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.
Cadie Maganga
We specialize in all types of braids such micro, box braid, feeding etc…natural hair care and sewing. My proud as a company is we are in 2-in-1 beauty supply and hair salon shop. Great customer and taking proud of clean. Labelle Beauty isn’t your typical beauty supply we only put the best products on our shelves and we also use our platform to give back to our community. When customers shop with us, they can be assured that their money is well spent. We offer elite customer service and have been servicing some clients for more than ten years. Read more>>
Meagan Rothschild
It definitely hasn’t all been a smooth road – but I don’t think it ever is when you’re working in a space that challenges the status quo. When I first started my private practice, I was so focused on providing high-quality nutrition therapy for eating disorders that I didn’t realize how much of a gap there was in practical kitchen skills for many. I was helping clients understand what to eat and why, but they were still struggling with how to bring that knowledge into their kitchens in a way that felt doable and supportive. Read more>>
Miaa Fisher
As I sit down to share my story, I am filled with gratitude for the winding path that has brought me to this moment. My name is Mia Fisher, and I am a proud mother of four beautiful children, a devoted wife of 20 years, and an aspiring YouTube influencer and entrepreneur. Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, my journey has been one shaped by faith, passion, and a fierce commitment to advocating for change in our society. Read more>>
Lisa Colgin
With all the major sports teams, culture, restaurants, vibrant arts and live music scene, Dallas is home. But travel is one of my passions. I have visited 38 states, 39 countries and all 7 continents, I have been blessed to visit Spain during the world cup, cage dive with great white sharks, embark on a sunset camel ride across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, take the polar plunge in Antarctica, and seen the Northern Lights in Rogers, Arkansas. Read more>>
Stephanie Paul
I launched Just Like Pearls, a luxurious yet affordable lip beauty brand, to give everyone a touch of elegance and self-love. Along the way, I’ve worn many hats—as a mom and as a person. From my first ever temp job sitting behind a desk, to becoming a creative director and entrepreneur under my umbrella company, MLS ENTERPRISES TEXAS LLC. Read more>>
Judicael Megueu
It all started with my mother, who, recognizing an opportunity, decided to train me in IT. What began as a simple lesson between mother and daughter quickly turned into something much bigger. Within weeks, 10 others joined our sessions, eager to learn. And in just three months, every single one of them—including me—landed six-figure jobs in IT, many with multiple offers. That was the moment Bizzall Academy was born. Read more>>
Nicole Bean
I wanna focus a little bit more on my content creation here with y’all. I specialize in travel and food, but more specifically Pizza! I feel proud to have created my own niche but also to a degree that people will reach out for my “ expertise. “
What it’s me apart from others is that I want to share experiences and information so that people can learn and educate themselves or open their eyes to something new that they may not have known about prior to seeing my content. Read more>>
Mason Modad
We wanted to combine the best of nature’s ingredients. Eventually we landed on what we have now in our 1st two moisturizers. When we sampled out to some of my patients and friends, eczema started to find relief, and even discoloration from past chemo treatments completely cleared up within a matter of a few months. So we knew we had struck gold. I eventually found a manufacturer, gave them our formula and they did an amazing job at replicating our vision. Read more>>
Yolanda Jackson
I started content creating on fashion in 2022 although I have been creating for years in the past since high school I take it serious these last few years ! my previous instagram was deleted at 13k ! I had to start over fresh which was fine with me because currently I have been able to rebrand into a better business which I feel is why you guys reached out in the first place! More things coming soon so stay tuned ! Being a seamstress has been interesting I started in 2023 , I did teach my self everything and it’s been a challenge but one that I like ! I went to a class for a few days and although I did not learn much during this class I ended up just taking a chance and making my own outfits ! I incorporate photography as well for my brand ! Read more>>
Rochelle Rawls
Diving headfirst into the conference environment has definitely helped in my day to day role. Now the talent essentially comes to me, since I do have that name recognition in correlation specially with Salesforce. I’m on a first name basis with a lot of the conference founders within the tech industry, and when I can I utilize my network within some of the organizations I am apart of to create more opportunities both internally at Salesforce and externally within the DFW community and beyond. Read more>>
Kylie Harris
Fast forward to spring 2025, and Dallas Hot Girls Wanting Community has evolved into so much more than just weekly walks on the trail. Since its inception, Dallas HGWC has proudly partnered with national brands like Tito’s Vodka, Kendra Scott Jewelry, Cetaphil Skincare, Bondi Boost as well as some of our favorite local Dallas businesses, including Training Mate Fitness, The Pilates Bar, DTX Sports Medicine, Harwood Hospitality, and many more. Read more>>
Tami Dattile
My journey hasn’t been easy. I survived childhood trauma, abusive relationships and an addict husband who tragically passed away when our daughter was just 4 years old. But through it all, and with guidance from our Lord, I’ve found strength and love. I am now happily joined with a man who wholeheartedly accepted both me and my daughter. He’s been my rock, supporting me in everything I do, encouraging me to follow my dreams, and inspiring me to be a good role model for our children. Read more>>
Alexis Gomez
I was ready to call it quits and submit to the idea that I wasn’t going to be successful. I reached out to House of Beauty Med Spa in Fort Worth and Hotel Vin in Grapevine and asked to do a pop-up at the Mother’s Day events they were hosting. I was super nervous because I didn’t know how these events were going to go, but they were a success and it definitely helped me build that confidence again! I also work a full-time job, so navigating and working around my schedule is definitely a challenge at times. For me, the easiest way to work my business is to block off a couple hours after work. I take it day by day or task by task to not get too overwhelmed. Read more>>
Carla Carter
I was raised in Sacramento, California. Growing up I was very quiet and shy but an all around athlete. I played volleyball, basketball and ran track & field at Foothill Junior High and Foothill High school. I set records in junior high, high school and college in track & field. In volleyball I was short, a 5’2” middle blocker and an outside hitter that was able to block shots due to my high vertical leap. In basketball I was the point guard, great on fast breaks and lay ups and rebounder. In track & field I was a sprinter, I competed in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays where I was the anchor. I ran track & field in college at the University of California at Davis. Read more>>
Milliyah Conor
In the years of 2016-2017 I was only 13 years old with no place to call my own. Not many people know this but I grew up with an unstable household I never had the ideal family. One day I came home from school to see that my mother and farther had up and left me all alone. I survived in that home by myself for a little over a month until the lights got cut off and I ran out of food. I reached out to my aunt and she took me in, with her 2 sons and husband plus me in one small apartment it wasn’t all that good but it did give me a place to start my journey off. During the time of me being at my aunts house I got back on track with school and started to find an interest in lashing. Read more>>
Lauren Thomas
My creative path led me to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, where I majored in Art with an emphasis in Business. It was here that my artistic instincts sharpened into technical skills. I discovered the magic of oil painting and immersed myself in the works of the Impressionists, captivated by their ability to paint fleeting moments of light and color. Living in Santa Barbara, I became obsessed with how light shifts throughout the day, how it dances on water and melts into the horizon. For my senior graduate project, I poured this fascination into 18 oil paintings, each one capturing how color and light evolved at different times of day across various locations in Southern California. Read more>>
Ashlee Davidson
That’s what led me to launch Speak Aberrant. I created this platform not just to speak, but to model what it looks like to show up boldly, disrupt norms, and lead with authenticity. My mission is to encourage others—especially the next generation—to take up space, use their voice, and understand that real impact often requires us to get uncomfortable. But on the other side of that discomfort is power, purpose, and transformation. Read more>>
Melissa Adams
So, I created Local Liberal, an online directory (localliberal.com) dedicated to connecting people with liberal-owned small businesses across the country. With no design experience, just a clear vision and determination, I built the initial version entirely from scratch. What began as a small idea has since blossomed into a nationwide resource. Our active Facebook group has grown to over 10,000 members from all over the USA, all looking to support small, liberal-owned businesses and foster community. Read more>>
Paola Chirinos
After graduating from El Centro College, I landed a job at an incredible architectural firm in Dallas. Over the course of 6.5 years, I grew from an architectural intern to a project manager, discovering my passion for leadership and mentorship along the way. Managing people and projects became my strength, and after nearly nine years in the industry, I now hold the position of Senior Project Manager at DNA-Workshop in their Dallas office. Read more>>
Sona Pokharel
In addition to content creation, I’m passionate about my education and growth. I graduated with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2024 and am currently pursuing my second master’s degree in Master’s of Science, Human Resources Management. Both my HR job and content creation have helped me develop a skill set that allows me to stay creative while balancing multiple priorities. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see where it goes next! Read more>>
Mika McClain
That journey led me to meditation, breathwork, and deep inner healing. I learned about the nervous system, the power of therapy, and different ways to heal and break generational cycles. And when I became a young mother, I made a decision, I was going to raise my son differently. I wanted to give him the emotional tools I never had growing up, but I didn’t have a roadmap. So, I started reading. I studied child development, emotional intelligence, and anything that could help me guide him in a healthier, more conscious way. Read more>>
Deborah Guerrero
In May 2023, I launched Recharge Wellness with that vision in mind. We started with mobile IV therapy here in the DFW area, offering hydration and vitamin infusions right to people’s doors. It quickly became clear how much this kind of care resonated, so we expanded into prescription weight loss across Texas with compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, and then added our NUTRAFi vitamin sprays—because not everyone wants a needle to stay healthy! Read more>>
Staci Henderson
As any business owner, I have had struggles along the way. I was confident in my abilities as a pediatric therapist, but didn’t have a lot of knowledge of how to run a business. I knew I wanted to start very small and slowly grow my practice as I learned the ‘business’ side of things. I feel fortunate that I had some wonderful mentors in my field who provided answers to my many questions, especially in the beginning! Read more>>
Stephanie Gaete
We started Gracie Barra Lindale with a clear mission: to bring authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to our community. Starting from a small group of passionate practitioners, we’ve grown into a thriving school that emphasizes respect, discipline, and personal growth for all ages. With that in mind, as residents of this city, we wanted to create something that could address this need. Read more>>
Chuck Vessey
In 2023 we decided to start a food truck business in our small East Texas town. We looked at different options but when the coffee trailer in town decided to quite business, we knew there would be a need for another. We designed our food trailer to resemble a Caboose. It is actually a 2/3 scale caboose. Read more>>
Jaclyn Brewer-Poole
I’ve taught at several dance studio, built successful ballet programs and helped my students achieve their goals of dancing professionally and attending prestigious colleges including The Juilliard School. Dancing professionally with the Bruce Wood Dance Company in Dallas helped shaped me as an artist and see dance as the true art it is. My experiences have shaped me to be the teacher I am today and lead me to create my vision for my own studio: To build and create a thriving arts center to serve the community. Read more>>
Freddy River
Everything made sense after that. I ended up composing about 100 melodies and samples for west coast producers and sent them out to as many people as I could. Eventually, Cardo reached on instagram and asked to work together. Fast forward, and now not only am I homies with one of the greatest producers in the hip-hop scene right now, but I also ended up making the melody for the song “Pop Out” by Larry June and ScHoolboy Q. My growth hasn’t stopped since and i’ve not only improved in my production skills, but i’ve been able to add more and more influential west coast artists to my production catalogue over the years. Read more>>
Katie Ritter
After talking with other performers, I realized that there was a need for high-quality photography to market shows. I bought a camera and spent months learning the specifics of capturing shows; before I knew it, the opportunity to create a business around it became a real possibility. Katie’s marketing skill set was the perfect complement, so we jumped in and have been serving the stage ever since. Read more>>
Jamaal Muhammad
I want to be a marriage counselor/psychologist. My minor in college is Journalism digital broadcasting. All of these are reasons why I started my podcast I just wanted to create a place where people had a voice. Since the podcast has started a lot of people on a day to day basis come to me in person, or they may even text me on instagram after they watch my show for relationship/dating advice. A lot of planning, research and editing goes into show productions. My plan is to continue to grow my podcast to make it the best that it can be. Read more>>
Jennifer Milner
I started as a professional ballet and Broadway dancer. As I dealt with injuries, I learned Pilates and fell in love with it. When an injury ended my career, I became certified to teach Pilates and started working with the clinic that trains the New York City Ballet. I began training dancers from all over the world and felt useful in the dance world still. When my husband and I moved back to the Dallas area, I reached out to local schools and companies and began training dancers in the DFW area. Now I work with dancers from Prosper to Arlington, Southlake to East Dallas. I travel the world teaching at conferences and schools everywhere, but love coming back to my clients in Dallas. Read more>>
Oneil Brown
I founded Herbal Enrichments in 2021, inspired by a deeply personal journey. After losing my mother, Linel Young, to lymphoma, I felt a strong calling to explore herbalism and empower others to take charge of their health. This passion led to the creation of Herbal Enrichments, where our mission is to inspire and support individuals in embracing a healthier way of life. Read more>>
Valeria Gonçalves
It was an exciting time for Brazil’s art and design scene, and a standout moment was presenting our ceramic collection at Le Bon Marché in Paris for the Bresil Rive Gauche exhibition. In 2009, I furthered my skills studying Interior Design at the Panamerica School of Arts. In 2017, I became a partner at Bia Daidone, where I manage supplier relationships and collaborate on designing luxury jewelry and bespoke furniture, blending materials like metals, stones, wood, and ceramics. Our work has gained recognition from architects and decorators, earning features in publications like Architectural Digest. Read more>>
Abdon Campbell
I immediately went into a rabbit hole looking up any and everything I could find about how to start refinishing furniture and how to create beautiful designs that people would love. Since then I have found a fondness for adding new life to furniture through different colors, designs, patterns, stains, pulls, etc. which brought me to where I am today, having completed over 50 projects. Each has helped me learn and grow towards being a more creative being, adding new life to spaces. Read more>>
Sally Gupta
What truly sets me apart is that I refuse to be confined to a single box. My curiosity drives me to explore beyond traditional boundaries, blending my passion for technology with my love for fashion. With ChicbySally, I’m pioneering a way for women to visualize their dream outfits—whether they’re strolling on a beach, heading to work, enjoying a coffee date, or embarking on a European adventure. By leveraging AI and human creativity, I bring style inspiration to life, making fashion more immersive, accessible, affordable and personalized. Read more>>
Antonio Guevara
Having a full time job at the same time as doing pop-ups full time was a lot of work. No days off makes life difficult. Having to focus on every aspect of running a business leaves little time dedicated to each part. Now that we are full time at our brick and mortar, it’s still no days off, but we don’t have to worry about running someone else’s business too. Also, having a business partner allows us to focus more closely on marketing and product development. Read more>>
Keonna Harrison
“As a husband-and-wife team, we have always had a heart for helping people and making a meaningful impact in our community. Our passion for Black culture and history drives us to share our journey with others, inspiring and uplifting fellow Black men and women to push through adversity and embrace their greatness. Through our work, we strive to create spaces that celebrate our heritage, empower our people, and remind us all that our stories, struggles, and successes matter. Together, we rise.” Read more>>
Coast (Lamar White)
What started this adventure was my parents buying me my first Sony Stereo System to put in my room. It even had the Subwoofer lol. My parents already had one of their own in their room and the living room so that made me want one all to myself. I would listen to radio and my custom CD’s 98% of the time I was in my room, thus inspiring me to become a DJ. I didn’t know what the definition for a producer was at the time so I chose to be a DJ thinking it would lead me to become a producer. 97.9 The Beat, K104, 94.5, 106.1 were the radio stations I listened to frequently to study how to become a Dj; especially 97.9 Dj Quick Mix Rick. Read more>>
Lacey McNiel
In the back of my mind I thought it would be so fun to build a photography business, but I never saw myself leaving a full-time job to take that leap. It wasn’t until I was laid off in 2023 when I realized the risk I was afraid to take was taken for me, and I had nothing left to lose. Why not start now? I had all the time in the world, so I reached out to friends who knew more than me, and said I yes to every opportunity that came up. It was so life giving to be creative! I love learning, stretching out of my comfort zone, noticing beauty, and capturing some of the most important moments in people’s lives. Read more>>
Marissa Hinojosa
One of the biggest struggles in building my photography business has been balancing work and family life. As a parent, my schedule is always packed with my kids’ activities, school, and just the day-to-day responsibilities of being a mom. Finding time to grow my business while still being present for my family has been a challenge. There were long nights editing after the kids went to bed and early mornings preparing for shoots while juggling everyday life. But through it all, I’ve learned to manage my time better, set boundaries, and appreciate the flexibility that photography gives me. It’s not always easy, but the passion I have for what I do keeps me going, and seeing how far I’ve come makes all the hard work worth it. Read more>>
Dhirendra Mungikar
Adjusting to an English-speaking environment was challenging, especially in professional kitchens. The fast-paced nature of hotel kitchens made it even harder, as I had to keep up with hectic schedules while improving my skills. Every day was a new learning experience, requiring me to adapt quickly and stay motivated. When I started my first job during the uncertainty of COVID-19, it added another layer of difficulty, making stability and growth even more challenging. Despite these struggles, each obstacle shaped me into a more resilient and skilled culinary professional. Read more>>
Shivam Dhol Tasha Team Dallas, TX
With the big sized drums that we play, we faced quite a few challenges.. starting with getting our equipment here in United States by shipment, finding right set of committed people and train them to do what we do as a group. It gets difficult to find the right practice venue with good acoustics, To continue the peaceful atmosphere in the community, sometimes we need to work with local law enforcement to keep noise levels in control and shorten our performance if needed. Read more>>
Austin Hardy
Accurate booking through a website can be tricky, especially when the platform isn’t seamless or user-friendly. The lack of equipment, especially given how expensive photography gear has become, is also a common struggle for many in the industry. It can feel like a barrier to growth when the tools you need to elevate your work are out of reach. Have you found any strategies to overcome these hurdles, or are you still trying to navigate them? Read more>>
Gabriela Bogran
building this business hasn’t been easy. The world of sensory play is saturated, and standing out means being truly authentic and unique in what we offer. I’ve been knocking on doors, putting my heart into every opportunity to share my vision, and while not everyone has said yes, I keep pushing forward—because I believe in the power of sensory play to create unforgettable experiences. Read more>>
Zeke
This experience opened my eyes to the critical importance of sleep. I devoured books, research papers, and guidelines on sleep, which eventually led me to become a certified sleep consultant. Combining my pharmacy background with my new expertise, I developed a holistic approach to sleep that addresses four key pillars: optimizing sleep pressure, aligning circadian rhythms, fostering an insomnia-resistant mindset, and reducing physical stressors. Read more>>
Alisha Patterson
People get laid off from corporate jobs all the time. A company can randomly no longer see a position as valuable and get rid of it. There’s a risk no matter what you choose to do. So I just choose what makes me happy and gets me excited. All these rules people try to shove into your brain about how life goes are fake! Do what you want. Do what your heart is telling you. I love trying new things. I love starting over. I love taking leaps. I love learning. There hasn’t been a single moment when I regretted my decision to create content full time. I feel like as long as you’re being true to yourself, and focused on bringing value instead of only focused on receiving praise, you got it! Put purpose over status always. Read more>>
Holly Gaske
Today, GCF is proud to support a diverse range of cat welfare organizations throughout Texas and the United States. We provide funding for the shelters, rescues, community groups, and initiatives that need it most. We’re constantly striving to identify the most pressing needs within the feline welfare community and find innovative ways to support them. 100% of all donations go toward our mission and directly impact a cat’s life for the better. Read more>>
Truly Tran
Truly has always believed that design should not only be beautiful but also highly functional. Her philosophy is rooted in the idea that every piece she creates should serve a purpose and enhance the wearer’s experience. Rather than succumbing to the allure of purely ornamental designs, Truly focuses on incorporating practical elements that add value to her creations. From hidden pockets and adjustable straps to breathable fabrics and ergonomic cuts, her designs are thoughtfully crafted to ensure comfort, versatility, and longevity. She balances form and function, ensuring that her pieces are not just visually stunning but also meet the needs of modern life. This commitment to functionality over mere eye-candy sets Truly Tranian apart, making her designs a perfect blend of style and substance. Read more>>
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>>
