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.
Ross Vogel
My lucky break came 18 months later when a small firm of four took a chance and hired me to design their spec homes and townhomes for local developers. I had very little experience, but when someone offers you a position that could redirect your career path, you gain that experience quickly by asking questions when you simply don’t know the answer. You discover that it’s more efficient for the firm to answer your questions from the start than correct your work later because you were afraid to ask. Read more>>
Crissy Himelstein
Looking back, these early challenges were invaluable. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building a strong foundation not just for the practice, but for the families and clinicians who rely on it. What started as a solo endeavor has grown into a thriving group practice that not only serves children and families but also supports other clinicians as they pursue their play therapy credentials. Read more>>
Liam Douglas
I was first introduces to photography by an uncle who gave me my first film camera when I was 10 years old. It was an old Kodak Instamatic and I would shooting whatever caught my eye around my home state of PA. Read more>>
Alan Kemp
My brother Perry and I own Lakeside Executive Suites, a successful co-working office building in downtown Acworth next door to city hall. My brother was the original founder of North Cobb Christian School and recently the new Rena Henton Theater in downtown Acworth. He was also honored for lifetime achievement by the American Medical Director’s Association with an annual scholarship in his name. Read more>>
Brandon Godfrey
My names Brandon Godfrey an actor,singer, songwriter,independent artist, and teacher originally from Burlington NC. I started singing at an early age after going with my mom to her gospel concerts where she traveled with her singing group. Read more>>
George Karampoulis
My journey started in 2010 when I first connected with relatives in the United States I had never met before. I sent them a simple email saying that if they ever visited Greece, I would love the opportunity to meet them. Instead, they invited me to the U.S. for my cousin’s wedding. That visit changed my life. Read more>>
Justin Jenkins
Growing up in Metro-Detroit, Michigan, I was always active and sports were a huge part of my life. But with that came a lifetime of injuries. After years of just pushing through the pain, I finally walked into a chiropractic office in Farmington, Michigan, not really knowing what to expect. That one visit changed everything. Read more>>
Neshia Byrdsong
I started in a place of frustration that turned to determination to succeed for my love of the Alocasia plant. It is luxurious and dramatic; each leaf has so much texture and depth that it draws you in. However, no matter what I tried, I struggled to keep it alive. I started researching different planting methods and plant care techniques. Read more>>
Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison is a multifaceted professional with a deep and diverse skill set, encompassing graphic design, marketing, website development, and real estate photography. As the Founder and CEO of Curb Appeal Photography, based in Atlanta, Georgia, he has harnessed his passion for visual storytelling and technology to make a significant impact in the real estate marketing industry. Read more>>
Annie Jones
I started my journey in photography almost by accident. What began as simply documenting moments for friends and my community quickly grew into something much bigger as people began asking me to capture their weddings, families, and milestones. I realized that photography wasn’t just about taking pictures. It was about preserving stories and moments that people would hold onto for the rest of their lives. Read more>>
I’yana Houston
Oooo well, I would absolutely like to start with — I had no idea that creating experiences and being an event planner would be a part of what I would do with my life. At all. I moved to Atlanta about six years ago with the intention of expanding my life and experiences beyond my hometown. Read more>>
Jenny Muir
I’m originally from the UK, and my journey into becoming a wedding and funeral officiant began as I started to think about what my work in the USA would be. In the UK, I had been a teacher and Vice Principal of a prestigious Independent School for many years but knew that my teaching qualifications wouldn’t easily transfer to the US school system. Read more>>
Tamira Nickerson
I originally started breeding cats because of my deep love for animals, especially kittens. What began as a personal passion quickly grew into something more meaningful when I realized how much joy a well-raised, healthy kitten can bring to families. Read more>>
Derica Sams
I’ve always known that I wanted to work in medicine and care for children. Growing up in Georgia, I was inspired by the idea of combining science, service, and advocacy for families. My journey took me through my undergraduate studies at Emory University, medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine, and pediatric residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read more>>
Cinammon Keens-Douglas
My name is Cinammon Keens-Douglas, and I’m the founder of ‘The Spice Isle Notary’, a mobile notary business based in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The name “Spice Isle” is very personal to me—it’s inspired by my upbringing and family roots in Grenada, which is known as the Spice Isle of the Caribbean. Read more>>
Lakeisha Miller
I moved to Atlanta from Chicago and began working with the Healthy Youth USA program in 2014. I started as an after-school coach and, through years of dedication and growth within the organization, I now serve as the Executive Director. Healthy Youth USA is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting youth development through sports and recreational programming. Read more>>
Bre Ponder
I began training in 2012 while working at my local shelter. Many dogs were being returned for issues that were fairly easy for me to fix. Quickly I began to grow a passion in helping owners and their dogs live happier lives. For a few years I worked with about 10 different rescue organizations helping their staff and volunteers help their more ‘unadoptable’ dogs. Read more>>
Abby taylor
My story is really one of redemption, purpose, and a lifelong love for dogs. Some of my earliest memories are sitting on the floor at my Bobo and Granny’s house watching the AKC dog show, with his golden retriever Honey laying beside me. I was completely captivated by the dogs and the partnership between them and their handlers. Read more>>
Dell Harris
I’m originally from New Jersey, but Atlanta has really become home for me. My journey has always lived at the intersection of creativity, technology, and community. Professionally, I work for a large tech company where I help improve systems and processes so teams can work more efficiently and communicate better. Read more>>
Stacey Barnett
I spent years working in the world of compliance, risk management, and regulatory reporting, where attention to detail and integrity were essential. My role was to ensure that organizations followed complex rules, protected sensitive information, and operated with accountability. That experience sharpened my ability to navigate regulations, solve problems, and handle high-stakes situations with precision. Read more>>
Ezabella Wilder
I started my wrestling journey early 2018 when the wrestling movie “Fighting with My Family” the story about Paige’s (Sarah’s) wrestling journey came out. I watched it and immediately knew I wanted to be a wrestler, that I was going to be a wrestler! Read more>>
Ashley Brown
Since I was a kid, I’ve always been adventurous, creative, and outgoing. This manifested in a lot of ways and as I got older, I realized that I was never going to be the person who only did one thing. In my teens and early 20s I was a rapper and making music was my passion. Read more>>
Sara Bradley
Yoga has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents practiced, so the teachings and philosophy of yoga were woven into my childhood. One of my strongest memories is visiting our ashram and feeling the energy of community there—people coming together to practice, share meals, and support one another. That sense of connection stayed with me. Read more>>
JD Burnett (Artistic Director of Kinnara)
“Grounded in the belief that communal singing is inherently connective for singers and listeners, Kinnara crafts exemplary musical experiences that speak to the modern soul and creates space for professional ensemble work in America.” This is Kinnara’s mission that has guided our organization since its inception. Read more>>
Jennifer Wilmoth, LMFT, CEO
It all started on a quiet summer afternoon in my rural childhood home. I went looking for a new book to read out of boredom. What I found instead was my life’s work. Growing up, my mom was curious about psychology, it showed through all of the books scattered throughout our house, many written by some of the most respected researchers of the 1990s. Read more>>
David Park
I started Covenant Audio because I kept seeing the same thing at events: when there are issues with the audio, or the timeline isn’t managed well, stress spreads fast. I’ve always been drawn to the “behind-the-scenes” work that makes the experience feel effortless: clear sound, the right music at the right moment, wireless microphones that work flawlessy, and smooth transitions that keep the room moving. Read more>>
Mary Helen Harter
I’m Mary Helen — owner and designer behind Helenly Design Co. My design career started back in 2015 as the design director at an architectural sign company, where I learned the value of thoughtful, intentional design and how much it translates into real life; not just on a screen. Read more>>
Anna Nicole
My journey with makeup started in my early twenties. At the time, I wasn’t trying to start a business or become a professional artist. I was simply focused on my own glow-up. Like many women, I was figuring out who I was, what made me feel confident, and how I wanted to show up in the world. Read more>>
Joyce Baul
My background is that I am a Biblical Lay counselor at my church for 11 years. I love helping others in this capacity, so as I contemplated doing something different as a career, I decided to get certified as a coach, so that I would be able to assist those going through life issues in a more structured way. Read more>>
Destiny Corosine
Wow, that’s a lot of reflecting. Well, first and foremost, my name is Destiny Corosine. I wear many hats—I’m a creative, manager, director, instructor, dancer, and choreographer—but today we’re highlighting my role as the CEO and founder of DesCo. Studios, a dance event production and talent management company. To truly understand what DesCo. Read more>>
Tamika Simpson
So intially I started my business after my mom passed my first business is my clothing brand no loyalty no love then I started erotic desires a Instagram boutique selling one of kind lingerie. Then initially made myself the face of my lingerie by putting my pictures on shirts and etc. Read more>>
Scott Hunt
The 3D Lab was the sculpture lab for all commercial purposes: packaging design, toy design, miniatures and models, prosthetic makeup, etc., and I spent at least 20 hours a week there on top of my full course load. I also saw the future of computer-aided art early on, so I packed my schedule with a ton of computer classes as electives, too – I even remember when Photoshop only had ONE “Undo” in it and not the whole History palette. Read more>>
Darrian Lynch (TURKBISH)
Darrian Montavias Lynch—known globally as TURKBISH—is the visionary creator and host of the internationally recognized, chart-topping podcast Talk With Turk. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and raised in Hollister, NC, Darrian’s life story is rooted in resilience, purpose, and self-discovery. After the loss of his birth mother in infancy, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, who later adopted him and instilled values of strength, compassion, and an unshakable sense of self. Read more>>
Kaci Pedersen
At KPPR, we consider ourselves the Mad Women of media, storytelling, & brand awareness. Just like the show, we provide a think-tank of creativity, storyboarding and strategy minus the cigarettes and misogyny (if you know, you know) with a goal of getting your brand’s story seen and heard. Read more>>
Mina Loudermilk
I have always had an affinity for writing. I buried myself in books since I learned to read and was always the first to start on an English assignment. Because I went to an international school, my academic upbringing emphasized the importance of diverse modes of thinking. There were 90+ nationalities that I was surrounded by every day. Read more>>
Sara Carr
I am a lifelong musician. I started with a background in classical violin but later expanded to 7 instruments across genres like pop, rock, folk, electronic, and more. I also uncovered a love for psychology when I was 15, and decided that music therapy was the perfect combination of my skillsets in what I wanted to do in life. Read more>>
Tyler Sacre
I began my journey realizing the traditional academic path was not a fit, a challenge I later understood was driven by undiagnosed ADHD and a lack of specialized technology programs. In 2009, I pivoted to the Kentucky Air National Guard, serving in Security Forces and Combat Arms. Read more>>
TIFFANY MALLOY
I started in this industry back in 1992 as a Hairstylist and in 1998 making lace units and working with hair prosthetics. I was always fascinated by transformation—how hair, makeup, and styling could completely change how someone looks and feels. What started as curiosity and passion slowly turned into a real career for me. Read more>>
Raegan Johnson
I started creating content during my first year of college as a way to document my experiences and connect with other young women navigating the same stage of life. Read more>>
Marcus Lee
My journey has been shaped by both struggle and purpose. I remember attending Paul D. West Middle School in East Point, an environment very similar in many ways to the Bankhead community I now serve. I often felt lost and unsafe, and I did not have a passion for learning because I did not yet understand its value. Read more>>
Annalisa O’Toole
In 2007, I went through a huge life transition, including divorce, becoming a single parent, buying my own home, and caring for my grandmother 3 days a week to relieve her full-time nurse – after she developed Alzheimer’s and suffered a stroke, which took her voice and her ability to function independently daily. Read more>>
Merica Mitchell
I didn’t set out to become a doula, it was more like birth work found me. Read more>>
Stacy Sutton
There have been two constant themes in my life – marketing and helping others. On the marketing front, I’m one of those unusual people who knew what she wanted to do as a young child. I can remember hand-writing a newsletter for neighbors in our Denver cul-de-sac when I was around 6 years old, leaving copies on their front porches. Read more>>
Liz Christenbury
I was inspired to create GymNet after hearing about a friend hosting traveling Olympians at his home gym during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are apps for ordering food, rideshare, and deliveres on=demand, but there wasn’t a single app where you could book a fitness experience on-demand – whether it was a personal trainer, fitness class, or gym space. Read more>>
Elicia Walls
At the end of 2019, I found myself having this almost existential crisis. I really sat down with myself and the life I was living. I was partying every weekend, smoking daily, i was in a situationship that was going nowhere, falling out with people I loved, and slowly wasting my potential. After losing my mother unexpectedly at 18, I lost my drive. Read more>>
Letitia Hauser
Mary and I are sisters and had both spent over 15 years in successful corporate careers. Mary worked in project management in the banking sector, and I worked in commercial insurance underwriting. From the outside, everything looked great. Stable, well-paying careers with clear paths forward. Read more>>
Danielle ( The Blue Hen Farm) Cook
It all began in 1998 when my husband and I, newly married with two daughters purchased a small plot of land nestled along the Etowah River in Cherokee County. My husband grew up farming, and I grew up loving the outdoors, so it was a pretty easy decision. We started with a few chickens and a small garden. Read more>>
Ashanti Bates
My journey has included several pivots. I began in the culinary industry as a chef, later becoming a partner and eventually a general manager for several restaurants. Those experiences built my leadership, discipline, and passion for serving people. Over time, I wanted to develop another skill—something creative that I could also use for myself. Read more>>
Bobby Keenum
My story begins when I was 6 years old. My father had a heart attack due to clogged arteries (he survived) and my grandfather had the same thing 6 years later, and from then on I have made it a mission to always prioritze my health and wellness so that I won’t have to have open heart surgery. Read more>>
Laura Olson
In November 2022, I found myself in a season of the most profound grief I had ever experienced. After a 6 month long battle for answers on why my son’s health deteriorated overnight, he was diagnosed with a chronic illness called, PANS/PANDAS. Read more>>
Paige Mack
I started running 20 years ago and gradually learned that I enjoy longer distances. I made the normal progression so many of us do: 5k’s, 10k’s half marathons, full marathons. I discovered the world of ultramarathons in 2021 and found that there is so much more space to push myself. Read more>>
Tavis Simmons
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents were big music lovers, and growing up they were always singing to me and playing records around the house. I also spent a lot of time in church, which helped shape my love for music even more. Read more>>
Nyowo Scott
My passion for soccer has always been a central part of my life. Growing up playing the sport and following it closely, I always dreamed of one day being able to earn a living doing something connected to the game I love. Soccer has a unique way of bringing people together across cultures, languages, and countries, and that global connection has always inspired me. Read more>>
Sara-Maya Hans
I am a paramedical tattooer at Pink Goblin Tattoo & Piercing in Athens, GA. My journey started 2 years ago when I told my boss, Kim Deakins, that I wanted to start tattooing. She encouraged me to look into paramedical tattooing and that encouragement has completely changed my life. I now specialize in gender affirming care through my paramedical tattoos. Read more>>
David Haven
When I was in my Senior year of High School I liked watching Police K9 training videos and over time I eventually found a school that taught you how to train various working dogs. When I graduated I went to this school and learned bitework, advanced obedience, and scentwork. Read more>>
Margot Wright
Growing up, I was a bit of an oddball. I was a quiet, creative kid who was happiest with a sketchbook, a coloring book, or some kind of craft in my hands. I had a very active imagination and could spend the entire day playing with the same toy, building whole worlds and stories for it in my head. Read more>>
Sofia Lopez
I was born and raised in Colombia and spent the majority of my childhood and teenage years living in the mountainous city of Manizales. Growing up I was that one shy kid with the weird interests that would be always drawing in the corner. Read more>>
Ryan Martin
My journey into dog training began at an animal clinic I started working for during my first year of college. I worked as a kennel technician and vet tech assistant. Being around dogs every day sparked a deeper interest in behavior and training, and I quickly became committed to learning everything I could about the craft. I began by offering lessons to the hospital’s clients. Read more>>
Terrence Wright
I’ve been in Human Resources for 22 years working for some of the most recognizable brands in globally (Google, GE and Time Warner). My journey didn’t start in HR right out of college. As a graduate of the University of Central Florida (commonly referred to as UCF), I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Read more>>
Jimmy Marcheso
Bath & Pajama Society started in my home, as many good ideas do. As a parent, I became fascinated with the role bedtime plays in family life. It’s one of the most important moments of the day — a transition from the busyness of the world into rest, imagination, and connection. Read more>>
DREDRICK LANE JR
I started off in the music industry as a recording and mixing engineer — and honestly, the journey started during college. As a kid, I grew up a musician, playing drums. Through my church, I learned about audio and running sound, working video cameras, and learning a little bit about video production. Read more>>
Keren Drits
A leap of faith, a passion for helping children and families, and the right timing is how I started my business, Bright Futures Child and Family Therapy, PC. I had always loved working with children. It began with being a camp counselor in high school and college, and progressed to going to the University of Florida for my BA in Elementary Education. Read more>>
Danya Maloon
I hold Masters Degrees in Education and Social Administration from Brown University and the University of Chicago respectively, and I have been a child therapist and teacher for the last two decades. Read more>>
Kelly Joyner
Our Story: Love Without Boundaries The Beginning Willow Cottage Weddings was born on June 26, 2015—the very day marriage equality became legal across America. That morning, I received a call that would change everything. Two friends who had been together for a decade finally had their marriage license from their home county in south Georgia. Read more>>
Unnisa Suarez Gayon
My story begins even before I was born. My parents journeyed from Lima, Peru, to Georgia with a vision in mind. They were determined to build a future for the next generation while honoring our cultural heritage. In 2000, I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in a musical environment enriched with genres from all over the world. Read more>>
Kim Beadles
BeaTailored was founded in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — a season marked by uncertainty, transition, and reflection. Prior to launching the brand, I worked in various challenging traditional working environments, always driven by one priority: providing stability and security for my daughter. During those traditional working years, I had the opportunity to work closely with fellow small business entrepreneurs. Read more>>
Loria Redd
My journey into entrepreneurship really began long before I started my business. I began my career in healthcare working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), providing hands-on care to seniors and individuals who needed daily support. That experience shaped me in a profound way. Read more>>
Jeffry Tizon
I’ve been passionate about drawing since grade school, and it’s always been my hobby. I dreamed of working with professionals, inspired by the superhero comic books I loved reading. After graduating, I worked as an illustrator for a private studio in the city, creating textbooks for schools. Read more>>
Phyllis Robinson
Robinson Heritage Farm began with a simple but powerful idea — that food and herbs can be both nourishment and medicine when they are grown with care. What started as a small personal growing project gradually evolved into a working farm and herbal apothecary rooted in the traditions of regenerative agriculture and kitchen medicine. Read more>>
Jakya Parker
My name is Jakya Parker, and I’m about to be 25 years old. I’m a social media influencer, content creator, social media strategist, digital marketer, photographer, travel agent, and hairstylist—overall just a well-rounded businesswoman. I’ve always believed in building multiple streams and using creativity to create opportunities for myself and others. Read more>>
Izy
Originally I’m from Pensacola, FL. I moved to Jacksonville, FL back in January of 2021 and then, after having my son in 2022, eventually moved to Georgia in April of 2025. I really don’t like titles, but I guess I would say I’m a creative. Read more>>
Shara Harges
I am a Georgia peach through and through. Although my family moved throughout different parts of the state during my childhood, Georgia has always been home, and I eventually graduated from Starr’s Mill High School in Fayetteville. Read more>>
Argene Stone
At a young age, I experienced abuse that many others also go through when they are too young to defend themselves. I was fortunate to have people in my life, some family and few friends, who helped me get through those difficult times as I grew up, and I hope others who face the same pain have someone there for them as well. Read more>>
Melanie Dalton
My passion for photography began when I bought my first good digital camera back in 2000—a Canon Powershot that took gorgeous images. I was completely obsessed. Before long I upgraded to my first DSLR, the Canon Rebel, and started taking classes at the Atlanta School of Photography. That’s when things really took off. At first it was simply a passion project. Read more>>
Jeffery Spicer
I’ve been making images for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is from kindergarten when a teacher told me I would never be an artist because I colored outside the lines. Being a stubborn kid from rural Kentucky, I decided right then that I would prove her wrong. Growing up, school was difficult for me because of severe dyslexia. Read more>>
Darian McDaniel
ProBLK Health Vitamins started as a passion project between my wife, Dr. Karleena Tuggle McDaniel, and myself, Darian McDaniel, to help address the health disparities we were seeing in the Black community. Read more>>
Amanda Johnston
I would have to say that my story started as a progressive process that was as much a part of my personal life growth and struggle as it was of academic and professional dynamics. Read more>>
Pilar Alzate
I began my spiritual journey more than ten years ago. It started very quietly and slowly—one yoga class here and there, a spiritual podcast playing in the car on my way to work, and the occasional meditation once a week. Although something about spirituality was deeply calling me, my mind couldn’t fully understand why or what it meant yet. Read more>>
Claire Robinson
I’m a registered nurse and the founder of Afterglow Anti-Aging & IV Therapy, a nurse-owned wellness clinic based in the Atlanta area. I have about nine years of nursing experience, including work in pediatrics and travel nursing, which allowed me to care for a wide range of patients and gain experience in many different clinical environments. Read more>>
Jacqueline Pingul
In 2022, I released my first single, Good Vibrations, on my 30th birthday. It was about overcoming your demons in triggered moments. In 2023, I followed it with my EP Emanate, which really documents the dark inward journey it took to find my light. Read more>>
Sarah Mangalapalli
Art is my second career. I began painting in high school, but decided art wasn’t a prudent career choice. So I went to college and graduate school and painted as a hobby/side-hustle alongside a 20-year career in leadership consulting and executive coaching. My consulting career was challenging and demanding, and I was good at it. Read more>>
Bricesin Scott
My story began with a fight for my life. Born three months premature, doctors gave my mother and grandmother little hope for my survival. I arrived with webbed hands, an incomplete leg, and toes that had formed their own way, so my body told a story of difference from its very first breath. Read more>>
Petal Asare
I’m a Ghanaian Afro-pop and soul artist originally from Accra, now based in Atlanta. My love for music started very early in life. I grew up in a musical family my grandmother and my mother both sang in church, and my grandmother often took me with her. Being surrounded by music in church played a big role in shaping my passion for singing. Read more>>
Ashley Young
I am a country girl from Maysville, North Carolina, near the beach. Being a first-generation college student with values of faith, family, and hard work, I learned at an early age that education is critical to my success and liberation as a Black woman in the south. Read more>>
Sierra Payne
As a mother and entrepreneur, I’ve spent many years building businesses and chasing big goals. But one thing I realized along the journey is that some of the most special moments happen during creative experiences with our kids. I wanted to create a space where families could slow down, connect, and create memories together. Read more>>
Christina Sietsma
I have been passionate about Africa for a long time. The vibrant colors, breathtaking sunsets, warm-hearted people and untamed beauty of the land stole my heart back in 1995. My story with Mozambique begins in 2008, when we travelled overland by local buses from Zambia all the way to the north of Mozambique. It was as if I had arrived in paradise. Read more>>
Theresa Jennings
This is such a loaded question for me to answer, but I’ll do my best to summarize! Nick and I have always shared a passion for hospitality, and from early on we talked about the idea that one day we might open a restaurant together. Read more>>
Celena Kemp
My journey into the mental health field wasn’t just a career decision — it was a calling shaped by both professional experience and personal growth. I’ve always been someone people felt comfortable opening up to. Even before I had the degrees or credentials, I naturally found myself supporting others through difficult seasons. Read more>>
Makyrah Kennedy
My journey into charcuterie actually started through my close friend Theo, who owns a catering company called Manje with Moise. She introduced me to the world of catering and charcuterie, and from the moment I started learning, I became completely invested in the craft. What began as simply helping and learning quickly turned into a real passion. Read more>>
Jacqueline pineda
My journey into photography began in a very simple way — with my phone. I have always loved capturing special moments, especially those involving my family. When my children had birthdays, I enjoyed creating small photo setups for them so I could capture those memories. Read more>>
Music Miranda
Ever since I was little, creating with my friends was something that came naturally to me. I always enjoyed filming videos with my toys and making scripts. Prince George’s County, where I am from and grew up, was very community-led. I ended up going to an arts middle school, Benjamin D. Foulois, and focused on Media Arts. Thanks to my teacher, Mr. Read more>>
Rabia Shahbaz
My journey in education has spanned more than 20 years, and throughout that time my mission has remained the same: helping students gain the tools and confidence they need to succeed. I began my career as a high school teacher, where I spent 10 years working directly in the classroom. Read more>>
Michaiah Edwards
My photography journey started in the film industry. I went to college and earned a Bachelor’s in film and media in 2021. Almost immediately after graduating, I began working on union shows in the hopes of getting in the camera department and becoming a director of photography. Read more>>
Shaela Greer
It all started when a friend asked me if I knew how to bartend. I told him I only knew how to make rum and cokes lol. He ended up giving me the opportunity to work with his bartending company, and that’s where I really started learning the craft and gaining experience in the industry. Read more>>
Lynsay Flynt
From the time I was 12 years old, I had a very clear vision for my future: I wanted to “work in one of those big buildings and have my name on the door,” just like my dad. That early ambition evolved into a deep love for marketing, art, and design by the time I was 15. Read more>>
Matt Sanchez
It starts with being a kid who couldn’t sit still in school. Academics were a struggle for me, but socially, I thrived. I was the class clown, always dreaming up the next big idea. That’s when I met my best friend Adam. We shared the same humor and the same gut feeling that we’d build something together someday. Read more>>
Dabney Dacus Smith
I’ve always loved creating beautiful gatherings. Some of my earliest memories are of hosting little tea parties as a child. That instinct to create an experience for people has always been a part of me. My professional path actually began in a very different place. I started my career as a Certified Public Accountant with Ernst & Young and later built an interior design business. Read more>>
Lindsey Billings
I grew up surrounded by small business owners, so entrepreneurship was always part of my world. My dad has owned his own business for as long as I can remember, and even started young himself. My grandfather ran a building business for over 60 years, primarily in Gwinnett but throughout Georgia. Read more>>
Christin Smith
My journey into coaching and consulting grew out of the work I’ve spent my career doing—developing people and helping them step into their full potential. For more than two decades, I’ve worked in Human Resources and leadership development, partnering with leaders and organizations to solve complex people challenges, build stronger teams, and guide individuals through pivotal moments in their careers. Read more>>
Eduardo Nunez De Caceres
I started making music when I was in high-school with a few friends as a joke to create a beef with another group of musicians who were at a rival school. I ended up falling in love with the process and ended up wanting to take it seriously. Read more>>
Johnny Apollo
I’m an artist from Atlanta who has always been drawn to music as a way to express emotion and energy that’s hard to put into words. I started out experimenting with guitar and beat-making as a 21yr old, eventually developing my voice as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Read more>>
Dr. Adrienne
From the age of 8 my plan was to become an Attorney, as suggested by my father due to my confident argumentative verbal skills. I went to college, double majored in Political Science and Criminal Justice, worked at the District Attorney’s office, was the president of the Pre-Law club, and went to law school. Read more>>
Amber Epperson
Most people expect me to start with candles. And yes, that’s where The Scented Vine began, but honestly, the candles were never the point. They were the first language I found to say something I’d been trying to articulate for a long time: that scent is not decoration. It’s data. It’s strategy. It’s the part of the brand experience that most businesses completely ignore. Read more>>
Danielle De Leon
I started off as a small dog trainer for 5 years. I then volunteered as a service dog trainer due to needing a service dog for myself. I trained service dogs for 5 years. I finally decided to open my own business and now train pet dogs, service dogs and scent detection dogs Read more>>
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>>
