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 East Atlanta’s gems below.
Emanuel Robinson
Becoming Emanuel Robinson has really been a journey of overcoming self-doubt. My passion for singing began back home in Oakland, CA in church, however I didn’t receive the support in home to fuel the pursuit. Read More>>
Zachary Herndon
I am a chalk artist. I started chalking with my wife Jessi Queen, around 12 years ago while living in Midtown. Jessi had previously chalked at the Sidewalk Arts Festival in Savannah while attending SCAD’s Atlanta campus. Read More>>
Nivea “Keye” Bodison
When I was born, my parents named me Nivea and as I’ve transformed, I’ve found myself to be named Keye. Many wondered about the cause of this change; many wondered what could this mean; simply I say “I’m the Keye”. Read More>>
Gregthalia Charles
I started doing balloon art when I was about 14 years old. It began as a fun side hustle for family and friends, but soon after strangers started asking me to make some and it just started branching out from there. Read More>>
Georgia Dawkins
I love this story! Living in Atlanta for seven years taught me a lot about myself. I can truly say that I’m a better me because of The A! When I moved to Atlanta in 2016, I was a newly laid-off, depressed journalist searching for purpose. Now, I’m a full-time entertainer living in New York City, and that’s all thanks to Atlanta. Read More>>
Labrena Coleman
Being born and raised in a small town (country), we are limited to resources and knowledge. Once I graduated high school and moved to the city. I was exposed to so much where I was in cultural shock., which was a good thing. Read More>>
Curtis Bryant
I am a Photographer and Life Coach. Originally from New York, I returned to my 2nd home of Atlanta in November of 2022 after doing some traveling to the West Coast. Read More>>
Deanna Knight
Both sides of my family are from South Florida, so I come from a long line of beauticians, locologists, and boisterous creatives who have helped shape me into a seasoned creative. My mom taught me the most when it came to hair care and confidence. Read More>>
Gene “Mr. G” Mosley
I obtained my master’s cosmetology license in 1994 from a school Albany, GA. While in cosmetology school, I quickly became the most sought-after hairstylist. I catered to a diverse clientele, ranging from seniors to babies, allowing me to gain invaluable insights into what styles and techniques resonated with my clients. Read More>>
Tonya Carter
By that time, five years had passed since my divorce, and I realized that my life hadn’t experienced much growth. Although the years had progressed and my age had advanced, I remained strongly tied to the narrative of being divorced and a “single mom.” This story greatly influenced how I perceived my life, my own identity, the people around me, and the world. Read more>>
Emani Collins
I am an educator in the Atlanta area. I am an English Teacher at Carver High School in South Atlanta, and I am also a part-time English Instructor at Kennesaw State University. I am a part of the Board of a local nonprofit, Guide Outreach, and I am also a District 1 Leader with Equity in Education. I have spearheaded, for three years now, an initiative and fundraiser to raise money and collect books to send to local prisons in Georgia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I have raised thousands of dollars to purchase books from black-owned bookstores, such as Nubian Bookstore in Morrow, GA. I also lead many panel discussions and other events at the schools in which I am associated with. I am a huge advocate for education in the Atlanta community, and I am always volunteering in my free time. My organization is called Emancipate ATL! Read more>>
Adrienne Thatcher
I’ve spent my 30s and 40s in doctors’ offices, hospitals, having surgeries, MRIs, Physical therapy, recovery, spine INJECTIONS, wearing a neck brace, external battery packs to “charge myself” (YEP), a reconstructed neck, leads in my spine, and over 12 surgeries. Read more>>
Kiara Moody
Growing up, I always wanted to be on On tv. At first, this dream seemed far from reality knowing that no one in my life was a part of this industry. I was raised in Decatur GA but from being a military child, I have lived all of the world. Living in China when I was little was when I realized I am supposed to be somebody because they have never seen a black person so they would take pictures of and with me ask for my autograph and call their friends to show me off. This was the start of my star ego awakening. Read more>>
