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.
Wakako McLellan
I originally came to the U.S. from Japan as a high school exchange student in upstate New York. At the time, my English was very limited—I spent most of my days smiling, listening, and trying to keep up. But I worked hard, and over time I improved significantly. Read more>>
Nayely Domínguez
I started my journey right after graduating high school. At that time, my daughter was two years old, and I felt like I wasn’t spending enough time with her due to being in school, so I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to be present with her while building something for myself. Read more>>
joaquin Franco
I grew up in a family that always ran their own business, which inspired me from a young age to want to build something of my own. With my dad being from Argentina and my mom from Mexico, I was exposed to both cultures, but I always felt a stronger connection to my Argentine side the food, the traditions, and the passion for fútbol. Read more>>
Sandra Barona
Sipp’n Pretti Lemonade started as a passion rooted in my childhood. Growing up in Houston, we had several lemon trees in our backyard, and every summer we’d make fresh lemonade—it was a staple in our home and something I’ve always carried with me. Read more>>
Jessica Starr
I’ve always wanted to design homes, even going back to my childhood. I received my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from Texas A&M in 1999 and finished my Masters in Architecture at UTA in 2002. In 2006 my husband and I self-contracted a home I designed out on 81 acres in Farmersville, TX. Read more>>
Laurel Glatch
I actually started my photography business while I was in nursing school. At the time, it was never meant to be anything more than a creative outlet—I’ve always been drawn to nostalgia and documenting moments in a way that feels emotional and lasting, and photography became my way of holding onto that. Read more>>
Jamelia Johnson
In 2018 I traveled to Dallas from New Jersey knowing I would make my dreams happen here, full of passion, ambition, and faith. I wasn’t sure exactly how I would make my dreams come true, or even really what they were yet, but I felt them very deeply. Read more>>
Houda Bakr
My name is Houda-Allah, and I started Dallas Street Feeders on May 26, 2025. At its core, this work comes from a belief I’ve carried for a long time: doing good shouldn’t be something we return to once or twice a year—it should be a consistent, intentional habit. Read more>>
Rielly Bailey
I didn’t grow up thinking I’d work in events, but looking back, it makes a lot of sense. I’ve always been the one who’s organized, detail-obsessed, and naturally takes the lead (very on brand for me as a Virgo). It wasn’t until college, though, that I had a moment where everything really clicked. Read more>>
Tyler Rutherford
We began making music in June of 2023 under the name Feedr in San Angelo, Tx with Tyler, Riley, Aiden, and Logan. Playing local house shows, skate parks, and traveling outside of our local bubble to play shows. Eventually releasing a self titled demo, a single “14”, and two EP’s “Anyways”/ “Anyhow”. Read more>>
Lisa Whisenant
My background is in Occupational Therapy (OT). I have been an OT for almost 12 years now. I started out working in the hospital setting, everything from intensive care units to outpatient rehabilitation. I became interested in pelvic health when I was postpartum with my first child. I believe women deserve better than only a 6 week appointment after birth. Read more>>
Caleb Hyles
I grew up in Montgomery, AL as a younger brother and the son of two very musical parents. They both had careers in things that were not music (radio and marketing), but the house was always full of music because my Dad is a songwriter and my mother was a performer for community theatre. Read more>>
Tisa Zellers
My floral career began my junior year of college. I was studying philosophy at The University of Dallas, and needed a part-time job. I saw this charming flower shop with a carousel horse in front of it. Horses and flowers! What a combination! So I had to check it out. They were hiring Valentine’s Day help, and I was hired on the spot. Read more>>
Roxanne Kilpatrick
My journey really started from a place of purpose and personal transformation. Before I became a certified life and dating coach, I was navigating my own season of singleness, healing, and growth. I had to unlearn unhealthy relationship patterns, deepen my relationship with God, and truly understand what it meant to be whole before pursuing marriage. Read more>>
Stacy Okafor
I started my acting journey in high school doing local plays and competing in monologue competitions. I completely fell in love with it. I knew it was what I wanted to pursue in college. Once I got to college, I started auditioning for student short films. I got introduced to a whole New World of creativity and completely immersed myself in it. Read more>>
Jordan Miller
I got started DJing in college, just playing small bars and figuring it out as I went. It wasn’t some big plan at first, I just loved music and the energy of being in front of a crowd. But I stuck with it, kept improving, and those small gigs slowly turned into bigger opportunities. Over the past few years, it’s really taken off. Read more>>
chloe mervine
It all started with a wedding gift. We received a candle that I absolutely loved and burned all the way down to the very bottom. Naturally, when it came time to replace it, I assumed I’d just buy another, until I took a closer look at the price and realized it was over $500. That was my moment of pause. Read more>>
Jade Batangan
With a background in psychology, corporate leadership, and a lifelong instinct for gathering and organizing, I bring both intuition and precision to every celebration I design. My work is rooted in connection, elevated by experience, and guided by a deep appreciation for meaningful details. Read more>>
Robynette Bell
Robynette Bell is the founder of Beautyholic Studio in Arlington, TX. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Education, she moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue her acting dreams. While living in LA, she discovered a passion for beauty, enrolled in beauty school, and became a licensed esthetician. Read more>>
Jeff & Ally Fazio
Lynne-Lee Experiences started in a very simple way, but it was always rooted in something bigger than just the service itself. We’ve always been drawn to hosting, creating environments where people feel taken care of, and paying attention to the small details that most people don’t notice but always remember. What began with elevated charcuterie and grazing experiences quickly grew into something more. Read more>>
KIM Croisant
I became a mom (again) when my 5-week-old grandson came to stay with us. Ten months later, he was ours permanently. I wanted a way to communicate with the family on his progress and daily living, so I created a blog called ‘Mommie Again.’ That was 16 years ago. I’ve been blogging ever since, and that has led me to where I am today. Read more>>
Barbara Silva
I’m the owner of New Hope Sushi, a small family business based in McKinney, Texas, focused on bringing Brazilian-style sushi to our local community. My journey started from a passion for food and the desire to create something of my own. Read more>>
Danisha Nunn
I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology, and before becoming a doula, I worked in social services. I spent years in disability services and working with families involved in CPS, where I provided case management and goal-oriented therapy. I am also a mother of three. One of my children has high medical and emotional needs, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Read more>>
Mark Santa Maria
My name is Mark Santa Maria, and I’ve been involved in RC cars for over 20 years, with more than 15 years competing at a professional level. Before becoming a full-time content creator, my career was in software programming, where I spent a significant amount of time presenting to customers and leading teams. Read more>>
Alexis Wilson
Born in Chicago, I was always surrounded by music. Both of my parents are huge music enthusiast in all genres. Being a little girl sitting in the backseat of the car, listening to all of the greats like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Tina, Mari, Anita Baker, and so much more, I developed such an amazing love for music. Read more>>
Nathalie G Guerin
Years ago, I found myself in New York with my daughter – fresh out of high school, fearless, and moving to the city on her own to begin her culinary career. She had a tiny apartment in the Financial District, big dreams, and of course… her dog, Yuki. Read more>>
Larry Choyce
I’m Larry Choyce, an Austin-based photographer and the person behind LeChoyce Photography. My journey into photography started with a real desire to tell stories, especially stories that feel honest, rooted, and human. What first drew me in was the power a photograph has to hold emotion, memory, and truth all at once. Read more>>
Buddy Mohmed
Started playing guitar as a preteen, got ‘recruited’ to the Sunset H.S. ‘jazz band’ to play guitar solos, so I enrolled in orchestra to learn to read music, and fell in love with the bass violin. Practiced all day every day, and won a position in Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Added ‘classical’ music to my jazz/rock/blues/improv skills. Read more>>
Josh Murray
Our story with Georgie’s Snow Shack really started with an opportunity and a vision. We purchased the stand from the original owner, George Willis, who had already built something special in the community. It wasn’t just a snow cone stand—it had personality, relationships, and a loyal customer base. We saw that as a foundation we could build on, not replace. Read more>>
Shadai Brinchfield
My journey into therapy started with a deep desire to help people feel seen, heard, and empowered during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I’ve always been drawn to understanding people their stories, their pain, and their resilience. Read more>>
Muzikal Alkhemizt
Muzikal Alkhemizt, aka MZA Band, started forming around 2019, but officially came together in 2026. The band’s name was conceived with the mindset that each member brought something different to the table, and together, we could transform music into a listening experience that was not only heard but felt. Read more>>
Jobe Sanchez
I started 27 years ago as a hat shaper working for Sheplers Western Wear and I’ve been in the western industry for a long time. In 2018 American Hat Co named us the “Trail Blazers” in the Hispanic community with our unique hat shaping skills. We’re going now in 10 years this November 2026 Read more>>
Tahlia Perez
My name is Tahlia Perez or some may know me as shape me dallas , I started Shape Me Dallas after making the life-changing move from Wichita, Kansas to Dallas, Texas. Leaving behind what was familiar wasn’t easy, but it gave me the push I needed to step into something bigger for myself and for my daughter. Read more>>
Lauren Garza
I started my journey in event planning & design from a genuine love for creating meaningful parties for my daughters birthday celebrations. What began as helping with small events, mostly balloon design quickly grew into something I realized I was truly passionate about. Read more>>
Rajesh Man Shrestha
When I first opened my restaurant in 2009. I had a very simple vision. I did not just want to serve food – I wanted to create a place where people could feel comfortable, like they were sitting in their own living room. A space where customers could come, enjoy good food, and talk about their lives, families, even business ideas. Read more>>
Cassie Moore
Almost a year ago, I stepped into the role of Executive Director at ReInspire—but my journey with the organization started long before that. I first got involved in 2019 as a volunteer. At the time, I simply wanted to serve and be part of something that was making a difference for youth in our community. Read more>>
shalandra franklin
My name is Shalandra Franklin, and I am the proud owner of E & S Photography. My photography journey began in 2014 when I discovered my passion for capturing special moments. As a self-taught freelance photographer, I specialize in Family Portraits, Maternity, Graduation, Engagement photography, and have recently expanded our services to offer Custom T-shirts and Tumblers since 2018. Read more>>
Diane Cervantes
I wouldn’t say my story is about having everything figured out, t’s more about figuring it out while still moving. I’m a single mom, I work night shifts, and I’m in school for my MBA while also working toward becoming a perfusionist. Read more>>
Kaelon Pedford
I founded ZeroDay Protection Group with a deliberate goal: to redefine what professional security looks like by bringing structure, accountability, and executive level service into an industry that often operates without it. My journey started at 19 years old as an unarmed security guard making $11 an hour. Read more>>
Quinston Stubbs
Several years ago, I served as a team lead and manager for a wellness company that provided physical recovery and therapeutic services for people of all ages and fitness levels. While these services improved outcomes for many clients, I quickly recognized that entire communities lacked access to similar support due to financial barriers, distance from facilities, or limited awareness of preventive care. Read more>>
Lesa Shaw
I didn’t come into art through a traditional route. I’m a self‑taught painter who spent years quietly experimenting on my own — playing with color, watching how materials behaved, and learning by doing rather than by instruction. For a long time, it was something I kept private. I didn’t think of myself as “an artist” yet; I was just following a pull I couldn’t ignore. Read more>>
Natalie Villela
My name is Natalie Villela. I am a makeup artist located in Duncanville Tx. Read more>>
Aia K. McInnes
I was introduced to dance at the age of 9 in a way that was anything but traditional. I grew up in a family deeply connected to the arts, though not through dance—my mother was a film photography professor at our local community college. My twin brother and I often accompanied her to shoots or classes, so creativity was always present in our lives. Read more>>
Corey & Chantal Reed
Corey moved to Fort Worth to attend TCU and met Chantal while there. They were first introduced to Colonel’s Bicycles when it was on University Dr. next to the TCU campus. This is where they met Doug Coyle and Rick Faulkner, who started the shop in 1994. Read more>>
Jada Huddin
We are Dallas natives that started growing our family and farm in Rockwall & Wills Point, Tx about 12 years ago. In 2022 we opened our Rockwall farm to the public as a petting farm, featuring a seasonal pumpkin patch and bluebonnet field. We’ve grown each year, adding new attractions and welcoming even more animal friends. Read more>>
Juan Guerrero
I received my Master’s in Public Affairs from UTD and I was elected Commander of the American Legion Post 53 shortly after that. I am the first Hispanic (minority) to take over the Post. I started as the Post Adjutant, then Finance Officer, afterwards I was Vice Commander of the Post. I have been a member for over 11 years now and still going strong. Read more>>
Davarus Bell
I didn’t start in real estate with a perfect plan or a silver spoon. I’m originally from Mississippi, and like a lot of people, I was just trying to figure life out and create something better for myself and my family. Before real estate, I was in the car business. Read more>>
TonyaB Pretty Girls Club DFW
My journey started with a transition a few years ago. New to Dallas, I found myself without the close-knit community of women I had in Fort Worth. I wanted more than small talk. I was seeking drama-free, intentional friendships with women who valued genuine connection and shared a desire to explore Dallas together. Read more>>
Justin Cyrus
I started my journey as a content creator and entrepreneur from a place of awareness. I realized there weren’t many people who looked like me or came from the environment I came from in intellectual spaces. That gap meant something to me, and I didn’t just want to observe… I wanted to step into it. Read more>>
D’lai
I’m from Louisiana. And if you know anything about Louisiana, you know that place either makes you or it breaks you. For me, it did both before I figured out which one was going to win. I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to be a comedian. I grew up trying to survive. Comedy was just how I processed everything. Read more>>
Meshanda McKenzie
Travel has always been a passion of mine. My first international trip was to Jamaica at 16, and that experience sparked my curiosity to see more of the world. In 2015, I took a group trip to Dubai that truly shifted everything for me—it showed me how transformative and intentional travel could be. Read more>>
Brittany Marshall
In 2017 I chose to start my venture in cosmetology school. When covid hit in 20 I was doing 5$ haircuts out of my apartment with the help of YouTube and a horrid pair of clippers. This is where I found my passion for men’s hair. Read more>>
Londen Kailie
Honestly, I was born in the entertainment business through my father. Coming from a family filled with singers and musicians. I learned how to conduct myself in all aspects of the entertainment field. Also in school I took speech, debate, theatre arts, business administration, computer networking and programming. Yes I was a nerd my weekends were spent at the library. Read more>>
Kaelyn Warden
15 years ago I swam in my first mermaid tail and knew I belonged underwater. Exploring the whimsical craft of underwater performances led me to dive deeper and into the SCUBA Club at Clemson University where I studied Animal & Veterinary Science. Ambitious to combine my love for animal husbandry and diving, I relocated to Florida to pursue a career in aquarium dive operations. Read more>>
Amairani Thomason
I had been in the medical field for as long as I can remember. I worked as a pharmacy technician for most of my adult career. It was a great job until COVID happened. Read more>>
Josiah Smith
As someone who has always struggled with identity as a mixed-heritage child (mixed African-American and Thai), I struggled with feeling like I didn’t ‘fit in’ with the Black kids, nor the Asian kids. Read more>>
Sara Conner
I didn’t start with a business plan—I started with a question: is this all there is? Born and raised in the island of Jamaica, I have have overcome a lot of different situations such as the murder of my mother to sexual assaults. Sometimes that’s all you’re left with is a question that pulls you up and out. Read more>>
