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.
Adeola Olayiwola
While my academic background is in Biochemistry, my true passion has always been art. It’s this love of creation that ultimately led me to the kitchen. Cooking is my artistic outlet, a way to experiment with colors, textures, and the perfect blend of spices to create harmonious flavors. I’m fascinated by the science behind flavor development, perhaps a nod to my biochemistry background, but it’s the art of plating and the emotional connection food creates that truly captivates me. There’s nothing more rewarding for me, than crafting a dish that not only tastes incredible but also sparks joy and creates lasting memories. Read More>>
Sobi Qazi
In 2015, I expanded my expertise by obtaining a real estate license, allowing me to help couples achieve their dreams not only through wedding planning but also in home buying. I am passionate about guiding individuals through life’s major transitions—whether it’s newlyweds finding their first home, engaged couples planning for the future, or divorcing spouses starting a new chapter. Read More>>
Muhammed Kaya
I am the Head of School at Horizon Leadership Academy, a private, small school. We opened our doors last year, and this is our second year. I had public school experience in my previous years, but I decided to start a new journey in private school. I homeschooled my two sons last year, and I was looking for alternatives that would be better for my children, too. This new setting is challenging due to my role as a founding principal. The private school provides more autonomy to leaders and teachers. Read More>>
Ahmad Kilani
The opening of Clutch City was a turning point in both my work and personal life. This was my American Dream. I developed a big brand with an amazing team and was able to open 13 locations nationwide just 3 years after my first opening. With more locations coming soon to every state. Read More>>
Jewel Johnson
My faith, family, and friends inspire my passion for helping others live their best lives. I am also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and I enjoy supporting charitable initiatives. Over the next five years, I aim to establish an endowment for African American students pursuing careers in science and build a thriving consulting business dedicated to coaching future sales leaders. In my spare time, I love to travel the world and enjoy incredible cuisine! Read More>>
Susanna Dussling
It was a great experience as I had the opportunity to travel all over the United States as a Leadership and Resiliency Speaker. When the pandemic occurred, it changed the trajectory of my speaking endeavor. Airline travel became extremely challenging, stressful, and difficult. I was also teaching horseback riding lessons during this time, as riding lessons exploded due to individuals with a desire to learn a new activity. Read More>>
Melinda Patrick
There were several obstacles along the way – all centering around earning an income. Making a living with painting was not in the cards so I evolved my work into graphic design and that paid the bills throughout most of my career. The other major obstacle was being seen by collectors and galleries. This was prior to the internet and artists mostly depended on brick and mortars or art festivals to be seen. But when the internet kicked in, the art world changed for me and I found I could sell in online galleries while collecting buyers worldwide. Read More>>
Lauren Nicole Grace
Oh of course not! Nothing new is going to be easy. Content creation requires you be to be able to deliver a message in your own words/fashion that is still able to be received and sought after by your audience. It certainly took time for me to find the filming style I most enjoyed and even balancing the categories I wished to cover. In order to find my own voice and get the engagement I wanted, it took quite a lot of trial and error. Read More>>
Cody Mier
While I pride myself on being undeniably impressive in my business, I am most thankful to be in such a great position to give back. Whether it’s teaching agents how to improve and develop skills, assisting folks (clients) to accomplish their real estate dreams, raising my 3 beautiful babies, helping my momma after she helped me for so long, or being the largest donor to the CB&A, Foundation, I am most grateful to give at every turn. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years hold in store! Read More>>
Paris Sashay
Still nervous I went to the show and was scared all over again, so I told my mom I wasn’t going up. So I went to hide in the bathroom to avoid being seen, so she went to the host and told her I wasn’t hiding in the bathroom, so the host said well Paris we aren’t going to continue the show until you come out. So I said welp then the show is over LOL. But they still didn’t take that for an answer, instead they started praying together and like a movie the door flew open and I came out. The host told me to perform for 7-8 minutes but I ended up doing 13 minutes and the feeling I felt was something I had never felt before. Every since that date I never stopped. Read More>>
Starrla Noble
I don’t believe in smooth roads. Without challenges, how do we learn and grow for the next hurdle life throws our way? I’ve had my fair share of bumps—getting my car repossessed, nearly losing my house more than once, struggling to pay bills, going without medication, and facing an unexpected hospital stay. Life doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath. But when you’re riding the struggle bus, you quickly discover what really matters. Read More>>
Melissa Scarani
I have always harbored a deep passion for rocks, gems, and minerals. From a young age, I loved collecting rocks, and as I grew up, I came to know and love the impressive collection at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. After graduating from high school, I pursued my interest further by enrolling in the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and achieving the title of Graduate Gemologist at the age of 18. Read More>>
Ijeoma Richards
My heart was full. I became passionate &driven and wanted to learn how to create the same magic creatd from the planner. Week later I registered for online eventplannong courses and an LLC- a limited liability company. Hence Exquisite Events Planning LLC was formed in August 2022. Since then, I and my team of professional have proudly helped bting visions and dreams come true for fifteen highly satisfied clients, making their celebrations even more memorable day. Read More>>
Derrick Hudson
I had a fairly humble up bringing being fortunate to have a strong family foundation, don’t get me wrong I wasn’t a silver spoon kid per-say but I sure got to lick one! With my Grandfather as the matriarch of my family holding accomplishments as a farmer veteran cook/baker and entrepreneur visionary. I embark my career path on something my entire family could be proud of so shortly after my school sports phase subsided I started my tenure for the culinary industry. Read More>>
Marquita & Andre Cooper
When Andre and I first came together, it was clear from the start that we weren’t just building a life together—we were building something bigger than ourselves. Our partnership extended beyond our personal lives into our business ventures. I serve as the CEO, and Andre as the CFO of AMC Industries & AMC Community Properties. With a perfect blend of visionary leadership and financial expertise, we’ve been able to grow a thriving enterprise rooted in passion, dedication, and a deep respect for one another. Read More>>
Anuj Datta
tried the short term rental model by converting one of the units to short term rental, when I saw the returns in comparison to traditional leasing I started to convert all the units short term rentals. In 2019 I established AD1 Management as the management arm of the company. Our mission is provide excellence and value to our guests and clients through expert management of short term rental assets. Since 2019 we have grown from 10 units under management to about 80 in 2025. Our vision for the future is grow the management portfolio by strategic partnerships with the right clients who have the assets for smart and steady expansion. Read More>>
Khalid Green
After adding the maximum number of people on Myspace every day for some time, I came across significant individuals who became friends, partners, mentors etc. I would write and listen to various music all the time, desperately trying to improve. One thing led to many others and the windows of opportunity continuously opened. Pretty much kept the momentum going since 14 years old and focused hard on not losing myself amidst the journey. This has all taught and shown me things I still may not fully understand, but cherish with all my existence. Never will I ever forget the ones who help(ed) make it possible. Read More>>
John Watson
John Watson started his 32-year mortgage banking career at Mellon Bank, working his way up to an executive level in his early 30’s at that organization, responsible for bank territory and the eastern part of the country for bank’s mortgage division. Shortly after leaving Mellon Bank, he founded his own mortgage banking firm, Community Home Loan, that he eventually sold to a publicly traded bank. Among many other mortgage industry leadership positions, he also served as the president of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association. Read More>>
Savannah Cook
One of my biggest challenges has been building a steady clientele, especially in the beginning, having to practice on family and wait for. clientele to grow but the support I’ve received along the way has made all the difference. I’m incredibly thankful for my parents and my fiancé, whose help has been essential in growing my business. Navigating this journey alone would have been much more difficult. Read More>>
Yanelli Villegas-Reyes
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. After a few years of working in skincare, I found a spa that truly pushed me to grow as an esthetician. I was learning so much, building amazing relationships with clients, and gaining a lot of confidence in my skills. Then unfortunately I was wrongfully let go for trying to build a small business of my own. At the time, it felt like a huge setback, and I honestly wasn’t sure what my next step would be . But looking back, I see that God was blessing me in disguise. He knew I was ready, even when I doubted myself. Read More>>
Shea Arender
Armed with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Psychology from American International University in Houston, Texas, Shea initially laid a strong foundation for his career. As his business ventures expanded over time, he cultivated a profound understanding of mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. This deeper self-awareness emerged as he successfully managed companies and directed entertainment productions on a global scale. Read More>>
Chenelle Parks
What sets Taxpark apart is our commitment to both expertise and education. We don’t just prepare taxes—we educate our clients on financial literacy, empowering them to make informed decisions that benefit their long-term financial health. Our client base ranges from individuals and small business owners to entrepreneurs generating over $1M in annual revenue. No matter the financial situation, we provide personalized strategies tailored to each client’s needs. Read More>>
Selina Fowler-Patrick
The program is not a replacement for traditional speech therapy, but many families have shared that without my program, their child would not be receiving any services at all due to the financial strain and the burden of transporting their child in the middle of the workday to a speech therapy clinic. Since the program is literacy-based with a focus on retelling and sequencing stories, as well as phonological awareness, many parents also enroll their children as a prep for the now rigorous kindergarten curriculum. Read More>>
Mr. C C Brooks
So, I started The Metallic Sunflower Collective – a non-profit with a for-profit attitude. The idea? A haven for Houston’s most talented, most ignored vendors. This isn’t some namby-pamby feel-good project. I’ve battled homelessness, survived abroad, conquered the suburbs, and even escaped a country club. So yeah, I bring the war stories, as well as a master welder’s skillset, environmental management expertise, a freight broker’s knowledge of logistics, and a customer service record that would make a saint weep with envy. Read More>>
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>>
