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.
Chanda Ross
The start of Let It Be Yoga Studio in Watkinsville, GA I was encouraged by my husband (at the time) to stop working full-time and open a yoga studio. When he first mentioned the idea to me I couldn’t fathom that I would do just that and that the studio would be successful now 10+ years later. Read more>>
Madellin Bong
Madellin Bong: Redefining the Art of Hair in Alpharetta In the heart of Alpharetta’s luxury beauty scene, Madellin Bong stands as a true visionary, a master colorist, stylist, and Hair Extension Specialist, an artist whose work blends passion, precision, and personal connection. Read more>>
Cassandra Maupin
My journey into pediatric dentistry began with a simple but powerful motivation — a desire to create a space where children could feel seen, safe, and celebrated. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to do more than just fix teeth. Read more>>
Cherish Jackson
Hey, I’m Victoria a Faux Loc’s Specialist based in San Antonio, TX. I’ve been in the hair industry for five years, but my journey started back in high school doing hair was my way of making friends and expressing creativity. Over time, I realized how powerful it was to help women feel confident and beautiful, and that’s when I knew this was my calling. Read more>>
Jill Williams
My name is Jill St. Williams, affectionately known as *Jay-Jill* or *DigitalBeautyBae’. I am a multi-brand entrepreneur and educator dedicated to helping beauty and wellness professionals build freedom through business ownership and digital income. Read more>>
Keisha CROCKER
Hello, My name is Keisha of Keisha’s Hair Designs. I am a Master Cosmetologist of 28 years. I guess I should have known I would end up doing hair. I use to change the hair on my Barbie dolls as a little girl. Once I finished Cosmetology School I got a chance to experience Working for myself. Read more>>
Nigel UNO
I have always loved art. I started tattooing when I was 21 on a break from college (that I never went back to) and I was hooked immediately. I’ve gotten a few pointers from friends and YouTube university but I’m mostly self taught. Currently I work at Limitless Tattoo Co. and I’ve been there for about a year. Read more>>
Claudia Beltran
My journey started the moment I became a mother. I thought I was simply stepping into a new role — but motherhood became my greatest teacher, my mirror, and my awakening. Read more>>
Kira Gaddy
While I’ve been in business for five years now, my journey with photography began long before that — back when I was a child. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of capturing memories and creating keepsakes of family and the many people I’ve met along the way. Read more>>
Gabrielle Spatt
I’m a community builder at heart — someone who loves connecting people, ideas, and purpose. As Vice President of Philanthropy for a family foundation, I’ve spent my career championing causes that empower women, strengthen the Jewish community, and support mental health and wellbeing. Read more>>
Dorian (i.e. Notta Wrd) Lee
I grew up surrounded by music. My parents always had something playing — from Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, and Mariah Carey to legends like Prince and Michael Jackson. Those sounds were my earliest education in rhythm and melody. As I got older, my taste started jumping all over the place. Read more>>
Cheryl Mosley
My story has always been about transformation—of homes, hearts, and lives. For more than 20 years, I’ve served and led in the nonprofit world, walking alongside families through seasons of hardship and transition. I’ve witnessed the power of stability, and how even small moments of beauty can restore hope. I’ve loved decorating rooms for as long as I can remember. Read more>>
Amber Mays
Thus, Pike County Dance Academy LLC was born with the county name in the title and the red, black, and white colored theme to match. It was important for the us to include family and pride to match the sentiments of the community. PCDA quickly became a place of not only dancing, but a happy, healthy family unit. Now in our second season, PCDA has had over 200 dancers ages 1.5 years old to 70+ dance in the studio. Read more>>
Todd Hurt
Tapped Athens was a retirement dream that became reality when we opened our doors in January 2021. My wife, Angela, and I have always loved finding new wines and sharing them with friends. During Covid we waited patiently for our monthly wine order to be delivered and we would sip and study for my wine certifiecation through the Society of Wine Educators. Read more>>
Pauline Harris
I entered the mortgage industry in 2004, just two years after the Georgia Fair Lending Act was passed. At the time, I was a young mother of two and a former entrepreneur who had always worked in service-driven roles since the age of 15. I never expected my empathy for others to become a true calling for advocacy. Read more>>
Shawn Rich
I spent about 15 years in sales and sales management in furniture and roofing. Due to self inflicted hardships, I needed a change and went to work for a service company in 2013 that did window cleaning and Christmas lights. Read more>>
Nicholas Shellman
I actually started my journey in a completely different industry. I was selling life insurance for a living, specifically what’s known in the industry as Final Expense. That meant I spent a lot of time sitting down with seniors who either didn’t have any coverage or wanted to add more. Read more>>
Brian L. Christian
I started photography while working in corporate America. What began as a hobby quickly became a passion. Picking up a camera opened the door to endless possibilities — new places to explore, incredible people to meet, and stories to tell through my lens. Read more>>
Miekei Thomas
I take pride into what I do, and the training i put my tax pro’s through. It’s not easy, there are thousands of tax companies out here a person could go to, but I think what makes me stand out is I’m only in competition with myself. My clients know I’m dedicated to them. My reviews, word of mouth, and knowledge says it all. Since covid I have virtual offices open all throughout Georgia and the east coast. I am considering opening up a brick and mortar but for now the virtual offices work for me. Read more>>
Stephen Wilson
From there, some friends and I had met working at Outback and we launched an environmental engineering and consulting business. We started with just four employees, and over nearly 25 years grew it to almost 40 people across four locations. Along the way, we became an industry leader in the air emissions testing space, helping clients meet critical regulatory and environmental standards. Read more>>
Nicole Schwarz
Nicole Schwarz – Owner of Angel Ambitions Holistic Healthcare Psychic Medium | Reiki Master | Intuitive Healer | OT, MS Hello, my name is Nicole Schwarz, and I’m the heart and founder behind Angel Ambitions Holistic Healthcare — a mother-daughter spiritual wellness practice based in the North Metro Atlanta area. Read more>>
Kaitlin Dasher
I started photography at a young age, but officially launched my business on January 1st of 2021. The name Katie Mac Photos came from knowing that I knew I wanted to use part of my name in my business. It felt alot more personal and I wanted to show that it wasn’t just my business, but apart of who I was. Read more>>
Brian Steely
I didn’t set out to be a designer. I was an English major who thought he’d make a living with words. I was born and raised in Atlanta, and the city’s mix of grit, music, and community still shapes my eye. In college, I drew a gig poster for Widespread Panic, just for fun, and it flipped a switch. Read more>>
Richette’ Denise
I spent over 24 years working as a Medical Assistant in Oncology, which gave me a deep sense of compassion but also left me emotionally exhausted during the pandemic. I reached a point where I knew I needed to redirect my purpose toward something more fulfilling — something that still allowed me to help people, but in a way that brought both of us joy. Read more>>
Jasmin Bridges
I started my business with $500 I won from an instagram giveaway in 2020. I thought about spending the money on tangible things like clothes or shoes, but something in me wanted to try to see if I could turn the blessing into more. Read more>>
Anna Jae
My journey into coaching started in college, when I got pregnant and gained 65 pounds. I went from being a confident young woman to not recognizing the person staring back at me in the mirror. After having my daughter, I struggled for years with postpartum depression and self-image. I hated my body, and instead of healing it, I punished it. Read more>>
Melanie Pineda-Baker
I was born in Georgia and raised in Colombia. In 2008, I traveled to Argentina to study visual arts and that’s where I attended for the first time a Vipassana Meditation silent retreat. My love for meditation, yoga and the development of spiritual, physical and mental health began to grow. Read more>>
Crystal Spang
I started my journey in the hemp industry back in 2017 and have watched it grow and evolve ever since. After helping launch two brands, one centered on CBD wellness and another on THC edibles, creating Nine Dot Cannabis Beverages just felt like the natural next step. Read more>>
Dezerea Ledet-Kanu
I’m Dezerea Ledet-Kanu, a fitness coach who specializes in strength and conditioning training and postpartum recovery. I’ve always been an athlete — I played sports all through college — but after graduating, fitness took on a whole new meaning for me. It wasn’t until I went through a season of depression that I started taking my health and fitness more seriously. Read more>>
Edith Bullard White
I am the author of a book called ‘Things They Didn’t Tell You About Life’. This book was published in 2018. I began writing this book because young people need to learn about life skills and life lessons. My son on graduation day was driving his car and all you could see was black and gray smoke. I knew that meant a new engine. Read more>>
Michael Thomas
Dr. Michael A. Thomas, Jr. is from Thomson, Georgia. He completed his undergraduate education at Paine College. He then completed his dental education at the former Medical College of Georgia College of Dental Medicine (now Augusta University Dental College of Georgia). Upon graduation, he completed a one-year General Practice Residency Program at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in Bronx, New York. Dr. Read more>>
Lauriel Malone-Johnson
For 14 years, I thrived in the world of cosmetic retail, helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. I loved connecting with clients, listening to their needs, and creating moments that made them light up. Over time, I felt a pull toward something deeper—something that went beyond the surface. Read more>>
Debra Mazer
I’m an Award-Winning Celebrity Chef, Life Coach, Holistic Wellness Coach, Professional Intuitive, Ordained Spiritual Minister/ Wedding Officiant + New Thought Prayer Warrior. I’m also a Book Author. I got started as a Chef living in ecovillages in my early 20s where we cooked what we grew. Read more>>
Countrified Wedman
I have work with many different celebrities in the business over the years. I am now working on my 6 album, just completed a movie that is out on streaming services, and I have a school for kids that would love to act. I also work with kids by teaching them basic Spanish. I am an author of three books. I am a mentor for many people and is here to enlighten the public about the world we truly live in. Read more>>
Boris Valiance
Whether I was coordinating volunteers during the Home Fire Campaign, installing smoke alarms, or helping families recover from devastating storms, I found my calling in crisis response and community resilience. The experience taught me the importance of preparedness, empathy, and structure — and the power of calm leadership when everything around you feels uncertain. Read more>>
Chase Thomas
I grew up rough and was caught up in the drug world at a young age. My last words to my Father, when I was 14, were ‘I hate you and I wish you would die’ 20 Minutes later he did. In our living room floor I held him in my arms as his heart stopped beating, and he died due to an drug overdose. Read more>>
Matthew Jo
My name is Matthew, and I’m an immigrant who came to the United States 10 years ago. Over the past decade, I’ve been working in the automotive field, and I now own an EV and hybrid repair shop in Roswell, Georgia. Magic has requested an interview, and they’ve asked me to briefly explain my background and current situation Read more>>
Jayla Roxx
First and foremost, thank you so much for thinking of me in this season! It’s truly an honor to come full circle with the Voyage team, the same platform that first helped share my story years ago. Read more>>
Sylvester Roberts
My journey began several years ago while working as a crisis line responder. I had this notion to start my own business for counseling but I did not have all the details worked out in my mind so I put it aside and went on with life. Read more>>
Ashley McClure
After 20 years of experience designing residences, restaurants, and workplace interiors, I jumped at the opportunity to create my own business focused on places where people gather. Especially after the pandemic, I think that places like this are being realized as a critical component of how we build connections, influence positive change, and build social equity. Read more>>
Ozzy Llanes
Established in August 2020, Cubanos ATL is dedicated to delivering authentic Cuban flavors using high-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes. Our laid-back atmosphere invites guests to unwind and savor a vibrant, sensory Cuban dining experience. Ozzy Llanes moved to the US from Cuba in 1995, and his mother’s Cuban recipes filled their home. Read more>>
Dr. Kae Stevenson
The moment that changed everything came in my classroom one ordinary afternoon. I was teaching a passage from Willa Cather when a student suddenly asked, “Ms., why we reading this?” That question stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t defiance—it was curiosity, honesty, and a longing to see himself reflected in the learning. Read more>>
Dr. Taneshia Sims
Being a business owner has always been a dream deeply rooted in my heart. From the moment I began studying Business Administration as a minor at Auburn University, I knew that entrepreneurship would one day become a significant part of my life’s journey. Read more>>
Colleen Middleton
Opening a dance studio was never part of my life plan. I actually studied Public Relations in college and landed what I thought was my dream corporate job. I was on a great career path, checking all the boxes. Read more>>
Cierra Fly Bobo
I was born to a 16-year-old mother, and my father battled drug addiction for much of my life. Those early experiences taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of knowing your worth. I started out as an artist performing under the name FLY Musiq, but over time, my platform evolved from music to mentorship. Read more>>
Michelle Lockhart
Years passed, I was full steam ahead with my career in Finance and family but still doing events for fun! What began with helping friends grew into planning weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and milestone celebrations. I dove into budgeting, vendor management, creative design, logistics — every detail mattered. Read more>>
Graham Kuhn
I started Focus Films almost by accident. In 2017, someone offered to pay me for a video, and that unexpected moment sparked the beginning of something real. By 2019, my wife and I were having honest conversations about whether this could become a full-time thing. In 2020, just days before the world shut down, I quit my job to go all in. Read more>>
Ashlee Bump
I’ve been baking and cake decorating since 2010. I started baking again, here in Macon, Ga, after spending 6 years in Shanghai, China. After working in the city as a pastry chef for many restaurants, I started Berserk Desserts in my high-rise apartment, baking out of an oversized toaster oven (seriously). Read more>>
Donna Davis
After working in tv news as an anchor and reporter, I started my own video production and live streaming company. We help companies tell their unique stories through video production. We also help organizations create better communication experiences through multi-camera broadcast quality live streams. We are living in truly amazing times. Read more>>
Pharez Roberson
I’m Pharez — and eight years ago, I walked away from a career in interior design to turn my side hustle into my full-time dream. That dream? Heavenly Cakes. But the story really started way before that — back in high school, when I was known for baking cakes that were anything but ordinary. Read more>>
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>>
