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.
Linda Lopez
I’ve been interested in the brain and in helping people for as long as I can remember. That really started with my first psychology class in high school—it immediately clicked for me and felt like a natural path to pursue in college. Read more>>
Amenta B.
My path hasn’t been linear—it’s been organic, much like the plants I work with. I’ve always been drawn to creation in its many forms: art, sound, design, and nature. Early on, I expressed that through sewing, graphic design, and vocal music, but plants were always quietly present in my life as a source of grounding, healing, and curiosity. Read more>>
Joyce Garza
During Covid, I was interested in plant based recipes and started baking from home for Shef with a vegan dessert menu. I also was part of a farmers market on Westheimer for about a year. I was happy with my results even if they were small. This was Baking Joyce. I attended small business workshops at WHI and made connections. Read more>>
Jacob Proctor
Astrid and Jacob are both degreed geologists and began their journey together while living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Their love for exploration led them to prospect throughout Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. Moreover, their passion for discovery took them through far-flung villages in the remote countryside. Read more>>
Keisha Woodrup
The Beauty KNW How beauty supply store was a personal dream of mine about 15+ years ago on a tiny island in the Caribbean, St. Croix USVI. I was too afraid to step out of my comfort box for all those years to launch my business. I would always convince myself that I couldn’t do it. Read more>>
Danielle Saizan Houston
Angel Babies Matter Network was born from my own journey through pregnancy and infant loss and from the belief that no mother should have to walk that path alone. In 2013, I experienced my first stillbirth, my baby girl Angel. Seven years later, I heard the same words again: “Sit up, Mrs. Read more>>
Quay Doodae
Music has always been around me since a baby. More so in the church. I remember seeing my cousins playing the drums or organ. My mom and aunties used to sing in the choir. I even used to sing in the children choir when I was younger. Coincidently in high school I used to hang around people that used to do music. Read more>>
Tawnie Breaux
I started my career as a teacher, which gave me a deep love for helping people learn and grow. From there, I jumped into IT sales, where I mastered strategy, technology, and how businesses really operate behind the scenes. That mix of education and tech became the foundation for everything that followed. Read more>>
Mike Tracy
This is a long conversation. I’ve been doing this 18 years next month. I started in this business as a humble door guy and have owned 2 bars in my life and General Managed many places. I celebrated successes and learned from lots of failure. I’ve been through some controversy and a tragedy as well. Read more>>
Deborah Ellington
I was trained in drawing, painting, and ceramics, with a professional foundation shaped by art education and years of teaching. My practice remains grounded in painting as both a discipline and a way of thinking. While my materials have expanded, painting continues to inform my approach to composition, color, and spatial relationships. Read more>>
James Guzman
Dr. James R. Guzman, PT, DPT brings over 25 years of clinical experience, beginning his career in traditional outpatient settings focused on geriatrics and sports medicine. Throughout his practice, he developed a holistic approach after realizing that conventional physical therapy techniques often fell short for more complex cases. Read more>>
Usman ‘Oz’ Fazli
I started my legal career in personal injury in 2001, training at one of the largest PI firms in the country, Morgan & Morgan. That experience gave me a strong foundation in how high-volume litigation works and, more importantly, how systems and discipline drive results. From there, I intentionally moved through smaller and mid-sized firms to deepen my hands-on experience. Read more>>
Rhema Ehiemere
Dr. Rhema and Dr. Stephanie’s story is fundamentally about faithfulness in small moments that lead to bigger dreams. They didn’t set out with a master plan to plant a church—instead, they followed what they felt was a genuine call from God to invest in people and help them discover their true potential. Read more>>
Pam Fleetwood
I am from Dallas and moved to Galveston Island in May of 2021. I bought it my historical cirque 1907 from an individual and I found out it was a Bed and Breakfast (Virginia Point Inn) from 1983-1997, so I decided to turn it back into a B&B as extra income for retirement. I started with that and then started doing High Teas. Read more>>
Nikki Ockenden
I didn’t grow up talking about retirement plans or investment strategies. I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in a household shaped by divorce and financial insecurity. Money was often a source of stress, not stability. I learned early what it feels like when finances are uncertain—and how deeply that uncertainty can affect every decision a family makes. That upbringing stayed with me. Read more>>
Serhat Bolukbasi
I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, in a humble entrepreneurial family that ran a small business. Growing up in that environment gave me an early understanding of responsibility, perseverance, and what it really takes to build something from the ground up. Those early lessons stayed with me and shaped how I think about work, ownership, and long term value. Read more>>
Anthony Terrazas
I started my K-9 career in the United States Air Force. When I was assigned to the K-9 unit, unbeknownst to them, with a fear of dogs! I knew I would have to overcome my fear but I never thought I would fall in love with dogs and dog training. Read more>>
Mindy Jones
Becoming to Belong Counseling was born out of lived experience, both personal and professional. For years, I (Mindy) worked with individuals and couples who were doing their best to “hold it together,” yet felt deeply disconnected from themselves, their partner, or their sense of direction. Read more>>
Harold JAY Trotter
My journey began in San Diego at Bayview Baptist Church, which at the time was the largest Black church in the city. I was always front and center there. Singing, directing, speaking, watching, absorbing, getting into trouble, everything. That community motivated me, encouraged me, and helped shape my confidence early on. Read more>>
Tyler Krengle
I started Pacific Properties Management because I came from a job that was chaotic in every sense of the word—and I knew I didn’t want to build my life around more chaos. Read more>>
Adelso Chacon
I’ve worked in landscaping my whole life. Growing up, I spent every summer and weekend with my father, which allowed me to learn the trade from an early age. Because of the language barrier my father faced, I stepped in early on to help him speak and negotiate with clients. Four years ago, I officially turned that experience into a business. Read more>>
Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne
My journey has always been rooted in service, faith, and community—long before there was a formal foundation or public recognition. Life shaped this work long before I ever named it. As a triple-negative breast cancer survivor and longtime caregiver, I experienced firsthand how quickly life can change—and how unprepared many families are when it does. Read more>>
Beanca Williams
As a native New Orleanian, I am a graduate of the University of New Orleans with a degree in Sociology and certification in Social Work. I always wanted to work with and help people, especially children. When I graduated from college, I got a job working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in a group home for kids who were medically fragile with disabilities. Read more>>
Isaac Montoya
The year is 2014, I moved to a shelter in Houston that was considered to be a ‘Transitional living facility.’ I had recently aged out of foster care so this was my first time being out on my own. I didn’t have a job, but i was attending the illustrious Texas Southern University. Read more>>
Jonathon Penney
My name is Jonathon Penney and I was raised in a home with my three other siblings and a single mother. Spent some time in and out jail since I fourteen. I decided to my life for the better in my mid-20’s and that is when I met Brandee. Brandee was raised in a family-oriented home with her siblings and married parents. Read more>>
Alexandra Humphrey
The Edison Plaza Museum is housed in the historic Travis Street Substation, which opened in 1929 under Gulf States Utilities. The museum opened in 1982 under the guidance of W. Donham Crawford, the chairman of GSU. Mr. Crawford served on several boards related to Thomas Alva Edison during his lifetime and wanted to dedicate a museum to his memory here in Beaumont, TX. Read more>>
Diego Garcia
I grew up in Houston and attended Kingwood High School, then went on to study Digital Media at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering. While in school, I worked long hours in the Marietta Cookies warehouse, balancing physical work with coursework. That combination, hands-on labor during the day and technical problem-solving at school, shaped how I think about work and systems. Read more>>
Traver Smith
Our Story | Salty Hooker Lifestyle Salty Hooker Lifestyle started in 2022 the only way we know how—on the water. What began as a charter fishing company was built on early mornings, tight lines, and the kind of memories that only salt air and good company can create. Read more>>
Fortunah George
My name is Fortunah Kourtney Glory Tom George. In 2018, my life changed in a way that required immense strength and resilience. As a burns survivor, I entered a season of recovery that reshaped not only my body, but my perspective on life. That period challenged me deeply and led me through depression, anxiety, and the rebuilding of my self worth. Read more>>
Kim Simmons
My story technically starts in elementary school, but I promise not to keep you here long! A career quiz at 7 years old suggested becoming a mental health counselor. Even at that young age, I was drawn to listening, encouraging, and helping people sort through dilemmas. My passion for this work deepened as I navigated my own journey of self-acceptance and grief. Read more>>
Margaret Cruz
I didn’t start out with some perfectly mapped-out plan to lead a real estate team. Like a lot of people, I started real estate because I wanted more. More flexibility for my family, more control over my income, and more meaning in the work I was doing. Early on, I learned quickly that real estate isn’t just about transactions. Read more>>
Michelle Garza
Hello, my name is Michelle, and I am passionate about climbing mountains. This did not begin as a plan, but rather as a consequence—one that, over time, has helped me understand that contact with nature not only transforms people, but also brings order, reveals truth, and redirects their lives. El Potrero Chico—this is where the story begins. Read more>>
Tiffany Johnson
What started as goat yoga on a small, different property slowly grew into something much bigger. I didn’t grow up running a farm, but I was fortunate to have aunts, uncles, and grandparents who did. Spending time on their farms with cousins and friends, experiencing animals in their natural environment, left a lasting impression on me. Read more>>
Alex
I started Flash Memories Photo Booth Co. from a simple love for capturing moments and bringing people together. I’ve always been drawn to experiences , the kind that make people laugh, connect, and walk away with something meaningful to remember. I noticed how powerful photos can be, not just as images, but as physical keepsakes (the Photo Booth print-outs) that freeze joy in time. Read more>>
Jorge Loredo
Started in 2019, at the time Micheladas where just becoming popular in other parts of town, I saw the opportunity in the southwest area so I consulted with my siter Norma (the chef) we came up with our own version of a michelada bar and opened in October 2019. Read more>>
Tiy Bilbo
My journey into real estate began in new construction, working closely with my family’s company, 7 Concepts Inc., where we build custom homes and spec homes. I started as the listing agent, selling the homes we built, which gave me firsthand experience with the full development process—from design decisions to bringing a finished product to market. Read more>>
Brian Whitley
Interestingly, I originally went to school for process technology and instrumentation. At the time, I assumed I would become an I&E technician or possibly work as an operator at a facility. It didn’t take long, however, for me to realize that I was far more interested in roles that offered interaction, problem-solving, and the opportunity to travel. Read more>>
Emmy Rubio
Dayba Creations is a testament to family resilience and unity. As we enter into our 2nd year of business, we have a small little shop in League City, Texas and cater to all types of events all across Houston and surrounding areas. As a family-owned business, we have dedicated countess hours together to build a brand that reflects our values and commitment. Read more>>
Raven Grace
I’m a birth doula of 8 years, working with mothers from Atlanta to Houston. My first birth happened by unexpected occurrence when a close associate went into labor in our presence. Being in my position to guide her through contractions and eventually delivery was instinctual, first nature— even though I had no professional training or knowledge. Read more>>
Drena Blanton
From my last interview in 2021, there have been so many shifts all for the good, and where I am today. The last time we chatted, it was all about the transition from The Self Love Retreat to The Self Love Box, and today, we are back 100% focused on The Self Love Retreat. Read more>>
Karen Tigner
Juniper Jayne Boutique was born at a pivotal moment in my life when I made intentional changes that reshaped both my health and my perspective. After experiencing significant weight loss, I found myself rebuilding my wardrobe and rethinking how clothing made me feel. Read more>>
Mark Roseland
The Texas Marathon began in 2000 thanks to the determination of Rick Worley, who was pursuing a Guinness World Record for running the most marathons on consecutive weekends. Rick ultimately completed 200 marathons in 159 consecutive weeks, and along the way he needed a marathon on New Year’s Day. At the time, the only option available was a very difficult ultra-marathon. Read more>>
Narmeen Hussein
I began my professional career with a master’s degree in psychology, working as a therapist in a hospital-based correctional setting and treating inmates with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Read more>>
Beth Silva
I was working alongside my husband – with what started out as managing and organizing his builders projects for optimal sales success behind the scenes. As someone who is very type-A all the moving parts of construction was interesting and fun to learn and navigate through challenges. Read more>>
David Chapa
Been a Licensed nurse and have worked in the medical Field for over 30 years. Worked during covid and saw a lot of changes in our care and precautions when it came to disinfection of areas. I started doing deep cleaning and disinfection for area facilities to fight and contain the spread of infection. Read more>>
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>>
