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.
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>>
Erick Barreat
Ebdevtech was started in 2016 as a side business that lead me to ultimately quit my full time corporate job to work on my IT firm full time in 2024. Read more>>
Holly Tate
My journey has always been fueled by a relentless pursuit of growth, both for myself and the leaders I work with. Born and raised in Nashville, I went to college in NYC before moving to Dallas where I started my career in radio advertising. Read more>>
Maki Drollinger
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and was a middle-distance runner from junior high through college. My undergraduate degree is in Physical Education, and I have always been interested in human anatomy. At the age of 23, I came to the U.S. and pursued my career as a chiropractor. Read more>>
Chad Cooper
My best friend in high school was a photographer, We both loved music. It was the late 1990s, so we created a website and would go to local concerts. He would take photos and I would review the show. We would post it on the site, and it began to get incredibly popular. Read more>>
Alice Moore
I spent more than two decades serving the Superior Court of California, working in Juvenile, Dependency, and Family Law. That experience shaped everything about how I work today. The court system taught me how to manage complex details, support high-stakes processes, and create order in environments where people depend on you to show up with excellence. Read more>>
James Romig
I got into instrument repair back in 2014. I had managed a music store in Allen, TX for seven years prior to that, and then an orchestral string instrument store hired me to manage a second location for them. The training included repairing string instruments, and I realized this was my calling. I learned the value of small details and patience. Read more>>
Toba Fuller
My Story: From Banker’s Desk to Financial Founder My journey into founding TMD Bookkeeping Services LLC wasn’t a sudden career change; it was a deliberate evolution fueled by nearly two decades of financial expertise and a deep desire to solve a persistent problem. Read more>>
Danielle Regitz
I started The Beginning Wedding Co. a few years ago as a creative outlet and way to continue working while staying mostly at home with my kids. I have always loved weddings, so I was drawn almost immediately to this industry and pretty quickly determined that planning/coordination would be the best fit for my skillset and situation in life. Read more>>
Andrew Stone
Hi all, I’m Andrew Stone, a songwriter, musician, performer now based in the Greater Houston area. I come from a musical family where both parents were musically active and I started playing piano, violin and guitar at an early age. Read more>>
Ada Fiscu
My journey began in an unexpected place—in quiet rooms with elderly individuals who needed care. I started as a caregiver, and from day one, I discovered something profound: a calling that resonated deep within my soul. Read more>>
Donald Fleming
I got into chiropractic because of a conversation I had with my high school counselor. I knew I wanted to help others but wasn’t sure how. The counselor noted that being a chiropractor I could help others, make a decent living and still be able to have leisure time. It sounded like a perfect fit and I graduated from the Texas Chiropractic College in 1995. Read more>>
Liza Dyess
I began my career as a high school teacher, but I quickly realized I wanted to support students beyond the classroom and help them navigate their daily life struggles. That led me to earn my master’s degree and become a school counselor, working in both elementary and intermediate schools. Read more>>
Stacy Williams
My journey with Love Has No Disability Inc. began long before I ever imagined starting a nonprofit. It started with my grandson, Jacah — my heart, my hero, and the reason my life looks the way it does today. Before Jacah, I was already a mother of 2 handsome boys Jeffery was just 12 years old and Ernest III was 6 years old. Read more>>
Lisa Archinal
Lisa Archinal knows what it means to have her world shattered and rebuilt by grace. After discovering profound betrayal in her marriage, she entered a season marked by shock, trauma, and the slow unraveling of the identity she once held. The early days were disorienting—survival became her focus as she navigated emotional fallout, deep grief, and the aching questions of worth and belonging. Read more>>
Stephen Richard
I grew up in a house where both my parents were fans of music, all types of music. My parents would have friends their friends over and music was always the backdrop of those get togethers. At the age of 5 my parents enrolled me in piano lessons and I took them for 5 years, until I made it to 6th grade. Read more>>
Tyler Tumbleson
I was born and raised in Houston, but really feel like I grew up in Sugar Land. My mom taught and my siblings and I went to a private school here in Sugar Land, so it’s an area that I’ve been connected with my whole life. I also grew up playing baseball, and it quickly became one of my first passions. Read more>>
Sean Barnes
I began my career as an introverted IT professional who preferred to stay behind the scenes. Over the years I moved into executive leadership roles that expanded far beyond technology, including HR, Safety, Transportation, Operations, and Project Management. Those experiences pushed me to grow as a communicator, a decision maker, and a leader responsible for developing teams through difficult challenges and major organizational change. Read more>>
Laura Croom, NP
Absolutely, I have always been passionate about health and wellness and I knew I wanted to be in the medical field from a young age. I became a RN in 2000 and worked in nearly every specialty. I went on to become a dual certified Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, graduating with my Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in 2012. Read more>>
J. L. Jensen
Hi! I’m J. L. Jensen, and I am a five-time published author! My current books so far are “Reginald America” (a sci-fi novel), “Dino Detectives” (a mystery novel that’s been recently republished), and “Furry High,” “Furry High 2: Furry Friends,” and “Furry High: Extended Edition,” (which are short story books that are about to be republished). Read more>>
Jennifer Dantzler
Our nonprofit started 23 years ago providing early intervention for children with autism. Eventually we added adolescent and young adult services. As more direct service programs have opened and the rates of autism have dramatically increased, we have partnered with them to provide direct services and our nonprofit is now focusing on providing community education and engagement. Read more>>
Sam Collins
Our story began with a simple vision: to build a family business rooted in quality, integrity, and craftsmanship. After spending more than 20 years in the electrical trade, I developed a strong foundation of experience and a reputation for doing things the right way. Read more>>
Angel Heims
I started my journey in the medical field, working as a Certified Medical Assistant and serving my community in various healthcare settings. Along the way, I faced firsthand the challenges many single mothers experience—unstable housing, limited resources, and the struggle to balance work, education, and parenthood. Read more>>
Mamdooh Abdelmottlep
My journey began far from Houston, but it has always been guided by a deep commitment to public safety, justice, and the role that strong policing institutions play in building stable communities. I started my career as a young academic fascinated by how police systems operate across different cultures and how internal security shapes national development. Read more>>
Jeremy Masters
Max Gonzales of Amaya Roasters & Catalina coffee , was a supervisor of mine back when he was telling strange stories about standard sizing & cupping notes on espresso’. (Probably 2001) Read more>>
Quentin Washington
Growing up my dream was to be a mechanical engineer. It all started to shift in 2014 I attended North Shore Senior High School and was in the audio/visual class. One of the first videos I made was documentary about the life skills class at the school. From that video I became a finalist for the All American High film festival. My sophomore year I got out of band and was placed in the sophomore level A/V class. This teacher taught us the fundamental principles of A/V and lighting . Read more>>
Nikia Giddings
Then came 2020. The world shut down, and for the first time, everything got quiet. No shows. No studio sessions. No running. Just stillness. And in that quiet, I had my first real intimate encounter with God — not in a church service, but on the floor of my room. Quarantine forced me to sit with myself, and in that space, the conversations with God became honest and raw. “This ain’t it,” became my truth. “Clearly You don’t want me doing what I’m doing.” Read more>>
Khalidah Baruti
Wow—my story. It really began in 2019 when I had to give up dairy for my skin health. It was tough at first because I’ve always loved chocolate, but it definitely didn’t love me back, lol. Then in 2020, I made an even bigger shift and went fully plant-based. Read more>>
Katelyn 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>>
Freddie Hines
I started House of Alameen in 2022 as a audio and video production. I still have a long way to go, but at this point it was a creative journey. Investing and planning as I go to keep the dream alive. Read more>>
Cristy Jennings
I grew up in El Paso and later in the Houston area, raised by parents who believed deeply in hard work and in being able to stand on your own. As a first-generation American, that message carried even more weight. Read more>>
Shanteria Matthews
I started Silky Smooth Essentials in 2018, originally doing mobile waxing and seeing only about 17 clients a month. It wasn’t sustainable, but I stayed committed so I could build my skill and stay active in the industry. In 2019, I made the decision to move into a suite even though I was nervous about the overhead. That decision helped my client base grow significantly. Read more>>
Elizabeth McIngvale
At the age of 12 I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. Also known as OCDI grew up in Houston home to the largest Medical Center in the world yet we could not find appropriate treatment or care for my disorder. Read more>>
Lani Stallings
I chose, at the end of 2019, after over a decade in real estate, to RISE UP and become a Broker. I had no idea the top of 2020 would bring a pandemic. I had no idea my husband would be furloughed and our main source of income would disappear overnight. I didn’t have a perfect plan, a big team, or a safety net. Read more>>
cooper mohrmann
Born and raised in Houston, I graduated from baylor university and was accepted to The University of Texas School of Dentistry. At the same time, I just released my first country music single on Spotify. Read more>>
Bridget Chapital
I started my career in the Texas Medical Center, working with cancer patients who traveled from all over the world for early access to treatments that could change (or even save) their lives. It was intense and meaningful work, and I loved being part of a team pushing science forward while offering real hope to the people we served. Read more>>
James Perryman
(This will be your second time interviewing me) In 2014 I attended SamVerly Barber College in Atlanta Georgia. I graduated barber college in 2015. While cutting hair at Tru Kutz, I noticed how many men were not taking care of their beards properly. At that time, in 2015 there were not many products to help me on their beard journey. Read more>>
Travis Malloy
I’m a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and CEO whose journey has been rooted in perseverance, purpose, and undeniable faith. I’ve slept in my car, couch-surfed across New York and Los Angeles, and walked through seasons where all I had was a dream and discipline — but every one of those moments helped shape the creative force and businessman I am today. Read more>>
Marcus Trevino
I got into accounting after being released from prison in 2020. I had never held a job before since I joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. I ended up in prison after a tragic DUI crash in Bakersfield, CA, on June 2, 2010, when I fell asleep at the wheel while on leave. Read more>>
heather smith
Before I ever owned a medspa, I was a woman struggling with infertility, thyroid issues, unexplained weight changes, and the frustration of being told “your labs are normal” when I knew something wasn’t right. I was working in women’s health and infertility, helping other women fight the same battles I was facing. Read more>>
Jesse Salazar
KT Events has been part of Houston’s kink, fetish, and performance scene for over 12 years. We originally started as Kinky Tuesdays at Numbers, just a weekly hangout where people could connect, relax, and explore in a fun, open, and safe environment. It was a place for newcomers to meet the community, learn, and if they felt comfortable try something for themselves. Read more>>
Mahmood Haque
My name is Mahmood Haque. I own a boutique personal injury law firm in Houston, Texas called Haque Law, PLLC. My path here was not traditional and it was never part of any lifelong dream to open my own firm. If anything, I spent most of my early career heading in a completely different direction. Read more>>
Jamaica Westbrooks
The Multifaceted Rise of Jamaica: From Tax Professional to Expectant Mother and Lyrical Architect In a world that often pressures individuals into a single mold, Jamaica stands as a powerful testament to the beauty of a multifaceted life. Her story isn’t just a biography; it’s a vibrant blueprint for how dedication, optimism, and raw creativity can thrive in seemingly disparate fields. Read more>>
Jessica Davis
Coming into my own as a healer has been a major part of my own healing journey. I needed to do some healing of my own before I had any business facilitating others. I am now borderline obsessed with the world of healing. I was actually licensed in 2000 but did not start practicing full time until 2012. Fear was a big part of that. Read more>>
Franz Anton Krager
It was a rough couple of years of questioning my desire and my ability to remake myself as a professional orchestra conductor, and having most everyone in my life telling me that I couldn’t do it. Thank goodness for Mom! She told me that I could do anything that I set my mind to do, and that I should forge ahead and not pay attention to the naysayers. You know the old adage: “Listen to your mother!” I did!! And, I’m really glad that I did!!! Read more>>
Roger Rohatgi
I started my career fully immersed in the creative world. Early on,I was doing graphic design, creative direction, VFX, video editing, and motion animation for organizations, clients, TV shows, commercials, and music videos. And even worked on projects with Houston’s very own hip hop star, Lil Flip. I loved that era because it taught me how to take an idea and bring it to life fast, in inventive ways, and always with heart. Read more>>
Kathy & Victoria Ward
The road has been filled with blessings and opportunities for growth. We are thankful for the churches that opened their doors to give us a safe and welcoming space to share Uniquely His Ministries. God also brought another mother, whose daughter has disabilities, to stand with us in prayer and help establish the foundation—such a divine connection. Read more>>
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>>
