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.
Ashley Cottrell
I started doing makeup when I was in ninth grade! I was running for homecoming queen and wanted to look and feel beautiful. My mother bought me a fashion fair compact of base and it was the start of my makeup career. As I have worked diligently throughout the years I have improved and perfected my craft. Read more>>
Aishat Badmus
Honestly, this has been almost nine years in the making. As a first generation British-Nigerian woman, I wanted to make African-inspired clothing long before I had children — it was just an idea I carried around, not yet attached to anything. It took becoming a mother, and specifically becoming a stay-at-home mother, for it to turn into something urgent. Read more>>
Jordan Fitzgerald
I started as an all-star cheerleader I was the main tumbler on my team and had lots of fun, but I really wanted to try something new people kept saying I should try volleyball I kept thinking about it, but what really pushed me to play was my sister. Read more>>
Edi Kí
My story… well it is still being written. How I got started well I basically had to reinvent myself to use the skills that were already placed on the inside of me. I tend to overshare my thoughts, feelings, trauma etc… and over time I began to notice people honestly really don’t care. Read more>>
Abril Moreno
I’ve always been interested in beauty. A lot of it started with my grandmother. She always had her hair done, cute clothes on and make up done. I grew up bonding with her because of it. Eventually I went to cosmetology school, with the intention of focusing on makeup. Within that I fell in love with doing hair. Read more>>
Maria Rasheed
I grew up surrounded by the carpets, textiles, and objects that are part of everyday life and heritage in a Pakistani household. Those objects became a connection to home, carrying both personal memories and the shared histories of the culture I come from. Read more>>
Angela Prior
My journey began over 16 years ago pursuing traditional clinical social work, earning my degree from The Ohio State University, and diving headfirst into mental healthcare. Early on, I realized standard talk therapy, while invaluable, wasn’t always enough on its own. Read more>>
Alex Hudson
My start with photography came as a solution to problem I wanted to solve myself. The problem? Stock images for my graphic design. The solution? Take my own stock images. It was a simple thought that led to me buying a camera and ultimately finding my passion. Read more>>
Aprille White
I started doing balloon arches and decor as a creative outlet and a way to celebrate my loved ones. I had been doing it for several years starting in 2015 in my relationship and for friends and family and decided I would like to start doing it for people in and out of town possibly. Read more>>
Queenet Iwu
My journey has been one of self-discovery, healing, reinvention, and resilience. I have learned that you do not always realize how strong you are until life stretches you beyond what you thought you could carry. Looking back, I am grateful for everything I have experienced because it has shaped the woman, healthcare provider, and business owner I am today. Read more>>
Tammy Dozier
My story ! Well , it’s complicated as they say . However God has been rich in mercy . I’m originally from Kansas City, Missouri but relocated to Texas in 1996. I began writing books to share my story of childhood trauma that stemmed from an absent father , molestation failed marriages , drug use and alcohol abuse . Read more>>
Skyler Elie
My journey in education started in 2012 as a kindergarten teacher, and if you would’ve told me then where this journey would take me, I probably wouldn’t have believed you! Over the last 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach different grade levels, coach and support teachers, lead professional learning, and step into instructional leadership. Read more>>
Aimee Conaway-Jung
Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a small town, and creativity gave me an outlet that did not depend on what we had or could afford. I painted, played music and entered art contests at school. Read more>>
Khalaya Amos
My story is a beautiful tapestry of storytelling, evolution, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Over the last few years, my world has expanded in the most rewarding ways. First and foremost, I stepped into motherhood—embracing it with the same fierce dedication, love, and protective energy that Batman holds for Gotham City. Read more>>
Destini Lyric
I’m Destini Lyric, known online as the Pink Collar CEO, and I’m the founder of Pink Collar Contracting, a DFW-based cleaning and contracting company focused on commercial, residential, and post-construction spaces. But Pink Collar has never felt like just a cleaning company to me. I built it with a bigger vision in mind: to create something bold, feminine, modern, faith-led, and impossible to overlook. Read more>>
DeAnn Waggoner
My path has always been rooted in communication, community, and service. With a professional background in Deaf Education and Interpreting, (my Masters Degree is in Deaf Education and I am also a certified ASL interpreter) and years spent homeschooling my children, my life’s work centered on breaking down barriers so others could connect. Read more>>
Vivian Van Ramirez
Growing up, my mom and dad always had a camcorder, film camera, or digital camera in their hands, capturing all the memories we made together as a family. As soon as they gifted me a digital camera in middle school, I was capturing anything and everything! I loved having photos and videos to look back on and relive those special moments. Read more>>
Sarah Granetz
I grew up as an athlete, but without a real sport outside of running cross-country. I went to private school where we played field hockey and lacrosse. It was just a part of your school day. At boarding school, I played field hockey and running (during high school). It was a huge part of how I dealt with stress and frustration but also teenage angst. Read more>>
Antoine Rashan Andrews
I usually tell people there are a few names you should know if you really want to know me. I’m Antoine. A lot of people in my life know me as A-Two. And then there’s Rashan, or Ra. To understand that name, you have to understand a little about where I come from. Read more>>
Paige Nester
Established in 2011, Creek House Honey Farm began as a simple gardening project when the owners George and Paige Nester introduced honeybee hives to their garden and pumpkin patch. What started as a small hobby with a couple hives quickly evolved into a thriving apiary, marking the beginning of their journey into professional beekeeping. Read more>>
Jonathan Toles
Richardson Skatepark Advocates has come together very naturally and organically. The connections and relationships with the group have all grown out of an enthusiasm for skateboarding and all other wheeled riding. Skateboarding is what brought us together, but being open to listening and seeing value in a connected community is what has allowed RSA to grow so quickly. Read more>>
Yoximar Rodriguez
My story is really about starting over, finding myself, and building something of my own. I was born and raised in Venezuela, where I worked as a journalist. After facing a situation where practicing my profession became increasingly difficult, I decided to leave my country and begin a new chapter in the United States. Read more>>
Ashley Liddie
Believe it or not I actually started my brand as a kid entrepreneur at the age of 9 years. I was a homeschooled student. My mom catered our homeschooling around the things (my sister and I) loved to do and for me that was fashion! Read more>>
Sue Colton
My love for all things artistic started at a very young age. I was always drawing and painting and finding creative outlets. However, art college was not an option for me, so I ended up in the corporate business world in Chicago, Illinois. But, my love for creating was always there. Read more>>
Tinamarie Ivey
I have been a performing artist for most of my life, so storytelling has always been at the center of what I do. My path into filmmaking, however, was unexpected. I came to it through my work in theatre and my growing interest in drag king performance. Read more>>
Alma Ortega
My story began in 2018, when I finally made the decision to go back to school and pursue nursing. I didn’t know exactly where that decision would take me, but I knew one thing: I wanted to help people, especially people in my community who sometimes feel unheard, misunderstood, or simply don’t know where to start when it comes to their health. Read more>>
Emily Amacker
I spent 15 years as a registered nurse, and strangely enough, the first thread connecting nursing to Lucky Lemon was counted cross-stitch. I originally picked it up as a way to keep my hands and mind busy—and, frankly, to help me stay awake during the long hours of working night shift at the hospital. Fast forward to post-covid in summer of 2022. Read more>>
Kimberly `Galvan
My path to health insurance wasn’t something I planned out on paper — it found me through loss. I spent years working as a dental assistant, and I loved the hands-on connection with patients. But everything changed when my mother was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Read more>>
Talyah Thomas
My story begins in Houston, Texas, where I was born into a family that was heavily involved in our local church. Growing up, my dad and mom would often go to choir rehearsals for our church. My younger brother and I always went with them. Eventually, my parents encouraged me to join our church’s youth choir to sing, and I’ve been singing ever since. Read more>>
Sarah Tate
I started my business, Twenty 7 Media, in May of this year after quitting my job with no plan or real path. I’m originally from a tiny town called Rotterdam in Upstate New York but moved down after graduating college in 2017. Read more>>
Sunghyun Park
IYKYK Mochi Churro started with a simple idea to create a fun twist on a classic churro. We combined a crispy outside with a chewy mochi texture, and it quickly became something our customers loved. We’ve been growing ever since. Read more>>
Kimberly Stephens
I have 25 plus years of retail experience starting with Pier 1 Imports. I have worked with wonderful companies like Pottery Barn, Loft, CB2 but I always wanted to open own boutique/online business. In 2022 I decided to take the plunge and start The Fig Tree, LLC. It started as an online store with mainly baby merchandise. Read more>>
Ryoichi Dowling
I started my podcast in 2019 with a passion for storytelling, entertainment, and connecting with talented people in the industry. I was inspired by influential interviewers such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, whose ability to make their guests feel comfortable while bringing out their personal stories, experiences, and unique perspectives truly inspired me. Read more>>
Jihyuk Park
My journey with the flute began a little later than many classical musicians. I started playing in middle school at 7th grade, and I certainly did not grow up following a perfectly mapped-out path toward becoming a professional musician. What I did have, however, was a deep curiosity about sound and a strong desire to understand how far flute could take me. Read more>>
Jessica and Sarah Wright
A Girls World started from a friendship and a shared vision between my best friend and business partner, Sarah, and I. We’ve known each other since high school, and over the years we’ve grown through so many different seasons of life together. Read more>>
Maryjane E
I’m originally from Nigeria, and my journey has taken me across different parts of the world as I built my career in modeling, content creation, and community leadership. I’m also a healthcare student, which has shaped my discipline, resilience, and the way I connect with people. Read more>>
Tim & Roshun Davis
Mii Fashion Dallas actually started as a simple t-shirt line. Everything changed on Valentine’s Day 2020, when we put together a custom varsity jacket and joggers outfit just for ourselves, nothing we planned on selling. But everywhere we went, people kept asking where they could get it. That reaction is what pushed us to turn it into an actual clothing line. Read more>>
Liza Wadsworth
When people ask where I got my start, I never really know how to answer because there are so many moments that feel like the beginning. I think it really started with my Mimi, who encouraged me to take photos with her camera when I was young. Read more>>
Khush Nayak
It all started when I was 8 years old. My mom was invited to an interview with Jeff Crilley, and after the interview, Mr. Crilley told me that I could start my own podcast too! A few months later, my mom and I opened Copilot and started brainstorming names for the podcast. At the time, we thought it would just be a fun experiment. Read more>>
Lan Nhi Nguyen
Hi! My name is Lan Nhi Nguyen, and I’m an aesthetic nurse injector. My career in healthcare started as a medical assistant in 2009, and I became a Registered Nurse in 2013. Read more>>
Karl Hoffmann
My journey into art has been a bit unconventional. I originally studied architecture and went on to complete a Master’s in Architecture, so for a long time my creative practice was centred around design, structure and the built environment. Art was always something I did alongside that, but over time it became much more than a side project. Read more>>
Hope Williams-Bowie
Yes I can! Way back in the early 2000s I worked full-time in Accounting/Finance. Because traffic was so bad in the evenings, I would take Group Fitness classes at the gym around the corner from my job until traffic died down. There was this one Boot Camp class that I loved because the instructor was amazing! Read more>>
Saumya Gopal
I started dancing when I was 5 in an indian classical dance form called bharatanatyam. I started the violin in 5th grade, loved music, and would shower sing. I joined a dance team where I learned multiple styles of dance including hip hop, bollywood, bhangra and street jazz. When I was 16, my parents said get ready and put me in a car. Read more>>
Nesa Martinez
My new journey began 2023, transitioning into the Executive Chef Industry. Brining my own creative ideas and systematic / logistics in place with many restaurants within DFW. Working within contract base to ensure restaurants are set up for success. Read more>>
Shanita Rodgers
My journey in the beauty industry started with a love for hair, creativity, and just realizing there is endless growth in life. In the beginning, I don’t think I fully understood just how much this career would become a part of my purpose. Read more>>
Olga Alvarado
DivaDance itself was founded by Jami Stigliano, who came from the music industry and saw a gap in the dance world. She wanted to create a place where adults could learn choreography and enjoy dancing without the intimidation or pressure that can come with a traditional dance environment. Read more>>
Chris Aguilar
I grew up in a broken, abusive home near San Diego, California, reliant on the services that churches and government agencies could provide. My single mother raised four rowdy kids despite severe mental health limitations, so we knew the ins and outs of Social Security, welfare, Section 8 housing, and more. But at the time, I didn’t consider how bad we had it. Read more>>
Elizabeth/ Mandy Dixon/ Llewellyn
Beth and Mandy first met in 2009, when Mandy was Beth’s wedding coordinator. Through the wedding-planning process, we quickly became close friends and discovered that we worked really well together, especially when it came to creating memorable and special events. Read more>>
Weston Wappler
My brother and I got our start in business young; we launched a landscaping company in Austin when we were just 11 or 12 years old. What began as a couple of kids mowing lawns turned into a real business. Read more>>
Jasmyn Griffin
My name is Jasmyn Griffin, and I’m originally from Columbia, South Carolina. I moved to Dallas, Texas, in 2021, and after moving here, I really wanted to find new hobbies, build community, and find things that made Dallas feel a little more like home. Line dancing has always been something I’ve loved. Read more>>
Jennifer Hernandez
I began my teaching career in inner-city schools, full of excitement and eager to make a difference. But I quickly discovered the realities many of our students faced. Poverty, language barriers, and limited access to resources created challenges that extended far beyond the classroom. Read more>>
Jacquelyn & Jessica Fields
Jessica and I are sisters who have had the unique experience of pursuing medicine alongside one another, just at slightly different stages of the journey. We both grew up in Las Vegas and developed our interests in medicine through our own experiences, but having each other throughout the process has been such an important part of our story. Read more>>
DON KiNG
I have a lot of people ask me, “Coach King, how do you do all of this?” My answer is simple: I make time to do it all. So, please allow me to introduce myself, It’s certainly a pleasure to meet you all. My name is DON KING. Read more>>
Myrese Jennings
I’ve always had a love for photography. That was really the foundation for me. I’ve also always had a strong work ethic. Over the years, I’ve worked in so many different fields and developed a variety of skills that helped me obtain jobs and opportunities I never thought I would have. Read more>>
Reese Elder
It was fall of 2022 when my friend, Elizabeth, and I decided we wanted to run a summer camp for little girls. I remember we began brainstorming our camp name, themed days, and activities right away. We decided on Dream Big Girls Camp because we wanted our camp to have an inspiring message for all the girls that came. Read more>>
Chelsea Ragland
My story is a little difficult to tell in a straight line because I’ve never really been just one thing. Professionally, I’m an attorney. I started my legal career in Big Law, where I spent several years working in finance before eventually transitioning in-house. I’m incredibly proud of that part of my life. Read more>>
Raylee Trawick
I have been an artist as long as I could remember from grade school and up. I always knew that I wanted to be an artist but I never would have imagined I would be an art teacher providing intuitive art classes to promote mental wellness. Read more>>
Charles Benson
I am a musician and that’s really my story I’ve been playing guitar since 1992 when I was age 7. I’ve always known I wanted to play guitar since I was a little boy. Read more>>
Gavin Foster
Starting our early journey in Little Rock, AR we knew our vision was too big for such a small market and had been getting warm welcomes from Dallas/FW area artists and tattoo shops, Pnut finally took a leap of faith and moved to Dallas in 2015. Read more>>
Teka Chante’
My journey is rooted in faith, resilience, and an unwavering drive to build something meaningful. I was born and raised in a small town in Mississippi with very few local opportunities, so right after graduating high school, I packed up and moved straight to Dallas, skipping college to dive headfirst into the workforce. Read more>>
Alexandria Haley
My name is Alexandria, but my friends and family call me Ally. I am a public health social worker, a mom of five, and a proud Texan for the past 10 years. Now I can add entertainment artist and small business owner, as well. In 2025, shortly after welcoming my fifth child, life looked a little different for our family. Read more>>
Cleo To Tram Dau
I came to the United States from Vietnam with a desire to build a better future, and my career has grown through many different chapters. I eventually found my place in the beauty industry and became the founder of Era Beauty in Dalworthington Gardens, Texas. Read more>>
Ravi Kapoor
Our story began long before the storefront existed. We have spent years building a friendship rooted in trust, laughter, and a mutual love for our families to include our pets. Weekend meetups often turned into impromptu playdates with the kids and dogs. Read more>>
Alejandra Smith
I started doing hair back in 2020. In 2018, I was tired of working dead end jobs that lead nowhere. I always wanted to pursue hair when I was younger and didn’t. It was a hard road, working 8-4 and going to school from 4-10 for almost 2 years straight. Looking back, I don’t regret any bit of it. Read more>>
Adam Michael
My music journey began when I was around 15/16. Actually it began way earlier than that. Since I could remember music has been super important to me. My father played a lot of Michael Jackson, so I loved his music. My mother was more on the jazz, so Dave Koz & Kenny G also got a lot of play in the house. Read more>>
Eeman Chowdhury
Growing up, I always enjoyed expressing myself through art and writing. But I never truly knew what I wanted to pursue as a career until I discovered marketing. I already had a degree in biology, but I’m also a very creative person. Marketing as a profession really stood out to me since it combines both creative skills and analytical skills. Read more>>
Dana & Oscar Munoz Tagliabue
We are Oscar and Dana, co-founders of Altar Aqua Studio and husband and wife for 18 years – although sometimes we feel our story may have started many lifetimes ago. We have lived in The Woodlands for the past six years, and Altar Aqua is very much a family business. Read more>>
Mary Kate Kohl
Imagine this: you’re a fifth-grade girl unpacking your clothes at camp, only to find a training bra in your suitcase. That’s right, my mom bought me a training bra and packed it without me knowing. Simply put, I got boobs before I got braces. And while I stayed relatively lean, my chest continued to grow. Read more>>
Meleese Styles
I was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Plano. My early childhood was difficult. My parents went through a painful custody battle, and I experienced abuse at the hands of a close family member. Those experiences shaped much of my adolescence. I became someone who was constantly trying to make everyone around me happy while burying my own pain as deeply as I could. Read more>>
Thomas (T.D.) Motley
1. Your Story: After teaching for several decades at Dallas College, I retired as Professor Emeritus of art and art history in 2016. During the last years of that long career, my artist wife Rebecca managed our business, Tom Motley North Texas Gardens. Read more>>
Victoria Netherly
I’ve had social media for 20+ years (oh my!), but never put much thought into creating and posting content with intention. When I entered my 40’s I just began to wonder who else was out there that’s in the same season of life as me. I felt alone, but thought surely I can’t be the only one with the same thoughts and feelings. Read more>>
BigMacKaz
I’m Zak, better known online as BigMacKaz, a UK-based streamer and voice actor. I started creating content because I’ve always loved games, films and random conversations that somehow turn into full-on debates. Streaming felt like the natural place for that, because it gave me a space to be myself, talk nonsense, share opinions and connect with people. Read more>>
Chrissy Choate
My husband and I started traveling together years ago, and once I got bit by the travel bug, I never looked back. We’d always loved photography and sharing our shots with close family and friends — that combination of storytelling and discovery became the foundation for everything that followed. Read more>>
