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.
Darin Lee
I grew up in Fort Walton Beach, where writing was second nature to me. I’ve been crafting poems and heartfelt letters to friends since I was a kid in elementary school. Back then, I even sold some of my poems and even drawings, sometimes to bring home $3 to $4 a day, which made me feel like the richest kid alive. Read more>>
Tammy Darmel Moore
I’ve always been passionate about creating meaningful impact and bridging gaps where systems and communities need support. My journey began in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where I gained nearly three decades of experience managing projects, leading teams, and driving social impact initiatives. Read more>>
Tiliwannia Thompson
So a little bit about my journey… I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist since 1998, but my path hasn’t been straight or predictable. When my kids were little, I did hair off and on, and eventually I stepped into Corporate America for stability. Even then, I still did hair here and there, mostly for family, because that passion never really left. Read more>>
Caitlin McDonald
I started my Makeup journey in 2009 when I attended Michigan College of Beauty for Esthetics. I graduated and moved to Chicago where I started working in Retail for brands like MAC, Christian Dior, Urban Decay, Bare Minerals and Smashbox. I spent the next 7 years learning trends, techniques and glam by the Pros for the everyday person. Read more>>
Sonji Monroe
SPEAKING PIECES: HOW SONJI MONROE TURNED FAMILY ROOTS, FASHION, AND COMMUNITY INTO A LEGACY In every family, there is someone who carries the torch—someone who takes the values of generations past and transforms them into something new, vibrant, and enduring. For Sonji Monroe, the youngest of nine children born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, that torch was fashion. Read more>>
Turnt Bachelor
My brother signed with Warner Music Group in 2009 so I’ve been grateful to be around music in a professional way since a young age. After high school, I spent years working in different environments — from warehouse to customer service — but everything always circled back to music. Read more>>
Amber Owens
I started making clothing for myself in 2019, first crafting items with messages to wear while supporting black-owned businesses through Support A Dope Black Business. Eventually, I received inquiries from individuals interested in purchasing a piece. This prompted me to begin designing collections and various ‘session’ pieces. Read more>>
Timothy Hamrah
My story starts working as a bakery clerk for a grocery store in Florida, working my way from janitorial to baking and eventually a cake decorator. I worked as a cake decorator for 15 years. Decided it was time to part with the grocery store and reach for something more challenging. Read more>>
Apostle Dr. Teresa Jordan
I have always had a very strong interest in entertainment. Even as a little girl I danced and sang in the mirror as though I was a star. Started singing at age 3, playing piano at age 5, dancing at age 12, acting at age 13 and touring nationally at age 18. Read more>>
Maggie Tucker
For two decades, my life was defined by a career in corporate America, where I climbed the ladder in various marketing, business, and digital leadership roles. I achieved what I was told constituted professional success—a high salary, senior titles, and a demanding schedule. Read more>>
James Givens Jr.
No it hasn’t due to u having to pay for everything u do vs people that believes in you doing it cause they love what u do – I learned u must go threw that to see who u dealing with in order to grow to see opportunities, its a long road of struggles especially without anyone having the correct handbook to handle the situations to make it smooth Read more>>
Alfonso Alday
I’ve been very lucky to grow up across different countries, which shaped how I see the world. Art has always been a central aspect of my life but it was my cousin and business partner, Vai Jong Hunken, who truly inspired the creation of Alday Hunken Gallery. Read more>>
Minzhou Wang
My path in design started in Suzhou, China, where I grew up. The city is known for traditional garden and quiet, thoughtful environments. That background influenced the way I look at design — I’ve always believed that products should feel natural and easy to use, not stressful or complicated. Later, I moved to the United States to study design. Read more>>
Sherri Shropshire
Health and wellness has always been a passion of mine. I have always enjoyed assisting others with their health and wellness but, it wasn’t until I lost my mother at the age of 25 to Lupus and the following year, I lost my grandmother to stomach cancer as she passed away on my 26th birthday. Read more>>
Dr. Linda Bing
I’ve spent most of my life helping other people find their power. I built Turning Point Leadership Group to teach leaders how to create workplaces that were diverse, inclusive, and rooted in respect. I poured my heart into helping organizations grow—and for years, that was my purpose. Then, the world shifted. The political climate changed. Conversations that once opened doors started closing them. Read more>>
Jennifer Proctor
It requires unwavering faith to honor a calling. Our first Saturn Return, at age 29/30, can be a time of great transformation, especially if you have veered off of your destined path. I must have been in another solar system, because my life imploded and exploded, collapsing like a black hole. Read more>>
Mary Adams
1. What kind of philanthropic work did your family do while you were growing up? My family settled in the Central Florida area in the small town of Lake Alfred, bounded by lakes and orange groves. My grandfather, Charles W. Adams, an oral surgeon from Detroit, MI, was on his way to treasure hunt for gold lost on ships that sank near the Florida Keys. Read more>>
DJ BADD ASS SHA
Well tbh my journey as a DJ started from a really vulnerable place. I just returned to Atlanta from New York City from an EMS – Emergency Response Deployment with FEMA during COVID-19 Pandemic. Read more>>
Stefan Koblitz Flejs
My name is Stefan, I’m from Brazil, and I have over 20 years of experience in building and tuning performance engines for cars, specializing in 5 cc engines. I’ve owned a well-established company in Brazil for many years, with clients all over the country — many of them record-holding cars on drag racing tracks. Read more>>
Kenneth Pallone
My name is Ken Pallone. “In 1981, at 21 years old, about a year after I awakened spiritually to Christ, I had visions of a career helping people find and experience the love of God. But, at that time was too fearful to take the formal steps in that direction. Read more>>
Kadija Manjang
My journey really started with creativity and curiosity. I’ve always been someone who loves working with my hands and bringing ideas to life, and over time that grew into multiple passions like beauty, that’s mainly hair and makeup then came content creation, sewing, cooking, and just helping people feel confident. As a college student, while majoring in Biology(pre med) now, I started braiding for work. Read more>>
Ashley Shoemake
I am a natural light photographer based in Hall County, Georgia, serving the greater Northeast Atlanta area. I’m a wife to my sweet husband, Steven, and a Mama to our three very active, fun little boys—our newest arriving this past August! And I can’t forget our loving beagle, Avery, who has been part of our family from the very beginning. Read more>>
Devin Jenkins
My name is Devin Jenkins and I’m Professional Slap athlete! Power Slap is a combat sport where the fighters open hand slap each other in the face! Now this may sound silly or even brutal, but its actually very technical and involves high-level accuracy, precision and toughness! Read more>>
Carl Elmore
My story started way back when I was a kid. When I was around 5 years old, my parents showed me Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) for the very first time. Spoiler warning if you somehow haven’t seen the film, but at the end, one of the Nazi General’s faces gets gruesomely melted. 5 year old me was terrified of that image. Read more>>
Lloyd Benjamin
I was born in 1978 in Little Rock, Arkansas. From an early age, my creative side was nurtured by my parents, both of whom had a deep love for the arts. I was always building or drawing something, a productive byproduct of my boredom and general disdain for school. Read more>>
Jocelyn Weaver
“I didn’t plan to start a business,” I laugh. “I just wanted peace.” Urban Bliss was born from that search, a moment in my life where I was juggling motherhood, a full-time job, and my own healing. Reiki came first. It opened a door back to myself. Read more>>
Wallena Randall
When I was first featured in Voyage ATL, I had just launched Dezign U LLC, my luxury natural haircare studio built around holistic beauty and wellness. That business became the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey. Over time, I made the decision to transition Dezign U into a private, appointment-only practice. Read more>>
Kai Kakuyon
My life started in small home in Lithonia, GA. I was a home birth surrounded by artists, soldiers, preachers and athletes and the minute I touched air I was trained for success. Curious military kids became my driven, antsy and freethinking elders. I had lived in 3 states off an art teacher’s salary before the age of 6 and still had a charter school education. Read more>>
Ernesto Canlas
DR. ERNIE B. Read more>>
Jahira Espino-Aguilar
I didn’t plan on becoming a lash artist — I just wanted something different for myself. I knew I didn’t want my future to look like working for others. I wanted to be my own boss, have freedom, and do something I actually loved. I started learning lashes out of curiosity and quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. Read more>>
Lena Govedarica
I started playing chess at the age of 5, first as a player, later becoming a national champion and earning the Woman International Master title. Over the years, I expanded my role in the chess world as a certified FIDE Instructor, International Arbiter, tournament organizer, and streamer. Knowing chess from every angle, I wanted to help modernize and empower the community. Read more>>
Christopher Smith
I’d say my journey started around 4th or 5th grade. My older brothers used to rap, so I’d often walk in on their studio sessions. One day, while I was listening in, they told me to hop on the mic. I had no idea what I was doing, but they helped me record my very first track — I still have it to this day. Read more>>
Tatiyonna Story
My journey into event planning began in October 2021. A cousin reached out and asked if I could assist with decorating a party for one of her friends. I accepted, and during that experience, I discovered how much I truly enjoyed the creative process of transforming a space and bringing a vision to life. Read more>>
Manolo Prado Jr.
Im a custom clothing and headwear designer ( I design and sell different products but all typically fallunder the clothing and headwear category). I got my start in highschool, in the 10th grade Mitchell & Ness throwback jerseys were the trend, I was always facinated with sports apparel. Read more>>
Heather Coy
I’ve always had a passion for art and performing. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved creating, imagining, and finding ways to bring stories to life. Whether it was through drawing, painting, or being on stage, I was always chasing that feeling of creativity and connection. In 2014, I had the chance to combine those passions in a way I never expected. Read more>>
Asia Kopper Byers
I’m someone who believes in building people-first systems that actually help individuals grow and organizations thrive. My career in HR and higher education has been shaped by a genuine commitment to clarity, fairness, and creating environments where people feel supported and seen. Over the years, I’ve become known for designing strong processes, strengthening workplace culture, and leading teams through change with a steady, empathetic approach. Read more>>
Dr. Mannie Lowery
I’ve been an athlete most of my life, and sports shaped everything about who I am. With my mother working in the medical field, I always knew I wanted to help people; I just didn’t know in what way. After experiencing my first injury in high school and going through physical therapy to get back on the field, something clicked. Read more>>
Felicia Lashawn
My story is rooted in resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to becoming the best version of myself—no matter what season of life I’m in. I often say my journey has been full of roundabouts, detours, and unexpected green lights, but every twist in the road has shaped the woman and entrepreneur I am today. Read more>>
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>>
