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.
Jennifer
Meeting my business partner, Jacob Leoni, helped me grow the Houston Premium Apartment landing page and integrated it with representing my marketing portfolio for multi-family in Houston, TX to a total of over 400 million in total, the most expensive property we help market is the Museum Tower, which was just valued at 81 million as of late. He assisted in helping me expand the possibilities to market higher-end properties and help those in a higher price point find their dream space as well. In our side-by-side efforts, we assisted buildings in increasing their overall occupancy that we represented while at the same time, putting our clients first with a true personalized touch to each person’s individual needs. Read more>>
Mark Diehl
I was a shy, awkward nerd, obsessed with comic books, action figures, cartoons and drawing when I discovered punk rock. I was already into fairly mainstream metal such as Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, but the discovery of punk and more extreme metal, along with a newfound love of skateboarding, thrust me into a subculture in which tattoos played an important role. Read more>>
EXIT FAME
I am a Boston rapper and under the name Exit Fame ( 6 years) I have learned to master my creative craft of musical and entertainment. Besides my hunger for lyricism and the art of music.. I am proud of my team! They have my back no matter what And we have sacrificed together on this journey, meaning they truly believe in me…and I love them for that… It’s great motivation to know that people are counting on me. Read more>>
ORIANE KASSI
I started on social media in 2022. At first, I was just posting for fun, but then, unexpectedly, my page started growing. One day, I blinked, and I had my first brand deal! At first, I felt a bit cringey about it, unsure of how people would perceive me, since social media isn’t always viewed as a “normal” career. I didn’t realize at the time that I was resisting something that was actually meant for me. Sometimes, when you’re meant to do something, no matter how hard you push against it, you’ll always end up back where you’re supposed to be. Read more>>
Meghan Orr
In a city like Houston, that is filled with amazing interior designers, it can be a journey to find your way and for people to know that you exist. I hired an amazing social media team (fun love media) to help me become more visible. The other more recent struggle has been time management. I still have three kids at home, and balancing home life and a growing business can be challenging. Read more>>
Emanuel (Manny) Nguyen
My owners Russell Malixi, Wade, Andrew definitely brought a great perspective into Houston and I am very thankful for them. Now the person I will be forever thankful for, the person who brings out the best in me, his name is Jesse Rodriguez (Beverage Director/Partner). I’d call him the living legend cocktail mixologist in LA. He plays a huge part in my bartending journey showing me in depth cocktail perspectives that still blows my mind ‘till this day. Shoutout to the rest of my team; Symone, Felicia, Mark, Jose, Esperanza, Montserrat, and Imon who contribute into making Jethro’s the talk of the town in Houston. Read more>>
Dajah Barkley
We take a full-body approach to aesthetics, integrating wellness services like vitamin infusions, weight loss solutions, and skin health treatments that support beauty from the inside out. What makes The Health Lounge different is the level of expertise, personalization, and care we provide. We’re not here to just sell services—we’re here to educate, guide, and help our clients feel their absolute best in a way that aligns with their lifestyle. Read more>>
Jowan McKoy
We now engage kids through live book readings, YouTube educational videos, and special events where I mix music, literacy, and physical activities to create unforgettable experiences for children across the U.S. In 2020, my family and I moved to Houston, TX, where we’ve expanded not just Total Speech Therapy, treating thousands of children and adults with speech and language differences, but also BookofthedayJay, where our tagline is simple but powerful: Read. Laugh. Learn. Play. Read more>>
Jasmine Greenhouse
That’s what led me to start The Mental Wealth Co.—a brand that merges mental health advocacy with a lifestyle vibe. I wanted to create something that speaks to people who value wellness but also appreciate style and intentional living. Whether it’s through apparel, accessories, or digital resources, my mission is to remind people that investing in your mental health is one of the best forms of wealth you can have. Read more>>
Justin Quach
That passion for sushi eventually extended beyond restaurant kitchens. In March of last year, a close friend asked me to host a sushi party for his fiancée’s birthday. The event was a success, and guests shared their experiences on social media. Soon after, I began receiving requests from others interested in hosting similar gatherings. What started as a one-time event quickly grew into a thriving business as a private chef. Read more>>
Apollonia Crush
As a videographer, I specialize in bringing stories to life through the lens. My work ranges from music videos to event coverage, and I’m particularly passionate about capturing the energy and creativity of the entertainment industry. In Atlanta, I was fortunate to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music, like 2 Chainz and T.I., and I’ve also worked on events that brought unique visions to life. Read more>>
Lynn Hoang
Now, I own and operate: Maximize Human Potential, a mobile sports concierge clinic and personal training service. MHP’s mission is to make wellness, recovery, and training as accessible as possible. My goal with MHP Sports Chiropractic is to lower the barrier of entry to fitness and wellness by bringing recovery and training services to you – whether it’s at your work, your gym, or home – MHP helps you stay moving and moving well. Read more>>
Antoine Stewart
Antoine’s achievements have garnered well-deserved recognition. He has been featured in multiple magazines, including Top 100 Magazine, where he was acknowledged two years in a row for being among the top 100 people in Finance worldwide. Additionally, he has been featured in Elite 50 Magazine for his contributions to the finance industry. Antoine has also received numerous awards, including Rookie of the Year, Heavy Hitter, and Top Insurance Sales Agent. Read more>>
Christian Martinez
Im Christian Martinez also known as Obeykhriz, I started painting around 8 yrs ago when I got invited to an art show called Surreal Houston at the Hardy and Nance studios close to Downtown. The art show was a success with a full house. From there started going to more art shows around Houston and also have showcased some paintings in San Antonio. Also, I have been selling some of my pieces internationally to different countries like Spain, Switzerland, Mexico, Colombia, Canada among others. Read more>>
Daevion Smith
My work is a reflection of my experiences, emotions, and the world around me. As an R&B artist, I focus on creating music that tells stories—whether it’s about love, growth, or the struggles that come with life. I’ve dropped songs like Missing You, For Her, and 24 Hours, each carrying its own vibe and emotion, and I’m always working on the next piece that will connect with people. My upcoming projects v Timeless, is all about making music that lasts beyond the moment, something people can come back to years from now and still feel. Read more>>
Issachar Tesfaye
Over the past 18 years, I’ve built extensive experience in both residential and commercial energy sales. At Reliant, I started with prepaid electricity sales and customer service before moving into “win-back” sales, where I helped recover lost accounts. I continued advancing through multiple departments, gaining a deep understanding of the retail energy landscape. After nearly a decade, I transitioned to a competitor in residential sales, and in 2018, I was introduced to an energy broker specializing in commercial accounts. That introduction shifted my career focus entirely to the C&I marketplace, where I became an independent energy broker. Read more>>
Leroy Bradley
My story is one of inspiration. When I say that I do not mean that I inspire everyone who I come into contact with (I hope that I can one day), but I mean that I started my musical journey because I was so moved and inspired. I first started my creative journey by writing books but there was always a part of me who felt that I wanted to do music. That hope came to life whenever I witness my first musical performance and I have been making music since. Read more>>
Kelsey Wilson
I provide makeup for women no matter the event or occasion. My weekends are focused on providing the best service for brides and bridal parties. During the week consist of, makeup classes , bridal trials, senior pictures, branding photoshoots, you name it! I would say I specialize in a more warm toned glam! I glam girls who want a very natural look to ladies who want a full glam look. I am so proud of how far I have come and for putting myself out there and getting out of my comfort zone. I truly do not feel like I’m working when I’m doing makeup, I’m also so proud of myself for making a business from scratch to support myself and spreading a confidence in women . Read more>>
Brizza Booker
Modeling has been such a rewarding journey. I love representing women who look like me and inspiring others to embrace their bodies as they are. There’s something incredibly empowering about seeing yourself reflected in fashion, and I’m grateful to be part of that movement. Read more>>
Krysten Rhodes
Being able to use my (albeit relatively small) platform to show the many benefits being involved in your sorority after college has been a big passion of mine, and I can see the impact it makes when I have people let me know that they want to be as involved as me after college, or that they joined an alumnae chapter because of me. It makes me feel great in knowing I’m helping others find fulfillment in such a weird time in life, and helping build community in an age where it can be really difficult to achieve and maintain. Read more>>
Cherith Smith
Between running the household, working, working out, teaching, taking my kids to their sports activities, and being a wife, it can get overwhelming. There are ebbs and flows, but I do my best to ride through them. As for real estate, it’s been a journey full of struggles. When you’re investing, it’s different than just trying something out. There’s a lot of money on the line, but my husband and I remind ourselves that we have to mess up in order to learn. From our first home renovation to now, we’ve learned a lot of meaningful lessons that have helped us grow. Read more>>
Brittney Johnson
Brittney’s unique background shapes her design philosophy: she believes that a home, like healthcare, should prioritize well-being, comfort, and peace of mind. Every space she creates is not just beautiful but thoughtfully curated to evoke serenity and sophistication. Whether crafting custom new builds or executing breathtaking renovations, her obsession with perfection ensures that each project reflects a seamless blend of form and function.
Kerelle Laura Brown
I always knew I wanted to expand, but I wasn’t sure in which direction. That’s when I discovered that, in Texas, I could become an injector as long as I had a supervising physician, a nurse practitioner on my team. Determined to elevate my expertise, I took a course with a doctor here locally and began injecting. But I didn’t stop there—I wanted to master aesthetics, so I traveled abroad, training in the UK and China to refine my skills. Read more>>
Dr. Jacque Colbert
My journey is one of transformation, resilience, faith, grit, grace, and purpose. It began with a deep commitment to service—as a U.S. Army Medic and Urological Specialist—where I developed an unwavering foundation in discipline, integrity, and perseverance. Those values have carried me into the corporate world, where I have spent over three decades serving others through shaping key people strategies at some of the most influential technology companies, including Google, VMware, and Dell. Today, as Senior Director of Human Resources at Google, I focus on cultivating leadership, fostering equity, empowering others, and ensuring my team and the organization operate with clarity of purpose, strategy, and scalability while balancing the need to always be tender on people. After all, people are the heartbeat of everything we do. Read more>>
Iyana Rose
The journey has been exciting, but it definitely hasn’t always been smooth. In the beginning, I struggled with self-doubt—wondering if my content was “good enough” and staying consistent. I struggled with motivation because I wasn’t seeing the progress I wanted right away. It was frustrating to put in so much effort without immediate results, and at times, it made me question if I was on the right path. Read more>>
Rodney Jones
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Although it has been road that’s provided Rodney strength and ambition. Rodney started his firm straight out of law school with no capital, funding, and having a family provide for. Starting his firm from ground zero he had to build his clientele and network his way to where he is today. Rodney has gone through multiple trials and tribulations including loosing both of his parents within the same year during his early stages of his practice. He also went through a divorce but still maintained his business and grew his family during this time. The growing pains of each stage and learning about the business while still practicing law was challenging. Read more>>
Gerald Flournoy II
It was a moment in time where a lot of people were really tapping into their purposes and passion which what I did. I left working shift work in the oil & gas industry to pursue my God given calling of lawn care and out reach. Over these years post COVID-19 I’ve dived in head first with social media platforms, (YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram) which have allowed. me to build a presence and share my passion with helping those in underprivileged and the under deserved areas of Houston with FREE cleanups that I film for long and short content. This is really what I truly love to do and it has allowed me to meet big lawn content creators Spencer SB Mowing, Nathans Lawns & Gardens, and The BlackSheep Lawn Service Pablo Serrano and others. Read more>>
Kadrien Yelsom
I started with pocket t-shirts made from exotic materials, then expanded into leather t-shirts and sweats. But over time, I realized I was following trends rather than fully expressing my own creativity. That moment of self-awareness pushed me to redefine my approach—to build something truly original, something that represents limitless expression and individuality. That’s when Kothello evolved into what it is today—a luxury streetwear brand with a deeper purpose and a relentless commitment to authenticity. Read more>>
Asli Wade
I started making personalized picture frames from my home studio, focusing on quality, sentiment, and meaningful gifts for life’s most special moments. What began as a small Etsy shop quickly grew, with thousands of customers connecting deeply to the emotion behind my work. Today, ButterLu has helped people all around the world as they celebrate love, loss, and everything in between. Read more>>
Brandy Chu
Beyond perfecting the craft, I was determined to elevate barbering from a low-paying trade to a respected career. At the time, most barbershops operated on a walk-in model with pricing that hadn’t kept pace with inflation. We introduced an appointment-based system, similar to high-end salons, and raised haircut prices to reflect the value of our service. Initially, some potential clients balked at our $35 pricing, but I knew that once they experienced our quality, they would return. That confidence paid off—today, Cutthroat Barbers has expanded to three thriving locations with over 30 employees, offering profit-sharing, education, and healthcare benefits while continuing to push the industry forward. Read more>>
Bobbi Mathews- Vital
Beyond building the brand, balancing it all has been a challenge. Juggling a full-time career, marriage, and motherhood while growing a business requires constant time management and dedication. Despite the obstacles, my passion for creativity and helping others feel confident in their hair keeps me pushing forward. Read more>>
Kiya Bonds
This road has not been a smooth one for me, due to inconsistencies in my path, and not having the confidence to post this much when I was not traveling, or doing as many adventures in certain seasons of my life. For a while, I felt as though I did not have a niche, and I feel like that impact me heavily due to the fact that at times I did not have the best support system from fellow friends and family. Now that I am here today I realize that I am multitalented And have more to offer to my blog as well as learning not to limit myself in my abilities. And I thank God for this every day. Read more>>
Lorna Randle
I wanted to deepen the parent and child relationship. Writing Ganey Teaches was a dream come true. This one was a path that I didn’t think was there, but it was still there. Ganey is my mother. She loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother but wanted to sound cute, so Ganey was her grandmother’s nickname. Cultural relevance is addressed in the book, allowing me to use my doctoral paper, but the love of God is still woven into the book. My first book, Ganey Teaches Counting, focuses on the foundation of understanding the counting concept. I pray everyone will enjoy it. My upcoming book is Ganey Teaches Creation. Look for that coming soon. Read more>>
Rainey Webster
Since its opening, the museum has expanded significantly. In addition to the Union Depot Replica building and the Quebec business-class railcar, the museum now includes more land featuring park-like grounds, a Garden Railroad outdoor layout exhibit, Historic Tower 17, an Education Station with a Discovery Playroom for kids, a classroom for educational lessons, and an indoor model train room housing six working model train layouts. The museum grounds also offer a park area complete with an interactive play depot and a wooden kids’ train. Families and rail fans can enjoy picnicking under the covered pavilion while watching the busy railroad tracks for passing trains. Read more>>
Jasmine P-Jackson
This includes making digital products and designing and printing stickers; I am licensed in all aspects of hair, skin, and nails, making resin products and stationery. The list goes on and on. However, what makes me stand out is my background in multicultural and interpersonal communication. I have used my educational background to make, and maintain connections with people who differ from myself. This is also how I can grow my online presence by reaching a diverse audience. With this audience, I offer Local Businesses the opportunity to partner with me for exposure to a varied community. Read more>>
Shanta Martin
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki II practitioner. I offer massage sessions that are infused with reiki healing. Reiki is a energy healing modality. The art of tapping into divine/universal energy to assist my client in shifting/releasing and or infusing energy for healing purposes. This is just one term used to describe energy healing, However, the art of laying of hands goes back centuries. Ancestors of many cultures have used this modality to help the collective heal, shift and clear energy. Read more>>
Darliana Neelley
I do not tolerate injustices and I support what is fair as it should be. Within that path came education and being an educator also for refugees, asylum seekers and in the countries where I lived, she was a teacher for children in language projects and to motivate their education. They were of limited resources and for many people having access to study languages is not accessible and I loved it. to have participated in all those projects. Read more>>
Germesie Faucette
I had just come out of nursing school and ended up caring for my mother she was only 45 years old when she passed away with breast cancer and at that moment I told myself that I would continue on making a difference in her name and in 2023 ADA ANGELS PRIVATE CARE LLC Was born nothing has made me more proud since launching my company to continue on doing the work that iv enjoyed doing for the past 25 years this is where my heart is and will always be caring for those who can’t care for themselves and making sure their lives are a little bit easier to endure day by day Read more>>
Michael Brumfield
Why film? Honestly, at that point in my life, I was just chasing the process – watching an idea go from nothing to something. That’s what always hooked me, no matter what I was creating. An artist has to take a vision from start to finish, and when I picked up a camera, something just clicked. The way a single frame could tell a story, the way light and movement could shape emotion – I fell in love with it. Read more>>
Deseree Simone
I quit my jobs and was just full time in the studio. Overtime I hit different milestones, like the #HtownForrealChallenge, #InmyActChallenge #SoSodefFemaleCypher with Jermaine Dupri, #AintTalkinBoutNothing Female Cypher with Trae The Truth. A few years later I separated from the label and became an independent artist and ever since I haven’t stopped. Also dating a man who’s also been in the industry (Big Bad Kab ) for such a long time he’s been a pivotal part in keeping me going in the right direction music wise! Read more>>
Grace Woodard
I had a great opportunity open up with a good friend of mine and I am now working with her doing nails, while still pursuing my OWN business in doing travel service ( hair, nails, and makeup) along with having a marketing business to help promote business such as my own who don’t get the attention they deserve! I live by if you want something bad enough you will do everything in your power to make it happen. Never stop dreaming, because what was once a little girl in her room dreaming is now a almost 21 year old who is living out her dream! Read more>>
Darian Land
For me, real estate and financial services weren’t just career choices—they were a calling. My journey into entrepreneurship began out of necessity, driven by one of the greatest blessings in my life: my daughter, Londyn. Becoming a mother at a young age was both a challenge and a motivation. The cost of daycare alone made it impossible for me to rely on a traditional 9-to-5 job, forcing me to think outside the box and explore opportunities that would allow me to provide for my daughter while creating a future of financial freedom. Read more>>
Teneya Gholston
After working behind the chair and consulting in education and marketing with Revlon, I landed a brand management role with a professional salon brand. Three years into my career, I was assigned a small seemingly insignificant project that gave me a chance to learn the retail market. That overlooked line extension grew into a massive success for Creme of Nature, driving double-digit growth for the brand for over 8 years. Read more>>
Rachael Calhoun
Covid came in 2020, and throughout the pandemic I had a lot of time to spend exploring other endeavors. I decided I wanted to broaden my career by focusing on what digital media meant since everything was becoming digital. So I applied for grad schools and one stood out the most in Texas because of their school of communication! Read more>>
Taylor Quinn
I earned my bachelor’s degree in business and later my MBA, which provided a strong foundation for my career. But beyond my professional path, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—I’ve been a manifesting coach, a lash tech, operated a candle business, and managed my own YouTube channel. Each of these experiences has allowed me to tap into my creativity, connect with people, and continuously learn new skills. Read more>>
Avery Foshee
Avery and the crew at Stubborn Anchor Studios worked together in the tattoo and piercing industry. As women and members of the LGBTQ community, we noticed there was a lack of safe spaces for us to be authentic and to empower others through body modification. In 2024, we set out to open our own studio where we are able to provide clean, high quality services for our community. Read more>>
Lesley Fontenot
The market was very slow and as a still relatively new agent, I was struggling. I was working in a brokerage that I liked, but also did not feel like I was receiving the training and support that I really needed as a new agent. So in September of 2024, I reached out to a friend that was in real estate about her recent brokerage switch. She invited me to join her team, the GTX Realty Group team, led by Ashley Marquez through Keller Williams Horizons. This has been the best thing for my business! I am learning and growing and have so much hope for my future as a real estate agent! Read more>>
Cass Moore
I transitioned into the insurance industry back in 2019 after spending 5 years in the alcohol industry directly coming out of college. After spending a little over two years as an Account Executive, I was promoted to Sales Manager in The Woodlands Corporate Office during Covid and was fortunate to oversee a team of, up to, 20 Account Executives. In 2023, I made the decision that it would be best to split off from the Corporate side of the business and open my own franchise with Goosehead Insurance. Since launching, we have slowly grown to a Team of 3 people, myself included, and have built out an over $4 million dollar book of business with my sights set on loftier goals of growth as the market continues to adjust in the favor of consumers. Read more>>
Carolina Contreras
Proposal planning stood out to me because it felt deeply personal. While people know about big wedding and event planners, proposals aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind—especially for the older crowd. But at my age, most of my friends are starting new chapters—getting engaged, buying homes, settling down—so it felt natural to step into this space. I saw how I could help not just strangers but also friends, family, and even colleagues make their proposals unforgettable. Read more>>
Cameron Deer
I took that into a career of private training individuals and small groups spanning from one year-old to eighty-year-olds from Child development D1 athletes and special needs. Subleasing and running my own business for eight years until Covid hit sadly the exact same time my dad passed away. So in doing so I disbanded my business and took over his gymnastics competitive team for a year and a half and at that point, I knew it was time to open my own facility And that was September 2021. Private Practice Athletics is a dreamscape for me. I get to come to work every day and improve on the craft that I’ve been doing for the past 23 years. Read more>>
Jayvion Floyd
One of the hardest parts has been building the structure and discipline needed to stay consistent without the framework of a traditional job. Taking those small steps every day to add something of value to myself and my business had been difficult but so very rewarding. Another personal struggle has been networking and making connections within my industry. I’ve always dealt with social anxiety, which made initiating conversations difficult. But by continuously pushing myself into uncomfortable situations, I’ve grown more confident and improved in this area. Read more>>
Kowa Mattern
When I first started the business it was a way for me to be able to connect with women artisans, but as Covid upended our lives my relationship with jewelry soon changed. I moved to Houston during Covid to be with my fiancee, and my full-time job went fully remote. As we were also spending more time at home, I started to test out making my own jewelry pieces. Fast forward to today, I make and design the majority of the pieces that are sold on the Herself Collections website. I had no idea how my love for wearing, designing and making jewelry would evolve, and I feel so lucky that I now get to pursue the dream of sharing my pieces with others. Read more>>
Jessie James
As I transitioned into middle school and junior high, I served as Head Choral Director, developing thriving choir programs that consistently received excellent and superior ratings in district, local, region, and state contests and evaluations. I significantly increased student participation, strengthened retention rates, and secured funding through grants to support my students. Beyond music, I initiated and sponsored student government and financial management clubs, coordinated special events, and led professional development presentations for my colleagues. Read more>>
Vincent Hall
For the past 10+ years post-graduation, I have utilized my motivation, passion, and drive to coach a diverse range of individuals, including athletes across sports divisions at Rice University, The University of Houston, Houston Baptist University’s Olympic athletes, and others. I’ve also worked privately for gyms, like D1 Performance, supporting busy individuals who need support to reach their personal fitness goals. Read more>>
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>>
