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.
Elliott Jackson
BLAST Media LLC Founded in 2021 By Elliott Jackson and Troy Saha, BLAST Media LLC has positioned itself to be the top resource for Independent and Unsigned Music Artists, Independent Film Makers, Comedians and Content Creators. Our mission is and always will be to help these entertainers get their art in front of audiences in the United States and throughout the world. Read more>>
Crystal Robertson
I’ve always been someone who loved beauty, style, and the way presentation can tell a story before you ever say a word. But for a long time, I didn’t necessarily see that as something I could build around. It was just how I moved through the world; how I dressed, how I traveled, how I hosted, how I paid attention to details. Read more>>
Aubrey Pearson
I began working with my uncles at just seven years old—climbing under homes to inspect pier-and-beam foundations, crawling through attics to measure insulation, cutting grass, and simply learning the business from the ground up. At the time, it wasn’t exactly fun for a kid, and for years I was actually reluctant to get into real estate because of it. Read more>>
Chef Fee Guimont
I started my catering company in 1997, while she was a team lead at Texas Instruments. Now, as a full-time chef, I find peace in the kitchen, as it’s her safe haven. Growing up in Mississippi, I learned how to cook from my aunt, Shug and my Mother. Read more>>
Ezra Vancil
I started playing music as a teenager in Texas and was fortunate enough to get a shot at it pretty young. In the ’90s, I was in a Dallas band called Gypsy Tree. We were playing Deep Ellum and Greenville Avenue, and while recording at Planet Dallas, an L.A. management team came across us. Read more>>
Chassidy Jackson
My journey started in 2017 after moving back home after graduating from college while trying to figure out what I truly wanted to do in life. I wanted a way to make extra money while doing something I genuinely enjoyed, so in 2018 I decided to step out on faith and start creating treats. It all began with my son’s second birthday party. Read more>>
Bethany Lorentzen
Music has always been my first language. Everyone in my home sang and played different instruments. I grew up singing in every choir available to me in elementary school and beyond, started doing musicals when I was 15, then landed my first professional union role at 19 while studying musical theatre at Arizona State University. Read more>>
April Scroggins
My story started long before I became an author. My foundation began in the hair industry, where I have been licensed since 2007. While I am currently focused on growing Love in Transit, I am not completely removed from the beauty industry. Hair has always been part of my story, and working behind the chair taught me lessons that still carry me today. Read more>>
Chris Lacquement
I started in the pet grooming industry more than 16 years ago at the ground level, answering phones, cleaning kennels, and helping wherever I was needed. Over time, I worked my way through every position in the business, from bather to groomer to manager and eventually business owner. Like many entrepreneurs, my path was not always easy. Read more>>
Annie Lam
I’m Annie Lam, the artist and entrepreneur behind Annie’s Acrylics. I grew up surrounded by the beauty industry through the women in my family, so salons always felt familiar to me. Before pursuing nails full-time, I spent nearly ten years in the dental field as an EFDA, specializing in restorative and cosmetic work. Read more>>
Bria Gibson
I was in college in 2015 and was struggling with the major I was in. There were a lot of math classes and I was not a math girl. My grades were terrible and my GPA was so low. So I talked with a family member and she encouraged me to look into the field of being a Speech Therapist. Read more>>
Kocharkorn Treenawong
Hospitality has been a major part of my life for more than a decade. Throughout my career, I have worked in different roles within restaurants and bars, which has given me a deep appreciation for the industry and the people who make it special. Read more>>
Monique Hubert
At 26, I became a mother without much of a village around me. I knew I couldn’t afford to live in excuses, so I started searching for solutions. That journey led me into entrepreneurship through catering and food service. To my surprise, business began picking up quickly through personal events and private parties. Read more>>
Pablo García
The truth is, I always loved to draw, and at the age of 9, I began studying with private tutors. By age 10, I was already exhibiting in several group shows as a student of some local artist , at the art space of the Gravina Palace (Gravina Museum of Fine Arts – MUBAG) in Alicante. Read more>>
Vicente Alarcon
I have been in the production industry for 10 years, 5 years doing traditional media and 5 years helping content creators bring their vision to life. I originally started by picking up my friends camera one random evening for fun and the lead photographer at the location asked me if I had an interest in camera stuff. Read more>>
Zachary Smith
We originally started as a Punk Rock Cover band doing songs that we grew up with and playing small diy venues throughout Arkansas. Read more>>
Jeromy Bailey
When I was 15, I took a trip to Guitar Center with my Mom and somehow I convinced her to buy a drum set while we were there. Things didn’t take off immediately. It wasn’t until I was 16 and going through my first high school break up that the drumming addiction took off. Read more>>
Amy Davis
I have dedicated more than 20 years to serving older adults and their families. My professional background is in Occupational Therapy, where I have worked across the continuum of care, including acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in rehabilitation management. Read more>>
Mackenzie Marler
I was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where the western lifestyle has always been a part of who I am. Growing up in a family that was heavily involved in rodeo, I spent my childhood around rodeos (Cheyenne is the home of Cheyenne Frontier Days), country music, and everything that comes with the western industry. Read more>>
Wendy Scott
After working in the corporate world for over two decades, I’ve been contemplating early retirement. Perhaps I’ll take the plunge and explore my creative side, creating something of my own. I’ve always been a creative individual, excelling in coordination and organization across various tasks. Read more>>
Sunny Rehman
My journey started by watching my older brother, who was passionate about photography. Seeing his creativity and dedication inspired me to explore the arts from a young age. I developed a love for performing arts and enjoyed being involved in creative projects and live performances. Over time, that passion evolved into a deep appreciation for live music and entertainment, which continues to inspire me today. Read more>>
Daliah Jarrar
My love for photography started when I was a young teen. My late father taught me how to take photographs using his Canon FTb 35mm camera from the 1970s, which I still have today. He also showed me how film was developed in a darkroom under the red safelight, and I was fascinated by the entire process. Read more>>
Sherina Ellis
I have always been drawn to photography, even as a little girl. Growing up in Alaska, beauty wasn’t something you searched for, it surrounded you. The scenery, the light, the people, the culture. My mother ran a clothing store, and watching her build something that served our community stayed with me. Read more>>
Dayana Mikhaylova
We’re originally from Bulgaria, where fashion and presentation are deeply ingrained in the culture. Growing up in Europe, we were taught that quality and craftsmanship matter. Even if someone owns only a few pieces, they take pride in wearing garments that are beautifully made, thoughtfully constructed, and designed to last. That perspective stayed with us and ultimately shaped how we approached bridal fashion. Read more>>
Sage Ironheart
I’ve never been someone who waits for permission to create or build. I was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming—a place that teaches you self-reliance and gives you the space to actually hear your own thoughts. Read more>>
Johnny Apple
Johnny Apple Films really started from a simple place: I have always been drawn to people, emotion, and the moments that most people miss. I was never interested in making wedding films that felt stiff, overly staged, or like the couple had to perform all day. What pulled me into weddings was the real stuff. The nervous energy before the ceremony. Read more>>
Amy Vallair
To be honest, that is a very loaded question. What I do know is that I heard God’s voice and I said yes. Even though this wasn’t my first yes, this was the first time where I said it with my entire being. I was sure that I want to live my life life completely submitted and surrendered to God. Read more>>
Annette Rendon
My story starts with wanting to take a different route in life. I knew the traditional path, going off to college and finding a job, wasn’t something I saw myself doing. I wanted something more fulfilling, something that would make a real impact. After high school, I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go. Read more>>
Joshua Brewer
My Brother Chris & I purchased the Skatepark originally in 2020 from a local Church looking to part ways with the facility. It was built by the Church for the local skaters in 2005 that we know of, but still not 100 percent certain. The skaters would skate the Church and schools nearby, but get ran off as usual. Read more>>
Brad Buysee
I spent more than six years as one of the top-performing sales consultants with Renewal by Andersen, where I helped homeowners complete more than $14 million in window and door projects. Read more>>
John Pagnam
My name is John Pagnam. I’m a professional tattooer, painter and illustrator. Long story short, I graduated high school in 2003, got into residential home building and carpentry, got laid off in 2008 during the global financial crisis. In 2009 is when I started my tattoo apprenticeship. From there I got into commission illustration and painting along with my tattoo career. Read more>>
Michael Ashley
My path into Pedorthics started with my grandparents. I lost both to complications from diabetes, and that experience stayed with me. Years later, while working customer service for Aetrex, I found myself connecting deeply with customers dealing with foot pain and mobility issues. The owners noticed and offered to send me to Pedorthic school. Read more>>
Rhysa Anderson
Like many people, I grew up believing that college was simply the next step after high school. I attended West Virginia University for three years, bouncing from major to major and never quite feeling like I had found my path. Deep down, I knew something was missing. It was actually my aunt, who is a hairstylist, who inspired me to consider cosmetology. Read more>>
Angela Glass
My journey to opening Forum Pilates Studio has been shaped by a lifelong passion for health, wellness, and helping others. I’m a registered nurse by profession, and throughout my career I’ve always been drawn to practices that promote both physical and mental well-being. Read more>>
Aideli Olivares
I am the eldest daughter of a hardworking family rooted in dedication and love. My mother has spent over 20 years pouring herself into cleaning homes, and my father has given countless nights to support our family through shift work. Watching them sacrifice so much instilled in us a deep drive to build something of our own. Read more>>
John Schinnerer
After decades of working in psychology, coaching, mindfulness, relationship education, and human development, Dr. John Schinnerer and Joree Rose, LMFT, kept witnessing the same painful pattern: people who genuinely wanted to grow — to communicate better, feel less reactive, stop repeating the same cycles in their relationships — but who couldn’t access the consistent, real-time support that kind of growth actually requires. Read more>>
David Avery
I’ve always been obsessed with music as a whole. But my journey as a drummer truly began in high school when I joined percussion at James Bowie HS in Arlington. Read more>>
Michael Del Toro
After helping my parents at their travel agencies in Brownsville, San Antonio, and Cancun, after school every day as a child and teenager, I developed a passion for helping others travel the world. Read more>>
Victor Danos
I never knew that I would be doing this full-time, every now and then I actually have to take a step back and appreciate everything that put me on this path. Read more>>
Joey Ohemeng
I have always been obsessed with fashion! I was a very shy kid growing up but I spoke through my fashion if that makes sense. In middle school I got made fun of because I’d would experiment with clothes, I later moved away and started fresh at a new high school where I continued to be quiet but still fashionable. Read more>>
NEWUNIT
NEWUNIT started hanging out as a friend group in November 2025 with no intention of making content, but we quickly realized the immense amount of talent among ourselves. Read more>>
Lakeydra Houston
My journey has been one of turning pain into purpose. As a child, I experienced significant trauma that shaped many of the challenges I would later face in life. For years, I carried the weight of those experiences while trying to navigate adulthood, service, and healing. Read more>>
Kasia Badger
If you had asked me in high school what my future looked like, I would have confidently told you that I was going to become an airline pilot. Flying always felt like freedom to me. I loved the excitement of it, the challenge of it, and honestly, I loved that it was difficult. I also wanted to prove something. Read more>>
Crystal Fielder
Honestly, everything started with #CrystalsCounsel. Long before anything else, I was the person people came to when they needed deep, protective, and no-nonsense guidance through life’s heaviest moments. Building that platform and providing that raw, unfiltered truth is what originally opened the doors for me to become a motivational speaker, giving me a stage to connect with and inspire people on a much larger scale. Read more>>
FRANCES WEBB
Growing up in Seattle, Washington I discovered a city of crystals underneath the stairs to my parents corner lot home. To the left of the stairs there was access to white crystal underneath the stairs, I would say this is where my love for crystals began. Read more>>
Victoria Mitchell
I’ve always been someone who loves conversation, storytelling, and sharing opinions—whether anyone asked for them or not. Podcasting felt like a natural extension of that. What started as an idea to create a space where I could talk about pop culture, current events, and whatever was living rent-free in my head eventually turned into Charm + Chaos. Read more>>
Dania Bilal
What started as a hobby during Covid grew into something much bigger. I’ve always loved creating meaningful, personalized pieces for family and friends that made them celebrate life’s special moments with everlasting memories. What began with a few custom projects soon evolved into a business focused on designing high-quality keepsakes and gifts that turn memories into lasting treasures. Read more>>
Nikol (Lokin B.) Bouknight
Wow, where do I actually begin? I started modeling/doing runway when I was about 12 or 13 years old when my brother and cousin asked me to participate in a fashion show they were putting together at a local rec center in DC. Read more>>
Rylee Goolsby
I grew up in Wortham, Texas, a small town where community means everything. After graduating from Wortham High School, I attended Navarro College and Blinn College before earning my degree in Agricultural Economics with a concentration in Rural Entrepreneurship from Texas A&M University. Read more>>
Kyler (UnknownProject) Kim
Ever since I was a kid, I had two big dreams: becoming a professional esports player or becoming an artist and DJ. I ended up giving up on the dream of becoming a professional esports player when I started college in 2016 at the University of California, Irvine. Read more>>
Adriana Semidey
I’m a first-generation Latina entrepreneur and the founder of Budget Bee Financial, where we provide bookkeeping, tax, tax planning, and CFO services. My journey wasn’t one I necessarily planned. As a first-generation Latina, I spent over 13 years building a career in finance and never imagined I would one day become an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Talia Chachkes
I began learning tarot and astrology during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I absolutely fell in love with it and continued to practice and study for the next 4 years. During that time, I learned how astrology and tarot could help me better learn to love and accept myself. Read more>>
Alexa Camacho
I grew up wanting to be an artist in some form.Later, in high school, I received a lot of support from friends and teachers who encouraged me to pursue a tattoo apprenticeship. So, right after I graduated, that’s exactly what I did. I completed a two-year apprenticeship. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my craft and expand my network. Read more>>
Chrissy Collins
Creativity has always been the thread that runs through everything I do. Long before I ever called myself an artist, I was drawn to color, to texture, and to the way beautiful things make you feel when you walk into a room. Read more>>
Katrina Harris
y story is one of redemption, resilience, and God’s grace. I was married at 15, became a mother of three by 17, survived domestic violence, and spent time incarcerated as a teenager. For a long time, my circumstances seemed to define my future, but I refused to let my past have the final say. Read more>>
Nidhi Patel
Growing up in New York surrounded by Indian, Hispanic, and Italian communities, food was always at the center of everything. But being a true New Yorker, my deepest love was always the bagel. Read more>>
Jaylen Meadows
My story in my business starts off by me getting a bad injury playing basketball that basically solidified me not wanting to pursue that anymore. I soon then bought a camera without knowing anything and just started filming and traveling to games with my high school basketball team for free to gain practice in my craft with my camera. Read more>>
Lauren Davis
Dance is my life’s work. My life has always revolved around movement, fitness, and performing, though that has taken shape differently over time. I started out as a bun head until my teens when I branched out to the competition dance world. Ballet is my first love, that will never change, however, I have always felt commercial dance calling to me. Read more>>
Ana Zgur
Ana Zgur is an entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, former professional dancer, and founder of Zayaz Entertainment & Events, a South Florida-based company specializing in premium entertainment, corporate experiences, and high-end event productions. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ana spent the first 18 years of her life in a low-income community, where she discovered the transformative power of art and dance. Read more>>
Jerry Allen
I have been a professional musician for pretty much my whole life. But when you have a family, priorities change, so I had to get a ‘real job’. Moving here to Granbury back in 98, I reinvented myself as a computer and networking guru for the school district, then moving on to the City to manage their Lakeside Conference Center. Read more>>
Bailey Hope
I started my grooming journey in 2019 and quickly fell in love with helping pets look and feel their best. What began as a passion for grooming eventually grew into PicturePawfect Mobile Grooming, a luxury mobile grooming service based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Since my last interview, the business has grown beyond what I imagined. Read more>>
Anthony Cardoso
It started with a simple photography session, where I soon recognized I had a natural inclination. This eventually led to more sessions. With time, and the help of a friend, I started second shooting weddings. I soon learned the craft, along with the vulnerability and spontaneousness nature of these events. I felt an immediate connection to delivering the emotion of these events and their uniqueness. Read more>>
Bhavna Batra
My journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, entrepreneurship, and a deep desire to create platforms that empower people and tell meaningful stories. Originally from India, Oman has been my home for over three decades. Living in a multicultural environment taught me the value of building relationships, understanding different perspectives, and creating opportunities that bring people together. Read more>>
Joe Garcia
I currently lead/host a bi-weekly bible study, called Fellowship Bible Studies. As well as, help plan event hangouts for Revival Run Club. Back in the Fall of 2025, I had the vision of creating a safe space for Christians to be in fellowship with one another. A place for them to be their authentic selves, without any judgment. Read more>>
Barb Diamond
I’ve experimented with making my own skincare products for a long time because I wasn’t happy with what I could find in stores. While I was pursuing my Chemistry degree at Meredith College, my classes included a lab analyzing ingredients of perfumes and a research project on cosmetic ingredients. I really enjoyed those projects! Read more>>
Taylor Salerno
Photography has been in my heart since I was in middle school. I started experimenting with a point-and-shoot camera and got my DSLR in high school. Once I got that I then started taking photos for friends and marketing myself on Facebook to gain clients. Read more>>
Amber Walker
My journey started in nursing. I became a Registered Nurse because I genuinely wanted to help people, and for nearly a decade I dedicated myself to doing exactly that. Throughout my career, I worked in a variety of roles, including bedside nursing, travel nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and nursing leadership. Read more>>
Yeni Tahuilan
My journey began with a deep curiosity about the connection between the mind, emotions, energy, and human transformation. Originally from Mexico City, I earned my degree in Business Administration from UNAM, but over time I realized my true calling was helping people heal, reconnect with themselves, and unlock their highest potential. Read more>>
Kathreena Bunch
My name is Kathreena Bunch. I am a 27-year-old Jamaican-American creator born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and a first-generation American on my mother’s side. My journey as an artist started when I was just six years old, copying the world around me with near-perfect precision. Recognizing my gift, my parents constantly invested in me. Read more>>
Christopher Robison
DJing for me, lets see. Growing up and into my adult life, I played football. My last season was in the German Football League in 2023. I left Dallas after working at Wonderbar #RIP, to go play quarterback in a small German village. When I came back is when i was introduced to going to shows and DJing. Read more>>
Ann DeRulle
I got to where I never guessed I would be! If you had asked conservative me years ago with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and a corporate career if I would ever be doing what I am doing today, I would have had to laugh heartily for sure. Read more>>
Ashleigh Orchid
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. In fact, it’s what I wanted to pursue right out of high school. But life had other plans. I became a mom at a young age and chose the education path instead, spending 13 years as an early childhood educator. Even then, my passion for photography never left. Read more>>
Leena Panicker
My Journey of Faith, Perseverance, and Purpose I am originally from South India, from a small village called Podiyattuvila in the Kollam district of Kerala. I grew up in a humble community with limited opportunities and few expectations for the future. Despite these challenges, I always dreamed of achieving something meaningful in life. Read more>>
Jeffrey DeCristofaro
I was born in Tennessee on August 31st, 1985, currently living in Asheville, North Carolina, and my life to say the least has been busy from an early age. Read more>>
Erika Bullock
My journey to becoming a travel advisor wasn’t a straight line—it was built through years of serving people, solving problems, and learning how meaningful experiences can change lives. Before launching Wander World Destinations, I spent years working in executive support, real estate, and operations management. Read more>>
Mike Shisler
My name is Mike Shisler, and I’m the artist behind Drawn There. I create ink and watercolor artwork inspired by travel, architecture, landscapes, and the places people feel connected to. My background is in architecture, which has definitely shaped the way I see and draw the world. I’ve always been interested in buildings, streets, towns, and the way places are put together. Read more>>
Hafsat Umar
Ninth & Maple is an online boutique created for women who want to feel stylish, confident, and effortlessly elegant while embracing modest fashion. The story behind it is deeply personal. My inspiration came from my mother. Growing up, I admired how she always carried herself with grace and dressed beautifully. Read more>>
Lauren Valderas
My name is Lauren Valderas I am Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, Wife, and Mom of 3 amazing kids. I have always had a passion for caring for people. I started my nursing career in 2009. I have experience in the nursing field ranging from preoperative and postoperative care, rehabilitation hospital care, home health care, aesthetics, and being a Clinical Care Manager. Read more>>
Ghaffar Badmus
I’ve always enjoyed creating content and coming up with ideas. Before my current videos, I was experimenting with different formats, but I wanted to create something I could truly be known for before eventually expanding into vlogs and other content. The idea came to me while I was in Mexico City for my birthday. Read more>>
Zach Greenberg
I saw what a growing and promising market Frisco was and opened the first frozen yogurt shop there 18 years ago. Read more>>
Mika Toussaint
My journey has been one of healing, reinvention, and learning to trust myself. I’ve always had a deep love for wellness and helping people feel their best, but life didn’t unfold exactly the way I imagined. After losing my mother, I experienced one of the most difficult seasons of my life. That loss changed me. Read more>>
Dominique Colbert
I started doing social media back when I was 12 years old. I joined Twitter after begging my parents for an account and the rest is history. After I graduated high school back in 2020, I had the opportunity to join a non profit’s marketing team creating videos for their account. Read more>>
Brooke Triplett
I started my career as a primary school teacher and spent almost 10 years in the education system. On paper, everything looked “safe” and stable, but deep down I knew I wanted more freedom, more impact, and more control over my life and future. Read more>>
John Adams
I grew up in a musical family; my Mom was and still is a very good classical pianist, and my Dad was an amazing operatic baritone singer. Though they both eventually did other things for their careers, they performed (and rehearsed) constantly. Read more>>
Kara Farley
Dr. Kara Farley attended Baylor University where she graduated magna cum laude. She received a military scholarship to continue her education at UT McGovern Medical School in Houston, TX. She completed an internship in family medicine at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL and completed her aviation medicine training with the Navy. She then served four years as a naval flight surgeon. Read more>>
Jobe Sanchez
I am a master hat shaper with over 25 years of experience in the hat industry. After working for leading hat companies, I started my own business in 2016. Our reputation for outstanding customer service, premium-quality hats, and expert shaping has fueled our success, allowing us to expand to two locations and serve customers worldwide through our online store. Read more>>
Cody Wagner
I grew up gay in the Texas Panhandle. It was definitely not the best place to be the gay kid (understatement), so I rooted myself firmly in the closet, but I knew I’d eventually write a book for young me, a book to give gay kids a fun, hopeful, adventurous ride. Fast forward some years (between ten and a hundred). Read more>>
Kendrick Nicholson
I first came to deep Ellum in 2008 for a show at curtain club. Even at 14 years old I felt something special about the neighborhood. From then on id join a band and lie to my mom (sorry mom) and get rides and eventually drive out there almost every week or weekend for shows at The Door, Trees, and Curtian club. Read more>>
