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.
Sylvia Yi
Our little restaurant got its humble beginnings from a family whose stubbornness outweighs fear and grit that can sand concrete. From Korea, to Hawaii, to Texas where all three Yi sisters were born, one thing remained constant: my dad was always a fan of fried chicken in all its forms—especially my mom’s Korean fried chicken. Read more>>
Jarrett Browning
My journey to chiropractic and NetworkSpinal® began with an immense curiosity about how people heal. I wanted to gain an awareness beyond just the physical. I sensed that there must be a link with people’s emotions and energetics. Early in my career, I realized that traditional approaches to pain often overlooked one essential piece: the nervous system. Read more>>
Aya Azzam
My story starts when I interviewed at a local coffee shop and roasters in my hometown city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My first day was meant to be the very first day of the covid quarantine shutdown in 2020. I spent about two months starting my training online, by watching videos of cafe safety, steaming milk, dialing in and pulling the perfect espresso shot. Read more>>
Fran Tilton Shelton
Shortly after accepting a call to serve as an associate minister for pastoral care in Dallas, I began facilitating grief workshops. The participants taught me a great deal about the nature and dynamics of grief. Their authenticity inspired me and motivated me to learn more. Read more>>
Lior Kahana
In 2008, 123 Remodeling began with a simple idea : that remodeling a home should be an exciting, transparent, and rewarding experience. What started as a small team in Chicago, working out of a single office with big dreams and bigger dedication, quickly grew into something much more. Read more>>
Kimberly Hamby
I’ve always been a creator — someone who loves to take what exists and reimagine it into something new. For years, crafting was simply a passion. I was fascinated by metal and metalwork, often making pieces to give away or hosting small gatherings to help others explore their own creativity through mine. Everything shifted after a personal turning point several years ago. Read more>>
Curtis Ludwig
The story of Sip Social Dallas began long before the first drink was ever poured. About ten years ago, while my wife and I were staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman, I found myself fascinated by the energy around the beach and pool bar. Read more>>
BRIANA BASS
I’ve lived two very different careers. In my first life, I was a corporate executive. I knew what it meant to perform at a high level, to chase results, and to look “successful” on paper…while quietly burning out inside. Read more>>
Matt Blake
My path into DJing wasn’t some childhood dream or teenage hustle in a garage. I didn’t grow up spinning records. I grew up loving the energy of music and figuring out how to share it with people in a way that made them feel something. Back in 2006, I started as a podcaster and live event host. Read more>>
Connie Rodriguez
Waterfall Academy is a nonprofit school founded in 2018 by Connie and Angel Rodriguez. It provides customized education for children with learning differences, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Read more>>
JOHN WILLIAMS
I hail from the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois, but my journey took an unexpected turn when I relocated to Texas to accept a position as an Operations Manager at Amazon. Each weekend became a mini-adventure, as I explored the diverse landscapes of Texas. Read more>>
Blair Lane
My kids started Jiu Jitsu at a gym in town in 2017. I sat on the sidelines and watched for over two years. My son wanted to compete and the gym we were at did not have a competitive team. John Rodriguez started his daughter at the same gym in late 2019. John and I stepped on the mat in 2020, just before covid. Read more>>
Nicolas Marquez
The hair industry is a crazy place, I have always had the plans to start my own salon as soon as I started cosmetology school. That why my IG handle is “Not that blonde” I came up with NTB with the intention of opening a salon and possibly other business/brands. Read more>>
Jesus Navarro
My story as Mr. Blackness goes all the way back to 2005, when I hosted my first small parties for about 50 to 60 people. Those nights were raw, homemade, and full of passion — the kind of events where you learn everything by doing. That environment lit the fire for what would become my life in electronic music. Read more>>
LaQuincy Williams
I’ll never forget the moment, a little over 7 years ago, I was sitting on a patio having lunch when a lifted truck rolled into the parking lot. The sound, the stance, the presence instantly caught my attention. From that moment on, I was hooked. I started doing my research, trying to learn everything I could about lifted trucks. Read more>>
Ryan Rodriguez
I had my first cigar when I was 19, celebrating after landing a good job. What started as a small moment of enjoyment quickly became a ritual — I’d buy a cigar every time I got paid, and I kept that tradition going for years. Fast forward a decade, and I found myself working at a cigar shop. That’s where my real education began. Read more>>
Tiffany McPherson
I jumped headfirst into permanent jewelry before it was even popular in this area — just a small-town girl with a welder, a dream, and a whole lot of curiosity. Three years later, I’m still at it and still completely in love with what I do. Read more>>
Gary Hennerberg
The Vocal Majority® Chorus The Vocal Majority® is a chorus of more than 100 volunteer singers from across North Texas and beyond, united by a shared love of harmony and performance. These men come from all walks of life, bringing varied musical backgrounds but a common passion for creating extraordinary music together. Read more>>
Keisha Youngblood
I started my fashion journey back in 2011. I started design school and had to take a break to have my baby girl. I was unable to return to school due to finances, which lead me to continue my journey self taught (which has had it up and down challenges on your confidence) but I am truly proud of where I am today. Read more>>
Johnny & Min Min Valenti
Sun Qi Fitness: A Journey Rooted in Tradition, Expertise, and Innovation. Read more>>
Daijah Giles
My journey started in 2019 right when COVID hit. After graduation I decided to move out and get my own place with my best friend. Of course my mom said this was not the right timing but I was determined to “fly on my own.” Little did I know about a week or so later I was going to get laid off from work. Read more>>
Jeff Nuziard
About Jeffrey Nuziard Jeff Nuziard is the founder of Sexual Wellness Centers of America and the innovator of REGENmax®, the only patented protocol proven to cure and prevent erectile and vaginal dysfunction. More than 3,000 patients have completed the program, with outcomes that consistently reflect the remarkable 97.2% success rate first demonstrated in his clinical trial. His work began with personal experience. Read more>>
John Marquez
I went blind in 2009 and like most blind people who lose their vision abruptly, I didn’t really know what I was doing. It took me a while to figure out some resources and figure out how to live a blind life. Read more>>
Emily Herrera
I began painting about nine years ago, though the path that led me here only makes sense in hindsight. I’ve always been a creative at heart — I studied Design at the University of North Texas and built a career in the design industry. But as I moved into management roles, creating less and overseeing more, I started to feel restless. Read more>>
Austin Burton
Hello, my name is A.B I started my Hip Hop artist journey back in 2012 right around when my life got changed when I met Jesus. I grew up in the hip hop culture being shaped and molded by it. I became a Christian in 2011 and shortly after was introduced to guys like Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, and many more. Read more>>
Paul Ritter
18 years ago my mom Annie Ritter had a Heart attack and that lead to us looking for answers to help reverse her Heart Disease. Read more>>
Jackie Ton
I’ve been in front of the camera for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had such a love and passion for the arts. It was my dream as a young girl to be a famous singer and actress, throughout high school in college was in theater, inquire and competed in lots of competitions. Read more>>
Paisley Joy Morris
I’ve spent 15 years as a makeup artist and 10 years as a fitness coach and bodybuilding athlete building my brand from pure passion, discipline, and a drive to empower others. Beauty and fitness were always my lane, but this past year pushed me into an entirely new level of strength. Read more>>
Shayla Logan
I was born under a lineage of musicians. My Grandfather used to play woodwinds and brass for a at King Cole and other famous jazz legends. My grandmother played piano and used to teach me basic chords and beginner songs on her upright when I would visit (along with my uncle). Read more>>
Elisabeth Martinez
We are a family of 5 and still growing! We love God, Our family(s) and have a passion to serve our community. The vision of Green Arrow Coffee started before we got married. We know this is God’s business and He has bigger plans that we don’t even know yet. Read more>>
Tiffany “ Lola” Williams
But I knew I wanted to do more than just style hair. I wanted to impact lives. So I took the next step and earned my instructor’s license, allowing me to become an educator and launch my mentorship program, MENTOR ME & MORE. God gave me a vision to pour into others—not just creatively, but personally and professionally as well. Read more>>
Ashley Thompson
My name is Ashley Thompson, and my story is one of struggle, survival, and strength. I got married when I was just 20 years old, and by the age of 25, I was a mother of three. Life wasn’t easy. I had three little ones under five years old, and I was just trying to make a living, keep the lights on, and build something that could last. Read more>>
