt nothing like the ones in my neighborhood and that contrast stayed with me. In high school, our bus stop was the K-Mart on Cleveland Avenue, this bus carried kids from Cleveland Avenue, kids zoned for South Atlanta High School, clear across town to North Atlanta High School. Read more>>
Jordan Johnson
Alfred Wynn is, in many ways, the intersection of where I come from and what I’ve always believed. I spent over a decade working inside marketing & brand agencies, partnering with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. I learned what it meant to move fast, think big, and operate at scale. But I also saw how often companies grew without a clear sense of self or strategic identity—how brandy identity and operations drifted apart the bigger and more complex things got. The awareness of this gap stuck with me. Read more>>
Shayla Bryant
Our first homebirth experience with our daughter, Maya Malawi, was deeply transformative for me and my family. The feeling of having a non-medicated homebirth was liberating and life-changing. On that day, I tapped into an ancestral strength, an inner power that only a laboring mother can access. Together as a family, we embraced the birthing journey on a profound level, guided by the wisdom and support of our midwife. We also experienced the beauty of Lotus Births with both our daughter and later with our son. Read more>>
Sandy Huff
Virginia Highland Books is located at the center of Virginia and Highland surrounded by fun shops and restaurants. It’s eclectic charm with mismatched rugs and old reading lamps begs for browsing on a rainy Saturday. The unique space is quirky and eclectic with exposed brick walls and old wood floors and a hand stenciled staircase. The walls are home to one of a kind art pieces by local artists. And our staff of readers love to share their favorite reads or hear about yours. Read more>>
Rosemary Ajoseh
Jazz Saxophonists Israel D Humphrey is a Musician, Composer, Singer, Producer, Teacher and so much more. He will be releasing his First Single and EP Album 2025. You can find more information about his Artistry and Business at www.israeldhumphrey.com. Inspirational Artist and Producer Rosemary Ajoseh will be releasing her Sophomore Album Summer 2025 Titled “Desire” you can find more about her Production Company and Music Discography at www.rosemaryajoseh.com. Read more>>
Ashalah Wright
Pursuing higher education at Hampton University, Ashalah majors in Business Economics while continuing to hone her leadership and academic excellence. Through the Toyota Leadership Program, she gained insights into artificial intelligence in business, earning a prestigious scholarship. Her engagement with government relations as an intern further showcased her adaptability, research skills, and cross-departmental collaboration. Read more>>
Jordan Benton
My expertise lies in coloring wigs and bundles, and I also provide hair extensions and graphic design services. My brand is distinguished by its distinctive hair colors and styles, which have become synonymous with my name. Throughout my journey from 2019 to 2024, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to adapt to the ever-changing marketing landscape, ensuring my brand remains at the top. Read more>>
Sharon Johnson
First and foremost I didn’t come like this.My story began as an essay while I was in a transitional center in Atlanta. I was born in the industry with a silver spoon in my mouth the first grandchild of a Strong Black entrepreneur woman Read more>>
Jessica Terry
As much as I wanted to be a bestselling author (as I used to tell myself I’d be), I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I wrote my first serious novel (aka the first one I wrote with the intent to publish) in college and submitted it to a publisher, and they offered me a contract, but the terms were awful and a family friend who was an attorney advised me to pass. Read more>>
Sandrella Sims
Sandrella Sims began her journey with a heart full of hope and dreams that felt almost impossible. Raised by her grandparents alongside twelve other grandchildren, she grew up in a world where struggle was a constant companion. Her mother passed away when she was just three, and her father battled illness for most of her life, leaving her to navigate an often harsh reality. But even amid the challenges, Sandrella knew there was something greater in store for her. She didn’t have a typical childhood path toward success. Read more>>
The Patricks
The Patricks journey to success in the music industry was not at all smooth. From selling CD’s out of car trunks in the 1990’s, to having CD’s shelved or thrown in trash cans, The Patricks have experienced ebbs and flows that are considered common industry practices, particularly among independent musicians. The journey wasn’t smooth, however it was educational. After a 25 year hiatus from recording music The Patricks are back releasing anointed music and blessing colleagues with knowledge on how to be successful while navigating through the music industry. Read more>>
Briana Wyatt
This all started as a journey to self-love and overcoming my fears. I grew up as an insecure teen. I was definitely someone who wore long-sleeved T-shirts, pants, and everything that you could imagine to cover my body at all times. I don’t know why I picked myself apart so bad—it may have been my constant comparison to others with a combination of teenage hormones. I couldn’t exactly answer that for you, but I do know that I was my biggest bully. Not physically, but I was the person that would hurt me the most, and I grew out of that slowly. Read more>>
Dzar
I am Dzar the rapper, an artist carving my name into the vibrant hip-hop scene of Atlanta, GA. My passion for this genre ignited in middle school, but it was during my freshman year that I truly committed to my journey as a hip-hop artist. Since then, I’ve relentlessly honed my skills and dedicated myself to making a significant impact in this industry. Read more>>
Devin McKay
It might sound cliché, but like many other creatives, I started by just experimenting and making things. I dabbled in all different sorts of mediums: drawing, painting, music, acting. One or two stuck with me, while the rest faded away. As a kid, I would film fun little stories with my toys using my Lego Steven Spielberg webcam. By high school, I had graduated to shooting more intricate projects with my friends around the neighborhood. Read more>>
Dr. Natasha Ward
Because of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the beginning years of my business, I’m very cognizant of the necessity of rest, restoration, and rejuvenation. But just because I’m aware of it, doesn’t really mean that it comes easy for me to just plan that rest ahead of time. There are days I’m working after midnight, and then there are days, I choose not to work at all. For me, it’s about listening to my body and giving it what it needs on any given day. Since I’m one person, then the struggle is ensuring automation and that the right systems are in place, so I can rest as desired or needed. That’s where having the right business coach and listening to your intuition are essential. Read more>>
Jordan Taylor
ordan’s Virtual Desk was launched in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, shortly after I graduated college at 17. My passion for supporting businesses through creative design, social media management, and streamlined programs drove me to create a business that not only showcases the brilliant individuals behind these ventures but also helps them reclaim valuable time to focus on what matters most—the core of their business. Read more>>
Cirice Adams
I first came into the Atlanta scene as a notable local prog-musician during the early days of Scarlette Saturn. That sound would surely change as we got into high school. The band then suddnely changed directory and started making pop-punk music (most recordings of this era never saw the light of day) and it was not very good. One of the best transitions we made as we came out of high school was moving into a raw emo sort of sound with many experimental elements. Read more>>
Mikell Edwards
So about five years ago I graduated with a Master’s in School Counseling and had my mind set to work in a specific school district. But I didn’t know anyone, and it was a situation where you needed to know someone to get in. But I wasn’t deterred and was advised to work as a substitute teacher to network within the district. Therefore, I was on-boarded as a sub, but at the same time, I started working as a background actor on sets and learned about scripts. Something in me shifted and aligned, I had found my calling. Read more>>
Sean Anthony Garvin a.k.a Sean Garvey
The other obstacle was dealing with the politics in the radio industry. I had to navigate and overcome people who underestimated me in getting the job done while also dealing with people who had big egos. One of the other struggles was my speech impairment. I would sometimes feel very discouraged if I wanted to end my time as a radio host due to mispronouncing a word on the radio or finding myself repeating the same thing over again. Those challenges helped me to realize I must acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses to survive in the radio broadcasting business. Read more>>
Hazel Simpson
2023 Professional who’s who publication. 11 live news, Charleston Compass, Connected woman, Los Angeles Wire, Bold magazine and more. Recognition: The international women’s leadership Association 2015. Representative for public arts Commission board South Fulton district 5. Check out Ms Simpson movie selections on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Hazelvisions.com and other platforms, Sisters & The Shrink 1. SIsters and the Shrink 2. Sisters and the Shrink 3. Sisters and the shrink 4. “The Prayer” and The Children Cry coming in 2024. Read more>>
Michael Ash Sharbaugh
I became interested in altered states of mind by ’94. and experimented with marijuana, lysergic acid, and alcohol, and actually stopped doing music due to ‘going overboard’ in 1993. (There is a [blatant] lacuna in My self-recorded library for that year.); thus, I put Myself in rehab, henceforth imagining music and its creative force as My ‘higher power.’ I wrote a song entitled ‘Stay with Me’ that year, just days after exiting rehab. From then ’til now, I have been in-control, and composing music on a steady basis, choosing to release the finest of My compositions on the world’s streaming sites (now, about 300 songs and instrumentals). Read more>>
Tonya Hutchings
Affectionately known as “Pastor T”, Tonya M. Hutchings is a new breed of disciple. She is Senior Pastor at SALT Community Worship Center in Atlanta, GA. Also an author, teacher, psalmist, conference speaker and mentor; she is called to deliver the word of God with love, truth, boldness and simplicity. She brings wisdom, enthusiasm and a fresh anointing as she ministers to the hearts and minds of God’s people. Her passion is to teach, love and uplift the people of God in all age groups, nationalities and walks of life. Experiencing a myriad of religions, beliefs and difficulties as a youth, her entire life shifted after having a true encounter with the power, love and presence of God. Read more>>
Louis Buralda
I am a song writer and a musical artist who perfessionalizes in Hip Hop. That sounded so ugly. In short terms I RAP! I aslo am an illustrator and most times I love to put both music and art together to create smooth visuals for my audience. Read more>>
Quentavius Ogletree
I’ve mentioned this before but I’m always excited to tell my story. It started wanting to quit my job at Pizza Hut which was my first job and my dad saying I couldn’t quit unless I had other income and that sparked an idea in my brain to just try something. I created a design on customink and that took 5 mins, showed him and we ran with it. Here we are. That started in 2016. It’s 2025 now. Nothing has changed. Read more>>
Hope Brown
I started dancing when I was 4 years old at Dan and Company studios in Atlanta. I was a member of the Atlanta Jazz Theatre from ages 7-18 years old. When I went to college at University of Georgia, I decided to not pursue a degree in dance and instead opted to pursue a degree in English. My friend, Lindsay Giedl and myself started a dance company while we were in college called Counterpoint Dance Company. This was a place for trained dancers to come dance and perform without pressure or stress. Dance was my passion but I didn’t know if I could make it my career. Read more>>
Joe Stuckey
I’m a Realtor®️, A Designer of my brand Hisheartlove. I’m The Founder of The Curated Static Marketplace. My semi quarterly event that hosts 10 vendors, A Bartender and a DJ. (The Party Where You Can Shop) and I have a LONG history in Wardrobe Styling. I’m also a caregiver. All in all, being of service is my calling. Read more>>
Robbie Howard
As a testament to the efficacy of sea moss, RJ no longer needed his inhaler, and his eczema improved significantly. On my weight loss journey after experiencing pre-eclampsia, I incorporated sea moss, noting its positive impact on metabolism, energy levels, and post-workout recovery. This firsthand experience fueled my determination to share the life-changing benefits of sea moss with a wider audience. Read more>>
Micki Price-Havard
When I started practicing Pilates over 20 years ago, I was getting in shape for my impending wedding. I was in my late 20’s and wanted to maintain my svelte figure to a sure that I would fit in my wedding dress. My practice started at in my parents basement with VCR tapes and cable fitness the programs . When I branched out of my home practice and went in search of a Pilates studio, I found that they were quite homogenous . Read more>>
Chanel Cooper
Thank you for this question. This reminds me of the Yin Yang Balance. You will not know the smooth road without the rough one. I can’t say what my struggles were specifically, but struggles do exist. What I choose not to do is defend my limitations and I do my best to see every experience as an opportunity for growth, grace and compassion. Read more>>
PorterStoutBeerGod
After watching countless hours of Anthony Bourdain and Mark Wiens, I finally decided to make myself a boss. I wanted to focus on networking and started asking a lot of questions. I wanted to get to know owners and how they started their business. Fast-forward three years later and now we’re in Queens Long Island city New York, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Read more>>
Nathan Owens
If anyone in comedy had a smooth road something isn’t right. Comedy is always bumpy and that’s the fun. Finding your voice, jokes bombing, learning from other comics, celebrating friend’s success. The challenge of comedy is a fight against yourself. It takes a lot of redefining of goals, challenging yourself, questioning your beliefs, and what success looks like to you. Read more>>
Lisa Sophia Gantt
Pushing through with my blog has not been a smooth journey. Being a writer takes work. You have to push through writers block and all kinds of emotional challenges. There were times when I didn’t want to keep writing but I had to remember my why. This pushed me each time. Read more>>
William King
I was born on December 27th, 2007. Music has always been my passion, but it wasn’t until 2016-2017 that I started taking it seriously. I began my journey as a producer, crafting beats on FL Studio. Later, I experimented with my skills, creating songs in a closet with just a laptop my Aunt Sheila gave me and an Xbox 360 rock band mic. Read more>>
Alessandro Folchitto
Then the stunt world come in to place , since that was a huge need of actually stunt performer with real tactical background and so i was hired to cover the section of the movie business allow me to work in more than 130 productions. Read more>>
Jay Gardner
My name is Jay Gardner. In my younger days I was in the Navy, had a beautiful wife with w children and ordained into the ministry, My life took a drastic change ! I felt God had taken his hands off me and I turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with life. I went on a theft binge and found myself incarcerated for 20 years. While incarcerated I was given a vision from God. The vision was of torn and ripped pieces of paper uniquely crafted into a beautiful bracelet and a radiant message of his hope peace and strength to prevail. Now 7 years of free man, that vision has turned into an incredible non-profit named Tornpages. Read more>>
Jonta Kamara
Career Development Services – I always enjoyed helping my friends by providing services such as reviewing their essays, assignments, university applications, and resumes. People would always come back to me and tell me how grateful they were for my assistance. As much as my friends benefited, so did I, as it showed me different writing styles and ways to convey information. This led me to become confident in my skills, and I decided to launch services. I was unsure of the best time to launch services, but moving from the Toronto area to Atlanta, I thought this would be a good side-hustle. Read more>>
Latrice Callier
In 2010, that calling became something tangible when I founded M.A.T.S. (Mothers and Their Sons)—a nonprofit created to strengthen the relationships between mothers and their sons. I saw the gap in our communities where young boys were often misunderstood or unsupported, and mothers felt overwhelmed or alone. M.A.T.S. was built to be the bridge—providing resources, mentorship, group support, and meaningful experiences that help moms and sons thrive, both individually and together. Our work centers around nurturing their bond and providing tools that help reduce the social and emotional challenges boys often face, especially in underserved communities. Read more>>
Esther Park
Influenced by my experiences living between Korea and the United States, my work reflects an exploration of cultural identity, material perception, and the meaning of adornment in contemporary life. My pieces have been showcased internationally at exhibitions such as the Marzee International Graduate Show, Jewelry Week Slovenia, Munich Jewelry Week, the Baltimore Jewelry Center. I was also interviewed by SMCK Magazine and Current Obsession Magazine. Read more>>
Tymeel Wright
My path hasn’t been linear; it’s a spiral of growth and grit. I’ve learned through late nights and relentless passion, finding magic in the chaos of creation. Art isn’t just my craft it’s my way of life. It reveals the world’s raw beauty and my own inner storms. Art to me is alchemy: a sacred process transmuting pain, joy and chaos into timeless creations. Every brushstroke transforms me, forging resilience and unearthing hidden truths. Read more>>
Janaya Davis
After leaving college as a track runner, I searched for a way to stay active and found myself in a boxing gym in 2009. What I thought would be a hobby became my passion. By chance, I trained alongside some of Atlanta’s top fighters, and before long, I entered the amateur ranks. I rose quickly, becoming the #1 ranked fighter in my weight class while working full-time as a firefighter/paramedic. I was even invited to represent the U.S., and though hopes of competing in the Olympics were cut short, I turned professional—sparring with Laila Ali and fighting on her undercard in my hometown of Atlanta. Read more>>
