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.
Siri Vemireddy
Growing up, I always had a passion for art. Throughout high school, while volunteering at local children’s hospitals, I had the opportunity to interact with pediatric patients and see firsthand some of the challenges they faced during treatment. Read more>>
Allyson Brooks
My entrepreneurial journey started while I was a student at the University of Kentucky. I always knew I loved marketing, storytelling, and building relationships, but I quickly realized there was a gap between what many small businesses needed and the support they could realistically access. What began as helping a few local businesses with social media soon grew into something much bigger. Read more>>
Jaweria Saleem
My journey began at the age of four when I first performed on stage, and by ten, I had memorized the Holy Quran — becoming one of the youngest Hafizas in Pakistan. My television career started in 2001, and over the past 26 years I have appeared on major channels including Pakistan Television, ARY and SAMAA TV. Read more>>
Samhitha Cheedalla
I’m a first-generation Indian-American from Frisco, Texas, and a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Dallas. This fall, I’ll be attending Texas Tech University School of Law, but my journey has been shaped by much more than academics. One of the biggest influences in my life has been dance. Read more>>
Ashlyne Kukreja
My path into the mental health field began with my own experience as a young adult navigating a major life transition. Like many college freshmen, I struggled with the adjustment to independent living away from home. Read more>>
Kayla Smith
My path to founding Helen’s Project was shaped by survival. As a teenager, I survived human trafficking, and when I later tried to access mental health care as a single parent and college student, I hit wall after wall: months-long waitlists, providers who didn’t understand my culture, and systems too complicated to navigate while already drowning. Read more>>
Robin Rakovchik
I am a pediatric occupational therapist with over 18 years of experience working with children and families. For much of my career, I worked in outpatient therapy, helping children develop the skills needed to succeed at home, at school, and in their communities. Read more>>
Demetrius Watts
Similar to most barbers, my introduction to barbering came at a young age. School pictures were approaching and there was no time to go to the barbershop. My mother purchased some ConAir clippers and the rest was history. I started looking for opportunities to cut family and friends. Read more>>
Kimberley Zempke
When I was a teenager doing hair was always my dream. Fresh out of high school I enrolled into cosmetology school, but I was young and not ready to start my future yet. I dropped out after 3 months and became a body piercer. Read more>>
Trey Richardson
My story really starts with a simple realization — I wasn’t built to fit the mold of what people expect an accountant to look like. I grew up with a genuine love for numbers, but an equally strong love for people. Read more>>
Christine Blanchette
I always had a passion for a media career, and my first opportunity was to conduct interviews for Rogers TV. It was a half show called Westside Profile interviewing sports figures, business professionals, and those who had an interesting story to tell. Read more>>
Stephanie Feliciano
My photography journey began in 2017 with a camera, curiosity, and a love for documenting people. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into something much deeper: a passion for preserving relationships, emotions, and the moments that become part of someone’s legacy. Over the years, Stephanie Michelle Photography has evolved alongside me. Read more>>
Atrol Campbell
My passion for music started when I was just a kid, deeply inspired by the eclectic soundtrack playing in my household. My parents listened to a bit of everything—spanning all genres from legendary icons like James Brown, Prince, and Sade, to groundbreaking visionaries like Outkast, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Kanye West. Read more>>
Margaret (Maggie) Prosser
I moved to Fort Worth in 2018 to go to Texas Christian University. I studied Dietetics & was accepted into TCU’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics on track to become a registered dietitian. I graduated in 2022 BS & 2023 MS. In January 2023 I became a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer. Read more>>
Leisha Anders
I sold my first drawing in the 7th grade. A color pencil drawing of Iron Man. Art, drawing grounded me during my trauma and drama years growing up. 40 plus years later, I am still drawing and feeling grounded. I got here today because I followed my heart with my art. I witnessed how it inspire a better vibe in my environment and helped others. Read more>>
Peggy Wauters
Sorry I used AI to write it, English is not my native language so… Peggy Wauters was born in Aalst in 1968. She received her artistic education at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where she further developed her practice as a visual artist. In her early years, she experimented with various techniques and materials. Read more>>
Leslie Molina
My journey has been shaped by perseverance, growth, and a passion for helping others. I currently work as a Parent Support Specialist for Dallas ISD, where I have the privilege of supporting families and helping them connect with resources that can make a positive difference in their children’s lives. Like many people, my path has not always been easy. Read more>>
Erica Wright
What began as a passion for sharing personal experiences has evolved into a thriving career for Dallas-based fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creator Erica D. Wright. Over the past four years, I have transformed my love for storytelling into a powerful platform that connects audiences with fashion, fragrance, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle content through authenticity and creativity. Read more>>
Huey Robinson
Huey Robinson is an artist and hip hop creator born and raised in Oklahoma City. From an early age, he developed a deep connection to art and a commitment to mastering his craft, a passion that has continued to shape his work today. Read more>>
Kelly Ryan
My story really started with curiosity and survival energy, honestly. I’ve always been drawn to creativity, wellness, psychology, and the way people connect with products, spaces, and experiences. I studied sociology first, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding people, culture, identity, and community. Read more>>
Ceo Money Train MOORE
From Vision to Movement: The Story of CEO Money Train My journey started with a simple belief: create opportunities instead of waiting for them. Growing up, I saw talented people with dreams, skills, and ambition, but many lacked the platform to showcase what they could do. That realization became the foundation for everything I have built today. Read more>>
Angela Vela Maldonado
Raised in the beautiful landscape of Dallas, by two influential and creative parents; mom was a gifted full body puppet creator for the DFW local parades and for companies participating in such events and children’s television programs, to later becoming a highly sought after elite wedding cake designer & decorator. Read more>>
Cherelle Ates
Hello, my name is Cherelle and I am from Dallas, Texas. I have always had a love for photography. However, when I graduated high school I decided to go into the field of nursing. Healthcare and science is such a formfilling and gratifying career. Yet, I still had this ringing in my heart for photography, editing, and creating content. Read more>>
Rochelle Hicks
My journey into the travel industry wasn’t a traditional one. For nearly two decades, I served my country in the U.S. Army and later as a federal employee. While I was proud of that work, I realized that some of my most meaningful personal growth happened when I stepped away from my desk and explored the world. Read more>>
Marcenial Darden
I first started out as a music artist more than 20 years ago… I started to figure out more about the music industry, so I started getting into the business side as a Music Manager in 2015–2016. I managed until I went to Atlanta and I ran to a very prolific figure at the time by the name of Nigel “Bez” Lee. Read more>>
Gabrielle Shafer
I started SoleCandyTX in 2021 with nothing but a big dream, a little bit of courage, and a whole lot of creativity. At 19, I left my family, moved from Virginia to Dallas, TX, and was determined to build something of my own. What started as a love for sneakers and art turned into SoleCandyTX. Read more>>
June Clinton
NO LOGO (NL) began in 2020. I was sitting on the conceptual design ideas for a while, but could never come up with a symbol for my brand. One day during the pandemic I sat one the phone with my close friend for 4+ hours. We were discussing everything from frivolous topics to our dreams & goals. Read more>>
Jermaine liesdek
The Meaning of Umami and Co. Umami and Co. was born from curiosity. From the question of why certain flavors touch us instantly. Why a simple broth can bring more comfort than an elaborate dish, or why a ripe tomato, a perfectly aged cheese, or a carefully prepared dashi can hold such remarkable depth. That search led us to one word: umami. The fifth taste. Read more>>
Melani Ismail
“I grew up in Los Angeles and started cutting hair at 10 years old. That gift eventually opened doors for me in the entertainment space after high school — I became the barber for A-list talent, which gave me a front-row seat to learn about music, film, and television. Read more>>
Matthew Babineaux
Music has always been as automatic as breath to me—and getting to do it as a living feels like getting paid to breathe—which, as a wind instrument player, is literally the case. Read more>>
Theodora Lee
I established Theopolis Vineyards in 2003, when I planted my Petite Sirah Vineyard in the Yorkville Highlands of Mendocino County. My interest in the wine industry began when I moved to California from Texas in the 1980s when I was introduced to fine wine by my law firm mentors. Read more>>
Matthew Osborne
I’ve been a creative entrepreneur for more than 25 years. My journey started when I was 19 years old, which is where the name 19 Production House comes from. What began as a passion for storytelling evolved over the years from writing and music production into photography, filmmaking, and building a full-service creative agency. Read more>>
Hayley and Hailey Duplantier and Regenbrecht
Hailey Regenbrecht moved from south Texas to the Dallas-Forth Worth area in 2015 to attend Texas Woman’s University where she earned her BA in Dance and is currently enrolled as a graduate student at T.W.U. pursuing her MFA in Dance. Hayley Duplantier moved from Louisiana to DFW in 2020 to earn her MFA in Dance at Texas Woman’s University, which she completed in 2023. Read more>>
Mariana Viani
When I opened MV Aesthetics, my goal wasn’t simply to offer aesthetic treatments, it was to create a space where clients felt comfortable, heard, and confident in their own skin. My background as a Registered Nurse taught me the importance of safety, education, and patient care, and I wanted to bring those same values into the aesthetic world. Read more>>
Blaire Kunard
I started Blaire’s Mobile Bar Service because I have always loved bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. After spending 7 years bartending and 4 years working in the event industry, I realized I wanted to build something of my own that combined my passion for hospitality, creativity, and celebrations. Read more>>
Avery Saucedo
I grew up in a religious household and attended a private Christian school throughout middle and high school. As I got older, I started realizing that many of the beliefs and expectations around me didn’t align with who I was becoming. As I got older, I started struggling with that conflict and instead of handling those emotions in a healthy way, I turned to substances. Read more>>
Makayla Pitts
Founded on March 5, 2019. The Parislynn Collection was born out of a clear passion to redefine the beauty and cosmetics industry. I launched the brand with a distinct mission to ensure that everyone can experience the feeling of luxury at an affordable price. Read more>>
Robin Garrett
We started as a seasonal plants-only based business over 15 years ago and within the first two years, we outgrew our location and decided to go year-round offering both outdoor and indoor plants. Read more>>
Dani Chambers
I have been acting since I was 6 years old on stage and a little bit on camera. I’ve always loved acting, whether it was on stage, or in my family, or even just in public at the grocery store! Wherever I had an audience, I was determined to get them to love my performance. Read more>>
Adebola Rufus-Abiodun
Hello! I started formulating products after I became a mom in 2015, but I didn’t officially launch as a business until the year 2019 – 2020. I started as ‘OgeEssentials Skin,’ and the name has since changed to ‘Soothey’. The essence of the name change is to exude what the brand stands for. Read more>>
Izaiah Forman
I started playing guitar at the beginning of COVID in 2020, and within my first year I had already taught myself Van Halen’s Eruption. Not long after, I was selected for the International Guitar Festival’s 10 Under 20, which highlights some of the best young guitarists in the world. Read more>>
Jessica Glenn
For me, bubbles have always been more than just a drink. They’re a tradition, a celebration, and a way to savor life’s beautiful moments. Growing up, our family made it a ritual to enjoy bubbles every Sunday. It was our way of slowing down, connecting, and toasting to the joy of simply being together. Read more>>
Courtney Hall
was born and raised in Avondale, Louisiana, a suburb just outside of New Orleans. My journey has been shaped by faith, perseverance, family, and a passion for serving others. My mother, Dr. Mary Green, instilled in me the importance of education, hard work, and determination. Read more>>
Stephanie Hewitt
My third child completely shattered any confidence I thought I had as a parent. By the time she arrived, I already had two children and assumed I had finally figured out sleep. I was very wrong. Read more>>
Kelsey Balch
Owner and founder of Glo- A Concierge Tanning Service. After almost 12 years working at a hedge fund ( yes… a major pivot), I decided to return to my roots. With a background and degree in cosmetology from Paul Mitchell The School, I took the leap in 2018 and created Glo. Read more>>
Jocelyn Gomez
Born into a big Mexican family that stays finding things to do, I started learning massage at the young age of 8. My grandma was the first to introduce me to a healing massage technique to help with stomach aches. Read more>>
Lian Monley
I grew up in Lake Wānaka, New Zealand, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and wilderness. Nature was my first teacher. Long before I entered the world of health and healing, I was fascinated by the intelligence that exists within living systems. There was an innate knowing that the human body, much like nature itself, possessed an extraordinary capacity to heal when the right conditions were present. Read more>>
Day Ra
My journey into the creative industry started with a passion for visual storytelling, fashion, and self-expression. What began as an interest in photography and design quickly evolved into something much larger. As both a photographer and model, I was able to experience the industry from multiple perspectives, gaining firsthand insight into what it takes to create impactful visual content and successful creative projects. Read more>>
Mando Mexicano
My story as El Mando Mexicano started with two passions that have always been part of who I am: soccer and Star Wars. I wanted to create something that represented both, so I built the character of El Mando Mexicano—a Mexican-inspired Mandalorian who celebrates the culture, the fans, and the beautiful game. What began as sharing experiences from matches and travels slowly evolved into storytelling. Read more>>
Jason McPhail
Im an artist, actor and aspiring herbalist. My journey as an artist started in the early 90’s. More recently I’ve been acting and started learning about how to incorporate herbs & herbal medicine into my daily routine. Read more>>
Surf Baby
I started making music as a way to express myself before I ever really saw it as something I could turn into a career. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, melody, and the emotional side of R&B/hip-hop, so I began experimenting with writing and recording on my own while growing up in Stockton, California. Read more>>
Anita Castro
Our story began in the simplest, sweetest way, with sweet tamales made in our family kitchen. What started as a small side hustle at local farmers markets quickly grew into something much bigger. People loved our tamales, and we loved sharing them. As demand grew, so did our creativity. Read more>>
Ruth Umoren
It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized most people genuinely do not enjoy going to the dentist. For many, dental visits are associated with fear, anxiety, and even phobia. My experience was quite the opposite. I always enjoyed going to the dentist, and through my own experiences, I saw firsthand how life-changing a smile transformation can be. Read more>>
Mariabel Hernandez
My name is Mariabel A.K.A Mari born and raised in West Texas. Professionally I have been in healthcare for over 12 years. Social media content creating started off from my passion of photography and videography. I started off posting on YouTube. My first video went up January 13, 2017. I had no idea what I was doing nor how far this would actually go. Read more>>
Othashia Harris
My name is Othashia Harris, but everyone who knows me calls me Bobbie. My journey in the beauty industry began right after I graduated from Paul Mitchell in 2015. I started my career working at various beauty counters in the local mall, where I learned how to connect with clients, understand different skin types, and refine my artistry in real time. Read more>>
ISAIAH ROJAS
I started with i9 Sports because I believed in what the brand stood for, kids having fun, building confidence, and learning what it means to be part of a team. That resonated with me on a personal level. I’m a dad. Read more>>
