Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

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.

Keeley and Tobias Cauble

Tobias and I have both worked in the customer service industry for over a decade. Shortly after getting married we had a conversation about wanting to start some kind of small business together and kept that desire in the backs of our minds. It had been a running joke that any new idea we had we’d say, “Ooh, that’ll be our business!”. Read more>>

Cherrell Thomas

As I entered Hampton University as a Freshman, I wanted to be a Sports Journalist – specifically dreamed of co-hosting Sports Center. However, when I was getting back papers and the amount of red ink outweighed the black print on the paper – it was time for a change. Read more>>

Ally Reid

I grew up watching my mom cook in the kitchen; that was her domain and happy place. I always cherished the moments when she shared her collection of recipes with me. One of my favorite recipes she made was her classic chicken pot pie, and I loved learning the care and detail she put into it. Read more>>

Deva Watson

My Chiropractic Journey My chiropractic story began when I was a freshman in college. One day, a recruiter from Life University visited my biology class. He looked right at me and said, “You’d make a great chiropractor one day.” At the time, I didn’t even know what chiropractic was! Read more>>

Kimberly D’Anna

I’ve been in the cosmetology industry for nearly 20 years and have had the opportunity to work in several salons throughout the Atlanta area. Most recently, I managed a salon in Braselton, Georgia, where I spent almost a decade growing my skills and building lasting relationships with clients. About four years ago, my family and I moved into my grandparents’ home in Jackson, Georgia. Read more>>

Jordan Casey

I didn’t grow up in a particularly health-conscious environment—quite the opposite, really. The Standard American Diet was the norm. When I was nine, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which unknowingly set me on the path to a career in health. At the time, though, I resented the diagnosis and resisted the lifestyle changes it required. Read more>>

Richard Brodowski

Like many, during the COVID years I searched out a new hobby. I enjoy barbequing, with my friends and family saying they thought I should start a YouTube channel about it. In 2021, I decided to purchase a camera and started taking photos at my daughter’s horseback riding lessons. Read more>>

Misty McClain

I started my journey in early childhood education and discovered the power of yoga while teaching in my own preschool classroom. I saw how simple movement and mindfulness practices could completely shift the energy in the room and help kids regulate, focus, and feel more confident. That experience inspired me to get certified in kids yoga and eventually start Little Mindful Yogis in 2019. Read more>>

Joshua “Jah” Lord

First and Foremost Glory to God and Thank you Jesus Christ for allowing me to still be here doing what I love and experiencing life. I’ve been wanting to entertain since I can remember. Read more>>

Tenecia Hall

I was born in Pine Bluff Arkansas, a product of HBCU love. I moved to Atlanta at 11 years old. I attended Fayette Middle and High school in Fayetteville, Georgia. During that time, I met an amazing orthodontist in my teenage years who inspired my love for dentistry. Read more>>

Tracy Woodard

I started out as a street outreach volunteer in 1999, assisting with AHRC (now Georgia Harm Reduction) with their needle exchange program and then shelter construction for Mad Housers in the forested encampments. I am now a program manager for housing navigation at Intown Cares, a fruitful partnership between the city, medical services, and housing providers to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Read more>>

James Healy

I began doing theatre in High School because my best friend wanted to do it. I fell in love with the process and began getting better roles before my senior year. I continued in College and must have gotten better because I was getting lead roles on a regular basis and winning awards at the end of each season. Read more>>

Emma and Sean Schacke

We met while working as the pastry chef and sous chef at the One Eared Stag in Inman Park back in 2012. Since meeting, we’ve moved around the country working in our crafts, with the ultimate goal of opening this business together. We found this abandoned building in Kirkwood back in 2018 and renovated it to open our bakery and butcher shop. Read more>>

Joey Crocker

When I was little, I used to stay with my Grandmother. She was the baker of our whole family, and I realized back then—even if I couldn’t put it into words—that her love language was making sure her family had a full belly. Read more>>

Teandra Durham

This question always brings a smile to my face and I truly love sharing it so here we go. I became a part of the birthing world by simply showing up for my sister when she experienced her first pregnancy which was over 21 years ago. Whew no counting necessary lol let’s move on. Read more>>

Laura Lynn-Lee

Doing business in Austell, Ga since 1995. Took a break in 2001, came back in 2006, that’s why the name of shop is De’Ja-Vous. Started in a small portion of the 7000 square-foot space, with not much revenue in the bank. Read more>>

Jeff JALLOH

My name is Jeff Jalloh im a 38 years old man of god. Husband of 9 years to my beautiful wife. A father of my 4 beautiful kids and a young entrepreneur. I grew up in North Georgia. I was the first and oldest child of my siblings. My father and mother were from West Africa. They came to the usa in there 20’s. Read more>>

Debra Ramsey Dickensheets

I have been playing the piano as long as I can remember. We had a piano in our living room when I was growing up in Beaufort, South Carolina, and of course, I wanted to play it. Read more>>

Genovese Winbrone

I had always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. Back in 2019, when I was basic training I use to daydream about starting a detailing company. I kept telling my wingmen that I was going to start a detailing company when I get back home. I got back home and went back to my job. Read more>>

David Cage

I’m originally from the northwest side of Philadelphia, PA—“Uptown” as most people call it. Philly is a city with grit, creativity, and a whole lot of heart, and that energy shaped me early on. Growing up there, I was drawn to comic books, Saturday morning cartoons, sneakers, graffiti, and hip-hop, while also finding myself inspired by fine art, fashion, and design. Read more>>

Pamyla Floyd

I have always wanted to have my own business and had a couple of websites, took classes, created business cards and kept renewing my business license every year. In 2020, I decided to legitimize my business and wanted to see if I had what it took to run one. I opened a gift shop in a Discount Mail in Jonesboro, GA. Read more>>

ming su

We started the company with an idea in mind that is to help nail salons sanitize their foot spa bath. This is a big problem in nail salon industry because quite a few people get infection after performing pedicure. I invented a product, sanitablet, that can eliminate this problem. Read more>>

Heather hudgens

I have always loved skincare and beauty. My middle school science project was different DIY masks based on your skin type using ingredients from your kitchen. Growing up in a small town in North Carolina I didn’t have any guidance of esthetics as a career so I went to college and majored in broadcasting, ultimately landing me in advertising. Read more>>

Heidi Hernandez

I’ve been dancing my way through life since childhood. My mom took me to my first full-length ballet when I was three, and the theater staff in Miami was so impressed by my focus and captivation in the performance that they upgraded our seats during intermission. Read more>>

BHAN

I emigrated from India with my family at 6 years old and attending school in Gwinnett County. Growing up I had alot of cultural influences from my own India culture along with music,WWE, and video games. In high is where I got my lifelong passion for music. I started DJing at 15 and continue till this day. Read more>>

Shai Syrah

My doula journey began in 2019 during a major spiritual awakening. I was deep in the process of trying to figure out who I was, why I was sent here, and what I was really meant to do in this life. Along the way it became clear to me: I was put on this Earth to support women and children. I just wasn’t sure how that would look. I got certified in Kemetic Reiki in 2022, and launched a business focused on energy healing, but something still felt incomplete.  Read more>>

Melissa Rodriguez

My name is Melissa Rodriguez and I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants. My parents became citizens of the United States and worked to achieve the American Dream. My mom was a lifelong educator, working in both the K-12 school system and the collegiate school system, and eventually becoming a professor at UNC- Chapel Hill. Read more>>

Chris Turner

To start at the very beginning, I was born in Memphis, TN, and lived there until I moved to Orlando, FL in 1998. Throughout High School my life was choir and music. College didn’t go great for me. I finally completed my AA Degree, from Valencia College in Orlando, after 3 years in college. Read more>>

odidi Odidi

My journey in the Atlanta Market began with the Juicy Crab in April of 2021 as Regional Director of Operations, where I was responsible for overseeing multi-unit operations and driving operational efficiencies across multiple locations. In February 2022, I co-founded Fresh One Kitchen and currently serves as Concept Lead. Read more>>

Brittany Williams

I started in the bookkeeping field after finishing college in Minnesota, and took an opportunity to move to Georgia. After moving to Georgia I had the opportunity to work within a tax firm where I fell in love with the world of tax and all things related. Read more>>

Jeremiah Smith

I moved to Georgia about 4-1/2 years ago to get out of a the world of being told what to do. I was a lineman for a power company In Akron Colorado for 14 years and had always had a desire to be my own boss. I had the opportunity during Covid and took the bull by the horns. Read more>>

Farrell Middleton

I embarked on my second career as a teacher, speaker, and author in 2022 at the tender age of 57. It has been a good transition, certainly with struggles, but I am making a difference in people’s lives. The name of my company is The Bell Curve of Life. Read more>>

ERNIE MCRAE

My journey with Unique Kulture began out of a deep passion for fashion, entrepreneurship, and a desire to connect with people through creative expression. Growing up, I was always drawn to emerging trends and the way style empowers confidence and individuality. Read more>>

Kate Viana

I was born with both a pathological need to serve and a broad entrepreneurial streak. I joined the nonprofit world as a volunteer in 2012 and worked my way up to being a board member, then staff member and contractor, for dozens of nonprofits around North America. Read more>>

Shalewa Kadree

Smell Good, Feel Good began in one of my favorite places: the kitchen. My love for a little “kitchen witchin’” started with my eldest sister. I’d watch her craft meals infused with love, mix tonics and tinctures for every ailment, and whip up scrubs, soaps, and oils that made you feel as radiant on the outside as you did within. Read more>>

Bryant Smith

The road in my life was rugged, just like most individuals, I’ve always managed to persistently move forward with sheer ambition, drive & motivation, simply because of my thinking outside of the box mentality & my ability to adapt to life’s curve balls, when they are hurdled our way. A struggle is only what you perceive it to be. Read more>>

Tyler Deady

Two of my buddies and I had some of our first cigars at a local Marietta lounge when we were 18. We would sit around like old souls enjoying each other’s company and ever since then, cigars have held a special place in my life as something that creates a communal environment. The story of Liars Bench Cigar Co. Read more>>

Paisley Greer

I grew up in Inverness, Florida, a small town where dreams didn’t stretch far beyond the county line. My biggest goal as a teenager was simple: maybe one day I could become the manager at my Wendy’s. I’d tell myself that if I worked hard enough, maybe I could run that store and make something of myself. Read more>>

PHILLIPPIA Williams McDougle

Phillippia is the epitome of a musical phenomenon. Her sound is representative of all the influences in her life – a fusion of R&B, Soul, Gospel, Reggae, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Her powerful voice and command of the stage has earned her performances alongside industry greats such as Jill Scott, K-Ci and Jo Jo, Joi and a host of others. Read more>>

Kevin Scollo

I started off working in the culinary industry at a Michael Symon restaurant called Lolita in Cleveland, OH while attending music conservatory at Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH. I begged them to let me work there for free just so I could get my foot in the door. Read more>>

Lauren Williams

Hey there, My name is Lauren and I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in North Georgia and the Atlanta area. My journey with photography started in my teens, shooting senior portraits, families, and sports events. Back then, I just loved documenting people and moments, not realizing how much that passion would grow over time. Read more>>

Kiera Baity

I’ve always had a thing for themed events — I love when every detail aligns cohesively to bring a vision to life. My journey started while organizing poetry events with a writers’ collective I was part of, where I discovered how much joy I found in creating atmospheres that matched the theme. Read more>>

Tracy Gaston Jr

I started out providing lawn services as a 9th grader that wasn’t able to get an after school job due to my deep involvement in athletics (3 sport athlete). My dad and my uncles inspired me to become familiar with outdoor activities like gardening, tools, engines, and dogs. Read more>>

Malorie Knowles

My story actually starts in the middle of my own wedding planning – funny enough! My husband had been working out of town a lot at the time, and we were planning our wedding gifts to one another. He’s always been someone who listens to my passions, dreams, and aspirations, and he loves finding ways to help bring them to life. Read more>>

Kelly Turley

I have always been a visual artist specifically, a painter. After graduating with a BA in Art from Valdosta State University and continuing to sell and show my work professionally, I started to crave more connection with people, so in 2018 when a friend asked if I would work part time teaching at her mothers sip and paint studio I was open to the opportunity. Read more>>

Lisa Lewis

I became a travel advisor in 2017, just as my youngest daughter Grace was finishing her sophomore year. We were homeschooling, and with only two years of school left, I was ready to start a new chapter professionally. Read more>>

Amanda Bertany

I received a BFA in photography at Columbia College Chicago in 2003. I worked for Tony D’Orio in Chicago for 6 years as his studio manager and production coordinator where i worked on very large productions nationwide. I moved to Atlanta in 2011 and started Amanda Bertany Productions – producing photo and video campaigns both nationwide and abroad. Read more>>

Siatta Sepha

Almost six years ago, I started as a first generation Liberian- American girl, who just graduated high school choosing software development as my major. I didn’t like software development. I was just using that as a mask, from people asking about my ‘next steps’, my parents who had the highest expectations of me, and friends that knew where they were going. Read more>>

De’Asia Jefferson

My name is De’Asia Jefferson and I’m the creator of CTRL ART CREATE Craft Studio. Since I was a child, I’ve leaned on the art of creating as an outlet for self-expression and alchemizing my experiences. I started by being drawn to fashion; which led me to teach myself how to sew, alter, and design clothes. Read more>>

NeciiAnn

When I was younger ,- 2012-2013 my mother paid for me to start Barbizon school ( classes). However funds were funny & I never finished . In 2016-2017 , I created an acct… it was something similar to “Kids casting” .. where you submit your information. I did background work for two movies for Tyler Perry. Read more>>

Stanley Samuel

As for whether it has been a smooth road, I will say, there was a time when I needed more work and tried to venture out to perform for paid music gigs. I found out really quickly that venues were happy for me to perform for free but not open to paying me when I needed it. So, I can understand how difficult it is for professional musicians to get paid gigs. The venues I have been performing at for over 3 years now have never had me play music for free and value my work more than where I have performed for free. Read more>>

Dr. Catherine Reynolds, Psy.D.

I knew I wanted to be a psychologist long before I really understood what that meant. In sixth grade, two school psychologists came to speak to our class, and something about the way they talked about helping people make sense of their lives just clicked for me, and from that moment on, I never really wavered. Read more>>

Valarie Manning

I had been interested in officiating for quite some time, but was nervous about attempting it. Speaking in front of all of those people! Two events occurred in the Fall of 2018 that gave me the courage to jump in. Read more>>

Davis Lacey

In high school, if someone told me that I’d one day be living in my hometown, leading a church, and operating a premium cigar lounge – I would have laughed in disbelief. I graduated from Gilmer County High School in Ellijay. Read more>>

Edward LeGrand-Sawyer

Did you know that less than 25% of car dealership General Managers or Finance Managers have a Bachelor’s degree? I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Entrepreneurship from Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, which included four years of Finance classes. I’m a former Internet Sales Manager with Mercedes-Benz of San Jose and Classic Cadillac of Atlanta. Read more>>

Rashyn Mufee6 Washington

Rashyn Washington: Filmmaker | Director | Producer | Camera Operator | Technical Director** Rashyn Washington is an accomplished filmmaker and versatile creative professional based in Atlanta, GA, with roots in New Jersey. Known for his compelling storytelling, dynamic visual style, and technical expertise, Rashyn has built a diverse career spanning filmmaking, live event production, and technical direction. Read more>>

Lizie Beaudry

I started as a National Sales Manager for Logo Mats Inc after graduation from University of Georgia with a degree in Marketing. I traveled to 41 states in 2 years! The experience I gained from this role was something I would take with me for the next 15 years in my career! From there I joined Medquest Associates as a digital imaging representative. Read more>>

Bob Sweeney

I was born and raised on South Shore of Long Island, NY. My grandfather and dad ran a small cocoa brokerage company. I played college basketball. First 9 years out of school were spent working as a stock broker for Lehman Brothers and Becker Paribas. In 1991 I started Innovative Travel Acquisitions, Inc. (ITA) after reading about a single industry broker matchmaker for CPA firms. Read more>>

Mandi Jackson

My career started in bridal in September 2002 when I opened my first bridesmaid store. In 2017 I purchased a local bridal salon and rebranded the store to Mandi Jackson Bridal and have loved dressing the most important of the day. Read more>>

Monni Tripp

I’m from a small neighborhood, located in Greensboro Georgia, called Caanan. In my neighborhood, most kids always played and loved the game of basketball. I played on the high school team there and went on to play 4 years at Albany State University. After getting my degree, I got married and began to sell real estate. Read more>>

Christina Perkins

Spoil Your Tummy was founded in October 2014 by Christina Holloway, who believes the best way to spoil yourself is through food. Her goal has always been to create and rekindle joyful memories through delicious treats, leaving every customer with a full tummy and a great experience. I actually started with just one pot and a dream—to bring affordable carnival-style food to my community. Read more>>

Precious Moorer

My name is Precious Moorer, and I’m the proud owner of Tax Prep Block. My journey into the world of tax preparation began when I was a client myself to the owner of the tax company I franchised with. Arthur Moorer My uncle, who later became my mentor, introduced me to the intricacies of owning a business in this field. Read more>>

Lindy Chaffin Start

Unstoppable Start Studios wasn’t born from a grand plan — it was born from necessity. In 2016, the agency I’d been freelancing for lost its biggest client, and just like that, the work dried up. I gave myself a month to wallow, because if we’re being honest, sometimes you need to sit in the mess before you can see the path out. Read more>>

Lindsay Campbell

As far back as I can remember I’ve always loved beauty. I can remember giving makeovers on the playground in elementary school. I knew I wanted to make people feel beautiful. I graduated from Southern Crescent Technical College in 2005 as a master cosmetologist. I started my career doing hair, only to quickly discover it wasn’t for me. Read more>>

Tammy Jones

It wasn’t until 2007 when I was a House Manager/Chef, and House keeper for Dr. Schapiro. She had three kids that I cared for and cooked for. Although Dr. Schapiro was a doctor, she would send me to whole food stores to purchase teas for her kids. Read more>>

Greg Michael

Greg A. Michael, Sr., President of Mi-Kin Creations Inc., grew up surrounded by woodworking and craftsmanship. His father, Ellis H. Michael, Sr., was the lead man in the production of wooden aircraft for the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to World War II. After the war, Ellis Sr. launched a home improvement business that served clients throughout the South. Greg’s brother, Ellis H. Read more>>

HEATHER WINSOR

I started entering my daughter in pageants way back in 2007 when we lived in Savannah Georgia. And I found a great group of friends that helped us get started. Especially when I had no clue about pageant fashion, I was able to rent dresses for her to wear. When my 2nd daughter was born, i started building our dress closet. Read more>>

Rachel Peavy

Travel has always been part of my DNA. My grandparents sparked my curiosity about the world – they had a wall of dozens of photos in their home, each one from a different destination they’d visited. I used to stand in front of it as a child and dream of going everywhere they’d been. Read more>>

Jané Moses

I began my journey of selling jewelry in 2017. I saw some family members posting pictures of pieces on Facebook and saying they were $5 and people kept saying SOLD! I kept watching and I was like I have to see what that’s about. Read more>>

Jolene Cazzola

I moved to GA from FL six years ago when my daughter married a man from Atlanta/Marietta. I knew if I wanted to be part of my grandchildren’s lives I needed to be closer. I landed in Tucker. While in FL I started an online business selling on Etsy. I was putting together designs and having them printed onto anything that was printable. Read more>>

Ethan Haasenritter

Prior to starting my business I was a pool technician for Atlanta Pool Solutions full time for a year. I then went to college and continued this job part time into my college career. With the goal of financially affording moving up to Kennesaw when I begin my junior year, I decided to start my detailing business July of 2024. Read more>>

Ellen Cook

I have always loved flowers. I love walking into a florist shop and smelling the fragrance of flowers and live plants. I always wanted to have a florist shop but thought it meant having a brick and mortar store. Then I discovered that many floral designers have their studio in their homes. Read more>>