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.
Sarah Bone
Hello, I’m Sarah, a graphic designer and artist from the small town of Richmond, Texas. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing. Creating has always been a part of who I am – art has served as my escape, my outlet, and my voice. Read more>>
Gianni Franchellucci
Gianni Franchellucci, constantly traveling and seeking new lifestyles, began his freelance career, initially out of passion, then through study and research, developing an experience that has led him to become one of the world’s best-known photographers in the interior design sector. His knowledge has led him to collaborate with the most important national and international magazines specializing in furniture, architecture, and leisure. Read more>>
Michael L. Benitez
I was born into a family of unforgettable characters—people full of spirit, humor, passion, and complexity. And with the raw material God placed in me, I simply followed where it led. The truth is, I didn’t choose acting. Acting chose me, and from the moment I could walk and talk, I embraced it with open arms. As a child, I was a one-man cast. Read more>>
Nicholl Hunte
I came to Houston in 2008. I noticed that there was a very large Caribbean Community here and I absolutely loved meeting all of the people from different countries. I was born and raised in Barbados and I came to America as a teenager back in 2000. Read more>>
Jalen Hadnot
I have been an artist all my life, really. I was born and raised in Chicago, a city full of creators, so my artistic nature has always been welcomed by my environment. During college, I would sell pieces here and there to make ends meet, and somewhere along the way, I just never stopped. Learning has honestly pushed me to where I am today. Read more>>
Nkiru Vance
I started making Snifflecouches back in college, when they were nothing more than a fun, crafty hobby. I never imagined they would become anything more—until people began asking, “What are those and how much are they?” I will admit, not many people who come across a Snifflecouch can identify it’s use initially but once they discover it, they are fascinated! Read more>>
Shea Nastassjia
I’m a single mother who has always strived to be the best version of myself so I can set a positive example for my children and be an inspiration to others. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit within me, but I was too afraid of failing. I felt I couldn’t take a risk because I have two sons to provide for. Read more>>
Sarah Davis
My career journey began simply, rooted in the dental field. Starting as a sterilization technician at 19, I worked my way up to a dental assistant, eventually pursuing higher education to become a licensed dental hygienist in 2012. For many rewarding years, I practiced in various pediatric dental settings, focused on foundational oral health. The pivotal moment arrived after the birth of my second child. Read more>>
Carol Humerickhouse
My career in accounting began in the late 1990s, long before I ever imagined the turns my life would take. After being told I would never be able to have children and going through fertility treatments, God blessed us with our first miracle baby. One year later, we welcomed our second son. Read more>>
Sheri Horrocks
I became a mother really young at the age of 17. I knew I wanted to have a ton of photos of my children and my family. So I bought my first camera and started taking photos almost every day of my child and continued to do so for all three of my children. Read more>>
Yevgenia & Carlos Davidoff & Carrillo
For the last ten years, we’ve been working as an artist duo here in Austin, Texas, we are the two halves of CCYD Studio. I’m Carlos Carrillo (CC), born in Wichita Falls, TX, and my partner, Yevgenia Davidoff (YD), was born in Moscow, Russia. Read more>>
L.D. Stewart
My story begins in 2022 with my promotional/publicist work in the music industry, when the Pop Sensation Maeve De Voe decided to go worldwide on online stations, and began to be on music charts in London with her first song released. Read more>>
Jamie Putch
Hello! Fellow cat-kitty-furball lovers, this is Jamie Putch from the DamaskCats. My love for pets and caring for cats goes way back to my childhood when I first cared for my silky black cat Midnight, and Holly. Both whom ended up living into her golden years. You know, I used to be scared of cats, but slowly things changed. Read more>>
Casey Clay
I began my career at just 20 years old, assisting some of the most talented stylists in the Montrose and River Oaks areas. At that time, being a “jack of all trades” was the norm, so I learned to do everything—color, cutting, styling, extensions, and even makeup for special events. Read more>>
Angel Wynn
Honestly, my journey has been a mix of faith, creativity, and just saying “yes” to what God puts in front of me. I started out simply loving film—loving storytelling, loving the way a camera can capture a moment and turn it into something that touches people. Over the years, I worked my way through the industry as a videographer, photographer, editor, and eventually a director. Read more>>
Ayola Goxo
My artistic journey began very early, rooted in a love for cartoon characters. As I grew, that interest shifted toward studying and drawing realistic human figures. In my teenage years, I joined Belgravia art studio, where I learned oil painting and began developing a more disciplined approach to my practice. Read more>>
Tenika Smith
My Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph I want to start by sharing where my story truly began as child in the bay area projects just outside of East Oakland. When I was fourteen years old, I lost both of my parents in a tragic car accident. That moment changed my life forever. Read more>>
Shardai Thompson
I began my career in interior design with a simple belief: our spaces shape our emotional lives. Transforming chaotic rooms into peaceful, beautiful environments became both my craft and my calling. Over the years, as my design business grew, so did my understanding that people aren’t just looking for a pretty home they’re looking for a place where they can feel safe, grounded, and whole. Read more>>
April Smalls
My story is one of transition driven by ambition and discipline, starting with six and a half years in the United States Army, culminating in achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). Read more>>
Uzma Qureshi
I grew up in Pakistan witnessing how many talented children lose opportunities simply because their families cannot afford education. Those early experiences shaped my purpose. After completing my Bachelor’s from Kinnaird College and my MBA from the University of Houston, I worked in the nonprofit sector and saw firsthand how structured support can transform lives. Read more>>
Kelsey Fyffe, LPC-S, CEDS-C
Early in my training, I found myself drawn to the complexity of eating disorders, OCD, and trauma—conditions that are often misunderstood and, at times, overlooked. The more I learned, the more I realized how many people were silently struggling without access to specialized support. That became a turning point for me. Read more>>
Komal Maredia
I started my business over seven years ago in Sugar Land, Texas, but the roots of my journey began long before that. Growing up, I struggled with severe clinical acne that deeply affected my self-confidence. It made me shy away from social interactions, birthdays, and celebrations, moments that should have become cherished memories. That was when I realized something needed to change. Read more>>
Opal Francis
I started doing makeup at a very young age for friends and family after watching hours and hours of Youtube videos, later on creating them and turning this hobby of mine into a business. Read more>>
Ricardo Celis
I didn’t start my career under studio lights. I started working the overnight shift at the San Antonio Light, delivering newspapers and at 5 a.m. I would head straight to a small Hispanic radio station to read the morning news before the sun came up. When that shift ended, I’d grab a few hours of sleep and then head to my job at TGI Friday’s. Read more>>
Earl Minard III
I started making music in 2012 under a different rap name “O.E.” I changed my rap name to Earl The Monarch in 2017. Read more>>
Ashley Comora
My journey with juicing began over ten years ago — long before I ever imagined it would become my life’s work. At first, it was simply a way to take care of my body. But when I began to see how deeply it could heal — reversing sickness, restoring energy, and truly transforming how I felt — I knew I had discovered something powerful. Read more>>
Jiten Agarwal
Smile Foundation, a not for profit organization started in India in 2002 when a group of young working professionals came together with the goal of giving back to community by focusing on underprivileged children, women and families. The organization was founded on the vision of bringing about comprehensive and sustainable changes through education, healthcare, livelihood, and women’s empowerment. Read more>>
Jill Robin payne
People and relationships have always fascinated me, motivating me to earn a BS in Recreational Therapy, followed by an MA in Counseling/Clinical Psychology, and ultimately becoming a licensed psychotherapist. My father, an ophthalmologist and my mother a philanthropist modeled, behavior that instilled in me a desire to make a meaningful impact on people and communities. Read more>>
Beth Lopez
Surus started in a tiny studio apartment in San Antonio, Texas, during one of the toughest chapters of my life. I was a single mom raising two little girls while working for a State Farm agent—basically living in the office from Monday to Monday. Read more>>
crystal mathis
My journey has been anything but linear, but every chapter led me to the work I do today. I’ve always been fascinated by the human body — how it holds onto stress, how it compensates, and how it heals — and that curiosity eventually became a calling to help people feel better in their own bodies. Read more>>
Julie Long
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Creativity has always been at the center of who I am. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved making things that bring people joy. As a teenager, I made hard candy for everyone at Christmas. Later it became cookies for family gatherings. Most recently, my sourdough bread has become a staple gift for friends and neighbors. Read more>>
Dawn Candy
People often ask how I became the Executive Director of Hands of Justice. The truth is, my path here was shaped by a deeply personal journey—one I never anticipated, yet one that ultimately revealed my purpose. Our family’s encounter with sex trafficking began in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more>>
Ashley Watkins
The inspiration to become a wedding planner started way back when I was a kid, sitting in front of the TV watching The Wedding Planner starring Jennifer Lopez. I know — so cliché, right? But that movie truly woke something up in me. As I grew older, that little spark turned into action. Read more>>
Jesus Acosta
I’m a retired professional dancer that danced for 18 years in the Houston area. I now teach dance and am a director of the competition team at Dance Du Coeur in Sugar Land. After retiring I wanted to continue to make a difference in other people’s life and decided that the best way was through touching the lives of young aspiring dancers. Read more>>
Uche Jumbo
My background is in the food industry, leading global quality excellence, governance and strategy. Over time I saw a clear gap in the breakfast category. Consumers wanted real nourishment and clean ingredients, yet the aisle was dominated by ultra-processed products that didn’t reflect their health priorities. Read more>>
Abby Lane
Absolutely. My story really begins when I was seven years old, sitting on my bedroom floor making jewelry with my first little “business” — a website, order forms, business cards, samples…the whole thing. I didn’t know it then, but that spark of entrepreneurship never left. Fast-forward to college at Baylor University, where Chérie Lane truly came to life. Read more>>
Franklin Warens
My story is simple: I started with no roadmap, just hunger and ambition. I built Warens Financial Group from scratch by focusing on people, leadership, and creating real opportunity—not just closing transactions. Every challenge pushed me to grow, both personally and professionally, and that’s what shaped the culture of excellence and ownership we have today. Read more>>
Katelyn Nguyen Hillier
From a young age, I was captivated by the world of hairstyling. I spent countless hours cutting my Barbie dolls’ hair and knew early on that I wanted to make a career out of it. I graduated from Dickinson High School, where I began the cosmetology program during my junior year. Read more>>
Roshell Boudreaux
My faith has always been the compass of my life, a deep connection forged early on by my father, who taught me the power of prayer. But the path I walked was far from simple. As a younger woman, I navigated seasons of immense brokenness: surviving domestic violence abuse and molestation, losing my identity through homosexual drug addiction, and even experiencing homelessness. Read more>>
Melissa Mitchell
My first independent consulting company, MEM Resumes, was established in 2004 in my hometown of New York City. It grew out of my love of writing and my eagerness to support others around me in presenting their strengths on a powerful piece of paper with clarity and confidence. Read more>>
Martin Torres Isaza
Hello, I am Martín Torres Isaza, a Colombian immigrant who arrived in Houston several years ago, with all the desire to keep growing, both professionally and personally. Since I arrived, this city has given me so much. Read more>>
Bettyna Theodore
Fashion Take Out actually started in New Jersey, online, from my living room — literally me, my laptop, and a vision. I’ve always been “TheeFashionPlug,” the one people came to for a look, a vibe, or that last-minute “plug me in, sis!” moment. So launching an online boutique felt like the most natural extension of who I already was. Read more>>
Chai Cikes
Briefly walking you through my story is funny, because Chai’s Healing Corner didn’t begin with a product – it began with a becoming. Before I ever crafted my first bar of soap or mixed my first herbal bath blend, the seeds of this work were already growing inside me. Between 2015 and 2017, I experienced what I can only describe as a reawakening. Read more>>
Alexandro Martinez
My story starts back in Mexico, where imagination was my first language long before I ever stepped on a stage. I grew up fascinated by the power of storytelling—how a single performance, a scene, or even a gesture could shift someone’s emotions. That curiosity slowly became a calling. Read more>>
Mariana Oliveira
I’m a Brazilian born ballet choreographer and educator. My journey in the dance world started when I was 4 years old. Read more>>
Merlena James Turks
My story begins in my hometown of Freeport, Texas, a place where community was everything. I grew up in a close-knit environment where neighbors supported one another, and values were deeply rooted in traditions passed down through generations. From an early age, I witnessed the power of caring for others, not because of a title, but because of a calling. Read more>>
Sarah Nava
I started with the love of not wanting to work for corporate America anymore. As a female-disabled Veteran I stepped out of my comfort zone and started my own businesses. I have 3 businesses that I run in the community. Photography, Mums, Farmers market and holiday markets. I love helping small businesses in the community. I started a holiday market back in 2018 in Dickinson. Read more>>
Lisa Lange
My husband and I dreamed for many years of leaving our ‘regular’ jobs as an engineer and teacher and moving out to the country full time. We would spend many weekends out in our old farmhouse on my family’s land that dates back to 1847. Read more>>
Dr. Angelica Rivera, DPC, LPC
I knew I wanted to be a therapist since I was in High School. Stories and the ‘why’ behind behavior always interested me. I came from a family who were all in the Helping Profession (Nurses, Restaurant Management, Spiritual Coaching) so empowering people was a norm for us. During my master’s career my teacher, Dr. Read more>>
Dusty Haze
It’s by no means been an easy road I’ve dealt with hardships on the outside such as financial adversity varying opinions forceful actions and differing agendas but I’ve also met quite a few adversities internally the constant need for the improv skill something as simple as having to admit when you’re wrong or you’re not the guy for the job it’s taking refinement of discipline patience drive and even educating myself on things I had no education on so no I’d say it’s not been an easy road by any means but it has been well worth it and completely doable Read more>>
Chris Henderson
I have been a musician for basically my whole life, playing piano since I was young but then adding bass guitar, acoustic guitar and electric guitar over the years. In high school and early college I played in many of the Houston venues with several bands but then college consumed my life. Read more>>
Margaret Archer
I graduated from PT school in 2016 and moved to Houston to complete a neurologic residency at TIRR Memorial Hermann. While pregnant with my first son in 2023, I became interested in the field of pelvic health as I was trying to navigate how to stay strong during my pregnancy. While postpartum with my son, I was dealing with pelvic floor symptoms. Read more>>
Amanda Hammers
Threads of Grace officially launched as an online boutique in March of 2024, but the roots of this journey go back much further. I grew up in the boutique world — my mother owned J Barton Clothiers for 38 years — so serving women through fashion has always been a part of my life. Read more>>
janet Nicholas
I started a divorce recovery group with a woman 25 years my senior at a Christian counseling agency several decades ago. There were no such support groups at the time. My colleague and i had both been through divorce and we had sought help and wanted to do something to help others. Read more>>
Dianne Brown
I’ve had many jobs throughout my life, including a role as a college professor, and I’ve always loved sharing knowledge with others. One day, I was invited to a PHP presentation by one of the agents, and the financial information they shared was completely new to me. Read more>>
Ivette Aldana
To give credit to how I got to where I am today, I think it is important to start with where I come from. I am a first-generation Guatemalan American who was born in Inglewood, CA. My parents, like much of the Hispanic population, left behind a life they knew in hopes for a better life that would endure for generations – starting with me. Read more>>
Eric Sundin
When I was young, I was amazed at comic book artists and practiced copying many images and aspired to be one of those artists. Reality set in and found schools thought math, english and history was more important than art. I was fortunate to have a very cool art teacher in high school who helped me foster the desire in my heart. Read more>>
Estefanía Ibuado
My story begins in a very different field: international business and commercial problem-solving. After completing my LLM in International Law at the University of Houston Law Center, I moved to Amsterdam where my professional career began. I started my career as an attorney supporting global credit-insurance companies, specializing in cross-border disputes, complex negotiations, and debt recovery. Read more>>
Michael Neuenschwander, CPA, CFP®
August 11, 1994 – the date that forever changed the course for my family and set my career path. My grandfather was a successful doctor in Knoxville, TN and my grandmother was a stay-at-home mom raising 7 kids. As a sole practitioner, things were often lean. Then that 1 a.m. phone call came. My grandfather and sister were killed in a hit-and-run drunk driving accident. Read more>>
Bradley Hall
My story begins with family. My grandmothers played a significant role in my upbringing, and both were influential in the development of how I now view the world. Fast forward, one of my grandmothers was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2018. My family and I weren’t familiar with how to effectively support her. Read more>>
Cathy Hein, MSSW, LCSW, EMDR-C
I began my journey in the behavioral health field over 40 years ago. I first worked as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for 10 years in behavioral health hospitals. It was a good gig and fun. But I decided I wanted to do more traditional psychotherapy. I graduated with my MSSW from UT at Austin in 1994. Read more>>
Jacqueline Bedolla
I started my journey a little over 8 years ago at the age of 17, driven by a genuine passion for helping people feel better. In the beginning, I was simply curious about how intentional touch could relieve stress and pain, but the more I learned, the more I realized this was exactly where I was meant to be. Read more>>
Roberto Fantini
I began my career in Mexico, managing a ranch and preparing it for U.S. export certification. Those early years taught me what agriculture actually demands: precision, quality, compliance and respect for the work behind every box that leaves the field. Before produce, my path was aimed in a very different direction. Read more>>
John Austin Earles
I got my start in the commercial roofing industry several years ago, working on large, complex projects that served hospitals, universities, government buildings, and commercial properties. Those early years shaped how I think about quality, communication, and the responsibility that comes with protecting a building. When the time was right, I felt called to build something of my own. That became Noble Roofing. Read more>>
Liz Murtagh
My career path has been wonderfully circuitous, with each step naturally informing the next. After beginning as a schoolteacher, my husband’s career transfers required us to move frequently. I turned this challenge into an opportunity, mastering interior design through correspondence courses with the Sheffield School, which provided a robust foundation in both design and business. Read more>>
Oksana Silva
The road has been anything but smooth. I am the first and only member of my family to attend college, and that journey was filled with challenges. When I first heard about college in high school, I had no idea how I would afford it. Through determination and sacrifice, I worked five jobs while taking 17 to 19 credits each semester and ultimately graduated with a degree in Chemistry. My path didn’t end there. Read more>>
Richard Byrd
As Global Creative Director at SLB, he managed several multi-billion-dollar brands, rolled out numerous technologies, oversaw the creative product of the international oil & gas services giant, and managed a large staff on multiple continents. He has also led creative agencies and business development during his career. Read more>>
Jane Cizik
Raising 5 kids and volunteering have been my ‘jobs’. I am proud of the five great kids that Bob and I raised – all good people with a strong sense of honesty and hard work, who now live all over the US. Read more>>
Rene’ Chlumecky
The challenge of a loss Smooth road and hard times, like life , a roller coaster ride. When you are at the top and can do no wrong , success makes for peace of mind, security to support the family , internal satisfaction . Then there are periods when I couldn’t sell ice to an eskimo.You start to question your abilities, self worth, lack confidence , career choices. In my mid 30’s , I spent a month with my father as he had carotid surgery, had a major brain aneurysm and never recovered. That really hit me hard , I lost my focus, my purpose and direction. Read more>>
Charity Selvey
I’ve loved planning events since the 7th grade when I planned my first surprise party for one of my teachers. The excitement of creating a space to celebrate brought me pure joy! I became the friend you would call to decorate. And those parties and celebrations always made me happy! So, I decided to make it official in 2020, and Demi Alexandra Events was born. Read more>>
Jayy Terrell
My story started in Acres Home where I attended Carver Magnet High for the arts and really fell in love with the arts. I got my BA from UTSA double major in English and Cultural Anthropology. After graduation, I did a brief stint teaching eighth grade English before stumbling into the coffee industry. I worked at several cafes around downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. Read more>>
