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.
MajorLeagueJay
MajorLeagueJay – Artist Story Born in Greenville, South Carolina and moving to Atlanta at just eight years old, MajorLeagueJay grew up between two worlds—but it was the southside of Atlanta that shaped his style, his lingo, and his motivation. The city’s energy, culture, and pace became the backbone of the artist he’d grow into. Jay’s connection to music started early. Read more>>
Jaylin Rutherford
Gifted Souls started in 2021 with the idea of building a brand that represented purpose, individuality, and authenticity. I wanted to create pieces that felt meaningful – something people could connect with, not just wear. What began as a small project with a strong message has grown into a brand focused on quality, storytelling, and inspiring people to embrace their own gifts. Read more>>
Bindi Mehta
My name is Bindi Mehta, and I’ve been living in Atlanta for more than 25 years. I’m a content creator, and I make funny videos for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. I come up with my own ideas, write the stories and scripts, and handle all the editing myself. I was born and raised in India. Read more>>
Patrez Height
As a Georgia native, military veteran, banker, and entrepreneur, I can confidently say that my mother and my faith have been the foundation of my character and achievements. Read more>>
Maria Seijas
My First Academy of Alpharetta is a family-owned and operated school founded in 2008 by Maria and Otto Seijas. It came from the result of the vision of an educator (Maria Seijas) who believes passionately in the significance of an early education, and her older brother (Otto Seijas), who is the financial investor and who promoted Maria to make her dream come true. Read more>>
4 Visualz
4Visualz started as my personal outlet for capturing authentic culture and storytelling through visuals. Over time, that passion grew into something bigger — shaping creative direction for both my media agency, @dfrnthype, and my streetwear brand, @4lties. Everything I create comes from the same core — representing real people, real energy, and translating lifestyle into art. Read more>>
Trae Alécia
I’m someone whose journey didn’t begin with opportunity — it began with survival, responsibility, and an early understanding that life shapes you long before you know you’re being molded. I grew up an army kid between southern roots and the Bronx, in a family full of complexity, generational lessons, deep love, and deeper silences. Read more>>
Teri Thompson
My story started in the grind of the courtroom. I have been a trial lawyer for over 32 years. Specifically, I have represented hundreds of juvenile and adult offenders, and over 40 indigent men and women facing the death penalty in Georgia and around the country. My passion for representing those who society has written off turned into fierce advocacy. Read more>>
Denae
Hello, my name is Denae! I am a serial enterpriser, currently enthralled in self improvement coaching and wellness life coaching, involving genuine improvement in the areas of mind, body, and soul. Read more>>
Peyten Williams
My work today really grew out of two lifelong callings that eventually braided together: a love for children and a deep interest in education practices that work to build knowledge and relationship. I started my career as a classroom teacher and later moved into school leadership. Read more>>
BJ Pepukayi
But those experiences forced me to grow. All of those struggles were really teachable moments. They taught me discipline, adaptability, and resilience. Every challenge pushed me to learn new skills, create my own work, and stay consistent, even when no one was watching. Those hardships didn’t break me– they clarified my purpose and strengthened my drive. Read more>>
Christina Childress
I’m from Memphis, Tennessee, and that’s really where my creativity was born. I grew up in church singing and performing, and that naturally led me to Stax Music Academy. Stax shaped me in every way. They taught me discipline, intention, artistry, and how to create something that actually moves people. Being on stages my whole life did something unexpected. Read more>>
Brelyn Turner
I went to college for Marketing, and landed a job with a startup social media management company. From there my love for documenting all the little things that bring me joy blossomed! I love to show off places I travel, products that I use regularly, and just silly little life moments! Read more>>
Kelly Johnson
I started my career in healthcare marketing and spent years building teams, driving growth, and learning what strong leadership really requires. On paper, I was successful. In reality, I was searching for work that allowed me to make a deeper impact while still being present for my family. That turning point led me to start my own business more than eight years ago. Read more>>
Dana Tzegaegbe
Dana Tzegaegbe is an operations, people, and talent leader whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to equity, community-centered design, and building organizational systems that allow teams to thrive. With experience spanning global nonprofits, mission-driven startups, and creative ventures, Dana brings a rare blend of strategy, empathy, and hands-on execution to every environment she steps into. Read more>>
Dr. Andrena Phillips
My journey didn’t start with a blueprint or a perfect plan. It started with life happening to me and a decision that life would not define me. I’ve worn many hats along the way: but in reality, I am a woman rebuilding herself brick by brick. Read more>>
Info Black
I recorded my first song when I was four years old. My stepdad took me to a studio, handed me the mic, and just let me have fun. A few years later, around 10 or 12, I met a producer named Pharaoh who gave me real studio access, and that’s when I made my first official record. Read more>>
Ava Mize
My family says I came out of the womb a drama queen. I have been performing for people as long as I can remember. At first it was small things like making up dances in my living room or singing ‘Hey Soul Sister’ in the car. As I got older I was asked to read books for small concerts in school or perform solos. Read more>>
Reco Devonn
At 23 years old, I started my personal training career in 2013, out of a small family oriented martial arts gym called Total Boxing. Total blowing was located in Roswell Ga, Holcomb bridge rd (Not there anymore) a kickboxing gym that was home to many fighters and clients that took bootcamp or self defense classes. Read more>>
Sydney Johnson
My journey in the beauty industry started long before I ever realized it would become my purpose. I’ve always loved creating, transforming, and helping people feel confident, but it wasn’t until I began doing hair consistently that I understood how naturally it came to me. Over time, what started as a passion grew into a career path, and eventually a brand. Read more>>
Erica Ahmed
Absolutely–I moved here almost 3.5 years ago from Maryland so Atlanta is now home! My background is in public health and psychology. I am an HBCU grad x2 and a proud mom. I knew very little about cleaning products or sports:-). My journey regarding The Green Laundress began at home, with my daughter. Read more>>
Keya Trivedi
From the very beginning, I’ve been captivated by the power of healing — not as an abstract idea, but as a force that can genuinely change lives. This fascination didn’t come from books or lectures; it came from home. My father’s dedication to the pharmaceutical industry wasn’t just a career choice, it was a calling. Read more>>
Chelsie Robinson
Hiiii Yes Thank You So Much for finding interest in me to have me interview for your platform I really appreciate it. I started as a little girl singing and watching Beyonce and Mariah Carey videos. When I discovered You Tube I would watch live performances for days and hours; locking myself in my room studying their vocals, their runs, their performance style. Read more>>
Jennifer Trejo
I started doing hair long before I ever stepped into a salon or a classroom. It began as something I did for family and friends, and over time it became the thing that grounded me, motivated me, and honestly saved me during moments when life felt unpredictable. What started as a skill slowly grew into a passion, then a purpose. Read more>>
Liyah Mehndi
My story really began in Brooklyn, New York, where I was deeply immersed in the pole-dancing community—surrounded every day by performers, creatives, and the nonstop energy of nightlife. Over time, I noticed a real gap in the industry: there were very few durable pole-rental options, and almost no one was focusing on high-quality construction or aesthetics. I wanted to change that. Read more>>
Corey (HateOnRay) Gammon
My story really starts in the nightlife. I’ve always been drawn to the aesthetic of it. the people, the chaos, the way a good experience can completely change someone’s night. I started out in the service industry working the same way everybody else does: long shifts, late nights, learning to deal with every personality that walks through the door. Read more>>
Kevin Harris
Age Well ATL was founded with a deeply personal mission. After my wife, Yolanda lost 67 pounds through a medical weight-loss program at another med spa—and naturally referring countless friends, family, and clients who were inspired by the transformation—we realized there was a greater purpose at hand. Read more>>
Gerald Fadayomi
I was born and raised in Atlanta GA. My parents never married – Mom has schizophrenia and dad left in the 3rd grade. I bounced around in foster care until I moved to Alpharetta when my mom got on her feet however she then went to jail when I was 16 y/o. Read more>>
Skai Rose-Young
I was born and raised in Queens, NY, and from a young age I had a deep love for the arts. I took dance classes at Alvin Ailey and performed in plays and shows hosted by my after-school teacher, Ms. Yvonne, who truly nurtured my talents. Read more>>
rogelio peral
Honestly, my story starts when I was a kid. I was practically born in a circus. I come from a full circus family, and my grandfather, ‘Pepino’ was one of the great Cuban clowns. So making people laugh is basically in my DNA. Read more>>
Tany B
My journey started with a genuine love for storytelling, connection, and building things that resonate with people. I began my career in marketing and sales, where I spent over a decade learning the fundamentals of branding, customer engagement, and business growth inside large organizations. Those years gave me structure, discipline, and a deep understanding of how strategy and creativity work together. Read more>>
Jasmine Mitchell
“Absolutely. My journey started back in 2016 when I decided to step out on faith and create Chocolate Creations Hair Company. I’ve always had a passion for beauty, hair, and making people feel confident, so getting my cosmetology license was the foundation. Read more>>
Garrett Forge
So that I don’t write a novel since my path has been long and had many detours, I will be as brief as I can. It started off through a connection from my church choir who recommended me to tryout for a musical theater show. Read more>>
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>>
