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.
Stephanie Marshall
If you ask my friends and family, I have always been “that one” who organizes everything for others. Whether it’s helping someone pack or plan a wedding, I seem to have been born with the knack to organize. I spent my earlier years working in the corporate sector and in politics. In 2007 I got married and moved abroad. My husband was in the Australian Air Force and we ended up moving a few times. Read More>>
Radhika Patel
Starting a business from scratch is never easy, especially when it is a one-woman-show. Not only am I the baker, I’m also the marketer, the social media manager, the copywriter, the financial department and more. Managing my time alongside being a Mother to a 3-year-old (my biggest supporter), is often challenging. However, the rewards outweigh the risks and challenges. Seeing the reaction of my client’s not only when they see their bake but when they indulge in them too is priceless. The long days and midnight evenings seem a distant memory…. until the next order comes in…! Read More>>
Sydney Alexandria
Two years later, I launched Breathe Free 501(c)(3), a nonprofit organization dedicated to provide free holistic therapy and wellness resources to communities overcoming barriers, with a focus on Survivors of Domestic Violence, Black Men’s mental health, and Cultivating Mindful Youth. Through education, advocacy, wellness programs, and compassionate support, we strive to empower individuals to heal, thrive, and reclaim their mental and emotional well-being. My own healing journey made me deeply aware of how inaccessible these resources can be for many people, especially survivors and marginalized groups. Read More>>
My-van Truong & Kelly Nguyen
As best friends with a shared love for good food and creativity, we set out to create something unique. Our charcuterie boards offer the ability to create perfect Banh Mi bites—packed with all the bold, vibrant flavors you’d expect but designed to be easily enjoyed in a shareable, bite-sized format. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, whether at a party, a family dinner, or a casual get-together. Read More>>
Ali Bahramian
After 12 years in the industry, I left Iran and started a new chapter as an immigrant. Life took me through all kinds of jobs, but photography was always there—something I turned to, something I loved. I spent 25 years capturing moments as a hobby, learning and growing with every shot. Read More>>
Latasha Saylor
Eventually, we seized the opportunity to open an event center in Missouri City, TX, combining our passion for entrepreneurship with our desire to bring people together for unforgettable moments. Owning this event center has allowed us not only to create a thriving business but also to build a legacy that we hope will inspire our children to pursue their own dreams. Together, we are dedicated to making our mark in the community and leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.. Read More>>
Constance Smith
One day, I woke up, and God spoke to me and said, “What are you waiting for? Life is not promised….we don’t know if we will even be here ten years from now. So why not now? Do it now. Do it, afraid!” So, I took a leap of faith and launched the business that week. My husband bought me a new hi-tech camera and a few lenses, hired a CPA to handle my LLC paperwork, opened a business checking and online booking website, created a social media page, started branding myself, and advertised. Within a few weeks, I was booked almost every weekend for the rest of the year. Everything just fell into place. Read More>>
Khamiyah Mackbee
2022 i finally ended up creating me a instagram account for just my hair business where i posted videos of me doing hair, tutorials and etc… still not where i know i could be but definitely making my way their and had so much support from my peers along the way which let me knew i had it and can finally make my name mean something. From that point on i just stayed consistent continued to perfect my craft, believe in myself and most importantly continued moving forward to where i created a business website, and gained a steady clientele to where as i am now Slayedbydon. Read More>>
Luis Delgado
Officially my musical journey started when I released my first song on August 2022. However, growing up I always had an interest in music. Wether it was trying to learn to play an instrument or making song covers, I always felt a deep connection with music. My journey has had ups and downs from having creative blockages to writing songs that have been able to connect with people and most importantly that I really like. Although my song catalog is not as extensive (9 songs) Each release has represented a step towards the goal of finding my sound. Read More>>
Opemipo Ajape
What sets me apart is the intentionality I bring to all my roles. Whether it’s storytelling through my books, mentoring others, or contributing to life-changing research, I strive to operate with purpose and passion. I am most proud of my ability to impact lives—through my books, my military service, and my contributions to healthcare. Each role I play aligns with my desire to inspire, uplift, and serve others in meaningful ways. Read More>>
Joel Harris
In September of 2021, I quit my corporate job, talked to my mom and decided to pick the company back up. I started with a couple small dehydrators, my one-bedroom apartment, and her awesome recipes to go off of. In the past three years, with help from many in my family and beyond, I have been able to open a 1,500 sq. Ft. facility in Tomball where we make all of our products. My fiancé and I now run Zax Snax together and we sell nationwide in retail stores, online, and as many local Houston farmers markets as possible. Read More>>
Mobolanle Arafat
My name is Arafat Mobolanle Abari, and I am the founder of Asake’s Kitchen, which I officially launched in May 2020. My journey with cooking began at the age of 13, inspired by my mom’s love for making jollof rice, her favorite dish. She would prepare it multiple times a week, and watching her in the kitchen ignited my passion for cooking. I started experimenting with simple meals like noodles, and over time, I found cooking to be more than just a daily activity—it became a form of art and a way to express myself. Read More>>
Gustavo Cordero
No, it has definitely not been an easy road. Like any business, we’ve faced our own set of challenges and obstacles. One of the main difficulties was finding the perfect balance between quality and innovation in our services. In the mobile bar industry, it’s crucial to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies to offer unique and memorable experiences, while also working to establish a solid presence in the market. Read More>>
Michelle Marquez
It is never too late to start,” and “What is meant to find you will never pass you by” are two quotes that guide my life. Throughout my career, I have engaged in various creative endeavors that have brought me immense joy, including makeup artistry, photography, talent scouting, writing, blogging, and content creation. Initially, I believed I would never find a career that allowed my creativity to flourish—until I decided to return to university for higher education. I attended Houston Baptist University, where I graduated with a degree in Mass Media Communication and a minor in Writing. Read More>>
Majik Ball
I have never had it easy, but my art has been my escape. I was a sick kid, and I’m a sick adult now, so drawing was my way of healing. My family experienced homelessness, and having a sketch pad helped give me an outlet during that period of time. I started being more active online and finding my community during the pandemic, and a paint brush helped me heal from a very nasty case of Covid. Read More>>
Stanley Smith
I was enlisted in the Marine Corps for 7 years and I spent the last couple of years in Iwakuni, Japan. While in Japan that’s when I first picked up a pair of clippers and started to cut my own hair. My Marine brothers kept asking me who cut my hair and I replied myself. Being in the Marines we’re required to have a fresh cut every week. With a lot of repetition and self learning with the aid of YouTube that’s where I developed the passion for the barber industry. Read More>>
Javier Maldonado
Have live mostly in the Alief side of town. Had a rough childhood more bad memories then good ones. Did some juvenile time for 2 years when i was 11yrs old. Was in and out of alternative schools, in high school, fun fact I went to my first alternative school at 3rd grade. Eventually dropped out of high school at 17yrs old. So you see childhood times were a mess. Luckily right when i got out of Juvi at the age of 14 i went to Miami to live with my grandpa. Read More>>
Thomika Andrews
As I grew older, I wanted to understand why I felt this way. I realized that many other people were going through similar struggles. This made me want to help others who felt lost or hurt, just like I did. To do this, I went through extensive training to learn how to support people dealing with unresolved trauma. I studied different ways to help others heal and feel better. After my training, I decided to create a safe place where everyone could talk about their feelings and support each other. I reached out to experts and listened to their advice so I could make programs that would be helpful. Read More>>
Rosanne (rose) Kelley
Since I was little, I’ve always been a singer and began leading worship at church in my late teens. In addition, I took voice lessons for at least 12 years, which helped shape my skills and was instrumental in discovering my “Voice Print,” so to speak. In 2012, I graduated as a speech therapist in the Netherlands and started working at one of the country’s most prestigious private speech therapy practices. By 2014, after completing several specialized courses, I began working as a voice pathologist with vocational speakers and singers—which was exactly why I studied speech therapy in the first place. Read More>>
Jennifer Cleaver
During my recovery from a back surgery, I started making earrings, which gained significant popularity. This helped me to acquire my first CO2 laser. With this new equipment, I was able to create laser-cut earrings, ornaments, baby name signs, custom paw print and handwriting signs, custom badge reels and more. I also expanded to add wholesale homecoming mum acrylics. Currently, about 75% of my products are personalized or customized. I now operate an industrial-size CO2 laser and have recently added a fiber laser, which enables me to offer customized jewelry in gold, silver, and stainless steel. Read More>>
Dana Sparks
My journey in the arts began at the age of 3 when I stepped into my first dance class. Growing up, I had the privilege of learning from several esteemed dance teachers in Houston, but my greatest inspiration has always been my mom. She owned Greenspoint School of Dance and Baton, where I practically grew up. Watching her passion and dedication to her students shaped me into the person I am today. By the age of 13, I was already teaching classes at her studio, and it was there that I began to see how dance could inspire and transform others. Read More>>
Warren “bear” Scherer
While his professional accomplishments are impressive, it is Warren’s personal mission that truly defines him. The loss of his father in 2017 to suicide was a heartbreaking turning point in his life. This tragedy forced Warren to confront his own struggles with PTSD and grief, ultimately igniting a passion to support fellow Veterans and first responders who face similar battles. He founded a local support group aimed at combating PTSD and raising awareness about suicide prevention, creating a safe space for open conversations and healing. Read More>>
Chi-chi Emezie
Another business venture of mine that I am truly passionate about is producing UGC content for brands in various industries. Essentially, I create and edit high quality content that can be utilized in ads or social media. It grew exponentially in 2024, and I cannot wait to see what else we will achieve this year. Read More>>
Ashelye Chantre
I am a very passionate person, I have many goals and dreams in life I would like one day to conquer. My creative side is the one thing that keeps me busy with all my ideas and passions. It’s hard to juggle all these side hustles while my full time job supports them. This year 2025, I have many big plans coming with my music career. I have several songs and an EP ready to be unleashed into this world. This will be my year to finally give it a full shot. I want to see how far I am willing to go to actually see it happen! Read More>>
Abdul Samad
What sets us apart from our competitors is our commitment to results. If our clients don’t see tangible outcomes within the first three months of working with us, we offer the fourth month completely free of charge. If results are still not achieved, we extend the trial period by an additional 15 days at no cost. Read More>>
Brionne Armstrong And Teja Dabney
Unfortunately, it has not been a smooth road; of course funding is always an issue, and also life can easily get in the way. Making time for daily business tasks and goals can really be a heavy load to carry. Since we’re both still working full time within our careers, and one of us is also a mother of two, our business sometimes is put on the back burner. Doing everything by yourself, you have to be very intentional. You have to make sure you carve out time daily to work on the business, even if it’s just ten minutes to create an Instagram post or write down potential ideas. It can be hard but the rewarding factor is knowing that we’re creating something that’s all our own. Read More>>
Sean Carter
Well, that encounter grew into regular practices where I served as a coach to teach them the game and grew interest enough to form a team at CLHS. We later found a few other teams like ours around the city and began to play them. This grew into a city-wide league that I ran with volunteer coaches at schools like Katy HS, South Houston HS, Pasadena HS, Clear Creek HS, and Alvin HS. Read More>>
Shelly Castle
I was doing rideshare and they took my joy from me. I had a 5 star rating on both rideshare apps and people would call and falsely report us drivers, to get free rides. They lie on us and didn’t realize how it would affect us. I work very hard and took passion in what I did and took it to a whole different level! I differentiated myself from the rest and made it a whole party on wheels 
. So told God to take me out of this world, or give me a reason to live. He gave me a reason to live and said Shelly Castle, I am not done with you yet! So I did it and started my own company with literally nothing and not even knowing what to do or how to run a business or what all I would need to be a success! Read More>>
Robert Mason III
After graduation, I worked in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy from 2018 to 2020. This role allowed me to support children with developmental challenges and deepened my passion for helping others. In 2020, I transitioned into teaching, working as a kindergarten teacher and later teaching 2nd grade in 2021. Teaching was a transformative experience that taught me patience, adaptability, and how to nurture young minds. Read More>>
Chrislyn Pettus
The concept for Meaux Juice & Co. emerged in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic during a meaningful conversation in my living room with my mom and cousin. What began as a personal hobby to support my wellness goals while away from campus quickly grew into something much more. My mom had bought a juicer that sat untouched for months, but that pivotal conversation inspired me to finally put it to use. Read More>>
Lucy Vazquez
**No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road.** Like most journeys worth taking, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced was breaking into the real estate industry. When I started, I was determined to serve the Hispanic community, but I quickly realized that many people lacked the information or resources to confidently navigate the process of buying or selling a home. This motivated me to create educational video content, often in Spanish, to bridge that gap. Read More>>
Cornelius Patterson
My journey in the hair industry began as a hairstylist assistant, traveling from city to city for two years, shampooing and assisting wherever I was needed. During this time, I developed a deep passion for hair care, particularly for helping my clients achieve and maintain healthy hair. This passion inspired me to create my own product line, (Neil’z Naturalz)where I combined different remedies and conducted extensive research to understand the science behind healthy hair. Read More>>
Erica Perez
A few years later, I opened my own clinic in Katy, providing ABA therapy with the support of an amazing team and the leadership of an incredible BCBA. While offering ABA, we recognized a significant gap in resources for older children transitioning out of school. There was very little available to help these individuals develop the skills they needed for life after school. This realization led to the creation of Be Extraordinary—a program focused on skill-building and training for young adults with autism. Read More>>
Tiffani Gallardo
After graduating from Sam Houston State University with a degree in biology, I set out to gain as much knowledge and experience in the animal field as I could. I’ve worked with domestics in boarding and shelter environments, exotics at our local zoo, and native wildlife in rehabilitation settings. But without a doubt, wildlife rehabilitation grabbed my heart and never let go. I started at Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center (formerly TWRC Wildlife Coalition) back in 2016 as a volunteer in the baby squirrel program. I was hooked the second I fed my first baby squirrel. That love-at-first-sight moment only grew as I worked with more species, especially my first baby opossum. Read More>>
Jovan Williams
Back in 2020, I had launched a flower business in California, 19eighty Flora, which ignited my passion for hosting and creating beautiful, aesthetic spaces. After countless sleepless nights of grieving, dreaming, and researching, inspiration struck: I decided to merge my love for crafting candles and flowers with a unique bar experience. That vision came to life as *19eighty Social*. Read More>>
Celeste Potter
Through this journey, my family became my greatest cheerleaders, helping me find strength and hope during my recovery. Together, we explored non-invasive and natural approaches to healing, and that experience became the foundation for what Serenity Sips is today. I wanted to create a space that embodied everything I’d learned—prioritizing wellness, fostering community, and making room for the little moments that bring connection and joy. Read More>>
Kenesha Austin
In 2019, I relocated to Houston, Texas from St. Louis, Missouri. It wasn’t until I relocated to Houston that I found my passion for cooking. I’ve always had a love for cooking due to being born and raised in the South, West Memphis, Arkansas. Growing up, I always gathered tips and tricks from my Mom, my Uncle Motor, and my Grandma and based on the information I was given, I’d try to recreate a meal or recipe. Read More>>
Estefania Figueroa
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was finding my signature glam and figuring out how I fit into the makeup world. For a while, I felt pressured to follow trends and fit into a specific mold, but I quickly realized that I didn’t have to. Instead, I focused on carving out my own path and developing a style that felt true to me. That decision—to stop trying to fit in and instead embrace my individuality—was the best one I ever made. It not only gave me confidence as an artist but also allowed me to build a business I’m genuinely proud of. Read More>>
Michelle Pena
Also another big struggle along the way was that a lot of the times when I was just beginning I had to work on clients while my babies where there. I had no one to help me while I would work and it made things super overwhelming but thankfully I was I always able to make it thought and had very great and understanding clients that didn’t mind and even supported me a lot more because they seen how much I would push to be able go juggle everything. I will forever appreciate every single one of them. Read More>>
Abhilasha Saxena
It was during those years in IT that I began to realize what truly sparked my enthusiasm—people. I have always had a knack for socializing, meeting new individuals, and learning about their diverse backgrounds. I also developed a deep appreciation for beautiful houses, and the idea of touring them became a passion. But what truly set me on a different path was my love for investing and the dream of creating significant wealth—something I knew was possible if I made the right moves. Read More>>
Luis Rodriguez
The road is never easy, but when you travel it with passion and surround yourself with people who grow alongside you, it becomes an incredible journey. Every step of the way has come with its challenges—balancing career growth with family priorities, navigating new markets, and leading teams through transformation and innovation. These moments have tested my resolve, but they’ve also taught me resilience and the importance of trusting the process. Read More>>
Angelica Kopa
Forever Beautiful was born from a personal experience and a passion for helping others feel confident in their skin. My journey began years ago when I struggled to find affordable, effective solutions for unwanted hair. Like so many others, I spent time and money on temporary fixes that never delivered lasting results. This frustration sparked the idea to create a space where people could access top-quality laser hair removal services without breaking the bank. Read More>>
Claire McInnis
There have definitely been challenges, just like with any skill. One of my biggest roadblocks has been letting go of perfectionism. There’s nothing quite like an unexpected technical difficulty or a song that doesn’t quite land with an audience. Those moments used to really shake me, but I’ve learned they’re just part of the process and will only help me grow. Read More>>
Diane Landers
When that company was acquired and we were notified our Houston office would be closing, I knew my next move had to be something I was truly passionate about. Interior Design of course! But how? I went through an online certification program for Interior Design at The New York Institute of Art and Design and was somehow lucky enough to be hired by J Randall Powers ID- an esteemed, luxury interior design firm. It was there, under the guidance of Randy Powers and Christopher Alexander, that I realized I had finally found what I had been searching for most of my adult life. Read More>>
Chloe Campuzano
At this point, I’m just glad that I can make something that other people can enjoy at a reasonable cost. It makes me so happy hearing people tell me how much they loved a certain cakepop or how much the people at their event loved the treats. Valentine’s Day is the most impactful holiday coming up, it’s the time of year where I tend to get the most orders and I can’t wait to see how it’ll play out! I’m now 20 years old, a full time college student, and a business woman, I can’t wait to see what 2025 offers me next! Read More>>
Men N Melanin
They were also known for being the most stylish in town. From their custom-made clothes to the latest streetwear, they had a flair for fashion that turned heads. But their swagger wasn’t just about clothes; it was about how they carried themselves. Every move they made was intentional, and it showed in the way they treated each other and the world around them. Even so Señor V has his own clothing brand called Vizqueux Studioz. Read More>>
SAMANTHA MORALES
I love sharing this story because it feels like it’s not solely mine. Every business starts with a dream, usually one person’s vision, but evolves and grows along the way with other people. Why experience creation? For me is simple. In today’s world, especially with social media being a big part of our lives, people choose places based on the experience they offer, not just the core service. It just makes sense. Read More>>
Trinity Vaughn
Originally born in Indianapolis IN. I moved to Houston at the young age of 4 years old. Throughout my growing years, I would go back home to Indy for the summers to visit with my Daddy & other relatives. When my Daddy was at work I would spend most of my time around my cousins. Freestyling & making up songs on the porch at my Grandma’s house is a core memory for me and is what solidified my talent today. Every time my cousin’s boyfriend would see me, he’d ask me to freestyle to him for a chocolate bar. Read More>>
Dr. Kristi Hustak
Dr. Hustak is one of the few surgeons in the greater Houston area who specializes in vaginal rejuvenation, integrating it seamlessly into her comprehensive mommy makeover procedures. Her holistic approach addresses both aesthetic and functional aspects of women’s health, empowering her patients to regain confidence and embrace their unique journeys. She also provides care for patients on weight loss journeys, ensuring they feel supported and rejuvenated every step of the way. Read More>>
Dariana Villegas
I ran with that and became a macaron only baker, I specialize in making custom Swiss macarons, which is ironic because I remember when I started making them I would always say I’m never making these pain the read cookies again. Starting my business was a bit scary but I always had the support of my husband and his family. Anytime I would doubt myself or think of quitting on myself he always lifted me up and told me to keep going. So listeners and customers you can thank him for me being able to deliver these beautiful treats to you guys. Honestly life has been everything other than predictable and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Read More>>
Sherif Zaafran
I went to Clements high school in Sugar Land followed by UT Austin before I went to medical school at UT McGovern. I finished my Anesthesia residency there and joined Greater Houston Anesthesia which later became US Anesthesia Partners. I’ve always been active with health care policy since medical school. In 2017 I was appointed by Governor Abbott to be the President of the Texas Medical Board. I’ve served in that role since then along with continuing to be a practicing Anesthesiologist. Read More>>
Rigoberto Cortez Sr.
I was born and raised In Matamoros, Tamaulipas in a place where the eagerness to be successful is of many but the opportunities of work are very low. Here I met my wife, partner, and the mother of my 3 kids Maria Cortez. Growing up my parents weren’t around because of work but I was blessed to have older men around me as mentors who taught me and guided me to become who I am today. I grew up with only my mother and she was the one who worked her butt off to make sure all 11 of her kids survived. Read More>>
Blaison Comeaux
Basically I started out of high school working for different clubs as a promoter. I ended up forming my own promotion team. People would ask me and my team to host at different venues. Read More>>
