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 Buckhead’s gems below.
Emerald Able Searcy
For the last 15 years ever since my first event (my sweet 16), I have loved the idea of hosting and throwing parties. If you ask any of my family or friends, they will tell you Emerald loves planning and will throw a party for any reason small or big. Read More>>
Bry Cooper
With my dad being a producer, I’ve always been really passionate about music. Started producing when I was 11. But I always knew that that side of the industry was saturated. So I knew I was going to have to kind of finesse my way into these rooms and get it out of the mud. Read More>>
Brock Francis
When I reflect on my journey, I realize that who I am and what I do has always been embedded in me. However, in regard to the “beginning”, there are a few pivotal eras to be highlighted. Read More>>
Durrell Dove
Well I started photography back in 2015, a few years after losing my brother to gun violence in my hometown. He was 19 years old at the time of his demise, we were very close, and he would always tell me I needed to pick up a camera because I have a good eye for creative art! Read More>>
Luis Carranza
I embarked on my journey with CharterUP directly from the investment banking landscape, but my connection with its founder, Armir Harris, was formed long before, during our early career days in Charlotte. Despite my shift to the fast-paced environment of New York City, where I specialized in mergers and acquisitions, I was always interested to hear from Armir about CharterUP’s vision and growth potential. Read More>>
Shawntavia Bell
This journey began in 2014 when I moved to Atlanta. Moving to a new city opened the doors to new challenges to become better. After overcoming the basic challenges such as making new friends and a new career path. Read More>>
Monique Kelly
Believe it or not, my journey into professionalism and entrepreneurship started as early as age nine when my late mother, Angela Thickin, began training me in many of the areas I specialize in today. In addition to her training, I have also undergone numerous years of organizational training, formal education, and certificate programs while thriving as a professional in the corporate setting. Read more>>
Sarah Sutherland
I started acting when I was just a young tot – at twelve years old, I got my first taste of what it’s like to perform in front of an audience with my very first show (a kid-friendly adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream). I was hooked and continued to pursue theater through middle school and high school. I spent school days looking forward to afternoon rehearsals, and I spent summers soaking up as much as I could, from camps at The Alliance Theatre and Georgia Shakespeare (yes, I’m an ATL native!) to the National High School Theater program at Northwestern University. Read more>>
Yunqi Zhao
My creative journey began with a fascination for the vibrant colors and imagery on labels, shoeboxes, and clothes, sparking my interest in design. I started drawing at a young age, laying a strong foundation for my design journey, which officially began in 2015. I pursued a master’s degree at SCAD Atlanta starting in 2019, where I also studied fashion as a second major, broadening my perspective and possibilities. Read more>>
Tim Mercer
At the young age of 14, I began disciplining my body and mind, training tirelessly to reach my full potential as an athlete. I started playing golf in my freshman year of high school… Read more>>
Kash Agbeyaka
I am 27 years old born on March 30th, 1996 (shout out to all my Aries out there). Ever since I was born, I knew I wanted to be a STAR I did not know what for but I knew that I was special and wanted to entertain the masses. Growing up I would always watch my mom go to her modeling rehearsals, acting auditions, and shoots. One of the few things that stuck out to me when I was a little boy was when my mom brought me to one of her Toronto Raptors cheerleading games. Read more>>
David Krieger
My passion for music began when I was young but my career started over 15 years ago as a radio DJ and MTV VJ in Philadelphia. After graduating from college, I moved to Los Angeles trying to find the balance between practicality and passion and found a happy medium in broadcasting. In 2012, I realized that I could create a career out of something I loved doing and decided to make the jump to DJing full-time. After working for other companies for four years, I started Krieger Entertainment and have been DJing luxury weddings and corporate events ever since. In 2021, I decided to expand my business to be bicoastal and established a new home base in Atlanta. Read more>>
