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.
Viridiana Reyes
The road has not been easy at all. People think that taking a photo is just pressing a button, when in reality it is more than that, it takes some time to learn. Sometimes there can also be other factors that make it difficult. In my case, I am a mother of two little girls, one 2 years old and the other 8, which means I always have to divide my time between being a housewife and a working woman. But I have the support of my family, without whom I would never have achieved it. I will always be grateful to my parents, husband, sisters and brother) and my aunt who is like a second mother to me!. Read more>>
Jack Hua
After earning my medical degree at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School, I embarked on a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This phase of my training was pivotal, as it immersed me in the complexities of facial anatomy and reconstruction, providing a solid foundation in surgical skills. I wanted to expand my repertoire and address a broader array of patient needs, which led me to pursue a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Houston Methodist Institute of Reconstructive Surgery. This fellowship was transformative, allowing me to refine my skills and deepen my understanding of both aesthetic and reconstructive surgical techniques. Read more>>
Jodee Bleu
Nothing we fight for is easy I can say that I’ve been through a lot trying to pursue music. As an independent artist, I believe your main struggle is financing and just putting your money in the correct people hands that can elevate your career. There is a lot of talent in Houston. There’s also a lot of people that are building platforms for the artist in the city and not all of them have the best intentions. Besides finances, I believe an artist team can also make them or break them so choose wisely. Read more>>
Danielle Fortune
I was 16 when I became a mom. Graduated on time with my credentials to be a cosmetologist once state board was completed. In my mid 20’s While enjoying my career as a salon manager and upcoming Houston live music singer, I found myself in an abusive relationship. After 4 years and 2 beautiful children I finally got the strength to make a plan to leave. I left and never looked back, those moments alone as a single mother pushed me to go all. in and the following year I opened my salon March 2019. Read more>>
Mayra / Anahi Guevara / Quezada
Flowers had always been a shared love of ours. Mayra would spend weekends shopping for fresh blooms, while Anahi had a strong background in business and a keen eye for strategy. It felt like the perfect combination—passion meets expertise. That’s when the idea for LUXÉ Floral and Co. was born. We envisioned a brand that would offer beautiful, customizable floral arrangements, crafted with love and a personal touch. Read more>>
Carmell Phipps
Chiropractic has always been a part of my life. My grandma is a chiropractor, and I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up receiving chiropractic care, which has profoundly influenced me. While this certainly shaped my career path, it wasn’t an immediate choice. In fact, I strayed from it for a while because I wanted to be a “black sheep” and explore other options. However, my desire to help people and empower them to live healthier lives—free from reliance on medications or unnecessary surgeries—eventually led me back to chiropractic. After countless hours of research and introspection, I decided to embrace my roots and pursue this path. Looking back, it’s been the best decision I could’ve made. Read more>>
Leslie Morrison
to take meaningful action. In an average year, 4,330 people die by guns and 7,726 people are wounded by guns in Texas. Having personal conversations about specific gun violence issues, sharing educational articles or social media posts or attending in-person events, and supporting activists who aren’t afraid to look their lawmakers in the eyes and demand better from them should be a priority for all Texans, especially considering firearms are the number one cause of death for children and teens, and gun violence costs Texas $51.3 billion each year. Read more>>
Mary Guerrero
My name is Mary Guerrero. I am Colombian, and I live in Houston, Texas, also known as the Space City. I have been in this amazing country for over 25 years. I am a business administrator, and through my multiservice office, I support my clients before, during, and after each service. I always work with God first, who gives us wisdom and opens doors, so I can provide honest and excellent help to my clients. Read more>>
Charles Ivy
Additionally, I operate EnvyInk, Inc., my agency, and I work on various projects as they arise. I am critical about my projects, choosing to collaborate only with clients whose visions inspire me or ignite my passion. Ultimately, I am committed to supporting businesses that promote meaningful values and enrich my life in exceptional ways. Read more>>
Selena Wilson
As a newly formed transportation company, I have traveled over 30 states and have hauled goods in a 53ft dry van trailer across the United States and New Mexico. I plan on working in the business for another year and then hiring a professional driver enabling me to scale my trucking company and purchase a second truck. I have learned to stay diligent in my pursuit of creating generational wealth. I hope to keep others inspired by my willingness to succeed as I climb the ladder of success. Read more>>.
Sledge
The dream started off as a very narrow path. I wanted the cliche money, cars, clothes, and women As the years went on and I developed my writing and sound I longed for something more fulfilling than the flesh. I began writing more vulnerable content reaching into a place that I was uncomfortable with sharing, in hopes of helping someone in a similar situation have a better outlook. Many of my songs showcase hard times with a positive outcome. We all go through hardship and I think that’s something we can all relate to. If we took a little time to realize that instead of instantly getting mad or frustrated with other people, of which I am guilty, we could all get a long just a little better. Read more>>
Kim Soto
The word spread and eventually Queen Zuri Sweet & Savory became known for delicious desserts and unique packaging. This dedication to quality desserts, landed Queen Zuri Sweet & Savory on the campus of Yale University. The rest is history. Queen Zuri can be found online satisfying the needs of all of America. Read more>>
Xuexia Bruton
I was an ICU nurse for 5 years and I traveled during Covid for 2 years. It made great money, but essentially was not fulfilling to me in the long run and I got super burnt out. I was working at a drip spa for the time being when my mentor and his wife in my current business, introduced themselves to me. I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business without knowing what would happen. About a year later I am making the same that I would make as a travel nurse with much more flexibility and freedom. I wake up every morning happy about the work that I’m doing and the legacy I’m leaving behind for other people. Read more>>
Emmy Le
My sister, Amy and I, started our company, Le’DRIP Coffee and Tea late 2022. We moved from Vietnam to the US in our early 20’s and there are so many things we miss about Vietnam, the coffee culture among the ones we miss most. Although the coffee scene in Houston was already incredibly diverse and rich, we still couldn’t find the specific Vietnamese flavors we were looking for. Up until this point, locally, Vietnamese restaurants were where you’d go to get a cup of Vietnamese coffee. Still what about those who just wanted to pop in somewhere quick without walking through a whole dining hall? Vietnamese coffee also isn’t just “ca phe sua da”, it is much more than that. Read more>>
Rick Prieto
I saw a Karate Sign on Ventura Blvd, and went in and started Karate – not knowing it was a Chuck Norris studio. I got my white belt and was working out 40-50 hours a month and soon was assisting the new students on the mat. I was known to my friends as “Rick”. I began my martial arts training in Sherman Oaks, California in 1968. My first instructor was, Pat Johnson, one of Chuck Norris’ first black belts. I trained hard. My first “claim-to-fame”, was as a white belt competing in a tournament called the Four Seasons. The Four Seasons was hosted by Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Bob Wall and Mike Stone where I took first place in sparring, twice, some three months apart and was presented with both trophy’s, on two different occasions, by Bruce Lee! Read more>>
Barry Carter
As I got older and more mature I began to take the instrument more seriously and the rest is history. I’ve played in various bands throughout the years and attended Los Angeles Music Academy in my early 20’s. After I taught my first drum student over 10 years ago I realized I also had a passion for teaching. I love passing my knowledge of drums off to others that are also passionate about the instrument. Read more>>
Q. Solo
QUE wasn’t just a filmmaker; he was a storyteller. He saw the power of the camera to tell a story, to evoke emotion, to transport the viewer to another world. He started making short films, music videos, business commercials, skits & anywhere that he could showcase his new found love. Q. Solo found his voice, not with a pencil, but with a lens. He soon came to realize that sometimes, the most powerful stories weren’t scripted; they were lived. Read more>>
Kaisha Jones
The road hasn’t always been so smooth there’s been some bumps for sure, but I enjoy what I do. I’m blessed to work with clients who value me, my work ethics and my commitment to bringing their vision to life. My drive comes from my family. They’re my biggest supporters. As my late great parents would say “Anything worth having is worth working for!” Read more>>
Ra’shunda Adams
My husband and I did marriage and premarital counseling as marriage ministry leaders and branched out on our own in 2020. I wanted to extend my help with the many complexities and challenges of relationships, beyond premarital counseling, and graduated with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and started my own private practice, Aim for Healing Therapy, PLLC in June 2024. At Aim for Healing Therapy, I help people break unhealthy patterns, set healthy boundaries, and create the relationships that they deserve and desire, with themselves and others. Read more>>
Ashley Sanchez
When Monster and I started Monsters Ink, LLC, we knew we wanted it to be more than just a shop. We wanted it to be a welcoming space where clients feel comfortable, whether they’re getting their first tattoo or adding to a collection. From the beginning, we focused on high-quality work, a strong connection with our clients, and a team of talented artists who share our vision. Read more>>
Gabriela Guerrero
After COVID was becoming a thing of the past, and things were somewhat going back to normal, people even started to come shop in person in my small garage. I first started by selling only jewelry and accessories. Then with time and support from my customers my small business grew into a full women’s boutique. Offering women clothing, accessories/jewelry, footwear and much more. I started taking over my home with all kinds of inventory. That’s when I asked my husband and dad to build me a she shed to keep all of our inventory. I drew out a plan on how I wanted the layout and they did the magic and built it from scratch. Read more>>
Morgan Hershey
Each item takes multiple hours and hundreds to thousands of crochet stitches to create. I prefer to make custom pieces for people and specialize in making their visions come to life. One of my items that I am most proud of would have to be an American flag blanket that I made. I crocheted the blanket portion and then crocheted 50 stars and hand sewed them onto the blanket one by one. I believe my attention to detail sets me apart from other crocheters. Every stitch is made with care and precision. Read more>>
Ayanna Fletcher
I started Sparkle in Fashion in May 2021 because of my love for fashion and my desire to create something lasting—not just for myself, but for my daughter. This business is more than just style; it’s about building a legacy she can look forward to and one day make her own. Fashion is my passion, but family is my purpose. Read more>>
Sariah Khalil
From an early age, I was drawn to fashion, dreaming of designing dresses and envisioning a future as a fashion designer. My goal was to study in New York, but life led me to Houston Baptist University, where I pursued a degree in marketing. Over the past five years, I’ve been carving out my path as a creator, sharing my creative vision, passions, and personal experiences with a growing audience. Today, my focus is on fashion, lifestyle, wellness, and highlighting the vibrant restaurant scene in Houston. Read more>>
Taryn Price
As a project manager by day, I am comfortable projecting a roadmap. However, I’m trying to pace my expectations when it’s my own project on the line. My business is like a project. The triangle of success is to define the scope, budget, and timeline. With each day, new considerations are presented that make me adjust for one of these focus areas. Read more>>
Dar Schafer
My love for creativity intertwines with my adventurous spirit, leading me to explore 28 countries and every U.S. state—except for Vermont and New Hampshire. Along the way, my dual citizenship from Canada has provided me with a unique perspective, shaping my artistic vision with diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Today, as a thriving artist, I continue to share my journey through color and canvas, capturing the essence of the world as I’ve seen it. Read more>>
Asia & Amber Mason
The thought process behind creating Leaders of the Nu World was to make an impact on consciousness and for one to go within themselves to heal and awaken their potential and power, In which we refer to as “return back home”. Back in 2019, Solange released an Album “When I get home” which my sister and I loves, she highlights Houston, areas of her upbringing, the culture, and more. Hints the album name. Read more>>
Mery L. Hamlin Cardona
At first, I was apprehensive but with time I noticed my skills improve and I was very proud of the work I created in my art class. I kept drawing and painting at school but when I graduated I didn’t have the income to pursue art. My parents tried to be as supportive as they could but art was a luxury. I used what I had and kept using art as a way to express my emotions but with time I locked that away too. I got busy with everyday life and to make up for not creating I instead purchased art to decorate my walls. Read more>>
Envy Room
The band scrapped as much money as they could, and headed to the studio in late 2023, where they started recording their debut EP “So Far Away”. The band struggled to keep up with personal lives, jobs and practice. Finally, in February 2024, Envy Room played their first show at Dan Electro’s, and released their debut single “Never Let Go”. Read more>>
Rina Chandarana
When I first launched the business, I focused on Ayurvedic skincare. About two years later, I completely pivoted the brand to Ayurvedic powder blends which has been a fruitful move since sales jumped over 90% and we’re getting so many return customers and interest from retailers nationally. Ayurveda is a global growing market set to reach $76.9 Billion by 2023 so my business is in a huge area of growth. The tough part is that I’m bootstrapping Chand & Radha, so now I’m in the process of seeking investors to expand our product offering, increase marketing and IRL events, and boost direct to consumer sales. Bootstrapping was a way to ensure I had proof of concept before reaching out to investors. Read more>>
Samira Ibeawuchi
I spent 11 years as a classroom teacher and I absolutely loved it. But, towards the end of my teaching career, I felt like I should be doing something more. My husband played a huge part in encouraging me to start my own tutoring business and in January of 2020, I finally embraced the call. I had professional pictures taken, created a logo and a website, and made the perfect little nook in my dining room where I would be teaching. Read more>>
Carol Enneking
This unique experience working both from inside and outside organizations in operations, marketing, and HR provides a holistic background to effectively tackle complex business challenges. I have over three decades of speaking and facilitation experience, reaching thousands of people in talks ranging from 10 – 5,000+ attendees. Most recently, I served as VP of Talent Management, Learning, and Diversity for a $6B international manufacturing company, before embarking on my own Rebalancing Act™ to focus on writing and speaking full-time. Read more>>
Nancy Humphreys
So I started offering that, as well as listing some of the works I’d made for sale. It was a season of discovery and fun for me. As my experimenting and creative confidence grew, I’ve developed so many different means of application to the canvas, (balloons, palette knives, bottles, blow dryers, and even occasionally a paintbrush)! I have attended a few festivals in the Houston and Galveston area, and been fortunate to show and sell my work at a local restaurant, but the vast majority of my sales have been by word of mouth and on Instagram (@nance4short). Currently, there are 200 or so paintings in 8 different states, Canada, and the UK. My heart’s desire is to be accepted into a local Houston gallery one day; that would be amazing! Read more>>
Hannah quijada
I’ve been sewing off and on since elementary school, giving me over 30 years of experience in the craft. My professional background spans education, healthcare management, and international-level training, but my true passion lies in identifying gaps within industries and finding innovative ways to bridge them. Brainstorming, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving are where I thrive, and sewing has become the perfect medium through which I channel this passion. Read more>>
Tru Callaway
The second business I own is Tru Soul Healing, which I founded in 2021 after discovering my natural gift as a healer. Having successfully healed myself from chronic Graves’ disease, I realized my purpose was to share this transformative journey with others. This realization inspired me to immerse myself in the study of herbalism, using myself as a patient to develop and refine my craft. Read more>>
Andrea Romero
I took the leap with my ex husband and started a carpentry business of our own. That wasn’t enough for me. I wanted something more. Something soley my own. So I started Rock N Scroll Co. My own Slice of the woodworking industry all my own. Where I make unique and one of a kind wooden signs. It’s been my love and passion since starting it back in 2021. I’ve been running both businesses full time. I absolutely love everything about being an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Dr. German Newall
He graduated from the prestigious Georgetown Medical School and has attained numerous accolades throughout his career, including recognition as a “Global Aesthetic Leader” and “Surgical Body Makeover of the Year” by MyFaceMyBody in 2019-2020. Dr. Newall’s expertise is further highlighted by his first-place win for the Best Surgical Body Shaping case at the 2016 Anti-Aging & Beauty Awards in Paris, where his work was lauded by an elite international panel of judges. He has been consistently named a “Top Doctor” in Plastic Surgery by various reputable publications, including Houstonian Magazine and Inside Houston Magazine. Read More>>
Aaliyah Williams
I began mini-club in the Fall of 2022 at 10 years old in which I played up with 12 year olds. I played 6 seasons (Fall, Winter, and Spring), until beginning my journey into club volleyball, after being recruited during the middle of my mini-club season in Spring 2024. I played various positions such as setter and libero. As soon as I was eligible to play in junior high, I played and was designated as captain of the A team. Read More>>
