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.
Mariella Ortuno
Moving to the U.S. was both exciting and challenging. It was difficult to adjust to a new culture and way of life, especially after leaving extended family behind. My father was the only one able to work initially, while my sister and I attended school, and my mother stayed home without legal status. After struggling to adapt in Miami and experiencing additional hardships, including the loss of a close family member, we moved to Orlando, Florida. There, I completed high school, met incredible people from all over the world, and my parents opened their own business. Read More>>
Little Dream Play
We are an event planner we rent equipment such as, soft play backdrops, and balloons. We are 3 sisters, moms, and best friends that truly want our clients to be wowed with the amazing work we have for their events. We are genuine women who really want to take the pressure and stress off of other moms who are planning their little ones events. Read More>>
Katie Del Rio
Like any new journey there will definitely be bumps in the road. Even if you are working in an established studio, you as an individual have to start your business from the ground up. You have to learn to put yourself out there during the ups and downs and just keep pushing through the obstacles. You are your own everything and if you want to succeed you have to keep going. That has been the biggest lesson in my career, do not give up on yourself and give it your all and you will see success even in the small things. Read More>>
Norma Garcia
My time at the shelter revealed gaps in my skills, particularly in providing emotional support to those in distress. This realization inspired me to enroll in a Master’s in Social Work (MSSW) program, where I honed my ability to be a supportive advocate. After graduating and obtaining my LCSW, I dedicated the past 15 years to working with children and families across various settings, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, family conflict, child abuse, and domestic violence. Read More>>
Aunties And Mimosas Podcast
Our podcast fosters a sense of safety and comfort, akin to confiding in a beloved aunt. Whether it is navigating relationships, parenthood, career challenges, or personal growth and healing, Aunties and Mimosas offers a supportive haven where voices are heard, stories are cherished, and connections are forged. Read More>>
Joshua W. Romero
During that time, I was an avid art and designer toy collector. I spent all my extra money on fine art and silk-screen prints from artist friends and spent countless hours online hunting down limited-edition toys from artists around the world. This passion led me to work with Kidrobot, a designer toy company originally based in San Francisco that later moved its flagship to SoHo in New York City. When they opened a pop up shop in Dallas, I got involved through a friend, Johnny Mack, who knew about my love for art toys. I helped run that shop with a small group of like-minded people. Read More>>
Jacob Fuller
Well, we must admit, Lori’s Estate Sales started well before we (Jacob & Stephanie) arrived, Its DFW’s longest running and currently family owned Estate Sale Companies. I (Jacob) was forutnate enough to start working with Lori’s when my mother bought the company many years ago. It has been an absolute pleasure helping our community out through these sales by providing an easy yet thorough process in hosting sales for these families, as well as providing amazing & unique items at fair prices to our valued customers! Read More>>
Roxanne Quiroz
After losing my mom to cancer in 2021, I felt lost and dealt with anxiety and depression. I disconnected from my loved ones, including close friends for quite some time. After being one of my mom’s caregivers during her battle with cancer, I struggled to find purpose after her passing, I took one year to heal and understand my grief. In 2023, I slowly started to tap back into the activities I used to enjoy like hiking, dance, and fitness. Read More>>
Jeff Da Illest
Well first I’m a dj first everything came from the gift God gave which is DJing then after that I’m a teacher that had became a strong passion of mine!! Making sure i give the gift back to the game that blessed me to give.children, teens and adults!!! what sets me apart… THE LOVE FOR THE MUSIC AND THE CRAFT Read More>>
Gizem Gulec Bulsat
Bringing together with the photo what I feel when I look at that photo. Photography and feelings… I express this sometimes with musical lyrics, sometimes with a poem, and sometimes with an article I wrote myself. On the other hand, I try to provide posts that will inspire and motivate people on my page. You can see not only photos, but also posts from a museum trip or images from an art gallery. Now, I bring this together in the field of clothing by turning my photographs into designs. You can see a photo you like on the t-shirt. Even though we’re still taking baby steps, it’s good to move forward. As they say, “Less is more.” Read More>>
Lauren Lockett
I was working with a Realtor in Tennessee looking for my first property to purchase when I realized that they didn’t have the knowledge of the real estate investing industry and they didn’t know how to properly evaluate a deal and numbers to help me get started. From that experience I decided to get licensed. I got my license in Tennessee, joined a brokerage, and then within 12 months met my future husband who was already in real estate in Texas and moved to Texas and got my license in Texas. Read More>>
Ivy Sbaiti
After working as an architect for several years, I transitioned into the world of commercial real estate. It was a natural evolution for me, blending my love for design with my growing interest in the financial aspects of property development and investment. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide variety of projects, from ground-up developments to complex renovations. Read More>>
Mariah Garza
Definitely not, I’ve faced many struggles during my journey. I didn’t have the best experience in school, I had a teacher or two who made me feel like I couldn’t make it in this industry. I wasn’t able to grasp on to information the way the other girls in my class would and struggled all the time to the point where I was ready to drop out. Even though I felt becoming a hairstylist wasn’t for me I was still very eager to learn and applied for my first assistant job. Read More>>
Jarryd Branch
It wasn’t a hard transition because of my church background and I wasn’t making crazy vulgar music any way so I took time to grow in God and learn who I was in him. I took my testimony of the things I faced in my life and mixed it with my faith and came up with what I call WHOLEHEARTED music. I feel there is enough people polluting music and I wanna be a change I tell people all the time even if you don’t get God from my music at least get hope. I make relatable music for everyone to enjoy Read More>>
Samaja Stevenson
Starting my own business was a major milestone, but my journey didn’t stop there. I felt a calling to share my experiences and insights with others, which led me to become a minister and an author. Each of these roles—CEO, minister, and author—allows me to contribute in different ways, but they’re all connected by my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Read More>>
Daniela Falade
I remember immeditely getting postive comments, likes and DMS regarding my food. People started asking me if I sold food but at the time it was simply for fun so I always said no. Shortly after growing my page and posting my creations, in 2022 a family friend asked if I could cater a small birthday brunch she was hosting, at first I was specticle because I had never really cooked for a group of people before, but I decided to do it for her and the rest is history! Read More>>
Trey “Treydey” Soto
After 6 years in the military, I began my journey in the music industry by managing “KyleGotThatCannon”, Tay Money’s Official DJ. Along the way I developed great relationships with some of Dallas’ most respected DJ’s. Until eventually learning the skill of mixing and being pushed to do more by others. A great friend and drummer, Matt Madiro, once told me, “You don’t belong behind the scenes.” Read More>>
Paul Levatino
I am an award-winning creative executive and business leader with a deep passion for blending artistic vision with strategic execution. What sets me apart is my unique ability to merge creativity and commerce, consistently delivering impactful campaigns that drive revenue and elevate brand visibility. Over the past 27 years, I’ve mastered the art of storytelling across various mediums, from event production to film and content creation. Read More>>
Casey Mintle
I have a sensitive nose and found that I wasn’t able to tolerate most fragrances in products, they were either overwhelming, smelled synthetic, or didn’t meet quality standards, so I curated my own little arsenal of aromas consisting of essential oil blends or fragrances from reputable shops with high-quality standards for clean burning fragrances. My products all consist of limited, natural ingredients, and are handmade by me. Read More>>
Sarah Swann
Picture this: It’s 5 AM, and eighth grade me is in the bathroom mirror trying to figure out creative ways to style my hair for school. My mom’s idea of a good hair day is clean, greased, and brushed hair with a headband, lol. Going through puberty and the excitement of going to high school had me nervous and ready for a new look. But it was more than just an outward transformation for me – but more of an inward expression of my versatility! Read More>>
Anjanette Johnson
Started braiding when I was a teenager and when I had daughters people asked me to braid there babies hair. One of my associates tagged me in a post back in 2014 a lady was looking for braider in her shop and I started working there and she showed me how to retwist Locs and from there I began my journey on doing hair Read More>>
Shelley Cramm
My work as an author began as a journalist – that is, someone who writes in a journal, not a professional journalist. As a young mom, I realized my husband and little ones would be better off if I got up early before everyone else and took a little time to pray and get my attitude right…except, I kept falling back asleep in the middle of my own prayers! Read More>>
Eric Rush
The need to provide supersedes the need to parent. That pressure is often passed on to the ones who are most vulnerable, the children. In 5 short years, their tumultuous relationship ended. Because of this, I spent much of my life, and even in some parts of adulthood, feeling emotionally and spiritually malnourished and struggling with my problems, alone. It was as if I didn’t have the essential tools to make the best decisions in life without having to face the serious consequences of making bad ones. Read More>>
Sirisha Duvvuru
Determined to make a change, I began researching private practice. To my surprise, I discovered that starting one didn’t require a fancy office – just a few legal requirements. Excited by this prospect, I decided to see clients on the side while keeping my day job.I created flyers and spread the word on Facebook and other social media platforms. For an entire month, my phone remained silent. Self-doubt crept in, and I found myself stuck in analysis paralysis, questioning if I was good enough. Read More>>
Stella Grace
Overnight i had lost everything, became homeless since i could not keep up with the bills, had no income, at that point in my life, i saw suicide as the only means to an end. I know many might be feeling like this right now due to life issues, stress etc….but please let me tell you something, do not give up on your self and life. Read More>>
Latrell Carter
That lead to us starting the podcast together a couple of weeks afterwards. Due to personal reasons, my co-host eventually decided he no longer wanted to be apart of the podcast so I decided to continue doing the podcast on my own because I truly believe the information I speak on can help young adults as they they start to find their footing in life. Read More>>
Ronald “riskie Forever” Brent
From there, I transitioned from graffiti to fine art, eventually opening a booth at the mall, airbrushing custom designs. That’s where Death Row CEO Suge Knight discovered my work. My first major project was creating the album insert for Tupac Shakur’s “All Eyez On Me,” and after that, I went on to design the iconic cover for “Makaveli: The 7 Day Theory.” Read More>>
Idanelly Gonzalez
My goal has been to create fun, colorful, and unique pieces that make a statement. I love adding sparkle to my pieces, from earrings to bejeweled sunglasses and hair claws. I draw inspiration from trends, seasons, and my own joy, ensuring each piece is something I would proudly wear. Read More>>
Cesar Vargas
Looking back it wasn’t all a smooth road, we had several bumps on the way but we managed to keep our momentum going. We learned on how and who to keep around to build a solid team to make things work for the band. Much love to everybody who has supported us from day one we love yall! Read More>>
Chanesia Johnson
I got my start DJing at DFW swingout events. Swingout is a very sexy and sophisticated partner dance to Blues, Soul, R&B, and sometimes Hip-Hop music. Soon after I began taking on private and corporate events. I started to incorporate my love for Pop and Rock music. That’s when I created my identity as an open-format DJ. Read More>>
