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.

Ethan Haasenritter

Prior to starting my business I was a pool technician for Atlanta Pool Solutions full time for a year. I then went to college and continued this job part time into my college career. With the goal of financially affording moving up to Kennesaw when I begin my junior year, I decided to start my detailing business July of 2024. Read more>>

Ellen Cook

I have always loved flowers. I love walking into a florist shop and smelling the fragrance of flowers and live plants. I always wanted to have a florist shop but thought it meant having a brick and mortar store. Then I discovered that many floral designers have their studio in their homes. Read more>>

RACHEL BENTON

When people ask how I got started in the mortgage world, I always smile—because this career wasn’t something I just stumbled into overnight. It’s been a journey that started long before I ever originated my first loan. Before I officially joined the mortgage industry in 2015, I was already working with real estate in other ways—through underwriting and property management. Read more>>

Leniesia Dorestant

Since childhood I’ve always had an excitement for anything I could prepare and eat – a true foodie . In my teen years I participated in culinary classes at school, and my evenings consisted of watching Emeril and Rachel Ray. I looked up to them and desired to have my own cooking show one day! Read more>>

Melvina Walton

I’ve always been into the home industry. As a teen, I’d often stay up late re-arranging my bedroom and wound up going to college for Interior Design. Read more>>

Rachna Gupta

We are Rachna and Deep, co-founders of House Proud Avenue. Our journey began with a shared love for creating spaces that tell a story — spaces that feel lived-in, timeless, and beautifully layered. We founded House Proud Avenue with a simple belief: luxury interior design doesn’t have to feel distant or unattainable. It can be accessible, inviting, and deeply personal.. Read more>>

Mary Buck

My journey with photography began when I was eighteen years old, thanks to my brother, a professional photographer, who handed me my first camera—an Olympus Rangefinder. That moment marked the start of something lasting. From that beginning, I was drawn to the power of capturing moments and telling stories through images. I started with film, learning the fundamentals of exposure, composition, and light. Read more>>

Angelina Postoev

I’ve always believed that being a doctor is only one part of who I am. At my core, I’m also an entrepreneur and innovator, constantly looking for ways to grow, improve, and bring better care to the patients we serve. My husband and I are both board-certified surgeons, and together we’ve built a practice that now spans five locations across Georgia and Florida. Read more>>

Alisa Hutchins

Years ago I was working in the restaurant industry when I learned that Athens Area Technical College was offering degrees in Computer Programming. With a long-standing interest in numbers and logic, I decided to enroll and graduated as a member of the National Vocational Technical Honor Society. This led to an opportunity at The University of Georgia, where I worked in Financial Information Systems. Read more>>

Shanicki Burton

I’m really just a small-town girl who always had big dreams. Growing up, I used to spend my summers in Tampa, Florida, and that became my little escape from the small-town life. Every visit opened my eyes to something new — the energy, the opportunities, the sense that there was so much more out there. Read more>>

Tomecca Brown

In 2024, life threw me a curveball I was unexpectedly terminated from my 9-to-5 job. As a single mother of three, I suddenly faced the reality of supporting my family while juggling all the responsibilities of everyday life. Read more>>

Shamar Rush

My story started on the football field. I played into my sophomore year of college, but after years of injuries and endless rehab, the game was draining me more than fueling me. The cycle — lifts, meetings, practice, class, rehab — left me asking, “Is this really it? Read more>>

Diane Falink

My journey with Paws R Uz began from something very simple — my love for animals and the joy I felt being around them. For as long as I can remember, caring for pets has been a natural part of who I am. Read more>>

Sophia Masère (Mazères)

I’m a first gen Afro Haitian from South Florida, Go Canes! My path into the beauty industry was anything but traditional. I began my career in tech as a Front-End Developer/UX Designer and later moved to Atlanta to pursue opportunities in what was expected to become the next major tech hub. Read more>>

Colleen Hart

I was drawn to education from an early age, inspired by my grandmother and aunt, both accomplished teachers and principals. After earning my Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh, I spent several years in the classroom before relocating to Georgia fourteen years ago. Read more>>

Emily Hall

I started off as just being a kid who loved video games. As a kid I was incredibly shy and had a difficult time talking to others, video games helped give me confidence to connect with others and inspired me to want to create interactive media as well. Read more>>

Demetrice Gerald King

I started my path in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where I was honored to be inducted into the Oakland High School Basketball Hall of Fame, recognized for my contributions as a standout athlete. Basketball was always a passion, but over time, I felt a deeper calling to make a broader impact—especially in education. Read more>>

Christal Gavin

I grew up in California, but much of my adult life was spent traveling with my husband’s military career. The South quickly became one of our favorite places to be and where we spent most of our time raising our family. In 2016, we moved to Columbus, GA, for his final duty station at Fort Benning. Read more>>

Denise McInnis

My hypergamous adventure began in June 2019 after years of hard work in the legal profession. Growing up in Harlem in New York CIty during the vibrant 60s, taught me the importance of independence. After too long without a date, I decided it was time for a change. Read more>>

Jason Wynn

How I started? It all started with a 6-year-old asking his parents if they can get him a piano so he can learn to play. Once getting into junior high, accompanying the chorus quickly turned into singing in the chorus, and then on stage in musical theatre and concert events. High school is where I fully developed my love of musical theatre. Read more>>

Juan Carlos Yanez

I am proudly from Mexico, but I am also deeply grateful for all the blessings I’ve received and for the opportunities this beautiful country has given me. My encounter with radio was not planned—it happened by chance, like one of those opportunities that feel destined. I was simply at the right place at the right time. Read more>>

Tim Visconti

Founder and CEO of Visconti Ventures, the holding and investment company proud to partner and accelerate brands such as PeopleLift, FM, and SporeLogic. His career began in Talent Operations and workforce strategy. He leveraged this experience to found and grow PeopleLift into an award-winning Management Consulting and Staffing Firm. Read more>>

Natasha Daniels

I always smile at the old adage that says ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.’ When I was young I always thought that my path would lead me to be an actress in Hollywood. However, little did I know that my ‘higher power’ had a different calling for me. Read more>>

Bryan Brinson

My journey really started with hip hop — it was the style that shaped how I moved, connected, and expressed myself. Our co-founder, Lanisha, comes from a contemporary background, which gave her a different but complementary perspective. Read more>>

Selena Marshae Carter

I’ve always known I belonged in the world of entertainment. I’ve been deeply inspired by those who came before me—Nikki Giovanni, Oprah, and Shel Silverstein, to name a few. Their work helped me see the vision for my own path and gave me the courage to pursue it. Following your dreams isn’t a fairytale—it comes with doubt, struggle, and moments where you question everything. Read more>>

Chrissy Strohmeyer

Sourced. was born in 2016 from a vision, shared by mother-daughter duo Chrissy Strohmeyer and Gabrielle Mills. Their desire has been to alleviate business owners of the burdens of back-office operations. Read more>>

Jeremy Rice

I’ve always been passionate about building and creating with my hands. In high school, my favorite class was construction, where I discovered a genuine love for woodworking. Shortly after graduation, I began working at a custom cabinet shop, where I spent the next 25 years refining my craft and mastering the art of cabinetry. Read more>>

Dawn Heuer

My journey into design began somewhat unexpectedly but with a deep sense of purpose. I started my career working behind the scenes on design television shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Trading Spaces, where I learned how powerful design can be—not just visually, but emotionally. Read more>>

Teisha Casasanta

My name is Teisha Casasanta and I was a Funeral Director and Embalmer for 25 years until I became disabled with Crohn’s Disease in 2020. I first learned about whippets in 2002 but I had never seen one in real life. I went to a dog show and I was immediately drawn to their grace, prancing feet and gentle long neck and sweet face. Read more>>

Ariz Himani

We started in 2007 while we were in college. We used to help students with their academic subjects (Calculus, Chemistry, etc.) and SAT/ACT Preparation. Eventually, we started working with the local school systems (Gwinnett County, Forsyth County, etc.) and started providing services to a broader audience. Read more>>

Ashley Cliatt

From a 15-year-old styling hair in Rome, Georgia, to a woman entrusted with five growing businesses, my journey has been built on faith, resilience, and a deep desire to serve. My name is Ashley Cliatt, and this is my story. Read more>>

Angela Cubin

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” That scripture became my anchor when everything fell apart. After over 15 years as an independent surgical assistant, the healthcare industry changed overnight. I went from earning six figures to barely surviving. Read more>>

Shanna/ Jade’s Desire Douglas

Well, funny story, this wasn’t my journey it was something that just happened, and it took off. You know how Facebook has groups, well my high school created a after dark group, and you know what that means, any and everything. Read more>>

Wayne Crook

My journey in the insurance industry began back in 2014. At the time, I set out to build a honest Insurance business — I simply wanted to help people protect what mattered most to them. I’ve always believed that good business starts with good relationships, and that mindset has guided me from day one. Read more>>

Micheal Wilson II

I never planned on starting a landscaping and tree service. After being injured at a warehouse job in 2013, I went through years of recovery and eventually received a settlement. Toward the end of that process, I decided to invest about the last 20–25% of that settlement into building something of my own. Read more>>

Kathryn Wood

My fitness journey began in 2014 when I was preparing to go to college to play lacrosse. I have been lifting since then and also competed in 6 Npc bikini competitions, one being a national show. Seeing how I transformed my own body I wanted to help others. Read more>>

Sims Acuff

Sims Acuff, Eutree founder, grew up working with wood. As an arborist in Atlanta, he often witnessed trees being sent to the landfills, or being grounded into mulch, and this never really sat well with him.’I got tired of throwing away logs’ recalls Eutree’s founder, Sims Acuff, who for a decade ran Tree Tailors, an Atlanta tree service. Sims knew he wasn’t alone. Read more>>

Ray McCullough

QuickWrench formally known as Helping Hands commercial tire was started in June of 2016. We started as a roadside service business that specialized in Commercial tires and maintenance in the Norcross and north AtL area. In October 2020 we moved into our shop in Conyers Ga and have been there ever since. Read more>>

Stephanie Hunt

I’ve always been drawn to the creative side of business. My background is in graphic design and marketing, and over the years, I have worked with executives across various industries—from technology and hospitality to real estate and nonprofits. But when I started The Savvy Peach back in 2012, it wasn’t with a big business plan in mind. Read more>>

Tarykka (TJ) Saunders

I’ve always had a deep love for spaces and the way they tell stories. My grandmothers filled their homes with pieces that carried history—China cabinets, glassware, textiles—so I grew up knowing design was more than just décor, it was memory and meaning. This early influence shaped my path. Read more>>

Nigel Phiri

I was born and spent parts of my childhood in Zambia and South Africa, before eventually relocating to the United States. Growing up across two continents gave me a perspective early on about struggle, resilience, and opportunity. After moving to the U.S., I graduated from Roswell High School (in Georgia). Read more>>

Brooke Carpenter

Where do I begin- at first I never would have thought I’d ever take my last name literally, but here we are. My path isn’t very linear, but I landed exactly where I’m supposed to be. I took a traditional route at first by going to college for nursing before deciding I wanted to work in the criminal justice field. Read more>>

Hedi Docking

My entire life I thought I was going to become a doctor, that’s what I told everyone from the time I was 10 up until I graduate undergrad. I graduated a year after covid (2021) and the world looked different. The moment I received my diploma I knew medical school was not my next step; I was being called for something greater. Read more>>

Shanie Mattox

After working in the Audiovisual field for 30 years, I had enough and wanted to try graphic design for a change. While trying to get that off the ground, I came to work for Beer and Wine Craft part-time. Read more>>

Tony Hicks

From Penny Candy to Global Adventures: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Tony For Tony, entrepreneurship started early—long before college degrees, business plans, or real estate portfolios. At just a few years old, he turned his $1 weekly allowance into a booming candy business, buying penny sweets and reselling them for a nickle. That early taste of profit lit a lifelong passion for business and innovation. Read more>>

Sigitas (Sigi) Seputis

I came to the U.S. from Lithuania in 2000, right after graduating from the University of Technology. I arrived with just $200 in my pocket, minimal English skills, and a big dream. My first years here were spent working hard — as a housekeeper, cook, server, and bartender — often juggling multiple jobs at once just to pay the bills. Read more>>

Enika McClain

Growing up, I was deeply inspired by the care my grandmother and my mother, one of sixteen siblings, showed to others. Their example instilled in me the understanding that no matter what life throws your way, having someone there to support you can make all the difference. Read more>>

nathalie pham

My journey started through my husband, who has been in the jewelry bussiness for over 25 years. learning from his experience , I saw an opportunity to bring advanced technology like CAD design and 3d printing into the crsft. That vision led to HN Creations – ‘H’for Hien and ‘N’ nathalie- our partnership and family values reflected in every piece. Read more>>

Kendrick Love Sr.

I’m Dr. Kendrick Love Sr., and my journey into behavioral consulting started with me. As a kid, I battled serious anger issues and struggled to communicate in healthy ways. I eventually found my outlet through the performing arts, especially modern dance, concert choir, and theater. Those discoveries taught me the power of channeling emotions into something creative and positive. Read more>>

Shanette Johnson

My journey hasn’t been traditional. At 25, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which made it difficult to maintain a conventional job. With the support of my husband, we decided it was best for me to become a stay-at-home mom so I could focus on my health and our family. While at home, I refused to let my circumstances define me. Read more>>

Brett Whaley

I started my balloon journey at Church-working for a kids day-basically giving the kids another fun activity for everyone to enjoy. After that I made more balloon animals for my daughter’s birthday, giving her a memorable experience. After some time practicing and just making balloon creations at home, I got a job at Your Pie in Lagrange making balloon animals for kids. Read more>>

Matteo and Matthew

We’re Matthew and Matteo, and together we own TwinScapesATL. We started this company about three years ago — back when Matteo was 14 and Matthew was 16. We were neighbors and childhood friends, and we both had one thing in common: we never liked the idea of working for someone else. Read more>>

Caliah Jinaye

I started Bespoke Design & Development Co. with a vision to help entrepreneurs and organizations bring their ideas to life through intentional design and strategy. What began as a one-woman operation creating brand identities has grown into a full-service consulting and creative firm. My journey has been fueled by faith, resilience, and a genuine passion for helping others build with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Read more>>

Omid Yoosefi

I moved to the U.S. a little over 11 years ago to study Computer Science at Penn State. After graduating, I came down to Atlanta for a software engineering role and built a solid career here. Read more>>

Norica Canty

I went through an extremely bad breakup. My ex literally woke up one day and decided he did not want to be married and left me with all the bills and my own thoughts. Luckily, I was already in my career and decided against having children. I was able to pick up and move forward fairly quickly after spending a week in bed. Read more>>

Promise Batiste

I began volunteering with the Humane Society and Chastain Horse Park around the age of 13. I always knew I had a passion for animals, and it was one day something I’d want to turn into a career. When I turned 14 and could legally work, I began working in Doggy daycares, which allowed me to learn more about animal behavior and temperament. Read more>>

Chris Brown

Starting Browns Pro Movers was never just about moving furniture—it was about moving people into new seasons of life. My journey began with very little. At the time, I didn’t own a truck, my finances were upside down, and honestly, I was starting over. Read more>>

Whitnie Riden

I went to Georgia State University for undergrad, where I majored in Journalism with a Media Management Minor. I always knew I wanted to be an attorney, primarily in the sports and entertainment industry. Read more>>

Francis and Ebony Ellis

We started our journey in 2021 with Flipped ATL Mobile Bartending, bringing personalized bar experiences to events across the Atlanta area. What began as a passion for creating great cocktails and unforgettable moments quickly grew as we realized the need for a space of our own. Read more>>

Jessa Depew

I opened The Quadrilingual Academy in the middle of the COVID-19 shutdown. August 1, 2020. It was a project of necessity. I was running clinical trials remotely for a small Swiss-based pharma company and I had a 4 year old and 2 year old boy at home wrestling with limitless energy all day long. I was also pregnant in my 40s with our 3rd child. Read more>>

Kyle Huhtanen

Educated as an architect, I chose a path that took me into the non-profit sector working in faith-based missions to serve the neighbor. After living and working with facility development for a medical mission in Honduras for over 12 years, I returned to the USA landing in Atlanta in 2012. Read more>>

Linsey Carroll

Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life for over 25 years! My gymnastics journey began in recreational classes at four years old, and I progressed quickly & joined a competition team. Read more>>

Kevin Windom

I’m double board certified in both OB/GYN and Urogynecology and reconstructive surgery. I started refinind women’s wellness as an adjunct to my UROGYNECOLOGY business and in essence we use a pelvic floor platform by INMODE that helps with vaginal rejuvenation, vaginal tightening, labioplasty, pelvic floor therapy, electrical muscle stimulation of the pelvic floor And many other aspects of women’s health. Read more>>

MICHAEL EWING

Ewing Motor Company was established in 1979 in Buford, Georgia by my father Mike Ewing. I am the second generation owner now and I started my way from the bottom washing the entire lot of cars. We credit our success by being honest, taking care of our customers, and by treating everyone as fairly as we would want to be treated. Read more>>

Rickelle Felton

I’ve been living in the McDonough area for over 20 years. For 20 years, I would drive past this small building near our downtown square and say to myself that it would make an adorable Hello Kitty boutique. When I was a kid, I loved Hello Kitty! Read more>>

Clarinda Steward, RN, CCRN

My journey started with a deep passion for caring for others and a desire to make a difference beyond the bedside. As a registered nurse, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse settings, from hospital ICUs and post-anesthesia care units to travel nursing assignments across different states. I’ve been a nurse since 2001. Read more>>

Janet Stovall

My story really begins with getting mad and deciding to do something about it. I grew up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and honestly, as a young girl, I never really thought about being Black. But when I got to Davidson College in the early 1980s, that changed fast. Read more>>

Josh Scoville

Years ago I ran a computer repair business since my background is in Information Technology. In that business, I worked on both residential and commercial systems and even network troubleshooting and installation. Through that business doing my own bookkeeping, I learned that I was pretty good at it. Read more>>

Kari Fletcher

I didn’t start out in marketing. My early career path pointed toward engineering — a field that appealed to my love of math and the elegant logic of calculus. But as much as I appreciated the structure, I quickly realized that engineering wasn’t where my passion lived. Read more>>

Stefan Terwindt

Travel has always been central in my life. Growing up in the Netherlands with family roots also in Austria, I spent summers with my grandparents in Vienna and explored much of Europe. But what really sparked my love of discovery was a four-month overland journey from the Netherlands to Kenya with friends when I was 20. Read more>>

Dorcia Kelley

I started my career in fashion, working as a Market Editor for *ELLE Magazine* under Nina Garcia and later with *Lancôme Paris*. Those early years shaped my eye for style, storytelling, and brand positioning — how a visual could instantly communicate emotion, aspiration, and identity. From there, my path evolved naturally into interiors. Read more>>

Arthur Bernier Jr

I started out like many others—hungry for more, but without a degree, a network, or a roadmap. My first break came as a teenager doing web work for a nonprofit, and later freelancing in the evenings after the military while barely making ends meet. That grind turned into mastery. Read more>>

Brooke Chumachenko

TruCraft Inc .was started back in the 1990’s by my dad, Marshall. Before relocating to Georgia in the late 90’s, we did a lot of work for large corporations such as ADM and A.E. Staley Co. While we have the ability to do all kinds of construction, we have primarily focused on Horizontal Directional Drilling since the move to Georgia. Read more>>

Jennifer Key

My journey into counseling began long before I earned a degree. It started in high school at St. Hugh’s, where I admired the way our school counselor guided and supported us. At the same time, I witnessed the deep impact of my parents’ divorce on my brother, my mother, and myself. Read more>>