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.
Chukwuka John
I obtained my US Citizenship through the US Army, where I served as a Mental Health Specialist for the 386th medical detachment in Sandsprings, OK. I came across a book by Robert Kiyosaki called Rich Dad, Poor Dad. This book sparked my interest in creating generational wealth through real estate investment. I was inspired by my father’s success in Nigeria, where our family lived off the rent collected from tenants. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and also educate others on doing the same. Read More>>
Ashley Peters
I talk to her about both businesses and the work necessary to be achieve your goals. My daughter is very active as well so although I don’t succeed at juggling it all the time, balance is key in my life. My goal is to build a successful real estate business, a successful brand, and to show my daughter to go for her passions no matter what. So today, I am proud of my journey and the work I am doing to help others through real estate, and my intentionality when it comes to filling my own cup so that I am available to fill my daughter’s cup. I really look forward to growth in both endeavors and future opportunities to come! Read More>>
Jada Terrell
Before I became an esthetician I already had a love for all things in the beauty industry. But the thing that got me into aesthetics was actually my own acne. I struggled severely with acne. Many doctors visits and little change later – I decided that I wanted to dive into the world of skincare and beauty so I could learn more personally and also help others that may deal with the same skin conditions as me. So I enrolled in school and absorbed all that I could – years later I now get to implement my experience and knowledge in aiding others who deal with the same concerns as I did, but also offer many other holistic and natural beauty enhancing services in a safe space for all. Read More>>
Audie Burns
During the pandemic, like many, I found myself with an abundance of time and a strong desire to channel my creativity into something meaningful. One issue I’d always faced was finding stylish clothing for men that didn’t break the bank and actually fit well. Not being a fan of most designs out there, I thought, why not create my own? That’s how my clothing line started—born from a personal need and a vision to offer affordable yet fashionable urban wear. Read More>>
Marissa Wall
Starting with taking pictures of my family, I continued to pursue my passion through art education at the Art Institute. Eventually, I focused on wedding photography, where I enjoyed capturing the details, candid moments, and timeless posed portraits that tell beautiful stories. Growing up in a family that valued photography, I learned to appreciate the joy of looking back at old photographs and reliving precious memories. As I got older, I realized the happiness I could bring to others by freezing their special moments in time through my work. Read More>>
Bobbi Black
Since relocating, Texas has exceeded my expectations when it comes to the art scene. There are opportunities everywhere, and the artistic community here is incredibly supportive. I want to give a special shout-out to all the artists who have lent their guidance and encouragement along the way. It’s been a great journey so far, and I’m excited to see what else Texas has in store for me! Read More>>
Emma Cox
In 2023 when I got engaged and started planning our wedding, I felt so overwhelmed. So many decisions, so many opinions from others that I didn’t see coming and so many expenses! My parents didn’t have a traditional wedding and I’m the oldest grandchild so I didn’t have many women close to me to ask for advice. So I did what any young person does now a days, I went on social media! I scoured the internet for every tip and trick and piece of advice I could find. In the end, we had a stunning wedding and magical day. This was the main reason I wanted to start sharing more on social media. I felt obligated to share the advice I had learned with other ladies! Read More>>
Stacey Magovern
The key to my success in sales was networking and exceeding all sales goals. Being a police wife for 18 years, I have a passion for first responders and have always wanted to run my own business. I turned my passion into a multimillion-dollar company in 2012. I launched my company Point Blank Safety Services. Point Blank Safety provides security and traffic services by off duty police officers. Then in 2017 I took that success and co-founded Blue Family Fund, Inc a nonprofit that provides financial aid and scholarships to families of fallen First Responders with my husband Michael Magovern. Read More>>
Belle Grubb
So many times, people have asked how I stay motivated and keep moving forward. This is ultimately what started my mission for writing my newly released book, “Abundant Living: A Guide to Living the Life the You Were Created For”. There is such a limited time we have in life and I want to fill my days with amazing relationships, exciting experiences, and creating the best life that I can that ultimately honors God. This book exists to equip women who have similar ambitions with the tools they need to take care of their bodies, grow their minds, and strengthen their relationships with God and others! Read More>>
Bailey Hope
My journey in dog grooming began at PetSmart in Wichita, Kansas, where I started as a bather. Through dedication and hard work, I advanced to the role of groomer by 2020. I discovered my passion for dog grooming, which seamlessly blends creativity and artistry, allowing me to express myself while caring for animals. Read More>>
Demetrius Thomas
I’ve overcome a lot of situations and depression , friends being killed , and missed opportunities so I thought my clothing line/brand should reflect how I’ve been able to bounce back. That’s why it’s called (NLB) Neverlook back. The original logo is a pillar of salt. It is used to symbolize how in the Bible , Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt as they were leaving the cities God was destroying because of their sinful acts and nature . She turned into salt because she disobeyed God: that’s one of the best examples of what will have to you if you linger in the past and refuse to chase new dreams , and opportunities. Read More>>
Preston Barta
When Boo stepped down, I was honored to take over the movie column, a role I continue to hold, carrying on the legacy of local film criticism. In addition to my writing at Fresh Fiction and DRC, I also host three weekly podcasts: the Fresh Fiction Film & TV Podcast (a discussion of everything coming down the entertainment pike), My Bloody Podcast (dedicated to horror films), and Fear & Loathing in Cinema (which offers a fresh perspective on underappreciated or critically panned films). Read More>>
Jorge Martinez
I applied at 10 and got denied because I need to be at least high school but they liked my work and encourage me to keep it up. I submitted some drawing to a Men In Black contest from Kids WB and actually got a VHS and letter that they liked my design for an alien. Also submit to Marvel Comics and also received a letter that I need to be older to work for them. But the Letter from Marvel came in an envelope with Spiderman on it, and the letter itself had the marvel comics logo from that era. Read More>>
Kara Cooper
By the age of 18, Kara had already started to expand her presence in the music scene. She managed underground artists and co-hosted concerts and showcases, gaining invaluable experience and supporting fellow musicians. This period of growth not only honed her skills but also nurtured her passion for helping others with their artistic visions. Read More>>
Melissa Corpuz
We had lots of fun and grew closer together through the renovation, it was our first home as a married couple. When we sold it, we were able to pay off some debt and even had enough left to start our next renovation. It was a dream scenario and it changed our lives. We are both very service minded, so we figured we would put our experiences to work helping others. We started our company a few short years later. Now, we stage homes for sale, and design interior spaces for some truly amazing clients. Read More>>
Johnny Dice
Growing up in Minnesota and later moving to Texas, my upbringing had some rough moments but over coming adversity was something taught to me at a young age thanks to my parents. Coming from humble beginnings, with my mom cutting hair and my dad taking on odd jobs, we didn’t have a stable housing situation. We sometimes had to live with family members for periods at a time. As I grew older, I understood the value of hard work and dedication which has molded me into the man I am today. Read More>>
Jessica Flores
Since then, I’ve grown rapidly in the industry, and I’m incredibly grateful to those who trusted in me from the very beginning. I’ve also traveled to different cities to gain more knowledge and certifications on the services I offer, so I can stay on top of the latest techniques and provide the best results for my clients. My passion for creating sweat-proof, waterproof brows that simplify my clients’ daily routines has fueled my desire to refine my craft. Read More>>
Matt Green
For 13 years, I worked in multiple churches leading worship, writing music and doing other various things through music. In 2020 I found myself no longer doing that. It was a strange time for me as I still had the same desires to connect, but feeling drawn to do it in a different setting. I started playing in bars and different music venues and what I discovered is that connecting with people in those settings was more authentic, raw and real than I could ever have imagined. I fell in love with it. People seemed to let their guard down and truly be who they are which presented an incredible opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level than I could have imagined. Read More>>
Trevor Scott
Working as a freelance designer requires a balance of opportunistic thinking and willingness to work hard through challenges and low points. While I am fortunate to have been presented with many wonderful design opportunities, there are times when work is slow, projects last longer than expected, or certain projects require abundant hours to accomplish the task at hand. However, I enjoy embracing these aspects, which makes the struggles worth it in the end. Read More>>
Danny Rad
Doing what I love to do, alongside with my brother, we have reached so many levels, hit so many stages, touched so many hearts of people through our music, that we didn’t think was ever possible. My dream is to be able to make a living doing what I love to do, ever since I was 7 years old. Making that little version of me proud to be where I’m at today. I’m not where I want to be but I for sure am not where I was. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon and the marathon continues. Read More>>
Shon Gardner
One question that did came to mind was maybe she needed a hug. Many don’t know the importance of touch. I began to think to myself would that have prolonged her life no matter how much encouragement I gave. It was then I know it was time to launch my foundation Hugs for HOPE. It is where we Help Others Persevere Everyday by transforming them one life at a time with a squeeze of life and love, and then they are revived to live again with hope. Read More>>
Laurie Huff
As a child, I could spend hours examining the wonders of nature, especially while exploring on my grandparents’ farm in rural Iowa. While growing up in West Texas, I fell in love with the giant skies and intense sunsets against the flat desert planes. After a twenty year career in public art education, I now create nature inspired abstract paintings that capture the mood and feel of a place through the use of expressive marks and textures. Read More>>
Melody Stroder
We do this by building relationships with our customers and allowing others to experience and develop relationships within the walls of our coffee shop. We have achieved this only with God at the center of our vision and from there I have been able to achieve this coffee shop with the help of my family, friends, and our amazing employees. Each day is a new day to make someone smile, to brighten their day, and to be the reason they leave our shop a little better than they walked in. Read More>>
Care Clark
My skin & hair struggles pushed me to create my online courses: Acne Killers Academy and Hair Growth Goddess. I’ve now been able to help hundreds of women improve their hair loss & acne!!! Being able to hear their stories, and cultivate a community of acceptance & self care has meant everything to me! Read More>>
Zoya Khan
Today, Zoe’s Glam and Events is a full-service event planning company, dedicated to making every event unforgettable. We take pride in turning our clients’ dreams into reality, whether it’s through stunning beauty transformations or beautifully coordinated events. Our mission is to create flawless experiences, handling every detail so our clients can enjoy their day with ease and confidence. Read More>>
Esmeilys Suarez
Initially, I shifted paths and began working as a nanny, a role that allowed me to stay connected to child development and well-being. Despite the change, I have remained connected to psychology through online therapy sessions, working with clients from various parts of the world. One of the most significant moments was organizing a workshop on autism and ADHD, which helped me reconnect with my passion for clinical psychology. Read More>>
EDGAR GABALDON
I (Edgar) am a Texas native that grew up in a small town. While design was limited there, I knew there was a huge opportunity to show and explore a world of color and great design. I followed my heart and moved to Dallas to begin my studies in architectural design. From there, I then went on to work for various firms where I gained experience in residential design, hospitality design, and food/beverage design. Read More>>
Julie Kennedy
It is definitely not been easy! I didn’t know about functional medicine until 12 years ago. I have pieced together providers and treatments plans to work torwards healing. As a functional medicine provider, I now have a better foundation to help others. I am constantly learning and growing! Read More>>
Staci Wright
Recognizing the power of business models in addressing complex issues, I decided to apply my problem-solving skills to the social issue of mental health. This realization gave birth to HeartProfit. HeartProfit is not just an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to solving the mental health crisis through workplace innovation. Our mission is to infuse care, compassion, and connection into business environments, transforming workplaces into spaces that nurture mental well-being. Read More>>
Omai Kofi
Her being an entrepreneur gave her insight to wealth principles. She gave us a weekly allowance. She also split her income tax refund with us annually. She had us paying bills, grocery shopping and taking care of our own vehicle. It was just my Sister & I, but we learned a lot of financial literacy with just those things. We also worked jobs from 10 years old to make money. My Stepfather was a 1099 / Self Employed man as well. If my Sister and I are completely honest, WE HAD IT ALL. Read More>>
Tod Meisner
This role was challenging in such a small marker and after 18 months I moved once again to industry and began my tenure at Aflac. Working my way up through the brand and national advertising team, I concluded my term as Brand Manager. As brand manager, I developed and formulated the company’s social media key strategies and executional deliverables that supported the overall brand and national advertising strategy, core brand promise, program/campaigns and overall business objectives. Read More>>
Chris Brown
I became interested in media at a very young age. Television, radio, and particularly print in the ’60 & ’70 shaped who I am today. At eight years old I began producing a neighborhood zine. My intent was to mix the counterculture shift I saw happening around me with the humor and rebellion of MAD magazine. I became known as this little self-publisher. Refueled is basically an extension of that early DIY ethos. Read More>>
Darcel Moreno
From late 2000s to 2015, Louisiana was known as Hollywood South. The State of Louisiana was number one in the film and television industry for projects produced during that time. Around 2016 the entertainment industry in Shreveport, Louisiana was on the decline which led to most industry professionals from Shreveport/Bossier to either move where the productions were or consider a new career. I personally made a pivot and decided to use my other talents. Read More>>
Lamar Adot Thomas
Lamar Adot Thomas is known for his ability to blend genres, creating a unique sound that fuses elements of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. He specializes in crafting relatable lyrics that address personal experiences, social issues, and emotional themes, allowing listeners to connect with his music on a deeper level. Read More>>
Kris Dew
A lot of the rejection I face in the modeling world stems from my height, there’s still many casting calls I’m not allowed to attend, and many of the calls I am allowed to attend my height is still seen as a flaw. I overcame this by focusing on what I could change and that was my skill as a model. I leaned into what drove me to this industry and that was my creativity. I reaffirmed what I loved about this industry and it was my passion for art. I recognize no matter how far I go there will be obstacles and that’s part of my pathway but I can’t imagine being as happy in any other industry Read More>>
Rachel Cardenas
Honestly, the road to where the magazine is today has been challenging one. I have had to navigate through those that are truly embracing the path like I am for good, and those who are in for “association or clout”. We have seen a few business navigate in our direction for PR needs, connections, and social status. Thankfully, we also have about 1k dedicated followers that have encouraged us to continue regardless of that happening. Every business needs a cheer squad and I have some of the best that help me pursue my purpose with What’s Up, Dallas! Magazine. Read More>>
Stephanie Brown
I started out with learning leatherworking and bookbinding as hobbies in my spare time. Over the years, I decided it would be fun to start selling online. So I opened up a shop back in 2014, and I can’t believe it’s been 10 years! It all started in my house and now we just moved into a bigger warehouse in June. I started hiring some of my first team members not too long into my journey and it’s my amazing team that has helped move Ox & Pine forward! Read More>>
Remon Johnson
So, my first business venture was a website that was designed to support and promote those who I considered to be the newest and brightest talent in music, art, style, and entertainment. Over the years, the media outlet opened doors for me to partner and work with many businesses, events and charity organizations. Radio, television, business, event promotions; I’ve lowkey been involved in a lot of things. But, that’s a brief history of Remon. Read More>>
Aaric Mychal
Working in music has its highs and its lows. For a lot of artists, it doesn’t pay the bills, or at least not all of them. Often time we must work part time jobs, full time jobs or have side hustles. Finding time and a way to balance it all is tough. There also isn’t a guide or blue print for how to be successful in the music industry, especially as a music producer. As a music producer, you’re also an entrepreneur. Sometimes opportunities fall into your lap, but 90% of the time you must hustle, network and create your own opportunities. I’m not complaining at all, music is fun but it takes a lot of work. Read More>>
Lenzi Holmes
I was so blessed to learn so much of it on my own from trial and error. I had a few mentors that taught me some tips and tricks but truly it was majority trial and error. Eventually I was shooting so much and was tired of hiring a second. My husband asked if he could learn. So, I taught him! He now shoots photo and video right along with me and our 8 year old who is truly better than majority out there. She loves it. Shes been shooting weddings since she was 5 with a point and shoot camera to now shooting with a Nikon Z6II. Read More>>
Lonnie Stark
They featured all the most popular dancers so that drove me to get even better because I felt like I didn’t meet the standard quite yet. I practiced and eventually graduated and went off to college for like 6 months… Then I dropped out and came back after failing miserably. I met Jay in middle school and in high school we formed a dance crew and did the performances I mentioned before. When I came back from college in 2014, Jay was still around so we reconnected and started making dance videos together. He’s still dancing and still a main part of our group DMG today. Read More>>
Angie Carrizales
I grew up in a household where business area was never thought. Basically, was just thought to live day by day. I always knew to push through and that one day I was going to own a business. I got married with the man of my dreams on March 15, 2024. He has always had a business mentally ever since we met. He encouraged me to push through everything and open my own. now almost a year later, Bouquets by Angie is still in business and thriving. Read More>>
Sarah Xiong
While exploring this style, I found a sense of calm and peace, which was so comforting during such a chaotic and isolating time. But I am always refining my artistic style and voice as I change as a person, too. There’s been many phases of exploration to get to my current style, something I don’t think artists talk about enough. Now my style is bolder, more colorful, and includes my own prose and poetry. I think this makes my art feel more authentically me and the messages I’m trying to convey are clearer. I’m sure my style will continue to change as I continue to change, too. Read More>>
Kirsten Mccormick
Fast forward to my adult life: I’m a mom of five and a trained musician with a background in theater and outdoor education. These diverse experiences gave me a unique perspective on how to engage and empower young people. In 2017, my family and I embarked on a full-time travel adventure, living in a converted school bus. This period reinforced my belief in the importance of real-world experiences for children and teenagers. Read More>>
Lioness Telaine
It was never a “smooth” road for me. Some things got easier as I progressed in my career but never easy. I always had to work and earn my space. The space I took up in the field was earned. It took time, trial and error, investment, knowledge, experience, contacts, passion, and a lot of time navigating around snakes and people who don’t have your best interest at heart. Read More>>
Payton King
In 2014 I met my now Husband at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, TX. We were BIG dancers and taught two-step, half-step, and West Coast swing to others at the local bars, and even at a dance studio sometimes. Our relationship blossomed from there, and that’s what brings me to where I am now. I like to think that our heartwarming story started there because he decided to propose to me in the exact location where we met years later, but that’s a story for another day. I bet you’re wondering how the heck this could fit into how all of that got me started in the Floral industry, but stay with me… Read More>>
