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.
Dr. Jessica Kafrouni
I opened my private practice almost 10 years ago. Thankfully a close family friend. named Lanelle Hanagriff. was also a mental health therapist and helped me along the way. She got my business up and running and helped me learn the ins and outs of insurance billing. I enjoy helping people through all walks of life. Read more>>
Francisco Diaz
Mortgage lending has always been part of my family’s DNA. With over 35 years of family experience in the industry, I grew up surrounded by conversations about homeownership, financial opportunity, and helping families build stability through real estate. Read more>>
Ashley Ralph
I had been working in a Labor and Delivery unit as a CNA for 4 years when I had a patient who had a birth doula. I got to chatting with the doula during one of her breaks and fell in love with the work. I kept in touch with this doula and started my training a few months later. Read more>>
Rischad Whitfield
I’ve loved the game of football for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Houston, Texas — a city where football is like a second language — I spent most of my youth on the field. I played all through high school, even while battling injuries that seemed to follow me every season. Read more>>
Bonny Tunnell
After several years as a high school teacher, I left the classroom to help my husband start his company. For the next ten years, we worked side by side building his business and found great success together. I’ve been creating stained glass art for about five years—selling pieces here and there whenever inspiration struck or I wanted to share something especially beautiful. Read more>>
Zainab Rangwala
My Henna Journey My journey with henna began at a very young age—just 10 years old. I’ve always been passionate about art in its many forms, from painting on fabric to creating detailed pieces on paper and turning them into framed artwork. That love for creativity naturally drew me to the art of henna. Read more>>
Jane Hogue
My flower journey officially began in 2020, when my husband — worried that I spent all my time doing things for our family and not for myself — surprised me by signing me up for “flower school.” But really, it began much earlier. Read more>>
Natalie Pereira Sanchez
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story. I’m Dr. Natalie Pereira Sanchez, a Prosthodontist and the founder of Dentarts Implants and Prosthodontics in Sienna, Missouri City. My journey in dentistry began more than 18 years ago, driven by a deep passion for both the science and artistry behind restoring smiles. Read more>>
Chelsea McDonald
I think my spirit has always known it wanted to be a teacher, like my mother, or a therapist. I’m lucky to have found a place where I can interweave the two. Initially I worked in community health after graduate school, serving as a case manager, team leader for the crisis unit, and then clinical director. Read more>>
Shanell Townsley
Meet the Woman Behind Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge I started Houston Hair & Beauty Lounge with one simple mission — to help women love and care for their natural hair through education, quality service, and consistency. My journey began long before I ever stepped foot in a salon. I was only seven when my mother first taught me how to braid hair. Read more>>
Tramaine Perkins
With my mother by my side, we pressed on, driven by my father’s legacy and her unwavering support. Each year, we’ve doubled our clientele, a testament to our dedication and the strong foundation he helped build. This business is more than just a company; it’s a tribute to my father’s vision and the incredible woman who helped me carry it forward. Read more>>
Leslie Allen
I am a native Houstonian, wife and mother with an over 20 year career in HR. I always loved hosting gatherings for my friends and family and would find myself helping friends and family locate venues or help with ideas for their events. I personally love bringing people together in love and celebration and love it when others do as well. Read more>>
Hope Stoner
Hope was just like any other high school student trying to find her ‘calling’ in life. She visited colleges during Covid and saw the struggle it was going to be attending school during that time. She decided to start her own business and do what she loved-fashion. She began with pop ups and started her online business. Read more>>
Debleena Banerji
Nature’s main attributes are giving and healing, while that of modern human is habitually exploiting natural resources. Although our body came from nature and destined to go back to it, we are seldom in real appreciation of it and almost never aligned with it. Read more>>
Brad Bezoni
Fighting Dragon Tae Kwon Do came to be from a chance conversation between a dance student and the owner of the studio where they were taking tap classes. But before we talk about that, let’s go even farther back and talk about how I got to where I am today. Read more>>
Dr. George Perez Jr., D.C.
I grew up right here in Alvin, Texas, where I spent most of my time playing sports—especially baseball. That’s actually where my interest in chiropractic first started. I saw firsthand how injuries and recovery played such a big role in performance, and I was fascinated by how chiropractic care could help people move and feel better without relying on medications. Read more>>
Tamela Rice
Euphoria is a distinguished, four-year-old establishment committed to providing a unique experience in the Houston area. Our founders, originally from the East St. Louis and Chicago regions, relocated with the specific vision of cultivating a distinctive atmosphere that elevates the local entertainment and hospitality landscape. We proudly operate as a Black-owned business, creating a dedicated safe space for the North Houston community.’ Read more>>
Devaki Naya
My Journey to Naya Eyebrow Threading My name is Devaki (Naya) , and I am the proud owner of Naya Eyebrow Threading in Houston, Texas. My journey to becoming a small business owner has been full of challenges, learning, and growth — and it all started over a decade ago. Read more>>
Liset Millan
Thank you so much for the opportunity! My journey started about 19 years ago when I began working at a small company, my father, Jorge Millan, and my brother, also Jorge, founded called Millan Intelligent Design. That’s where I learned so much about design, construction, and work ethic, lessons that shaped who I am today. Read more>>
Scott Holleman
I did photography as a side gig for years while working on lighting and set design in various live theaters around Houston, and finally went full-time in June 2000. Families, high school seniors, and weddings were what I started with because they seemed to be the most abundant opportunities. Read more>>
Alex Londono
Croissants Wholesale was founded over 22 years ago by my father, Alberto Londono, and his business partner, Ramon Alvarado. What began as a humble operation—cutting croissants by hand in a small facility—has evolved into one of the largest croissant production companies in Texas, now producing over 30,000 croissants daily. The roots of our company trace back to a powerful story of immigration and opportunity. Read more>>
Folasayo & Ndidi Ayoola
We started Oda Creative in 2008 with a shared goal: to help brands and events show up in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and true to who they are. At the time, we were working full-time corporate jobs. One of us was in oil and gas, the other in Tech leadership, and we built the business during every free moment we had. Read more>>
Warren Porter
I’ve spent my life in service—helping people prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. My journey started early. I joined the local fire department while still in high school, drawn to the rush of helping people on their hardest days. That experience led me to the U.S. Read more>>
Robert McCullough
I was a lost Fisheries Science Major wanting to become a pro Bass Fisherman when i had a life changing experience with Jesus Christ.. became a Pastor in a mid sized Oregon city. Then 2017 was offered to take over a church in Houston TX that i had never seen. Hurricane Harvey was our welcome party.. Read more>>
Austin Gaston
My name is Austin Gaston, a Texas singer/songwriter who officially moved to Galveston in 2021. Started songwriting in high school and has pursued a career in music ever since. Living in (Bryan/College Station TX) for years after graduation I would perform on the open mic circuits trying to perfect my craft. Read more>>
Esther Alcantara
I took cosmetology in high school so I knew I wanted to start cutting hair as soon as I graduated. I started cutting hair for a franchise company and after two years I moved to a commission based salon. I’ve always loved to do haircuts and makeup but I spent most of my time cutting hair. After I left the commission based salon covid happened. Read more>>
Brent Phillips
If you had told me five years ago that my family would be running a luxury farm resort, I would have laughed. We weren’t hoteliers. We weren’t farmers. I spent my life in technology, building software companies—not tending to animals or managing guest experiences. But life has a way of humbling you, redirecting you, and showing you what truly matters. Read more>>
Marcus Jones
Around that time I was going into my peak and gaining a lot of followers. I met someone around that time as well and took a major break from social media to focus on my relationship, also covid slowed me down from traveling as well. After covid ended I needed to find something meaningful once again. That’s where I came up with my travel company along side my business partner Drake. We Are Globetrotters! And we have been hosting trip for 3 years now taking like minded individuals around the world with us to see the world as we do! Read more>>
ARACELI HERNANDEZ
My name is Araceli Hernández, and I’m originally from Guadalajara, Mexico. I studied Cosmetology and Aesthetic Science in Guadalajara, specializing in aesthetic equipment and cosmetic chemistry. My background has a strong medical focus on skin care. I have been living in Houston, Texas for 15 years with my family. Read more>>
