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.
Natausha Harris
But life had its own timeline. I started in the beauty industry — creating transformations behind the chair, making women feel confident and seen. It taught me the power of personal touches and intentional experiences. Still, I found myself gravitating toward design — helping friends style their homes, creating mood boards for fun, and turning my own spaces into calming, curated sanctuaries. Read more>>
Krupa Patel
We opened our doors in March 2020—but after just one week, we had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setback, my husband and I kept the business going. Once restrictions were lifted, more people started coming in, especially those working from home who were looking for a break and some social time. Read more>>
Nick Ferris
After the accident, I was flown to a trauma hospital in Austin where I spent some of the longest and most uncertain days of my life in the ICU. From there I transferred to inpatient rehab in Houston to begin the difficult work of recovery. Eventually I made it back home to Dallas and continued outpatient rehab through Baylor Scott and White. Every step of the way pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally, but each part of the journey helped me grow and gain clarity about what I wanted to do next. Read more>>
Alyssa Galloway
Over the years, my practice has become increasingly rooted in environmental and human rights concerns. I see the ecological crisis as deeply intertwined with issues of access and displacement — who gets to belong, and where. That connection has only deepened my commitment to creating art that reflects both a love for the land and a longing for a more just and harmonious world. Read more>>
Freddie Percell-Crumpton
I started my journey back in 1984, wearing combat boots and serving my country as a Food Service Specialist in the U.S. Army. Ten years strong, I learned early on what it meant to serve, sacrifice, and show up—no matter how heavy the load or how tired the feet. After hanging up my uniform, I stepped into a new chapter at the VA, working first as a Pharmacy Tech and later managing facility records. That chapter lasted over two decades. Read more>>
Padmaja Ankus
My journey began back in India, where I balanced a full-time tech job with a small side hustle—running a boutique out of my living room. Those two years were exhausting but incredibly fulfilling. It was incredibly rewarding to see my fabric and jewelry make people feel radiant and truly themselves. That passion stayed with me even after I moved to the U.S. and completed my M.S. in Information Systems at the University of North Texas. After graduation, I worked at Home Depot, saving every bit I could to fund my business. Read more>>
Bailey Bramlett
By the time I was twelve I began adding theater to my busy schedule. I loved preforming and learning lines so so much, maybe even more than dance. Since then i’ve been in many onstage shows but lately i’ve expanded to the modeling world. I cannot wait to continue to use my determination and lean on the amazing community around me as I strive to reach my goals. Read more>>
Melina Walker
My photography journey began in 2013, capturing magical moments at the happiest place on earth—Disneyland. What started as a love for candid, lifestyle photography quickly turned into a passion I couldn’t ignore. With the support and encouragement of my family and now husband, I began offering outdoor family sessions, creating lasting memories for others just as I had treasured my own. Read more>>
Dr. Xavier Cooper
I grew up in a very chaotic environment that shaped me from a young age. When I was around 4 years old, my mother was incarcerated for selling drugs. I was too young to understand the weight of it, but I felt her absence deeply. That led me to live with my father and much older half-siblings. Over time, due to truancy and instability, the state stepped in and forced my father to place me and my siblings into foster care in Itasca, Texas. That was the start of a long stretch of feeling lost, angry, and misunderstood. I bounced between homes, removed from everything familiar, and separated from my siblings. Read more>>
Kendrick Dunn
College was a turning point for me. It’s where I finally started to uncover parts of myself that had always been there but never had the space to shine. When I moved back to Dallas, I didn’t know many people in the LGBTQ+ community—but I was lucky to know one person: my friend Manaliki, aka Remfu. Not only was he a genuine and kind-hearted person, he was also queer, Black, and a fearless creative genius. Through him, I met other queer creatives in Dallas, and we formed our own little chosen family. We enjoyed expressing ourselves through clothes, music, poetry, visual art—you name it. Read more>>
Jordan Burris
Before I became a mom, I was the “fun aunt” — always looking for cool places to take my nephews whenever they visited from their small town about an hour outside of Dallas. Every time they came to the “big city,” I wanted to make it special with fun, kid-friendly adventures. Back then, I often wished there was a resource dedicated specifically to kids’ activities in Dallas — something simple, helpful, and easy to follow. Read more>>
Diana Garcia
At Belle Femme Bridal, we’re proud to be part of a movement towards inclusivity and representation in the bridal industry. This isn’t just about shopping for a dress; it’s about empowering women to feel their absolute best on one of the most important days of their lives. We ensure that every bride has a chance to find her dream gown from a curated selection of the industry’s most sought-after designers—all available in a wide range of sizes, ready to be tried on. Read more>>
Pamela Baca
Throughout my career, I’ve pursued advanced training across multiple countries—including the U.S., Mexico, Spain (where I completed a Master’s in Aesthetic Medicine), and the U.K., where I trained under a renowned mentor. This international education has shaped my approach to delivering natural, safe, and effective results. Read more>>
Dallas Cuttin Up Battle League
Building the DCU organization has not been an easy road. Learning to adapt to the culture from a development standpoint has a few pros and cons. While putting events to together can be great for exposure and financial profit for the league and artists, the road to finding superstar talent can take a while to develop which makes gaining more fans for the culture a slower process. Read more>>
Damianus Lamont
Over time, photography evolved from being a personal outlet to something much bigger. Around 2012, I started charging for shoots, realising I could create portraits that felt poetic and cinematic – images that told stories beyond the surface. I’ve always been fascinated by the emotions that linger in a photograph, the parts of ourselves we don’t always show but that a camera can reveal when the environment feels safe and intentional. Read more>>
Kristie Rabalais
But like many journeys, mine wasn’t linear. In October of 2022, I made a bold move to Tulum, Mexico to organize wellness healing retreats, which meant temporarily closing my spa. Even after returning, I continued to serve clients on a smaller scale, but something had deeply shifted in me. I had grown spiritually, energetically, and creatively. I knew when I reopened, it couldn’t just be a facial spa. It had to become a true sanctuary that treated beyond the surface. Read more>>
Erica Grandin
Technically speaking, I specialize in indoor lifestyle photography for Moms. That means that I photograph my clients in their homes and in my natural light studio. We don’t worry about poses but instead do our best to let their family have fun and play together. My photo sessions can be anything from hospital photo sessions for new babies to maternity, in-home newborn photos, or a family session. I am most well known as an in-home newborn photographer in Frisco but I work with clients all over the DFW area. Read more>>
Dr. Shedrack Raines
t has not be a smooth road. Some of the struggles along the way would be in youth, having to grow up in low income or a poor community with poorly performing public school. Then from there, I would say going to college, coming from a low income area your concentration is more on survival than education. So that led to entering school with no scholarships, no family financial support and having to use student financial aid in order to pay for school. And while in school I had full and sole custody of my two kids a son and daughter. Read more>>
Katherine Crane
Then one day, a student confided in me that she was homeless, living in her car with her child. I was stunned. How could a student at a private college be facing such extreme hardship? In that moment, everything shifted. I immediately thought of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—something I had studied in grad school. Of course she couldn’t fully engage in her education when her basic needs like food, shelter, and safety weren’t being met. That was the beginning of my journey toward becoming a counselor. I wanted to be someone who could truly support people like her—those fighting against the odds to improve their lives. Read more>>
Lloyd Terry III
Eventually, life brought me back to the lens—first through photographing bodybuilding shows, then church events, and ultimately weddings. Each step brought new challenges and growth, shaping the photographer I am today. Through it all, I’ve rediscovered and leaned into my passion, refining my craft with formal training from the New York Institute of Photography and staying connected with fellow creatives through the Dallas chapter of the Professional Photographers of America. My path hasn’t always been linear, but it’s been deeply rewarding—and it continues to fuel my drive to preserve stories through timeless, authentic imagery. Read more>>
Thalia Rodriguez
I worked for a corporation doing eyebrows straight out of high school. I was there for 5 years, it became my 9-5. My passion rapidly left from the retail environment, the unattainable sales goals, and the terrible pay. I felt like a puppet chasing someone else’s dreams and not my own. Read more>>
Ariel Merk
My journey into luxury interior design began with a deep passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces that tell a story—one that reflects the lifestyle and dreams of each client I serve. After years of honing my craft in high-end residential design and building, I founded Aeroview Design Co., a boutique interior design studio that specializes in designing luxury hangar homes and aviation lifestyle interiors. Read more>>
Susana Romo
What makes it even more rewarding is beginning to see how that dedication is being recognized. Last year, I was honored to be nominated in the Top 50 for Editorial Makeup at the @oneshothairawards—an international competition that celebrates beauty professionals around the world. And this year, I was thrilled to be named in the Top 100 for Styling: Special Occasion. That kind of acknowledgment means everything to me. It tells me that the passion I pour into my work is resonating—and it inspires me to dream even bigger. Read more>>
Richie Madyira
My name Is Richie Marley Madyira born and raised in Harare capital city of Zimbabwe.I was always fascinated about drawing since l was young,l used to make car of wire from a young age.Then my dad started to pay for me drawing lessons at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and later on applied and get bursary to study art..I started exhibiting my work at Delta gallery,then around 2009 l moved to South Africa to pursue my dreams and career due to economic hardship in my country Read more>>
Sarah Bennett
As friendships evolved into leadership and decision-making dynamics, we had to navigate interpersonal tensions with care—there’s been a lot of relational effort behind the scenes, and we’ve all learned from mistakes. These moments became reps for us in navigating conflict and creating a culture of safety and trust. Working closely with our leadership team also taught us the value of healthy communication and establishing rhythms of rest, both for ourselves and for those we serve. We’ve leaned into the Matthew 18 model with a heart for unity, knowing that lasting community takes both grace and intentionality. Read more>>
Jerrett Rosenborough
Growing up, music was my passion. It was how I expressed myself and connected with others. Dentistry wasn’t even on my radar. I pursued it with discipline, earning my DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, but I didn’t realize it was my true calling until I found faith in Jesus four years ago. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just a belief for me. It became a walk that had to be lived out and implemented in every area of my life. Read more>>
Kristin Dail
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Breaking into such a competitive, relationship-driven market without a built-in network took time and persistence—especially as a woman in an industry that can feel very male-dominated. Balancing a fast-paced, always-on career with being the kind of mom I want to be has also been one of the biggest challenges. And like anyone in this field, I’ve had to stay agile through market swings and rate volatility—remaining steady for my clients even when the industry feels anything but. Read more>>
Kelly Aldous
“So what graduate school are you going to?” as if I could do nothing with my degree. I have done an extensive amount of volunteer activity throughout my entire life and I was even asked, “Why do you give your time away instead of billing for it?” It just seemed as if I could never “get things right.” I have had so many ups and downs in my life along with some big adventures. I may not look like some of the things I have gone through; but, it’s a book – possible mini-series – for sure. Read more>>
Alfonso Flores
My wife always new this was a big dream of mine since i was in barber school, so from the very beginning I always had support no matter what and was 100% on board. So in May 2021 my wife and I signed a lease to suite.117 in Mansfield where Fadez and Bladez Barbershop was born. I had a certain vision for the shop which with the help of my family, like my wife, my parents, in laws and friends we were able to make it a reality. August of 2021 we opened our doors to provide great service and great hairstyles. We are a young business but we are striving for big things. Read more>>
Celine Salman Blaschke
Working internationally has taught me to be highly adaptable – navigating different cultures, time zones, construction methods, and Client expectations. Starting my own business brought a new set of challenges: building a network from the ground up, wearing different hats, and learning how to pivot between different Clients and project types. Each experience stretched me in different ways and ultimately helped shape the way I approach my work today – with flexibility, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. Read more>>
Ferris Lachman
In 24 hours a guy from the next town over responded. He worked in fintech, but spent his youth DJing at Fire Island and in the NYC metro area. He still had a small business on the side of his “day job.” Anyway, he and his wife just had a baby and he could use some extra money, so he offered to come 1-2xs per week to my back porch (remember social distancing), and teach me how to use my equipment. After a short time, I was good enough that he hired me to do gigs with him (F Sharp Entertainment) as a grip or support, then eventually sending me to corporate events or life-event type parties (weddings, birthdays, etc.) Read more>>
Tiffany Lindley
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—it started with grief. Losing my mother, Clara, cracked something open in me. She was my grounding force, and when she passed, I felt completely unanchored. Starting my business was my way of finding purpose through pain—a way to honor her legacy by creating something rooted in healing, care, and possibility. At the same time, I was navigating life with ADHD and lupus, teaching myself business from scratch, and working nights and weekends just to keep the vision alive. Read more>>
Kayden Roberts
To be honest, it has been a smooth road. For me, balancing business, school, and leadership comes naturally. I’ve always been driven and organized, so managing Kayden Productions while leading my class and staying on top of schoolwork has felt like a good rhythm. That’s not to say there haven’t been learning curves — like figuring out pricing, upgrading gear, or dealing with unexpected challenges — but I enjoy the process and take each step as a chance to grow. Read more>>
Edgar Gonzalez
There’s been plenty of ups but definitely plenty of downs to go with them. Like with anything you do in life, it isn’t always easy. Dallas has a lot of really good DJs so when I first started, it was tough trying to break into the scene to make a name for myself. With time though I realized the DJ community in Dallas was really welcoming. All the OG DJs I’ve met were really cool about introducing me to people and giving advice, Noe G, Hardbox and Inzo are great examples. Read more>>
Natesha Smith-Isabell
I’ve always been someone who carries a deep sense of responsibility, not just for getting things done, but for making sure people are cared for in the process. That drive shaped my time in the military, my work in higher education, and eventually, my journey into wellness and healing. Along the way, I witnessed how women—especially those in service professions like healthcare, education, and the military—are often praised for their strength, yet overlooked when they’re the ones in need of support. Read more>>
Rachon
In terms of expertise, I bring more than just technical skill with the camera. Before photography, I worked as a web and graphic designer, so I have a strong eye for composition, color, and visual storytelling. I’ve spent years studying posing, lighting, and the psychology behind what makes someone feel confident and natural in front of the lens. I help clients with everything from wardrobe styling, using my growing studio wardrobe, to guided posing and expressions that feel authentic, not forced. I also specialize in creating high-quality printed products like albums, wall art, and keepsake folio boxes, so my clients walk away with something tangible they can be proud of. Read more>>
Brandi Smith
Growing up, I was always altering my clothes cutting, sewing, adding something to make each piece my own. I took a sewing class in middle school and learned the basics, but didn’t dive into it deeply until college. One day, on a whim, I bought a sewing machine and made a pair of stacked pants that were trending at the time. I didn’t stick with it then. I was dancing, doing majorette, but the seed was planted. Read more>>
Samantha Walsh
Hi! I’m a 19-year-old florist specializing in budget-friendly weddings. You send me your inspiration, and I’ll bring your vision to life—no matter the budget. I just celebrated my first full year in business, and it’s been an incredible journey! I truly love what I do—creating florals that help make your special day unforgettable. Read more>>
Ashma Pandeya
It’s definitely still not smooth even now. There are days when I barely sleep because I’m juggling school, assignments, exams, and content deadlines — and I still have to show up smiling in videos. It’s exhausting at times, and people often don’t see the hard side of it. But I’m slowly learning to manage my time better. It’s not easy, but this is something I’ve loved since I was a child, so despite the challenges, I truly enjoy it. Read more>>
