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.
Mpumi
⸻ Growing up in South Africa, I was always known as a creative person. I loved working with my hands and truly enjoyed creating. I come from two families that ate artistic and creative in many ways, so creativity has always been a part of who I am. When I moved to America, my creativity grew even more. Read more>>
Sherwin Loudermilk
My career didn’t start in homebuilding. It started in corporate America. I spent many years at IBM, where I learned the importance of systems, consistency, and culture. That experience shaped how I think about leadership and business, but I always had an entrepreneurial pull and a deep interest in building something tangible and lasting. Read more>>
Lance Gibbs
I started young, driven more by instinct than a plan. Music was the first place where I could translate how I saw the world into something tangible, and early on it became clear that I wasn’t just interested in creating songs I was interested in building systems around creativity. Read more>>
Jonice Cromartie
No Heels to Heal started in twenty twenty from total knee replacements that I had on my knees at that time it was about healing from that. Read more>>
Caitlyn Atwell
My story starts at the Aveda Institue Atlanta in 2018. I was 17 when I moved here from my small hometown in Alabama, to pursue my goal of becoming a hairstylist. After graduating from cosmetology school in 2019, I planned to take 6 months to center myself before starting in a salon. Read more>>
MOLLY HOPKINS
Founded in 2006, LiviRae Lingerie began as a boutique dedicated to expert bra fitting, bust health, and custom intimate apparel. In 2013, Molly became one of the stars of Lifetime’s reality series Double Divas, where she showcased her passion for empowering women and supporting individuals of every shape and size. Read more>>
Lynne Moyer
Luminate Marketing started as just a small, bright idea. Over 15 years ago, when the idea came to mind, I hoped it would change the world. Since 2010, Luminate has served over 500 nonprofits and churches with a singular purpose: to illuminate the messages of Christ in the world. Read more>>
Lloyd Fisher
I didn’t start out in landscaping. My background is in marketing, and for years I worked with large brands on the agency and brand side. I also loved working with service businesses, helping them think clearly about systems, customer experience, and long-term growth. Read more>>
Aoi Sejima
I was born in Japan, moved to South Korea at age four, and then to the United States in fifth grade. Growing up across three countries shaped how I see the world, and eventually, how I approach design. I always knew I wanted to create something visually beautiful but useful, but I didn’t know which tool would be right for me to execute that. Read more>>
Shavonne Anderson
My journey really started with people. I’ve always loved creating spaces where others feel comfortable, celebrated, and at home. Whether that’s helping someone find the right house or bringing an event vision to life. I didn’t wake up one day with everything figured out. I learned by doing, by showing up, and by trusting that my creativity and gifts would open doors. Read more>>
Devon Hirsch
From a very young age, I developed an obsession with Apple products, design, and the idea that technology could feel sophisticated, intentional, and human. That curiosity was paired with a strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents and reinforced early on by the incredible people at BB’s Bagels in Alpharetta. Read more>>
Melissa Brown
My Journey into the counseling field came from a deep desire to create the kind of space I didn’t always see or have growing up. A space where hard conversations are allowed and experiences validated. Read more>>
sheila Littles
Practitioners Community Care (PCC) is a solo practice ran by a Nurse Practitioner who saw the need for helping the community stay well. With over 20 years working as an Registered Nurse before obtaining a bachelor’s Science in Nursing and then a master’s Science in Nursing; Sheila Littles, then obtained her Adult-Geriatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license/Nurse Practitioner in the state of Georgia. Read more>>
Ebony Chambers
I embarked on my reading journey in late October 2022, inspired by the accounts I saw on my social media timeline of fellow readers and the emotions they experienced while reading a particular book. I yearned to share that same feeling online, so on December 15, 2022, I created @ebonyessencebookshelf on Instagram. Read more>>
Tae Millhouse
I honestly started creating my ideas in my head as a child. Rather that I was blessed with these thoughts and ideas as a child. From a very young age I knew that I wanted to be of service to people. I believe it started with watching my Mom, my Uncle and basically my entire family. Read more>>
Palmer Alexander III
I’ve worked in media since 2003, starting in St. Louis covering the Rams and Blues for the St. Louis American and later moving into radio and podcasting. NTZ Atlanta launched in 2022 while my youngest daughter was attending Collins View, allowing me to experience the city beyond work. The content stayed light—food spots, neighborhoods, and even joking about Atlanta traffic for the many St. Read more>>
Dr. Lavonia Brown
I began my professional journey in 2014 while completing my practicum for Mental Health Counseling, where I discovered a passion for supporting and empowering women through consultation and guidance. Drawing on my experience as a daycare owner for more than ten years, I began providing consultations to women interested in starting small businesses, including childcare centers and cleaning services. Read more>>
Dai Elyse
My name is Dai. I am a self taught fashion designer and mentor, originally from Brooklyn NY. I began my journey in fashion as a custom designer over 10 years ago. However I launched my Elyse Dai Co. brand officially in 2019 and have produced 3 runway shows, with one currently in the works, for 2026, I prep to relaunch. Read more>>
Alenya Mouton
We all have gifts and talents from God. My gift came through a childhood laced with vivid imagination and creative freedom that was embraced by my amazing family. While my family still teases me, my imaginative play was always welcomed and I’m forever grateful to my late parents for allowing me to simply be myself. Read more>>
Shawn Rashid
My name is Shawn Rashid, and I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a race car driver. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 5, 1995, and spent much of my early life shaped by two very different worlds. Read more>>
Travis Stahl
I grew up with a father that was in the roofing and construction industry. I remember helping him as a small child and learning over the years and then branching out into other construction industries such as framing, and full building erection for companies like Chief, Cleary, and others. Read more>>
Frederick Mitchell JR
I got started in 2017, when I got custody of my son. Just jumped in head first and figured it out as I went Read more>>
Darius Thomas
My journey has always been rooted in one belief: communication is a human right. I was born and raised with a deep appreciation for education, leadership, and service, values that were strengthened during my time at Howard University, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Read more>>
Julia Alverson
I didn’t grow up dreaming of climbing a corporate ladder—I grew up watching my mom build something of her own. She was a business owner who loved her work, valued her relationships, and proved that success didn’t have to come at the expense of life. From a young age, that became my definition of “making it.” After graduating, I did what was expected. Read more>>
Barbaro Ponce
I am a person with a disability. Started my company to help modify people’s homes to be accessible to all. It grew into design-build firm and fully renovation company. Read more>>
Evalye Alexander
My story is rooted in community, service, and a deep belief in people’s ability to grow when given access, clarity, and support. I grew up in service. From an early age, I was taught to notice the underdog, stand with the voiceless, and give without needing recognition. Read more>>
Aaron Shore
I first moved to Atlanta In august of 2014, to purse production work within the ATL film industry. For nearly a decade I had the opportunity to work on some big projects as PA all the way to Production Secretary; “Halt and Catch Fire”, “Doom Patrol”, “Bad Boys For Life”, “WandaVision”, and “The Haunting of Hill House”, to name a few. Read more>>
Finn Kulers
The first time I remember really wanting to take art seriously was in fourth grade. One of my good friends had drawn an awesome hydra and I remember looking at that hydra and thinking, “Damn— I want to make something cool like that!’ I was inspired by my friends. We would make goofy comics together and trade them with each other. Read more>>
Dr. Candice Cooper-Lovett
I founded A New Creation Psychotherapy in 2015 after a pivotal conversation with a colleague who shared very plainly that starting a private practice was far more accessible than I had been led to believe. Hearing that from someone with the same credentials as me shifted my perspective and gave me permission to move forward. What began as a realization quickly turned into action. Read more>>
Zakiya Milhouse
I started my journey about three years ago after realizing I wanted more for myself outside of motherhood. I became a mother young with children born in 2012, 2014, and 2019, and for a long time, that was the only role I knew. Read more>>
KyWuan Dukes
Born in Charleston SC, raised in Statesville NC. I got to where I am today by never giving up, staying strong, and having a very strong mentality. Instead of being a product of my environment I rather make my community and environment see the importance of positivity. Read more>>
Wallena Randall
My story doesn’t start in just one place—it starts again and again, at the beginning of every new chapter life brings me. Yes, my early years were marked by deep trauma—poverty, mental and emotional abuse, sexual assault before I was even 10 years old. That pain continued well into adulthood, leading me into a relationship that was emotionally, spiritually, and physically violent. Read more>>
Jetta Da GoGetta
What’s goin on everybody? It’s yo 1st Cuzzin on yo spiritual side, and this journey has been worth every step I had to take. I am a spiritual advisor but I only help who God sends to me. Many times, people try to make you hear their message, but I feel like you will only hear and receive me if you are truly supposed to. Read more>>
Dvisy Bellis
I’m a solo artist. I primarily do music, but lately I’ve been dabbling into other mediums to help expand on the story that my music is telling. From writing to film. I’ve been an active musician in Atlanta since 2006 as a founding member of several projects over the years. Read more>>
Billy Courtright
Brief Origin Story I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of storytelling and results — the idea that the right message, delivered the right way, can change the trajectory of a business. Early on, I saw how many great brands struggled not because their product wasn’t strong, but because their story wasn’t landing and their marketing wasn’t built to scale. Read more>>
AJ Blizzard
My name is AJ Blizzard. Im an Atlanta, GA native. I spent the last 15 years working in TV production as a Director of Photographer, doing many shows for HGTV. Growing up as a kid and being handy, building lots of things, etc; I naturally gravitated towards the home renovation niche. Read more>>
Keva McCray
My journey started at the intersection of grief and community. What began as a personal blog during a period of grief and mental health challenges quickly became a space for healing, reflection, and honest expression. Writing was initially a way for me to find peace, but over time, that outlet evolved into something much larger. Read more>>
Peter Chima
*Our Journey in Fashion The story began in a small village where the vibrant colors and unique patterns of African fabrics sparked a passion for fashion. Growing up, our founder, Modupe Onabanjo, was surrounded by incredible artisans who passed down their skills through generations. This instilled a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the stories that each piece of fabric tells. Read more>>
Maurice Ball
I’ve always had a love for fashion, branding, entrepreneurship, networking, business, music, management, and investing. Quite a bit of umbrellas right? So how could I fit multiple facets under one umbrella? With my grandad being an entrepreneur, my dad being an investor, and my uncle being a dj, music was a no brainer! Read more>>
Johanna Lyew-ayee
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, I have spent over a decade pursuing my passion for music as a professional singer. Despite my early shyness, which kept me from joining choirs or bands, my love for singing was ignited by icons like Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Jessica Simpson, and Nelly Furtado. Read more>>
Keith Fountain
My career in marketing has been shaped by a mix of curiosity, creativity, and a desire to build things that actually work. I started over 15 years ago working with small businesses and startups, where I learned very quickly that strategy matters just as much as execution. Read more>>
Tanya Bond
We opened San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company in 1992 with a pretty simple idea: bring the laid-back, community-centered coffeehouse culture we loved in San Francisco back home to Atlanta. We wanted a place where people could hang out, slow down, and drink really good coffee long before “specialty coffee” was part of the everyday conversation. Read more>>
Frank Nitty
I’ve been in art my entire life since i can remember. Im fluent in all mediums from painting, tattooing, fashion design, car designing, sfx makeup to now interior decor. My newest brand is lux homme. Read more>>
Kateryna Wolf
I’m an interior designer with a Master of Architecture, and my work has always been about merging beauty with precision—spaces that look effortless but are deeply intentional. I co-founded WOLFDENS interior design services with my husband, where I lead design and architecture and create bespoke luxury interiors for high-net-worth clients. Read more>>
Kendra Appling
Kendra Appling’s journey is one shaped by resilience, purpose, and transformation. Raised in a single-parent household with humble beginnings, she was grounded early in values of perseverance, excellence, and authenticity. Her mother, a steadfast role model, emphasized the importance of education and believing that no dream was beyond reach. “My mother exemplified strength,” Kendra reflects. Read more>>
Lauri Jones
My journey has always been driven by curiosity. I’ve kept a creative practice throughout my life, though its form has shifted with different chapters. I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1990 with a BFA in Graphic Design. I spent the majority of my career as a designer working in motion media, designing promotional animations and main titles for television networks. Read more>>
Santlo Mokae
Weddings & Events By Design was born from my own experience as a bride-to-be back in 2009. During that time, I struggled to find a vendor who offered all the services I needed or who partnered with reliable professionals to create an affordable, all‑inclusive wedding package. What should have been one of the happiest seasons of my life quickly became overwhelming and stressful. Read more>>
CRAIG APATOV
After 20+ years of leading multiple Fortune 100 marketing organizations I founded Ascension Growth & Innovation Strategies in 2003. Read more>>
Cassady Fulbright
I started painting as a way to stay connected to places and experiences that mattered to me: rivers, travel, time outdoors, and the stillness that comes with fly fishing. That connection naturally shaped my early work and helped me find an abstract style rooted in nature and observation. Read more>>
Ansley Jacobson
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve loved all things beauty. I remember spending hours playing with my dolls—cutting their hair, styling it, and having the most fun doing so. As I grew up, I was always the friend who would happily spend time getting everyone else ready for events before myself, simply because it fueled my soul. Read more>>
Rahul Panchal
I am a seasoned General Contractor with over a decade of experience leading high-end residentialand light commercial construction projects in the Atlanta market. With a degree in Civil Engineering, I founded my career on technical rigor and a long-term vision of building a premier construction firm. Read more>>
Nyree McQueen-Edwards
Honestly, my story starts with service. After graduating college, I knew I wanted to do work that mattered, work that centered people. That led me into education and social services, where I spent years supporting children and families, listening more than talking, and often sitting with people in moments that didn’t have easy answers. At the same time, I was carrying my own story quietly. Read more>>
Mary Clemons
A Leap of Faith: The Story Behind Jamilla’s Events My sister, Deborah Jones, and I, Mary Clemons, both worked in IT—steady 9-to-5s with a shared desire to build something of our own. Like many siblings with entrepreneurial dreams, we talked about going into business together, even considered starting an IT firm. It made sense. But purpose has a way of redirecting you. Read more>>
Brian Clare
The Wandering Photo Camper is owned and operated by a dedicated group of friends—nine of us, to be precise—who took a leap together and purchased the business at the end of 2021. Our friendships stretch back anywhere from 10 to 20 years (and in some cases, even longer), but this venture has been a brand-new adventure. Read more>>
Yining Li
I started out simply loving to draw. What began as a personal interest gradually turned into a deeper curiosity about how images can tell stories and connect with people. As I studied illustration and motion media design, I realized that visuals don’t exist on their own—they have the opportunity to live within brands and products. Read more>>
Estee Akpene
I grew up watching and helping my mother decorate wedding cakes, so I went to a prestigious confectionery school in Illinois to hone my passion and skills. Along the line I got a law degree and went to work in corporate – banking and finance. I learnt to masterfully navigate the intricate world of finance while cultivating a vibrant life rich in passion and purpose. Read more>>
Nnumba9
Im nnumba9. I was originally born in charlotte, NC, but moved to ga around 8-9 years old. I always felt things deeply and always had these urges to express myself creatively. Growing up you experiment alot with different outlets. Poetry, writing, rapping, etc. digital visuals just so happened to be mine. Read more>>
Tony Fason jr
I was born to perform and inspire. I Love God, I Love people and I Love to make a difference by inspiring people. Especially the people who come from poverty stricken communities with little to no resources. My first love was football I am still currently a member of the Memphis Flag football league for the 10th consecutive year. Read more>>
H. Dean Reynolds
I started as a musician first. Growing up Jamaican with a deep love for gospel and Christian music, I learned early that music is ministry, but it is also business. I spent years sharpening my craft as a bass player and music director, serving in churches and working in media and broadcasting. Read more>>
Kingdom Outkasts
We met at a Wednesday night Bible study, at a small church in Forest Park, Philadelphia Christian Church, Atlanta. Elijah had recently relocated to Atlanta, and had been watching Pastor O online. Dayja was invited by a family friend, and Brandon had heard about it through friends in the Hebrew faith. Read more>>
