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.
Katya Salazar
First of all my name is Katya Salazar I am 30yrs old, I am a mother of 3 beautiful kids, had a rough childhood, grew up without my mom and dad. Read more>>
Carla Belem
The origin story starts around 2007. I was actually planning my own wedding and discovered that the level of customer service in the industry 17 years ago was not exceptional and I saw an opportunity to build an organization that went above and beyond for clients. Read more>>
Dipali Parikh
Make Expression is a creative studio in Frisco where anyone can explore art, relax, and make lasting memories. Founded from my lifelong passion for art and supported by my family, it’s a place that’s welcoming, spacious, and full of fun, easy-to-do projects. Our team of passionate artists guides you every step, so you don’t need to be an artist to create something amazing. Read more>>
Andreh Anderson
I first began training in Muay Thai during high school and continued for about five years before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which quickly became my lifelong passion. I started training in 1996 and earned my black belt in 2007 under Professor Rey Diogo of the Carlson Gracie Team. Read more>>
Alexandra Beswerchij
The Flower Atelier started as a simple idea and a love for creating beauty. I’ve always believed flowers can make ordinary moments feel special. I began in a little corner of my home with a few buckets of blooms and a lot of heart. Over time, that small start grew into a floral design studio serving North Dallas. Read more>>
Michael Sitarzewski
I’ve been building things for as long as I can remember. Businesses, systems, sometimes just better ways of doing things. My journey started in Dallas in the early 90s when design was still analog and scanners were magic. I ran small studios with friends, turning logos and layouts into digital form long before it was common. Read more>>
Ben Payne
Mr. Fix-It™ has been ‘fixin’ things for nearly 50 years. I built decks, patios and such for friends and friends of friends and was paid in various ways… usually with tools. Once I was paid with a video camera for building a deck. The work was always done on the weekends or after I came home from my ‘real’ job. Read more>>
Crystal Antell
In 2016, my life was irrevocably altered by unimaginable loss. My husband, T.J. Antell, was murdered before my eyes and those of our two young children, ages two and five. It was a Monday morning, and he wanted to stop by a local Walgreens before heading home. Though I urged him to choose another store, he was intent on going there. Read more>>
Jhera Woods
I grew up in Odessa, Texas — the real-life Friday Night Lights town. After earning my BBA, I moved to Austin to figure out what direction I really wanted to take my life. I bounced around a bit before finding my lane in accounting, but somewhere in the middle of that journey, I also tapped back into my creative side. Read more>>
Wade Larimer
I spent years working in manufacturing — days, nights, and everything in between — dealing with layoffs and burnout. It got old fast, and I reached a point where I wanted more purpose in my work. I wanted to help people, not just contribute to the corporate grind. Read more>>
Hillary Arrieta
Absolutely, it’s been quite a journey! I started my massage career almost two decades ago under the name Gaia Bodywork in Dallas. Back then, I was simply fascinated by how touch could transform how someone felt in their body and mind. Over the years, my curiosity deepened into studying Ashiatsu or barefoot massage, and eventually that curiosity turned into three thriving businesses. Read more>>
Latesha Cummings
When I first started doing nails back in 2015, there were hardly any Black nail techs. No one in my area was even interested in the nail industry besides the Vietnamese community. Because of that, I had a lot of support from those who wanted to see change, but I also faced just as much hate and envy. Read more>>
JoAnn Nolte
hat spark grew into ESTEAM Academy, a microschool designed to nurture individualized learning, and ESTEAM Learning Labs, where we combine Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math to empower students to think critically, create boldly, and lead with purpose. What began as a local project has expanded across Texas, Florida, and now Minnesota, reaching thousands of learners through after-school programs, summer camps, and partnerships that strengthen communities. Read more>>
Paige Bowers
I’ve always been surrounded by entrepreneurship; it runs in my family. Watching my dad and uncle build a successful business from the ground up taught me what passion, vision, and hard work can create. But more than anything, it inspired me to want to help others do the same. I’ve always had a creative eye and a love for storytelling. Read more>>
Ronnie Pawley
Athlete Restoration Lab was founded on the belief that athletes of all levels deserve better care and attention throughout the rehabilitation process. Shortly after leaving my previous employer, I was approached by Jared Gillespie with the idea of partnering with Sports Academy to create a truly comprehensive environment—one where athletes could not only recover from injuries but also be restored to peak performance. Read more>>
Chris Jones
At Live Edge Carpentry, I bring craftsmanship and creativity together to make every client’s vision come to life. Strong background in residential window and door installation, my work has grown to include all types of custom carpentry projects — from detailed trim work and home renovations to one-of-a-kind builds that make your space stand out. Read more>>
Lisa Bluitt
My path has always been about creating experiences whether through the lens of a camera, the beauty brush, or now through travel. When I first shared my story with Voyage Dallas, I was focused on photography and makeup artistry, using my creative gifts to help people see themselves in new light. Read more>>
Viridiana Navarro
I started as a cosmetologist right out of high school doing hair is salon to earn hands on experience. Soon after I worked part time at a makeup counter for 5 years to earn my education in makeup artistry, and become a dual artist. Read more>>
Jillian Bowman
I actually started my career in corporate retail marketing. It was something I’d always dreamed about. I held a few marketing positions early on, but I really grew my skills during my seven years at Michaels Arts & Crafts, where I worked across content marketing, influencer partnerships, and social media. Read more>>
Plot$
I’m from Stop 6( Fort Worth,Tx) — that’s home. I’ve always been a loner, real quiet, real focused. I see the world different. Music was just the first way I learned how to translate that. I don’t really talk much, so when I do, it’s through the sound. Plot$ ain’t just a name — it’s a mindset. Everything’s part of a plan. Read more>>
Miriam Parra
I started my own company in March 2019, but I was blessed to initially start in the industry working for Daltile Stone Center in 2005 where I really learned all the ins and out of stone taking all the classes & certifications Daltile offered along with learning architectural plan readings.,and I really fell in love with the beauty and process of natural stones, etc. Read more>>
Kaylie Le
Growing up in a Vietnamese household, we didn’t say “I love you” out loud — instead, we showed it through different forms, one being food. Sharing a meal was how my family expressed care, comfort, and connection, and over time, food naturally became my love language. Read more>>
Nicole Butler Christina Tuggle
Founded and fiercely led by two sisters, Nicole Butler & Christina Tuggle, Center To Rise Wellness is proud to celebrate five years of dedicated service. This milestone is a testament to the power of shared vision and resilience, marking a period defined by profound growth, learning, and deep community impact. Read more>>
Ivonne ‘Bonnie’ Braxton
I started LT Clinics with a simple vision. I have always wanted to help people reclaim their health, energy, and quality of life. Early in my career, I saw firsthand how hormone therapy could transform lives. With our help, men and women regained motivation, strengthened their relationships, and felt like themselves again. Those experiences fueled my desire to open a clinic of my own. Read more>>
Elizabeth Jeffcoat
My journey began long before I ever imagined leading others in healing work. Life handed me more than a few storms — growing up in a children’s home, navigating loss, trauma, and seasons that tested every part of me. For years, I searched for what truly heals beneath the surface — not just emotionally, but within the nervous system and body itself. Read more>>
Dominic Ochoa
In 2023, I found myself standing at a crossroads in life. I had to make a decision about what I truly wanted to do with the rest of my life. At that point, I was already familiar with the entrepreneurial world through scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Read more>>
Tina Ma
MYT Art Studio & Gallery began as a dream rooted in my lifelong passion for art and teaching. I have always believed that art is not only a form of self-expression but also a way to build confidence, patience, and imagination—especially in children. Read more>>
Mary Gonzales
I spent 15 years building a career in banking, but deep down, I knew I had a different calling. I’ve always had a passion for helping women feel beautiful and confident, so I decided to take a leap and enroll in beauty school to earn my eyelash extension license. Read more>>
Katherine Brunner
I grew up in a household where entrepreneurship and stepping out were always encouraged. My parents were business owners, and I admired the fulfillment and autonomy that came with building something of your own. In college, I was involved in several entrepreneurship programs and competitions, which gave me a sense of direction for what I wanted to do after graduation. Read more>>
Kashvi Jain
My journey started back in 2022, in 5th grade, when I started making small wooden stands for toys like minifigures and trading cards. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I had always enjoyed making things with my hands. But soon, I noticed that I truly loved working with wood. I wanted to spend my entire summer just making things from wood. Read more>>
Marisela Linebarger
I had some challenging experiences growing up, but no mechanism to deal with them, so I ignored my feelings. As you may know, that can only last so long. By the time I was 22, I couldn’t ignore my feelings any more. I couldn’t control it any longer. Read more>>
Max Hoang Trinh
I actually fell in love with photography back in high school. I saved up from my part-time job to buy my first camera, and started shooting my friends and family just for fun. Read more>>
Kim Slowik
It’s such an honor to be interviewed — I never imagined my journey would inspire others, and that means a lot to me. I’m a wife, a mom, and someone who finds real purpose in connecting authentically, listening deeply, and helping others create lasting results. Before Your Style Genie, I worked as a corporate recruiter — and I truly loved it. Read more>>
Rae Edwards
7 years ago Monzavous ‘Rae’ Edwards Oly and Clint Fuqua sat down for lunch and discuss a gym project. 6 years ago we almost opened our first gym, but had to put everything in storage due to a fallout with investors. Read more>>
Brook McKenzie
Ten years ago, my life looked very different. My wife, Tracy, and I were living in Southern California — no kids yet, one dog, and a quiet sense that life was about to change. What began as my own recovery journey slowly became a calling: to understand not just addiction, but the family systems that struggle to heal around it. Read more>>
Allison Cornell
Our founder, Allison Cornell, LPC-S, envisioned a practice where healing and professional growth could happen side by side. After more than 15 years working with children, teens, adults, and fellow therapists, she saw how people thrive when they feel both seen and supported. Read more>>
Anh Vo
My husband Hong and I came to the U.S. from Vietnam back in 1979. We left everything behind — our families, our home — and got on a small refugee boat with our baby who was only 19 days old. We were robbed by pirates several times and spent months in a refugee camp before finally making it to Dallas. We didn’t speak English, had no education or special skills, so we just focused on surviving and working hard. Read more>>
Brianna Henderson
I’ve always known I wanted to help children, but had many different ideas on how I would do that as a career. During my undergraduate years, I realized that becoming a therapist for children was exactly where my passion and purpose aligned. That led me to pursue my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas, which has one of the best play therapy programs you can find. Read more>>
Stephanie Godoy
I started my journey in accounting as an administrator for a CPA firm, where I quickly learned the ins and outs of the industry and discovered how much I loved the challenge that tax accounting brought. Read more>>
AiFred Nash
AiFred is a visionary abstract artist and creative entrepreneur whose current body of work celebrates the beauty of transformation through pretty butterflies that flutter in your space. Each butterfly is more than a symbol of grace—it’s a reminder of renewal, freedom, and the quiet strength that comes with change. Read more>>
Amber Bird
I grew up in the Southeast’s largest professional children’s theatre, where I found my passion for the arts. I started at just 9 years old, and loved it so much, I continued until I graduated. Theatre for me as a child wasn’t just dressing up in costumes and singing on a stage, it was a community, it was a life, it was a passion. Read more>>
Emily Mussett
I approach design as a dialogue between structure and artistry — where form and creativity work in harmony. My background is a little different from most designers — I hold dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture and Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University — and that technical foundation continues to shape how I approach every project. Read more>>
Jennifer Wagner
After spending more than 15 years recruiting for top biotech and biopharma companies across the country, I found myself laid off once again — a reminder of how unpredictable the market can be. It was one of those pivotal moments where I had to stop and ask myself what I really wanted to do next. Read more>>
Jarrett Vogel
From Real Estate to Revolutionizing Truck Parking: How Jarrett Vogel Built a Service-Driven Business in a Neglected Industry Teaser: What started as a single conversation with a truck driver turned into a mission to solve one of logistics’ most overlooked problems: truck parking. Read more>>
Emily Claunch Jade Onuoha
We actually met working together at our last shop and got really close over time. After four years of working together, we realized that we had outgrown our space and it was time for us to take the next step and create something of our own. Read more>>
Alisha Ford
I’ve always had a passion for interior design. When I was in college, I would diligently decorate my dorm room and apartment bedrooms. And Sundays after dinner were always reserved for watching HGTV with my mom. My first adult apartment was 530 square feet, and every inch was meticulously decorated from top to bottom. Read more>>
Oluwatobi Taiwo
Tobi’s journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of self-belief. He began his academic path studying Computer Science in college, but due to financial challenges, he had to withdraw during his second year. Determined to find a new direction, he moved to Lagos, Nigeria, to live with his friend’s grandmother while exploring opportunities to learn a skill and build a career. Read more>>
Diane Vu
I was born and raised in California, and while I’m not afraid to admit I moved from San Jose, I wouldn’t consider myself apart of the recent influx of Californians that came recently with the Austin tech migrations. Over 10 years ago, my father’s employer moved their company and he relocated our family. Read more>>
Valerie Van Pelt
From an early age, I learned how to compete and persevere, playing championship tennis as a junior and later graduating from Southern Methodist University. I knew I wanted a career that challenged me and made a difference—so I started in business-to-business sales with a Fortune 100 company before transitioning into the high-pressure world of medical device sales. Read more>>
Nadia Williamson
I started in university studying design and custom design, but my passion for creativity soon led me beyond. I left university to work in the film and television industry, where I began my career as a costume designer. After seven years in film, I returned to school to earn a diploma in fashion, deepening my understanding of design. Read more>>
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>>
