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.
Bailey Shapard
Cushion Pros is a family-owned business based in the heart of Georgia. Our parent company, American Mills, was founded in 1938 by the Shapard family and has remained family-owned and operated ever since. Over the decades, we built a reputation for quality textiles and craftsmanship, supplying products to well-known retailers and brands across the country. Read more>>
Alli Allen
In 2018, I transformed my passion for crafting incredible travel itineraries into becoming a luxury travel advisor. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself, as I now have the privilege of helping my clients experience the transformative power of travel. Read more>>
Davette Thompson
My story really begins with an unexpected health crisis — I became a kidney cancer survivor after being diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. That experience was life-changing. Once I got over the initial shock, I threw myself into learning as much as I could about holistic wellness while finishing my bachelor’s degree. Read more>>
Laurren Segraves
As a kid, I was totally convinced I was going to be a veterinarian. I had worked at my local vet’s office and just knew that was what I wanted to do (looking back, I’m SO glad that did NOT work out!). Read more>>
Dawn Southern
I got started in real estate back in 2007, and like most new agents, I learned pretty quickly that this business takes a lot of hard work, persistence, and a willingness to keep growing. Over the years, I moved from selling new construction into different leadership roles—first as a compliance broker, then a managing broker, and eventually a qualifying broker. Read more>>
Eric Mauldin
My wife Luisa and I started Outdoor Illuminations in 2021, beginning with Christmas light installations. From there, we expanded into events, weddings, and landscape lighting. We started with nothing more than our car and a handmade trailer, just the two of us putting in the work. Read more>>
Steve Kasha
Honestly, my story really started with a simple “yes.” Years ago, I felt God stirring something in me that I couldn’t ignore, a calling to step out of my comfort zone and bring hope to people who were hurting and hungry. I didn’t have all the answers, and I definitely didn’t have a roadmap, but I knew I had to take that first step. Read more>>
Megan Mulvey
I’ve always believed that the hardest chapters in life can be turned into something meaningful, and my journey is proof of that. I started my career in mortgage lending because I wanted to help families find stability and achieve their dream of homeownership. Read more>>
De’Ron Ragland
Church Unchained Ministries is a seasoned, level-headed, comprehensive, thorough, biblically based and Holy Spirit-led healing and deliverance ministry that understands spiritual warfare. We treat individuals with love, dignity, and respect at all times as we minister to them in humility. We understand each person is unique, complex, and created in the image and likeness of God. Read more>>
Bria Wilkerson
I officially started my journey as a travel agent in 2023, right after planning my own destination wedding in beautiful Jamaica. That experience was a turning point for me and the spark that lit a fire for what would become my passion and career. Both of my parents are proud Jamaican descendants who moved to America in search of better opportunities. Read more>>
LaVerne Spruill
I have been an entrepreneur for many years, starting as a child with my first street candy store/lemonade stand, working in my Uncle’s corner candy store, multiple fields of Independent Business Ownership opportunities, a Tax preparer, assisting new entrepreneurs in legally establishing their business entities for many, many years. Read more>>
Bonnie Montney
It all started with a poor chicken losing its head. One of the first memories I have about how the world around us can heal us was my mother telling a story of how her grandmother would snap the head of a chicken and rub its blood on their hands to cure them of warts and evil spirits. It definitely cleared up the warts. Read more>>
Krystal M. Harris
At 18, I packed up my life and moved to Los Angeles to chase my dream of becoming an actress. I dove headfirst into auditions and was blessed to appear in both film and television, including About Last Night, Love Unplugged, and series like The Oval and Shameless. But even in those wins, I felt something missing. Read more>>
Stephanie Hicks
My journey began with a simple passion for hair and a love for making people feel confident. I officially stepped into the industry in 2018, and by 2020 I was working in a barbershop doing all types of styles. When COVID shut everything down, I turned a small shed in my parents’ yard into a salon in Bowman, SC and kept building from there. Read more>>
Alexa Imhof
I’ve been the Studio Manager at Pure Barre Suwanee for a few months now, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. I’m currently a senior at Kennesaw State University, finishing up my degree in Integrated Health Science with a minor in Public Health. Health and fitness have always been a big part of my life, and I genuinely love helping others feel their best. Read more>>
Tennille Cooley
I started Goodness In Grains based on a need to have access to healthier eating options in my community (Douglasville, Georgia). Read more>>
KACEY Cotton
It all started back in 2008. After a series of bad decisions, I landed myself in the state penitentiary. I wasn’t released until 2011. When I came home, I had an 8-year-old son waiting for me and a newborn I hadn’t even met yet. I’d missed his birth behind bars. Finding work was a constant struggle. Not slipping back into the streets was even harder. Read more>>
kiara steele
My interest in animals started at the tender age of 4 years old. I was introduced to my first dog, a Rottweiler named Bear at the age of 5. As a child, I’ve had lizards, rabbits, and dogs. My journey didn’t stop there, at the age of seventeen I was offered my first job at an animal hospital. Read more>>
john klinger
I have always been a travel fan, having lived in Europe in the 80s and having been on near 20 cruises. I got laid off from a corporate job right after my 60th birthday. After sending out hundreds of resumes with 0 results. Read more>>
Charm White
I started NextStep Immigration Form Prep in July, shortly after leaving my position at an immigration law firm in Lawrenceville. It was an uncertain time for me professionally, but I had long been considering opening my own immigration services company. Read more>>
Vanessa Spence
I opened my shop in 2000 in Norfolk Va , Beaded Jewelry had become a big trend, I sold at big festivals, I made the local newspaper in 2004, I advertise on the city bus, my business wrapped as advertisement . Making jewelry is my passion, started making jewelry at 20 years old, I enjoy designing jewelry, I love seeing my customers wearing my jewelry, my jewelry is one of a kind & beautiful . what got my here today is my passion , my love for making jewelry and of course my customers and my customer service. Read more>>
Makayla Frechette
Rooted in Faith, Family, and Fierce Determination From childhood dreams to a thriving pet care business, Makayla Frechette’s journey has been one of heart, hustle, and heritage. Inspired by her grandparents’ love for farming, Makayla always envisioned a life where animals and entrepreneurship would intertwine. That dream began to take shape when she met her husband, Michael, in her late teens. Read more>>
Hadiya Barlatier-Johnson
I began my career focused on supporting military families and individuals navigating trauma, mood disorders, and complex life transitions. Early on, I noticed that many people only sought therapy when life became overwhelming. Over time, I realized that therapy is not only for moments of crisis. It can also be a space for release, reflection, and grounding. Read more>>
Bridget Agan
I still remember our very first family trip to Walt Disney World in 2015. My husband Jay and I had been dreaming of showing our daughter Maryanna the magic for the first time. What I didn’t realize was how overwhelming all the planning could feel until I connected with a wonderful travel agent who guided us through every detail. Read more>>
Crystal McElrath
Lab Day started as a day for me to experiment with new recipes for holiday gatherings. I loved the creativity of the process and began looking for an excuse for “lab day” all year long. Over the years, “lab day” evolved in to a day to spend in the kitchen with no interruption — just cooking and experimenting with recipes for fun and/or stress relief. Read more>>
Jason Stolz
I grew up in the insurance world — my family started Diversified Insurance Brokers back in 1980, and from a young age I was exposed to the idea that this business is really about people, trust, and helping families protect what matters most. After college I knew I wanted to carry that legacy forward, but also put my own stamp on it. Read more>>
KAREN HENRY-GARRETT
I have a BA in English Language and Literature, graduating in 1995. Read more>>
Congcong Bi
I started playing the cello when I was five years old. My sister and I began playing the cello at the same time, although at first my parents only intended to sign her up for lessons. I remember feeling that this was unfair that she could play while I could not. Therefore, I pleaded with them to let me begin as well. Read more>>
Sean Dawdy
I started martial arts when I was 11 years old after my mom found a coupon in the newspaper. I was already hooked on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Batman, so the idea of training was a dream come true. From the start, martial arts gave me structure — clear rules, goals, and a community where I gained confidence and friendships. Read more>>
Phillip Hogan
In 2014, I was considering a career shift from the social services industry to entrepreneurship. Having already earned a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University (’00) and a Master’s in Public Administration from American Public University (’14), I wasn’t motivated to pursue another degree. While contemplating my options, I purchased a car from out of state. Read more>>
Nico Watts
I first discovered the significance of cleanliness during my early childhood in Jackson, Mississippi. Growing up in a household of six, participating in our weekly chore rotation was more than just a way to keep the house in order, it was a lesson in responsibility, self-discipline, and gratitude for the space we called home. Read more>>
Matthis Schultz
I have been a serial entrepreneur my entire life. Submitting my first US Patent at 14 leading to my first exit via M&A in 2008 at age 19. Since then I have been involved in multiple startups to scale ups. Read more>>
Codye Satterwhite
I started my career earlier than most. I grew up in a family owned and operated grocery business. There I started my career in management at a young age. From there I moved on to finish college and worked at various companies including : Schreiber Foods, Target, CSM Bakery Solutions, Blue Yonder, and Plantensive Solutions Group. Read more>>
Crystal Smith
I began my insurance career in 2018 with a simple but powerful mission: to be the kind of agent I wished more people had access to. Someone honest, approachable, and genuinely invested in protecting seniors from the confusion and pitfalls of Medicare. I quickly saw how overwhelming the system could be, with hidden penalties, misleading offers, and complex choices that often left people vulnerable. Read more>>
Tammie Philips
Twenty years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I was a newly single mother of two children, facing the uncertainty of starting over after divorce. With no safety net and everything on the line, I knew I had to create a career that could not only support my family, but also give me the independence and stability we deserved. Read more>>
Samerica Jackson-Clark
When you walk through the doors of JLA3 Services in Stockbridge, Georgia, you don’t just enter a testing center—you step into the vision of Samerica Jackson-Clark, a U.S. veteran turned entrepreneur whose mission is rooted in service, integrity, and community. Read more>>
Franklin Williams Jr
I was born and raised in a small town called Chadbourn, North Carolina — a place with just over 1,500 people. Growing up there taught me a lot about community, and that sense of connection is something I’ve carried into my barber career. Back in 2017, I was a sophomore at UNC Pembroke. Read more>>
Kristen Waters
I’ve grown up surrounded by cats, dogs, and small businesses. My dad is a serial entrepreneur, and my mom is a true cat lover who even founded a TNR nonprofit in my hometown called Crazy Cat Lady of Hawkinsville. Caring for animals has always been part of my life, and I’ve been looking after other people’s pets for more than 20 years. Read more>>
Mark Wolfe
I have been making music in some way or another since I was a young child. I started to play in bands as a teenager and was able to get a gig as a gopher in one of Miamis best recording studios for a spell. I got started in making music for TV about 2000. Read more>>
Natalie Houston
I have always loved taking pictures whether it was of food, places I traveled to or pictures of my family and friends. I always fiddled with it but saw it more as a hobby than a career move. In 2019 I started working at a wedding venue as an assistant to a wedding planner/coordinator. I loved everything about it! Read more>>
Nicky Firmin-Chavez
I spent over a decade as a bar chef—always cooking for myself on the side, but never taking it too seriously. Then the pandemic hit, and everything shifted. I started preparing vegan meals at Sweet Auburn Market with my former partner, Natalie, and for the first time, I was cooking for others. The joy it gave me was different—spirits and cocktails could never touch it. Read more>>
Shanteria Lowe
From a young age, I was drawn to the healthcare field and followed the traditional path of becoming a nurse. While nursing gave me a strong foundation in caring for others, I quickly realized that much of the focus was placed on managing illness through medication rather than exploring the preventive and holistic practices that could keep people well in the first place. Read more>>
Emily Hendrix
I became a travel agent ten years ago because I was looking for something that combined my passion for travel with my enjoyment of working independently. I loved the idea of creating my own business that I could build from the ground up and run in a way that felt authentic to me. Read more>>
Chandra Winford
I always had a dream of being an entrepenuer. so, 20 years into my career, I got the opportunity to start a business to assist small business with recordkeeping, taxes and financial planning. Through my journey, I realized as an entreprenuer, you need to have multiple streams of income. Read more>>
Seth Chapman
I started getting into video production in middle school. I took a technology class that ended up just being an outlet to make fun videos with my friends. I then continued in my high school’s broadcast video pathway all four years. After high school I went to UNG and got my BS in Film and Digital Media. Read more>>
Masika McCormick
I started in college. It was the last day of the lst class and the last assignment were we had to demonstrate our experience of our years at school. So i made a 5 min video of my experience at Alverno College from freshman to graduation. You can find it on youtube. This was done 16 years ago. Read more>>
Annette Ridge
I didn’t grow up dreaming I’d be a designer. I just had busy hands and a heart that needed somewhere to land. My story really started long before the fabric. At 11 years old, I was braiding hair on porches, in school, kitchens because creating with my hands made me feel grounded. Read more>>
Anthony R. Page
When I saw The Wizard of Oz as a kid, I knew that was it for me. I didn’t have the language for it at the time, but I felt the magic of storytelling in my bones. I always hoped that one day I could be part of creating something that touched people in that way. Read more>>
Salice Like Alice
It all started in New York City in 2022, when I began consistently attending concerts. One day, I felt inspired to start interviewing artists. I began by researching upcoming shows and reaching out to the opening acts to see if they’d be interested in an interview. Over time, this grew into meaningful connections with artists and others within the music and entertainment scene. Read more>>
Dr. Christy Perez
I come from beginnings that most people would never imagine for someone with the titles I hold today. My mother was murdered when I was five years old, and I grew up in Maryland’s foster care system, bouncing from home to home, often carrying the weight of physical and sexual abuse. Read more>>
Cippie Hill
I started out with just a box truck and the motivation to build something for myself. At first, it was just me hauling here and there, but people kept calling and the business grew. That box truck became the backbone of what I do, which is why I even put it in my logo, it’s a reminder of where I started. Read more>>
Jason Hoang
I’m a Navy veteran, and my journey into barbering started while I was serving — I used to cut hair for my fellow shipmates on the ship. After getting out, I earned my degree in IT and worked in the field, but my passion for cutting hair never went away. Read more>>
Douglas Poole
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, I got my insurance license in 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is where I really started learning the business and building my foundation as an agent. In 2022 I made the move to the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Read more>>
Robert Olsavsky
I started this company nearly 20 years ago when I bought a house myself and found the home inspection lacking. I wanted to provide a better service to people buying homes, so I went to school and got certified as a Master Home Inspector and started the business. Read more>>
Jamie Thomas
As a master level social worker, I have had the pleasure of practicing in different positions before starting my own practice. I learned so much as a hospice social worker, director of social services at a nursing home, and then as an intensive in home therapist for kids in a community mental health organization. Read more>>
Tara McDuffie
My journey really started with service at the heart of everything I do. I began as a HUD counselor, helping families navigate the path to homeownership. That experience showed me firsthand how much people needed not only technical guidance but also support, education, and someone willing to walk alongside them in the process. Read more>>
Brian Gallagher
I have been a lifelong musician, well-versed in a wide variety styles and genres including classical, jazz, R&B, pop/rock, and others. After retiring from a successful career in business and marketing, I recently decided to pursue my passion for music and teaching on a full-time basis. This led me to create Encore Piano Studio in Roswell. Read more>>
Jennifer and Ben Johnson
We accidentally opened a bakery. The four of us — Chef Todd Ginsberg, Ben Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, and Shelley Sweet — had opened The General Muir in January 2013 with the goal of making, from scratch, the best possible version we could of traditional New York Deli classics, including pastrami sandwiches and corned beef Reubens. To make the best sandwiches, we needed the right bread. Read more>>
David Krakoff
I have had a diverse, 30+ year career as a CEO, President and senior executive with several market-leading, global companies, mostly focused on the broadly defined Building Materials space. I have worked with structural products, the things you don’t see, as well as highly engineered products and decorative products. Read more>>
Tiffany McBride
I’m a Columbus, Georgia native, and my roots in this community have shaped much of my journey. I’ve always had a passion for communication and service, which led me to pursue degrees in mass communications, business administration, strategic communications, and ultimately a Ph.D. in higher education leadership. Read more>>
Tiffany Whitney
I spent nearly two decades climbing the corporate ladder in learning and development. On paper, it looked great: Fortune 500 company, leadership role, steady paycheck. But inside, I felt stuck. I knew I wanted something more than just building someone else’s business. A turning point came when my son faced an extreme mental health crisis. Read more>>
Francisco Da Silva Maculele Capoeira Atlanta
Capoeira Alpharetta is part of Capoeira Maculelê Atlanta, which has been sharing the art of Capoeira in Atlanta for over 23 years. Our Alpharetta chapter first began in 2006 under the leadership of Mestre Fran, creating a space for children, teens, and adults to experience this unique blend of martial arts, music, dance, and culture. Read more>>
Theresa Mosley
I’m originally from Meridian, Mississippi. I moved to Georgia in 2008 seeking better opportunities. My background is in education and psychology. I tried to find a counseling position but couldn’t at the time, so after two months I accepted a public-school teaching job in Fulton County. Read more>>
Angie Smith
I have a strong foundation in clinical and healthcare leadership: spending over 20 years as a Registered Nurse in the hospital setting in various roles ranging from perianesthesia to oncology research, HR, and leadership. During my role as a Medical Administrator, I had the opportunity to attend a convention on medical devices and enjoy speakers from all over the nation, including nurses! Read more>>
CHUNIKA GREEN
I started Need It Now Notary LLC in November 2021 when a friend needed a notary at 1am in the morning. Yeah 1am- instead of getting upset, I saw and quickly realized what an incredible opportunity it was to serve my community by providing such an essential service. Read more>>
Jin Park
I was born in Korea, where Taekwondo is almost a rite of passage for boys. Like many others, I began training when I was just six years old. Very quickly, I fell in love with it. I practically lived at the dojang (taekwondo school), and I still remember how much I loved my uniform (dobok)—I even wore my dobok to bed sometimes. Read more>>
Terri Ramsay
Mama Ramsay’s Desserts is a family owned business run by my mom (Mama Ramsay) and I in Gainesville, Georgia. Mama Ramsay’s love of baking began when she was a child, baking in the kitchen alongside her mother. From childhood into adulthood her passion for baking grew as did requests for her cakes and treats – especially her infamous black fruit cake! Read more>>
Coach Kb
I’m ‘Coach Kb’ Starks, and Ready to Live Soap Therapy started as a lifeline. After a long season of unemployment and deep depression, I discovered something surprising: the simple, sensory act of making soap helped me calm my mind, reconnect with joy, and start healing. What began as a personal practice soon became a passion and then a purpose. Read more>>
India Barnes
I actually never thought I’d come back to tutoring. About 5 years ago, I launched my first company, Online K12 Tutors. It was exciting, but it was also a costly and time-consuming startup. I managed to hire about 30 tutors, but the marketing costs were high and difficult to sustain. Read more>>
Maurice Morris
The hardest part has been building without a safety net. I’ve bootstrapped this company from the start, which means every dollar mattered and every mistake had a cost. Technology alone can eat you alive — developers, app stores, compliance, payment systems — it’s nonstop. On top of that, navigating permits and regulations in multiple states has been an obstacle course in itself. Read more>>
Jamerra Lockett
Hello I am Jamerra Lockett a 28 year old woman from Jackson, Ms. I have been in Atl for 10 years this year. I have a passion for entertainment and animals. I am a licensed groomer, a veterinary nurse, a content creator, a model and aspiring actress. I’ve had a love for animals since I was 16. Read more>>
Lilly Sparks
I started to do comedy in college , and it escalated from there, the pandemic made it so I could no longer do stand up so I got into video work. I have been making vids for 20 years (I also majored in film) and now I try to balance the two. Read more>>
Celeste Boyd
I started Boozee Bar in Brooklyn, NY, where I’m from, but I’ve always loved Atlanta’s culture and energy, that’s why expanding here felt so natural. With over 12 years in hospitality, I knew bartending was more than mixing drinks; it’s about creating moments that bring people together. Read more>>
Autumn Martin
Autumn Martin, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CHFN, holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia College & State University. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Read more>>
Antavius Thompson
I’ve always carried two passions—technology and music. By day, I was studying IT and learning the precision of networking and security. By night, I was behind the turntables, learning how to control energy and create moments on the dance floor. Those two worlds—logic and creativity—would eventually collide to form the heart of my journey. Read more>>
Daniel Klein
My name is Daniel Klein, and I was born and raised in Atlanta. I went to school in Powder Springs and later attended Kennesaw State University, where I joined the Army and became involved in the intelligence community. That chapter of my life gave me the opportunity to travel the world and gain a lot of perspective. Read more>>
Arielle Crook
Thank you, Voyage ATL, for the invitation to share a piece of my journey with your readers. Growing up in Marietta, a seed was sown in my heart to “make a difference” in a way that cares for the health and lives of the people in my community through medicine. In 2018, I enrolled at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) as a biology/pre-medical student where I was reminded of our collective duty to serve humanity as global citizens. In other words, we are one and we are here to serve one another in love. Read more>>
Lindsay Rochelle Brown
As a tenured makeup artist, I have experienced struggles with job loss, not meeting quota in the cosmetic industry, and even faced criticism but I used every opportunity to focus on my strengths to propel me further in my career and let wisdom carry me into the next level. Read more>>
Bindley Sangster
Sangster’s Cafe is one of the family of companies under Sangster’s Coffee llc. Sangster’s Coffee grows, processes, roasts, packages and distributes our coffee globally. It was natural for us to branch out into the direct to customer market through cafes and as such we now have three across Atlanta. Read more>>
Jose Martinez
What make me diferent from others barbershop is that my bussiness is a familiar place because mom can bring their kids and they will not even hear a bad Words or loud Music baber screaming to each other and they will most important is the you will find a clean place with great hygiene Read more>>
