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.
Jordan Johnson
I was tired of working for other people and wanted to live more in service. As I allowed the mourning of my old religion I walked over the freedom bridge to being able to fully accept myself, love myself, and develop my relationship with spirit further through the lost language of spirit which my body was naturally tapped into. By connecting authentically with my intuition, I was able to heal myself of chronic pain and joint problems, reproductive system imbalances, and mental health issues. Read More>>
Zhchariah Everett
I started esthetician school in January 2021. I fell in love with learning to better understand and heal my skin. At that time I knew I wanted to make a career out of it to help others. I finished esthetician school November 2021, got licensed December 2021, opened my books up Februrary 2022, & the rest is history. February 2025 will make 3 years in business and I have absolutely enjoyed being able to help so many beautiful people learn to better understand and heal their skin. It makes the long days and nights of entrepreneurship so worth it. Read More>>
Brandon Torres Sr.
You learn as you go a lot of times in this field, or at least I have. From forgetting back up memory cards to not having certain equipment, lighting, etc Which equipment in itself is a hefty price. To just getting better at taking pictures and getting out of your comfort zone when working with people on a personal level. Just always pushing yourself to put out the best product, its a competitive field. But I enjoy that part. It keeps me on my toes to better myself. Read More>>
Alyssa Nichols
EUNOIAFIT quickly grew as I moved my business to an all women’s gym downtown and then decided to opened my own private studio in 2017. We continued to grow, down-sizing to weather the uncertainty of COVID, and then expanded to our current location in OakCliff Bishop Arts in 2023, where we are the only 100% woman-owned, women-operated, and women-only strength training gym! It has been such a wild, but rewarding journey! Read More>>
Concetta Troskie
My journey as a therapist is rooted in the listening to my body, and I help my clients discover a path to start listening to their own. The nervous system has a wordless and shapeless logic of its own. The body wants to flow and release what does not serve its highest good. I help my clients remember that their body is a miraculous mystery, and if we know how to listen, it will guide us through our pain. Read More>>
Tamika McNac
Summer of 2021 I was on medical leave from my employer. My sister Shamika who is a licensed cosmetologist, and owner of Lux Beauty Salon in Westland, MI was looking for an assistant. I inquired about the position and was immediately hired. Before starting as her assistant, she invested in a 1 on 1 braiding class for me. In the meantime, she been promoting on social media that she finally had a braider at the shop. Read More>>
Amber Nicole
I have always loved everything artsy, and I always watched videos of artist decorating cookies. So when I found out my daughter was extremely allergic to peanuts, I had to figure out what to do for her 1st birthday. I knew I could do her cake, but I wanted cookies too! So I figured I’d give it a go, and I was amazed how great I was at it. After I shared photos of my work, people started asking me to do them, and now I’m hooked! I came up with my business name, The Crafty Cookie Jar, and 2 ½ yrs later here I am! Read More>>
Katherine Clapner
I have always made what I like to eat and have never veered off this path. My approach to flavor profiles is far more influenced by the amazing chefs that I call friends and never inspired by pastry or other chocolatiers. I still to this day cannot believe that folks love it as much as I do and thrive on the energy they give back to. me. We have had many other locations, but the Bishop Arts and in particular our new store , is home to us. Read More>>
Abigail Torres
Starting out, I was also working as a business manager for a dental office and I had to work Saturdays which really hurt my business from the start. I believe the first two years I got a few clients but then I put it to the side and really didn’t push my business after. Thankfully, with the support of my family and friends, I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I started working with other local Hair and makeup teams that would hire me to do weddings and from there it has really blossomed. Read More>>
Spencer Conley
Print Our Pet was my first business that really took off and I launched it in 2019. At the time, I was already running a pet apparel business that sold dog bandanas and scarves. One week I saw an Instagram ad that sparked the idea of Print Our Pet. My ex-girlfriend that I was living with at the time was going out of town that weekend and I had no plans. I knew that I could start Print Our Pet with almost no money out of pocket so I decided to buckle in and build the website that weekend. We launched Monday. We had our first seven figure year in 2021 and now have over 80 people working of us. Read More>>
Hayden McPherson
Wavi started music and digital art over 10 years ago, and has faced many challenges in the process. Overcoming poverty and facing the music put a fire in my soul. I like to say that the music saved me many times. Read More>>
Nikki Nasceif
This field allowed me to work in the sides of communications and marketing that I loved, while also making sure that I was part of everything from start to finish. As a young PR grad in Detroit, I knew I didn’t want to work in auto or work in Social Media just because it was the hot thing to do in 2017. Read More>>
Sarina Lora Davidson
After graduation from UNT in 2019, Sarina Lora embarked on a 7 month journey at Pinnacle Group in Dallas, TX where she met industry leaders & packed her bags and moved to Fort Worth as fast as she could for a new opportunity that felt more like home. After 4 years and 3 months of serving the Hispanic Business Community through the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; in January 2024 Sarina Lora was ready for her next adventure. Read More>>
Shriya Swaminathan
I’m passionate about animal rights and that led me to go vegan. Little did I know I would discover a love and passion for food, explore global cuisine, and learn about the versatility of plant-based cuisine. Going plant-based broadened my horizons and I began to learn about cuisines I would have otherwise not have tried. I think that I discovered my own creativity when it came to food. I’d explore how to create fusion dishes, seek out vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, and opt for the most unique-sounding items on the menu. Read More>>
Aisha Simone
That’s when I knew it was time to take a leap of faith and challenge myself. In 2020, It was a heavy time for the world, and many readers can understand and relate to that. That’s when I envisioned The MADE Mall, my online digital brick-and-mortar store. I launched it in 2021 with the goal of creating an online shopping mall that offered everything—luxury, home decor, fashion, and different categories—just like a physical mall. I even designed my first product, The MADE Bodysuit, and got it into production.” Read More>>
Armando & Pearl Nava
I transitioned from the United States Marine Corps in 2019 – depressed, anxious and lost. I met my wife towards the last few months of my military career and we decided to move to San Antonio Texas. It was one of the toughest battles I had to face – taking off the uniform and trying to find myself again. A lot of the backlash and anger was taken out to my beautiful wife that held strong by my side regardless of how broken I was. She resorted to prayer, the only thing she could do in this situation. Read More>>
Teniola Adekunle
Just as every endeavor has glitches, teenybraids has encountered some challenges in the aspect of staffing. Because of the keen way i render braiding service, I have found it challenging retaining braiders. I have built a brand that is identified only with neat, fast and affordable braiding services, and I am yet to see individuals who share same value. Presently, teenybraids is a sole entrepreneur. Read More>>
Alleah
Utilizing my skills as a social media manager, creative consultant, and content creator, I began offering Content Marketing services to help creators and business owners create content on social media. Read More>>
Jennifer Octavien
The journey to building Spirit of Iteru has been anything but smooth. I founded the boutique in 2020 during the global pandemic, at a time when I was navigating significant personal challenges, including a divorce and the responsibilities of being a single mother to three children while working full-time at a hospital. Despite the weight of these responsibilities, I found solace in creating art through jewelry. What began as a personal outlet for expression soon evolved into a passion, ultimately becoming the foundation of Spirit of Iteru.. Read More>>
Martina Terelle
My journey as a fashion designer began at a young age. My mother was a professional seamstress and taught me how to sew when I was ten years old. I fell in love with sketching and designing outfits for my Barbie dolls, and by high school, I began making clothes for myself, my friends, and my family. By the time I reached college, I had already participated in several local talent shows and fashion shows in the surrounding area. Read More>>
Dandre McCarter
I’m Chef D’Andre McCarter, and my journey started in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from the Culnard Culinary Institute, I worked as an executive chef and gained over 30 years of experience in the culinary world. My career took me around the globe, including a memorable time with the Four Seasons Hotel Resort in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through the years, I developed a passion for healthy cooking, flavor balance, and making nutritious food accessible to everyone. Read More>>
Katie Butler
It made me think that we would all be better off if we all knew that lots of people out there were having conversations about wanting to cut back and that being sober curious was super normal. That is why I started my platform, Alcohol Free in Dally; to spread awareness about the conversations around nonalc options, share tips and tricks from ordering at restaurants to dating as a sober person, and to let others know that they are not alone. Read More>>
Donnell & Shaerica Walder
Another challenge was leading a church during the pandemic. As pastors, we were responsible not only for our personal growth but also for guiding and supporting our congregation through uncertain times. Expanding our church to other locations like Shreveport, Dallas, Nairobi, and Pakistan added even more pressure. We had to balance our ministry responsibilities with the desire to break the cycle of financial struggle in our own lives. Read More>>
Alma Garcia
In 2023, I founded Black Girls Go Global because of the gender/racial disparity that exists with Black women in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) with less than 2% representation. This gap is often due to systemic barriers such as lack of access, bias, and stereotypes. By advocating for Black girls, we help dismantle these barriers and create a more equitable future. Read More>>
Arlene Betancourt
In 2019, I completed fellowship training at the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. My fellowship training and experience in integrative medicine have opened my awareness to consider the whole patient – mind, body, spirit and community – and how our relationships with one another can help promote healing. I am currently the medical director for the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where I help oversee the academic and clinical training of future health professionals. Read More>>
Dinesh Arya Chiranji
The momentum continued to build as I balanced my studies with an increasing number of modeling gigs. I had the opportunity to model for Merchandising Inc. in North Texas, further expanding my portfolio and industry connections. In addition to runway shows, I participated in at least five conceptual photoshoots, honing my skills and versatility as a model. Read More>>
Jenna Morr
I’m originally from a small town in Indiana with a population of less than 1,000 people. I grew up in the country where your neighbors were considered anyone living within 30 miles of you and you went to the same high school that your parents went and majority of your classmates were the kids of your parent’s classmates. I grew up on small town parades, Midwest homecooked meals and although we love the Friday Night Lights, the town shut down to pack sold out high school basketball gymnasiums to cheer on the hometown basketball team. Read More>>
Miriam Gomez
Miriam Gomez embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2008 with a simple but bright idea: a holiday lighting company that brought festive cheer to homes and businesses during the holiday season. Her keen eye for design and meticulous attention to detail quickly earned her a loyal customer base, making her company, Jingle Bell Lighting, a go-to name for holiday lighting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Read More>>
Lauren Hatchell Katrina Carlsen
Lauren: I’ve always loved nature and hiking, but honestly, I struggled with staying oriented on trails. Getting lost, especially when I was hiking alone, became a huge barrier for me. At one point, I worked on a project that built location-registered ‘hand-drawn’ festival maps, and I realized that the same concept could apply to hiking. There are so many beautifully detailed maps produced by park services, and I thought, ‘Why not combine those with tech to make them even more user-friendly?’ Read More>>
Emily Herbold
Eden Lifestyle Boutique opened in 2017 with a vast array of women’s and gift items. We have had the privilege of serving the city of Frisco for many years. Providing Happy Style for your Beautiful life is our mantra and we are so thankful for our customers and clients for allowing us to be a part of the moments that shape their story. Read More>>
Christen Reyes
So, I thought it would be special to create an award system for dance education, and present those awards at the Festival. I contacted my mentor, mentioned above, Joy Bollinger, to see if she would help support this idea of awards, and collaborating with Bruce Wood Dance, as Bruce Wood is also a Fort Worth native, and they have been supportive since day one! Essentially, I just want dance, dance education, dance as a profession to take off in Fort Worth, because far too long has amazing things been happening, but not many know about it. Read More>>
Gifted Summer Fest Co.
It has not been a smooth road for us; however, without error, there is no growth. We have faced challenges in planning and expanding our brand, from marketing to networking. There have been difficult times when we struggled to get others to see our vision as we do. Many people have come and gone from our team, and while it’s understandable that some leave, we recognize that without change, there is no growth. Nevertheless, we continue to roll with the punches and stay focused on the mission that God placed on our hearts for this city. Through it all, we have witnessed God’s grace and glory each year. Read More>>
Taylor Alyssa
Now that I’ve been in Dallas for almost two years, I see how my journey is coming together. My goal is to uplift and show love to the underdogs—those who feel overlooked or underestimated. Through my work as an influencer and model, and my future career as an esthetician, I want to highlight the inner beauty and strength in everyone. I aim to demonstrate that it’s not the struggles we face that define us, but how we rise above them. Read More>>
Malia Marino
As mentioned before, after moving to Texas, I received tragic news. It felt wrong to be away from family, and I even considered going back because you never know how much time you have with loved ones. The move itself was also a challenge. I had to choose between postponing my graduation or staying behind without my fiancé. We had been living together for a year, and the thought of doing long-distance for six months did not sit right with us. Read More>>
Desiree Catherwood
I worked there until I felt like my craft was perfect. I then became a master stylist at this studio. I decided to take another leap! To open up my own suite again. Being my own boss has always been my priority. My lash business is successful. I love what I do! I love the relationships I have built with my clients that I consider my friends. I’m excited to see where my business can grow from here. Read More>>
