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.
Dwayne Pano
It has not been smooth at all all the time. In the beginning after quitting my full-time job and running out of money, it was four months before I had a closing two years later my wife had a TIA, which is a mini stroke in my business tank I wasn’t making phone calls to check in with people. I was just making sure that my spouse wasn’t about to die. But through that time, is when we started discovering the other passions that we wanted to teach. Read more>>
Dr. Jacinta Anyaoku
I opened Hibiscus Aesthetics and Wellness 4 years ago in August 2021 out of a desire to practice medicine on my own terms. At the time my boys were 1 1/2 and almost 3. I loved being a physician, but I loved being a mom even more. Read more>>
Rachel Bain
I started my career as a Realtor back in 2018. Previously, after graduating Texas State University, I worked at an IT staffing firm for 5 years before quitting my job to embark on a new journey. I left my corporate job to go travel for a year. Read more>>
Olanrewaju Nwabueze aka Larry Foreman “Billionaire MC”
From a young age, my artistic journey began in Nigeria, where I won dance competitions at kids’ parties. As a student at Air Force Secondary School Ikeja, I was somewhat introverted, but joining the drama club unlocked my humor and creativity. My classmates often called me ‘Goofty’ because of my relaxed and humorous nature. When I attended the University of Lagos, my potential truly flourished. Read more>>
Tiffany Lam
I was born and raised in Houston, TX, but my passion for makeup blossomed in Austin, TX, while attending the University of Texas. Growing up with severe eczema and acne, makeup became my security blanket during my teenage years and early adulthood. I never left the house without a full face on (hello, 2016 makeup era!). Read more>>
María Dacosta
My story begins in Venezuela, where I was born, I initially studied Medicine. However, I always wanted to study cooking and due to time issues I had not been able to do so, so I finally decided to take a turn in my life and I dedicated myself to studying Gastronomy. Read more>>
Candice Wheat
My journey started with a passion for creating, a love for unique bath and body products, and an unstoppable drive to succeed. After selling my previous business during the pandemic, I had to dig deep, pivot, and find a new path. That’s when The Lavish Goat was born—my women and minority-owned bath and body company that combines luxurious self-care with playful, artistic designs. Read more>>
Shazzy
I started as a big fan of a Latino artist from New York City, despite living in Houston. This was during a time when the local Spanish-speaking music scene in NYC was beginning to grow in 2019. After following other local talent from that city, I began to notice the importance of support from fans. Without strong support, artists can’t properly grow. Read more>>
Alexandra
“We got started with the goal of bringing the community together and supporting small businesses. We noticed there was a need for more local events, so we decided to start organizing pop-up markets. As we developed these events, we also thought, ‘Why not make each one give back in some way?’ That’s when we decided to partner with Operation Pets Alive. Read more>>
Horace Hodges
Founded in May 2016 Hodges Family Movers is a trusted, family-owned moving company dedicated to providing reliable, compassionate, and efficient moving services. Built on strong values and a commitment to community, we proudly serve a wide range of customers, with a special focus on helping elderly individuals and college students during life’s big transitions. Read more>>
Rebecca Valle
My journey in skincare has always been guided by a deep love for helping others feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Over ten years ago, I became a licensed esthetician and began what would become a truly fulfilling career. Read more>>
Cornell McGhee
Cornell Tinsley McGhee, Ed.D. Dr. McGhee received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin. He earned a Master of Science in Management from the Florida Institute of Technology, a Master of Military Arts & Sciences in Operational Planning from the U.S. Read more>>
Belkys Guerrero
My story began in Caracas-Venezuela in 1994, where my passion for art and culture took its first steps. What started as curiosity soon became a lifelong vocation-working with artist, learning about the creative process, and discovering how art could tell stories that words could not. Those early experiences taught me that art is not only beauty it is identity, memory, and connection. Read more>>
Kristin Schlinkert
I started doing Pilates in the 1990s when were living in Canada for my husband’s job. I picked up a cheap reformer and found an instructor. When we moved back to the States, I continued on my own for a while, but didn’t keep it up – it’s so much harder to work out on your own! Read more>>
Chloe Ngo
My name is Chloe Ngo, and I’ve been a hairstylist for about ten years now. When I first started, my dream was to open a day spa. I loved the idea of helping people feel beautiful and cared for, and I thought that owning a spa would be the best way to do that. Read more>>
Amir Valinia
I’ve been an entertainment creator and entrepreneur since 1996, running a production company focused on film and media. In 2016, I wanted to try something new for my birthday, so I went skydiving for the first time. That tandem jump changed everything — I was instantly hooked. Read more>>
BEVERLY COLLINS
I was born to parents who were born and raised in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States between 1986 and 1989 with little to nothing, driven by faith, grit, and the determination to build a better life. As the oldest of five siblings, I learned early the values of discipline, humility, responsibility, and resilience. Read more>>
Michelle Norwood
My journey started with a deep love for celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. Long before Michelle Norwood Events became what it is today, I was the friend who found joy in creating beauty and connection — whether it was setting a table just right or helping someone’s vision come to life. Read more>>
Julian Martinez
I am a church planner/pastor here in Port Arthur. Several years ago, we noticed that there were not a variety of churches where we are, and there was a lot of crime and illegal activity among the youth of our city. Read more>>
Sanna Khoja
I have always wanted to help people. It is part of my family and community values, and it has shaped me for as long as I can remember. Becoming a therapist felt like a natural way to use my curiosity and care to support others. Read more>>
Fioraé Travel, Diedra and Lindsay
After planning one of our honeymoons during the Pandemic and using a travel advisor, we realized this industry was seeing a fresh revival, contrary to popular belief, and we had the idea to start our business. We worked on our business nights and weekends while also maintaining our corporate careers in technology PR. Read more>>
Jihye Lee
I was born and raised in South Korea, and my journey with Taekwondo began when I was nine years old. For nearly fifteen years, I dedicated my life to the sport, training close to seven hours every single day. Read more>>
Glover Quin
I have always had a love for photography, I just never had time to pursue it due to my first career! I was drafted into the NFL by the Houston Texans in 2009. After playing 4 years with the Texans, I signed with the Detroit Lions and played another 6 years and retired after a 10 year career! Read more>>
Tonya Posey
When I look back at where I started, it feels like watching a movie of my own life, filled with unexpected turns, quiet moments of doubt, and the kind of faith that can move mountains. My story began long before Flawless Body Bar came into existence. It began with my father. Growing up, I watched my father build his business from the ground up. Read more>>
John Fletcher
My career started in 1999 when I shot a friend’s wedding video as a gift. Fast forward to today! While serving as the Editor and Director of Content for USA Jump Rope and Virtual Golf Caddy, managing all phases of multimedia design made me realize the need to offer more than just videography for my clients…and SVS Marketing Solutions was born. Read more>>
Zayelun Alexander
ZAYEZ IMAGE™ started as a vision to redefine beauty through confidence, creativity, and individuality. I began as a self-taught artist experimenting with makeup, photography, and design—driven by the belief that every image tells a story. Over time, that passion evolved into a full beauty brand that celebrates boldness, authenticity, and self-expression. Read more>>
Fransheneka ‘Fran’ Watson
My story is one of resilience, advocacy, and joyful leadership. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, by a mother who had me at 15. When I was 14, she passed away from an overdose, and I became the primary caretaker of my household. That season of my life was heavy—I missed a lot of school and was eventually expelled from high school. Read more>>
Mike McDonell
I started Kidventure in 1994—almost by accident. I had just graduated from college and spent several years as a wilderness and mountain guide, leading others into places that challenged them mentally, physically, and emotionally. Three weeks before I was set to begin law school, I realized that path wasn’t mine. My real calling had always been adventure and growth—helping people discover their strength through experience. Read more>>
Han Ho
“Most people don’t realize how fragile their lives feel until their body stops moving the way it used to.” That moment found me when I was 23—midway through a design career I thought I wanted. My name is Han Ho and I’ve been a licensed massage therapist for 14 years. Prior to that I studied Industrial Design—a world built on precision, innovation, and aesthetics. Read more>>
Randall Gonzales
What do you get when you cross a blue-collar kid from Houston: an honors college graduate from the University of Houston Clearlake with years of honors social science research on top of being a hairstylist with over 30 years of experience? You get me, Randall Valentino Gonzales. Here’s my story, and I’m sticking to it! Read more>>
Alex Wilhite
My name is Alex Wilhite, and I am a Deaf artist with formal training in painting. I hold a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in oil painting from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York and have been creating art for 40 years. Since 2005, I have owned a studio at Winter Street Studios. Read more>>
Kimberly also know as “SlayedBy_K_) Edwards-Brandon
My journey as a creator has been one of growth, experimentation, and learning to express myself authentically. I started out in the fitness space, sharing my personal journey and building confidence through movement. From there, I explored wig styling and then makeup, even launching my own makeup brand to try the business side of things. Read more>>
Charles & Christine Anderson
Our fitness journey actually started in two completely different directions but ended up leading us right to each other, and where we are today. For Charles, it all began when he left Houston for Colorado to play college football. Read more>>
Midge Smith
I’ve been playing piano since I could climb up on a bench and I have the cold, long winters in Ouray, CO to thank for countless hours spent at the keys. There was never any question that music would be my life. Read more>>
Kered Okoye
Started doing YouTube a writing on the side . Became more consistent with writing an my YouTube progression over the years . I written scripts , music , poems , stories everything i could . I written 4 albums , I traveled to different parts of the world by myself solo missions of understanding who i want to be . Japan did alot for me Read more>>
Stephanie Michelle Taylor
The one who shares the same blood as me, my ex-brother euthanized and cremated my Cairn Terrier, I had for 16 years, Nikki behind my back. She did not live with me at the time, due to having to work long hours and grind to pay for my expensive criminal lawyer. I bought another Cairn Terrier, Summer Rain on April 06, 2024. I provided a picture of her as a puppy below. Read more>>
Niesha Porter
I found my spiritual self through trauma. After leaving the military and having my first child, I fell into a dark place. I’d always been the one people turned to for comfort — the listener, the encourager — but when I needed someone, I didn’t know where to go. After becoming a mother, old wounds from childhood and a military sexual assault resurfaced. Read more>>
Tratter House
The Tratter House all started when a group of five social media influencers all moved in together. One came from IL, OH and FL while the other two were from TX. The content house started in 2021 and now three years later three of the original five are still together. Read more>>
Elizabeth Boateng
I’m from the Bronx, NYC, born to Ghanaian parents. I got my bachelor’s in economics and always knew I wanted to experience life beyond the East Coast. That’s how I ended up in Oklahoma for law school. It was during law school that my interest in visuals (photography) really took off. Read more>>
Kaylee Peffers
My journey with the ASU Houston Alumni Chapter is deeply personal and a true reflection of my love for Arizona State University and the incredible community we’ve built here in Houston. As the president, I’ve had the privilege of leading this chapter and fostering a space where Sun Devils—both past and present—can come together, share their pride, and create lasting connections. Read more>>
Kristen Sommers
My name is Kristen Sommers, and I’m the owner of Kris Aesthetics, a solo skincare studio located inside Uptown Salons in Creekside, near The Woodlands, Texas. I wanted to share my story about how I found my path in aesthetics and what inspired me to take a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. Read more>>
Stephanie Harris
Absolutely! My journey really began from a desire to help people feel confident and connected to their best selves, inside and out. I launched my holistic body sculpting business a little over five years ago, just before the pandemic hit. Read more>>
Matt Johnson
My partners and I are a group of friends and entrepreneurs who have always been drawn to creating experiences that transform ordinary spaces into something extraordinary. Before 2020, we had tossed around the idea of building a large-scale, drive-thru light experience that could bring people together during the holidays, but it never quite left the drawing board. Then Covid hit, and suddenly everything stopped. Read more>>
Aylin Valles
Becoming an esthetician wasn’t part of my original plan. From 2015 to 2018, I went to college to become a licensed therapist. Being first gen. I felt like that was what I was supposed to do, but deep down I knew school wasn’t for me. I’ve always loved helping people, just felt I could do it in a different way. Read more>>
Keri Lugo
When I first entered the wedding and event industry, I had no idea it would become my life’s work. I was just someone who loved connection, storytelling, and the magic of turning ideas into experiences. Over time, that passion evolved into Timeless Rose Events, a full-service planning company built on heart, hospitality, and high standards. From there, my creative side couldn’t sit still. Read more>>
Clint McCallum
I decided to become an Acupuncturist after I had a traumatic car accident and lost my left arm. In 2008 I transferred from halfway done with Chiropractic college to starting a Masters Program in Chinese Medicine. Read more>>
Guero G The Artist
My journey really started after I got out of TDC and finally got my hands on a computer. I didn’t have formal training — just a vision, a lot of trial and error, and the kind of determination that doesn’t come from comfort. I started teaching myself graphic design and built everything from scratch. Read more>>
