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 downtown’s gems below.
Destinee Scott
I’m 26 years old. My story is that last year in June, I got pregnant with my 1st child. I went through a lot at that time. I had a stillbirth. I was 38 weeks pregnant full term. Read More>>
Danette Mahabeer-Turner
Seven years ago, my life was completely changed. I became a first-time mother and a single mother. Starting all over from scratch, I remember working three jobs at one point just to make ends meet and to be able to save. Read More>>
Cobra Yu
It all started with passion. “Storytellers lead the world forward.” When we were children, we used to say that we wanted to be astronauts, soldiers, or painters, all because of the different stories we read, animations, or movies we watched that inspired us. Read More>>
Hellen Tsibu
My name is Hellen Tsibu. Owner of SKYN FLUENT, an all-natural holistic skin and hair care brand. I started my business during the pandemic. It was a very hard time for me, went through depression, and I just needed something to do that will bring me joy and happiness. Read More>>
Dr. Shadaria Allison
I started as most girls do. Big dreams of love, family, and stardom. Instead, I experienced life lived through the spirit of brokenness and poverty, teen pregnancy, social injustice, encounters with God, and eventually change. Read More>>
Dawn Fowler
My journey started in 2020. I spent the entire COVID season going back and forth in my head about business ideas and things I wanted to do. I kept putting it off but could not stop thinking about it. I was struggling mentally, internalizing all my feelings. Read More>>
Vianca Bentley
I found inspiration as a child, hearing stories from my relatives who worked with popular Latin music artists. Growing up was different, but I always kept my ear to the streets, keeping up with the latest music, trending topics, and neighborhood fashions. Read More>>
Terez Peguero
I started my branding Uncut Lamez in the summer of 2019. I realized I had a deep passion for producing art that would uplift my community of relatable and relevant topics surrounding worldly encounters every day. Read More>>
Nar Sanders
First, let me introduce myself. I go by my tribal name Nar Nawur, which means ‘bird of fire with a peaceful spirit’. I have been a birth worker for the last 15 years, yet my calling into midwifery began earlier in life. Read More>>
Roxanne Leighty
Here I am 44 and starting over again, but this time I’m being the true Roxanne. My story began in Lancaster, Pennsylvania…yes, with the Amish. LOL In fact, my Great Grandma didn’t have any electricity in her house and she still drove a horse and buggy. Read More>>
Raquan Clemmons
I was raised by a single mom, Shadiyah, in the bustling city of Newark, New Jersey. I’m the oldest of five siblings – Jaiquan, Brian, Damoney, and Sariah. Growing up in Newark, I faced many challenges and uncertainties, but it was also here that I encountered two remarkable individuals who would later play a pivotal role in shaping me into a leader and a proud black man in America. Read More>>
Anthony Matthie
I have been cooking most of my life. Food is a passion within my family. I was in college at the time and I needed a part-time job. I started working in a BBQ restaurant in downtown Denver. That was the start of my passion finding me. After years of working in concept restaurants and fine dining, especially after the pandemic, I realized I needed to do my own thing. Read More>>
Kamron Bennett
Initially, my passion for fitness was born out of observation. As my grandmother aged, it became obvious that her lifestyle of daily activity and good nutrition was the cause of her youthful longevity. Well into her senior years, she wasn’t just alive; she was living! Her life inspired me to do the same. Read More>>
Briana Avalos
I like to think of my story as something straight out of a movie, the good, bad, and hilarious. I have memories that have been nothing short of beautiful. I’ve endured immense adversity, and I’ve build friendships and surrounded myself with people whom I wouldn’t trade for the world. Read More>>
Bryan Majors
Bryan is a true inspiration, hailing from the heart of Harrisburg, PA. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance, one that resonates deeply with educators and corporate CEOs alike. Read More>>
Lance Kotara
Lea grew up Amish, singing in church with her sisters, and I grew up playing in a rock band. My first concert was Metallica at age 13. Read More>>
Dr. Joy
My father gave me the nickname “Joy” when I was a young girl. I would have not ever imagined that this name would guide my work and impact my view of life. Read more>>
Alexis Levin
Originally from Boston, MA, I moved to Savannah in 2018. Originally my dream was to work in large event planning and management. I jumped in working on weddings and larger events down here in Savannah. I quickly began to realize that the experiences I was having on a more regular basis at restaurants and bars felt much more meaningful and impactful than those at the large, pre-designed events. Read more>>
