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.
Eric Martinez
When I was a kid, I was never good at any sports. I wasn’t coordinated enough and overweight. It wasn’t until I found mixed martial arts that I started to establish a strong connection to my body that streamlined the trajectory of my life to follow. Not everyone has this access to life-changing martial arts training. Read more>>
Trimaine Clark
My father worked as a computer technician for Texas Instruments, and taught me about the basics of coding and web design in my teenage years. I learned DOS language, and was also allowed to experiment on editing my computer games as a hobby. Read more>>
Jason McDaniel
After working in the advertising industry for 14 years, I started doing freelance design work and a client asked for letterpress business cards. Even with all of my print production knowledge, I had never heard of letterpress. After some google searching I found a small one that got shipped to me and I set it up in my garage. Read more>>
Candace Pitts
Fast forward to a few years ago, and Phenomenal Day Events was born. Making the decision to turn my passion into something bigger. My family and I had moved from my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, to the Dallas–Fort Worth area after nearly ten years of marriage. By then, I was a wife, a mom to two amazing kids, Monte and Carmen, and now officially a business owner continuing to do what I love, and get paid for it, Ha! Read more>>
Warren Mckamey M.B.A.
Sheri, a devoted wife, loving mother, and woman of faith, brought her heart for people into every part of her business. She is also a respected leader at the Chisholm Trails Cowboy Church, where she often leads prayer and teaches Sunday school, a reflection of her heart for service and community. Read more>>
Stephanie Vera
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare. For some reason, dentistry called to me from a young age — I was about 12 years old when I decided I wanted to be a dentist when I ‘grew up,’ and I never strayed from that goal. Read more>>
Leah Chung
Hi, I’m Leah. I started LeahLASH Studio out of my passion for beauty, especially eyelash artistry, and my desire to help women feel confident. I quickly realized that eyelash extensions aren’t just a beauty upgrade, they’re essential for anyone who wants to look polished and save time every day. Read more>>
Cody Benson
I have always been drawn to marketing and to understanding what drives people to choose one thing over another. Growing up I was always making these ‘side businesses’, if you could call them that, and learning everything I could to make each one better than the last. Read more>>
Case Willingham
I actually got started in irrigation through family. My cousin’s husband: Chris Dyess has been in the industry for a long time, and when he heard I was looking to get into a trade, he offered me a job. Read more>>
LeAnne Piepiora
Since childhood, I’ve always felt there was a hidden magic in life. I used sticks as wands, I had a rock collection, I made magic ‘potions’ out of spices in the cabinet. I knew there was more than what we could see, but I was told that it was all in my imagination. My childhood friends teased me. Adults told me it wasn’t real. Read more>>
Randall Kennedy
I got into Nuisance Wildlife Control as a young man working for a small pest control company that didn’t do everything humanely. I had a vision that the wildlife could be removed humanely. My experiment studies into solving human/wildlife conflicts went deep and I still do lots of wildlife studies now because wildlife exclusion and eviction is always evolving. Read more>>
Brittney Jones
I started my hair care business in the summer of 2020 after noticing how dry and brittle my hair had become. That sparked my curiosity, and I began exploring DIY hair care recipes on YouTube. As I started making my own products, I saw real changes—my hair became softer, healthier, and more manageable. At first, I was just creating products for myself. Read more>>
Nancy Buenaventura
Our head coach Mona has been in the martial arts world for well over 2 decades. She started off under the tutelage of the world famous Saekson Janjira, where she had the opportunity to study and experience traditional Muay Thai from some of the world’s very best. Read more>>
Christina Ford
Some of my early life experiences made me feel overlooked and underestimated. Yet, I came to understand that what happens to us is not always a reflection of our worth or actions. Even as a youngster, I harbored a relentless spirit, focusing on what I could influence and control. I steadfastly believed that the beginning of my story did not have to dictate its ending. Read more>>
RD Mitchell
After 40+ years as a creative and business leader in the advertising and design industry, I became a full-time painter in 2017. I was contracted that year with a top-ranked gallery in Santa Fe. Sixteen months later, I came to the conclusion that gallery representation wasn’t allowing me to grow, so we ended our relationship. Simply put, I felt like a pigeonholed wholesaler. Read more>>
Melinda Meche
That would be a book for sure lol I got started with the idea after being laid off in Civil Engineering in 2009 when the economy crashed. I always had a passion for animals and it seem like a great time to take advantage of looking into something is always wanted to try. Read more>>
Maithen Elizabeth
My name is Maithen Elizabeth, and I have been chasing my passion for being a full-time artist and painter since I was a very small girl growing up in southern Oklahoma. In fact, one of my earliest memories is of me sitting at my grandmother’s (my mom’s mother) kitchen table to paint. Read more>>
Monica Baker
The idea for Crown and Clover Headspa started years ago when I was still in corporate healthcare, traveling constantly. Back in 2018, I discovered a tiny headspa tucked in the corner of a nail salon, and it completely captivated me—it was one of the most relaxing experiences I’d ever had. I remember thinking, this concept could be elevated into a true spa experience. Read more>>
José Juan Carlos Sandoval
I started by working for a masnory company. After learning how to perfect my work for a year to two, I decided to start my own company. It has now been 27 years since starting my own company and everyday I learn something knew. I am thankful to god for guiding not only my life but also my work. I have numerous happy clients. Read more>>
Barry Hurley
StretchLab in Murphy Texas is a one on one assisted stretching company. We provide stretches using certified flexologists who each have a background or advanced training in Kinesiology. Our location has been around since January 2022 and we have grown to over 200 dedicated members using our sevices. Read more>>
Irma Garza
Here’s a polished, professional version of your write-up that’s ready for magazine publication while keeping your authentic voice and story intact: ⸻ Meet Irma — Your Local Dallas Licensed Esthetician Florida made, Texas raised, Irma is a proud Dallas-based licensed esthetician dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best. Read more>>
Ramsey Attia
I’m a Dallas implant originally from NJ. I moved here in 2011 for an IT management position where I worked for a few years till I decided to follow my passion as a videographer/photographer. I decided to start The Home Exposure at around 2018 as a go to Real Estate Media company while freelancing for other companies to learn the business and best practices. Read more>>
Trip Ghetaway
I started literally taking pictures in the street at night in downtown Dallas. Ran into a Ballerina randomly sitting smoking in front of the perfect night backdrop and asked to take pictures… Literally went from that immediately to Dallas art shows, fashion shows, multiple publications every month, and non stop paid photo shoots. Read more>>
Debbie Johnson
Back in the early 90’s I was working for a Medical billing company and I began to see a trend. The clients we were billing rarely understood how their health insurance benefits worked. Read more>>
Jesus Campos
I’m originally from Chicago, but since 2008, my family and I moved several times due to changes in our situation. We lived in Arkansas, Mexico, and eventually settled in Texas when I was about 11 years old. Looking back, I realize these moves exposed me to a variety of cultures. Read more>>
Dr. Stan Okeke
My love for sports, community, and impactful growth has led me to the position I’m in today. While playing sports in college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare—one that was meaningful and fostered growth for all individuals. At the time, I wasn’t exactly sure what that looked like. Read more>>
Jana Hazlewood
I began working in the floral department of MJ Designs during college and never gave a second thought to compliments I received on my work. This was a part time job and I was headed for the Corporate world I’ve been in for many years. During the summer of 2024 one of my daughters became engaged and we started planning her wedding. Read more>>
Rachel & Ranfis Guerra
Ranfis prides himself on doing things right the first time, it is very rare that our irrigation systems need warranty work done. Our customers return to us and we are so proud of that. He has a very good eye for making a beautiful landscape; from sod to flowerbeds he can do it all. Read more>>
Zion City of David Church
My name is Samantha Montoya, and I wanted to share the story of my church, Zion City of David. I never really understood what it meant to have a personal relationship with God. Even though I was baptized at age fifteen, I didn’t grasp the spiritual meaning behind it or what it truly meant to follow Christ. Read more>>
Jacob Holcomb
I Started my journey in martial arts and contact sports when I was 9 years old Boxing with my brother, he was a little more talented then me and after many rough sparring sessions and a few times getting knocked through the ropes I tried my hand at karate. Read more>>
Lidia Garcia
In 2022, after 14 years together, my partner and I wanted to celebrate our union with a meaningful ritual outside of traditional religions. Since my husband and I don’t follow any specific faith, and I personally believe in the Universe, energy, and the power of good intentions, I began searching for someone who could create that kind of ceremony for us. Read more>>
Laurie Williamson
I’m a freelance copywriter and graphic designer based in Plano, Texas. I enjoy working on ad campaigns, video scripts, brochures, websites, social media marketing, direct mail, sales materials, and more. Most of my clients are ad agencies and graphic design firms in the Dallas area. Read more>>
Patty C. Welch
I’ve loved the world of advertising since I was a junior in high school — something about the mix of creativity, psychology, and persuasion pulled me in early. I went on to attend Texas State University back when it was still called Southwest Texas State. My major was Foreign Language, with a minor in Commercial Design, because my dream was international advertising. Big campaigns. Read more>>
Adrianna Touch
We started talking about Easyside in the summer of 2022, when three of our four co-founders (Adrianna, Fernando, and Corrie) graduated from the MFA program where we had become friends. We wanted to find a way to continue our artistic practice and share resources with the local art community. Read more>>
Roshundra McKnight
I lost my mother, Mary Lou Caldwell, to breast cancer on October 1, 2025, and it was truly heartbreaking. She was not only my mother but also my best friend, and her passing left me in a place of deep grief and, honestly, depression. In that season, the LORD gave me the vision to start a faith-based Christian business in her honor. Read more>>
Scott Schilling
As an international speaker and trainer, being based close to DFW airport makes it tremendously easy to fly to any city worldwide to speak and train. It also is a central location to serve companies, organizations, and events throughout the Metroplx. Read more>>
Taylor Dean
Tart by Taylor started as a little quarantine craft in my parents’ kitchen that quickly turned into something so much bigger. I made my first coaster using real pills, which is still my favorite design to this day. I posted it online, and before I knew it, people were asking to buy them. Read more>>
Leslie Cunningham
Sorority Prep started in 2015 out of a deep love for sorority recruitment and a desire to see more young women find their forever home. I had served as a recruitment advisor for many Texas schools and saw that young women were disappointed with their recruitment experience, so I wanted to help them navigate the process. Read more>>
Katy Boykin
I never planned to become a web designer. Back in 2019, I started a blog and quickly realized I loved building the website even more than writing the lifestyle content. Other bloggers began asking for help, and before long, people were saying, “You clearly love this. Can I just hire you?” What started as a fun side project turned into something bigger. Read more>>
Brenda Baxter
I was a young mom with babies in bouncy seats, sewing drapery, pillows, and slipcovers on the side for my mom and neighbors. Encouraged by friends to start a business, I quickly realized that both sewing and selling the products were equally important—and equally demanding. Over time, I discovered that I preferred the design and sales side of the business, so I began outsourcing the sewing to professional workrooms. Read more>>
Erica Carter
It all started with a dream. Helping people has always been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it was guiding someone through the homebuying process or helping plan a family vacation, I’ve always found joy in being of service — especially when it ends in a smile. Read more>>
Karen Weiss
I am a multidisciplinary artist and author based in Dallas, Texas, skilled in mural painting, body art, jewelry design, and photography. As a painter, I’ve enjoyed a wide range of surfaces—from canvases and paper, to furniture, buildings and people. I am primarily a self-taught artist. Read more>>
Vijay Sarma
At a young age, after returning from school, I would watch my mother make oil paintings. She would use her Oil colors and paint on canvas, ceramic plates and even earthen flowerpots. Read more>>
Jordan Turner
I had graduated college in Nashville in Music Business and was offered a job running a music booking and promotions company. I then spent over a decade working in the music industry when I was downsizing from job. Read more>>
Yajaira Calderon
Since I was a little kid I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and never could really give an answer but just say I want to be my own boss. I always loved jewelry especially handmade jewelry which was more affordable for me because I would always find ways to make money from my young age. Read more>>
Ahmad Garcia
The Story of Ahmad Garcia – Emerging Black Excellence in American Business Ahmad Garcia was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland — a community known for producing some of the nation’s most accomplished Black professionals and leaders. Growing up, he witnessed both the promise of opportunity and the weight of challenges facing Black men in America. Read more>>
Avi & Nika Dubey
AviNika Jewelry is born from four decades of artistic heritage of Nika’s family (crafting art and gifts from precious metals) in Ukraine and Avi’s vision for the future of men’s luxury jewelry. Avi has been surrounded by the most brilliant of business visionaries his whole life. He graduated from TCU, one of the top business programs in the world. Read more>>
Mansour Gorji
Born and raised in Iran, I went to school in Scotland and worked in engineering afterwards for 9 years. I moved to Texas 38 years ago and decided to go back to my first love—cooking. I grew up in a culture where cooking wasn’t just a hobby or a profession—it was a fundamental life skill. Read more>>
Ann Halbrooks
I began my professional journey as a production artist and quickly advanced to a graphic designer specializing in the packaging industry. Over the years, I’ve designed for major brands such as On The Border retail products, Frito-Lay, Pepsi, Target, Walgreens, Disney, and more. Read more>>
Sarah Mixon
I grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area so Texas has always been home to me. Ever since I can remember I was always daydreaming and drawing. My grandma inspired me growing up because she was very creative too- always sewing, crocheting, or making jewelry. When I started college, we would often talk about our projects and what we were going to make next. Read more>>
Brittany Griffiths
My path to publishing has been a little irregular. I came in through the back door, an experience I think rings true for many folks in publishing, especially those who don’t live on the East Coast. New York has long been the hub of publishing in the States, and most companies still expect you to live and work in the city. Read more>>
Raoul Torresi
I was born in Rome, Italy, in 1972, into a family with a long tradition in cinema that dates back to 1935. Growing up in that environment. I began my professional journey in the camera department, working through almost every role — from video assist and film loader to focus puller and camera operator. Read more>>
Meah Chachere
I started researching online, following pages on social media, and just soaking up as much as I could. At the same time, I began experimenting with recipes—baking mini cupcakes, cake pops, and dessert shooters, and letting my friends be my taste-testers. Toward the end of 2014, I decided to take a leap and officially introduce my Cottage Bakery, which at the time was called Divine 6 Desserts & Candy Buffets. Read more>>
Angie Endicott
They are made up of a unique group of women that experience the world the way you do. They support your hard work, tell you when you are wrong , and celebrate your successes. These are the girls you can HEAR cheering for you on your run over anyone else! Through the highs and lows, they stand by you like family. Frank & Rio was born in 2019 out of friendship, frustration, and a love for the western way of life. As horsewomen who spent countless hours hauling, showing, and living in the saddle, we were tired of shirts that just didn’t fit—gaping at the bust, coming untucked, and restricting our movement in the show pen. Read more>>
Emily Edwards
My journey in photo and video work began in high school through different clubs and class projects. This interest led me to film school, where I dove deeper into the craft. I thoroughly enjoyed my studies, but in many ways, I viewed it all as a degree, a skill set, that eventually became a career. Even with growing passion, it didn’t yet feel like an extension of who I was. It felt like a means to an end. Read more>>
Sacha Shannon
We opened doors in 2021, in Princeton Texas. Started off in a small corner of an office with a printer/plotter and a laminator. We mostly serviced dealerships in the metroplex doing smaller jobs at the beginning, but through the years we stayed consistent with our service and quality and eventually opened the doors to larger volume jobs with dealerships. Read more>>
