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.

Amar Atkins

I grew up in a single-parent household led by a wise, compassionate, and God-fearing mother. My mother, Denise Packer, instilled in me core principles and values such as the importance of being rooted in God, believing that I could do all things through God who strengthens me, walking in compassion, and always being a help to my fellow man. With this upbringing, I began my service work in ministry.  Read more>>

Rebecca Casselman

Sure! My story starts in Alaska, where I was born and raised, and where I met my husband during our senior year at North Pole High School. In college he wanted to get married, but I told him he needed a real job, so he joined the Air Force. We were married when I was twenty and he was nineteen! This is not something I recommend, but it’s how we started out. It was us against the world. At our first duty station I continued my college education, eventually earning a Masters of Theatre Arts degree. Read more>>

Sherri Gordon

My journey as a coach began in 2017 when I became an ICF-Certified Professional Coach. From the very beginning, I knew my calling was relationships—helping people deepen the bonds with those they love and strengthening the connections between leaders and the people they lead. Relationships are the thread that holds our lives, our work, and our communities together, and I felt led to create spaces where those bonds could be nurtured, challenged, and transformed. Read more>>

Dashun Jones

I grew up fast, and I grew up raw. A lot of my early life was shaped by survival—trauma, the streets, and a system that wasn’t designed for me to win. I made mistakes young, paid the price young, and had to rebuild my entire life from scratch when most people my age were just getting started. But that’s where my real story begins. Read more>>

Therlande Louissaint

SIDE Presents started with two friends, myself (Therlande) and Marlyn, who simply loved creating beautiful moments for our communities. We never set out to “start a company” — we were just trying to make space for people like us to feel seen, celebrated, and surrounded by art. Read more>>

Angela Thomas-Smith

Angela Thomas Smith’s journey to ‘walking in purpose’ is rooted in personal resilience, faith, and a deep-seated desire to uplift her community through collaboration. Her path involved overcoming personal adversity and leveraging her experiences to build a global platform dedicated to empowering Black and Brown authors and entrepreneurs. Read more>>

Mary Ann Henry

My art started as far back as I can remember. I started painting with oil paints and a pallet knife when I was 7 and had been given a set of oil paints from a local artist who had passed away. I’ve continued to paint, experimenting with different mediums and styles throughout my private collection and public art. Read more>>

Melissa Katz

I’m a graphic designer, nature lover, and founder of Just Do Good Design Co. After 10 years leading in-house design for a variety of industries, I set out on my own to focus on what matters most to me: using my design skills to support nonprofits, conservation groups, and changemakers working to make the world better. Read more>>

Jonny Fields

I started music when I was about six or seven years old. My earliest memory is singing in my church’s children’s choir, where I performed my first solo. My parents kept a cassette tape of it and played it throughout various points of my childhood. I didn’t realize at the time how much music would eventually shape my life. Read more>>

Raphael Bahindwa

I am a Congolese fine artist and painter whose work blends vivid storytelling with cultural symbolism to reflect on the social and political realities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After earning my B.F.A. in Painting from SCAD Atlanta in 2022, I continued to refine my mixed-media practice, combining layers of acrylic and oil to merge personal experience with national identity. Read more>>

Noel Warner

It all began with the passing of my late wife Paris Warner. Everything was perfect up until June 15 2022. when she was 6 months pregnant with our 6th daughter named Brazil she had passed away from preeclampsia so suddenly and it left my whole world upside down. Read more>>

Josh Green

I grew up in Indiana fascinated by cities and urban dynamics—literally pressed against the window each time we’d pass another American skyline, large or small, on roadtrips in the big family van. I was a wildman, though, and got expelled from high school (some bullsh*t!) and landed in plenty of other interesting situations. All of that was a wakeup call. Read more>>

Katie Rice

I moved to Atlanta in 2001 from Ohio after graduating from Miami University with a degree in Social Work—only to quickly realize that path wasn’t for me. After a brief one day stint at Red Lobster, I landed a job at Van Gogh’s restaurant in Roswell. Read more>>

Ken Leach

I’m Ken Leach, a retired educator with 37 years of experience, specializing in ocean education and the creator of Gwinnett County’s oceanography curriculum. Growing up on the Oregon coast, my passion for the sea was born in the tide pools and carried into my classroom, where I infused art into learning. Read more>>

Tadiwa Nashë

My name is Tadiwa Nashë I am a singer, songwriter and poet. I was born in Zimbabwe and raise in America. Growing up moving around a lot art was where I found my ability to express myself and share my story. I often found through stories is how we connect with others. Read more>>

Denita Simmons

Tailor Fit Travel was born in June 2018 from my passion for creating memorable experiences that bring families and loved ones closer together. I’ve always believed that travel isn’t just about going somewhere — it’s about connection, celebration, and making moments that last. I entered the travel industry after years of being the “go-to planner” among friends and family. Read more>>

steffani salter

How I Became a Life Coach: The Spiritual Awakening That Changed Everything People often imagine that I became a life coach after discovering my passion for helping others. But the truth is far more intricate—woven with grief, spiritual awakening, and a calling that found me long before I understood it. Read more>>

Aaron Wright

I’m a business coach with ActionCOACH Peachtree and part of the global ActionCOACH network operating in 84 countries. I help business owners and executives create and grow businesses, ideas, and teams into sustainable, profitable enterprises they truly own. I do this by applying my skills, experience, accountability, and the proven ActionCOACH system to their unique situation to catalyze rapid, measurable growth. Read more>>

Chris Jeffreys ‘Hollywood Fizz’

Acting and creating have been a part of my life since childhood. I’m the oldest of sixteen siblings, and I grew up in what some would call tough circumstances. When the power would go out, my siblings, cousins, and I would pass the time playing improv games just to keep ourselves entertained. Read more>>

Genai BossmanQ Reeves

My story begins in the Bronx, New York City, where the foundation of my drive was laid. From a very young age, I knew my purpose was to entertain and create. My little brother and I would play DJ and host, and I was always drawn to being the host—the one shaping the experience. Read more>>

Bena Klier

Fashion is part of my bloodline. I have been sewing and upcycling since I was a kid. Creating is my therapy. Read more>>

Sergey Pavlov

I usually tell people my journey started the day I realized two things:Houses take too long to build, and Most contractors still run their businesses like it’s 1985. So, I decided to fix both. Read more>>

Imari Havard

In 2007 I created a nightlife concept called PlayDate. It was a game night for adults that was designed to cater to those who were tired of the ‘same old’ club and bar scene in Atlanta. We simply combined classic board games, video games and interactive games (childhood classics like Musical Chairs, Hula Hoops and Simon Says) along with music, dancing, food/drink and laughter. Read more>>

Erica Scott

My creative journey began in my junior year of high school, when I earned the leading role in a full-length production of The Outsiders. Despite strong competition, I was cast as a Black young woman in the lead—a milestone that fueled my passion for the stage. Read more>>

Neion Deion

Straight out of Atlanta, GA, Neion Deion carves his name into the culture with ice-sharp delivery and a minimalist, street-informed style. His music fuses introspection with intensity, pulling from hip-hop, R&B, and soul to create a world where emotion meets swagger. Influenced by design, fashion, and the rhythm of Atlanta life, Neion brings a clean aesthetic and cinematic energy to every track. Read more>>

Steven Marcus Walker

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to art. I was the kid who was always sketching, building things, exploring texture and color. My mother recognized it early and nurtured it, but it was my grandmother who truly watered that seed. Read more>>

Wanxin Zhou

I spent the first half of my life growing up in China, and at twelve, I moved to the United States. The cultural differences and contrasting aesthetics between the two worlds have constantly collided and reshaped themselves in my mind. Read more>>

Kadrolsha Ona Carole

Kadrolsha Ona Carole first rose to international recognition as the Queen of the Paranormal®, a title earned through decades of groundbreaking paranormal work, media appearances, and her signature ability to merge credible investigation with compelling entertainment. Her leadership in the field, along with her distinctive charisma, made her a central figure at conventions, on television, and across pop-culture circles. 0

Tina England

I started this business 25 years ago in NYC with just the notary service (lives in GA for the past 6yrs). I decided based on the needs of my community to incorporate a mobile service for those who can’t get out. Ie, hospitals, nursing homes, businesses and the overall convenience of having a notary come to you. Read more>>

Aranda Jenkins

I started at the end of 2020. I knew for a long time I wanted to start my own clothing brand and because the world was at a stand still during this time I took the opportunity. I started under my first brands name Aboriginal The Brand I was under this name for the first 4 years. Read more>>

Alexander Hull

I got into life insurance because I’ve always had a genuine desire to help people, but becoming a father took that to another level. I wanted to set a better example for my son and make sure he would always be financially secure. Read more>>

ync madeit

I am a Trinity American artist producer overall musician that’s been in the game for almost 10 years. Read more>>

Brittney Lee-Williamson

My journey started with a genuine love for helping people and a curiosity about how healthcare works behind the scenes. I began my career in a hospital setting, where I learned early on how important accuracy, compassion, and communication are in patient care. Over time, I developed a strong interest in how information is managed, protected, and used to support the patient experience. Read more>>

Carolyn Mitchell

At The Natural Way 365, our story began with a simple truth: healing is a daily practice, a lifestyle, and a relationship with yourself. Before the brand ever had a name, my journey started at home. In 2014, I began making natural hair care products for my daughter’s simple, herbal-infused blends created to nourish their curls and protect their crowns. Read more>>

Harry Stern

I grew up in a New York City neighborhood populated by a wide range of immigrant groups. The neighborhood bordered Harlem, which was often the scene of racial tension and teen clashes. The environment was a stimulus for me to become self-reliant. Upon graduation from City College of New York, I was employed by a residential treatment center for teen delinquents. Read more>>

Delva Michel

As a co-owner, building this space has been a journey filled with challenges, learning curves, and a lot of determination. Starting any business from the ground up isn’t simple, but I’ve always believed in the power of never giving up. Educating myself, staying connected in the creative community, speaking up, and asking questions have all played a huge role in getting here. Read more>>

Raquel Durden

My name is Raquel Durden. My writing journey began long before I ever thought of myself as an author. I wrote poems periodically from high school through the COVID-19 Pandemic as a way to relax and reflect. But, I NEVER set out to write a book. And yet, here I am today: a recently published author with a successful book and an unexpected opportunity to write a teen edition of the same work by my publisher Fresh Water Press, LLC. Read more>>

Tashia Tate

My story began as a young college student who had a love for filming. I began my journey of getting my degree in Film & Technology at Southern Crescent Tech. It was then that I realized there was a way to combine my two childhood passions. Videography and modifying cars, I took my education and started building an online community for others inspired to learn about film and customizing their cars. Read more>>

Tyrone “Red” Cooley

Hello my name is Tyrone “Red” Cooley owner/artist at Tri-Cities Tattoo Co. Former owner of the legendary West End Tattoo in Atlanta. I started my tattoo journey in 1995 @ Electric Ladyland Tattoo in New Orleans LA. I specialize in traditional tattooing.I work with two other very talented artists. Read more>>

Karim Badani

My story with Ivy Kids really begins with family. I grew up in India in a very comfortable and connected environment. When I was a teenager, my parents made the decision to move to the United States so I could have opportunities they never had. They left behind careers, community, and familiarity. Read more>>

Pilar Stolarczyk

Baking has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It taught me patience, creativity, and the joy of putting care into something for someone else. I did not know it then, but those same instincts would guide me once I found my way into real estate. Read more>>

Shannon Barnes

The BraveArt Initiative was formed from two passions. First I am passionate about my career as a mental health professional, with almost twenty years of experience working with community members who struggle with life/relationship stress, mental health, and/or trauma. I understand the importance of an eclectic solution focused approach that is rooted in empirical science and not pseudo science. Read more>>

Coach Q Atkinson

I have always had a love for both basketball and teaching others, so naturally this led me to helping out with many basketball skills camps and other events over the years. Read more>>

Director Snipes

My journey began in the humblest corner of Lincoln Park, Georgia, where the sidewalks were dirt and the stars felt close enough to touch. I grew up in a shotgun house, raised by a family whose love was loud, whose lessons were sharp, and whose grit shaped the rhythm of my spirit. Read more>>

Sruthi Subramanian

I’m a producer based in Atlanta, and my journey here really began when I moved in Fall 2023 to pursue my M.A. in Film & Television at SCAD Atlanta. That transition opened the door to everything I’m doing today. One of my first major opportunities was working as a Production Coordinator on chefATL for Episodes 6 and 7. Read more>>

Kejay Urbane

I made my way through Atlanta and all its parts; making and losing friends along the way all while finding how to capture those same precious parts of how we live as people, black people. Old, young. Man, woman and all along the spectrum. Together. A picture is worth a thousand words i always tell myself, and with my style pf photography i try to bring the viewer next to me in a sense,and show them how warm the world still is with each other, with ourselves, with God, even in times of anguish without the need to speak. Read more>>

elaine sterling

My story is rooted in resilience, passion, and a belief that education can change lives. I began my career in South Africa, where I trained deeply in skincare and esthetics. When I came to the United States, I saw an incredible opportunity to elevate the standards of esthetics education by blending European traditions with modern innovation. Read more>>

Zion Butler

I started photography in 2022 after being inspired by my childhood friend Tevin, who was finding high success on different social media platforms , gaining an huge audience. At first, I wanted to create public interviews and trending videos, so that’s what I studied. I approached it like a business from day one—learning scriptwriting, analytics, and camera tech. Read more>>

Dominic Atibil

I started my creative journey through design. I earned a degree in industrial design, which gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, making things with intention, and thinking about how people interact with what we create. Over time, that same curiosity pulled me deeper into music — specifically house, techno, and electronic music. What began as experimenting with DJing turned into a real passion. Read more>>

Samantha Mandell Melissa Matthews

(Melissa) It’s incredible looking back on how Skirts Up actually started. Our story is really rooted in the friendship of our husbands, Brett and Simon, who were best friends and roommates for years, which naturally brought Sam and me together. Read more>>

Jasmine Shegog

I started my creative journey as a mother trying to understand emotions—first my children’s, then eventually my own. After becoming a teacher, I saw up close how much emotional intelligence impacts a child’s learning and confidence. That led me to write my first children’s books, Now I’m Really Mad and Silly Little Squabbles, to help kids name their feelings in a fun, relatable way. Read more>>

Jay Sésán Conzé

My path into clinical research began in graduate school, where I was training to be a psychotherapist but quickly saw the industry’s untapped need for business-minded voices who could communicate the true value of drug development—where every drug on a pharmacy shelf represents a billion-dollar journey from molecule to market. Read more>>

Ariell Alexander

I graduated from the illustrious Winston-Salem State University with a degree in Exercise Science. While I was proud of that accomplishment, I always knew deep down that I was meant to build something of my own. After college, I started a hair business, but during the pandemic the quality just wasn’t up to my standards, and I couldn’t stand behind it. That’s when I pivoted. Read more>>

Lil Raheezy

My name is Lil Raheezy. I actually started my career long before social media became what it is today. I began as an independent rapper on MySpace, back when that platform was the center of online music and networking. Read more>>

Iyara Smith

I got into fashion design school and even received a scholarship, but I still couldn’t adopts to attend. I have been a one woman show styling freelance styling shoots since 2016. Whether it is a shoot for my model friends, collaborating with photographers, or building my own personal portfolio., I’m usually the stylist and/or MUA on set. Read more>>

Jason Burton

Jason has been attached to the water since he was a young child playing and fishing in creeks and lakes in Michigan to a teenager exploring the swamps, canals and ocean in SW Florida to finally discovering whitewater kayaking in Athens, GA. Read more>>

Charles McMillan

My journey to owning a veterinary hospital is probably a little different from most, mainly because it wasn’t a dream I chased from the beginning. For most of my career, opening a hospital of my own wasn’t even on my radar. Read more>>

Myrtle Means

Dr. Means grew up on the east side of Detroit in a place of violence, poverty, and limited education. She was determined to get out and education was her road map. Myrtle C. Means, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist practicing in the Metro Detroit and Atlanta area. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Michigan State University and University of Detroit Mercy, respectively. Dr. Read more>>

IAMFLUX

Well, I got my first drumset at 3 years old. I had been showing a pure interest in percussion since a baby so my parents acted on that. From there, I was always in music classes throughout grade school and then the marching band, playing the tenor drum, in high school. Throughout that time I was in PG County, Maryland. Read more>>

Stevie Miles

Well it’s hard to say, my 1st performance was in Purgatory at The old Masquerade with Urban Chaos ENT (sold out show) I believe i was 16 at the time. I grew up with musicians and always had a passion for knowledge in the industry. Read more>>

Vorrapon Jirakasemnukul

I’m originally from Bangkok, Thailand. I lived there until I was 10 before moving to the U.S. in search of a brighter future. Since then, I’ve moved around a lot, just following wherever school or work was taking me. Read more>>

Dr. Queena Quintana

My journey began long before I ever stepped into a counseling office or taught my first graduate course. I grew up deeply attuned to the emotional landscapes around me such as the untold stories, the unseen wounds, the resilience people carried quietly. That awareness shaped everything that came next and moved me into the work that I am currently rooted in. Read more>>

Sina Khoshbayan

My mother has always been the fearless spirit in my life – adventurous, open-hearted, and quick to remind me that the best things in life begin with taking a leap. My dad has been the calm, grounded man and the one who taught me how to build, fix, and solve problems with my own hands. Read more>>

Janis Cohen

I didn’t come face to face with my authentic truth and my true self-worth until I was 51 years old. It was a sunny Wednesday in the fall of 2021, when my brother drove with me to my ex-boyfriend’s house to get the few belongings that I had left there. Read more>>

Martha Whittington

Wood has always made sense to me. The grain, the weight, the way it pushes back or suddenly gives in when you’re not expecting it. That is what I connected with first. I learned a lot of this from my brother in Clarkston, Georgia. He made primitive pre 1800 furniture with traditional tools and methods. Watching him taught me that materials have their own honesty. Read more>>

Carmalita Boston

Wife and mother, mental health service provider, and Evangelist. I grew up in the City of Rome GA . I was raised by my great grandmother along side my mother and siblings. We were poor but my great grandmother was a hardworking home provider and my mother worked as a banquet waitress and CNA. Read more>>

Yasmeen Sa’eedah

It was during the ice cold “Blizzard of ‘96” when I got my first fix……in fashion. I developed my passion for crafting looks for every occasion at a very early age. You see, back in the nineteen hundred and nineties growing up in Southeast, DC, I literally had to walk fourteen blocks just to go shop on Minnesota Ave. Lol! Read more>>

Katelynn Gonzalez

My journey to The Vineyard Spa is really a story of surrender and God’s restoration in my life. I spent four years running a beauty business focused on lash extensions. On the outside it looked successful, but inside I was changing. When I gave my life to Christ, He began transforming my heart in ways I didn’t expect. Read more>>

Phoebe Langan

I was 17 years old when I decided to start school to become an Esthetician. I completed my training hours and became a Licensed Esthetician by the age of 18. I spent most of my career focusing on waxing and it started to become my passion. For about 6 years I worked for other business owners in spa or salon settings. Read more>>

Myra Killings

My career in real estate began after working as an interior designer for several clients in the music and entertainment industry in the early 2000s. Although I initially helped them find properties in my role as a designer—not as a realtor—I soon realized the value of being able to guide them through the full real estate process. Read more>>

Denise Bjurholm

Backpack Buddies began in 2017 with a group of volunteers who gathered each week to pack food for children facing hunger on the weekends when they did not have access to school meals. These dedicated volunteers partnered with one local elementary school to provide nutritious meals and snacks for children to take home in their backpacks each Friday afternoon. Read more>>

Gianna N. Brown

My story began taking form at the age of 12 when I started my first business. With a deep conviction that generational change could start with one girl, one woman who dared to honor her gifts, leveraging them to lift others. Over the years, I learned to own my purpose, to educate, to empower the masses. Read more>>

Gabriel Wittosch

The Fish Hawk was started in 1974 by renowned fly fisherman Gary Merriman. Over the decades, Gary built the Fish Hawk into a world renowned fly shop known for its quality gear and expertise on all facets of the sport. Our focus is not just on local waters, but both fresh and saltwater fishing around the globe. Read more>>

Kim Regas

My road to becoming an interior designer all started with my love for pretty. I was bound to end up somewhere striving to bring beauty into the lives of others. Read more>>

Haddie Hood

Dr. Haddie Hood is a seasoned Registered Nurse with nearly 30 years of diverse clinical experience, known for her commitment to healing, leadership, and personal transformation. She began her nursing career as a young mother determined to build a strong foundation for her family, earning her LPN and later her RN while navigating significant life challenges. Read more>>

Tye L, Jackson

Absolutely. My story really starts in San Diego, California, where I grew up surrounded by sunshine, family, and a community that taught me the importance of hard work and heart. Not long after high school, I felt called to do something meaningful, so I joined the U.S. Air Force and served four years as an Aerospace Medical Technician. Read more>>

Noah Jay Wood

I started performing when I was really young. My parents put me and my sister into acting classes when I was about six, and I even got to be on a PBS Kids show (Lomax The Hound of Music). Read more>>

Connie Paul

I started my business from scratch. I am a Filipino doctor residing in New Zealand. I decided not to practice medicine in New Zealand and study about Gerontology instead. I then set up a business caring for the older people. Read more>>

Omar Thompson

ima comedian of 20 years plus. Was homeless earlier in my career right after I finished my college. Got a degree in marketing management. came back to NY and started doing comedy. I’ve made a living doing standup, producing shows, marketing shows, and acting. TV shows on HBO, Showtime, BET etc. I decided to open a comedy club in my in laws brownstone. Read more>>

Curdarius Swain

Originally born in Elizabeth City, NC, I initially started playing music to support my oldest son. What was survival, turned into something a lot greater. Read more>>

Fnan Ocbai

For over five years, I’ve been proudly servicing clients throughout Atlanta, especially in Buckhead and Brookhaven. I specialize in eyelash extensions, makeup, and nano brow hair strokes. More recently, I’ve started working in TV and film production for The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and I’ve loved the glamour and creativity that experience has brought into my work. Read more>>

Jasmyn Fritz

As it relates to my new game, Let’s Rap Card Game – I started listening to more rap music and naturally consumed more and more content around it; reading books and articles, watching interviews and video analyses. I was inspired and challenged to get deeper into the music and to better understand so much of what I was glossing over. Read more>>

Chris Butsch

My journey to becoming The WHEELTOR(TM) – and helping people buy cars full-time – involves bears, drug dealers and sold out Porsches. So bear with me (pun intended). Anyways, for years and years I was the Lead Autos Writer for multiple finance websites: ConsumerAffairs, Money Under 30, Erika Kullberg and more. I also contributed regular columns to Forbes, Fortune and a few others. Read more>>

Yolanda Crawford

As someone who has experienced harmful stereotypes first-hand for being a black woman, I knew that I wanted to take a stand not only for myself, but for other black women who also suffered from these stereotypes. Back in 2013, I launched a website of t-shirts, which ultimately turned into my brand #EndTheStereotypes. Read more>>

Dundalan Sain

I’ve always seen myself as a builder. Long before ESCO, I was the person trying to turn ideas into systems, side hustles into companies, and hard moments into fuel. Entrepreneurship for me didn’t start with a restaurant; it started with a mindset, figuring things out, taking calculated risks, and learning how to create opportunities where there weren’t many. Read more>>

Roy Bean

It all started in 2007 with an outdoor Boot Camp. Then I was recruited as an outpatient wellness director at a physical therapy clinic. Moved on to corporate health and fitness throughout the years. Kept my head down and kept grinding, and here we are 18 years later. Read more>>

Bria Clark

This journey didn’t begin with a young girl finding her voice. It began with a grown woman choosing to make an impact by offering a solution. My relationship with shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, and even the natural “let it be free” phase eventually led me to stepping fully into womanhood and committing to becoming the best version of myself. Read more>>

Willie Richie

I was introduced to music at the age of 10, when I was enthralled with New Edition, Kool and the Gang and Jackson 5. Once I entered Junior High school I started doing local talent shows with my cousins. My whole family is musically inclined. Once I got to high school I formed a group called Ragg Tyme. Read more>>

Joseph M

I believe courage and determination set the foundation for our journey. Jacob, Rapheal, and I decided to build something of our own by amplifying talent—especially from Africa and the diaspora. Over time, we expanded into multiple genres including pop, R&B, and even rock, becoming a diverse music company built by musicians who truly love the craft. Read more>>

Racquel Germany

I started my creative journey while in High School, but acting was the first art form that truly helped me discover my voice. Over the years, playing different characters, working on various sets, and studying the craft have taught me more about myself than I ever expected. Read more>>

Bibiana Patrick

I started my beauty business in 2018, but the foundation for my journey began long before that—back when I was fresh out of hair school in Fargo, North Dakota, with a brand-new license and a big dream. Even then, one of my biggest goals was to work in TV and film. I didn’t know how I’d get there, but I knew I would. Read more>>

LaToya & Linda Lott

Our story is really a mother–daughter journey shaped by transition, faith, and a shared belief that creativity can open doors to healing and possibility. For me, LaToya, the path to L&L Crafty Finds began after spending 15 years advocating for equitable access and opportunity through the U.S. Department of Labor. I loved the mission, but life shifted suddenly when my federal position was eliminated. Read more>>

Kid (Eric) Voorhees (Posey)

I was the kid with the stutter so much so that it would make me a target for other kids growing up. Eventually, I found myself hating my voice for a long time as a result then I started making music. Read more>>

Shane Gibson

Creating and designing clothes helped me stay focused and centered, I’ve loved fashion since I was a child. My brand “Valuable Souls” is about surviving things that were meant to break you and every soul has value no matter what. Starting off it was hard balancing life, bills, helping my mother while she was down all while building my brand. Read more>>

Jico Manayala

I was born and raised in Gwinnett, Georgia. Growing up, I quickly developed a love for music and instruments, starting with the drums. I got good enough to play at church, and soon after I picked up the guitar—my first performance was at my fifth-grade talent show. Fun fact: the first song I ever wrote and produced was with my guitar teacher, Mr. Rob. Read more>>

Aneatrice Wornum

Back in 2022 I lost my corporate job in a very unexpected way. Instead of sulking, I planned a solo trip to visit Europe for the first time, which changed my life forever. I immediately fell in love with the culture, the pace of life, the stunning architecture and the art of discovering. Read more>>

Crystal Jackson

Absolutely. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up with a mother who owned her own cleaning company, I naturally absorbed the mindset of building something for yourself — setting your own standards, growing your own revenue, and understanding client relationships. Read more>>

Mary Lane

My story did not happen as with a grand career plan, but with a sudden walk to a mall in my late twenties. “My decision to join the Army just happened on that walk to the mall. For nine years, the U.S. Army became her world. Read more>>

Travis “BigT” Arrington

I actually created the company back in 2018 but I never circled back around to taking it seriously until 2025. I also have a sneaker/ sports memorabilia company that was doing very well, which took most of my attention at the time. But as life changes, I had an epiphany and went straight to work on building Drippin Glaze Donuts. Read more>>

Justin Reich

I was fortunate to grow up in a family that supported the arts. Everyone in my household expressed creativity in one form or another—photography, ink drawing, painting—so artistic expression was woven into my life from the very beginning. Read more>>

Shane Tepper

I’ve had a pretty nonlinear path, but there’s a clear thread running through all of it: I’ve always been drawn to work where creativity and problem-solving come together. Read more>>

Elodie Romulus

Kiddie Canvas by KC began as a simple, meaningful bonding moment between me and my son, Koraun—better known as KC. As a psychology graduate, I’ve always been intentional about pouring positive words into him, and our nightly routine of affirmations became something really special. Read more>>

Rachel Mcelroy

It’s by God’s grace and mercy that I’m a Licensed Nail Technician today. I started my journey during Covid, and that time was very hard, but I was determined. There were days we couldn’t have class because someone at the school had Covid, and we had to follow protocol, which meant shutting down for cleaning before we could return. Read more>>

Jerome Hardaway

I’m an Air Force veteran. I served in Security Forces, focused on law enforcement, base security, FAST teams, and QRF work, with multiple deployments around the world. When I left the military around 2009 to 2010, it was the height of the Great Recession and I was trying to figure out my next move. Read more>>

Sydney Robinson

I want people to know that S&S Learning Center is a family owned in-home daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old, we also offer before- and after-care. This business is ran by myself, and my mom and with family has employees to keep it family centered. Our program is student-centered with a strong focus on hands-on learning and real-world skills. What I believe truly sets us apart is the way we operate: we value our parents and show it consistently. Without them, we wouldn’t be successful. Read more>>

Tracy Smalls

Boy, has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. The struggles have been uncertainty and not knowing exactly how I was going to achieve my ultimate heart’s endeavors. I truly believe and operate in the mindset of it takes a village, a tribe to assist with getting to my next level in business; however, it has been somewhat of a bumpy road obtaining and solidifying that support. Often times fear was my biggest obstacle as well and not allowing myself to release being afraid and embrace technology to help me along my journey. Read more>>

Aerial Ellis

I’m a Memphis girl at heart, and my journey has always been shaped by faith, curiosity, and a deep love for helping people grow. Things really took root at Tennessee State University, where my interest in communication and culture opened the door to launching my first business immediately upon graduating. Read more>>

Shamieka Corbett

I AmMiekaCreations was born from a passion for craftsmanship and a desire to bring unique and custom jewelry to people of all ages and genders. Founder and designer, Shamieka Corbett, who also holds the title of both mother and wife, was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia. During the challenging times of the pandemic, Shamieka turned to jewelry making as a creative outlet. Read more>>