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.

alan Raines

My first job was in a restaurant, dishwasher. Since that time I have loved the excitement and work involved in making ‘the show’ come together everyday. I was also in theatre production in school and believe there are similarities to restaurants, making it happen behind the scenes so the audience gets the best experience. Read more>>

Zerrick Cooper

Z6 Performance was created from my lifelong passion for football and developing athletes. After playing the game for more than 20 years and gaining experience at the collegiate level(Clemson/ Jacksonville state) and in professional training camps (Arizona Cardinals, Saskatchewan Roughriders) . I recognized the importance of quality quarterback development and mentorship. Read more>>

Nathania Fapemisre Osuntomilola

I’ve always believed that we’re allowed to be more than one thing. By day, I’m a Financial Analyst II at Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), supporting organizations like NPR and PBS Kids. I work in procurement and finance, helping ensure public funds are managed responsibly while supporting the programs that educate and serve communities across Georgia. Read more>>

Brittany McLeod

My journey into the aviation industry began when I became a flight attendant. Over the course of eight years, I experienced the parts of the lifestyle that people rarely see on social media: moving to another city for work, sitting on reserve, adjusting to unpredictable schedules, managing inconsistent income, and trying to find safe, affordable housing near the airport. Read more>>

Kyra B

My journey has definitely had a few different chapters. I first got my start in the entertainment industry through modeling and acting. Over time, I began helping other aspiring models and actors by sharing what I had learned, which eventually led me to coaching and mentoring. I’ve always enjoyed creating opportunities not just for myself, but for other people too. Read more>>

Khyra Kelley

I’ve been singing since I was a small child, and I began singing in church at the age of 12. Music has always been one of my greatest passions and one of the ways I express myself. Growing up, I was very shy and quiet, but music gave me a voice. Read more>>

Morgan Stroope

I have loved art and creating things for as long as I can remember. After having my first child back in 2018, I was looking for a creative outlet and a way to get back into the art that I have always enjoyed. I had some “hand me down” tools from my parents thought I would try my hand at wood art. Read more>>

Evelyn Mims

I am from Hazlehurst ,MS. which is very rural.I went to Jackson State University and one of my professor Suggested that I intern in Atlanta at WXIA-TV.. That was in 1976 and my life changed forever. Read more>>

Ardenia Gould

My story began with motherhood. As the mother of one daughter, I became increasingly aware of how decisions surrounding healthcare, education, workplace equity and economic security directly shape the lives of women and families. I began sharing my experiences and perspectives online with honesty, humor and a willingness to say what many women were already thinking but did not always feel empowered to say. Read more>>https://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-ardenia-gould-of-atlanta

Natalie Makar

My story really begins with a gift I didn’t fully understand yet — a God-given eye for design and a love for making things with my hands. I spent 12 years as a project manager and toy designer at Tyco Toys, developing million-dollar doll lines from concept all the way to production. Read more>>

Vanessa Vivas Lovera

I was born and raised in Venezuela, and my career path has definitely not been a straight line. I actually started by studying Journalism. After that, I realized my passion was in healthcare, so I went on to study Dentistry. Those experiences gave me a unique combination of communication skills, attention to detail, and an appreciation for both science and artistry. Read more>>

Karis Brame

Growing up in Chicago, I spent a lot of time in salons watching my mom do hair. I was always by her side helping as her little assistant, and without even realizing it, I was learning the skill that would later become my own business. Seeing the confidence people walked out with after sitting in her chair inspired me from a young age. Read more>>

Tiera Aguillon

If you asked my family, they’d tell you I was the kid crying over math homework and finding any excuse to be creative instead! Food became my creative outlet early on. Because of my dad’s job, we traveled constantly as kids. We spent our time exploring local markets and regional restaurants, and I fell in love with how food connects people across cultures. Read more>>

Jania Otey

My story is ultimately a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Although I never could have predicted where life would lead, each season prepared me for the next and helped shape the woman I am today. My purpose is to glorify God by faithfully using the gifts He has given me to serve others and maximize every season of my life. Read more>>

antoinnette rainey

Splash Candles started from a season in my life where I needed an outlet. I was looking for something that allowed me to slow down, be creative, and pour back into myself. What began as a hobby quickly turned into something much bigger. I fell in love with the process of creating candles and realized they could be more than just home décor. Read more>>

thaddeus wilson

I wasn’t born in Atlanta but I have lived in this city since I was 1, so I was definitely raised in Atlanta. This city shaped the way I see the world. Growing up, I was always drawn to storytelling, whether it was through movies, sports, or watching people chase their dreams, which Atlanta lives all those things through and through. Read more>>

Frankie Parker

I was born on an army base in Moreno Valley, California, but I’m Chicago all day! My mom and dad say that I was intrigued with music since I was a toddler. I have photos that my dad took of me while I was picking records from his vinyl collection. By 5, I was singing in my home church choir, Mt, Moriah M.B. Read more>>

Catherine Baldet Taylor

In August 2023 I visited a gallery at Miami circle and was totally amazed by the Mixed Media of a New Yorker artist. I decided to create my own art using the same kind of medias ( Japanese paper, acrylic paint and fabrics). I started my first canvas and enjoyed it so much! Read more>>

LeShae Monroe

LeShae Monroe: Finding My Voice Before the World Could Hear It I was born in Tampa, Florida, into a military family, so discipline, structure, and resilience were part of my life long before I understood what those words meant. But even with that foundation, music was always the language that made the most sense to me. Read more>>

Queen Shanta Lana Hereford

I’ve never really been someone who set out chasing titles or recognition. I’ve always just wanted to make a difference, you know, make an impact. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a heart for helping people. I got it from both of my grandmothers. Read more>>

Trenika L. Fields

My story didn’t begin with tragedy. It began with courage. Long before I understood resilience, ambition or reinvention, the people who came before me were already demonstrating all three. My grandmother was from Harvey, Louisiana, on the Westbank just outside of New Orleans. Read more>>

India C. Harris

My journey has been one of resilience, purpose, and transformation. I became a mother at a young age, and while that came with significant challenges, it also ignited a determination to build a better future for myself and my family. Read more>>

Michael Lombard

Michael QLT Lombard is an American recording artist, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and internationally recognized fashion designer. With a music career spanning decades, he has released records, built his own label, and worked with artists across both major and independent music. Read more>>

Parker Blue

My name is Parker Nathaniel Blue. I am a musician and content creator. I got started creating in all different mediums when I was pretty young. Writing was my first love and aided me when I began to songwrite. I have always admired the arts and wanted to capture love in all its forms through my work. Read more>>

Rob Sets

Hi, I’m Rob Sets, and I’ve been a music lover my entire life. DJing is the way I express that love; it is my art form. However, it took me some time to find it. I’m originally from Detroit, MI. I moved to Atlanta 10 years ago, and it changed everything. Read more>>

Marion Githegi

Growing up my dream was to play in the WNBA, but at 5’3′ and Kenyan with a natural disposition for long distance running, that was a bluesky dream. But I still pursued it. Read more>>

Tangee Peek

Wow! The story of the Toddler Tutor started with a prayer in 2018. At the time, I was a second grade teacher who had recently completed a masters degree in curriculum and instruction. I loved being a teacher but it had become like second nature to me. I always thrive best with a challenge. As I was preparing for bed, I began to pray… Read more>>

Kanella Powers

Photography started as a hobby for me back in 2009. At the time, I simply wanted a creative outlet and hoped it could one day grow into something I could continue while raising a family. Like many photographers, I began by photographing friends and family for little to no cost, using every opportunity to learn, practice, and improve. Read more>>

Tyannia Shelton

During the pandemic, this creative mama started baking to satisfy her family sweet tooth. They enjoyed them to its entirety, so I decided to sale them. Enjoying the journey while baking part-time, many styles of cheesecakes were created. Whole, bundt, and square and heart. I even attempted to place my delicious cream cheese filing into strawberries. Read more>>

Jessica Sweeney

Macaroni KID itself has been around for almost 20 years. I first started following the Athens publication as a first-time mother who had a baby during the height of COVID. Read more>>

Marcus Manderson

I never set out thinking I would have a career in sync licensing, trailer music, or custom composition. I was simply a kid who loved music, started playing piano at a young age, and eventually found myself saying “yes” to every opportunity that let me grow. Read more>>

Christie wilson

Well I was born premature in California…lol Seriously I started playing volleyball because my best friend played. I found something I was naturally good at doing besides smiling. My Mother was a deputy sheriff in san Bernardino and my Father own a .janitorial company. Read more>>

Kaitlyn Blade

My name is Kaitlyn Blade, I’m a visual artist with a concentration in traditional oil painting. I also create videos, focused on both the artist lifestyle and artistic process. I have always been a creative person, so drawing and crafting always came easy to me. I started my business selling art shortly after teaching myself and falling in love with how to acrylic paint. Read more>>

Kisha Monagan

Aaaah, this takes me back when I think of where I started and how far I’ve come today. I didn’t start with some grand plan to build a lifestyle brand. I’ve always loved to creatively write since early childhood. When I started working in the real world, I would craft weekly newsletters at work to give updates with a quick fun fact. Read more>>

Derrick Fowler

I actually got started when my kids were young back in the early 2000’s. I would doctor up box cakes for their school parties to make them taste a little better than just a box cake. Read more>>

Malorie Stewart

My Journey: From STL to ATL Shaping the Culture Growing up in St. Louis, entertainment was practically in my DNA—my dad’s side of the family owned a club, so I was around the energy, the music, and the nightlife from day one. Read more>>

Emeka Enwereuzor

My story starts within me. Since a young age, my creativity and unique expression has always been something that’s guided me throughout life and the decisions I’ve made. Read more>>

Nakissha Hewitt

Part 1: The Spark—My Journey to Natural Hair and Product Creation My journey into the beauty industry is deeply rooted in how I was raised & how my struggles & lack of care & support became motivation. Growing up, things weren’t easy. I was raised by a single mother with no father around, and money was always an issue. Read more>>

Maurice Kimble

Maurice ‘BleekTheCeo’ Kimble Founder & Executive Producer | Savannah Sound Music Group Maurice ‘BleekTheCeo’ Kimble is an independent music executive, entrepreneur, executive producer, and artist development specialist from Savannah, Georgia. He is recognized for his dedication to cultivating independent talent and for creating meaningful opportunities for artists, producers, engineers, and creatives. Read more>>

Jay Math

I started an online magazine 6 years ago by the name of show discipline magazine over the years we’ve developed great stories and narratives on Hiphop culture local and beyond . Read more>>

Sabrina Cain

It is an honor to be able to sure my story. I came from working as an assistant at the Glamshop to having my on suite in th. Glamtrapp to now working from home in my off days to continue what I love. Read more>>

Spencer Davis

Left Hand Hotdog started in the winter of 2022. We released our first album, Left Hand Hotdog Radio, in the fall of 2024. Since then we have released an e.p. and several singles. We have toured the northeast and are planning a two week run to California this year, along with more music to be released. Read more>>

Janie Kol

I am first generation Cambodian-American. As a child of refugees and the youngest of four I was raised in survival mode. Always doing what’s best for the family, you know the saying, ‘It takes a village…’ I was always working towards independence and stability. As adulthood came, I knew I had to work towards a career that gave me those said things. Read more>>

Alexi Torres

I was born in Bermeja a small village in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. I graduated from The National School of Art in Havana Cuba in 1995. In 2003 I immigrated to the USA, making Atlanta my new home. Art have always being everything to me, Now I have a large studio on Chattahoochee Ave where I work almost everyday. Read more>>

C H R I S L V C K

A music prodigy at a young age of 11, and had started djing just shortly after that. My older brother was a big influence; he was a nightlife promoter for one of Toronto’s renowned clubs, ‘Guvernment’. After a few years of learning other instruments like piano, guitar, and dancing, I took my boundaries to producing and DJing professionally. Read more>>

Barry King

B.K. has loved movies, classic television, sci-fi and comic books since he was a young lad. In 1983 he studied acting & voice at the Birmingham Performance Academy in Alabama . From 1982-1983 he worked at AM 1560 WAGC in Centre, Alabama. In the late 80’s he began a long association with local independent production studios making many films. Read more>>

Gwendolyn Searls

My story really began with brokenness, but God turned it into purpose. After becoming a widow, I moved into an impoverished community in Atlanta. Read more>>

Daniel Dailey

I was 17, In 1998 I started as a dishwasher at a Johnnys Pizza in Woodstock. I worked hard and got an opportunity to buy into a partnership in 2007. From 2007 to 2015 I helped from sales. I left the partnership in 2015 to pursue success alone. In 2016 I signed a lease and built a Johnnys Pizza in Roswell from the ground up. Read more>>

Taylor Alexis

My journey has been an interesting one. It started at Clark Atlanta University. I wouldn’t say it was my first choice, but my parents wanted me to attend an HBCU, so I embraced the opportunity. Looking back, I realize that my time there taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. Read more>>

Gloria Kilanko

Founded in 2019, Renovat!ng M!nds Kilanko LLC was born out of deep passion and a pressing need to provide specialized mental health support for children, adolescents and their families in the community. At that time, few providers were equipped or willing to work with younger clients, yet the demand for early mental health intervention was undeniable. Read more>>

Dillan Gassmann

Me (Dillan, drummer) and pierce (lead vocalist and guitarist) started back in 2021, our freshmen year of high school, wanting to write music and start a band. Sophomore was when we met Jasin in our guitar class and we finally were able to start writing some songs. Read more>>

Gisele Frame

My story about being an actress began at a very early age. From about the age of ten I was recruiting friends and neighbors to participate in plays which I wrote, directed and produced! We would perform for parents and even take our play to different classes in my school. Read more>>

David Cosgrove

My story starts in 1993, when the web was still mostly a rumor. I studied at the University of New Haven and fell into digital right as it was being invented. There was no playbook, which turned out to be the best possible training. You learned by building things, breaking them, and building them better. Read more>>

Mercer Murphy

Hi! My name is Mercer Murphy. I’m a multi-skilled performance artist from and based in Atlanta, GA. Some of my skill set includes fire/LED, burlesque, and aerial performance, character acting, production, talent management, teaching, choreography, gogo, and on the rare occasion, Irish step dance! I’ve always loved movement, although I never saw myself as a ‘dancer’ because I was never classically/technically trained. Read more>>

Daphane Handy

I am Daphane Handy. I started in Memphis with a clear eye for how people are perceived and a stubborn belief that presentation is not vanity, it is leverage. Long before I had a team, I was helping people say what they actually did in a way that made buyers pay attention. Read more>>