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.
Katy Lemieux
Talking Animals was started in the summer of 2022 when I decided to pursue this as an actual project. I created a Kickstarter campaign and raised $54,000. Then I met my business partner Valerie Walizadeh in October and the rest is history! It had been a dream of hers and a reinvention of a dream of mine (I’d imagined opening a theater company someday, while Valerie had always wanted to own a bookstore!) Read more>>
Alexis Patrick
My childhood wasn’t always peaches and cream. I’ve had rough times and amazing times, however, I am grateful for every obstacle and hard time I did have because It has made me the strong person I am today. I will say that I have never truly understood who Alexis was until I moved to Dallas, surrendered my life to Christ and went to therapy. The journey hasn’t been easy but It has been so eye opening and worth It. As people, we don’t realize how trauma can affect every area of our lives if we let It and I am so grateful to say that I am not letting that happen anymore. Read more>>
Sukhdip Kaur
Currently, my family includes a brilliant son pursuing an engineering degree and a dedicated daughter who has recently embarked on her medical residency journey. In addition to my human family, I can’t forget to mention my 36-month-old fur baby, Romeo, affectionately known as Romi. He’s an indispensable part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine a day without his joyful presence. Read more>>
Kizzy Berrueta
My name is Kizzy Berrueta, I am from Venezuela, I have two children and I am married. I studied law in my country, I have been a graduate for 24 years and I also did postgraduate studies and a doctorate in Management in my country. Due to circumstances that are well known to all, I had to leave my country due to its political and social conflict. The goal was to start a new life in a place where I could be at peace, be free, and dedicate myself to work. I chose the city of Dallas, TX as my new home in 2018. Just like any beginning is difficult, when I was immersed in so many immigration procedures, I told myself one day, it seems that this will never end, I cannot continue to depend on a lawyer for simple procedures, I have to do my own procedures and thus I would save a lot of money. My previous knowledge of laws in my country made it easier for me to understand the processes. Read more>>
Luna Lee
What I didn’t expect was that my videos would introduce the Gayageum to so many people around the world who had never seen or heard it before. As my international following grew, people began requesting songs—songs they loved, songs that meant something to them. Through these requests, I discovered rock music, and it quickly became a passion of mine. Read more>>
Destiny Gibson-Fugett
I saw so many people, especially in my own community, struggling with preventable health issues linked to diet. I wanted to share my journey and make plant-based eating feel approachable, delicious, and sustainable for anyone—whether they want to go fully plant-based or simply eat less meat. My goal is to provide recipes, guidance, and encouragement without judgment—just real food, real experiences, and real results. But my journey hasn’t been perfect. Over time, I gained the weight back, especially with the rise of plant-based restaurant options that were delicious but often highly processed. Now, I’m focused on finding balance—enjoying the foods I love while nourishing my body in a way that supports my long-term health. Read more>>
Jamie Rohrbaugh
Less than six months after starting my Arbonne business, I became seriously ill and had to take a leave of absence from both of my jobs. Suddenly, I was facing medical bills and hotel expenses while living five hours away from home for treatment. But even in the midst of that chaos, my Arbonne team and I pushed forward, promoting halfway to the top of the company. That experience showed me the true power of residual income, community, and having a business that could work even when I couldn’t. Read more>>
De’Shearer Gilbert
During one of the devotionals, John 15:19 stood out to me in a powerful way. Since I had already been writing devotionals, I considered writing one based on that passage. But I felt the Lord nudging me to think bigger, beyond just a devotional . Similar to how the small group had grown beyond my expectations. After praying and dreaming about it, the idea for a simple devotional evolved into a vision for a full women’s ministry focused on discipleship, biblical teaching, and building a supportive community through events and resources. Read more>>
Shakera Rivers
Right after high school, I attended cosmetology school, graduated, and quickly started offering beauty services professionally. I launched my first business, Allure Image Consulting, with the tagline: Because First Impressions Always Count. My focus was on helping professional women craft an image that exuded confidence and grace—choosing colors that complemented their skin tone, applying minimal but effective makeup, and curating wardrobes that commanded attention and respect. Read more>>
Lina
It has not been an easy path because it meant letting my old self die and being reborn. My biggest challenge in all of this was deciding to leave my profession. I started questioning myself because I didn’t know what people would say about me when I talked about my gifts and that divinity is real. I was afraid of being judged and criticized. Read more>>
Jazmyn Nobles
Currently, I have an Instagram page @thejourneywithjazz, and I am a part of a private practice, Mind Body Soul Counseling. The Instagram page started as a page to document my journey through grad school and thought-provoking posts about being Black in a white-dominated profession. Once I gained my associate license, it bloomed into clients finding me and a way for them to inquire about services. Read more>>
Carolina
When I was ten years old, my father had a very difficult time finding a job, so he decided to emigrate from Colombia to the United States in search of the long-awaited “American Dream.” My older brother was twelve, and my younger sister was one month old. My mother raised us and took care of us while my father, from a distance, sent us money to give us a better quality of life. But we all had hope of being reunited. We didn’t know when, or how long it would take, but we did know that it would become a reality. Read more>>
Natalie Ray
But I didn’t want to just mask aging—I wanted to restore and strengthen from the inside out, which led me to regenerative medicine. When I combined PRP, exosomes, and cellular restoration techniques with aesthetics, I knew I had found the missing piece for achieving truly natural, long-lasting results. That passion inspired me to open Re-Gen and Aesthetics Concierge of Texas and Re-Gen Men’s Clinic, where we focus on science-backed, regenerative solutions that empower clients to look and feel their best—naturally and confidently. Read more>>
Anita Hawkins
His Word is what I need to stand on. I stand before you, a #dynamiKwoman (Don’t Yield to Negative Attitudes or Mediocracy, but are Inspired by the Kingdom) of God, no longer ashamed of my past as it has brought me to where I am today and molded me for my future. I am a woman that knows who she is. where she is going & @owningmyshyt. Through trials, tribulations, and adversity God has the final say. When you put Christ first, you don’t allow the words of others to define you, simply put, they DON’T KNOW YOUR STORY.. Read more>>
Daisy Lopez
In October of 2022, my boyfriend was in his best friend’s wedding and you know how weddings go. You’’re paying for a dress, nails, hair, etc. and a friend and I wanted to get our makeup done but I really didn’t want to pay for something else. So I told her to let me practice on her before the wedding (that’s how nervous I was) and it went great. Day of the wedding, it went even better! Afterwards, my boyfriend had told me I should really pursue being a makeup artist. I knew once I started building my kit, I had to really commit because makeup is expensive. By November of 2022, I finally got the courage to become a makeup artist! Promoted myself so much on social media, practiced on friends and here we are today. Read more>>
Karen Smith
I started practicing yoga in college as a way to incorporate some movement into my busy schedule. At the time, I had no idea just how much it would transform my life. Yoga became more than just exercise—it became a way for me to relax, reconnect with my body, and find a sense of calm amidst the chaos of coursework. Over time, I noticed incredible changes: I felt more focused in my afternoon classes, walked with better posture, slept more soundly, improved my cardio workouts, and developed a stronger sense of balance—both physically and mentally. Read more>>
Candice & Billy Whitton
The biggest challenge we’ve faced is visibility. Since we don’t have a physical storefront, we’ve relied heavily on social media and Etsy. Learning how to utilize those platforms effectively has been our biggest struggle. We’ve had to learn the ins and outs of social media algorithms and the specific tricks to optimize our Etsy listings so that our products get seen. It’s been a constant process of learning and adapting, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. But we feel every challenge has made us stronger and more knowledgeable. Read more>>
Rebekah Johnson
Well, my journey into the field of counseling and mental health started a bit organically, but looking back, I can see how everything aligned. After I experienced a significant amount of confusion and disillusionment in college, I began exploring the fields of psychology, sociology, and philosophy. To this day I read, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts and interviews with professionals in those fields. I feel very fortunate to have access to so much research, data, and professional experience shared freely by major experts. Read more>>
David Fan
Growing up in New York City, I always had big dreams and a relentless drive to succeed. Initially, I pursued medicine, earning a biology degree and following a pre-med track. However, I soon realized my true passion lay in business and financial independence. This led me to pivot into medical device and pharmaceutical sales, managing territories in Texas and NYC. Read more>>
Megan Collar
Is it ever a smooth road? Smooth roads are comfortable, but never exciting! Yes, lots of bumps in the road. Learning business acumen, cross country moves while maintaining clients, juggling the balance of saying yes to every job that comes my way but also keeping my head afloat, becoming confident in my own skills. Lots of struggles, but also an immense amount of growth that I am so truly grateful for. Read more>>
Amanda Washington
With that vision, The Thursday Bakery was born. What started as a small endeavor—baking sourdough for friends and neighbors—quickly grew into something more. It became a way to help others bring beauty and intention into their homes, whether through blueberry muffins shared over coffee or an elegant cake for a celebration. As the bakery evolved, I expanded into tablescape and event design, blending my love for baking with my passion for creating spaces where people feel truly at home. Read more>>
Aleshia Ahmadi
One of my biggest challenges was learning how to market myself in a world that’s constantly evolving. Just when I felt like I had mastered one strategy, the landscape would shift again. Back in Canada, booking clients came naturally—having grown up there, word-of-mouth kept my calendar full. I still believe word-of-mouth is the most powerful way to grow a business, but with multiple moves across countries and states from 2022 to 2025, I had to tackle the challenge of online marketing head-on. Read more>>
Rimple Prajapati
I work part-time at the moment due to my baby, but I usually work full-time. Despite that, I still take on henna clients. I have been in the USA for three and a half years now, so I am relatively new as a henna artist here. I have observed the work of other henna artists, and while I do not have an attitude about it, I believe I excel in creating detailed portrait henna designs. I specialize in intricate floral designs and portrait henna. When someone shows me a picture, I am able to replicate it exactly, which is a source of pride for me. I have not taken any classes, yet I am able to produce such work, setting me apart from others. Read more>>
Arabella Trasca
At the time, being a makeup artist wasn’t the glamorous profession it is today. It was barely considered a career. I remember people constantly asking me, “But what’s your real job?” That only fueled my determination. I poured my heart into my work, growing my reputation to the point where I was soon working with top editorial teams, gracing magazine covers, and doing makeup for some of Canada’s biggest VIPs. Before I knew it, I was traveling the world with my clients as an international makeup artist. Read more>>
Erin Hanrahan
Like any new venture, it isn’t all smooth sailing. It’s taken a lot of hard work, early mornings, and arm strength (quite literally when rolling out dough) but I am lucky to have a family that is supportive and encouraging for those days that can be overwhelming. Read more>>
Kween Jai
Yes, this journey has not been easy whatsoever. I had to learn how to take rejection better and deal with not being tall enough. Being 5”1’ is not easy at all! You either don’t get picked for shows at all or you only get maybe one designer that will give you a chance. It can be very disappointing or dis encouraging at times. Also dealing with depression and anxiety is tough as well. Some days are better than others but i still pray and ask God to guide me through. My mom and dad are really there for me in my time of need, they always are telling give it to God and let him work it out in your favor! That as stuck with me since a kid. Read more>>
Maya Skinner
We would read so many books together and she’d even help me with my essays for school. I remember watching a lot of Oprah and Montell Williams and seeing how their words and stories would impact the audience and viewers they had. I think a pivotal moment for me was in middle school watching The Devil Wears Prada and the Bratz: Rock Angels movie. Both of those movies have these characters that really glamorized the magazine industry and the adventures in covering entertainment, fashion and beauty. So I set my sights on becoming a journalist, and joined my high school’s newspaper The Falcon Flyer at Bishop Dunne Catholic School. Read more>>
Mark
But that moment—the one where my father’s life hung in the balance—was the moment that broke the cycle for me. It shattered the mental poverty that had weighed down my heart and mind for so long. That was the turning point. I became the first person in my family to graduate high school and then college. And it was in Dallas, away from the suffocating grip of my past, that I found my beautiful wife. Read more>>
Sara Mires
Broken Road Farm started as the whimsical daydream of a little tomboy girl with a big love for animals. Somehow in 2019 at the age of 34 (see ladies it doesn’t happen overnight) my husband, Greg, and I seized an opportunity to fulfill our land ownership dreams and bought our first farm in California. With absolutely no experience, very little research and a big love for the farming lifestyle ..we dove in! Read more>>
Henos
I have been throwing events for years, ever since I was in community college all the way up to me finishing undergrad at Tech. After I graduated a close friend asked me if I’d like to start a group that throws events to bring more people together and it’s been history ever since! We’ve had the opportunity to throw events in Dallas , D.C. and Atlanta. Whether it’s collaborating with other groups or hosting concerts, the mission has always been to bring the city together in a fun way! Read more>>
TaNia Keshay
I started during Covid, it started out as something I can do on the side. Then I got sick in 2021 and I wasn’t able to do makeup for a while. By the grace of God when I was healed all I wanted to do was be a striving makeup artist! When I wasn’t able to do makeup, that’s when I started to gain a deep passion. I missed the clients and bonds I’ve made. Since 2022, I’ve made focus my top focus, it’s all I can think about and I’m using the gift that God has given me to inspire others. I am where I am by putting God first and remaining humble in this industry. Read more>>
John Azaria
Managing growth was also a learning experience. As demand for our services increased, we had to scale our operations without compromising the quality and personal touch that define our work. Finding and training the right team members, refining our processes, and maintaining high standards has been an ongoing but rewarding challenge. Read more>>
Kris Cumnock
I was a sports marketing agent for 25 years and decided to make a career change where I could impact lives. My wife, who has been in the non-profit space her entire career, read a job posting for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer and I went to their website and thought, “this is a mission that speaks to me”. I applied that evening and included a cover letter detailing how my 25 years in the sports marketing space would translate into running a nonprofit. I went through a series of interviews and convinced the WOKC Executive Committee I was the best candidate for the position. I have been the WOKC CEO for 2.5 years. Read more>>
Dena Stanley
As a licensed and certified lash artist, I specialize in creating a luxury experience for women in both lashes and brows. My attention to detail and passion for my craft ensure that every client leaves feeling confident and empowered. What sets me apart is my drive and determination to stand out in the beauty industry. I didn’t let my environment define my limits—I educated myself and worked tirelessly to elevate my brand to where it is today. Read more>>
