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.
Lottie Fowler
Born and raised in Texas, Lottie’s work is shaped by the approachable, welcoming traits of the South. As the owner and creative force behind Lottie & Co. Events, she has spent years honing a distinct design perspective and an intentional planning approach. With a foundation in art and design, Lottie seamlessly blends elevated aesthetics with masterful organization. Read more>>
Lola Ponce
LOLA Ópera Pop Singer, actress, composer, trendsetter, art lover, fashion designer, entrepreneur and dedicated mom, LOLA PONCE has an established position on Social Media with an audience enthusiast of art, beauty and lifestyle. Her music blends pop and opera, but she’s always going further. Read more>>
Topaz Ingram Thornton
My journey has been one of faith, resilience, evolution, and intentional growth. I started from a place of simply wanting to serve people well and make a meaningful impact, but over time I realized that purpose is rarely linear — it’s shaped through experience, stretching seasons, challenges, obedience, and continual refinement. Read more>>
Sean Bolebruch
I grew up in Port Washington New York, sailing and boating my locals water of long island sound. My mother Mary Rice taught me to surf on long islands southern shores at the age of 8 years old. Going into high school, I developed a passion for riding waves. Read more>>
Saadia Ahmed
My story centers around a deep-rooted belief that community service is a responsibility, not an option. I studied International Studies and was a Posey Leadership Institute scholar at Austin College, and it was there that my commitment to serving the community truly intensified. Read more>>
Jamall Welch
I began creating content around 2010–2011 while I was still in high school, and it always came naturally to me. Comedy has always been one of my strongest talents—I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh, smile, and feel good. When Instagram launched, it gave me an even bigger platform to express that talent and show different sides of who I am. Read more>>
J Enigma*
Southern born, artist representing FM187 Radio ®. where the hits keep coming and the haters stay mad… J. has been writing songs since high school and music has always been a passion. J. Enigma* mystifies with enigmatic rhymes and production, weaving intricate narratives. His shadowy artistry adds intrigue to Kalu Entertainment’s collective. Read more>>
Kevin Carrillo
I spent the first decade of my career inside the marketing operations of large brands — Dell, AT&T, Microsoft, and later Egnyte. That’s where I learned how enterprise teams actually build campaigns: messaging frameworks, demand generation infrastructure, content architecture, measurement rigor tied to revenue. Everything was systematized. When I started consulting with SMBs and B2B operators in 2016, I kept seeing the same pattern. Read more>>
Stephanie Esquivel
I’m a makeup artist, hairstylist, and photographer based in Texas, and my journey into beauty and photography really grew from creativity becoming both an outlet and a way to connect with people. What started as a passion slowly evolved into a business as I began taking clients, learning through experience, and building my confidence behind both the camera and the chair. Read more>>
Erica Muse
Erica Muse (born Erica Long in Dallas, Texas) is an American actress known for her work across film, voice-over, commercials, and print. Raised in the suburbs of Dallas, she began performing at the age of five in Christmas musicals and stepped onto her first film set at fifteen, marking the start of a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. Read more>>
Heidi Hafertepe
My name is Heidi, a full-time first grade teacher by day and a DJ/producer by night. Music and teaching have always been the two biggest passions in my life, and I’ve never believed I had to choose between them. If Hannah Montana can do it, so can I. Read more>>
Sneha and Manisha
What started as a passion for bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences slowly grew into something much bigger than we ever imagined. Mysa Events & Company was built from a genuine love for celebrating life’s most important moments and making people feel cared for through every detail. As South Asian women, we grew up surrounded by beautiful traditions, vibrant celebrations, and strong family values. Read more>>
Jessica Jordan
For most of my adult life, I worked in corporate America in auto insurance claims. It was stable, structured, and taught me a great deal about people, problem solving, and professionalism, but creativity was always calling me in the background. Read more>>
Brandie Pyburn
My journey has been one of faith, resilience, healing, and purpose. I started from a place of brokenness, navigating life through betrayal, hardships, grief, and many seasons where I questioned what God was doing in my life. Through every challenge, I learned that pain can either destroy you or develop you and I chose to let God develop me. Read more>>
Andy Chiu
My journey into the restaurant industry began just a few years ago, but it started with a very specific observation: the traditional ‘single-menu’ model is incredibly high-risk. In today’s market, it’s harder than ever to make one single brand famous, and even when you do, customer fatigue is real—people simply don’t want to eat from the same menu every single day. Read more>>
Raquel Wiggs
Under the Bridge Ministries began with a simple desire to show love, compassion, and dignity to people experiencing homelessness in Fort Worth. What started as providing meals and basic necessities quickly became something much deeper — building relationships and creating a consistent presence for people who are often overlooked. Over time, we saw that many individuals needed more than food. Read more>>
Jessika Guzman
My name is Jessika. I grew up in a small town in East Texas and went to college at Sam Houston State. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Marketing. Worked in the fashion industry for years and then pivoted into a completely different industry. I started TaskStream Solutions 2 years ago. Read more>>
Mary Harcourt
I’ve been a licensed beauty professional since I was 18, Throughout that time, I worked in many different salons and explored different areas of the beauty industry. Eventually, I opened a lash spa in Hermosa Beach, California, and poured everything I had into it. Read more>>
Willow Bend Fitness Club
Willow Bend Fitness Club was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to create a fitness experience built on relationships, expertise, and long-term health—not trends. Established in the heart of the Willow Bend community in Plano, the club was designed to be more than a gym. Read more>>
Jennifer McHam
I’ve always loved art, and photography especially. I actually went to school for marketing and design and spent a few years working in the business world before becoming a mom. Once my oldest son was born, I decided to stay home with him for a while. Read more>>
Lexi Seifer Parker
I always knew I wanted to work in women’s health, but the path to getting here definitely wasn’t linear. I started my career as a nurse and worked in several different areas of healthcare over the years, including ICU, NICU, urgent care, walk-in clinics, hospital medicine, telemedicine, and integrative medicine. Read more>>
Geo Tabbal
I’m originally from the Northeast. I was born in New York City but grew most of my life in the suburbs of New Jersey. I studied economics at NYU and stayed in New York for medical school, also at NYU. Read more>>
Charles Williams
My story starts in college at Prairie View A&M Studying Criminal Justice. Back in 09 I started while still in school, I began studying various martial arts. ranging from Taekwondo to Boxing, Muay Thai, and BJJ. I trained on and off for another 4 years. 2013 that is when I started taking My Fight career seriously. Read more>>
Torie Kent
I started working when I was 14 years old, and I think that’s where a lot of my work ethic and independence were born. I became a licensed cosmetologist in 2001, and at just 21 years old, I opened my first salon in a small Texas community — long before social media, online marketing, or “going viral” existed. Read more>>
LaRon Hearst
Music has always been present in my life. Growing up in the Hearst household in South Carolina, courtesy of my parents Gracie and the late Ronnie Hearst, there was no such thing as a quiet Saturday. If the music was on, somebody was dancing, and by somebody I mean me. Read more>>
Corey Bester
It started with my pops, I use to go to the gym with him as a kid. As I got older we worked out together, and he would break down all the workouts to my understanding. Now currently due to the pandemic, and being fired from my job it pushed me into training full time, because I had already been doing it on the side. Read more>>
Emma Ontjes
I graduated from the University of Kansas School of Business in 2024, and I’ve always been a self-starter and initiator. I started creating content and working in social media in early high school, and over the past seven years, that passion has continued to grow into both a personal brand and a career. Read more>>
Crumb Structure
Crumb Structure is a 2-piece father/daughter band made up of Erin Schuster and Dave Schuster. Erin tells this part of the story. ERIN: Our story starts during the 2020 lockdown. I told Dad I was bored, and his solution was “Want to learn to play guitar?” I couldn’t think of a reason why not! Read more>>
Blake Gann
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be doing what I do today, I would not have believed you. Read more>>
Marvel Akiojano
I started off creating dance content online, which was really my introduction to social media and building a community. As I got older, I naturally started exploring other parts of beauty and self-expression — first hair, then makeup — which honestly comes with growing up as a woman and figuring out what makes you feel confident. Read more>>
Rees Bowen
I have always found an interest in art and design. I suppose it is an inherent trait within me. However, finding and extracting my creativity was not so easy at first. There always seems to be a point where this changes. For me, it was London. I was in architecture school. My tutors, Peter Thomas and Peter Sabara challenged my creativity. Read more>>
Jade Summers
In brief, I began in the Dallas drag scene in 2011, winning Miss Gay Texas State, which opened doors to performing at iconic venues under legends like Erica Andrews and Krystal Summers. Read more>>
Leanne Evans-Harknett
For a long time, I looked like I had it all together. Decent job, full social life, confident on the outside. But internally? I was carrying a lot, anxiety, a sense of unworthiness, a feeling that something inside me just wasn’t settled. I didn’t even have language for it back then. I just knew. Read more>>
Simona Sferle
As a little girl I watched my dad make something out of nothing, more so out of necessity. My background is in prevention. Read more>>
gabriela Medina
My name is Gabriela Medina, and I am the owner of Everlasting Beauty EST2024 LLC in Denton County, Texas. I currently work in law enforcement while also building a beauty and paramedical studio that was created from passion, healing, faith, and the desire to help people feel confident again. Everlasting Beauty was built to be more than just a salon. Read more>>
Bruna Kitchen
I started my photography career a little over nine years ago in the wedding industry. Over the years, I built strong relationships and a great network, and that experience taught me a lot about working with people and capturing meaningful moments. In the last couple of years, though, I started feeling like something was missing creatively. Read more>>
Zameika Williams
My journey started with cakes and treats while I was a Financial Aid Advisor at a college. I was making cakes and treats for family, friends, and small events, and over time that slowly turned into small catering opportunities. My first catering was a lunchbox catering for 4 people. The menu was chicken salad, fruit, chips, and brownies. Read more>>
Coach Light
Coach Light is a young punk group hailing from Rockwall, Texas. After a year as a three piece; Chloe, Teagan, and Makenzie added bassist Eason to the band. Coming off a recent DFW mini tour with 5 sold out shows, the band aims to continue its streak of perfection in DFW’s punk scene. Read more>>
Angela Wengrenovich
I have been a photographer since I was 15 years old. I started taking photography classes in high school where I got the chance to work with film and develop my own images in the dark room. I loved seeing patterns of light in the world around me. Read more>>
Jennifer Vasquez
Pa’Lety was born from a long line of entrepreneurs in my family. My father and grand father established and owned many restaurants in Texas from the 60s through the 90s. Including the first ever Mexican restaurant in our small Texas town. This spirit of service to community and connection through food and treats lives strong in me. I have always wanted to own a Paleteria. Read more>>
Everett Stephenson
My journey started at a very young age through creativity, music, and entrepreneurship. Growing up, I was always drawn to creating things that inspired people. Read more>>
Miranda Gadbury
I started photography years ago through the modeling and editorial world, where I spent a lot of time creating high-fashion imagery, working with aspiring models, agencies, and brands, and learning how to tell stories visually in a way that felt artistic, intentional, and emotionally impactful. Read more>>
Kim Cothes
Cadillac Hats started approximately three years ago as a fun hobby /small business that my daughters and I could enjoy together We were sitting around playing with some hats and had the idea to sell unique, decorated hats instead of just having a regular hat bar like most people were doing. Read more>>
Sherri Braxton
Fitness has always been bigger than workouts for me. It’s always been about confidence, consistency, healing, and helping people reconnect with themselves through movement. Over the years, I realized so many women were struggling to stay consistent because they were overwhelmed, intimidated, or trying to fit into wellness spaces that didn’t actually feel supportive or realistic for them. Read more>>
Aeiress Jones
I loved taking pictures as a kid and modeling my new outfits and my mom had a friend who encouraged her to get me in the industry so my mom got me started with a local photographer who I worked with for years called Tal’s kids. Mr. Tal worked with me and trained me on taking directions and working behind the camera. Read more>>
Madison Inman
After four months of practicing in my house, I accepted my first DJ gig in 2024 — Taco Bout RNB at the Sky Blu Rooftop. In retrospect, all-RNB nights weren’t as prominent around the city. There were only a limited amount of venues and events that catered to that concept, and Taco Bout RNB was among the few. Read more>>
Braxton Welch
My name is Braxton, and I have spent the past eight years bartending throughout the DFW area. During that time, I have worked across a wide range of environments, including brunch service, local neighborhood bars, high-energy beer gardens, and fine dining. No matter the setting, one thing has always remained consistent: hospitality is more than serving drinks. Read more>>
Eddie Darks
My business Add On Insurance agency was started by me thinking of different ways I can help people. I am a people person and I’m the type that when I see a need I like to try and fix it. So back in 1994 I became an insurance agent. Read more>>
Madeline Montes
It all started when my husband, Carlos, said those four little words: ‘I want to start a business.’ As the creative brain of the duo, I took that spark and ran with it! But we didn’t;t do it alone. Read more>>
Phillip Michael Smart
I started with a heart for people, community, and service. My journey has always been rooted in helping others see what is possible, especially in communities that have been overlooked or underestimated. Over the years, I have built a career in economic development, real estate, and community revitalization. Read more>>
John Marruffo
Back in 1989, revamped 2008, City Skate Project started as more than just a clothing brand — it was a way to represent the skateboarding community we grew up in. Skateboarding has always been bigger than tricks to me. It’s culture, identity, art, music, community, and resilience all mixed together. Read more>>
Paris Bonds
I got started at young age singing in talent shows I’m from Denver Colorado **Mr. Routine Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Mr. Routine is a rising voice in hip hop and rap, known for his sharp lyricism and unmistakable Mile High swagger. Bringing fresh energy to the scene, Mr. Read more>>
Trimanii Barnes
I started my creative journey from a place of self-expression and healing. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a deep love for music. Artists like Michael Jackson inspired me early on and showed me how powerful music could be emotionally, spiritually, and creatively. Read more>>
Akeem Gordon
My journey started on the football field. I grew up with one goal — to play at the highest level possible. That drive took me from a 2x varsity starter and D1 commit out of high school, through junior college at Trinity Valley and Fort Scott, to East Central University, and eventually to professional football. Read more>>
Stephanie Brown Kegler
My journey started with a passion for helping people feel good about themselves through movement. I began teaching fitness classes in 2009, and what started as a simple love for dance and wellness quickly grew into something much deeper. Over time, I realized people were not only coming for exercise, they were coming for encouragement, connection, joy, and healing. Read more>>
Maddy Montes
This year marks my 10th year in the beauty industry. I actually started at the front desk of a spa before moving into a corporate sales role for a UK-based lash extension and lash lift company-back in the very early days of lashes becoming popular in the United States. Read more>>
Joanna Di Sclafani Shaughnessy
The NY Italian Texan Bake Shop is an authentic New York Italian-American bakery, proudly woman-owned, food manager certified, registered Texas cottage bakery, and Homemade Texas verified! We specialize in bringing the flavors of classic New York Italian bakeries to Texas—crafted with tradition, heart, and time-honored family recipes. Read more>>
Mir Ali
cirQQles came from a realization after nearly five years of helping businesses market and grow. We saw that growth doesn’t come from software alone — and it doesn’t come from execution alone either. The real formula is the right tools paired with expert execution. That’s why we built cirQQles. Read more>>
Maria Barrientos
I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, on the southeast side of town. My parents moved here in the late ’80s and worked really hard to build a sense of community for our family through church, home, and the people around us. Read more>>
Andy Roberts
My story begins at 13 years old when my dad would let me use his Sony Mavica camera. If anyone remembers that thing, it had a huge screen and you shot on a floppy disc, haha! I fell in love with taking photos of the day to day and it just felt amazing to be able to freeze a moment in time. Read more>>
Lorenzo Pouncy
There is a picture that got my dad in a big heap of trouble with mom, of me in his arms 3 feet from a roaring fire holding a stick of pecan wood. To say I have been barbecuing since before I could walk isn’t an understatement. I have always enjoyed the art of the challenge in producing ‘smoked excellence’. Read more>>
Dr. Rikki Oyee
My journey has been anything but traditional—and that’s exactly what shaped me into the professional and leader I am today. Early on I worked in Public Relations and Marketing while continuing my education. At the same time, I’ve always had a passion for people, leadership, and creating impactful experiences. That passion evolved into co-founding **OhYeah! Read more>>
Said Shaban
My path into this industry wasn’t exactly traditional. I studied business and spent years working in product and retail across international markets, which gave me a strong understanding of branding, customer experience, and how businesses scale. But somewhere along the way, I realized I was more passionate about industries centered around people, confidence, and personal connection. Read more>>
Andrae Williams
My journey into photography really began while I was stationed in South Korea. Living overseas exposed me to an entirely different culture, environment, and way of seeing the world, and that experience sparked my interest in photography. I found myself constantly inspired by the energy of the cities, the colors, the nightlife, and the contrast between modern architecture and traditional culture. Read more>>
Phoenix N. Brown
I’m originally from Jacksonville, Arkansas, and my journey into entertainment started in an unexpected place—as an Arkansas Glacier Girl for a semi-professional hockey team. From there, I went on to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for two seasons, an experience that opened incredible doors for me both professionally and personally. Read more>>
Sarah Amrou
I’m a first-generation Lebanese-American and the founder of Saniia, a creative marketing agency built around storytelling, culture, and bold ideas. My journey has been anything but traditional. When I was 17, I left the U.S. and moved to Lebanon to reconnect with my roots and better understand where my family came from. Read more>>
Jarius Baker
I grew up always being drawn to entertainment, live events, music, film, and the energy that comes from people experiencing something together in real time. I got my start at Arlington High School Theater department due to arts credit requirement and fell in love. Read more>>
Edd Dixon
I am from pleasant grove area of Dallas tx. Youngest of three, so I had to find a way to stand out. There comedy found me, I began to gravitate to comedians with TV shows such as Martin, Mark Curry, Damon Wayans. As I matured I began to watch stand up specials often repeating punchlines at school. Read more>>
Erika Valderas
Being passionate, personable and confident in my craft is the easy part because I truly love making people feel beautiful and comfortable and understood. I remember as a little girl I would always get excited for the weekend because I’d setup my “salon” for my sisters to come and get serviced. I’d write up a service and price list and everything. Read more>>
Tyler Larson
Where do I start, from high school iv always been an artist in every way possibleI started my journey touring and playing music across Texas and after Covid my dreams took a hault until a friend of mine hit me up about a job position Read more>>
Autumn Miller
I’ve always been a creative person. Anything from making art, music to content creation. Comedy was something I always wanted to do, but where I’m from it’s not too many people who do that kind of thing. I bought my first car at 22 and I discovered Rose City Comedy in Tyler, Texas. Read more>>
Dayana Lopez
My spiritual journey began about 15 years ago, but everything truly shifted in 2020 after a car accident left me with a brain injury. Life slowed down completely, and I had to learn to manage my energy in a new way. Meditation became my lifeline I had to meditate several times a day just to have the strength to keep going. Read more>>
Natasha Spivey
Kingdom Spices was created from both my culinary background and a deeper desire to build something meaningful. I’ve spent years working in food service and catering, where I developed a strong understanding of flavor, food operations, and what people truly enjoy. Over time, I realized I wanted to take that experience and create something of my own—something that combined quality, creativity, and purpose. Read more>>
Chad Bossman
Chad Bossman’s journey from the humble beginnings of Lake Providence, Louisiana, to the bustling streets of Dallas, Texas, is a tale of determination, creativity, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. Born into a small-town atmosphere, Bossman’s early years were colored by the vibrant culture and rich heritage of his surroundings. Read more>>
Lupita Sanchez
I’m Lupita Sanchez, founder of Café Metzli, a Mexican specialty coffee company rooted in culture, storytelling, and community. Café Metzli started from a deep passion for sharing the richness of Mexican coffee and creating more visibility for the farmers and regions behind it. Growing up, coffee was always connected to family, conversation, and tradition, but I noticed that a lot of people in the U.S. Read more>>
Janeé BrownGoddess Vaughn
I began my love of the arts in New Orleans, Louisiana, where I was born and raised. I cultivated a poetry program for 9-10 year olds, as a teen. Created a safe space for kids to express creativity and grow, Keeping It Real Clique, anti-gang gang, also as a teen. During college, I further explored my love of creative writing and the arts. Read more>>
Dr. John L. Mack
For decades, writing was never just something I did. Writing was who I was. Long before GPS became a company, a system, or a movement, it began with a simple passion for words, ideas, and storytelling. Read more>>
Gian Salaum
Growing up in a Filipino household, food has always a huge part of my life. Some of my favorite memories were centered around family meals, trying new restaurants, and bonding over food, so I naturally became a huge foodie from a young age. Read more>>
Dawn Conner
My daughter Darci and I first bonded over our shared love of Twilight when she was younger, and years later our passion for romance novels was reignited when she introduced me to the ACOTAR series. After spending five years as a teacher, Darci was ready for a new chapter and came to me with the idea of opening a romance-only bookstore with a bar. Read more>>
Katy Day
My name is Katy Day, I am a local DFW queer musician. I have been in music since forever. When I was a kid, I had multiple instruments to play around on and learn. I got a karaoke machine probably around 8 ish and started singing disco and classic rock non stop!! Read more>>
Stephanie Alley
Since I was young, music was always part of my life. I started piano first and added cello by the age of 10. Read more>>
From The Tides
The band formed in the summer of 2022. We spent hours together rehearsing and growing together as a unit. In October of 2022, we played our first show in Haltom City and it was a roaring success. We spent the next year focusing on making a name for ourselves while playing live, as well as releasing music from our debut EP. Read more>>
BJ Cramer
I started stand-up comedy back when I was 14. My mom would take me to the hole in the wall open mics, sit in the back of the audience and watch. She was so happy once I started driving! I was embraced by the DFW comic community once they saw how serious I was about the craft. Read more>>
Wotsa Koutoglo
Lantsa Gifts was born out of a very personal moment. I lost my dear cousin unexpectedly. Before his passing, we had a conversation, and he said, “You have the gift of intentional giving, whether through time, knowledge, or resources, and you need to share it with the world.” At first, I laughed because I’ve never been big on self-promotion or selling, but he was serious. Read more>>
Mike Rogers
I have been singing since I was a kid (mostly school and church) and went to college on a vocal scholarship. I grew up on my mom’s side, never got to know my father’s side very well but know enough to know that the Rogers genes are very strong. Read more>>
Rick Newton
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. February 9, 1964. This changed everything. The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Pretty quickly, most of my friends were in a band, in a garage or living room somewhere making music. It was crazy! Read more>>
Andrea Holmes
I’m a mural artist, author, and creative entrepreneur based in McKinney, and honestly, my path into murals happened somewhat unexpectedly. I’ve always been creative and artistic, but I started painting murals in 2020 when the world shut down. Read more>>
Lois Macomber
I didn’t start photography with a big plan, it grew slowly, and then all at once. In the beginning, I was drawn to how much a photograph could hold. Not just how something looked, but how it felt to be there. That became the through line early on, even before I had the language for it. Read more>>
Bryant Massingale
The Wolf’s Ascent”My story didn’t start in a luxury gym; it started in a place of deep silence and survival. The name ‘Wolf’ was a gift from my great-grandmother—a reminder that even when you are surrounded by darkness, you have an instinct to lead, to protect, and to endure.For years, people tried to define me by my past. Read more>>
Ayana Tomey
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I realized that I didn’t want to follow a traditional 9 – 5 path and knew I wanted to build something of my own. As I started thinking about what truly excited me, I kept coming back to my passion for beauty and self-care. That led me to discover Glow Artistry Studio Academy, an esthetics school that immediately caught my attention. Read more>>
Kimberly Darpoh
I have a strong background as an ER nurse, and I developed a passion for Aesthetics over the past couple of years. So, in October of 2025 I officially became certified in Botox and Filler injections. I’ve now off working as a Nurse Injector since December of 2025. I truly love it and am so passionate about what I do. Read more>>
Laesha Brewer
My journey has been anything but linear, but every detour has taught me the value of faith, resilience, and choosing purpose even when the path is unclear. I grew up in a split parent household and was raised by my mom as a single parent while my dad was traveling in the NFL. Read more>>
CAITLYN BATEN
I was born and raised in Southern California, and my passion for advocacy and vulnerable communities really began when I took my first international missions trip as a senior in high school. That experience opened my eyes to how much of the world lives and sparked a deep desire to pursue meaningful, purpose-driven work. Read more>>
Gonzalo & Tony Perez & Rockette
XO’Lent Studio’s story is one born from shared vision and creative alignment. Founders Gonzalo Perez and Anthony Rockette discovered each other’s work through social media and mutual connections within the creative community. Read more>>
Liz Kendall
What started over 30 years ago as little moments hand-embroidering alongside my Abuela blossomed into something bigger than we ever imagined. Built on love, culture, and creativity, Genny Bellas is now a multi-generation, Afro-Hispana Latina, woman-owned small business proudly run alongside my Bellas — Tatyana, Genesis, and Aliza. From custom embroidery and DTF printing to handcrafted jewelry, pins. Read more>>
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>>
