Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1890s Atlanta, 'The Downstairs Girl' follows the life of Jo Kuan, a seventeen-year-old girl leading a double existence. By day, she endures the demands of working as a lady's maid for a wealthy family. By night, she transforms into the sharp and elusive 'Miss Sweetie,' wielding her pen to anonymously author an advice column that captivates the city. As Miss Sweetie's words gain traction, challenging societal norms and prejudices, Jo faces intense scrutiny and peril. When a cryptic letter steers her on a quest to uncover her origins and the family that left her behind, she must navigate the dangerous waters of identity, class, and racism. Jo's journey is not just about survival but about the choice to emerge from the shadows into a society that may not be ready for the truths she has to offer.