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.
Jesse Brown
As I got older, life pulled me in different directions, and I stopped drawing for a while. It wasn’t until college that I picked it back up, chasing dreams of making art for games, comics, and books. Then came a shift, sparked by the tragedies of Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, and others. I was tired of the constant stream of negative images of Black people. I wanted my art to tell a different story, one of beauty, power, and possibility. Read more>>
Whoiskevinagain
I’m from Brownsville, Texas- the tip of Texas. (Shoutout the 956) For as long as I can remember I’ve been making videos, but it wasn’t until late high school that my focus became music videos and commercials. It took me two years of trying, offering free shoots and going door to door to businesses, before I even got a “yes” (at the time, i’d say the city wasn’t as open minded I guess? It’s definitely grown a lot though!) Read more>>
Yemi Taylor
Honestly, it has been a bit of a rocky road. My biggest struggles were comparison and consistency. I used to compare my work to well seasoned artist and influencers when I was just learning. That then led to me being inconsistent because I would feel so discouraged that my work did not look like theirs. I had to learn not everybody’s sauce is going to taste the same, but that doesn’t mean it’s nasty. I remind myself of that everyday and it has helped me tremendously. Read more>>
Yajaira Bautista
Once covid started, in 2020, I had a lot of time on my hands and that’s when I really explored my creativity, my brand, and Meraki By Yaya was born. I spoke to those closes to me and one thing I really wanted when it came to the name, was something meaningful, something with purpose. My cousin was actually the person who gave me Meraki as the idea. Meraki is a Greek word that means to do something with love, creativity and soul. It was the perfect fit. Yaya is what my family calls me, it comes with so much love and it feels like a warm hug. Read more>>
Quincy Doenges
Music has always been an important emphasis in my life and started when I was growing up as a kid. I grew up in a small town of Holland, Michigan. My family wasn’t musically involved, but they knew the importance of music education. Within our extended family, specifically from my Grandpa who originally played saxophone in his own big band, each of his grandkids grew to participate in music in some way, whether on their own or apart of their school band. Read more>>
Melvin Sykes
Being a business owner isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve faced many challenges on this journey. They taught me to trust God and to keep going. From closed doors and discrimination to the everyday obstacles that come with building and sustaining a business, I learned that God will use tough time to develop you. I didn’t give up! He sent caring clients and customers my way. These are the people who have helped my business thrive and survive. Read more>>
Shaylan Young
Anything worth having doesn’t always come easy, and my journey has been no exception! I’ve had moments where things didn’t go as planned—like showing up to a shoot only to realize I left essential equipment at home or discovering mid-event that I needed a tool I didn’t have. Each of those moments, though frustrating at the time, helped me grow and prepare better for the next opportunity. Read more>>
Lisa Kidd
I did some research into similar businesses in my area back home in North East Scotland (there weren’t any at that time) and into what certification I would need to suitably hold space for others. I started training, left my corporate job, took the leap of faith, and installed a log cabin in my back garden. I did not expect to be as busy as I was, especially so soon after opening, but in fact I was fully booked from the day I opened to the day I closed to relocate here, and usually about 2-months ahead. I held an impressive client retention rate, received positive press coverage from the City’s main newspaper publication and was nominated for a local award. I even made friends for life. Read more>>
Jake Bush
In October 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jake released his debut album, “7.” Its lead single, “Gravity & You,” quickly soared to Number 1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report, followed by “Better By The Beer,” which also topped the charts. By February 2022, Jake achieved his third Number 1 hit with “If You Ever Get Lonely,” marking a notable 32-week run on the Texas Radio Charts. Read more>>
Michelle Nwajei
My calling led me to The University of Texas at Austin, where I graduated with honors with a degree in Government. After a brief gap period, I returned to UT Austin to attend Texas Law. During my time there, I not only grew academically and professionally but also personally—I got married, became a mother, and built an online community of more than 250,000 people who I’ve had the privilege of inspiring, motivating, and connecting with. Read more>>
Dr.Julie Reynoso
That journey led me to study leadership more intentionally. I realized that leadership isn’t just about titles, it’s about how you show up, how you treat people, and how you take care of yourself while serving others. I also realized that balance isn’t something you arrive at once and for all. It’s not a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s something you work at every day and it looks different for everyone, in every season. Read more>>
Sammy Vasquez
So learning make up was not easy, but I grew to love the process as it was similar to many things I enjoy including photography. Learning to color my photography in a way that is artistic but doesn’t interrupt the make up artists work is an underrated skill. But I am grateful for it, this as it forced me to really study details that transferred to my overall skills in content creation. And have allowed to me add another layer of depth to my creativity when it comes to working to stand out and challenge some of the already excellent work that is constantly getting pumped out by so many amazing creatives. Read more>>
Yuri Gonzalez
I’ve always been passionate about art. From a young age, I devoted myself to acting and producing artistic shows, even though I first earned a degree in Education with a specialization in Biology a profession I practiced until I emigrated to the United States. At the same time, I was cultivating my love for the arts, especially acting and stage production. Over time, I realized what truly fascinated me was the lighting design of each performance, because it allowed me to create unique atmospheres. Without noticing, that love for light was guiding me toward photography because at its core, photography is exactly that: painting with light. Read more>>
Shawn Lugbauer
I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing directors in early childhood education who taught me that the best way to teach young children is to give them the time and freedom to play. Watching them discover the world with fresh eyes is a gift. I love observing my students as they play, allowing their curiosity, discoveries, and social interactions to guide my next steps as an educator. This approach fosters problem-solving and social development in a way that traditional methods can’t. Read more>>
Onyx Kelly
after college i didn’t know what i wanted to do as a job, i worked in retail and did freelance graphics occasionally for birthdays, shirt prints, other small things but i never turned it into a real money making job. I got an opportunity to learn something new with being asked to take part in making a music video for a coworker and friend of mine Tabitha. I was the director so i had 2 months of learning the forms for filmed scene organization which was a lot like stage managing so i found it easy to just jump in and go all in on this music video. Read more>>
Veronica Jeans
When we moved to the USA, I became a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, which sparked my interest in websites and online stores. I built my first eCommerce store on Yahoo Shops – back when you had to code every single product line manually. Years before that, while living in the Netherlands, I became a Tax Certified Consultant, giving me a strong foundation in finance that still shapes how I approach business today. Read more>>
Natalie Ta
I noticed the corporate hamster wheel that everyone was in and was worried that although we as a society have been able to advance in technology, methods, and studies… the culture of the work field unfortunately seemed to be the same from the last few decades. Or so I’ve been told after picking the brains and minds of many colleagues with decades of corporate experience. After nearly 3 years in corporate, I knew that if I were to own and operate my own business some day, that I’d want to change the company culture and emphasize the importance and value of the people and fostering fruitful human connection instead of seeing people as just another worker bee. Read more>>
Inger Daniels
I began nursing over 20 years ago as a LVN, licensed vocational nurse. It was my desire to continue my education in nursing to become a RN, registered nurse. After obtaining my Bachelors in nursing and becoming an RN, I knew that there was more for me to learn and do. While in the Bachelors program at PVAMU my passion for mental was ignited. I began work in the mental health field and went on to pursue a Masters in Nursing with a concentration as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Read more>>
Munro’s Cleaners
Over the years, we’ve grown to more than 10 locations thanks to the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our team. Today, Munro’s Cleaners has multiple locations and a reputation for excellence. We’ve embraced new technologies, eco-friendly cleaning methods, and modern conveniences like delivery and online scheduling—without losing the personal touch that built our name. Read more>>
Melinda Crawford
Our practice specializes in supporting clients dealing with anxiety, grief, and trauma, offering a safe, nonjudgmental environment where healing can begin. We understand that mental health is deeply personal, and we tailor each session to meet the unique needs of every individual. Whether it’s processing a loss, managing overwhelming worry, or working through painful past experiences, MOH’S Counseling and Therapy is here to walk alongside clients every step of the way. Read more>>
Seana Burris
By August of 2022, Seana took a courageous step forward and tried out for the Cypress Ranch High School swim team. Her determination, talent, and dedication earned her a spot on the team, making her the first athlete with Down syndrome to be selected for the Cypress Ranch High School swim program. That historic moment was more than just a personal victory—it was a powerful message about inclusion, possibility, and perseverance. Read more>>
Deontae Matthews
Honestly, Where My Invite? started from rejection — or better yet, from the feeling of not belonging. I’d walk into bars or clubs here in Houston and feel like I needed to be someone else just to fit in. I’d change outfits multiple times before going out, trying to look the part, only to still feel unseen. There’s this pretentious atmosphere that’s crept into a lot of spaces — where you’re judged for not having a section, a bottle, or clout. It’s like connection has been replaced with currency, and authenticity gets lost in the image. Read more>>
Shelby Kolek
I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2019, followed by my Master of Social Work from Fordham University in 2020. Shortly after, I married my husband who was in the Army and relocated to Hawaii in early 2021. There, I became a Military Family Life Counselor and focused on supporting service members and their families through the many transitions and challenges of military life. Read more>>
Derrick Harris
After being a customer at another Pinspiration located in the Heights, I decided to investigate this Pinspiration Franchise’s business model. and felt strongly about becoming a part of it. I never had the entrepreneur spirit but felt this is something I wanted to try. The reasons were simple, I love to see people smile and in their creative element. I also love the thought of being a big part of the community with intent to give back. Pinspiration allows me to follow that dream and enjoy the journey at the same time. Read more>>
Princeton Jou
Success never comes easy with a smooth road but it’s the price i’m willing to pay and continue to keep paying for this success. I’ve had many obstacles in the past and one of the biggest problems i’ve had has to be when I first started and had no sales and didn’t know how to promote. I overcame those obstacles by looking for different platforms and just promoting on social media. You always have to find things your own way because there’s so many people in the world eventually people enjoy your way of doing things. Read more>>
Cynthia Anderson-Madueke
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. The journey through education was challenging, especially while balancing the responsibilities of being a wife and mother. Without the support of extended family, it often felt overwhelming. There were times when juggling school, family, and daily life seemed nearly impossible. However, along the way, I was fortunate to build strong friendships with people who became like family. Their encouragement, support, and shared understanding played a crucial role in helping me navigate the difficult moments. They were instrumental in my success, and I’m incredibly grateful for the community that grew around me during those years. Read more>>
Perry Mosley
On top of this, I wanted to see how I felt about teaching as a career, and therefore I told myself that if I completed all my goals, and still wanted to move out of teaching at the end of the school year, then that’s what I would do. Yeah, so I quickly found out that what I loved from all my years tutoring was helping people understand things, which was only a small part of what it means to work in education. Before we even hit spring break I was sure I wanted to move into tattooing. I was done ignoring my love of art, so I buckled down and accomplished all of my goals, and in the summer of 2023, I became an apprentice under the award-winning artist Jamie Jolly and began my career as a tattoo artist. Read more>>
William Prasad
Simultaneously, I worked as Behavioral Health Coordinator for a large fire department, working closely with firefighters, their families, and some law enforcement. Eventually, my journey led me to Houston, where I worked as a Director for several psychiatric hospitals, leading teams of doctors, therapists, mental health techs, and admin. After deciding to go out on my own, I launched a practice specializing in psychotherapy, corporate trainings, and disaster psychology. About a year ago, I started building a group practice. We have grown to 5 therapists, working with adults, teens, and children. It has been hard work, but extremely rewarding. Read more>>
Jenn Buckler
I am the Lucky Locks representative for The Woodlands, TX. I specialize in luxury silk hair that is made for everyday wear. Our silk strands are heat resistant, color and bleach safe. We do not use beads, tape, glue, or other damaging adhesives. Instead, each silk sparkle is hand-tied to one strand of hair. They can last up to weeks or even months depending on how long it takes for that one strand of hair to shed. Our silk sparkles were created exclusively for Lucky Locks and cannot be purchased online. Read more>>
Mary Hatton
That’s when the real magic happens. Those authentic, unposed moments where you can feel the joy and connection without it ever feeling staged. What really sets me apart is my love for learning and growing. I don’t ever want to feel like I’ve “arrived” because there’s always something new to try or get better at. That curiosity keeps me excited and inspired, so I’m always pushing myself to bring fresh ideas and better skills to every shoot. It’s that drive that helps me create work that feels fresh and real. Read more>>
Franco Olivo
What sets us apart from our competitors is that we are BBB accredited, members of the GHBA, TAB and NAHB and strive our best to keep our clients happy. We are an experienced custom builder that uses high quality materials. We specialize in 2nd story additions and full home remodels and frame them with the strongest materials on the market. Also, We do not skimp when it comes to building materials. We use one of the best materials available, Zip system plywood https://youtu.be/FAKU0IDffU0?si=LP-EQmAH8dvfytSp. Read more>>
Tony Monreal
No haha, not at all. Personal struggles for me can be, not fitting the physical description of the character, getting my video auditions sent to the spam folder, last minute cancellations, and most casting calls being very far away in other cities. LA has most of the opportunities in this line of work, so you can imagine how limiting it can be for someone here in Houston. Because of this, I have only done work in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and most recently Midloathian Texas. Read more>>
Kara Derrick
After graduating from Madisonville High School in 2017, I enrolled at Tyler Junior College and completed all the prerequisites for nursing. But when my application was denied, I didn’t quit. Instead, I earned my Associate Degree in Science in 2019, then worked as a CNA for a year and a half—not because I loved nursing, but to bide time while I prepared to resubmit my application. That role taught me empathy and patience—but deep down, I realized nursing wasn’t my true calling. I wanted to help people feel confident and beautiful, not just treat illness. Read more>>
Jess Parker
Before moving here, I worked for a prominent bioidentical hormone specialist. That job cemented what I already believed: health has to be approached from every angle. Years ago, I started making my own skincare products because I was tired of hype without results. By the time my youngest was about to graduate high school, I was ready for something new. My hairstylist saw it before I did and pushed me to enroll in Aveda’s esthetician program. I started in the summer of 2021, graduated in 2022, and I have not looked back since. Read more>>
Prestigio Cigar Lounge
Our family is passionate about preserving the tradition cigar lounge atmosphere. While many other shops began turning into casual hangouts with club-ish vibes. We strive for a professional and upscale premier environment. We enjoy what we do and enjoy building a community of fellow cigar lovers. Whether it be through conversation, networking, sharing a bottle of spirit, or enjoy a cigar together. Read more>>
William Brandon
well… my story as an artist started young. Early in life you’d find me drawing, or doing cartwheels, or spinning coathangers on my fingers.. and was very lucky to attend a private high school with an amazing band program. this is where I first began to dabble in the arts, but with structure. And the rest happened pretty quickly. Read more>>
Vansh Parikh
He believed in the idea immediately, reached out to his own clients, and supported the project with full trust. Our first event raised 600 dollars, and from there we continued to grow. With the help of social media, we connected with sponsors who played a huge role in our success. I would not have been able to start Cars For Kids, or help it expand, without my cofounders, sponsors, and my incredible team of photographers, who helped us connect with car owners and reach even more people in the community. Now, at sixteen, Cars For Kids is on track to become one of the fastest-growing car meets in the state, and our goal is to raise another 5,000 dollars by the end of 2026. Read more>>
Lakeisha Brown
I knew everything I was going through (or would go through) was ALL TO GLORIFY God, to show His power, His love, His Grace and His faithfulness. I have been blessed beyond any amount of measure. I have been able to speak to thousands of people about my journey. I have done dozens of television and radio interviews, I have been featured in Essence, Newsweek and Woman’s World magazines and I had the privilege of ringing the New York Stock exchange bell. I have made it a point to incorporate heart healthy dishes and options in my catering menu and lunches. I am a heart attack survivor, a stroke survivor, an LVAD recipient and a heart transplant recipient. Read more>>
Arifa Rashid
What sets me apart is that I treat the entire family as my client, not just the person whose name is on the contract. I don’t approach the event with a sense of ownership just because I’m the designated photographer. I care deeply about the overall guest experience. I’m not going to hog the aisle as the couple walks in or ignore the hundreds of guests who also have expectations for the event. Read more>>
Juana Sarmiento
After graduating high school, I went on to attend Sam Houston State University and later earned a graduate degree in a field that isn’t particularly creative or entrepreneurial. Still, from a young age, I’ve been a girl with multifaceted talents. I’ve always believed in not limiting myself to one box, and the idea of exploring new possibilities has always intrigued me. I knew that starting a small business in photography would take time and serious dedication, which is why I waited until the right moment to pursue that dream. Read more>>
