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.
SOLANGE GARCIA
Our journey began in Venezuela, driven by a simple love for design, storytelling, and celebrating life’s special moments. I, Solange, come from a communications and creative background, while my partner, Gilka, brings her strength in administration, operations, and leadership. Together, we built La Tarjetería—a small business that quickly became a beloved part of our community. Read more>>
Victoria Bocancea
I started Paint & Tea Company during a really tender season of my life. I was a new mom trying to juggle everything, Painting had always been a place where I could breathe, reset, and talk to God, and I realized I needed that space again. What began as me simply searching for a moment of calm turned into something I never expected. Read more>>
Jamaal McPhee
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve lived in ATL for a little under 3 years. For most of my life I’ve been very much into the arts. I am an accomplished filmmaker, videographer, photographer, and sketch artist/painter. I am a kid of the 90’s (the best decade) and a lot of my art and views reflect that. Read more>>
Ashleigh Worthington
I launched my YouTube channel, The Peculiar Chef, in July 2025 with one clear mission: shine a light on the small, local, hole-in-the-wall spots most people overlook. I’ve always believed great food doesn’t have to be expensive, and I wanted to prove that you can still find fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes in places you’d never expect. Read more>>
JaaLa
I began singing at the age of seven in my hometown of the British Virgin Islands. I made my stage debut at church for what I believe was a Christmas or winter program.. I still remember the white dress, red stockings, white frilly socks, and white, shiny, patent leather kitten chunk heels with the strap that goes over the ankle. Read more>>
Sean McPhillip
I was born and raised in New York (Flatbush, Brooklyn) to an immigrant father from Trinidad and an American mother from South Carolina. When I was born, my parents were both high school dropouts. They later went on to obtain their GEDs. I received an academic scholarship from New York University, where I studied computer science. Read more>>
Katie Beavers
I have always loved travel! I went to my first theme park before I could walk and grew up going to theme parks in Florida when visiting my grandparents my entire childhood. As I got older, my parents took me out of the country for the first time when I was 13 years old. Read more>>
Joe Stu
I grew up in the epicenter of hip-hop culture in Bronx, New York. I had the cultural advantage as a youth exposed to all the elements of hip-hop as well as opportunities, such as being selected in a Columbia University youth program. This sent me on a path of entrepreneurship and planted the seeds as an educator. Read more>>
LEE A PATTERSON
My story started out once I graduated the University of Georgia. I started studying how the wealthy acquired most of the well. I came upon that most of the wealthy invested in real estate. Read more>>
Romaine Waite
I first got into acting through high school drama class, but I never saw it as a real career back then. My parents, like many immigrant parents, emphasized academics, so acting stayed more of a side interest. It wasn’t until I auditioned for a small indie film (purely for fun) that everything shifted. That experience became a turning point. Read more>>
Latonya Black Gilliard
I began training with Larry Leon Hamilton, the founder of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. I learned how to create an artistic, creative group of artists in such a way that synergy drives the huge success of musicals, plays, independent works and community collaboration. Moving to Los Angeles, my focus changed to film and independent digital creations. Now, as an actor. Read more>>
Chopped By Lock
0
I originally had no idea I’d cut hair professionally I mean it runs in my blood but I didn’t take it seriously till later on in life starting in high school/college then working in the family shop ever since then it has helped me and my family discovering one of my greatest skills! Read more>>
Brittany Gaston
I’m originally from Detroit, MI and I was an athlete I played softball which was my main sport and I swam. I always wanted to be in healthcare to help people so I studied Allied health with a concentration in pre-physical therapy at Florida A&M University. Read more>>
Taylor Beemon
Taylor Lorin Beemon is a native of Jonesboro, Georgia and she has great pride in her southern roots. Read more>>
Evin Einhardt
I launched Wow Factor after I retired from playing professional baseball with the Chicago White Sox’s in 2016. Once I was done playing I wanted to give back my knowledge to the game and help players and families understand what it takes to play at the collegiate and professional level. Read more>>
sherlene Jean Baptiste
I started off posting my looks on instagram. This was my way of showing off my looks. I used the platform as a digital diary. So people started to ask me for advice on where I got my pieces from. I began putting looks together and sharing advice on how they can do it also. Read more>>
Kianna Wilson
I started my business in June 2020 as Chic Kouture Aesthetics LLC. I was sent home from my freshman year in college at Georgia Southern in March 2020 due to Covid. In May 2020, I decided to get a job at Amazon & the beauty supply store on Cascade. Read more>>
Moran Mizrahi
Rebillia began with a simple problem that Snir and I repeatedly saw while working closely with businesses. Companies were trying to adopt subscription models to grow their revenue, yet customers increasingly demanded flexibility, control and the ability to adjust plans on their own terms. Businesses could not support that level of customization, and customers were frustrated by rigid, outdated systems. Read more>>
Z Cher-Aime
I grew up LOVING animation. Dragon Ball Z, PowerPuff Girls, Dexter’s Lab, Samurai Jack, Spider-Man, Batman, X-men etc. But it wasn’t until ‘Static Shock’ came around that I genuinely considered a career in TV. A Black teen hero whose story was at the CENTER—not the sidelines. I loved that show so much that every fiber in my being became determined to make my own show. Read more>>
Lynette Smith
My childhood had its challenges. I entered young adulthood pretty much on my own but from a very young age, I made decisions concerning my faith that helped me deal with the peer pressure and social issues that were common for us ‘latch key kids’. Read more>>
ThatBoyJMike
I’m originally from North Carolina and I carved my lane in music long before anyone knew my name. The journey really took flight two years ago, back in my hometown, when I crossed paths with Kidd Kidd at a studio I had begun recording my mixtape. What started as a chance meeting turned into a brotherhood. Read more>>
Mari Williams
I grew up in New York, but I moved to Augusta shortly before graduating high school. After a brief service in the Army, I took time to figure out what I was really passionate about. Read more>>
Sherica Brown
Tres Kay Beauty was born from a shared desire to help women discover what makes them feel beautiful and empower them to fully embody it. When I first started my beauty brand in 2022, I launched with just eyeshadow because it’s the product I personally connected with the most. Read more>>
Kelly Mayfield
My name is Kelly Mayfield. I am a native of Atlanta, GA, APS educated and a graduate of both North Carolina A&T State University and Mercer University . I have a 24-year career in the Media Advertising industry. I began my career in radio sales at Katz Media Group beginning at the assistant level and working my way up to Sr. Account Executive. Read more>>
Jazmine fortson
I’m not sure where to start, what I do know is this was get out plan and it worked!! I love this industry , and what all comes out of it everyday! 8 years come July 2nd and as I expand to many other business ventures that have also became successful … GloballyMarked is my baby. Everything the GlobalWay! Read more>>
Nicole Massaro
I didn’t always picture myself owning a bridal boutique, but I always knew I wanted to do work that felt personal and meaningful. After years in the corporate world, I finally listened to that inner nudge to create something of my own. A quiet, intentional space where brides could feel genuinely comfortable and supported. Read more>>
Nola Morton
My story began quietly; with a pull I couldn’t quite explain. I had this magnetic draw to art, to music, to the language that exists between people when words fall short. I didn’t have a roadmap, just a feeling that creating was the way I was meant to move through the world. Read more>>
Latisha Rodgers
My Story is quite telling, but at the same time straight to the point. Ive stated in my previous interviews that Im a US Navy veteran, my life journey took me around the world. In my travels I discovered one life changing fact, I adore food. I also loved trying new recipes and absorbing as much authenticity from my adventures as possible. Read more>>
Bernice Farrell
I’ve always loved artistry and transformation, so stepping into beauty just felt natural. Back in 2019, I was featured in VoyageATL, and since then I’ve leveled up—taking pro makeup courses, getting published in local and international magazines, and most recently graduating as a Master Cosmetologist and earning my license. Read more>>
T3rry Tempo
T3rry Tempo, born Terrance Sibanda, is a dynamic and versatile Zimbabwean hip-hop artist known for his unique vocal ability and captivating stage presence. Hailing from Bulawayo, he’s affectionately called ‘Bulawayo’s Golden Boy’ ¹. *Early Life and Career* T3rry Tempo began writing music at 9 and started performing in 2018. Read more>>
Allen Eckles
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, but that is part of what has made the journey meaningful. One of our biggest challenges early on was working around 2024 being an Olympic year. CJ was still training and traveling extensively, so finding the time to plan, coordinate, and move things forward took a lot of flexibility and communication. Read more>>
Eric Byrd
It was definitely not a smooth road! There were so many obstacles but what comes to mind for me was school. I was smart but I didn’t like school. In hindsight it’s funny but after I found out there were not going to be anymore naps in class after Kindergarten I was done with school. My teachers would call home and say Eric is doing this or doing that, “Could you talk to him?” I remember my grandmother saying, “Does he need to go to summer school?” Read more>>
Yoni Havana
I’ve always been drawn to holistic living (I resolved my childhood asthma with simple, natural approaches), but that era showed me something deeper: much of our pain is ancestral and stored in the body. With willingness, guidance, and a lot of humility, I began clearing my own patterns, and saw ripples of relief in my family. That’s when the calling landed. I started walking alongside others — men and women, couples and families — helping them unwind old cycles, return to themselves, and rebuild connection at home. Read more>>
Kirby Scruples
The leaders of that group strongly discouraged members from taking part in the outside community & from getting a higher education which limited my knowledge of the everyday world and society, exposure to opportunities, and my own personal self expression for a long time. In 2019 I broke free from the high controlled religious organization & In 2022, I founded The Trich To Stop, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with Trichotillomania through community, awareness, and empowerment. I wanted to create the kind of organization I wished existed when I was growing up, struggling with Trichotillomania. Read more>>
Zachariah Watson
I have been making music since my teen years, and fronted a band called Time Pilot for several years after high school. My project Old Trees in its current form was initially an outlet for ideas that didn’t fit with the band’s style — too odd, too experimental, or just too different. After the dissolution of the band in 2018, it became my primary focus artistically. I now release singles and EPs as I please, and have a blast doing it, but it was a long road getting here. Read more>>
Randolph (Randy) Hazelton
I spent a lot of time in restaurants, bars, and lounges and always felt I could create something unique in that space. Over the next five years, I learned an incredible amount — about people, leadership, and the realities of entrepreneurship. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me the foundation I needed. Through that experience, I was introduced to an opportunity to enter the airport concessions industry, and that’s really where everything began to take off. Read more>>
mike anderson
I’m Mike Anderson, a writer, director, and lifelong journal junkie who’s been scribbling down the chaos of everyday life since 1991. I’ve got shelves of notebooks to prove it. Those pages turned into my creative lab—where I learned how people talk, how they hurt, how they’re hilarious without trying—and now they fuel everything I make on the page, on set, and in the studio. Read more>>
Tricia Horton
I fell in love with the Spanish language and decided to study it in order to communicate with many people around the world. After graduating from University I decided to leap across the Atlantic Ocean and make my home in Spain. That is where my English journey for teaching ESL students began. Read more>>
Irene Song
Ever since I was a little kid, I knew my creative outlets were my absolute everything and that I would carry them along with me throughout the rest of my life. My OG passion and still one of my biggest passions to this day begins with dance. Read more>>
PJ and Bernice Morris
Our Story — The Heart Behind the Peculiar Podcast We’re PJ and Bernice Morris — a husband-and-wife team with over 20 years in marriage, ministry, and mentorship — learning, growing, and walking out faith one honest conversation at a time. How It All Began Our story didn’t start in a church pew — it started after 9/11. Read more>>
April Showers
I grew up in the inner city of Atlanta — the real Atlanta — on the West Side. From a young age, I had a deep love for my city. Moving from zone to zone, hood to hood, I didn’t just see Atlanta…I lived it. I watched its culture, energy, and people up close, and that shaped everything about who I am. Read more>>
Caroline Watson
We both as children enjoyed being outdoors and playing in the dirt. Dan McEver of Maxham Farms Landscape LLC grew up Toccoa, Georgia and Caroline Watson of Blooming Buckets and Beds LLC grew up in Charleston, SC. Their passion for culture of plants and landscape both rooted in their childhood. Read more>>
Luke Truan
Thanks for taking the time to read about my journey. I hope my story inspires everyone who reads it to create boldly and pursue their dreams! I started my journey as a composer long before I ever scored a film or landed a TV placement. Read more>>
Analy Navarro
My journey is a blend of international experience, a passion for storytelling, and a mission to make a meaningful impact. I started out in marketing and international business, which gave me a love for connecting across cultures and creating stories that resonate. But life added powerful chapters along the way. Read more>>
Myja (MJ) Wilson
Age 5 is when my love for the arts began. Born as Myja Rae’ b.k.a (MJ), she stepped into her calling as an entertainer. MJ was the lead “Munchkin” at the JVC Dance Company recital in her hometown Washington D.C. in year 1992. In 1994, she relocated with her immediate family to ATL, GA where she trained further in the ARTS. Read more>>
Montice Harmon
I am a motivational speaker and storyteller, working with youth to help them make “bright decisions and wise choices”. I have also directed several music videos and a podcast series titled The Montice Harmon Show. I am currently writing and working on music for my label ‘BoSsWRiTeR Ent’ artist. Read more>>
Lessniesa Tucker
I absolutely love to immerse myself into the arts. I picked up a creative gene from my father. I found myself decorating for various family events as well assisting with interior designing (accent walls, decor, etc.). This led me to the idea of establishing my own event company that would specialize in event planning and designing. Read more>>
Vic Hardison
I’m a Project Manager with a degree in Engineering, and now the co-founder of One Degree Gaming, where my cousins and I created Locked-In, a family-friendly board game that’s starting to pick up real national traction. Locked-In is something we built coming from a family reunion every year, grandma’s house every Sunday type of family. Read more>>
Akilah Williams
I started Pocket Full of Care in my dorm room back in 2019. At the time, I was a full-time student juggling classes, campus life, and the usual stress that comes with trying to figure out adulthood. Read more>>
Frank Adams
After my football career was over, I went home and tried to work and found out very quickly how depressing not playing football was for me. Read more>>
Tela Bryant
JOYOUS_HANDS_MOBILE_SPA is a holistic healing organization based in Atlanta,GA, to Pittsburgh,PA, offering a range of services focused on self-care ,self awareness and wellness. They’re run by myself, Te’la, an LCRMT (License,Certified, Registered,Massage Therapist). Joyous Hands Mobile Spa Company started in Pittsburgh PA over 9 years ago as an idea that derived from my childhood cosmetology school days in high school. Read more>>
Shawn Ray Cartel
I moved to Atlanta GA from Canton, OH after going back and forth for a year pursuing my career in the entertainment industry in 2017. I started doing a lot of background work and rubbing elbows with the right people. Read more>>
Anna Priddy
My journey into postpartum care did not begin in a classroom or during training. It began in my own home during one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life. Before becoming a doula, I spent more than 15 years working in corporate America as a marketing expert. Read more>>
Nichole Villafane
So honestly, I am not sure which part of my story you are interested in lol….Career-wise, I am a Realtor who’s currently pursuing my degree in Psychology at Oral Roberts University. Here’s my story, and please feel free to pull what part you find the most interesting to your readers. Read more>>
Alexia Scruggs
My path to founding ALS Professional Services has been anything but linear – and I think that’s what makes it work so well. I’ve spent over 17 years as a Senior Systems Analyst in different industries, where I developed a deep expertise in breaking down complex processes, identifying inefficiencies, and creating systems that actually work for the people using them. Read more>>
Gani Shittu
My name is Gani Shittu and I am the Founder and Lead Stylist of House of Simiraj. House of Simiraj is a fashion styling and consulting brand. With over a decade of experience working in retail houses like Tory Burch, Kenneth Cole, and Club Monaco, I’ve developed a keen eye for detail, fit, and timeless sophistication. Read more>>
Oluwabukola Ogunyemi
My journey actually started in Ukraine, where I was in undergrad medical school. Even then, I loved fashion, and I started a blog when I realized people were reaching out to ask about my looks and style because I couldn’t respond to everyone individually. Read more>>
Savauna Sage
My story begins with pain and purpose sitting side by side. I grew up watching my loved ones navigate cancer, heart failure, and mental illness, and even as a child I carried this quiet curiosity about how we maintain wellbeing in a world full of stress and uncertainty. Read more>>
Quente Jackson
Absolutely. My story really starts with curiosity, creativity, and community. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and from a young age, I was drawn to storytelling—whether through conversation, music, or finding the beauty in everyday experiences. When I moved to Atlanta, I came with the intention of building something bigger than myself. Read more>>
Andrea Jenkins
In 2013, I lost my mother unexpectedly. I got into grooming and it became more than a career for me, it became healing, purpose, and a way to pour love into something when I needed it most. I started grooming with nothing but passion and a belief that God had placed me on a path bigger than I could see at the time. Read more>>
Steven Sosebee
I started making jewelry as a way to unwind and express my creativity. I was drawn to working with crystals and stones because of their unique energies and beauty. As I honed my skills, friends and family began asking me to create custom pieces for them, and that’s when I realized I had a business idea. Read more>>
Nyasia Monroe
Hello Everyone! My name is Nyasia Monroe. I’m a singer, songwriter and entertainer based in Richmond,VA. I started singing at a very small age, 3 years old – alongside my mom in our family church. My Godparents were the Pastor & First Lady, also my babysitters! Haha! Read more>>
Jailan Drake
My name is Jailan Drake, a 26-year-old creative from Detroit who’s been figuring out how to turn ideas into real things since I first picked up a camera. Read more>>
Dorian Moore
“I actually got my start in stop-motion back in 2017. At first, I was working strictly with clay — just experimenting, learning timing, and figuring out how to bring characters to life frame by frame. I stayed in that phase for about a year before I leveled up to liquid latex and started building my own wire armatures. Read more>>
Annie Clark
I started listening to the songs my brother played in his room: AC/DC, Ratt, Judas Priest, etc. From a young age, I’ve always loved art, in this case, music. When I went to see AC/DC for the first time, everything clicked. I wanted to do the same, and the next day I started looking for people to form a rock band. Read more>>
Allyson Harris
I was in Corporate HR, conducting an international assignment when COVID hit, sending me back to the U.S. After 20+ years in HR, I was unfulfilled in my role and desperately seeking a change. My husband and I had desires to invest in Real Estate; thus, I pursued securing my license to ensure we were properly educated about the home buying process. Read more>>
Scottie Weatherford
How I knew I was gonna be a stylist was I would braid my friend’s hair and eventually it got to the point where I had all of my friends asking me to do their hair for homecoming. Read more>>
Betty Beard
I started this journey as a quiet, introverted girl who always felt deeply connected to God but didn’t always know how to express it. For years, I served behind the scenes, teaching, raising my children, building businesses, and navigating some of the hardest seasons of my life. Read more>>
Kenyvttv El ‘Beyvh
I was born in Washington DC. My experiences in the entertainment field and industry are wide ranging. Throughout it all I have always continued to write and create content. Read more>>
Alexandra Young
I have been disabled since 2015. I was rescued by the police from a domestic violence relationship & have had neurological problems in phases since then (seizures, trouble moving my body, reading, speaking, etc). I’ve tried numerous treatments & nothing helps. My doctor said since they are non epileptic seizures no medication will help me either. Read more>>
SHAWN McDonald
In 1997, I wrote the rap for Keith Sweat & Kut Klose in the song, “Twisted”. Shortly after that, by the age of 21, I was traveling with the legendary rap duo Whodini going out on the road. I was the opening act, performing my own music to the crowd while they got ready to come out and rip the audience. Read more>>
Fariba Molavi
I was born in the enchanting city of Isfahan, Iran a land where art, color, pattern, architecture, poetry, history, nature, humanity, mysticism, and philosophy are intricately interwoven. I grew up in a family where culture, knowledge, and a love for beauty infused the very fabric of our lives with meaning. Read more>>
Heleyna Coney
I started my creative journey years ago under the name Flawfully Glamorous, where I specialized in wig coloring and custom styling. That era was pure magic — I worked with the most vibrant clientele, especially women from the DMV who trusted me to bring their boldest, most playful looks to life. Read more>>
Cheflo
Hi! My name is Kendra Mckever aka Chef Lo. I’m the owner of Chef Lo’s Private Dining and Catering Services. I grew up in South Ga but Blew Up in Atlanta, Ga. I’ve been living here for 26 years and I’m 43 years young. I’m a single mother of 2 Amazing children whom I love and work so hard for. Read more>>
Carter Lyn
My story starts long before I ever imagined doing what I do now. I always had this spark, a mix of curiosity and creativity but I didn’t always know how to channel it. Over time, through trial, mistakes, growth, and a lot of faith, I started to build something that felt true to who I am. I didn’t have a roadmap. Read more>>
Lawanda Holliman
I was raised in a home where work wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected, modeled, and honored. My parents, Clarence and Lilie Joseph instilled in my brother Clarence, my sister Thet, and me the principles of excellence, responsibility, and showing up well. I started earning my way early, babysitting before securing my first job in retail while still in high school. Read more>>
Wesley Whitsett
I’m from High Point NC, went to Art Institute of Atlanta c/o ’94. I worked as a roofer during college to pay for classes. After college I was a freelance photographer, illustrator, and worked briefly at an ad agency. That’s where I learned I didn’t like to design other people’s ideas. Read more>>
Sernesha Burston
Thank you for the beautiful question… I was not feeling fulfilled in my life just going to work and coming home. I knew at a very young age I wasn’t meant to fit in like everyone else and I was meant to leave a very huge impact in this world. Read more>>
Tinashe Katiyo
It all started back in high school when I was freestyling in the car with my brother. We were just messing around, but the freestyle actually sounded good, and he told me I should record something for real. That pushed me to go make my first official track, “Listerine,” which I dropped on June 17, 2022 under the name TK3AYthaone. Read more>>
Veronica Acree
This has not been easy. There is a lot to know about wine and how it’s made. There are do’s & dont’s in the process of making wine. In the beginning i messed up quite a few batches. One of the most important aspects of making wine is patience. This is not a process to be rushed. Also sanitation is very important. Sanitation affects how good a batch may be and how it taste Read more>>
Michael Kopanski
I started my career building production homes for Fortune 500 builders in the Atlanta area. In 2024, I felt like it was time to take the next step and pursue custom home building. I took a leap and left Toll Brothers after about three years to work for a general contractor in Milton, where I gained hands-on experience building high-end custom homes. Read more>>
Annie FitzGerald
Growing up, I was obsessed with any movie I saw that referenced salon culture (Edward Scissorhands, Grease, Legally Blonde, Beauty shop). I forced my family and friends to play these movies often. If I was left alone, I would cut all my hair off. I loved the idea of self expression through hair and makeup. Read more>>
Londynn Jackson
I was a quiet girl growing up, and the one place I felt free was in my creativity doing dolls’ hair, practicing styles, and expressing myself without saying a word. But in elementary school, I went through something that shaped me even more. Read more>>
Latrice Monét
After graduating from the illustrious Florida A&M University, I began my career as a licensed pharmacist working in the private and government sectors of the pharmaceutical industry. After learning about and experiencing holistic health practices such as acupuncture, sensory deprivation floating, reiki, and chiropractic therapy, I gradually became the pharmacist who never recommended drugs first. Read more>>
Francisco Xavier Blas
It basically started from djing at house parties, basement parties and pretty much any parties I could DJ at to basically the best nightclubs in the city and some of the biggest parties all over the US. To also creating my own Mobile DJ & Photo Booth Company. Now we provide services to all types of events and much more! Read more>>
Reid Puckett
I have always been into classic cars since my teenage years. About 15 years ago, I purchased 2 vintage vehicles, 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a 1968 Ford Bronco to restore. This effort took about 3 years to complete the restorations on each. Read more>>
James D. Smith
KOS, Inc. was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to a growing need for safe, hands-on learning opportunities for children in Smyrna. What began as a few carpentry classes for a handful families quickly revealed a significant demand for programs that help young people build confidence through practical skill development, creativity, and problem-solving. Read more>>
Tiffani-MiShelle Johnson
I would have to write a book to cover it all, haha… But, I’ll start with short recaps of phases: Phase 1 – Working at Tyler Perry Studios (behind the scenes, off and on) from 2007-2011. Transitioned to a couple TV shows for TVOne and BET (2012-2013). Left the 12-17 hour work days in hopes of opening up time to pursue acting. Read more>>
Madison Jones-Lawson
I fell in love with hair when I was a little girl. So right after high school, I went straight to beauty school and became a licensed Master Cosmetologist at just 18 years old. My first job was as a cosmetics counter manager at Dillard’s in Columbus, GA, and not long after, I opened my first salon which I successfully ran for eight years. Read more>>
Beth Bryan
For 12 years, I worked in a large hospital providing outpatient pediatric physical therapy. I loved my kids and loved my work, but over time, the system changed. Appointments became shorter, productivity demands became higher, and my sessions started feeling more focused on the clock than the child. Read more>>
Radhika Singh
Radhika Singh founded RS Designs LLC in Ashburn in 2023 with a vision to provide complete, construction-focused design solutions across commercial and residential spaces. Starting with small projects, she quickly built a reputation for delivering functional layouts, detailed technical drawings, and smooth coordination with contractors and trades. Read more>>
Mikiko King
Mikiko King is a woman who wears many hats. She is a proud mother of three, plus a beautiful bonus baby, and a newly married wife to an amazing man who has been her rock since day one. Together, they’ve built a foundation rooted in love, faith, and unshakable support. Read more>>
Lyman Chen
Phoenix Wellness Arts (PWA) began a few years ago with a small group of friends who shared a passion for Chinese martial arts and a desire to share that culture in our own unique way. We envisioned a space centered on wellness, with Kung Fu, Kickboxing/Sanda, and Tai Chi as the foundation. From the start, we believed that martial arts is something anyone can practice. Read more>>
craig Decker
I have been a hobbiest wood worker all my life ( woodshop ) in high school etc. I started a restaurant chain called ‘ the wine guy bistro ‘ in 2005 where I built all the tables /wine racks and bars for 7 locations over 12 years . Read more>>
Kayla White
I started my natural skin care line during the pandemic five years ago, inspired by my passion for creating products that are safe, effective, and nourishing. In the early days, I spent countless hours formulating and testing recipes in my kitchen, sharing samples with friends and family to gather feedback. Over time, I gained confidence in my products and decided to start selling them locally. Read more>>
Birdie Niyomkun
We’ve always been obsessed with hospitality and places with great designs —seeing people light up over a great drink or a good meal is what makes us happiest. After almost a decade behind the bar and years of experimenting with Thai ingredients, I realized I wanted to build something of my own that felt personal, playful, and rooted in my culture. Read more>>
Ashli Ognelodh
I was twenty-one years old the first time I heard God speak directly to me about my purpose. I was working at the bank about to be promoted to a personal banker and doing really well providing a life of stability for myself. Read more>>
Michael Goldberg
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. I’m a physician by trade and certainly never expected to be composing music or even learning to play the piano. Aside from a brief stint in third grade when I brought home a trumpet—I still feel sorry for my mother—I’ve never had formal musical training. Still, I’ve always loved a wide range of music. I vividly remember being about five or six, playing Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens on our little record player. Read more>>
Dennis Pishock
I am the Team Leader for Milton PD’s Peer support Program. I am a peer counselor with the state of Georgia and also assist the Will Treadwell’s Phoenix Healing Fund. Phoenix Healing consists of monthly meetings to assist active-duty police officers, dispatchers, and firefighters with their trauma. It’s an AA type meeting to assist public safety and it’s FREE! Read more>>
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>>
