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.
Jonee Love
I was also featured in “top digital creators” to follow which boosted my presence even more. I now have expanded my audience to not only cooking but overall wellness as I recently lost 30 pounds and have shared this journey and inspired so many people that follow me. I have only been living in the Houston area for 2 years and look forward to getting my brand out in the open into the Houston community. Read More>>
Stephani Davis
As a mother of two, I started my journey in the beauty industry by obtaining my aesthetician licensure in 2015. Since then, I have refined my expertise in medical aesthetics, holistic wellness, and skincare. Driven by my passion for helping others feel confident and achieve their desired appearance, I pursued further studies and research to become a Master Holistic Aesthetician. My focus is on skincare treatments that highlight natural beauty through a holistic approach. Read More>>
Oak Morse
You might have mistaken me for an American audition, but my background music was the jazz instrumental of Nelly’s “Hot in Here,” from the days when bootleg CDs were popular. I was leaving an impression as I was jamming, almost floating, and rapping out my poem in front of the class. Since then, I have become obsessed with using words to impact myself and others. Like many others, I often juggled the responsibilities of a daily worker or student, sometimes both at the same time, but above all, I proudly embraced the fulfilling role of being a writer. Read More>>
Taylor Kirkland
The end of the month approaching I landed a job! 6 months into working I was able to start my personal training back up landing me with 6 clients. From there my client intake has been great pandemonium and my training sessions is oversaturated with high end clientele. Furthermore to cross network and expand my training I started a Free 6am all girls run club. Here im able to service the community by doing something that I love. Read More>>
Ro Swain
So I went out and brought a heat press, a vinyl cutter and some vinyl and gave it a shot. I was really good on the first try and I just started asking people in my family to let me make them a shirt. I fell in love with it and started learning more about placement and how to make a 1d picture look 3d, how to layer and work with glitter. Each day got better and better and now fine years later I am totally in love with my craft and how it brings endless smiles to people face when they see my work. Read More>>
Juan Montemayor
It’s always been up and down. Everything looks so easy to do yet so hard when actually doing it. I was self taught for the most part. I got to hang out at shops and would set up, break down etc but was always just looking at the Homies to get the schooling I needed to apply it to my work in the long run. But for sure to answer yur question a struggle lol. Read More>>
Peta-gaye Mccalla
Peta-Gaye McCalla’s path to real estate began with a strong background in business management and entrepreneurship, including running a successful six-figure e-commerce boutique. Originally from Jamaica and raised in Long Island, NY, she relocated to Houston, Texas, seeking new opportunities. With a passion for property investment and financial growth, Peta-Gaye transitioned into real estate, where she now specializes in residential and luxury properties. Her experience in client relationships and her deep understanding of the Houston market drive her success in helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Read More>>
Josh Keen
Two of the biggest challenges I faced one in my music career was being true to myself Keeping my music clean and positive and not compromising who I am just to keep up with trends and I was involved in a car accident in 2022..I was injured and unable to work for almost a year and had to have major neck surgery and also running your own business can be draining and exhausting sometimes because it takes a lot of time and money to keep a successful business thriving . Read More>>
Hugo Ramirez
Hey! My name is Hugo, and I was born and raised in El Salvador. I graduated as a strategic designer, and three years ago, I moved to H-town. I have a background in music and design, but my passion for ceramics began during college. I took a brief ceramics class, and it was love at first sight. From that moment on, I immersed myself in learning, spending my free time reading books, watching videos, and researching on my own. One day, I decided to take the plunge—I went to a local ceramic store, bought materials, and started experimenting. Read More>>
Monique
My passion for helping and inspiring others through my personal experiences naturally led me to the lifestyle niche, where I focus on motherhood, social life, and motivating others who may be going through similar challenges I’ve faced. Sharing my journey has become a way to connect, uplift, and encourage others in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Read More>>
Paige Durham
Even more when I got older , I had turned into an outlet that I could express myself through ,when I couldn’t necessarily use my words. It was an act of defiance.But little did I know that would be a stepping stone that would have me from being a fashion observer/admirer to someone who facilitates – just a reminder of inner-confidence , highlighting the light in them. And even actualizing their thought to reality. Read More>>
Delana Richardson
Before 2022 ended, I reflected on my life; I knew I wanted different and more for myself but didn’t think I had the funds to start a business; I had a lot of self-doubt, and I just kept thinking, what if this doesn’t work out. When I found out I was pregnant and knew, I was going to be a single mom, that made me push for my dreams more because I also knew that if God gave me the vision it was for me. After giving birth, I worked two jobs to save money; I continued to do research, network, and learn as I go with the resources I had until I was able to get my business up and running. Read More>>
O’schae Burris
I’ve always been focused and purpose driven, even as a child. I always wanted to know how things worked, what was being done, and who was doing it. It wasn’t until the loss of my dad at 13 that I really began to put my plan for my life in motion. Being introduced to that part of life at that particular age definitely shaped my way of thinking. I always felt like I didn’t have time to waste. “Life is short so you can’t afford to waste time doing silly kid things. Read More>>
Dequarius Nelson
It’s been a good start, but there have been some struggles along the way. It hasn’t been a smooth road due to a lot of self-doubt. I always overthink and question myself at times, but my mom always encourages me to just relax and be myself. Another struggle that I have is that I can be very antisocial, which prevents me from networking and promoting myself. Although I have these struggles, I see myself overcoming these obstacles over the time period since I started. Read More>>
Crystal Travis
Despite personal challenges, including a difficult breakup and the loss of my dog, I remain focused on my culinary passion. I am currently working on a cookbook and collaborating on major projects. I recently completed my time at the Revolt Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, where I had the pleasure of working with Shanita Castle, the owner of Castle Catering. Read More>>
Kayla Davis
Our party business ‘Family Parties and More’ is family owned by myself and my sister in law. We initially started with balloons for birthday parties in 2019 and loved the feedback from the people who saw our work. In 2022, the name Family Parties and More was created. Read More>>
