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.
James Stough
Back in college, I was curious about forging and what blacksmiths do, so I did some online research. I thought it would be fun to give it a try and make some knives. I started messing around in my back yard with a blow torch. I made a few knife shaped objects, they could cut things but not the greatest works. Read more>>
Kristien Stephenson
• From Dallas, Texas , Surburban rised, peach creek / country roots • Wadrobe stylist backstage for Macys fashion show , homecoming , royal court, friends and family. Read more>>
Jay Johnson
I’m Jay Johnson, a 32-year-old multi-business owner and dedicated mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to take control of their future. My journey started behind the wheel — literally. I began as a company driver and, through relentless focus, smart strategy, and unshakable determination, I built my own successful business from the ground up. Read more>>
Teddy Meeks
It’s been a lifelong dream of ours to own a farm with an ol farmhouse to renovate and, to be honest, we were unsure if it would ever be more than a dream. In May of 2019, after years of searching, we were approached by Glenn & Kathleen Beckham about purchasing a portion of their 5th generation family farm dating back to the 1870’s. Read more>>
Mark Jackson
We are a band called HALL OF THE ELDERS that is reviving CRABCORE, one breakdown at a time. We tour in a school bus conversion as our tour bus and make lots of videos on our trips. We have converted the school bus into our home-away-from home ourselves. It carries all of our gear and sleeps 5. We also play internationally. Read more>>
Affiniti Harris-Mordecai
I remember starting at the age of 3 or 4 always feeling the energy of individuals and animals around me. The emotions of others have always been very easy for me to detect due to my highly intuitive abilities. Read more>>
Jason Gray
My trajectory towards interior design was unusually unorthodox. After earning a degree from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, I began my career as a General Contractor. The business was thriving until the 2007 mortgage crisis, which hit Atlanta—particularly the city’s east side—exceptionally hard. During the recession, I worked in luxury retail, including roles at Louis Vuitton and Brooks Brothers. Read more>>
Kia Hawkins
My journey started as a direct support professional working as a life coach for an adult day program. I encountered a case manager that would come to the program to check for compliance. She inspired and encouraged me to apply for a position at her job. Read more>>
Ashlyn Ellington
I never set out thinking I’d run a growing practice. My first real experience with therapy was actually family therapy as a pre-teen. Every Wednesday night it was me and my two parents crammed onto a loveseat with the promise of ice cream afterward as the only incentive. Read more>>
Joe StucKEY
I started my real estate journey with curiosity, grit, and a deep desire to help people feel secure in one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Like many entrepreneurs, my path wasn’t linear. I entered the industry eager but quickly learned that success in real estate isn’t just about sales, it’s about relationships, trust, consistency, and learning how to navigate challenges with grace. Read more>>
Christina Cocita
My name is Christina Cocita. I’m a wife and a mother of four boys, and I started Globody in September of 2020—right in the middle of COVID. At the time, I was running a gym with a predominantly female client base and began thinking about ways to supplement my income. That’s when the idea hit me: What if I offered spray tans? It started simply. Read more>>
Jeremy Farlow
I was born and raised in Atlanta (literally a Piedmont Hospital baby) and I’ve been making and breaking things for as long as I can remember. As a kid it was bikes and motorcycles, and that naturally grew into cars and anything mechanical I could get my hands on. Read more>>
Ajai Craig
My journey began long before I earned clinical credentials. Finding Your Ase’ was born in 2017 out of my own lived experiences, healing journey, and a deep calling to help others reconnect with their inner strength, identity, and purpose. At the time, I didn’t yet have the language of therapy—I only knew that people needed safe spaces to be seen, heard, and empowered. Read more>>
Pinky Bemah
As a child, I grew up in a community were the rich and poor didn’t mixed. I used to visit the Bassa town across from where we lived and shared with them whatever I had. Read more>>
Dr. Clea McBride Etheridge
Dr. Etheridge got started in a small mindset of, ‘I just wanna do something I love and will never get laid off again’. She took the passion of helping people, the drive for being an entrepreneur and married the wellness career. Read more>>
Josephine Karpeh
Absolutely. My journey into the beauty industry actually started as a hobby. I’ve always done hair on the side—mostly for extra income and because I genuinely enjoyed it. But at the time, my main career was in the medical field. I’m a trained medical assistant and worked in healthcare for over ten years. Read more>>
Felix Zuniga
My journey into cutting hair started unexpectedly when I was in high school. One day, my best friend asked me to cut his hair. I gave it a shot, and before I knew it, he kept coming back. With every cut, I got better. Word spread, and what started as helping out a friend slowly became something I was passionate about. Read more>>
Dr. Noah Marchese
Was an avid athlete growing up, concentrating on soccer and wrestling. Played soccer in college and got hurt during summer training. Went to many orthopedics, physical therapists, and massage before trying a chiropractor. After just one appointment, my back and hip pain was almost instantly gone. At that moment I knew I had to be a chiropractor. Read more>>
vieira owens
I began humbly as a contractor for a local healthcare company in Atlanta, diving into the fast-paced world of healthcare communications. Those early days tested my grit, teaching me the ropes of digital strategy and social media under pressure. Read more>>
Pierre Jennings
I’ve had the creative gene for as long as I can remember. Not just in skill, but in how I think and see the world. I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and my mom loves telling the story of how she would hand me blank sheets of paper and watch me draw for hours, usually my favorite cartoon characters. Read more>>
Theresa Carcioppolo
It all started with raising three boys whose curiosity for the outdoors was matched only by their talent for surprising me with critters I couldn’t identify. Rather than panic (most of the time), I chose education. With a lifelong appreciation for animals—furry, feathery, and especially scaly—it was no surprise that I gravitated toward rescuing the underdogs of the animal world. Read more>>
Swan Simpson
In 2004, I lived in Los Angeles working in the tv & film industry writing and producing. I came to the quick understanding that there is a gatekeeper system in Hollywood that very rarely granted any substantial access to people of color. I was able to be in certain rooms myself and some would say that’s all that should matter. Read more>>
Judy Rossi
I have been a physical therapist for over 30 years. For the majority of my career, I specialized in orthopedics until about 8 years ago, I started specializing in pelvic health. I had my own pelvic health condition that was ultimately solved through pelvic floor physical therapy. This is what inspired me to pursue advanced education in pelvic health. Read more>>
Tiffany Wilson-Revill
I do believe when you are called to do something, it comes off repetitively, like it starts the same way for many, and for me, I’m the same in that aspect. Life for me was great. I worked with the biggest wholesaler in the country, was topped out in pay with a raise, etc. Read more>>
nathanael logan
I grew up in a what would appear as a normal family, but it was dysfunctional. Successful to the world’s standards but not what I needed to grow up successful and prepared for life as man. I entered the drug scene early on at age 15 and by age 25 I entered a 20 month long Christ centered drug rehabilitation program. Read more>>
Alexander Heide
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even though my upbringing didn’t give me access to traditional entrepreneurial paths like tech or finance. I started working in construction at 12 years old, and every business or side hustle I’ve ever had has involved physical, hands-on work. Building things with my own hands is what I know and what I love. Read more>>
Mary Beal
As I briefly walk you through my story, I share how my life began and the journey that led me to where I am today. I was born the seventh of ten children to Rev. James and Luella Campbell Beal on a farm in southwest Georgia. My parents were deeply loving and instilled in us a strong foundation rooted in spirituality, education, and family unity. Read more>>
Chinmaya Mishra
When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. I liked the work life balance compared to other healthcare fields. I went through the rigor of dental school at the University of Minnesota and started practicing in 2019 here in Georgia. Since Covid, I had wanted to own my business. I liked being a dentist. Read more>>
Ashley Lance
Aced It! 360 Photo Booth was created from a genuine passion for crafting unforgettable experiences and bringing people together in joyful, meaningful ways. I launched the business with a clear vision—to offer more than just a photo booth, but an interactive experience that captures authentic moments filled with laughter, fun, and connection. I’m incredibly grateful that word continues to spread about the exceptional experience each guest receives, helping Aced It! grow into the trusted name we work hard to build and uphold. Read more>>
Kevin Blosser
The seed for Nugget Ice was planted a long time before there was ever a machine. It was a fall morning in 2002, my first day of business class at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. The professor mentioned a term I’d never heard before: “cash cow.” Something about that stuck with me. I didn’t know what it would be yet, but I knew one day I wanted to build a business like that — something simple, durable, and scalable. Read more>>
Bryan Rex
How I got into the business was because I lost my job in the textile business. Textiles were slowly going to China and other foreign countries. I couldn’t find a job no matter how hard I tried. To stay afloat financially I started selling all my furniture. Furniture that I paid a fortune for I was having to sell for pennies on the dollar. Read more>>
Lindsey Duvall
I started my career more than 15 years ago in the hospitality industry, working for family-owned and small businesses where I learned how every moving piece of a business fits together. Over time, I became the person owners relied on to organize operations, manage projects, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Eventually, I realized my skill wasn’t just administration. Read more>>
DeAvera Todd
My story started long before college coaching or choreography contracts, it started as a little girl who fell in love with movement. Gymnastics gave me a language when I didn’t always have the words. It taught me discipline, creativity, resilience, and how to show up even when things were hard. Read more>>
Jesse Adams
My friend Allison and I started Multiverse Convention in 2019 (after 2 years of planning) because we wanted to see a fandom convention that was built from the ground up with inclusion as a primary guiding principle. We wanted fans of geeky things to have a place they could feel truly welcomed and appreciated regardless of their background. Read more>>
Destine Diaz
Peach Co. Cleaning was built from the ground up with one simple goal: to serve our community with care, consistency, and quality. What started as a small, family-run cleaning service quickly grew through word of mouth, repeat clients, and a commitment to treating every home and business like our own. As demand grew, so did our vision. Read more>>
Chase DiDit
I started creating music at a very young age. Before writing full blown songs, it was poems. From beating on the tables in schools to producing my own instrumentals using programs like FL Studios and Reasons. Once I learn how to record and engineer myself, that change the game for me. Read more>>
Nancy Masoud
I was frustrated by standard treatments that offer rapid but unsustainable results, I recognized that effective weight management involves more than just calculating calories. My goal is to help every client understand their body and harness the power of long-term well-being. I find my greatest joy in seeing clients improve their quality of life. Read more>>
Tahirah Jennings
I’ve honestly always loved hair. I thought for a long time that I’d be a hairstylist—I’d been doing hair since my early teenage years. What’s funny is, the first time I ever thought about being a barber, I was probably eight or nine years old. But the thought didn’t last long. Read more>>
Edward Oueilhe
My career began in real estate, where I quickly learned that long-term success isn’t built on transactions alone, it’s built on trust, service, and consistency. By focusing on exceptional customer experiences and a client-first approach, I built a strong reputation and a network of repeat clients. Read more>>
Crown Suave
During my creative journey, I’ve met artists, models, photographers, movie directors, etc. Through networking, I’ve gotten into the fashion and movie industry. I actively walk in fashion shows, and I am in an action/drama series called, “West End Girlz.” Coming soon! Read more>>
Alex McCarty
I worked for a local hot rod shop through high school and college. After finishing college and welding school I knew I wanted to have my own shop. I had already collected enough tools and had the drive to make it happen. At 23 I opened up my shop, McCarty Speed & Fab, and never looked back! Read more>>
Gaurav Mahajan
The Enchanting Story Knowledge is what the past was built on. Intelligence is what is shaping our today and tomorrow. Read more>>
Brooke Harris
I had a somewhat difficult childhood and don’t have the best memories, but I remember one thing clearly. When asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I said the same thing over and over, ‘I just want to help people.’ What kid says that? I didn’t exactly know what helping people meant, so I started my undergrad in nursing pre-requisites. Read more>>
Amber Hipple
I have been part of the beauty industry since 2015, focusing on eyebrow, body, and Brazilian waxing. In 2021, I took a leap of faith by launching my own solo esthetic studio. This decision led me to pursue further education with professional skincare brands, allowing me to offer high-end facial and skincare services centered around natural anti-aging protocols. Read more>>
Charmaine Broome
I’m originally a professional vocalist. I sang with Kirk Franklin for 18years, and when the pandemic hit everything changed. I was on the set of a show that use to come on BET called “Sunday Best”. In the middle of rehearsal everything shut down. With weeks passing by, with no sign of the pandemic slowing down. Read more>>
Patricia Gonzalez
I came from Colombia, South America almost 28 years ago. I completed med school but I needed to take some boards in order to be able to practice medicine in the USA. Because I needed to work and improve my english, started working at Emory Hospital doing medical research. Read more>>
Hannah + Raymond Lawson
We started our handyman business when we realized getting into the film industry made more sense from a Production standpoint point than trying to “break into it” via acting. We feel more at home as creators feeling like a human prop. Ray and I moved here from the Florida Panhandle to pursue acting, but when God gives you gifts you’re supposed to steward them well… Read more>>
Jodi Tallman
I was working for a company in Senoia Ga and they suddenly closed leaving the patients I was caring for without notice. I initially started a televisit platform specifically so that they could at least get their refills and so that I could let them know what had happened with the office. Read more>>
Samantha Scott
I am originally from Chicago and relocated to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University, where I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I am currently wrapping up my doctoral degree in Public Policy and am set to graduate in August 2026. I am an elementary school teacher in the inner city of Atlanta. Read more>>
Monisha Longacre
I was a vice president managing weather.com at The Weather Channel, which was a top fifteen consumer website at the time. I had two very active young children. My husband was a partner at Ernst & Young, traveling weekly to one client or another. While we were living in Atlanta, my extended family still lived where I grew up in Northern Virginia, so I didn’t have much local support. Read more>>
Jaimie Steck
My name is Jaimie Steck. I’m a pop performing artist from sunny Orlando, Florida. I grew up in the entertainment field as an actress and moved my way into singing once I graduated high school. I grew up watching the great performers in the music industry and felt a fire inside. Read more>>
Barnett Buchanan
Pharo Clothing started about 10 years ago in Georgia with a simple idea: build a brand that stands for ownership, confidence, and legacy. What began as a small, independent clothing line grew through consistency, self-funding, and belief in the vision. From day one, the focus was on quality, message, and meaning—not trends. Read more>>
Eliad Vaknin
I grew up in Israel, raised by a father who was a contractor. From a young age, I was taught that in construction, your word matters — be honest, stand behind your promises, and take responsibility for your work. After those early years, I took a three-year break from construction to serve in the Israeli military, which is mandatory for everyone. Read more>>
Manny Lasprilla
At Manny Sazon, we’re more than a food truck. We’re a family owned and operated business built on passion, culture, and connection. Every dish we serve carries the flavors of our Colombian roots, but just as important, it carries our heart. From day one, our mission has been simple, bring people together. Read more>>
Panchajanya Paul
I am a child and adult psychiatrist, currently practicing in the city of Atlanta. I do both private practice consultations and hospital affiliations. I was born in India, and did my medical schooling in India. Then I came to the USA in 2007 and did my training in psychiatry from University of Toledo. Read more>>
Joan Suh
I didn’t begin my career in law. I began in ministry. I earned my undergraduate degree in seminary and spent my twenties in full-time ministry while raising three children. That experience shaped how I think about leadership, service, and responsibility. At 32, I made a strategic decision to pivot. Read more>>
Jerry Vanloozen
I started my retirement journey 2 years ago. I love to spend time at the lake, waterski and coach kids so I set up a website looking for more friends at the lake. In the first 90 days I received a request from a Netflix reality project where they needed a waterski boat. Getting the project was a lot of fun. Read more>>
Baochau Le
Our business is a proud family-owned venture, co-owned by my oldest sister and me. With over 30 years of experience in the nail industry, my sister’s journey began when our family immigrated to America. To help support us during those early days, she took on work after being introduced to the art of nails by a family friend. Read more>>
Shardae Wherry
In 2016 I purchased my first home as a recent graduate. The process was confusing, and I was ill informed of the process. For my second home, I understood the major steps of the process but had a similarly frustrating experience with the financing. I felt as though it had to be a better way. Read more>>
N’aimah Abdullah
At the same time, I had a natural love for teaching. I would often gather my brothers and insist on playing school, with me as the teacher and them as the students. While one brother, in particular, wasn’t fond of being the student, they usually went along with it. Teaching, leading, and guiding others came naturally to me long before I understood it as a calling. Read more>>
Dorothy Fobbs
Here’s what nobody tells you about transformation: it doesn’t announce itself with trumpets. It comes quietly, in the middle of the night when you’re too tired to pretend anymore. When you finally admit that burnout isn’t a badge of honor – it’s your soul screaming for liberation. When we last connected in 2021, I was in that exact moment. Walking away from what looked good on paper but felt like death to my spirit. Reclaiming my voice. Rebuilding from alignment instead of obligation. Read more>>
Earl Mells
For nearly half of his life, DJ EarlThe3rd has been honored to bring the hype and provide the soundtrack for events of all types and sizes, from personal birthday parties with dozens up to tens of thousands, from Florida to Chicago to Texas and beyond! Read more>>
