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.
Kelly Hornberger
I starting shooting weddings almost 20 years ago after having our first son. Now, 18+ years later, I have three sons in Highshool, an amazing husband and an incredible team of photographers working under the KHP brand. We shoot beautiful weddings in Houston and all over the world as well and gorgeous families and celebrations worth documeting! Read more>>
Sergio Hidalgo
I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and my life has been a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences shaped by family, culture and tradition. From my earliest memories, I was surrounded by the aromas of my grandmothers’ cooking, which sparked a deep-rooted passion for food. Read more>>
Crysti Sherwood
My journey began in the Galveston area, where I was born and raised until my early teens. We later moved to Houston during my high school years. It was during that period in my life that I was involved in an accident that injured my right shoulder. The pain was unbearable to the point that I was unable to function properly. Read more>>
Milan Stapley
My path into permanent makeup began with a long-standing creative background and a desire to build a career rooted in artistry, precision, and care. I’ve always been drawn to work that blends technical skill with an intuitive understanding of people, and permanent makeup for brows became the perfect intersection of those strengths. Read more>>
Mary Turner
I’ve spent 30 years in the corporate healthcare world, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a business can get sick just like a patient can. Most people try to fix a struggling practice or a burnt-out team by treating the symptoms—they throw a new policy at it or tweak a spreadsheet and hope for the best. Read more>>
Daniel Basaldua
I was always active growing up and rode bikes. I became enthusiastic about transportation while working at ExxonMobil after college. I became enthralled with micromobility and finding a better, faster, easier way to get around Houston without using a car. I made an ebike for fun via zip ties, etc. in 2018. Read more>>
Perry McAfee
My story really started with just wanting to help families in a more meaningful, hands-on way. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in different roles serving vulnerable populations—at the Houston Food Bank, Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston, and later with Caregiver, Inc., supporting individuals with disabilities and foster care programs. Those experiences gave me a front-row seat to the real-life challenges families face every day. Read more>>
Ghazala Siddiqua
My Journey My journey into fashion design did not start as a business plan or a calculated decision. It started with genuine interest and passion for fashion designing. From a very young age, I was fascinated by fabrics, colors, and the way an outfit could completely change a person’s appearance and confidence. Read more>>
Haylee Ungaro
My journey into wedding planning didn’t begin with a business plan — it began with a deep love for celebrating people and creating meaningful moments. I’ve always been drawn to beauty, organization, and the feeling that comes from bringing something special to life. What started as helping friends and family plan events quickly grew into a passion I couldn’t ignore. Read more>>
Laura Crain
My journey into insurance wasn’t something I grew up dreaming about, it honestly found me. Like a lot of entrepreneurs, I didn’t start with a perfectly mapped-out plan. I started with a desire to create stability for my family and build something meaningful of my own. Read more>>
Dr. John S. H. Page Jr.
I didn’t arrive here in a straight line. I’ve always been someone who thinks deeply about systems — power, identity, money, faith, belonging — long before I had language for any of it. I grew up navigating spaces that were structured, hierarchical, and often rigid. Read more>>
Moe Farhat
I’m a software engineer by background, and my education played a big role in how I think and work. I earned a Master’s in Software Engineering and later an MBA from the University of Houston, which gave me a strong mix of technical and business perspective. I started in web design and development by taking on real projects and learning through experience. Read more>>
Evelyn Davis
My name is Evelyn Davis also known as ‘Eve’, a wife and mom. I am originally from Louisiana, but Texas has been my home since 2006. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. in 2003. However, I have always had a love for photography and event planning. I believe milestones deserve to be experiences, felt and remembered. Read more>>
Ricky Collins II
So one day, I was in my hometown of Corpus Christi when my grandmas computer was acting up. She asked me to take a look at it. Long and behold it was full of viruses, malware and needed major updates. So, I sat down and began to clean it up. Two hours later, i finally got it going and ti was cleaned up. Read more>>
Torrance Green
Back in 2020, I had a detailing business and I was cleaning a brother’s truck. I told him about the work environment at my day job and he told me that he was called to start pastoring and needed help filming and editing then he offered me a job — I accepted on the spot. With no experience, I began learning from him. Read more>>
Tobi Kosanke
My Story My path to founding Crazy K Farm began with a choice no parent should have to make. In 2009, I was a petroleum geologist with a promising career, but my daughter’s medical needs demanded my full attention. Read more>>
Sara Mock-Mason
I have always had a strong connection with animals of all kinds and nature. My journey in the Animal Welfare field began while I was in college as I volunteered at a local shelter walking the dogs in their care. My employment at the local shelter transitioned to working in the Veterinary field and becoming a Veterinary Assistant. Read more>>
Flor Howell
My path wasn’t a single lightbulb moment; it was a journey of realization. I actually started in the world of Neuroscience research—spending my days with MRIs, EEGs, and data. But while I was fascinated by the brain, I felt a gap. I wanted to have a direct, hands-on impact on people’s lives. Read more>>
Blaga Milosheva
Our Story | Dreamwork Renovations Dreamwork Renovations started when my husband and I moved to Texas in 2024 and decided to build something of our own. I’m originally from Bulgaria, and life has taken me from the UK to China to Silicon Valley – and now to The Woodlands. When I first visited, I immediately connected with the community and the strong family values here. Read more>>
Chris Kim
I didn’t initially set out to become a home builder. After graduating from UT Austin, I built a career in finance and corporate development, where I learned how to evaluate risk, manage complex projects, and think long-term. While that experience was invaluable, I found myself wanting to build something more personal and tangible. Read more>>
Marissa De La Cruz
Hi, I’m Marissa De La Cruz, raised in Luling, TX — where my love for beauty first began. Beauty has always been woven into my story. My journey into hairstyling started long before it became my career, from childhood haircuts and styling sessions to painting nails and preparing hair for special events. Read more>>
Gwendolyn Harper
My journey began along the shores of my hometown with Galveston ISD, where I first learned that education is less about textbooks and more about heart work. Even then, I understood that my calling was not simply to teach, but to build what I call community ships, strong and unbreakable systems of support that carry families and children toward a brighter future. Read more>>
Darla Beede
In 2016, at the age of 55, I started my life over. I was an Executive Assistant to the Plant Manager and member of the Leadership Team for a large chemical company for almost 32 years. Unfortunately, the last seven years of working there, I made poor decisions and was terminated. Read more>>
Andrea Jackson
Well, this business was started by my mother Myrtle Zachary Jackson with me by her side. My mother had a vision in 1995 to open a bakery and the moment she shared that with the family I was immediately on board after I did quick research on the WORLD WIDE WEB in 1995 on the baking industry; I was hooked from that day on. Read more>>
Cassidy Kelly
Hi! My name is Cassidy! Thinking back on this question, there is so much I can discuss. Those first few sessions, getting my first professional camera, or working my first wedding. While there are many highlights, it is vital to mention the first time I was truly able to play with photography. The first memory of a camera was of my dad. Read more>>
Michelle Florence
I’ve always been creative. In the late 70s and early 80s, I was painting bold graphic posters and drawing armadillo cartoons before I ever thought about being a “fine artist.” In the 90s, I created a colorful little world called ‘Whimzeeville’—playful, character-driven, and completely my own. Making things has never been optional for me. It’s not a hobby. It’s wiring. Read more>>
Nilda Pagan
My journey started at home, teaching myself how to do my own hair. What began as necessity quickly became passion. During a difficult season in my life when I experienced homelessness, I received a makeover that changed more than just my appearance — it changed how I felt about myself. That moment made me feel human again. It restored dignity, confidence, and hope. Read more>>
Drako Perfecto
Perfecto’s Ink – Founder Story Perfecto’s Ink started from a genuine love for tattooing and self-expression. Like a lot of artists, I didn’t begin with a storefront or a big following — I began with curiosity, dedication, and the drive to constantly get better. I was drawn to tattooing because it’s permanent, personal, and meaningful. Read more>>
Charissa Johnson
Honestly, my journey didn’t start with some big master plan. It started with noticing a need. I’ve always paid attention to people who tend to get overlooked. Seniors, individuals navigating mental health challenges, and families trying to make the best decision they can during really stressful seasons. Before Harmony Living Solutions ever had a name, I could see the gaps. Read more>>
Alesandra Bull
In 2013, I was first introduced to the Houston Swing Dance Society, a non-profit with a long history in Houston that provided accessible and affordable swing dancing to all people. There was always a big focus on community and enjoying the rich history of jazz music and swing dancing, particularly the music and dancing that came from Harlem, New York, in the 1920s-1940s. Read more>>
Cameron Achee
I was raised with a strong culinary background imbedded with home grown vegetables, hunting, and fishing. Grew up in South Louisiana where food is a way of life. Went to culinary school in Baton Rouge and preceded to work under acclaimed chefs including the famous New Orleans restaurant Galatoires. Read more>>
Elia Bacchiocchi
As someone that has been in the industry for 10 years and takes pride in everything I do, I was tired of pouring everything into a business that wasn’t pouring back into me. As a result of that, with my husbands encouragement, I focused all my energy on opening my own barbershop. Read more>>
Stacy Caudill
Shine was also previously teaching after school classes in Fort Bend ISD, which I started when I was with them. I had to do my own RFP with the district and be awarded to be a vendor with them. I have also added 2 more preschool/daycares and a private Catholic school to the schools we service. With FBISD, I have had dance & yoga classes at 18 different elementary schools. I added yoga classes in the 2nd year. I have also run a day camp, in the summer, through the district. Read more>>
Catherine Napierala
My husband and I always dreamed of relocating permanently to the United States, drawn to the warmth, energy, and endless outdoor possibilities of the greater Houston area—especially compared to the long Canadian winters that kept us indoors far too often. Read more>>
Anicia Ware
I began my career in fashion, producing events and working with countless clients. While the work was exciting, something always felt incomplete I wasn’t helping people in the deeper, lasting way I knew I was capable of. My background in administration, operations, and coaching a dance team quietly built the skills I truly needed: organization, leadership, strategy, and vision. Read more>>
