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.
Kathryn Humphries
Together we have a combined 30+ years of experience working with leading brands such as Gap, Spindrift, Williams Sonoma Inc., Target, Shiseido, Nest, Nextdoor, to name a few – as well as dozens of startups, small businesses and creators such as Yohana, Mirth, Courtney Barton, Blue Hills in Round Top and many others. We also have worked with female leaders and executives in design, food, fashion, art, tech and business to build their personal brands. Read more>>
Blossom Legend
I was a chef for 10 years, I got a huge opportunity to bacon cook in Paris. Once I was there, it dawned on me and thr universe, told me I was going to be Doula. I now am Doula, I help women give birth, I help mothers learn how to regulate their bodies, thus learning how to regulate their babies. Read more>>
Ron Thompson
Well I got started back in 1988. I seen some kids skateboarding and that was a rap! It turned into passion. This is what I’m about and I was gonna be a lifer the rest of my life doing this and today you got a second class Skateboard Company 2.0.! ScndClss..com! Read more>>
Michelle Andrea
I’m a firm believer that we are all artists. As children, we all naturally show creativity and unique ways of seeing the world, but unfortunately, many of us are taught to disconnect from that part of ourselves as we get older. Because of this, I’ve made it my mission to empower others through art and creativity. Read more>>
Emily Lyons
I came into the beauty industry through hands-on work in hair and makeup, building my career in real time with real clients. I spent years behind the scenes of weddings, events, and high-pressure environments where timing, professionalism, and consistency weren’t optional. Read more>>
Dr. Veronica Kusnir DC
Dr. V. Claudia Kusnir B.S., D.C. practiced rhythmic gymnastics in Romania for 14 years. She won several championships with her team. The intense training has led her to chronic low back pain and knee pain, which was treated with physical therapy and medication without any results. Read more>>
mia meza
everything started back in 2023 i wanted to do something big i always had small business but never went to far with them and gave up easily. i saw that almost no one at then time was a eternal florist so i became one of the first girls in katy tx to open up a floral page. Read more>>
Jenny Wang
My journey began in Beijing and led me to Houston in 1991. Like many immigrants, I arrived with dreams, uncertainty, and a strong belief that hard work could build a meaningful life. Read more>>
Chase Babcock
I actually started cutting hair while I was incarcerated. Growing up, I made choices that landed me in jails and prison. Along the way, one time one of my cellmates asked me to cut his hair for visitation. He walked me through how to use a comb and razor. That moment changed everything. It gave me time—real time—to study my work. Read more>>
Denise Upshaw
My journey to this work began with burnout and with honesty. I spent years moving through government, policy, and corporate spaces, doing meaningful work, yet slowly losing myself in the process. From the outside, everything looked aligned. On the inside, I was exhausted and disconnected from the parts of me that once felt most alive. I knew something had to change. Read more>>
Timely Rain
I always had a dream of being on Broadway, I went to HSPVA and found a love for Sound Design and smoking weed. One of my first gigs out of high school was doing sound for The Secret Group, which was always a favorite opportunity, only one mic, easier than a musical or a 12 piece band. Read more>>
Briana Monet’
I started producing when I was as little as 5 years old lol. I’ve Always put on shows for my family and I mean full blown productions! We had rehearsals, programs, sound, lights, costumes, everything! Literally every weekend me and my cousins would pick a song, create a dance and put on a full blown live performances for all of the adults…. Read more>>
Collin Sledge
I was obsessed with standup in high school. I had about 90/100 of my Pandora stations devoted to comedians and since I rode the bus I listened for a couple hours per day from about 2010-2014. My favorites were Mike Birbiglia, Louis CK, and John Mulaney. Read more>>
Shequera Donshell
Honestly, this idea came to me after many nights of thinking about ventures and projects I wanted to dive into. I love being part of something that’s not only calming and soothing but also brings people together. Wine has this amazing way of creating moments — whether it’s bonding over stories, unwinding after a long day, or sparking great conversations. Read more>>
Emily Wisian
In 2021, I started Lone Star Bounce LLC, (with 2 business partners) a bounce house and inflatable rental business in West Houston serving families in the surrounding areas with full-service rentals—including delivery, setup, and takedown—for birthday parties, events, and more. The idea came from my own experiences as a parent of young kids. Read more>>
Mohamed Shalaby
Cardiovascular Disease – and a member of prestigious cardiology and scientific associations. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Practicing a range of cardiovascular medicine with special interest in new technologies in cardiac imaging, including cardiac CT and cardiac MRI, Dr. Shalaby obtained specialized training in peripheral vascular disease diagnosis and management. Read more>>
Laila Wilson
My name is Laila Simone, and I am the CEO of Mind Of Simone. I have been working with various art forms that include, photography, cinematography and of course, mixed media art pieces. The brand of Mind Of Simone was more of an epiphany inspired by my first exhibition I hosted at thirteen years old. Read more>>
Sarah Guillory
For years I worked in corporate America as a District Manager. In 2020 my husband had his first minor stroke and was hospitalized for several days. We thought this was the worst thing that could happen, but boy were we wrong. Over the next couple years, my husbands health got worse. He went through tons of testing and another 5 day hospital stay. Read more>>
Tamar Bibbs
My journey didn’t begin in business—it began in service, faith, and a deep desire to help people live well and finish strong. I started my career as an law enforcement professional in leadership and later stepped into entrepreneurship, coaching, and consulting, where I spent years guiding women, individuals and families toward healthier, more purposeful lives. Read more>>
Juni Shrestha
My professional journey is grounded in a passion for understanding people and supporting their well-being. Although I initially considered law enforcement, I realized my greatest impact would come through mental health work. Living and working across multiple continents has given me the opportunity to support individuals from diverse backgrounds. Read more>>
Danita Wadley
I began my career at Volunteers of America in Texas as a Financial Coach, a role that closely resembles that of a Case Manager, but with a unique focus on empowering individuals to design their own goals and pathways to financial stability. This initial position provided me with invaluable experience, allowing me to directly support clients in navigating their financial journeys. Read more>>
Gabriela Ortega
I started by trusting my instincts with my craft and learning the industry as I went. Each chapter added depth, perspective, and purpose, leading me to where I am today—confident in my path and open to what’s ahead. Read more>>
Sherman Yeung
I graduated from University of Houston with a marketing degree in 2010 and didn’t even touch cooking until 2016, which started purely as a hobby. I went down the rabbit hole and started dipping my feet into the industry by working part time at a few spots before fully diving in with Yauatcha being my first full time restaurant job as a dim sum commis. Read more>>
Lee Morgan
My story began in Northeast Pennsylvania. I was born in Scranton and spent most of my childhood in Ransom, a small country town tucked into the Appalachian Mountains along the Susquehanna River. I grew up in a large, blended family and graduated from Abington Heights High School in 2007. Read more>>
Brian Ryu
After completing my oral surgery training, I moved to Houston due to my wife’s work and spent several years practicing as an associate in a private practice. Through that experience, I learned both what worked well and what could be done better for my patients and referring doctors. Read more>>
Amanda Di Dio
I never planned on working in municipal social services, but looking back, every step of my career quietly pointed me here. I began as a music therapist, working with individuals navigating brain injuries, mental health challenges, and major life transitions. Sitting with people during some of their hardest moments taught me that healing is about far more than treatment plans. Read more>>
Myah Abraham
Right to Know began with a simple but pressing question: why do so many women feel disconnected from their own bodies and why is trustworthy guidance so hard to find? Read more>>
Kapreia Thomas
I began my journey in the beauty industry doing hair extensions for friends, family, and church events. As I worked more closely with clients, I discovered a deeper passion for makeup and the way it could enhance confidence and self-expression. Read more>>
Emmanuel Freeman
Young People in Action was Initially envisioned and incorporated in 1992 by Samuel Frazier. It was relaunched in 2015 under the leadership of Jonathan Zeigler and Emmanuel Freeman and has since experienced explosive growth. In August 2025, Jonathan Zeigler transitioned to emeritus status and placed the Executive Director role in the capable hands of Emmanuel. Read more>>
Danielle Woods
Dani DeMaio was a corporate Director who checked every traditional box on paper. Yet at 27, after becoming a Global People Technology Director, she felt a very real absence. The title was impressive. The access was impressive. But something was missing. Then her life detonated. A painful chapter in her personal life brought everything to a close. Read more>>
Janine Cascio
My story is one of intention, resilience, and learning to trust my own vision—especially when the path wasn’t clearly marked. I didn’t start out with a perfectly mapped plan or a safety net made of shortcuts. Read more>>
Charlene Dixon
My journey has been shaped by persistence, reinvention, and a deep respect for service. I began my career in public service with the Internal Revenue Service, where I gained firsthand experience in tax administration, compliance, and auditing. That foundation gave me a unique perspective — I didn’t just learn how returns are prepared, but how they are reviewed, questioned, and sometimes challenged. Read more>>
Mary Ann Garcia
My story begins with the example set by my parents. My mother arrived in this country at just 15 years old, undocumented and navigating a foreign land, while my father came from a broken home. They spent my entire childhood working tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. Read more>>
Sonya Wyche
As an undergraduate student, I knew I wanted a career centered on helping and guiding others, which led me to earn a B.S. in Psychology. Through my studies, I developed a strong interest in human behavior, mental processes, and emotional well-being. After graduation, I explored roles in both education and mental health, which helped clarify my professional path. Read more>>
Jha Allen
I come from a large family, my mother has eight children and as the oldest daughter, I learned early the importance of responsibility, discipline, and resilience. I entered the workforce at 16, working a range of jobs that, while modest, laid the foundation for my work ethic and problem-solving mindset. Read more>>
AARON RAINER
My name is Aaron Rainer, DVM, MPH, and I am a veterinarian, public health professional, and entrepreneur. I founded Horizon Veterinary after nearly two decades working across every level of veterinary medicine, from small independent clinics to emergency hospitals, leadership roles, and large corporate systems. I earned both my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from Texas A&M University. Read more>>
Paulette Green
From hair extensions and high fashion to heavy-duty logistics and real estate, my entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of the pivot. In 2018, I began my path by selling bundles and wigs under the brand Butterfly Extensions, operating out of my husband’s barbershop. Read more>>
Joel Rodriguez MD
Dr. Jose Esteban Rodriguez and his son Dr. Joel Esteban Rodriguez are the physicians of Orthopaedic Institute for Spinal Disorders. This family private practice also involves Dr. Jose’s oldest son, Dr. Limael Esteban Rodriguez, who is a Vascular Surgeon and started Texas Vascular & Imaging. All three physicians did their medical school training at Universidad Central del Caribe in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Dr. Read more>>
Erika Paz
My name is Erika Paz, an immigrant from Brazil. I am an author, psychotherapist, and wounded healer. My path to becoming a therapist is deeply personal. Like many people who are drawn to this work, I didn’t arrive here by accident—I arrived through lived experience. Read more>>
Joyce R
Clear Lake Maids started with a simple goal: to make life easier for busy professionals and families in our community. Read more>>
Michael Vayner
From PICME EVENTS to NXT LVL EVENT: A Journey of Grit, Growth & Experiences Nine years ago, what started as a small photo booth rental company — PICME EVENTS — has grown into NXT LVL EVENT, where brands become experiences. Back in the beginning, the heartbeat of our business was simple: joy. Read more>>
Jordan Abney
I was a 9th grade high school teacher who started with remodeling my own home over the course of a year. My wife and I then continued to help other families make their houses into homes after work and weekends. We did this for a few months and then I was off for the summer. Read more>>
Lloyd Ford
Creative Group Economics (CGE) started in 2017 after recognizing a clear gap in economic opportunity and real investment at the community level. Too many conversations about change were happening without action, so a small group began meeting once a month to identify practical business ideas that could generate revenue and be reinvested to help solve local issues. Read more>>
ANNE DE LA PARRA
I was born and raised in Mexico City and grew up in a very active, sport-driven family. Movement, discipline, and exercise have always been part of my life. I began practicing Pilates at the age of 13 as a complement to horseback riding, and over time it became an essential part of my training as I moved into competitive triathlon. Read more>>
RJ Flemister
My business journey started back in junior year when I took a photography class. I was doing the best in the class at the time, and that gave me confidence that this could be more than just a hobby. From there, I started taking on small shoots for friends and family, experimenting with videos, and learning as I went. Read more>>
Kayla Crawford
I started as an Executive Assistant. I have been an Executive Assistant in many industries, starting in Early Childhood Education and ending in the Health Insurance industry. I always loved supporting and bringing value to my work. My last position as an EA was the one I was most proud of when I was still practicing employment. Read more>>
Osaguona Asemota
My story starts with education. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and later a law degree. I was always interested in how systems work, how decisions are made, and how those decisions affect real people, which naturally led me to law and public service. After law school, I worked in several government roles, including positions with U.S. Read more>>
Inina Thompson
Hook’d Bakery started at home with a batch of chocolate chip cookies baked for a social gathering. I wasn’t trying to start a business-I just wanted to bring something good. But people kept coming back for seconds, then asking when I would make my next batch. That’s when I realized this could be something bigger. Read more>>
Priyanka Johri
Story is long. I have reached where I am today through lot of wandering and false starts. I am contious multipreneur. All my businesses have a purpose. But all of them revolve around animals mainly dogs. After leaving my petroleum geologist corporate job to start a dog sanctuary for older and special needs dogs I realized raising donation was not my strength. Read more>>
Saurab Bhatia
I grew up eating Singas in New York. For me being in Texas for almost 12 years, and whenever I went to New York for work, I’d bring 10-12 half-cooked frozen pizzas back with me. That same half-cooked option will now be available to local customers as well, allowing guests to take pies home and finish them in their own ovens. Read more>>
Keisha Thomas
We started our Airbnb business in Southeast Texas with a simple goal: to create clean, comfortable, and reliable short-term stays in an area that was underserved but constantly in demand. What began as a single property quickly showed us how many guests (consisting of traveling professionals, families, and visitors to the region) were looking for something better than a standard hotel. Read more>>
Joey Jamison
As Jesus freaks, I could not remember when or where I was saved. I thought it would be nice to have something to remind me of when & where. As a retired Master electrician, I find myself having to take care of things around the property more and more. As I cleared some of the property, I came across 3 cedar trees. We called every place we could find the number to yet, no one would mill them for us. I couldn’t throw them into the fire so, I build our first mill. Read more>>
Rj Crawford
Long story short, my career started in an unexpected place. I joined the Army just a week after high school. At the time, I felt like the black sheep of my family and needed to get as far away as possible. What was meant to be a new start turned into ten honorable years of service, including multiple deployments. Read more>>
Brandie Grasso
I grew up on an island where life moved at the pace of the ocean. That environment gave me a natural sense of healing and reflection, even when I didn’t realize it. I learned early that growth didn’t come from rushing—it came from listening, observing, and trusting the rhythm of life. Like many people, I carried fears and doubts. Read more>>
