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.

Jessica Koalenz

I began working in mental health as a skills trainer when I lived in Minnesota in 2008. When I moved to Georgia in 2011 I was torn between pursuing a Masters degree in Counseling or a Masters in Health Care Administration. Read more>>

Courtney Plaszenski

The 1980’s Hitachi VHS camcorder cost a fortune back then, but my parents never kept it locked away from us kids. At two years old, I played Dorothy in a Wizard of Oz home movie with my older sisters, lost in our little made-up world. Read more>>

Soliana Cortez

Hi, I’m Soliana the face behind Solianamarie Photography. I’m creatively driven and have always known I wanted to work in a field where I can express my creativity, and photography is just one of many hobbies I took on when I was younger, I quickly feel in love with it and felt a passion for it. Read more>>

Virginia Spalter

I have walked many paths in my life. I grew up in the Detroit area of Michigan and came to Georgia via Florida. I worked many jobs from running my own business as an artist and real estate agent to owning an art gallery here in Georgia. I love sharing the beauty of what people create and who they are with others. Read more>>

Clarence Adams

We have a bounce house business that we started about 6 years ago and we were looking for ways to enhance and diversify that business and we’ve loved Italian Ice since we were kids. So we looked into adding that aspect to our business and realized that no one was selling it in our area. Read more>>

Melvina Bryant

Pooh Polly’s Beauty Station was born from both personal conviction and lived experience. As a business owner, author, and community advocate, I have always been driven by a desire to create spaces that uplift, affirm, and strengthen women, especially Black women. My journey didn’t start in beauty retail. It started with resilience. Read more>>

Shawna Quota

I started my photography journey doing every kind of photography. Then, I found boudoir. It felt like I had found my purpose. Helping people build their confidence is a joy I can’t find anywhere else. I’ve recently expanded into fashion photography and senior photography. I feel that those genres are also great ways to help people with their confidence. Read more>>

Keshara Goode

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a mother, and my journey started long before I stepped into a formal role in mental health. As a former teen mom, I learned early on the importance of resilience, support, and self-advocacy. Those experiences shaped my passion for women’s health and the deep connection between physical and mental well-being. Read more>>

James Bond

DADish was built to be that bridge, supporting fathers, mentoring youth, and strengthening families through practical programs, education, and community engagement. This foundation represents more than a nonprofit. It represents a belief that with the right tools, support, and examples, we can change generational outcomes and build a stronger future together. Read more>>

Chef Jerome Brown

My story began in East Orange, New Jersey at the age of 7. Cooking was the gift that GOD gave me. My formal training came by way of the US Army I went in as a cook and got certified as a Chef in 1988 while being stationed in South Korea. Read more>>

Toya Thomas

How I got started? This is an interesting question to dissect. I think my family is like any other family. My mom and dad share two girls, my oldest sister and myself and then my mom has a son and daughter not of my father’s and my father has two sons’ not of my mom. I am the second oldest of my siblings. Read more>>

Meagan Crowe

Having recently turned 40, I feel like I’ve already lived at least three lives. The first was my childhood and early teens, followed by 10 years in the chaos of active addiction. In the later years of my addiction, I somehow managed to complete two years of college, get married, and have a child. Read more>>

Tiesha Taylor

My journey into mental health work is both personal and professional. I began my career in 2006 when I enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve as a medic. During my service, I deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Read more>>

Mary Burdette

I used to tell people I’ve always been a creative, but the older I get, the more I realize that every single person is creative – we just have different avenues to express it. As for me, I like to work with my hands. In 2013, my sister was engaged to be married and trusted me to design and address her wedding invitations. Read more>>

Dr. Kimberly Gore

I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and I am proud to be a product of Atlanta Public Schools. Education shaped my life from the very beginning. Read more>>

Ashley Santos

I was born in Tijuana Mexico, but I moved to the United States when I was 4 years old. Growing up, I was told to believe that it was impossible for me to become a citizen. Read more>>

KANDI MITCHELL

Hello my name is Kandi, I am a 40 year old mother of 3 adult daughters and a 10 month old grand daughter. I’m originally from Chattanooga, TN born and raised, but have been residing in Georgia for almost 14 years . When i first moved to Georgia I was on welfare ,Section 8 and food stamps. Read more>>

Sneha Issani

My journey with Kumon actually started when I was a child. I was once a Kumon student myself, and I still remember how much it shaped the way I think, learn, and approach challenges. It didn’t just help me academically, it built discipline, confidence, and independence. Read more>>

Ashley Rose Howard

I’ve never taken the straight path. I prefer the scenic route. With detours. So many detours. And the occasional plot twist. As a little girl, I was wildly intuitive and obsessed with writing stories. I built entire imaginary worlds instead of playing sports. My big dream was to become a New York Times bestselling author. Read more>>

Rob V

I grew up in a strong Christian household and wasn’t really allowed to listen to everything on the radio. I used to sneak and listen to rap on the radio when my parents weren’t around and that’s how I ended up falling in love with hip-hop. I was always intrigued with the rhymes and putting words together so I started doing so myself. Read more>>

Tatiana Franklin

I discovered my passion for helping others as a senior in High school. While my passion was to learn psychology and become a therapist, through the many turns and twists that life throws at you, the early chapters of my journey put me in the middle of a busy advertising agency, doing project management. Read more>>

Chris Demant

My wife Ann and I actually moved to Atlanta with the intention of opening a restaurant. But along the way, a consultant we were working with recognized a different strength in us, designing and building, and encouraged us to pivot into metal and woodwork instead. Read more>>

Angela Chrusciaki Blehm

Ten years ago as a mom of young children, I returned to a full-time career as a fine art painter. While I worked at home, I often found keeping the balance of parenthood and career challenging. I took a few art trips to quiet and inspiring locations to focus on my work. It was amazing what a few immersed days did for my art! Read more>>

Armani Abernathy

K-Naan Got Da Dope! I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I’ve been involved with music pretty much since I was a child. I started out with a recorder in 3rd grade like any other normal kid in school at the time. But little did I know at the…that little recorder would open a floodgate into a whole other life I never imagined. Read more>>

Nancy Harris

As a child growing up in Maine, we were an avid ski family. I found out at a very young age that my knees were not cut out for this sport, so I had to find a way to pass the time while I waited for them to come off the slopes. Read more>>

Marcia Rich Lee

I’m originally from Chicago, but Atlanta has been home since 2004. I came down to attend Clark Atlanta University, studied Mass Media with a concentration in radio, and honestly never left. Creativity has always just been a part of me. I grew up around art, storytelling, and women who figured things out and built things from nothing. Read more>>

Caekelia Sutton-Watkins

A Brighter Day Early Learning Academy, Inc. was founded in 2014 from a place of faith, determination, and a deep passion for education. My husband and I started with a simple but meaningful vision: to create more than just a childcare center. We wanted to build a place where children were truly taught, nurtured, and prepared — academically, socially, and emotionally — for long-term success. Read more>>

Adrieanna Allen

Everyone deserves something sweet. However, there are an array of food preferences and dietary restrictions and goals that can limit someone from enjoying a confectionery treat whenever they like. For this reason, fueled by our passion and love for baking and bringing enjoyment to people in our community and beyond, we founded the Vegan Sweetie in 2019. Read more>>

Joseph Laster

I started cooking at a young age so my mother wouldn’t have to work all day then come home to have to cook. Cooking has always been a passion of mine. I take pride in what I prepare praying to leave a lasting impression for my guest. Read more>>

Eric Howe

My journey with clay began in my late teens at prep school in Pennsylvania. It was the first elective I chose simply because I was curious. I knew very little about ceramics at the time, but I was drawn to the idea of creating something from essentially dirt — from nothing. Read more>>

Carsten Vollrath

My journey into the wedding industry actually began with Visual Arts Wedding Photography. For years, I operated under that banner, capturing the nuances of a couple’s big day through a lens. It was a period of incredible growth and learning, but as the industry evolved, I realized I wanted my brand to reflect something more deeply rooted in the place I call home. Read more>>

Tyree Edwards

My story in entertainment actually started in front of the camera. My brother and I began as child actors and models for Shop-At-Home Network in Nashville at around five and seven years old. After moving to Georgia, our mother signed us with Atlanta Models & Talent, where we’re still represented today. Read more>>

Leo Solomon

I began my career in marketing for a large family entertainment company, creating photos and videos to boost sales. My work helped generate millions in just a few months, and that’s when I realized I had a knack for visual storytelling and helping businesses grow. Read more>>

Malcom Devoe

My journey began in Covington, a small city that shaped my values around faith, discipline, and education. Growing up, I always loved mathematics and problem-solving. I was fascinated by how systems worked — whether numbers, computers, or human behavior. After high school, I attended Morehouse College, where I earned a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Read more>>

Joseph Moseid

When I was 13, I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in my pineal gland. During my recovery in 2002, daytime TV was mostly Ricki Lake, Maury Povich, and the Food Network — and that’s when my passion for food truly began. For me, food is a universal language; even a simple gesture, like rubbing your belly, communicates “yummy” without a word. Read more>>

dillon Toups

I used to stand up comedy and travel to do shows. One year for Christmas, my family took a trip to a casino and I happened to win $3,000. I figured that I would take those winnings, and transform it into a side hustle that would allow me to keep pursuing comedy, while making some income at home. Read more>>

Rusne Augustinaite

I started thinking beyond basketball in high school. While I was dedicated to the game, I always wanted to create something of my own and express ideas outside of sports. I’ve always loved fashion, but instead of spending $100 on a quality hoodie, I decided to design one myself. Read more>>

Tiera Richardson

My story is really about evolution, how purpose, family, and lived experience can reshape the way you move through the world and serve others. I’ve always been someone driven by impact and intention, balancing the everyday roles of being a wife, a mother, and a woman with a big vision while navigating ambition, service, and purpose. Read more>>

Kema Hodge

My journey didn’t start as a dream. It started as a decision to finally trust God with the creative gifts He’s given me. After 15 years in marketing managing teams and social profiles, innovating ahead of trends, building funnels, and leading strategy, I found myself in a position like millions of others: without a job in 2025. Read more>>

Khari Ferrari

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom loves to tell stories about me making up songs in the backseat of the car and singing myself to sleep as a child. I grew up in the Baptist church, where music was deeply woven into my foundation, and creativity was always encouraged in our home. Read more>>

Jackie Chambers

I began my career focused on helping teams work better together, but my lens on leadership and transformation was shaped long before I entered corporate America. Raised between my Caribbean and British roots and later coming to the United States, I learned early how culture, identity, and belonging influence how people show up in the world. Read more>>

Erica Beeler

Having a creative outlet is something that has always been important to me. So much so, that from a young age, I was determined to have a career in a creative field. That vision evolved over time, as I went from wanting to be an author and illustrator to thinking about becoming an interior designer to eventually dreaming of being a film editor. Read more>>

John Paul Diaz

Founded in 1988, Tree Sound Studios has grown into one of the Southeast’s most technically comprehensive analog-forward recording facilities. The current location, established in 1995, was built around purpose-driven acoustic design and large-format infrastructure. Studio A, opened in 1996, was designed by renowned acoustician George Augspurger in collaboration with Paul Diaz. Read more>>

Rollie Abshire

I came home from the military in 2005 after serving as a submarine mechanic. Submarines don’t allow for ego or shortcuts. Every bolt, every system, every detail matters. You learn quickly that precision isn’t a preference — it’s a responsibility. When I transitioned into civilian life, I followed the expected path: college, degrees, corporate career. It looked stable. It sounded successful. Read more>>

Kimberley Clark

I truly believe that Painting with a Twist found me. My journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when I was searching for a fun, easy way to host a birthday celebration at home. Read more>>

Hyuna Swanson

I started my career in New York City, spending over 20 years in fashion and beauty — leading creative, directing campaigns, and learning how to build images that don’t just look beautiful, but communicate something powerful. New York trained me in precision. Lighting mattered. Details mattered. Presence mattered. Life eventually shifted me to Georgia, but it wasn’t just geography. Read more>>

Ceno RudeBoy

I started The Muzik Addictz back in 2012 with the idea of promoting artist online for free in return for a follow/shout out. Almost like a shout/out for shout out type of deal. I brought the idea to my brother LB199X and he thought it was a genius idea. We started the twitter and took off from there. Read more>>

Malaysha Longshore

At 18, I decided that my mindset would be my greatest investment. I understood early on that success starts internally, with discipline, resilience, and personal responsibility. I realized that no matter what industry I entered or what goals I pursued, the way I think, respond to challenges, and handle adversity would ultimately determine my results. Read more>>

Ruby Hernandez

Hi, my name is Ruby Hernandez, and I’ve been working in the beauty industry in Atlanta for over 14 years. My journey started in high school, where doing makeup for friends quickly turned into a true passion. I loved the creativity and the confidence boost it gave people, and I knew early on that I wanted to build a career in beauty. Read more>>

Diego Davis

It started at the bedside. Before there was a company, before there were contracts or staff or any of the business stuff, there was just me, a nurse who saw the cracks in the system every single day. Read more>>

Phillip An

Café Sparrow is owned by Don Shon and Phillip An, and our story really started with two very different paths that naturally came together. Don has been in the coffee industry for almost a decade. In his twenties, he owned two cafés and later became the operations manager for a local coffee brand called Because Coffee, where he helped open and support eight locations. Read more>>

Devon Hines

Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Praise Leader,Stage play writer and Director.Devon is unafraid to rock the waves in contemporary gospel music. Born in a suburb of Miami/Atlanta, Devon was inspired by his elementary school music teacher who encouraged him to sing in the youth and elementary school choir. He made his first debut at the ripe age of 8 yrs old singing ‘What the World Needs Now ‘. Read more>>

Nicole Tennant

Founder of Vintage Charm Rentals & Events and Venue Coordinator at The Venue at Cottonwood Farms, Nicole Tennant is known for creating refined tablescapes and elegant event environments that blend timeless design with thoughtful detail. Read more>>

Meagon Whitehead

I’ve always had a deep love for gymnastics and cheerleading. I grew up in the sport, competed for years, and later coached and judged, so movement, discipline, and performance have always been a part of my life. Athletics shaped who I am not just physically, but in leadership, confidence, and work ethic. Professionally, my career originally went in a different direction. Read more>>

Jennifer Hrabowski

I’m Baltimore bred, but I now call Atlanta home, and legacy runs deep for me here. I am a descendant of Bishop Wesley John Gaines, founder Morris Brown College, so service, leadership, and community impact have always been part of my story. I began my career in healthcare as a nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, just like my mother, Jacquelyn Gaines. Read more>>

Indy Wilson

I started my journey in media with a deep curiosity about storytelling and a desire to create spaces where women—especially women of color—feel seen, heard, and empowered. Early on, I immersed myself in broadcasting, eventually hosting my own live radio show, Girl Let’s Win, on iHeartRadio. Read more>>

Thelma Wilke

My brother, Brian McCarthy and I have been working together for over 30 years. For the last 25 years, we have focused on the hospitality industry – developing and managing modest hotels. In mid-2020, we decided to expand our business and explore existing hotels for renovation. Read more>>

Nathaniel Speciale

My story really starts when I was about 12 years old in upstate New York. My dad taught me the trade at a young age — not just how to use tools, but how to take pride in your work, show up consistently, and stand behind what you build. Those early years shaped my work ethic and laid the foundation for everything I do today. Read more>>

Aprell Taylor

I started out as an elementary school teacher, then a school counselor. Early in my career I wanted to become a therapist, however I was a single mother and could not afford to quit my job to complete the PsyD program at Georgia State. Dream deferred, not denied. I had my youngest son in 2007 and took the year off to care for him. Read more>>

Craig Henderson

I grew up in Bedstuy, Brooklyn NY surrounded by creativity, music, and people who believed in me. I was encouraged to try, fail, and try again. That freedom shaped how I see life today. Not every child gets that support. I knew early on I wanted to help create it for others. Read more>>

Jazzmin Bethea

My journey with Full Court Press began long before I ever typed the first chapter. It started in real life — in the middle of pain, perseverance, faith, motherhood, and basketball. I’ve always been passionate about uplifting others, especially through sports and mentorship. Read more>>