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.

The 9AM Banger

The 9AM Banger started pretty organically. Going back to college, Adrian Almonte, Ken and Jonathan Espinal were always the ones throwing or attending early day events for things like SantaCon, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, etc. After college, they still wanted that same energy and experience which led to the first 9AM Banger. Read more>>

Kanard Thomas

Born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Thomas discovered his love for music in the church. Influenced by legendary vocalists such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Usher, he developed a sound rooted in classic soul while embracing the modern textures of contemporary R&B. Read more>>

Brooklynn Michelle

My content journey started as a creative outlet during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I began creating content simply to document my experiences, express myself, and connect with others. At the time, I was rebuilding after a lot of personal challenges, and sharing my story helped me find purpose and confidence again. Read more>>

Niki Pattharakositkul

I was born in Bangkok and moved to Atlanta as a teenager. I graduated from Georgia State with a Marketing degree, but I’ve always been passionate about food and hospitality. At 26 years old, I took a chance and opened my first restaurant, 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar. What started as one restaurant has grown into multiple concepts across Atlanta. Read more>>

Jordan Sahay

After completing my BA in Film & Media, I started my career in video editing, working for the youtube channel WatchMojo. I decided to go back to college to get a degree in animation where I spent three years honing in on my drawing skills. Read more>>

J.Peterson Aulibrice

My journey into fitness started long before I ever considered turning it into a business. As an athlete growing up, I was heavily involved in sports, particularly football and wrestling, which taught me the value of discipline, consistency, and hard work. Read more>>

Eric Ilonwafor

I first started out as a test shooting Model, and then I branched out into more storytelling roles. Read more>>

Daquon Mckenzie

Growing up as the oldest sibling of three every life experience, I had to go through first so my siblings wouldn’t have to. With that being said Content was something I always wanted to do growing up. Read more>>

Federico Gimenez

My name is Federico Gimenez, and I am an entrepreneur with a passion for hospitality, business growth, and creating memorable experiences for others. I started my journey with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn every aspect of the restaurant industry from the ground up. Read more>>

Vallon Jolly

To be honest, this is such an interesting question because my journey hasn’t been a straight line. For the last six years, as I’ve studied the Bible, served in my local church, and grown in my relationship with God, I’ve also carried a strong desire to be an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Amanda Lindsey McDonald

I got bit by the bug early. I have been interested in being an actor since I was 8 years old after seeing one of my best friends in a community theatre production and decided ‘well I want to do that for sure!’ I auditioned for the program the next year and have been performing ever since. Read more>>

Stephanie Bassette

I was born 1971 in Chester, Pennsylvania to James T. Bassette from Lawrenceville Virginia and Queen Esther now known as Margaret G. Bassette from Cheraw, South Carolina. Margaret and James moved to New Castle, Delaware with myself and Monique (my sister) where we live in Jefferson Farms for over plus years. Read more>>

Cayward Wiggins

I was born on March 13, 1971 in the city of Atlanta, Georgia to Mr. Hayward and Mrs. Josie Wiggins. I am the only child that they had. As a younger kid, I had to deal with being over weight. I was told by my doctor that my growth would be stunted if I did not lose weight. Read more>>

Damiete Jack

My journey with Doppel No. 9 has been one of faith, perseverance, and continuous growth. What started as a simple idea has evolved into a brand with a clear mission: making luxury-inspired fragrances accessible to everyone. As someone who has always loved fragrances, I noticed that many designer and niche scents were priced far beyond what the average working person could comfortably afford. Read more>>

London Mariya Glanton

I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I started my journey pursuing opportunities in commercial and print modeling. From an early age, I was drawn to the creative arts and loved the idea of using storytelling, expression, and creativity to connect with others. As my passion for acting continued to grow, I knew I wanted to expand my opportunities, which ultimately led me to Atlanta. Read more>>

Jack Kidd

Well, I’m an Indiana born, Georgia raised boy who has always loved the more creative side of the world. When I was little, I remember my dad recording me on his VHS camera and being obsessed with watching those home videos on TV. Read more>>

Shallise Johnson

Yes, so I got started in the financial services industry last June. Because I got laid off from my job in May. For 5 years, I worked as a data analyst for several companies, constantly running into the issue of no promise of longevity and stable income. Once I lost my last position, I was honestly fed up with the corporate world. Read more>>

Martika Grant

I got started in the retail business because growing up in Philadelphia was a struggle. My family used to shop at Goodwill and go to flea markets to sell our things so we could have money for the essentials. Growing up, I always sought good-quality items with the intention of selling them if I needed extra money. Read more>>

Mutha Earth

Everyone knows me as an celebrity host, actress, model, writer, producer, audio engineer, influencer, and I have my own film company that comes directly out of my pockets, I’m always looking for sponsors and people that have gifts that need to be seen by the world to join my production company…we all have a purpose here on earth, we are all created in GODS image, I believe everyone voice should be heard.Thats why I created my production company Mutha Earth Productions. Read more>>

Natasha Pierre McCarthy

People often ask where my passion for vitiligo advocacy comes from. For me, it’s deeply personal. My journey with vitiligo became the foundation for my life’s purpose. As a mother, I also wanted to do something meaningful for my children because vitiligo can run in families, while in other cases it may be influenced by environmental factors. Read more>>

Drummer

DrumTheWorld started from a simple mindset; keep moving, no matter what life throws at you. Growing up, fashion was always something I admired, but it wasn’t always something I could afford. That became one of my biggest motivations. Instead of chasing the brands I couldn’t buy, I decided to build one of my own. Read more>>

Talia Mejia

I’m a proud Colombian, born in New Jersey but raised in Georgia, where I’ve spent most of my life. My journey has always been about balancing passion with purpose. During my junior year of college, I welcomed my first son, a milestone that fueled my drive to succeed. Read more>>

holden schneider

In the last year I’ve started traveling more, acting more, booking more diverse and lucrative gigs, and have gotten to open for dozens of comedy legends. The biggest thing that’s changed since the last interview is that I’ve stopped thinking of myself as just a stand-up comic. Read more>>

Cindy Flynn

I’ve been a professional artist for over 5 years now. I never dreamed I would be because of FEAR! I loved teaching students art. It was a joy! However, I wanted to be an artist and touch people with my creations. Early on, I painted murals in playrooms and nurseries but life got busy and I let my art go. Read more>>

Casey Pierce

The Language Nook started at 3am. Read more>>

Malia Stillwell

Malia Rose Fine Art began during a season of transition in 2020 as my family built a home while raising a newborn and toddler, all while living with my in-laws. Read more>>

Stephanie Still-Johnson

My career started in real estate more than twenty years ago, but interestingly enough, even while actively working as an agent on a real estate team, I found myself naturally gravitating toward the behind the scenes side of the business. Read more>>

Carrie Miller

I started Lavender Lens 3 years ago, desperately wanting a community to fall in love with queer films made by queer filmmakers with me. I kept running into films I thought were for me, but I felt unseen, sometimes stereotyped. I realized this was because these stories were not told by the people who experienced them. Read more>>

Wendell Johnson

I was born and raised on the Virginia coast. Played music there all my life in several semi successful bands (I know…define success?) We are a family of creatives, I’m a 20 year full time Voice Over Artist , my wife and daughter are film and television actors and voice over artists! Read more>>

JILL JOHNSON

Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was selected for the Tam O’Shanter program through the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, which gave me an early glimpse into formal artistic training. Even then, art felt deeply meaningful to me, though I could not yet understand how important that creative thread would become in my life. Read more>>

Valencia Griswold

In the beginning, it was just me – designing custom sites, improving branding, and helping organizations present themselves clearly and professionally online. As clients grew, their digital needs expanded. They needed ongoing updates, SEO support, content management, maintenance, and someone who could manage the full digital workflow. As a result, IWD naturally evolved from a design‑only studio into a full‑service web solutions company. Read more>>

Jillian Braithwaite

Although JilysCrystals has been in business for over six years, customers have recently been asking why we started creating crystal jewelry. The most honest answer is simple, depression. With a dash of anxiety, in hope to reduce stress during my college years. These words can seem like umbrella terms but break down into simple solutions when journeying through the art of self-healing. Read more>>

Aubrey G Smith

It’s been a blessing for me just to be freshman and go straight to being a junior in the industry so I will say motivated being around individuals that will help you strive for the future , but you are always going to have struggles like getting turned from auditions, family friends leaving you on your way to meeting your dreams Read more>>

Jada Slaughter

I started Made By Jada out of a passion for creating meaningful, personalized products that help people celebrate life’s special moments. What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a business offering custom apparel, hand-painted banners, event signage, mugs, branding materials, and more. Like many entrepreneurs, my journey hasn’t been perfect. Read more>>

Alli Boumeester

I’ve loved bulldogs for more than 20 years, but Gemstone Bulldogges was born from something much deeper than simply wanting to breed dogs. It came from a desire to help preserve and improve one of the most incredible breeds I’ve ever known. Early on, I realized I didn’t want to produce puppies—I wanted to produce exceptional companions. Read more>>

Alexia ‘Lexy’ Ford

My journey into professional organizing did not start as a business. It started as a hobby and a natural way of living. To be honest, I was unhappy working in corporate. For many of us, it was simply a job. A way to provide for ourselves and our families but there was very little joy in it. Read more>>

Jeanne Virgil

My name is Jeanne Virgil. I began my interior design business as a self-taught DIYer, and my passion for design grew after I had the opportunity to design my in-laws’ basement in 2022. In 2023, I officially launched my business and have been dedicated to growing it ever since. Read more>>

Laneceon Weems

I started off writing as a little girl. Whenever I received a journal as gift I would use it to express things that I normally wouldn’t be allowed to if I spoke it. It went from journal entries to poems to music. From there I discovered that I truly have a gift to be proud of. Read more>>

Olivya McCann

Olivya’s acting journey began at just 2 years old when we submitted her for a few local opportunities simply because she loved acting. From the very beginning, she was completely comfortable in front of the camera and genuinely enjoyed every audition. She soon began booking commercial work, appearing in campaigns for major national brands. Read more>>

Lennard Devlin

For over 15 years, I’ve helped brands tell their stories through photography and video. Today, I’m expanding that experience with Beauty Mark Media, a creative studio specializing in high-end content for beauty brands. From campaign photography and product videos to influencer content and live shopping, we help beauty companies create visuals that connect, engage, and sell. Read more>>

Iyan Goodson

I grew up in between Marietta and Atlanta Ga. It was mostly just me and my mom, especially after I left my dads when I was very young. We moved around a lot and I had a lot of instability in my early life. Read more>>

Sanaa Bygrave

I am Sanaa Bygrave, a junior at Clark Atlanta University studying Fashion Merchandising. My journey began back when I was 8 years old. My mom was putting me in any extracurricular activities that intrigued me. One stuck out among them all: my sewing classes. Learning how to sew opened up doors for me that I didn’t know existed. Fashion became my life. Read more>>

Jevonte (Tay) Holland

Hello my name is Jevonte Holland or most commonly known as ‘Tay2Wavy’. I am an 19-year-old photographer and videographer from Newnan, Georgia. I started off by falling in love with movies at a young age then I transitioned into doing stop-motion animations in middle school. Read more>>

Kory Goulbourne

I first got into photography in 2019 because of my older brother Kamal. Kamal had a Nikon d3400 and when we upgraded from that camera he passed it down to me. I always considered myself creative, I always had vivid ideas in my head but I could never create exactly what I imagined. I always loved drawing, and painting but I was never any good. Read more>>

Christie Carroll

My career in real estate started in the most accidental way. I graduated from Berry College with a degree in psychology and a biology minor. I decided to take a year off before starting grad school to figure out what I really wanted to do and try to save up some money. Read more>>

Sada Simmons

From as far back as I can remember, beauty was never just something I admired…it was something I carried. I found joy in fashion, expressing myself through style, stepping in front of the camera, and capturing moments that reflected confidence, creativity, and purpose. Read more>>

Michael Bartee 2nd

My entrepreneurial journey began in Washington, D.C., where I immersed myself in both sneaker culture and fashion. Through various sneaker and apparel ventures, I gained firsthand experience in branding, product development, marketing, and community building. Those early experiences taught me how powerful fashion can be as a form of self-expression and culture, and they ultimately inspired me to pursue a larger vision. Read more>>

Celenia Inez

My journey has always been rooted in healthcare. For more than 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of healthcare settings-from hospitals and specialty practices to private medical offices-serving in both clinical and administrative roles. Read more>>

Kimbreille Davison

I didn’t wait until everything was perfect to start. I built my photography business right after graduating high school, with more vision than resources and no guarantee it would work. I had already been introduced to photography during my junior year through yearbook and working as a basketball manager, where I fell in love with capturing real, unfiltered moments. Read more>>

Linda Ossowicz

My name is Linda and I’m a makeup artist. I started playing with special effects makeup while living in Chattanooga, TN in 2015, I always enjoyed doing it as a past time and I was encouraged by many people in my life to pursue it as a career option. Read more>>

Chuckie Luciano

TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE In an era where authenticity is often sacrificed for algorithms and trends, Chuckie Luciano stands as a reminder that the most powerful music still comes from real life. Emerging from Greenwood, South Carolina, Luciano has built his reputation not through gimmicks or manufactured stories, but through raw honesty, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to telling his truth. Read more>>

Eisha Nikole Williams

Social media has always been a part of my life since the dial-up, my space, AOL days, lol. In 2022, 5 months after I had just birthed my second child, my parents’ health declined. I quickly became a Full-time caregiver for both my mom and my dad. Read more>>

Danaeya Witherspoon

What began as a 10 year old me learning how to DJ with my dad spawned far more than I could have ever anticipated. Read more>>

Daniel Profeta

There’s something driving me to create, animating and pushing me further towards some goal I don’t fully understand yet. I’m Daniel Profeta, an independent artist based in Atlanta. At 22 y/o, I’ve survived a lot of weird things, and now I channel everything I’ve experienced into my work. Read more>>

Summer Yang

I first entered the industry in 2012, working part-time in high-end Manhattan salons and even styling nails for celebrities. But back then, the trends were repetitive and, honestly, boring. I didn’t enjoy it because there was no room for true creativity. Read more>>

Raisa Washington

My journey has really been about reinvention and purpose.V

Dallas Sorrell

The start of my journey began when I was young with a love for music. I was in the band program from middle to high school as a percussionist, and by twelfth grade, I had to decide what I wanted to do after I graduated. My true passion has always been music, and I wanted to do something in that field for sure. Read more>>

Gino Grimaldi

I first started cutting hair and meeting guys who made music and slowly transitioned my self into a musician with them throughout time with consistency and hard work Read more>>

Chad Hellem

I started in foodservice and hospitality when I was in middle school – my dad owned a barbecue catering company as a side project my mom called his ‘midlife crisis’, but it sparked a fire within me. I’d spend my weekends rubbing butts, slicing briskets, smoking wings, and pulling up to different places to set up shop and make people happy. Read more>>

IFUNANYA EJIMOFOR

My story begins with a deep passion for law and a belief in its power to create meaningful change. Growing up in Nigeria, I was always fascinated by how laws shape societies, protect rights, and provide solutions to complex social and economic challenges. Read more>>

Collette Bigsby

That’s a multifaceted journey. Early on, I had a complicated relationship with my middle name, LeRoyce, which honors my late father, Curtis Leroy. It wasn’t until his passing in 2006 that I fully embraced the significance of that name. In doing so, I chose to carry his legacy forward by naming the umbrella of my ventures The LeRoyce Brand. Read more>>

Erica Nobles

I started out as having to reroute my early adult years when I became a single mother in my Freshman year of college. After things became too much financially and I began to question if that was the best path for me, I ended up leaving school. Read more>>

Curtrina Williams

Hello, my name is Curtrina Williams. For a long time, the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none” used to bother me. I’ve always been someone who excels in many areas, and I struggled with the idea that I had to choose just one lane to be considered great. But over time, through reflection and growth, I realized that my diversity is my mastery. Read more>>

marquis Cooper

I started in the country with about 5,000 people with hard work and determination. Read more>>

Shardoria Humphrey

Growing up, I was exposed to the beauty industry through my mother, who worked in the hair business. Being around that environment at such a young age, gave me a skillset and level of creativity that I didn’t fully appreciate it first. I actually began taking clients at just 13 years old, but back then I never imagine hair would become my career path. Read more>>

Sasha Ottey

Many people carry something they wish would change. It may be a problem in their community, a gap in care, a barrier in their profession, or a need that keeps going unmet because everyone assumes someone else will fix it. Read more>>

Aimee Bennett

I started renting as a necessity back in the housing recession ~2009. I wasn’t able to sell my home when I moved, so I rented it out. That started the itch that led to buying 3 more long-term rentals. Read more>>

Patty Tacuri

My story starts in the summer of 2021 when I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. It was overwhelming and a lot to take in so I decided to restart my blog and started writing on a consistent basis. With the blog, I started to tell my story through poetry I had written since the age of 15 along with a few anecdotes. Read more>>

Sophia Javelli

I have been cosplaying for 20+ years and it started out as a hobby. It wasn’t until about the last 10 years that I took it more seriously as a profession. Specifically for owning my small resin cosplay accessories business, it was around 2018 that I got into it and then started doing it full time around 2020. Read more>>

Haley Madison

Photography started for me when I was 12 years old. I was completely obsessed with taking pictures and constantly borrowing my parents’ little digital camera. I would run through the house capturing candid moments of my family and friends, always drawn to the moments no one else seemed to notice. Read more>>

Zaniera James

My name is Zaniera James, and I’m a model from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. I’ve been modeling for the past two years, with many more milestones ahead. Modeling has been a lifelong dream of mine. As a child, I was inspired by shows like Katie’s Lee Simmons and America’s Next Top Model, which fueled my passion for fashion, runway, and commercial modeling. Read more>>

Najib Zahedi

I recommend watching my YouTube channel and the interview I did with a nonprofit organization five years ago. https://youtu.be/-0-9nFCHy6w?is=3y30ISF_Zb_8vnk8 I was born in Afghanistan and grew up in Iran. Because of Iranian law at the time, I was not allowed to attend school. Instead, I had to work to help support my family and my two younger brothers. Read more>>

Allyson Eads

My journey with Cobb County Public Library began in 2017 when I was hired as a Library Assistant. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure where my career would lead, but I quickly discovered how much I loved working with the community and creating meaningful experiences through the library. Read more>>

Terrick Griffin

Well, I initially started by assisting my brother in promoting his clothing brand, MasterMindsDET. Around 2017/18, I began reselling sneakers and clothes with a college friend of mine, Filmore. I never intended to establish my own clothing brand because I didn’t want to encroach on my brother’s territory. Read more>>

Nicky Nixon

I’ve always believed that the best experiences come down to the details. Originally from Charlotte, my career began with Aveda, where I discovered a passion for leadership, mentorship, and creating exceptional client experiences. Read more>>

Nácoleon

Born in Atlanta, GA I grew up thinking I would make a career being an anchor or reporter. At 11-years-old I interviewed Barack Obama and later I would interview other big names like Jack Black, Bill Cosby, Kandi Burruss, and just to name a few. I thought going to a performing arts high school for acting would help me with journalism. Read more>>

Nallu Massoud

I started as a lo-fi artist honestly. It’s kind of crazy looking back now especially because of the massive genre change. Staying in Africa though, that’s what really helped define my sound and image more. That’s where I discovered newer sounds like Fuji, Afrorave, Amapiano. Next thing you know, we are here. Read more>>

Shannell Murphy

I believe that ‘home’ is about so much more than a house. It’s where families grow, memories are made, healing happens, and life unfolds. That belief has shaped chapters of my career. Read more>>

Ananya Muralidharan

My name is Ananya, I’m from Los Angeles, California! I started off my music therapy journey with my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy with a Minor in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. I moved to Colorado and completed my internship at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, CO. After this, I took the exam to become a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). Read more>>

Shavon Thomas

My journey began with a passion for helping others. As a Registered Nurse, I’ve always been committed to educating and caring for people, but over time I realized my impact could extend beyond the bedside. That inspired me to become a content creator, where I share my wellness journey, including my experience with bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, weight loss, and healthy lifestyle habits. Read more>>

Jerri Reid

If you had told me years ago that I would be building a skincare brand, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. My journey has been full of unexpected turns, but each one has led me exactly where I needed to be. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for helping people feel confident. Read more>>

Anderson Smith

Anderson Smith has been drawing and creating since he could remember. After a move to Atlanta in the early 2000’s, he began photographing the up-and-coming culture of Atlanta in and around Buckhead. Following his career as a photographer, he began his endeavors into mixed media art, focusing specifically on collage work. Read more>>

Grace De Silva

My story began in Los Angeles, where I immersed myself in the world of film and television. Eager to learn every facet of the craft, I worked in casting, production, assistant directing, voice-over, set design, and acting—both behind and in front of the lens. Read more>>

Tye Miller

I’d like to think of my journey and how I got here as a book; the creator as the author and me as the illustrator. My name is Tye Miller, I am a native to Kansas City, Missouri and recently relocated my family of 5 to the Bay Area, California. Most know me as their licensed beautician or their trusted oracle. Read more>>

Maddie Collmus

Maddie Collmus is an interior designer specializing in new-build and full renovation residential construction, where she guides clients from concept to completion with a meticulous, detail-driven approach. Over the last several years, she has honed her craft in both design and project management roles, overseeing custom homes from initial space planning and finish selections through construction coordination and final installation. Read more>>

Trenz Oner

Started making music at just 9 years old, I was always in love with writing, began to write poetry and before I knew it all of my poems had rhyming schemes to it, filled with pain and trauma that I suffered and experienced at such young age. Read more>>

Sotonye Jumbo

My Story I often say that before I learned to speak, I had already learned to draw. Some of my earliest memories are not of words, but of lines. I remember sitting quietly at the back of my classroom, filling the pages of my notebooks with stick figures instead of class notes. Read more>>

Sarah Edelman

NEAT Method Atlanta began with two women who shared a passion for transforming homes and simplifying lives through thoughtful organization. Although they came from different backgrounds…one from the suburbs and one from the city…they were united by a common vision: to create beautiful, functional spaces that help families live more intentionally. Read more>>

Daryl-Jarod Randolph

I’ve always been passionate about storytelling. Whether it was acting, music, or writing, I knew I wanted to create work that could resonate with people and leave a lasting impression. Like many independent creators, my path hasn’t been traditional. I’ve worked a variety of jobs over the years while continuing to invest in my creative goals. Read more>>

Porto Eastwood

I got to where I am today by acting like I been here before. Read more>>

ariany Calles

My journey has been driven by resilience, creativity, and a genuine passion for connecting with people. Over the years, I’ve built a diverse career in art, media, and community outreach, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. Each challenge has strengthened my purpose and shaped who I am today. Read more>>

Mário Di Poi

I grew up in Uberaba, a small city in the countryside of Brazil, in a house full of music. My father was a musician, and I spent my childhood around stages, rehearsals, and local venues, which is probably why sound and storytelling never felt like separate things to me. Read more>>

Saade Shakoor

I’ve always been fascinated by the way a single photo can make someone relive a moment. That curiosity turned into a camera in my hands, and before I knew it, photography became more than a hobby, it became how I connect with people and tell stories. Read more>>

Dylan Baker

Looking back, OVRBRD really started long before we ever filed the paperwork. Channing and I have been creating together since we were kids. We spent our weekends making videos, writing music, designing graphics, and trying to figure out how to get people to actually see what we made. Read more>>

Ron Jones

I started my company in 2014 because i saw so many talented people around me that just needed a platform. I decided to help them with marketing and the rest is history. I started CMi and then a few years later I taught myself how to code and build apps. Now we are a tech and marketing company Read more>>

Terrell Maurice Carr

I originate from Jacksonville, Florida. I moved around a lot as a child. Being the oldest of 5 forced me to grow up fast yet I never lost my childlike wonder about the world. I knew at a young age that I was destined for greatness. That determination led me take chances. I started my makeup artistry serendipitously in 2007. Read more>>

Krooked Bones

I started playing finger picking piedmont blues guitar and hill country blues guitar when I was 15. I attended Virginia commonwealth university to study classical guitar and cello alongside all the instruments perusing a music education degree. Read more>>

Godeyvio Castro

I grew up in New York City in a tough urban environment, where violence, drug abuse, and adversity were part of everyday life. Despite those circumstances, I was always drawn to the warrior energy — martial arts films and the idea of the Kung Fu master captivated me from a young age. That passion became the foundation for everything I’ve built. Read more>>

olubunmi Sonubi

My journey has always been rooted in serving people. Professionally, I’m a registered nurse with over 16 years of experience, and creatively, I built BoomsyCreations into a successful event planning and design company that has allowed me to celebrate some of life’s most meaningful milestones with families across our community. Read more>>

Clinique Moore

After graduating, I went to college, but like so many people experience, life had other plans. I never became an interior designer, but one thing never changed, I knew I was meant to create. That passion eventually led me to create Moore’s and More, where I focused on family and self-care. Read more>>

Zander Knight

As an Atlanta native, I’ve always wanted to leave my mark on the city by providing something that people simply can’t find anywhere else. I’ve always believed that if you’re going to build something, it should feel intentional, memorable, and offer a level of quality that people remember long after it’s over. Read more>>

Spark Dawg

I was born in Central America in a country called Panama. I was raised in Killeen, TX. Moved to Atlanta in 2022 to begin working on my album Executive Produced by Grammy Award Winning Producer Drumma Boy. My album is scheduled to drop July 17 on Drum Squad Records/SPARK-A-LOT Records. Read more>>

Gary Spencer

From rags to responsibilities is the best way I can make a grand story seem so minute. It all started with a mission to make some of the hardest music that I could relate to inside of my mommas house in Ellenwood Ga. 15 years later, I birthed a career in music from production, engineering, artistry to songwriting and artist development. Read more>>

Dr. Bessie Stewart-Banks

Dr. Bessie Stewart-Banks began her journey as the founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit organization over thirty years ago. She received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and other fields, then worked as a Juvenile Justice Probation Officer. Her academic background and practical experience with youth and young adults sparked a passion for empowering and supporting people to reach their full potential. Read more>>

Rhonda Sheron

DJ Squirt (real name Rhonda , also known in the industry as ‘I AM DJ SQUIRT’) is a multifaceted music industry veteran, DJ, radio personality, and community advocate. Read more>>

Preston Burt

Growing up as an ’80s kid, arcade games were everywhere. In addition to mall arcades, you could find stand-up video game cabinets all over the place–in gas stations, laundromats, hotels, and even grocery stores. Read more>>

Ready!

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but I spent a huge part of my childhood in Ghana until I was about six years old. Growing up between two completely different cultures shaped how I see the world. Read more>>

Elxjnd

My name is Elxjnd, pronounced “E-Legend.” I’m an R&B artist originally born in New York, but I moved to the Decatur/Lithonia area on Atlanta’s Eastside when I was 2 years old. Read more>>

Nabih Karim

Content creation has always been a part of me. I have always loved being behind the camera and making videos. I distinctly remember filming YouTube videos when I was younger because I wanted to be a YouTuber. Read more>>

Aurielle Carson

My first cousin Darrius Heard was murdered on December 31, 2023, at just 23 years old. His mother (my aunt) died of health-related complications years earlier. Losing a mother and son is devasting and almost debilitating when it is your family. Read more>>

Elizabeth Hester

Old Point Design was founded as a continuation of a family legacy. My grandfather established Old Point Custom Homes, naming the company after the historic 18th-century neighborhood of The Old Point in Beaufort, where he was born and raised. Read more>>

Lauren Youmans

My story starts as little girl when my love for flowers started. My grandmother, Adeline, instilled in me a love for flowers from a young age. I remember spending summers with her in Albert Lea, Minnesota and helping her with her garden. She always stopped to admire nature and flowers and I fell in love with their beauty. Read more>>

Nicole English

My family started Remembering You in 1983. My Mama died in 1990 and my Granny continued the business. When she died in 2014, it fell into my lap. I had watched the creation of florals for years. But never did one. I helped with delivery and picking up supplies. That was about it. I had ither plans for my life. Read more>>

Josalyn Holmes

My Journey to Natural Detox Club My name is Josalyn Holmes, and my story begins with food, creativity, service, and a deep desire to help people feel cared for. I have spent more than 20 years in the culinary industry. I trained professionally as a chef and built my career working in restaurants, catering, special events, and hospitality. Read more>>

Beth Thompson

Old Town Players: We are a local community theatre in our 4th season. We have produced murder mystery dinner theatre events in collaboration with 1910 Public House as well as main stage productions at Mt. Park United Methodist Church. Our last few shows have been staged in the Preston Room of Lilburn City Hall. Read more>>

Amanda Rivera Martinez

My name is Amanda, and I’ve always been drawn to creativity. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of creating artwork that could inspire people by bringing beauty through new perspectives into their everyday lives. Read more>>

Foxy (Courtney Hicks) Swine (Chris Alvarez)

We (Courtney Hicks and Chris Alvarez) met each other in 2013 working in an animation studio. We bonded over our mutual love of art and cartoons and eventually married and teamed up to paint murals! We’ve spent the past decade painting murals throughout the SouthEast United states. Read more>>

Demetrius Akpan

I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised by my mother and grandmother after my parents divorced when I was two years old. Shortly afterward, we moved to Newark, New Jersey, where my mother started her own law practice. As an only child, I watched her work tirelessly to build a better life for us. Read more>>