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.
Allison Meadows
I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset. From selling candy in high school to selling dinners in college, I knew that I wanted to have a business and work for myself. My media company actually started off as a management company, and I was working in the music industry. My company was called Management Matters at that time. Read more>>
Melanie Frances Allen
I absolutely love entertaining our friends, family and neighbors. For many years, I have made charcuterie boards for different get-togethers my family and I have hosted or gone to. Back in 2021 I took a formal class while my family and I were stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. At that point, knew I wanted to start a charcuterie business. Read more>>
Earnestine Hilson Rainey
The compassion to serve and assist others was the beacon of hope that matured into purpose is what lead me to counseling and community outreach. Resilience, perseverance, humility, and meekness transformed the beacon of hope into serving and counseling. Read more>>
Jennifer Griffin
I started my journey receiving massage 20 years ago. It became an important part of my self care/sanity as a mother raising 6 kids. When I moved to Connecticut I start doing personal training at Anytime Fitness. This became such a pivot in my life and I pursued this career. Read more>>
Andrew (Drew) Stipp
I joined First Command Financial Services as a Financial Advisor in June 2024, following a 21-year career in the United States Army, where I attained and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. My path into the Army was, like many, the direct byproduct of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Read more>>
Emily Burton
I grew up being the party planner for my friends group and community, so I’ve always loved planning and designing a cohesive party or space…once that leaves a lasting impression for months and years to come. Read more>>
Julie Ricciardelli Vokrri
Julie Ricciardelli Vokrri, MD – Founder, Vokrri Direct Primary Care My journey in medicine began with a simple goal: to take excellent care of people. I trained in Internal Medicine and entered traditional healthcare with enthusiasm and a deep sense of purpose. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that the system was fundamentally broken. Read more>>
Pearla Harvey
Pearla Harvey, Tribally known as Chief Hacha Kusso, Chief Administrator of Yuchii Kusso Mvskoki Tribe. The Yuchii Kusso Mvskoki Tribe (YKM), a grassroots organization and tribal government established in August 2021 with a seven-member elected council, represents more than 123 members across the United States of America (Republic) and is dedicated to fostering sustainable governance, community development, and cultural preservation. Read more>>
Chrislynn Eikel
Of course! I was born and raised in southwest Louisiana, where I was a creative oddball. When I turned 18, I flew the coop to San Antonio, Texas, to attend art school at the Art Institute of San Antonio. It was there that I got my first baking job at a cookie/ice cream parlor, decorating ice cream cakes and celebration cookie cakes. Read more>>
Kasey Wilson
I was born into a family of small business owners, and I grew up behind a counter, watching my parents treat people with heart, kindness, and dignity. That love for people has shaped everything I’ve built. After spending more than a decade raising my kids, my world shifted when my youngest went off to school and the house grew quiet. Read more>>
Amanda Bell
Tea Strings started as an idea born out of mine and my husband’s lived experience in customer care, baking, and creative work, paired with our mutual love of music and instruments. Read more>>
Linda Burton
I started as a solo makeup artist, and I initially built my reputation through word of mouth. As demand grew in Savannah, I curated a team of makeup artists and hair stylists who shared my vision and standards. Today, what began as a personal passion has evolved into a luxury beauty brand known for timeless artistry, elevated services, and an exceptional client experience. Read more>>
Morgan Brown
My story really starts with nursing and my love for patient care. I graduated from Clemson in 2017 and began my career as a registered nurse in the NICU in Nashville, where I learned the importance of precision, trust, and compassion. Read more>>
Daisy Chavers
I’ve always created in some form or another. I lost my hairdressing career when I tore my rotator cuff in two places. My husband and daughter tattoo and they soon had me in the shop helping run things and inspired me to start drawing again. One thing led to another, and here I am tattooing too! I love that tattooing pushes my creativity and challenges me every day. I also love that I still get to have a close relationship with clients similar to when I was doing hair. I particularly love tattooing flowers, plants, and small creatures. We have a shop in Asheville, North Carolina but really got tired of the winters. Savannah grabbed our interest and stole our hearts. So, we’ve opened a shop in Savannah! I’m so excited to be here and look forward to new friendships. Read More>>
Dustin Herb
We are a skincare company treating the public with simple products like Goat Milk Soap and Lotions. We got into the industry through a shared experience that being bad skin. “Bad” meaning tough cases of acne and eczema. My case was so bad (especially with acne on my face) that I even feared leaving the house. In high school, I found myself on the end of a few bullies, and it didn’t get much better into adulthood. Like some teens/young adults, I found myself going to my doctor for treatment. In the end, I found myself on a harsh medication called Accutane, and though it helped with one issue, facial/body scarring became a new one. After being on the medication for nearly two years, I started to look for a different solution. That’s when a dermatologist recommended the use of “Goat milk-based products. I tried a few different kinds and loved the results. Though it didn’t cure it (and won’t), it helped manage it. Plus, the feel of a bar soap never felt so good! Read More>>
