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.

Chardina Choate

I’m the President of Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. – Atlanta Chapter. Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrating more than 25 years as a volunteer-led organization dedicated to uplifting families in need during the holiday season and beyond. The organization began with a simple reflection by founder Gayla Gardner and her daughter, Donya, on the true essence of the holidays. Read more>>

Sasha Navedo

Before 2021, I was a women chasing stability and purpose. I had built a career in communications, radio, and later the Post Office – always giving my bes, but deep down feeling there was something more I was meant to do. Then in 2021, everything stopped when doctors told me my life was in danger and that i could lose my nose. Read more>>

Haley Spencer

I have been a creative since birth. I grew up in Michigan in Metro Detroit, and relocated to Georgia to pursue my acting career. I started acting when I was a child, and felt relieved that I had finally found an outlet for my energy. I was excited to learn more about the world through the eyes of different characters. Read more>>

Steven Shaffer

I started Strive in 2024 because I wanted to offer patients something different than what they were getting at a traditional chiropractic office. Instead of quick adjustments, we focus on the finding and correcting the true root cause of the problem. Read more>>

Ian I-Cee

I’ve grown up with music being a huge part of my life and when I was 10 years old I watched the band Lamb of God on Conan O’Brien late night show and fell in love with vocals. Read more>>

Just Alex

This all started in church. Typical southern singer story right? I was born Christian Alexandria Keith; and from an early age, I’ve had a pretty eventful life. As the youngest daughter of my mother’s 5 girls, I had to grow up pretty fast. Read more>>

Tani Horton

I’m a born and raised Jersey girl who found her way south at Clemson University, my first taste of Southern charm and hospitality. After college, I made the move to Atlanta and joined Sweetgreen’s marketing team, leading efforts for our Atlanta and Tampa restaurants. It was there that my passion for hospitality really took root, though, truthfully, I’ve always been a foodie at heart. Read more>>

Timothy Watkins II

I got into a lot of fights as a kid. I got into a lot of trouble also. That being said I have been arrested a couple times. I met a trainer named Russell, but everybody calls him King, while I was inside and we linked up on the outside. Read more>>

One $kinny

It all started back when I was 16 or 17 , I recorded my first song in my homeboy bedroom, on a day I skipped school, and from that point on , I started venturing off into other creative activities, such as photography, videography, and clothing. Read more>>

Katherine Changlin

Definitely! I’ve always been drawn to the joy and warmth that radiates from weddings and intimate events. There’s something so special about being able to witness the happiest of days and document those fleeting moments as they unfold. A few years ago, I was introduced to the world of wedding photography while planning my own wedding. Read more>>

Meaghan Thomson

Peachtree Curling is thrilled to celebrate our 10th anniversary as a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the sport of curling right here in Georgia! Our story began in 2015, when a few determined pioneers saw an opportunity to bring curling to the South in a big way. Read more>>

Anaia Lachelle

I found out I could sing at 4 years old, in the small city of Saginaw, Michigan. My mom had me singing old R&B with her one day, and she noticed I loved music when I would scream and cry when she turned a good song off. I was 4 and 5 when she put in my first talent shows. Read more>>

Tatiany Morales Irizarry

I’ve been drawn to music for as long as I can remember — it’s always been my first love and something I could rely on to express myself. Over the years, I’ve built a well-rounded background in the industry, from running my own marketing business and managing artists to creating my own music. Read more>>

Roanne Nonesa Daguisan

Using what I have has been my whole life. I want to use my design and sewing skills to help others save the environment by redesigning something unique. I grew up in a Filipino household of four in Savannah, GA for 20 plus years. My parents met each other in Dubai after moving from the Philippines for work. Read more>>

Edwin Bernardez

I was born and raised in the South Bronx, the child of Honduran immigrants who came to New York City in the 1980s to give my siblings and me a better life. Growing up, I faced my share of challenges—being left back in the 2nd and 6th grade while attending Catholic school, where I was bullied daily for being gay and having a soft voice. Read more>>

Paulita Hood-BarnesDavid Firestine

My ability to see the bigger picture and understand the nuances of both real estate and credit management sets me apart. Clients flock to me not just for my knowledge, but for my sincere commitment to their success. With each success story, my reputation as a trusted advisor in both fields has continued to grow. Read more>>

David Firestine

I got into photography back in 2003 shortly after digital cameras were becoming a thing and I was graduating high school. I remember buying my first digital camera after working as temp help for Best Buy during the holidays, it was a Kodak Easy Share, a whole 2 MP camera. That didn’t stop my love for taking photos though. Read more>>

Diamone Payne

My makeup journey started back in 2015 with an e.l.f. eyebrow duo, Garnier BB cream, a winged liner, and some lip gloss. The year before, I was that girl walking to Walgreens to buy products I saw YouTubers use — and returning them when they didn’t work. Read more>>

Kamilah ‘Kay’ Riley

The Collective Beauty & Wellness Suites was inspired out of the love to inspire women, business owners and the like to follow their dreams and touch the lives of others for the better. After 7 years of a small idea and vision I took the leap to create a space where beauty creative and entrepreneurs could elevate their business and thrive. Read more>>

Tonia Williams

I was a Division I athlete, playing women’s basketball for the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University. After college, I decided to end my basketball career and search for a new path. I became a correctional officer, hoping for stability, and later joined the military. Read more>>

Meg Stautberg

I’ve always had a creative eye and a love for the way photos and videos can freeze a moment in time. I started taking pictures long before I ever thought of it as a career. Mostly for fun, documenting my friends, family, and little slices of everyday life that felt worth remembering. My path into weddings happened somewhat by chance. Read more>>

Ashley Odum

My name is Ashley Odum, I’m a professional makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur based in Atlanta, GA. I’m also the owner of BeautyBeatByAshley and Bso Cosmetics, my own cosmetic line that includes vegan and cruelty free glosses and easy to apply lip liners. My journey into makeup honestly started out of pure curiosity. Read more>>

Kaleb Pierre

I started my journey in the audiovisual industry in the late ’90s, when my mentor, Janet Stein, gave me my first opportunity in Boston, Massachusetts. The job was just five minutes from my school, which made it the perfect scenario — I could study and still gain hands-on experience in a field that immediately fascinated me. Read more>>

Sofia Ocampo

I started my career in healthcare and the non-profit sector after studying International Relations at Rice University, but wedding planning found me by chance. After getting married in 2013, I came across a bride looking for a bilingual planner. I had only planned my own wedding, but something nudged me to reach out and to my surprise, she hired me. Read more>>

Jenna Wilson

I got married in 2014 to my husband, Daniel. I was a teacher and he worked in finance, but we were both just starting out so had a lot of extra time to travel together. We were gone at least once a month and decided to buy our first fancy camera. Read more>>

Cody Malone

I’ve been a physical therapist for over 13 years with almost 11 of those in the outpatient orthopedic setting with the same company. I’ve always loved what I do. Helping people move better, get stronger, and get back to doing what they love is incredibly rewarding. But after years in the traditional clinic setting, I started to feel stuck. Read more>>

Angelique Soulakos

I fell in love with fitness and became a group fitness instructor in high school. The gym became my way of managing my own stress and anxiety. I knew I wanted to help others feel their best, so I became interested in physical therapy. Read more>>

Amy Price

I know my story is heavy, but it’s real. It’s the side of entrepreneurship and creativity that people don’t talk about enough; the human side, the messy middle between success and survival. My journey is about more than jewelry. It’s about loss, healing, and rediscovering purpose through creation. Read more>>

Jeffrey Gershon

My fitness journey began when I was 18 years old, during my freshman year of college. At the time, I was training with the goal of playing football at the collegiate level. However, after sustaining an injury, that dream came to an end. Read more>>

Dr. Kre Johnson

I am a country girl at heart! The daughter of 2 educators, Spelman- grown, who dared to dream big! I always wanted to be a doctor. So, despite it taking me on a journey to get there, it’s just what I did. I set my mind to the goal and exceeded my expectations. Read more>>

Lewis Pruitt

I didn’t come from a background of resources or privilege I came from the grind, the real world, and the belief that creativity could change my life. I started with nothing but a camera, a vision, and a purpose. At first, photography was just a way to express myself. Then it became a way to feed my family. Read more>>

Memwanesha Daniels

I’ve been a nurse for 10 years. I knew early on—back in nursing school—that I wanted to work in California. I’d heard those “urban legends” about nurses who worked just two weeks in California and were set with bills paid for three months. I’ve always been someone who wanted more for myself and my family. Read more>>

Emmanuel Glaze

I’ve always believed that purpose and passion go hand in hand. My story starts as a kid from Atlanta who grew up loving sports, storytelling, and people. After playing college football at Morris Brown College, I learned early how teamwork, accountability, and discipline could shape not just a player — but a person. Read more>>

Anthony Robinson

My story started with a simple love for beauty and helping people feel confident. I began my journey in cosmetology school back in the early ’90s, not knowing it would turn into a lifelong career. Read more>>

Reynalyn Orrok

I’m Reyn, the heart behind MantraDamia by Reyn. What began as my personal devotion to carry tangible reminders of faith has grown into a collection meant to uplift others. My daughter, Sophia (9), has lovingly handcrafted every piece in the Sophia Creates collection. Together, we design jewelry and bags to keep your heart anchored in hope, prayer, and the gentle guidance of Holy Mary. Read more>>

Brad Mays

In 1960, Mays Printing Company was started by Cecil Mays, who is my grandfather. In 2017, my wife, Amber, and I decided that we would take over the family business and expand to what is Mays Printing and Graphics, LLC today. We wanted the business to remain locally owned and operated by our family, I had grown up working for Mays Printing Company when I was just a kid, doing odd jobs here and there, and I officially joined the company when I was 15 years old. Read more>>

Lexous Knox

I was still living at my parent’s house at the time I started my journey with flowers. I was working a 9-5 job while also perusing my passion. While I was building my skills, brand, and knowledge with flowers, I invested in a greenhouse to give me an opportunity to grow flowers and plants from seed . I knew by doing this, it would build a stronger connection between plant life and I . I grew many different flowers from seed and would create bouquets in my greenhouse . Read more>>

Soheila Ramos

The brilliant idea of me to DIY my entire wedding sparked up. I immediately started to do my research and began planning immediately and sooner than i thought I already had centerpieces, Flower bouquets, linens and decor preordered from affordable suppliers everything i needed to make my vision come to life. Nothing was going to stop this bride from having her dream wedding.  Read more>>

Will Duncan

I started out my career in Human Performance and Wellness as a Sports Performance coach in 2004. In 2008, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise & Health Science from Kennesaw State University and upon officially entering the work force as a degreed Sports Performance coach, I quickly realized that I only knew just enough to be dangerous. This realization further revealed that more education would be necessary. As a result, I applied to and was accepted into Mercer University’s (Atlanta) inaugural Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2010 and received my Doctorate in 2013. Read more>>

Anuli Akanegbu

Outside of my organizational affiliations, my curiosity and creativity take shape through BLK IRL® (www.blkirl.com), my multimedia ecosystem built around Black storytelling, experiential learning, and community engagement. Through BLK IRL®, I explore how Black knowledge, creativity, and care can guide us in a world that often treats people like machines. My work is ultimately about slowing down, paying attention, and remembering that we were made to live like humans, not to work like robots. Read more>>

Patrick Bell

I started creating gardens in my twenties while studying at the University of Georgia, as a very small landscape design/build company. We tried our hands at everything from stone walls and features, to stone patios and lots of brick work, full planting designs, wood structures, etc. I loved the process of hardscape construction, mastering different stone work techniques, etc. Read more>>

DeAnna Yvonne Gray

growing up in the DMV area it raises you fast, but it raises you right. You learn early how to carry yourself, how to move with purpose, and how to keep your heart soft even when the world feels sharp. Read more>>

Nia Jackson

My work begins with the belief that the crown is sacred. Locs are not just a hairstyle—they are history, identity, spirituality, and legacy. The way we care for our hair reflects the way we care for ourselves, and for our lineage. That understanding has shaped everything I do. Read more>>

Nate Ward

I was in a daily battle with Atlanta traffic, bogged down in endless meetings, and felt like grinding in the corporate environment became more taxing than rewarding. I was looking for a career with a purpose and decided seeking an LLC as a sole proprietor was the way to meet both my personal and professional goals. Read more>>

Herb Rhedrick

My name is Herb. I’m the founder and craftsman at Herbin Co. I started the brand in 2019, and we’ve grown year over year. We just opened our first flagship store in Phipps Plaza here in Atlanta, Georgia. I was really just trying to find a creative space—an outlet. Read more>>

Carlos Figueroa

I’m a Hispanic journalist with over 25 years of experience. I was born in Venezuela, where I studied and started my career at the national news channel Globovisión. I began as a reporter and later became the evening news anchor. My first big move came when I relocated to Colombia, forced by the political and social situation back home. Read more>>

BB Easton

I was a school psychologist in Gwinnett County when inspiration struck. At home on maternity leave, I began reading books on my phone as a way to stay awake during those dark, quiet, late-night feedings. Read more>>

Lolita Armstrong-Hampton

I started The Personifi Group over ten years ago as a passion project—a space where I could grow, create, and challenge myself in new ways through strategic communications, content creation, and personal development. At the time, life was full—I was working full-time, navigating a divorce, and raising young children. Read more>>

Kevin Brown

Where do I even begin? I started at 16 in the summer of 2018 actually, by this point I had been watching hundreds of of youtube videos on how to make wigs and install them because the plan was to actually do a big chop and wear wigs until my hair grows out. Read more>>

Isaiah Luque

I’ve been a hustler since day one — it’s in my nature and the environment I grew up in. Starting a business wasn’t just an idea; it was something I felt destined to do. I created CREATIVE ORDINARÉ because I wanted to find something beyond basketball that I could dedicate myself to and build success from. So far, I believe I’m doing just that. Read more>>

Tyressia B

My design journey began unexpectedly in 2019 when I attended a networking event. One of the activities involved designing business cards for ourselves, and that simple task sparked something in me. I became fascinated by the creative process—how design could communicate identity and leave a lasting impression. That curiosity led me to start learning everything I could about design, from online tutorials to hands-on practice. Read more>>

Deja Coleman

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, I spent part of my childhood in Atlanta after Hurricane Katrina and eventually returned to attend Georgia State University, where I earned my degree in Business Administration. I always knew I wanted to work in fashion, which led me to spend several years in retail with brands like Guess, Armani Exchange and Kate Spade. Read more>>

Dr. Janet Bentley-Ewers

I am a wife of 24 years, mother of 3 children, dancer, doctor, playwright, studio founder, Vice President of a regional firm, and a child of God. Growing up with bouts of homelessness and not having enough, I have always thought about how I can give back and serve others and the world through what God has envisioned in me. Read more>>

Tommy Reamon

I grew up in Newport News, Virginia, where football and community were everyday language. My father, Coach Tommy Reamon Sr., molded NFL quarterbacks and generations of young men, so I learned early that winning wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was about leadership, discipline, and service. Read more>>

Zach Hannah

 My Story: From Greens to Great Outdoors By Zach Hannah, Owner of Hannah Outdoor Designs My journey in the landscape industry started long before Hannah Outdoor Designs ever existed—it began on the golf course. I started my career in the golf industry, where I developed a deep appreciation for precision, detail, and how thoughtful design shapes how people experience outdoor spaces. Read more>>

Ryan Jones

I was born, raised, and have lived in the Metro Atlanta area most of my life, only leaving to attend college in Macon, GA from 2011 – 2016. While at college, I learned to write poetry and perform spoken word, and became one of the folks known for writing and performing poetry on campus. Read more>>

Treanna Thomas

Starting high school, I dreamed of being my boss and pursuing entrepreneurship, but my path wasn’t always straightforward. Like many, I faced challenges that shaped my journey. Back then, I had a passion for capturing moments. Whether I was out with family or friends, I was always the one behind the camera. My first camera was a Kodak, and I would print photos at convenience stores. Later, mobile phones made taking pictures and videos even more accessible, and I became the go-to person for family and friends who wanted me to share those memories. Read more>>

Terrance Terry

I am originally from Detroit Michigan. I actually started doing nails as a dare believe it or not. A good friend on mine owned a nail salon, and I used to always go hang out with her and I found myself fascinated with the craft. At the time I worked as a visual merchandiser at an upscale furniture showroom. Read more>>

Crystasia Edwards

My journey really started from a simple place — wanting to make people feel good. I’ve always loved beauty, self-care, and finding little rituals that help you show up as your best self. I started sharing that online just for fun, posting GRWMs, hair content, and little lifestyle moments. Read more>>

Randalyn Ladson

Absolutely. My journey has truly been one of faith, family, and purpose. I’ve always had a creative spirit, but I didn’t realize how deeply that creativity would be tied to healing until life led me down this path. I started in the beauty industry years ago, offering services from brow tinting to hair extensions. Read more>>

Valeria Sistrunk

Honestly, my journey has been a mix of passion, creativity, and just figuring things out as I go. I started off in journalism because I’ve always loved storytelling and giving people a voice. Working in newsrooms taught me a lot…not just about reporting, but about what goes on behind the scenes. Read more>>

Honey Bryant

RBH Designz Studios started as an idea that just wouldn’t leave me alone. I wanted to build something real, something that blended fashion, art, and purpose. What began at my kitchen table turned into a whole movement built around creativity, culture, and community. I am a model and an actress, and it just seemed like this was the natural next step. Read more>>

Camryn (Cam) Pless

My story, oh my goodness. I grew up in a very small town called Elberton, Georgia. I was a dancer for many years and had a very close dance family full of women I looked up to immensely. I’m still very close to them today! Creativity has always been an important part of who I am. Read more>>

Rickey Webster

I lost both of my parents young and grew up in foster care from age 9 to 18. I moved around a lot across the country, but New York was always home — between Harlem and Brooklyn, where most of my family lived. Being the first-born to Jamaican immigrants, I’ve always carried that mix of toughness, rhythm, and faith. Read more>>

Olivia Cooper

I have been performing for as long as I can remember and acting has always been in my DNA. Growing up I was constantly involved in stage plays, and when I got to high school I discovered a new passion for filmmaking. I started writing, shooting, and editing my own short films, often starring in them myself. Read more>>

Reggie Thomas

I played college football at Furman University from 2012–2015, then chased the next level. I had a short Arena Football run from 2017–2018 and was still trying to reach the NFL. When that didn’t work out, I hit a crossroads. Read more>>

Jigar Patel

I moved to Buckhead in 2012 and began my entrepreneurial journey in prominent office building cafés. I purchased my first Cafe operation in the Pinnacle building in Buckhead at the age of 28 years old. I went on to expand that to five locations in the next three years; operating in Resurgens Plaza, 3630 Peachtree, Two Live Oak, and Ameris Centre. Read more>>

Crank Lucas

I started off producing and rapping in the local DMV music scene. I won DMV producer of the year in 2008. I started using the internet to promote my beats online. in 2015 I began making comedic rap skits to promote my production and went viral. Read more>>

Elena Calderaro

My journey began long before I arrived in the United States. I was born and raised in Venezuela, where I built my career as a lawyer and developed a deep sense of justice and service to others. When I immigrated to the U.S. Read more>>

Lanaya Sonceair

Hey guys I’m Lanaya Sonceair the CEO of 718MM( Music Minds) Records. My story really started in Atlanta, where my passion for music and creativity first came to life. I’ve always had an ear for talent, especially artists who may not have the biggest platform yet but have something real and powerful to say. Read more>>

Shalom Owoeye

Hi, I’m Shalom, the photographer behind Beauty Captured. I’ve been doing photography since 2020, and officially started building my brand in 2023. For me, photography is more than just taking pictures, it’s about bringing light, joy, and self expression to every shot. I love capturing little moments that tell real stories and reflect who you are. Read more>>

Bervin Jackson

I was featured in People Magazine as Whitney Houston’s comeback fitness trainer, NBC Blind Date Fear Factor Show Contestant, and I was about to appear on ABC, The Shark Tank Show for my healthy pizzas. My life was changed forever when I got exposed to mold in my Sandy Springs, Georgia apartment in 2010. Read more>>

Salyse

I started dancing at five, then fell in love with musical theater, singing, acting, and performing. I attended a performing arts high school and studied theater, but that’s also where I discovered my passion for artivism, using art as a tool for social change. During my senior year, I attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, where I learned to bridge art and activism through dialogue, allyship, and community. Around that same time, as violence against Black people in America was rising, I began to understand that my purpose was deeper: to use my voice to uplift, to heal, and to move people. Read more>>

Rita Farin

My work life has been a rich adventure, always trying new things as I moved around: Israel, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Atlanta. I lived in Israel twice, and the innovation, resilience and perseverance of this tiny country, with the highest number of startups per capita in the world, really shaped me and my career. I started my first business there—a marketing consultancy that allowed me to work with approximately 40 tech companies in two years. I felt like, in my own small way, I was helping to build a young nation. Read more>>

Nyeesha Williams

There were moments where I was running million-dollar productions by day and still showing up for bedtime stories at night. That duality taught me that sustainability isn’t optional — it’s strategy.
The biggest lesson through those struggles was learning that resistance can be sacred. Every obstacle refined my clarity, every delay deepened my discernment, and every challenge reinforced my commitment to build an ecosystem where healing and high performance can coexist. Read more>>

Quavo Luv

I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia — just five minutes from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. My mom still lives there, in the same neighborhood where I learned what community really means. Growing up, I watched my neighborhood rise and fall, change and rebuild. Read more>>

Monique McGee

I have been a creative for as long as I can remember. Even as a little girl, I had a love for all things art. I was always the quiet kid. I spent most of my time drawing and designing clothes. I couldn’t use a sewing machine at the time so I would make clothes and bags by hand with needle and thread. Read more>>

Ela Cell

When I was a little girl, I was pulled under by the sea—it took a few minutes of my life, and it left a deep mark on me. From that day on, the vastness of the ocean filled me with both awe and fear. Years later, after my mother passed away, I decided to face my greatest fear: the sea. Read more>>

Octavia Traylor

My Story: From Rock Bottom to Reclaimed If I had to sum up my journey in one word, it would be: redemption. I didn’t just wake up one day and become a leader, a brand, or a voice, I survived my way here. Read more>>

Danielle Walker

I’m from a little town in Mississippi called Newton one of those places where everybody knows your name and you wave even if you don’t. I grew up an only child, so I learned early how to depend on myself, keep faith close, and dream beyond what I could see. Read more>>

Brian Rosenzweig

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia; however, my mother’s family has been in Atlanta for five generations so we have deep roots in the city. In high school we relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. From there I attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where I doubled major in Journalism and Jewish Studies with a minor in Hebrew. Read more>>

Yxng Don

I’m Yxng Don — born in Philly. Music started as my outlet and became my purpose. I worked on my first EP Strictly Business for two years before it dropped because I wanted my introduction to be flawless. That project proved I could really rap and hold my own. Then I reintroduced myself with 59, a statement that my sound and direction had leveled up. Read more>>

Domenica Canessa

I was born and raised in Peru and moved to the U.S. when I was nine. Growing up, I never imagined I’d run my own business because stability felt like the goal, and entrepreneurship didn’t seem appealing at all. I had this image of what running a company looked like, and it was not something I was interested in. Read more>>

Fareeha Chaudhry

I’ve always been drawn to anything creative for as long as I can remember, whether it’s painting, sketching, knitting, textile design, fashion design, or stitching. When I was just 10 years old, I made a little dress for my newborn sister completely from scratch. Read more>>

Jessie Schulwolf

In 2007, I started my career as a hairstylist. I spent years finding my place in the industry. My first job was in a corporately owned salon, where I spent about 10 years. For several more years, I traveled on location to style hair for weddings. During this time, I had a growing love for barbering. Read more>>

Zay Zhuo

I’ve always been drawn to art and storytelling, but my journey to becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t a straight line. Growing up, I didn’t have much freedom to explore creative fields, so I followed a more traditional path for a while. But deep down, I knew I wanted to create something of my own, something meaningful and lasting. Read more>>

Ashley Black

My journey started with a deep passion for both beauty and medicine. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve always loved helping people feel their best, but I realized early on that confidence and wellness often go hand in hand. That led me into aesthetic medicine, where I could combine my clinical background with artistry and creativity. Read more>>

Dianna Correa

Im an ER vet tech. Saya (a micropit)was brought in to be euthanized for having a rectal prolapse when she was 5 months old.They were talked into surrendering her instead. After Sx I said i would take her. It was a long,hard road with her IBD and incontinence issues. Shes on a hydrolyzed diet now and doing well. Read more>>

Nazrene Alsiro

I’ve always turned to art when words fall short. It’s been my way of tracing where I’ve been whether it’s through joy, uncertainty, and the long process of becoming whole again. I was born in Manila and grew up between Filipino and Palestinian cultures, learning early how layered identity can be and how art can hold what language sometimes can’t. Read more>>

Carissa Murray

I had my own skin journey; texture, stubborn breakouts, and dark spots. So I understood how much your skin impacts not just how you look, but how you feel moving through the world. So I decided to enrolled at Paul Mitchell The School Esani, and became a licensed esthetician. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so my goal has been to create a space where people feel completely comfortable and confident in their own skin. That’s what led me to start building Happy Lotus Skin, it’s all about blending real results in skincare with genuine care and connection. Read more>>

Gilbert Yeremian

Casa Almenara is where the vibrant flavors of Mexico and the Mediterranean come together under one roof — many of our dishes are cooked over real wood fire and served in a lively atmosphere we call FUN DINING. We’re known for our authentic street-food dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and our genuine sense of community that turns guests into family. Read more>>

Jessica Chaos

I started with getting my fashion design degree. After college I found a job as a seamstress within the tradeshow industry. Over the years I have put my sewing skills to use in many industries from fashion and alterations, to interiors and upholstery and back to tradeshow display fabric production and always excelled. Read more>>

Beth and Sarah Crompton and Tew

Banat Ahad was originally founded by Saroya of Atlanta, who has since moved on to new adventures in sunny Seville, Spain. Both Beth and Sarah began their belly dance journeys in graduate school, where they both found it a wonderful escape from the grind of graduate school study. Read more>>

Kim Piroli

From as early as I can remember, I was very observant of my surroundings — the colors, the furniture, the way things were arranged. Even as a child, I’d change the colors in my room or move pieces around to experiment with different layouts and color combinations. Read more>>

Stephanie Knight

During my 11th grade year of high school, my grandmother suffered a stroke and I became her caregiver. While working with the home health staff to ensure my grandmother’s comfort and progress, one of the lead nurses suggested that I become an Occupational Therapist. Despite coming from a home full of healthcare providers, I was unfamiliar with the career. Read more>>

Candace Smith

I started out in roles in hospitality and retail that taught me how to manage details, communicate clearly, and really understand people’s needs. Over time, that grew into a passion for real estate, where I could combine those skills with strategy and problem solving. Read more>> 

Christopher Thomas

I began my career as a massage therapist in 2001. At the time, I was working a corporate job that I wasn’t satisfied with. A close friend suggested to me in 2000 that I would probably find purpose again if I decided to pursue massage therapy as a new career—back story. Read more>>

Mike Young

I grew up in a family restaurant business and have worked in kitchens pretty much my whole life. I spent a decade traveling around cooking, most formatively three years in SE Asia and another in New Orleans. I kind of crash-landed into Macon, Georgia, if I’m being honest. Read more>>

Alexis Griffin

I’ve always been drawn to the beauty industry and the confidence that comes from taking care of yourself. I started my first business in 2016 at just 18, called Powergurl, where I sold custom fur slides, Brazilian/Malaysian hair bundles & wigs, along with mink lashes which was all the must-have trends at the time. That experience sparked something in me … Read more>>

Shonda Smith

I’ve been immersed in the music industry for over 15 years, and three years ago I took the leap to launch my own full-service management company, i28 & Co. Since then, we’ve built an incredible roster that includes Grammy-nominated artists, podcast hosts, professional boxers, and influencers. Read more>>

Courtni DuPree

Becoming a mom and experiencing time out of work taught me how important it is to create multiple streams of income and build real freedom for myself and my family. My name is Courtni DuPree-Nix, and my entrepreneurial journey began back in Dallas, Texas, where I started cooking and preparing meals as a side hustle. Read more>>

Natstasia Alina Nicolas

I started doing my own hair in the 8th grade. All throughout high school I did my own hair and people started to notice. People would ask me to do their hair often but I never took doing hair seriously. I would only do my friends’, sister’s, and my own hair. Read more>>

Money Way Vegas

I go by the name Money Way Vegas, from Jonesboro Ga (Clayco). I’m mainly a rap artist but I do more than rap. I’m a business man with many talents. What makes my brand interesting is how I’m bringing real music back to where it belongs, actual hits, club bangers, music that’s going to actually last in this industry. Read more>>

Haley Muhammad

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember — music has always been my outlet for expressing what words alone couldn’t. I started as a little girl singing in church and went on to join gospel, concert, and show choir throughout high school. Those experiences built my confidence as a performer and deepened my love for music. Read more>>

Nermin Jasani

I actually started out as a lawyer. I graduated from law school in 2010, which was arguably one of the toughest times to graduate as an attorney. But I was really fortunate to land a job on Wall Street, working in commodities compliance. It sounds glamorous, and for a little while, it really was. Read more>>