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.
Tatianna Mott
Before my time in media and television, I was a theater performer and open mic host in New York City. I created safe spaces where artists, poets, and storytellers could share their truths without fear or judgment. Those experiences solidified my belief in the power of storytelling as more than an art form, but as a means of personal and communal transformation. Beyond performance, it was about creating a platform for voices that needed to be heard. Read more>>
Jeanna Hawkins
I have always been interested in art, from creating graffiti for t-shirts for friends in high school, to photography. I attended a Summer program at the Art Institute of Houston my senior year in high school and fell in love with Commercial Advertising & Marketing. Read more>>
Mae Belton
My Ministry has been my full time job that has kept me more than profitable in information and guidance that God has shown me more than what any church or congregation has shown me. As a woman of God I was chosen to speak as an advocate for women and children of all shapes and forms through the word of Christ. All that I have walked and seen has been picked for me by God and the journey he has made for me has not been easy, but has been the pour into my cup from God that he wants me to pour into others. This has been through prayer and heartfelt studies with other women and children of God especially those with a disability and in need of spirit and health. Read more>>
Ronke Olaseinde
I launched 2T HealthySips to provide delicious and beautifully crafted mocktails and cocktails for events. As my business grew, I expanded into curating all-mocktail and cocktail menus, ensuring that every drink option remained just as premium and festive. From intimate birthday parties to large-scale celebrations like weddings, bridal showers, graduations, housewarmings, and private events, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with talented event planners to bring these experiences to life. Read more>>
Sasser
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for us. When my brother Jaden and I started Sasser in 2020, we had to figure out our sound and navigate the challenges of being a two-piece band. Things really started coming together in 2022 when we found Aaron and Noah, but even then, there were struggles—balancing music with our personal lives, booking gigs, and building a fanbase from the ground up. Read more>>
Alberto Hartleben
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. As someone coming from both Guatemala and Brazil, my first language isn’t English, which meant that language barriers were a major hurdle in the beginning. Being away from home, with my roots and culture so far away, brought feelings of isolation and homesickness. The sense of not fully belonging in a new environment was difficult to navigate at times. But through these challenges, I’ve come to realize that growth often comes from discomfort. Read more>>
Averil Sylve
Working within the mental health and social services sectors means dealing with policies, laws, and regulations that can sometimes slow down the work we want to do. Whether it’s securing partnerships, obtaining necessary approvals, or complying with legal requirements, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Read more>>
Christopher Harvey
I moved back to Texas in April of 2014 and worked the sound for another local church while I still driving big trucks. I also played around with deejaying but never took it serious until about 6 years ago and my wife pushed me to really take it seriously. We both jumped out on faith and started H and H Audio, which is a company that offers Deejays and Sound Engineering for all types of events. It’s the best thing that we’ve done and wish we would have done it sooner. I say we because without my wife I wouldn’t be where I am. When I say I can’t, she says yes you can. Read more>>
Mia Douglas
With no existing clientele, I took a leap of faith and started my own business. I committed to showing up every day, whether I had one client or two, trusting that consistency and hard work would pay off. I also leveraged free marketing strategies to attract clients, and before long, those first few appointments turned into lasting relationships. I’m grateful for the bonds I’ve built and the diverse clientele I have the privilege of serving. Read more>>
Jordan Miller
As it turns out, I never got that marketing and sales job. Instead, I started my own photo/video business called Jordan J. Miller FIlms. Eventually I did enough small projects that I got noticed by an art museum who eventually offered me my first fulltime job as a videographer at their art museum. I worked there for a year until I decided to move back down to Texas to pursue more opportunities. Read more>>
Shatavia Simon
The start of my story begins when I made the bold decision to enroll in cosmetology school. For over 10 years, I had been braiding hair, perfecting my craft, and building a loyal client base. It was something I was incredibly passionate about, but I had always been asked the same question: “Why don’t you have your cosmetology license?” To be honest, I had never really given it much thought. I was comfortable with my skills, and in many ways, I didn’t see the need for the formal certification. I was doing what I loved, and that was enough for me. Read more>>
Robert Green
As you can see the impact that I’m having goes even beyond business. My true passion is about helping other people who’ve been through what I have and giving them a hand up. As a Mental Health Peer Specialist, I supports those struggling with mental health challenges, especially individuals coming out of the criminal justice system. Also as a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) mentor, my goal is to help veterans navigate the complexities of the system and get to the other side and regain their freedom. On top of that, as a Credible Messenger in District B, working to help at-risk youth and adults break negative cycles and build a better future. Read more>>
Andrea Fraire
I think of Job’s story—his trials weren’t in vain, and neither are ours. God allows His permissive will in our lives, not to harm us, but to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11). Looking back, I see how those painful seasons shaped me, strengthened my faith, and refined my heart for ministry. If my struggles can serve as a testimony to encourage someone else, then every step of this journey has been worth it. Read more>>
Asia Fields
I have been working in social media since 2017. During high school, I worked on the yearbook and that is when I began to start my journey within photography, writing, and videography. After high school, I went to Prairie View A&M University, where my love for sports media, and social media management really began to take off. Here is where I began to find myself and my creativity. Throughout COVID, my love for videography and writing began to double. I joined many different organizations on campus that helped me meet people who are in the same fields as me and to help me get out of my comfort zone. Read more>>
Mark Omayzee
Another challenge was transitioning from just making content to actually monetizing it. A lot of brands assume creators will take “exposure” as payment, but exposure doesn’t pay the bills. I had to learn my value, negotiate deals, and build a brand that companies want to work with—not just because of my reach, but because I bring something unique to the table. Read more>>
Khushboo Jaiswal
Being dentist from India ,Dr Khushboo Jaiswal is pursuing her passion .Dance is her passion & now she owns a dance studio at Barker Cypress. Read more>>
Jennifer Serrill
As a woman brought up by a single mom who taught me to be strong, independent and self-sufficient I have always striven to work hard to support myself, to be independent, to overcome any obstacle and to understand that where there is a will, there is a way. I’ll be coming up on my 45th birthday soon enough and have dealt with, what has often seemed to me, an overwhelming struggle – severe and often times debilitating insomnia, depression, and anxiety. While my insomnia started very early in life I can remember as if it were yesterday, crying myself to sleep each night due to sheer exhaustion. I finally went to see a doctor after a seven day period of no sleep. I couldn’t function, think clearly, drive or make simple decisions. A good friend drove me to finally get a prescription for sleeping pills and shockingly… I still couldn’t sleep. I felt hopeless and even cursed. Read more>>
Rishad Jackson
As I got deeper into the music scene, I saw a huge gap—artists didn’t have access to a high-quality live performance setting with real musicians. Even when they did perform, they never got the content back to repurpose for themselves, missing out on a crucial tool for growth and branding. That’s when I created Stoney’s Island. I brought the idea to Stoney’s House, and they believed in it so much that they became the official sponsor. Read more>>
Dr. Marcie Strahan
Earning my doctorate during the pandemic was a transformative experience. It gave me the space to reflect on what truly matters and how I could expand my impact beyond the classroom and even beyond leadership at my campus. I wanted to reach the district level and beyond, helping individuals cultivate habits that nourish the mind and body, manage stress, and align their goals with their values—ultimately making them more productive and fulfilled. Read more>>
Spud Howard
The road was not easy. I have dealt with many obstacles along the way, the greatest challenge being the loss of my mother. I stopped singing for a couple of years. It was a really rough season. Upon deciding to relocate to Houston, I was a teacher in Arkansas and I would travel to Houston once a month on my own dime. This was very difficult, being that I didn’t always have the necessary funds to get here. I simply had a dream. Enduring certain struggles is what’s made me the man and artist that I am today. Read more>>
Josh Scott
Nothing great has ever come without its challenges. As a founder with a technical background, stepping into the world of marketing has been one of the biggest learning curves for me. Building Quench, I’ve had to shift from just focusing on the product itself to understanding how to connect with the right audience, craft a message that resonates, and build a community around the brand. It’s been a humbling experience—balancing growth strategies, engagement, and brand positioning while still ensuring the tech side runs smoothly. Read more>>
Dg
As I started using my family’s camera to take pictures of landscapes, people, and everyday moments, my passion for visual storytelling grew. It wasn’t long before my brother started pursuing music in 2017, and we formed a creative group called DGB2001. The name “DG” stands for “digital,” and although the group eventually disbanded, that experience was pivotal in shaping my path. It was a turning point where my interest in photography deepened, and I began exploring my artistic identity. Read more>>
Aishia Ike
Today, I hold a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. I mention this because, at one point, I never imagined pursuing a master’s. Growing up, I was placed on an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which provides personalized support for students with disabilities to help them succeed in school. There was a time when I questioned whether I would ever make it this far, but I never allowed what some might see as a setback to define me. Instead, I pushed forward and achieved my dreams. Read more>>
Michelle Pena
Despite the obstacles, I’ve learned that passion and perseverance make all the difference. Every setback came with a lesson, and every success, no matter how small, has been a reminder that I’m on the right path. The support from my family, community, and customers has been invaluable, making all the struggles worth it. Three Eighteen Artisan Market & Charcuterie Bar isn’t just a business—it’s a labor of love, built through dedication, resilience, and the belief that food can bring people together in the most beautiful ways. Read more>>
Lauren George
While at Texas A&M, I joined a mentorship program that ignited my love for developing new instructors. After graduation, I went to grad school at the University of North Texas and landed my first full-time job as Group Fitness Coordinator at Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center in Dallas. My career later took me to Florida State University, where I led their group fitness department, and eventually to Austin, TX, where I managed a barre and Pilates studio. Read more>>
Julainne Mills
My running story started in 2001. My husband was based at Columbus AFB in Mississippi, and I was looking for something to fill my time while he was working long hours. I started running with the Golden Triangle Running and Cycling Club and competed in my first marathon in Huntsville, AL, in December of that year. We moved quite a bit after that with assignments in Spokane, Alabama, Virginia and eventually Del Rio, TX. I found opportunities to run races and events in each of those locations but really took to the sport in Del Rio. Read more>>
Beatriz Isava – Cardozo
I explored various network marketing opportunities in industries like energy, makeup, and wellness products, but none felt like the right fit. In 2020, I decided to follow a lifelong passion and pursue a career as a Travel Advisor. Starting a travel business during a global pandemic wasn’t easy, but I knew I was on the right path. It was a leap of faith, and today, I couldn’t be more fulfilled helping clients plan unforgettable journeys. Read more>>
Luis Farfan
Despite these incredible experiences, I missed having my own business. That’s why, before leaving Denmark, I launched an app for freelancers in Mexico. The journey was full of learning and growth. Now I’m 30 and back in the U.S. for about three months, I’m thrilled to see how much our food business has flourished. Thanks to my sister and partner who worked super hard while I was away, business is booming. Our wholesale program is growing rapidly, and demand for our breakfast tacos in Austin has skyrocketed—we even have a waiting list of coffee shop partners eager to work with us! Read more>>
Laura Cote
The road to building Oracle Aesthetics has been anything but easy. I’ve been a single mom since day one, after losing my son’s father in 2013, before he was born. That experience shaped my resilience and determination. I started my business not only to pursue my passion for aesthetics but also to create a better life for my kids—one filled with opportunities I didn’t have growing up. Read more>>
Elias Torres
2024 took my career to the next level, that’s when I became a resident DJ for “stage productions” which includes venues like Conejo Malo, Vida Garden , Pick Your Poison and Medellin. Joining the team I quickly learned so much from some of Houston’s top djs (Dj Omix, DJ Heck, Dj Legacy, Dj Erick, Dj Willy B, Dj David Cruz Dj Noel and Scott Summers). That year I started crossing off a lot of my goals like traveling outside of the state, I was able to make my way to Chicago and got to experience a completely new scene in the dj world (s/o to Jsantos). Currently im blessed to be booked every weekend now and continuing to learn as I become a better dj. Read more>>
Martina Goudeau
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. My journey has been driven by my genuine passion for helping others achieve their skincare goals. Every step I’ve taken has been with the aim of making my patients feel better and more confident in their skin. And, while my professional life is deeply fulfilling, I always make time for my personal life — whether it’s enjoying stage plays or spending time with my family and my Shih Tzu, Carmelo. Read more>>
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>>
