Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

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.

Agiebabe’s Ginger Beer

Agiebabe’s has roots tracing back to a curious teen experimenting with her mom in Sierra Leone. That tradition and flavor are now in every bottle of Agiebabe’s Ginger Beer, serving up a taste of West African culture. Read more>>

Julia Kang

My journey into dentistry started long before I ever stepped into a dental office. I grew up training as a classical pianist and spent years studying music at Seoul Arts Academy. That experience taught me discipline, precision, and how to turn a long-term vision into reality. Those same principles guide how I practice dentistry today. Every smile is built with intention, patience, and care. Read more>>

Richard and Nancy Wallace

This year, Nancy and I celebrate 25 years of marriage. We have five kids and one grandchild, so we live the realities of family life right alongside the couples we serve. RELATIONSHIPS REIMAGINED® began after years of mentoring and coaching couples. We started in small church groups, sitting with couples in real conversations about real life, and then the work grew. Read more>>

Brandon Board

In late 2021, a local pastor recognized a growing need in the community: many students were going without basic necessities required to succeed in the classroom. Determined to address this gap, six months of research and planning followed, ultimately leading to the creation of an organization dedicated solely to supporting students’ academic success. On September 1, 2022, The T.R.E.E. was officially founded. Read more>>

Aisha Byrd

Paws 4 A Cause Pet Food Pantry was created as a natural extension of R&B Dog Bakery and my deep belief that pets are family—especially during times of hardship. Read more>>

Samantha Lippert

I began my journey with Club Pilates in 2020 during a season of my life where I was working hard, dreaming big, and still trying to figure out exactly who I wanted to become. At the time, I was in college, balancing two jobs while pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Rehabilitation Studies. Read more>>

Lisa Reeder

My career has been shaped by a mix of curiosity, responsibility, and a deep appreciation for how good systems can make life easier for people. I started out in operations and program management roles, where I spent more than a decade leading cross-functional teams, untangling complex processes, and helping organizations work better from the inside out. Read more>>

Maria Victorio

I started my waxing business in 2021 at only 18 years old. I was always sure about waxing. When I enrolled in esthetician school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, so as soon as I got the chance, I started. Read more>>

Brittany McElroy

Hi im Brittany im a single mother of two boys while currently 6 Months Pregnant,Im a Nursing Student and I decided too create my own fashionable scrubs for women it’s called Nurses Palace I sell scrubs,used nursing books,stethoscopes and nursing pdf books that have helpful notes etc to help other nursing students,aside from that im a business owner of Exclusive Diamondz My very first clothing line I sell Hoodies,sweat pants,socks,Im also A Registered Certified Surgical Technician I love my job an everything that I do for my patients,heres a few of my Nursing’ Certification licenses Read more>>

Megan McCoy

I grew up in Indiana and moved to North Carolina at 15, where my love for beauty first took shape through theatre. I designed makeup for over ten productions and was working as a bridal makeup artist by 16. After graduating, I attended beauty school and discovered a deep passion for hair—especially hair health—which ultimately led me to focus on the transformative power of hair. Read more>>

Matraca Rehkemper

Hi! My name is Matraca and I am a wife, a mother of four young children, and a homeschooling mom. I also own two small businesses. The first one being Raynebow Nutrition, LLC where I practice as a Certified Nutrition Consultant. My second line of work is being a UGC creator, working for brands and helping their vision come to life. Read more>>

Monica Wasai

Reflection of Me Greetings was created from a very personal place. As a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, I carry with me a deep appreciation for culture, community, and legacy. I have always believed in meaningful moments, the kind you keep and not just the kind you send. Read more>>

Jose Gomez

I began my journey by subcontracting work on the side while maintaining a full-time job. After about a year of consistently selling our services and seeing strong results, I realized the business had real potential. That’s when I decided to leave my full-time position and fully commit to building my own company. We initially focused on remodeling projects for about a year. Read more>>

Winifred Simon

I was born in Nigeria and later immigrated to the United States after my father filed for me. Growing up, my parents emphasized the value of education, perseverance, and faith, which shaped the foundation of who I am today. Read more>>

Tatlynn Redman

When I was 16 I found the love for baking but I couldn’t quite figure it out, I then went on to become a licensed cosmetologist, so being creative has always been my comfort zone. After my husband and I got married we had children and found it best for me to stay home to raise our babies. Read more>>

Jennifer montez

After graduating from cosmetology school 17 years ago, I began my career at Avalon Salon in Snider Plaza, where I worked for several years and developed a strong foundation in hairstyling. While I valued that experience, I felt drawn to expand my skills into makeup artistry. Read more>>

Frances López

Honestly, it all started with my love for nature and experimenting with herbs. I’ve always been drawn to plants and natural remedies, and at some point I realized I could bring that into skincare. I started making soaps for myself and friends just to see what worked, and people kept asking me for more. From there, it slowly grew into Josspure. Read more>>

Melody Yanez

My journey into skincare wasn’t something I planned early on—it found me later in life. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion when I realized how powerful skincare can be, not just physically, but emotionally. I fell in love with the confidence shift I saw in clients when they looked in the mirror and truly felt good about themselves. Read more>>

Tracy Miles

In 2005, I relocated to Dallas from Kansas City, Kansas, and began working at Ross Perot Systems. While building my career in corporate America, I continued to practice my lifelong passion as a barber, cutting hair in the evenings after work. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Management Information Systems, followed by a master’s degree in Management. Read more>>

Dawn Lee

My journey didn’t start with a blueprint, a safety net, or a clear path it started with survival, faith, and a decision to change the trajectory of my life. I was adopted at birth, and after the passing of my adoptive parents, I found myself navigating adulthood without guidance or stability. Read more>>

Jessica Hernandez

My path to Owenwood has been shaped by both professional experience and a deep personal commitment to community. I have spent over 12 years working in mental health and social services, supporting children, adults, and families through roles with CPS, Dallas ISD, counseling centers, and community-based organizations. Read more>>

Heather Stevenson

My mom did hair , so from a very early age I was interested in all things beauty! At 17 I went to cosmetology school straight out of high school at Navarro Cosmetology School in Waxahachie. I attended school full time and worked any moment I wasn’t at school. Finishing school and working full time wasn’t an easy task for me but I did it! Read more>>

Kyeong hee Choi

I began my career in hair in my early twenties, around 1987. Near my home, there was a small salon where stylists played old K-pop music while working. They looked genuinely happy, yet at the same time, they transformed people through their craft. That scene left a strong impression on me. Read more>>

Kayla Enright

2020 had me switch from families to restaurants and I realized the hospitality industry is the love of my life. Read more>>

Modupe Akinlabi

My college degree is in Engineering. I also acquired some human resources and administration,customer service,sales experiences from Nigeria. I love math and reading,so I started introducing my children to numbers and reading early and consistently. My son and daughter started reading at ages 4 and 3. Their school teachers respectively encouraged me to come teach in the classroom. Read more>>

Phoebe Omonira

It started from love—or rather, the search for it. Growing up Nigerian American, there were so many things that divided my parents and me, both culturally and emotionally. There was a language barrier even Duolingo couldn’t fix—one not based in syntax, but in understanding. That gap became the birthplace of my life’s work. Read more>>

Bonnie Hotman Pehl

Since opening its doors in 2004, ADC has been committed to providing the absolute best dance training in East Texas. While providing excellence is what we do, our true mission is to cultivate amazing humans. Read more>>

Adelston Canady

My story begins in unfavorable circumstances—you really had to get it out the mud. I grew up surrounded by drugs, addiction, alcohol, and constant chaos, along with a lot of unhealthy influences. I became a teen parent at 15, and that moment changed everything. Read more>>

Renee Houston

Imagine a licensed massage therapist, with several years of professional experience under her belt, suddenly recognizing in herself an intense fear of touch. It would be quite a paradox, wouldn’t it? Yet that is precisely where I found myself several years ago, following a severely traumatizing event in my life. Read more>>

Tiffany Hargrove

My passion for helping others began during my years as a caregiver. From the very start, I knew I was meant to build something of my own- something rooted in service, compassion, and community. My grandfather served in the military, and his dedication to others has always inspired me. Read more>>

Samuel Frederick

My story really began in 2003 when I started volunteering in the strength and conditioning field. I didn’t have a title or a paycheck—I just knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science, followed by a master’s degree focused on skeletal muscle development and sport management. Read more>>

Donna Taylor

Fort Worth Hope Center was founded in 2004 by Orlando and Jo Ann Reyes. I’ve been with the organization for 18 years. When COVID hit, I (Donna Taylor) took over day-to-day operations, and in 2021, after Jo Ann Reyes suffered a stroke, the organization was passed down to me. Read more>>

Sonia Khan

It started off as a hobby during the pandemic, grew into a small mobile catering company and now into a a brick and mortar, Farina In Grani Pizzeria. Read more>>

Lily Andrews

Early in my career, I kept seeing business owners doing everything they were told to do and never understanding why they kept getting burned by marketing agencies, freelancers, or even family members. They had ads running, tools stacked on tools, and multiple people involved, yet no clear understanding of what was actually working or what to do next. Read more>>

Brittany Offord

My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to service, storytelling, and faith. I began my career in communications and public relations, where I learned the power of voice, representation, and connection—especially within mission-driven and nonprofit spaces. Those early experiences affirmed something I had always felt: communication isn’t just about messaging, it’s about impact. That calling eventually led me into education. Read more>>

Beth Anderson

I grew up on a farm that provided most of the food that our family of 8, but have always wanted a pet pig. In 2021, right before Snowmaggedon, we were finally able to adopt a piggy. His brother, at the time, was going to another owner. We told them that if it didn’t work out, call me, we will take him. Read more>>

Jonathan Hall

My grandfather taught me welding and fabrication at a young age. I’ve built many things from wood, metal, and other mediums as a hobby my entire life. I was a saturation diver, and navy diver, working around the world most of my adult life. A few years ago I found myself raising my two daughters alone. I needed to stop traveling from r work. Read more>>

Courtney Jaimes

Our story is really special because it started long before the studio ever existed. We both grew up dancing and developed a deep love and respect for the art and discipline of dance at a young age. Dance shaped who we are. It taught us confidence, work ethic, teamwork, and gave us lifelong friendships and mentorship that impacted our lives in so many ways. Read more>>

Angie Cambridge

I have always had a love for weddings. After working in fine jewelry and getting to be a part of the very beginning engagement moments for so many sweet couples, I knew I would always be drawn to the industry. In 2020 my husband Shawn and I got married ourselves and were looking for ways to really personalize our wedding day. Read more>>

Michael Awosemo

My passion for sports began at the age of six when my father took me to a football match. That experience changed my life, sparked a deep interest in the game, and made me want sports to be a fundamental part of my identity. Over the years, I have followed various teams and tournaments, analyzed games, and passionately dissected plays. Read more>>

Mehronissa Modgil

Born and raised in Dallas, I began training in martial arts at a young age. What started as a fun and challenging after-school activity quickly became a defining part of my life. As soon as I was able, I began teaching—first children’s classes, then adults—covering everything from striking and movement to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and self-defense. Read more>>

Erin & Andie Tropic Touch Tans

Erin started the business back in 2018, only offering mobile spray tans. Giving out a bronze glow for all her friends and family. Which slowly lead to referrals and growing clientele. Late 2024, Erin knew she needed help and recruited her business partner Andie to join her. Read more>>

Erica Cook

I grew up where I was the black sheep and scapegoat of my family. I have experienced every form of abuse there is: emotional, mental, physical, sexual, etc., and I have been at rock bottom more times than I can count. One day, I finally had enough. I refused to let this be my story. Read more>>

Blake Stock

My golf journey began when I was just two years old. My grandfather and dad both played, but the game was never forced on me. They’ve always said I picked up a club on my own and immediately tried to swing like a golfer. Soon after, my grandfather cut down some of his old clubs to fit me, and that’s where it all started. Read more>>

Natalia Colon

Everything started in Puerto Rico (where I am from) 13 years ago. Just before leaving for college, my parents gifted me my first camera. I started to take photos of my family every Christmas, my friends having their babies and birthdays. While studying Communications in college, I enrolled in my first photography course and everything shifted. What started as curiosity quickly became dedication. Read more>>

Macario Robles

I didn’t grow up with a perfect foundation. I came from a broken home, spent time on the streets, and eventually found myself in jail. Those experiences could have defined my life, but instead they became the turning point. When I got out, I knew I needed change—and that’s when I found God. Faith gave me direction and purpose. Read more>>

Elena Pemberton

My BFF Chef grew out of a shared love of food, fun, and gathering people, but also from a deeper understanding of how isolating life and work can become. Both of us come from hands-on small-business backgrounds. One of us (Aubra) grew up inside a family-owned construction business, watching her parents build something from the ground up through grit and determination. Read more>>

Rai Barnard

Performing arts (dance, music, theatre) have been part of my life since childhood. I developed a particularly strong passion for dance by the time I was 9 or 10 years old. I trained and performed with competitive teams through high school before continuing to study dance (and biology) in college. Up until that point, dance, for me, was a pursuit of perfection and tangible accomplishment/validation. Read more>>

Amanda Sanchez

I grew up in a loving home, and we were part of the working poor. My mom worked as an insurance clerk, my dad a resteraunt manager. My first job was at the age of 14, when I went to work for my dad in the resteraunt as a silverware roller; I washed napkins and rolled silverware for the servers on Friday and Saturday nights. Read more>>

Renuka Karthiyeri Parappur

I am an IT professional, born and raised in India, and began my career in the corporate sector in 2005. I moved to the United States in 2011 and started working as a consultant. My husband and I have two children, both of whom attended childcare for nearly six years of their lives. Read more>>

Katherine Tavarez

My journey started way before I even became a student in esthetics. I’ve always enjoyed things like pimple popping, but I never actually saw it as a potential career path. Growing up, I was always told to go to college and pursue a lucrative career. I knew I could do anything I put my mind to, but I never imagined it would be in aesthetics. Read more>>

Vu Dang

My name is Dr. Vu Dang, and I have been practicing dentistry for eight years. While in college, I discovered my passion for dentistry when I started working part-time for my uncle, who owned his own dental practice in California. Read more>>

Franchesca Gipson

I’ve personally experienced sensitive skin my entire life. Like many people, I followed the traditional route—dermatologist visits, prescription topical creams, and medicated treatments. Unfortunately, the burning and discomfort from those products often felt worse than the itching itself. Because of that, I naturally gravitated toward gentler, more natural alternatives and began paying close attention to what I put on my skin. Read more>>

Mary Mouton

N.O.W. University was a vision that became reality in September 2016 as an in-home childcare provider; five years later we transitioned into a small childcare facility in May 2021. We have now outgrown our space and have been diligently searching for a property in the Crowley/Fort Worth area. Read more>>

Zoe Zeng

My journey with yoga began during one of the hardest seasons of my life. I was struggling with chronic back pain, anxiety, and the challenges of navigating life with a language barrier. I often felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself. Stepping onto the mat changed everything. Yoga became my therapy, my strength, and my voice. Read more>>

Griz Calderon

I didn’t begin my career as an author. For more than 33 years, I worked across a wide range of industries, including technology, health, entertainment, and automotive. My work was structured, fast-paced, and people-focused, and it taught me how to solve problems, communicate clearly, and see situations from many perspectives. Read more>>

Victor Hughes

My journey with food began at a young age. I was always in the kitchen growing up, watching my mom, aunts, and granny cook. I loved observing their techniques and often found myself glued to cooking shows, dreaming of becoming a chef one day. As I grew older, my athletic abilities took center stage and that dream took a back seat during my adolescent years. Read more>>