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.

Dear Pricey

I’ve always had a passion for music, but I didn’t decide to pursue production seriously until I realized it was what I truly wanted to build my future around. I started by learning everything I could, spending countless hours making beats, studying the craft, and constantly challenging myself to improve. Like most producers, the journey has come with its share of ups and downs. Read more>>

Carla Johnson

In 2018, our Founder had this vision of a global network of women supporting each other to be successful in their endeavors. The idea behind LOS was to combine her passion for uplifting others while giving back to the community. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to achieve financial independence and stability. Read more>>

Sierra Wolf

My journey into aesthetics actually began with fashion. I studied fashion merchandising in college and started my career helping clients look and feel their best through personal styling. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the connection between appearance and confidence—not just how someone looks for a special occasion, but how they feel about themselves every day. Read more>>

Riana Jones

Planted was created in response to the angst I felt when searching for clean personal care products. I started making my own body bars to reduce exposure to product-related chemicals – while preserving quality. As my passion for soapmaking blossomed, I sought to not only create products that kept women like myself in mind but were accessible to all. Read more>>

Dominique Ivory

I really have loved music since I was young. I’m from Florida down there. We have a radio station called (Z 88.3). I have to give them credit for diversifying my musical ear. They played everything from Eminem to Linkin Park , I CANT FORGET (TONY HAWK UNDERGROUND) or even when the adults would play the good oldies like Roy Ayers , or Gerald Levert. Read more>>

Jamie Mayes

I always had ambitions to build my own business, and I knew that writing and speaking would be at the heart of it. After more than a decade in the classroom, I made the decision to leave education full-time and pursue a larger vision for how I could use my skills to serve others. Read more>>

Kim Hernandez

I’ve been a jack of all trades working in all aspects of the entertainment industry for the last decade. I’ve gone from on-the-ground reporting with Complex Media at New York Comic Con, digital marketing for brands, and social media management for celebrity clients. Read more>>

Whitney Ducaine

Art has always been part of my life, but I really began my journey as an artist during the COVID pandemic. I started watching YouTube videos of fluid acrylic artists and was completely captivated by the freedom of the technique. I wanted to learn everything I could, so I dove in. Read more>>

Dr. Amber K. Abney

I was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, where I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and faith at an early age. Those values helped me earn a track and field scholarship to the University of South Florida, where I became an NCAA All-American while earning my bachelor’s degree. In 2003, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to begin my career in the insurance industry. Read more>>

Antoinette L. Dunstan

FIRST LADIES YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION, INC. — OUR STORY The First Ladies Youth Leadership Foundation, Inc. (First Ladies) was birthed from a vision: to mentor the next generation of girls, cultivate the purpose in these young women and train them to rise from passive followers into empowered purpose-driven leaders who speak with confidence and courageously walk in the dignity of their true identity. Read more>>

Jugg XO

My name is XO. I am 27 years old. I was born in New Jersey, raised here in Atlanta since I was 5. My entire family (maternal side) is made up of musicians and vocalists so I’ve always been surrounded by it. I started my musical journey in middle school with poetry and beat making. Read more>>

True marie

My name is Terisa “True Marie” Tubbs, and music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started singing at three years old, and by nine I was auditioning for opportunities that showed me music could become more than a dream. Read more>>

Tarryn Hoff

If you ask me what I do, my answer is simple: I help people enjoy life longer by staying healthy enough to keep doing the things they love. For more than 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving the Peachtree City community as a personal trainer, exercise psychologist, and health educator. Read more>>

Marjane’ Parks

I started writing Gospel Music when I rededicated my life back to Christ twenty plus years ago. Although growing up in church I started in R&B music. God’s call upon my life changed who I am as a woman of God today. Read more>>

Shan Deezy

My first introduction to music was mom and her beautiful singing and my uncle played the piano. I picked up my first instrument at the age of 11 I played the alto saxophone and my form 6th to 8th grade and then my freshman year of high school I started playing the tenor saxophone until my senior year. Read more>>

Marija Kovačević

I believe life often leads us down paths we never planned to take, yet those very paths bring us exactly where we are meant to be. That is how my journey began. What started as a simple desire to help people relieve pain and reduce stress gradually became my life’s calling. Read more>>

Ivory Chaná

The start of my journey was truly the beginning of my life. I have always dreamed of becoming exactly who I am today and turning my dreams into reality. Chaná Chic started as an idea rooted in self-expression. Over time, I grew to love sharing my styling while embracing it as a creative gift. Read more>>

Jovonn P. Jefferson

I truly believe becoming a home inspector was a calling from God. It was never a career I was pursuing or even something I had considered. About a year after my family and I relocated to Georgia from Kentucky in 2013, we purchased our first home. As part of that process, we scheduled a home inspection. Read more>>

Rodnecia Logan

Hi, I’m Neci! I began doing nails in 2021 as a hobby, never imagining that it would grow into the passion and business it is today. After taking a three year break I kick started my business in 2024. What started as something fun quickly became something I truly loved. Read more>>

Adrian Gamble

I grew up playing sports and I have been playing football my whole life. I played at the University of Virginia before Transferring and finishing my football career at the University of Tennessee. When I finished my football journey I wanted to find purpose and reinvent myself. Read more>>

Monica Johnson

It definitely was not an easy road, but had it not been for my mentor that I could lean on when I had my moments of imposter syndrome I would not be where I am today. She definitely encouraged me and always told me to seek more information there’s always multiple ways to learn how to do a certain skill and whichever one fit my learning style is what I stuck with. Read more>>

Katie Belle

My name is Katie Belle an Atlanta born and Marietta raised pop artist. I got my start in music at an early age, singing in church and local pageants is where I found my love for the stage and I’ve been doing it ever since. Read more>>

Phalandra Squires

I started designing clothing back in 2016 from a spare room in my home. I did basic items that really didn’t challenge me. I didn’t want to step out of my comfort zone because it was easy. They were nice items but I wanted to take my designs to another level.. I wanted to design a higher quality and more challenging brand of clothing. Read more>>

Chanel Murphy

My journey began in 2017 when I founded My Fabulous Food, a gourmet food and gifting company inspired by my love of beautiful presentation, bold flavor, and creating memorable experiences around the table. What began as a personal passion grew into a nationally recognized brand, with products carried by retailers including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Bergdorf Goodman. Read more>>

Kris “Coach K” Jones

My story really started with a decision—to become the man God created me to be. I’ve always been ambitious. I’ve always had big dreams. But there was a season where I was chasing success more than I was pursuing alignment. Once I committed to growing spiritually, mentally, physically, and professionally, everything began to change. Read more>>

DQ Styles

My journey into fashion and wardrobe styling began with a passion for helping people feel confident through what they wear. Inspired by shows like What Not to Wear when I was little , I realized early on that fashion is about more than clothing—it’s about telling a story, creating confidence, and leaving a lasting impression. Read more>>

Carmaletha Byrd

I am an individual that loves to learn and create things in the way that I enjoy them. I take what I learn and make it my own. My family was large growing up and meals were the common meeting point. People seemed happier and rich conversations about the day were had. There were no scripted moments of learning how to cook, I just watched. Read more>>

Vanessa ST VAL

If someone had told me a few years ago that I would become an artist, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. I had no artistic background, no formal training, and no painters in my family. In fact, when I began painting, even my parents asked me, ‘Where did this come from?’ To this day, I still find that question fascinating. Read more>>

Stacia Crawford

I like to say that I came out of the womb knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life – to have a career as a filmmaker. The dream started as an actress, but always ended with directing. When I was in my early twenties, I moved to NYC with $300 to my name. Read more>>

Charla Pettingill

Hi, I’m Charla Pettingill, a freelance illustrator and surface designer based in Savannah, Georgia. Originally from East Tennessee, I left home to study at SCAD in 2004. While I was a student, I did a few miscellaneous book, editorial, and portrait illustration jobs. Read more>>

Kate Ní Thighearnaigh

I started taekwondo when I was 6 years old. It was a basement YMCA program and immediately felt like the right fit. My parents immigrated to the Chicago Suburbs from Ireland, and needed somewhere to put their 5 kids for the afternoon that would provide structure and discipline in us. Read more>>

Tennille Chaffin

I’m a Trin-American girl from Queens, NY. What’s a Trin-American you ask? Its an American child born from Trinidadian parents. I take pride in being from Queens cause we all know Queens is the best borough in New York, lol. I also pay homage to my parents for providing the life I’ve been able to have. Read more>>

Tabatha Dashiell

My journey began with a passion for fashion and a desire to help women express who they are through what they wear and carry. That vision led me to create Elevate Apparel LLC, a lifestyle brand created to inspire confidence, ambition, and entrepreneurship. Every collection is designed to encourage people to dream bigger, pursue their goals, and wear their mindset with pride. Read more>>

Promise McClain

Ever since I was a little girl, I always felt like I was meant to be in the entertainment industry. Movies were my escape, and I fell in love with storytelling at a very young age. I still remember watching my first Marvel movie when I was around five years old, and from that moment I was captivated by film. Read more>>

Rob Knight

I was a professional tattoo artist in Atlanta for 30 years. During that time, I began to pursue photography as a hobby. I started studying photography seriously in 2000 through classes and workshops, and I eventually sought a photography degree at Gwinnett Tech. I spent a year in college helping students (and some of the teachers) understand photography and editing. Read more>>

Jennacy

I was born in Leeds and grew up in North London, and music has always been a huge part of my life. From a young age I was writing songs, creating music, and getting involved in the arts. What started as a passion eventually became my career, and I’ve now been independently releasing music for over 10 years. Read more>>

Shadarius Williams

My journey into funeral service began when I was just 14 years old as a freshman in high school. I was blessed with the opportunity to start working at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home in the great city of Decatur, Georgia. Read more>>

John Junior

My entrepreneurial journey started over 15 years ago with a passion for bringing people together through live experiences. What began as organising events grew into building businesses across entertainment, festivals, concerts, hospitality and international travel. Since working for myself full-time from 2013, I’ve had the opportunity to co-found and lead ventures including Neoluv, Destination VIP and AMA Fest. Read more>>

Evemita Brisenold

I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida. I have always been an artistic kid. That part was never up for debate. From the time I was young, I noticed things that other people walked past. The way someone’s outfit could tell you their entire personality before they said a word. The way light changes a moment. Read more>>

Alexandria Jett

I have always known that animals would be a part of my life. Growing up, I was surrounded by a variety of companions, from cats and dogs to exotic birds and sugar gliders. My early experiences around animals taught me the importance of understanding their individual needs, providing proper care, and creating meaningful connections. Read more>>

Kanise

Originally from Tallahassee Florida, I moved up with my band to fully pursue music. So far performing at Eddie’s attic and Smith’s olde bar. My goal is to reinvent my life, tell my stories and articulate my thought to the world through music. With my current goal, releasing and performing music this upcoming August. Read more>>

Brianna Trimble

I always knew I wanted to be a healthcare provider. It may have been the older sister in me, but I have always enjoyed taking care of others and ensuring they are okay. My career as a physical therapist started as a patient and evolved into becoming a lifelong learner, educator, and provider. Read more>>

Ashlyn White

If I had to describe where my journey began, I’d say it started with a simple love for creativity. Growing up, I spent much of my time involved in church, participating in extracurricular activities, and finding creative projects to fill my free time. Read more>>

trey richer

my main mediums are wood cutouts, canvas paintings, and home décor in the form of lamps, shelfs, tables, and clocks. my #1 priority when creating is offering something that has never been seen or created before and thats what sets me apart from other artist, my original concepts and designs. i also have a youtube channel that i occasionally post vlogs to showing my day to day personal life. Read more>>

Emani Watson

My journey has never been a straight line, and I think that is what has shaped me the most. While my professional background is rooted in business operations, project coordination, and organizational strategy, I have always had a passion for movement, wellness, and bringing people together. Read more>>

Angelia Brown

Like many people, my journey hasn’t been a straight line. It has been one of faith, perseverance, and learning to trust God through every season. Professionally, I’ve spent more than 25 years leading enterprise initiatives, organizational transformation, and strategic projects across healthcare and other industries. I’ve always loved bringing people together, solving complex problems, and helping organizations move from vision to execution. Read more>>

Ryan Stephens

My story isn’t an overly complicated one—I’ve always loved music. When I got to middle school, I’d often freestyle in the lunchroom and write my own raps over established artists’ tracks. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school, when I was seventeen, that I started taking it seriously. Read more>>

Seulgi Jo

I began my career as a bridal makeup and hair artist and PMU artist in South Korea in 2013. Weddings have always been my passion because I love being part of such a meaningful and emotional day in people’s lives. Helping someone feel confident and beautiful during one of their biggest milestones has always given me a strong sense of purpose. Read more>>

Vernice Gaston

I didn’t begin my career with a food truck, a spice line, or a consulting portfolio. I began with curiosity, a willingness to work, and a deep belief that food could be both a craft and a calling. My journey has never been linear — it’s been layered, seasoned, and built one decision at a time. Read more>>

Cynthia Decker

My journey has been anything but traditional. I studied lingerie design in London in 1992 and spent years helping women find bras that truly fit, eventually co-founding LiviRae Lingerie in Georgia. Read more>>

Leilani Laranio

Aloha! My name is Leilani Laranio and I am a Clairvoyant Life Advisor. I received my BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science in 2014. I am currently pursuing my second Bachelor’s degree in Holistic Health Sciences towards my Doctorate and PhD in Natural Medicine online at Quantum University. Initially I studied to become a physical therapist. Read more>>

Christopher Roblész

My journey in education began in 2009 in New York City, starting out as a math interventionist. Early on, I saw firsthand how much students, especially minority scholars, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with special needs, were being left behind in traditional math instruction. Read more>>

Sebastián Vadillo

Sebastián Vadillo is a Mexican singer-songwriter and actor based in Madrid who blends pop with rock and Latin music influences. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with artists such as Yahir and performed internationally; he is currently promoting *Bandidos*, his third studio album, with which he continues to establish his artistic identity in new venues. Read more>>

Landon Zuniga

I’ve loved soccer for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always trying to improve, and that passion led me to the Atlanta United , where I learned what it takes to compete at a high level. It helped shape me not only as a player but also as a person by teaching me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work. Read more>>

Sholome Geldres

Hi yeah I’d loved to. I’m the youngest of three siblings, with two older sisters. Growing up, I watched them bring home their high school photo projects, and that’s when my curiosity began. When I got to high school and took my first photo class, I was hooked. Read more>>

Robbie Gring

Woven with Purpose For most of my professional life, I helped organizations discover who they are, where they’re going, and how to communicate their unique value. Since founding Gring Marketing Solutions in 1988, I’ve led more than 1,800 strategic planning initiatives for businesses, cities, nonprofits, and community organizations. But my most meaningful journey wasn’t professional. It was deeply personal. Read more>>

Harshit Chaturvedy

I started STEM Sprouts because I noticed a gap that felt obvious once I saw it: elementary schools in my area didn’t have much in the way of hands-on STEM programming, and the high schoolers around me, myself included, had the skills and the time to actually do something about it. Read more>>

Will D.D. Kvicala

We are THE EXPLODING POPES and we’re a queercore punk band named after the late Pope Pius XII, who was embalmed so incorrectly that after he died, the necrotic gasses built up in the hot Vatican City sun until he exploded. My dad’s Catholic high school was named after him, so I named the band after him. Read more>>

Lifestyle International

Lifestyle International was founded in 2014 by Jerome Green, Britte Robinson, and Gerald Canty. We started out as a music production company and that same year, we printed tees with our original logo on them and wore them on stage at a performance in North Carolina. Read more>>

Joshua Coleman

I got started in photography back in 2020 when my older brother, who’s also a photographer, gave me his old Canon Rebel T5 camera. For the last six years, I’ve been improving my skills as both a photographer and a videographer through personal projects, client work, and Georgia State’s film and media program. Read more>>

Jasmine Brown

Sacred Seed Waistbeads was born from my lifelong love of adornment and my belief that the things we wear can be deeply meaningful. I’ve always been drawn to jewelry, not just because it’s beautiful, but because of the confidence, expression, and individuality it can represent. Read more>>

Tiffany Brown

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the way spaces could shape how people lived, gathered, and felt. I found myself paying attention to the details others often overlooked, such as the flow of a room, the character of a neighborhood, and the potential hidden within existing homes and buildings. Read more>>