Imagine being a successful business owner not only because of your ideas and services but also because of your impact on your community. Derrick Hayes, 34, the owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has made this a reality. Hayes’ journey started with repeated struggles. Despite his setbacks, he overcame every time with hard work and an everlasting passion to help others.

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Years from now, when someone mentions March 2020, most people will be reminiscent of COVID-19, but for Khalilah Womack, March 2020 will be remembered as the month that her dream project, I Scream Ice Scream Rolls, came to life. Womack opened up shop in Underground Atlanta on March 13, days before the mandatory quarantine, an experience not many small business owners have gone through, but she has persevered through these unprecedented challenges. Through community and (especially) family support, I Scream has made it through to be a shining new face for the revitalization of Underground Atlanta. The revitalization of the area, as said by Underground’s website, is dedicated to turning the “historic four-block radius into a sustainable community where people can live, work, create, and explore… with unique shops, restaurants, markets, entertainment, and a variety of workspace options.”

You are unauthorized to view this page.