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.
Hannah Parks
There were concerns and self-doubts since I was just a self-taught baker who baked for the love of it. However, soon I decided to make the step of faith and work on the basics of starting a business and by May of 2023, With peace from God and some support from close friends Hannah’s Bread & Butter LLC was established, and its vision and foundation would remain the same. That baked goods would be sold to help missionaries take the Gospel to the nations. Read More>>
Kristina Middleton
Success = HAPPY CLIENTS and BEAUTIFUL SPACES, but it doesn’t end there. Success is also measured on what we were able to get out of every project. From new learnings or partnerships to perfecting the details… that is positive evolution and that is what success looks like to us. Read More>>
Morgan And Joseph Tuilovoni
Petite Lumière Prep School was started with a dream in our hearts to raise up Christ-like leaders who are a light in the world. “Petite Lumière” means “little light.” We encourage our students to be a light wherever they go – in their school, their families, their friendships, and their sports teams. Children may be little, but their life has immeasurable worth and value with the ability to positively change the world. Read More>>
Jaime Dee
My name is Jaime Dee, and I am Celebrity Radio Personality, Recording Artist, TV Talk Show Host and Live Event Host. Before I achieved my current success, I got my start in the entertainment industry as a Background Actor in Miami, Florida. From there, I moved to Atlanta, GA and networked with other Background Actors and Celebrities, while working on many different sets, to learn more about the field. Read More>>
Michelle Mijares
My genuine kindness and care for their well-being is what I offer all of my clients. I know waxing can be a vulnerable experience; therefore, I do my best to make clients feel at ease, valued and special. I am my brand, so I am most proud of my positive impact. I help clients feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin, making a real difference in their self-esteem. I’d like for readers to know along with full body waxing I also provide vajacials (soothing skin treatment done post Brazilian wax), lash lifts and in the future hopefully brow laminations. I think everyone should prioritize self-care; you’re nurturing both your body and mind, which translates to better confidence and overall happiness. Don’t be afraid to shine! Read More>>
Nyakouth Tong
I discovered my love for makeup as a high school freshman, but it wasn’t until after I graduated in 2021 that I started practicing on friends, family, and my aunties, who often asked if I charged for my services. Realizing how much they enjoyed it inspired me to start a makeup business, and on March 22, 2022, I launched my own makeup line. My goal is to help women worldwide with makeup and boost their confidence in their natural beauty. This passion for makeup has only grown stronger. Read More>>
Gabrielle Woods
Howdy! My name is Gabrielle Woods. I am the owner of Giddy Up Cleaning Services. I started this business after quitting my corporate job due to the impact on my mental health. So After 7 years in IT(Information Technology) I stepped out on faith and started my own business. Also, whether I want to admit it or not, I have a passion for cleaning. It has been a great stress reliever for me. Read More>>
Laura Rutledge
Even within the medical community, physicians often weren’t seeing a cancer diagnosis as a possibility for an otherwise healthy young adult. This leads to late diagnoses which can have significant effects on availability of treatment options and cure rates. If they do survive, there will be life-long consequences of undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Infertility, thyroid problems, vision and hearing loss, depression, amputation, and latent heart problems are a few of the common conditions they face. Read More>>
Chizobam Eze
I started making designs for friends and family, which was easy since I come from a huge circle. There was always a birthday, wedding, or some sort of event coming up, so they kept me busy! Eventually, I realized how hard it was to find unique gifts at the store. So, I combined my love for art and my mission to make people smile, and my journey in professional design was born. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and really learned how to bring my clients’ visions to life. Read More>>
Chavara Hamilton
I began seeing clients in October of 2021. I will never forget this because it was the weekend after my mother’s wedding and my stress-odometer was at its peak. Personally, I’m an ambivert. I thoroughly enjoy spending time alone (my only child syndrome coupled with my Pisces nature is on display). Additionally, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, brunch, traveling, spray painting home decor items, shopping, reading and watching drama television. I believe “self-love is the best love” and take pride in my commitment to self and dedicating the same energy and compassion to those I serve. Read More>>
Mackenzie Ten Napel
I grew up in what most today would call a chaotic home and like many others, my parents divorce impacted me in ways that I couldn’t always see. On top of the chaos happening within my home, chaos also started to place within my body, my school, and within my relationships. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a really young age, struggled to make friends, and would become a victim of sexual assault on more than just one occasion from age 5 to 20. I adopted a mindset that I was going to be the only person I could depend on, while simultaneously trying to find my value and worth in men, materialistic things, and prided myself on being emotionally distant and “unbothered” by those around me. Read More>>
Courtney Jackson
Goldie has been a feature and headlining act in comedy clubs all over the country and introduces audiences to her witty, observational, and hilariously physical comedic style each time she touches the mic. Goldie is currently a mental health therapist and the host of a weekly Instagram Live show titled Goldie Interviews (@goldie_98) as well as co-host of “Find The Funny” podcast. Goldie lives in Dallas, TX and performs regularly at clubs such as The Improv & Hyenas. Goldie continues to dazzle Flavor of Love fans and social media followers in her interviews with comedians, musicians, and other leaders of the culture. Read More>>
Mariannah Y Diego
The journey of Mariannah y Diego started with Diego Archer’s own transformation. After converting to Christianity in 2011, Diego was inspired to share his faith in new ways. In 2016, he traveled to Cuba on a mission trip, where he met Mariannah Aguilera at Calvary Church in Old Havana. They quickly became friends and stayed in touch, finding common ground in their love for music and their faith. Read More>>
April Joiles
I was mentored by a well known Jamaican known photographer and worked along side the company for 4 years. After completing my Bachelors in Fashion I decided to merge my love for makeup and fashion. I started freelancing and that was when my career took off. Briefly between travels I would work with a media agency and that opened opportunities for me to do commercial and editorial makeup. In June 2022 I migrated to the US and approximately a year later I was offered a job as a brand representative for The Danessa Myricks Beauty. I now represent the brand in the DFW area and also freelance as a makeup artist. Read More>>
Crystal Olmos
My career began with graduating with my degree in business & finance. I worked in insurance and financial services for several years before following another passion I had to become a teacher! I taught English & Language Arts for several years and while I enjoyed many aspects of it, I wanted the next season of my life to be focused on motherhood and raising my own babies! I “retired” from teaching and began pursuing my catering company more full-time at that point as I could schedule weddings and catering events for weekends, while still raising my children. Read More>>
German Sierra
There were plenty days we felt like giving up and throwing our hands up in the air, but I’ve always been a fighter and a hustler, so I would muster what little courage I had left to keep going. It finally paid off when we were able to publicly announce a soft opening for our shop in Sept of 2023, and an official grand opening a few months later in November. We’re in our first year and couldn’t be happier that we were able to make it happen for the neighborhood that we’re in. To get to know our neighbors and see their support means everything, and we’ve been able to establish more than just a customer transaction or exchange, we’ve come to see and value them as friends. We are within days of celebrating our first year in business and plan to celebrate it with the community that have supported us along the way since day one. Read More>>
Jasmine Terrell
As a young adult, I attended hair school and soon after went to work as an “assistant” for a hairstylist with a thriving business. I was all too eager to show off my skills and learn from her. I found out very quickly that the hair industry is much like ’13th grade’. People can and will take advantage of your eagerness to do learn, do well, and exploit your labor. I lasted 6 months before I left. It’s important to be sure of yourself and find someone who wants to help you grow. After a short stint at a chain salon, I worked in a dedicated space a home to accommodate my family life. Read More>>
Marissa Doss
Though I still feel I am very much at the beginning of my creative journey, I initially began exploring my creativity and taking my art more seriously beginning in 2020. Given the nature of my day job as a virtual assistant I have been afforded the time and freedom to pursue and develop the skill sets that have allowed me to flourish in the local art community. Being with a partner who also has experience and passion for art fueled my motivation to take my interests further from just creating as a light hobby to diving head first into putting myself and my works out there. Read More>>
Furqan Sunny Azhar
DART Sports began in 2016 as a backyard style Sunday football meetup. In true backyard style fashion, we would show up, draft on the field and play ball. However, as the group began to get more popular, we began to crave rules, structure and predictability. So, I formed a “Committee” to help in developing a rules sheet that would continue to evolve. We began to draft prior to Sunday’s game, so teams could strategize with each other. We developed a structure wherein 4-8 teams would compete on a Sunday in a mini tournament format. Read More>>
Yvette Roach
Our journey together has been a testament to the power of love, both for God, and for each other, and we strive to infuse that essence into everything we offer. We believe that when you choose our products, you are not just making a purchase; you are experiencing the warmth, joy, and devotion that have characterized our relationship. It is our hope that through our work, you not only find quality and excellence but also a reflection of our genuine passion and an invitation to be a part of our story. Read More>>
Amera Siddiq
Art has been the center of my life since childhood, and I have always searched for ways to allow my creativity to shine. As I made my way from the Midwest to Dallas, I somehow stumbled into the vibrant world of mixology. As I delved into the craft, I discovered it’s more than just serving drinks; it is an art form that requires skill, precision, and most importantly creativity! So, I decided to start Mixing Pretty in 2022 to shake things up in the mobile bartending world. My vision is to continue bringing speakeasy-inspired cocktails to private events while creating an elevated and customized experience. Read More>>
Deanna Lester
Working two jobs was very time consuming and I needed to dial back a little bit. Once our son was born I made my decision to quit my day job and now do cookies full time! Being able to do something I’m passionate about while also gaining the flexibility to keep our son at home has been the biggest blessing and I don’t take it for granted. I am greatly fulfilled by seeing the joy that cookies can bring to all those who place orders with me and I’m so excited to see where the future takes Panther City Cookie Co.! Read More>>
Marcus Jones
Recalling how foundational college ministry was to my own faith journey, I sought out the mentorship of my university chaplain at Huston-Tillotson, Rev. Donald Brewington, to discern the possibility of vocational ministry at the college. That led to an internship at HT in 2015 that began a series of appointments in college ministry, first serving a year at HT, followed by five years beginning in 2017 as the pastor and director of the MSU Wesley Foundation at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Read More>>
Marlen Escatel
Over time, I refined my process, learned how to manage orders, and built my customer base. I turned my initial passion into a steady business, all while being a mom and working from home. The flexibility allowed me to balance both aspects of my life, and I began expanding—offering new flavors and adding personalized touches for special occasions. My business grew as more people saw the appeal of gifting chocolate-covered strawberries for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. Read More>>
Valerie Vidal
After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2008, Valerie relocated to Texas, where she built a rewarding career in human capital management, working with esteemed institutions like the Department of Homeland Security, military contractors, and, most recently, the University of North Texas. In 2019 she completed her Masters of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Coaching and Leadership Development. Through her career, she discovered the fulfillment that comes with helping others—an ambition she had always held close to her heart. Read More>>
Labyron Thomas
I got started in the Entertainment and Media Industry as a freelance public relations video producer. Over the years I joined industry organizations such as Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME) and Dallas Producers Association (DPA), for which I improved my skill set with workshops, mentoring and corporate media related internships. My vast gained experiences in Los Angeles and Dallas provided a soiled and structural industry foundation to further my career and led me to pursue an endeavor with Dallas Global Network TV Channel (DGN TV) . Read More>>
Ariael Bradshaw
After graduating, she took her talents back home to Dallas and began to put in the hard work to make a name for herself. Staying consistent and making content videos on social media. She started to catch the eye of others! She even begin going viral on all social media platforms. Her clientele continues to grow. She began to blossom in residential cleanings that grew into commercial clients, she has been able to also develop a strong team under her who has that same passion and aspirations for cleaning. Read More>>
Andrea ( Drea ) Kelly
My father, Andrew Kelly, left a huge impact on my life and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done. Although Andrew leaving was like a cold rainy day at the fair, it only motivated me to thrive even more for the life I envisioned for myself. Continuing dancing, being involved in church, being encouraged by my big sister, being a part of community service organizations, and being within the top 10% of my junior year of high school was an intense challenge. As I entered senior year on January 31st, 2024, my grandmother, Mommia, passed and this broke our entire family which gave me no choice but to be committed to my future. Read More>>
Curtis L. Harnagel
Each career stage has its own hardships; interestingly most of the problems I face currently are quite different from those I faced when starting out. That being said, budget and time will always be a challenge, although I have found focusing on the negative only distracts from being productive. I prefer to treat setbacks and adversity as teachable moments and opportunities to adapt rather than hindrances. Read More>>
Ieva Janus
However, one of the challenges I encountered was finding the right timing to release my music. It wasn’t just about choosing the right moment in the world; it was also about discovering the right timing within myself. There were times when I felt hesitant, wrestling with the vulnerability that came from sharing my work with others. Once a song is released, it transcends my personal experience and becomes a shared journey with my listeners. This transition can be daunting, as it requires me to let go of a part of myself and invite others into my world. Read More>>
Nate Spencer
I started in real estate in 2020, working in property management. I enjoyed the work, but knew I wanted more. Thats when I decided to get my real estate license! From there I found an amazing mentor that I worked under for a year. He showed me the ropes, and how to operate a successful real estate business. For the past two years I have been implementing all the strategies that I learned over that year! Now I have sold just over 5m this year! Read More>>
Rocky Mccurtis
When I posted my designs, the response was overwhelming. Despite being a beginner, my work quickly gained traction. With much of the world in lockdown, my clientele grew rapidly. I went from seeing one client a day to four or five, and within a few months, my freestyle nail art—especially my bold, glow-in-the-dark creations—went viral on Facebook and Instagram. My skills had advanced quickly, and soon I was traveling to different states like Mississippi, Atlanta, and Orlando to book appointments. I fell in love with the craft and the opportunity to connect with people through my art. Read More>>
Kimberly Caldwell
Having a brother who has been incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice System for 22 and half years, has fueled my passion for this work on a deeply personal level. His experience opened my eyes to the challenges that individuals face both inside and after release, and it drove me to become an advocate and a source of support for those on a similar path. This personal connection inspired me to create programs and initiatives that help others like my brother reintegrate with dignity, resilience, and the resources they need to succeed. Read More>>
Caleb Panter
At the heart of my work is my mission to help people live courageously in the moment. I’m passionate about empowering others to break through fear and embrace their fullest potential, which is why I strive to be known as The Courage Coach. My approach is rooted in the “Momentageous Mentality,” which emphasizes helping people be aware of kingdom moments and choose to step into them with kingdom courage.. This mentality encourages leaders to live fully and courageously in every moment, recognizing that each decision, each interaction, has the potential to inspire lasting change. Read More>>
Michael Boss
In 2021 I was given the opportunity to run and own the only music program in the North Oak Cliff area, and as time went on, we realized our program was the only one in the state attached to a professional operating music venue. My goal was to provide a top-notch service to students of all ages and to offer our students recitals and showcases at the Kessler Theater. This provided a niche business model that was incredibly enticing and one I could not turn down. Read More>>
Bria Maiden
Born and raised in Desoto, Texas, I fell in love with dance practically as soon as I could walk. My foundation was built at Peace Love Hip Hop in Charleston, SC, an incredible studio that sparked my lifelong love for hip hop. From there, my journey took me across the country with the Showstopper Dance Convention, where I had the thrill of teaching year-round alongside some of the most iconic choreographers in the industry. Read More>>
MaZing
I grew up in Boston where I developed my love for music and art. As a kid I played the jimbe drum, piano and violin. I even was a part of my church and school choir. At the age of 17 I started recording in the studio and developing as a recording and performing artist. In 2020 I moved to Dallas for an opportunity to pursue my dream in a different market and have grown to love the community that exists here. Music has given me the chance to tour a ton in 2024 and touch people all over the world. Read More>>
Shayan Parikh and Keon Attarha
To address this issue, we, along with our peers Raymond Zhang and Aryan Chilakamarthi, who are now freshmen at UT Austin, started a local finance and economics club at Jasper Junior High School, Shepton Junior High School, and later at Plano West Senior High School. Our mission was to bring basic financial education into classrooms, filling a crucial void in our core curriculum. While students learn vital subjects like math, science, and English, they often miss out on practical skills such as budgeting and saving money—skills that nearly everyone will need in adulthood. We believe that financial literacy is a crucial life skill that is best learned at a young age. Read More>>
Tabari Grubbs
My name is tabari Grubbs, originally from Fordyce Arkansas. I got into the entertainment world starting off as a mixed martial artist. Aiming to one day be in the UFC. I I am now inspired to be an actor. This came along when I went viral, started doing public skits and street interviews. I was asked to be on A couple of reality TV shows. In my spare time I am a coach teaching mix martial arts And learning about entrepreneurship in sales. Read More>>
Ashley Huff
Growing up as a native Texan, I lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area all my life. From a young age, I could be found creating various works of art with whatever art supplies I could get my hands on. As a child, I was very shy, and it took many years for me to come out of my shell and grow into the woman I am today. However, in the process, I learned that I could express myself through art—as it was a way to communicate without using words. I have become experienced in numerous medium in the visual arts, whether it be pencil, charcoal, pastels, oil, acrylic, watercolor, and more. Read More>>
Rasik Kaiser
I continued juggling my job as a software engineer and my passion for content creation. Eventually, I chose to pursue content creation full-time. It’s been a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, and now, three years later, I work with some incredible brands, share my routines, and build a community around things I love. I run my own business, managing everything from ideation to editing. The goal remains the same: to keep creating content that makes me happy and resonates with people, while constantly evolving and growing. Read More>>
Jarvis Hunter
It has its rough patches because you go around these people and check on them and seeing the children the elderly seeing any of them on the concrete asleep is sad saying they have not eating in 2 days and you can hear there stomach growling breaks your heart you end up building bonds with these people and wanting to do so much for them which I do this all out of my own pocket I do not currently have any sponsors so financially it can be a challenge and definitely it will have a emotional impact on you to it’s different when you drive by and see them versus stopping getting out of your car going and sitting with them like there your friend you talk to everyday I check on these people every day no breaks Read More>>
Shawn Neill
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, my father was an actor and entertainer. Both of my parents had modeling experience as well, so we were never a camera-shy family. This got me interested in visual media right off the bat. My mother would sew my sister and I costumes and we would dance and sing and come up with our own silly characters to play. By 8, I was drawing and painting regularly, along with creating my own radio shows with my TalkBoy. Read More>>
James Davisson
After spending 4+ years gaining the knowledge of how to run a practice and provide top notch patient care with exceptional outcomes, Dr. Davisson felt the time was right to start his own practice. In early 2021 Avant Chiropractic was born and is thriving today in Roanoke, TX! He and his wife, Marysa have two son’s Leo & Collin, plus a fur baby, Graham. He looks forward to creating lifelong connections in the community through providing state-of-the-art Chiropractic care in a 1-on-1 and comfortable environment that makes you feel right at home! Read More>>
james talambas
I’ve always been involved in art and music in one way or another. As a child, I started improvising on the piano and joined the school music program, learning instruments like the cello, trumpet, and bass. Music became my escape from the challenges I faced at home and in school. I later studied audio engineering and music composition in college, which opened up new avenues for creative collaboration. As I worked with other artists, I found my own voice while helping them develop theirs. Read More>>
Inara Dance Co
Our paths crossed on a college dance team, where we bonded over a shared passion for dance and our creative visions. The years we spent on that team alongside the blood, sweat, and tears truly cemented our friendship. After graduating, dancing had burnt us out. When were ready to come back into it, we were faced with a stark reality: the opportunities to keep dancing at that level, in our styles simply weren’t there. Additionally, there wasn’t a community that spoke to our experiences. Read More>>
Magdalena Bonnelly
In January 2002, I started my education towards an associate’s degree at Richland College, majoring in Travel, Exposition, and Meetings Management. After graduating from Richland College, I continued my education at UNT in Denton. When I was presented with an exciting opportunity to join a hotel sales job in Grapevine, TX, I switched to online education and finished my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees online. Read More>>
