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.
Charles Jackson
One of my first ceremonies took place at a venue here in Houston, Texas, called The Bougainvilleas. After the ceremony, the owner, Badra Andrews and the wedding coordinator and planner for the venue, Rasha Shammaa approached me and said, “Oh my gosh, where have you been?!” At the time, I didn’t quite understand what they meant. But as they continued, they told me how much they appreciated my charisma, attention to detail, and, most importantly, the way I centered every word on the power of love. They had never heard anything quite like it. Read more>>
John
COVID ruined the business enterprise. Houston itself is a terrible place for animals, so much neglect. These were my main issues. Luckily I made great friends here and had many contacts still in the corporate world I have been able to raise funds for the non-profit – pay the bills, keep the lights on, get food and treats and vet care for the rescues. Read more>>
Cat Barrera
I got an associates in graphic design and started as an intern at the venue Mohawk creating posters for local bands. My skills were pretty terrible but I got complete creative freedom. I became more confident and honest with my art over time. What I didn’t expect is that it would speak to people. It started a domino effect where bands would hunt me down to make their tour posters, merch, vinyl covers, and so on. This is how I still get most clients to this day, word of mouth. Read more>>
Christina Griffin
Not at all, coming from the service industry, and having acquired my GED at 32, there were huge hurdles to jump when it came to technology. There were so many days I banged my head on my desk while being a youtube university student, and a ton of evenings spent at home learning and growing my skills, when I wanted to be out with my friends instead. Read more>>
Johnny Zarate
I then realized that I wanted everyone to feel the way I did because of running, so I decided to start the everyday hustle run club here in Houston, Tx. The run club has grew larger and larger every week and we got the chance to work with so many great companies like Nike, New Balance, C4, and so much more. The run club community is the best community when it comes to positive vibes and energy. Being from Austin, I don’t get to see my family a lot, so seeing the run club family every Thursday brings so much joy to me. Read more>>
Brittany Kluss
now i specialize in alternative cuts, shags, mullets, lived-in color, and creating a vibe that’s chill, sustainable, and real. i use eco-conscious products, i’ve ditched tipping, and i’m all about making the experience feel intentional—not transactional. good hair, good energy, no weird small talk required. Read more>>
Stefanie Capa
I started this journey with my own fitness and health journey in 2020. After reaching my goals and doing a lot of personal research, I realized that I wanted to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. I started my education with ISSA in 2022 and ultimately was certified as a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. I started my career with another outdoor fitness company, as an independent contracted trainer. After a couple years I decided to start F.T.M. Fitness and Nutrition. I really wanted to focus on Strength training. I like to say, “I’m bringing the gym to the outdoors.” I bring weight benches, barbells, plyo boxes, and other equipment that most outdoor fitness classes don’t usually introduce. Read more>>
Mayra Peña
The client had already paid and nothing was printing. After hours of trial and error (and a few frantic calls for help), we finally figured it out – and pulled off our very first event. That day, we discovered something special: the joy of serving others and helping them make memories. Seeing people laugh, smile and come together – that’s what drives us. Today our photo booth is more than just a camera. Its fun, stylish, and brings people together. We’ve added a variety of backdrops, including stunning luxury flower walls, to help elevate any space and make every event unforgettable. Read more>>
Christian Osornio Peña
Entrepreneurship is wonderful in many ways but it does come with challenges, having to deal with no income security, working many many hours, long days, late days, early days and hard days but it is all so rewarding I can’t imagine doing anything else, every time I get a message from my clients after a massage telling me how much better they feel or how my massage is the best massage they ever had (their words not mine lol) I feel grateful to be able to do this. Read more>>
Nancy Barillas
That passion slowly turned into a dream of having my own business. I started small, taking custom cookie orders from friends and family, often working late nights around my job and family life. Every order, every kitchen experiment, and every challenge taught me something valuable. Over time, through word-of-mouth, pop-ups and building a presence on social media, Kooky Cookie Confections stared to grow. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve built something that reflects not just my creativity, but my culture, my hustle, and my heart. I’m still learning, still growing, but I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and even more excited for what’s ahead. Read more>>
Julissa Quevedo
I started off as a makeup artist at Sephora, shortly after that is when I found my love for skincare. I really found myself falling in love with the way that avid skincare makes people feel good about themselves first and foremost, and also the importance of the regenerative effects it carries. People tend to believe that it’s a luxury, but i’m of the opinion that it’s a necessity. It’s not just skincare, it’s self care. Understanding my own skin was another big revelation in my journey. My skin has always been very sensitive and I never knew why. Read more>>
Amalya Shandelman
As a young girl, I walked the streets of Moscow (not alone, of course) capturing images of that impressive city with an old but very solid Leica that I had inherited from grandfather. Following high school, I attended university and graduated from there with a diploma in Journalism. Still, in my early twenties, I arrived in Boston, camera in hand, and made that city my home for about five years. Making the transition from western Russia to the USA was not too difficult, because Boston at its core has a remarkably European flavor. In that way and others, it also afforded many fine photo opportunities. Read more>>
Conor Grix
I am a tattoo artist with 4 years of experience from the UK. I travelled to Costa Rica in November 2024 to get a change of scenery, but I didn’t enjoy how slow the pace of life was. So, before going back to the EU, I decided to visit one of my favorite places, Houston, to see some old friends and enjoy city life again. Read more>>
Tiffany Wilson
Over the years, I worked in several salons throughout the Pearland area, eventually opening my own space, Devi Hair Studio, which I operated for three years. While I’m proud of that chapter, I came to realize that salon ownership wasn’t my true passion. What really drives me is working directly with my clients and focusing on healthy hair. Read more>>
Tien Nguyen
Tien Nguyen’s story began long before FS MMA opened its doors. In 1975, his family came to America from Vietnam to escape the devastation of the Vietnam War, seeking a new life full of hope and opportunity. Tien, a middle child among eight siblings, found his first connection to martial arts during his middle school years, where he and his brothers trained in VoViNam, a traditional Vietnamese style of martial arts that emphasizes agility, strength, and spirit. Read more>>
Paige Whitfield
Later, after years of mentorship, I took over the practice in August 2019 — just three months before COVID-19 hit. Practically overnight, I had to completely restructure the business, rethink how to deliver patient care safely, and navigate constant uncertainty. It was a crash course in leadership, flexibility, and resilience. I had to find ways to not just survive, but also to innovate — expanding services, tightening operations, and building deeper connections with patients during a time when community and trust mattered more than ever. Read more>>
Angela Kropik
I am the youngest of 10 children, born and raised in Houston, Texas. I was one of only three that took college classes and one of two who received degrees. I started as a fine arts major in dance at HSPVA. Through my studies of dance I received a scholarship to Sam Houston State University where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. I knew there was more. My mother took us to a chiropractor in south Houston growing up. I researched it as a career and decided to pursue it. I went back to HCC and took the science and math classes I needed to be accepted to the Doctor of Chiropractic program at TCC. I graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in 1995. Read more>>
Jazzreeal Le’tease
Over time, I realized healing had to be a choice. I could not just keep surviving, I had to start living. Writing became my outlet, my therapy, and eventually my calling. I wrote You, Empowered not from a place of having all the answers, but from a place of raw truth, shared lessons, and deep healing. Read more>>
Swetha Thimmaiah
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned as a home design enthusiast is how much impact small, unexpected changes can have on a space. I once thought making your home look high-end had to be expensive, but I’ve since learned that’s not true at all. You can still create a luxe feel without breaking the bank, thanks to affordable high-end finds that add sophistication and style. It’s amazing how something as simple as changing out a few throw pillows or moving a piece of artwork to a new wall can completely transform the mood of a room. Read more>>
Maylen Ramirez
Eventually, I found that cakes came a little too easy for me—I wanted more of a challenge. That’s when I decided to go pastry school and really immerse myself in the art of more intricate desserts. After graduating, I worked in a variety of kitchens, learning something different at each stop. But deep down, I knew I wanted to create something that felt more personal and decided to venture out on my own. I started doing pop-up markets around Houston, curating menus that not only reflect the skills I’ve picked up along the way, but also flavors that connect with my roots. Read more>>
Stephanie Calloway
That course was the path that I had been waiting for and a reminder of my purpose as a medicine woman. It helped me recognize the seeds that I had been planting for nearly 40 years. Since 2021, I have been studying and practicing ancient plant medicine and teachings from the Tzol’kin sacred Mayan calendar, integrating the multi-cultural teachings I have gathered from Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, and Wisconsin. I officially re-launched my herbal wellness business, Sanasol Wellness, in 2022, but it has really flourished and taken shape in the last year. Read more>>
Sabree Cotton
What started as a simple happy hour idea to bring women together in a fun, judgment-free zone quickly turned into something bigger. After hosting our first event, I realized how many women were feeling the same way. They were craving safe spaces to connect, be seen, and be celebrated. From there, HTX Honeys evolved into a full-blown community and nonprofit dedicated to sisterhood, service, and self-care. Read more>>
Amp Trop
I took losses that would’ve folded most people. Came close to death more times than I care to count. Put myself in situations that could’ve landed me in the penitentiary just to keep going. But through all the struggle, I kept hustling—trying different grinds until I started seeing a way out. Read more>>
Leslie Paz Foreman
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — starting a new business comes with its challenges. One of the biggest struggles was getting my name out there and building a client base from scratch. It takes time, consistency, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don’t always see. There were moments of doubt, but I stayed focused on providing value, building genuine relationships, and trusting that over time, the momentum would grow. Every challenge has taught me something new and made the journey even more rewarding Read more>>
Ity Ade
That’s how @itys.nook was born — not just as a platform, but as a safe space. A space for moms to feel seen, to share the not so fun days and the magical, and to remember that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. I also started a community of moms space called @mamasnook_ which is where I invite seasoned moms to share their stories around TTC, Pregnancy, Postpartum and Birthing in a bid to help First time moms. Read more>>
Sandra Perez
My husband, Joe and I started as young parents to 2 boys struggling to raise our family. We’ve been married since 1991 and in the late 90’s after several small jobs here and there Joe landed his first job that would change everything! He was referred by a mutual friend to work as a maintenance Tech at apartment complex we lived at with no experience. That’s where he got his experience in HVAC and Electrical. In early 2000 he started working for an HVAC & Electrical company for residential and commercial services. The owner taught him so much more and became his mentor. Read more>>
Irma Gavidia
I started solo from the beginning but though out the years and my investments I’ve been able to learn so much about how to run a successful lash business and I am able to share that with my students. Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing lashes, let alone making it my full-time career. I was in college when I took my very first lash course, and the first few months were definitely tough. But I kept telling myself, “I can do this,” and with that mindset, I ended up getting fully booked within my first month of starting. Read more>>
Ashley Winfield
In 2022, a new door opened: the opportunity to expand into early childhood education in a more impactful way. That door led to the creation of Grow and Glows Learning Academy, a faith-guided dream turned reality. Officially opened on June 17, 2023, Grow and Glows has rapidly blossomed—reaching full enrollment capacity in just six months. As of April 2025, the academy celebrates 10 months of operation and continues to shine as a beacon for families in the very community Ashley once taught in Read more>>
Trey Woods
As he reflected on his journey. He thought back to his undergrad years at LSU Baton Rouge where he served in ROTC, and to a childhood dream of joining the U.S. Army. The military seemed like the perfect place to gain the kind of discipline, experience, and resilience needed for success. He joined, but tragedy struck Trey sustained a traumatic brain injury that forced him to medically retire from the Army. Read more>>
Monserrat (Monsi) Roldan
Definitely not. The road to get here has been anything but smooth. There were seasons where I was completely lost—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Losing both of my medical jobs due to my DACA status in 2020 flipped my world upside down. I was doing everything I could to “make it,” but behind closed doors, I was barely holding it together. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and burnout so deeply that I didn’t even recognize myself anymore. Read more>>
Dr. Lekesha Attuquayefio
Essentials Intensified Consulting (EIC) was created to offer insight, strategies and results for Christian organizations. However, the passion and vision grew with the development of social media. When Facebook and YouTube gained popularity as a medium for engaging an audience I acted on the advice of others who encouraged me to take my message online. My first vlog was in October of 2011 from my kitchen table. There have been a few resets along the way but the pandemic of 2020 was pivotal for realigning with a call to take the intensified life message global. Read more>>
Brooklyn Howard
The owner, who had more experience than me in nightlife, was instrumental in offering support and coaching, but this was still a journey we were both navigating and building together. Once ownership came into play, everything got more serious — real business, real pressure, and real accountability. I knew I had to truly step into my role, so I committed to learning every position in the building. I trained myself in bartending, serving, hosting, managing the door, running the kitchen, hookah, barbacking — everything except DJing (which is still on my list!). Read more>>
Matt Ryan
I got started in fitness as I fell in love with the sport of bodybuilding. At the age of 19 I competed in a few natural bodybuilding competitions. Lifting and spending time in the gym has been my passion and a major component of my lifestyle ever since. Read more>>
Gemma Combs
When I first started my business, finding the right clients and filling my schedule was a real uphill battle. Week to week, I’d celebrate landing a new client only to watch slow months roll in and out, leaving me second guessing everything. That uncertainty made me wonder if I should trade my dream of running my own business for the stability of a high end gym. Then COVID hit, and overnight my in-home sessions came to a complete stop. Read more>>
Shari Tackert
total relaxation with glowing results. I provide a couple of other specialty facials, as well as peels, facial waxing, and treatment of minor skin irregularities. I currently retail three professional skincare lines that my clients love. I have my salon rented out to a hairstylist who specializes in all things blonde, another amazing esthetician in another room, and a very talented massage therapist in another room. As soon as you walk in to Euphoria, not only do you experience a serene, quiet, welcoming place, but you are treated a a special guest. Euphoria is truly a place of happiness, joy, and a haven from the busyness of the world. Read more>>
Zaira Maxwell
Since then, I’ve relaunched my swimwear line, partnered with Swimsuit USA International as a sponsor, and I’m currently preparing for my next fashion show to debut my new collection. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and so excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for the support. I can’t wait to show you what’s next for Zadore by Z. Read more>>
Temitope Samuel
There have been many challenges along the way. I didn’t feel supported by some people I expected to support me but my parents, siblings and other friends really showed up for me. Some people didn’t ask how things were going or offer help when I needed it most. The conference was a particularly tough moment, with several speakers dropping out at the last minute. On top of that, my books didn’t arrive on time for my launch at the conference which added more stress to an already hectic situation. Read more>>
