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.
Stacy Jacobs
My journey has always been fueled by a deep love for local business, strategic partnerships, and a healthy dose of what I like to call ‘professionally spicy’ energy. Read More>>
Carolyn Cecile’ Hines
I am Dr. Carolyn Cecile Hines, founder of Hines Charity for Theological Education (HCTE), named in honor of my father, Dr. Allen J. Hines, Founder and mother, Dr. Mary Hines Singletary, Dean of the C. H. Mason Bible College and Institute. Following in the footsteps of my parents, I have served in both church leadership and education in numerous capacities since my youth. Read More>>
Alexis Pierre
I have been a multitalented artist ever since I was a kid and art is a beautiful way for me to express myself . I have been a poet since I was 12 years old, a photographer since I was 18 years old, and I’ve been a model since I was 8 years old. Read More>>
Destiny Hunter
My name is Destiny, I’m a 19 year old entrepreneur and content creator from Houston, Texas. My journey has been driven by creativity, faith, and the desire to build a life that’s bigger than what I thought was possible. Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself through fashion, beauty, and creating things with my hands. Read More>>
Lily Udovenko
I have always loved flowers and enjoyed creating something beautiful out of them. I would make flower bouquets for family and friends, create centerpieces and arrangements for events. Others would always say, ‘you should sell them and make it for other people’, but I never felt it was the right time. I was still working as a Physical Therapist Assistant and loved what I did. Read More>>
Erica Goings
My journey has been anything but traditional. When I was about to graduate from Tennessee State University, I found myself frustrated and confused. I was graduating near the top of my class, had completed great internships, and thought job offers would naturally follow. They didn’t. One day, while driving home, I had what I call a “come to Jesus” moment. Read More>>
Makayla Stephens
My journey with makeup started about 10 years ago, fueled by a passion for helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. From the beginning, I believed makeup should enhance a person’s natural features rather than cover them up or make them look like someone else. Read More>>
Jennifer and Sharon Mayorga
Dreamour began as a dream shared by two sisters-in-laws. Back in 2020, while living together during the uncertainty of COVID, we often talked about owning a boutique one day. At the time, it was simply a dream we each carried in our hearts, never imagining that one day we would build it together. Read More>>
Victoria Yos
Honestly, if you had asked me 10 years ago what I’d be doing today, owning an indoor playground probably would’ve been one of the last things I’d guess. I’ve always been a creative person. I grew up around the beauty industry because my mom owned a salon, so that’s where I started. I’ve also always loved social media and content creation. Read More>>
EUCHARIA ANYICHIE
My name is Eucharia O. Anyichie, am a Nurse Practitioner. For over a decade, I walked the path of a caregiver—first as a licensed vocational nurse, then a registered nurse. I worked the ICU where every day tested my skill and compassion. Driven by a dream, I returned to school, earned my master’s, and became a nurse practitioner. Read More>>
Damon Burns
After graduating with a Marketing Degree from Texas Southern University, I decided to return home to New Orleans, LA to earn a Finance MBA from the University of New Orleans. Unfortunately, I was 4 months away from graduating when Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Read More>>
Tarek G.
I serve as Vice President & Lead Auctioneer of Laura’s Import & Auctions, a family-owned auction company based in the greater Houston area. Over the years, we have focused on sourcing and selling antique, vintage, architectural, and decorative items representing many different periods, styles, and price points. Connecting buyers across Texas and throughout the United States. The company is named after my younger sister, Laura. Read More>>
Emily Carmona
The Houston Plant Market began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, founded by Kenny Nguyen. It started as small meetups in our local IKEA parking lot that were coordinated via Facebook Plant Swap Group! It created a space where the plant community could gather, connect, and geek out about plants together. Read More>>
Alphia Williams
Hi, my name is Alphia Williams. Writing has always been my passion. I love telling stories and creating characters that readers can connect with. There is something special about taking an idea and turning it into a world that captivates people from beginning to end. Read More>>
Amarachi Ede
My name is Amarachi Adaora Ede and I am Nigerian-Creole American born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. My Father was born in Ebonyi State and immigrated to the US for school and my mother is by way of new iberia Lousiana. My parents raised me to be disciplined and structured so imagine their surprise when I decided to choose a career in the arts. Read More>>
Aryam Lopez
I am known for creating personalized looks that enhance each client’s natural beauty while ensuring they feel like the best version of themselves. Whether it’s a wedding, quinceañera, prom, photoshoot, or special event, my goal is always to provide a luxury experience and long-lasting results. Read More>>
KenRael Banks
In 2015 I was told by a doctor my blood pressure was high and hypertension is upon me he offered medication to help but I refused and changed my diet with nature foods I’ve been on this journey since then I’ve started to share my journey in 2018 and offer solutions for others to glean behind such as health products herbs fruit juice and education Read More>>
Michelle Nkunim
We always laugh because our story started in a barely one-bedroom Section 8 apartment in Paterson, New Jersey. At the time, Kojo was hanging artwork in the homes of some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the tri-state area, and I was trying to build a photography business while pregnant with our first daughter. Read More>>
Linda Mitchell
My story is really a story of faith, resilience, and purpose. I never set out to become a fitness champion, podcast host, women’s health expert, best selling author, or speaker. My journey began with a desire to become stronger, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Read More>>
Karen McCullough
After earning my master’s degree in education from The Ohio State University, I began my career teaching in Columbus. But life has a funny way of redirecting us. Soon after, I moved to Houston and took a leap into entrepreneurship. I opened a retail store focused on what I knew and loved at the time: the classic Ohio preppy look. Read More>>
Tiffany Simon
My name is Tiffany Simon, and I am a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor, School Counselor, and Group Fitness Instructor with over 10 years of experience. I am passionate about helping individuals achieve wellness through a whole-person approach that connects both mind and body. As a wife and mother of two, I understand that wellness isn’t optional—it’s essential. Read More>>
Michelle LeBleu Christine Racca
Our story began in 2010. Christine was working for a media outlet producing commercial spots for local businesses. Michelle was a graphic designer for a small magazine. We began freelancing on the side, designing business cards and birthday invitations for our friends’ kids. We decided we would start a facebook portfolio featuring the work we were doing. Read More>>
Ann Tran
I started this business 2 years ago after being in real estate for over a decade. Before I went into real estate, I had obtained my degree in accounting from the University of Houston with the intention of becoming an entrepreneur and learning the language of business. While i was at u of h, I became president of an organization for two non-consecutive semesters. Read More>>
Aileen Stunning
Hi Houston! My birth name is Kyla, famously named Aileen Stunning! I’m originally from North Carolina and have spent most of my life in the arts. My background includes ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary dance, theater, musical theater, and film. In my early adulthood, I worked as an exotic dancer, which further deepened my appreciation for performance, storytelling, and movement. Read More>>
Bella Gotti
My journey started with music always being a part of who I am. I’ve always used writing as a way to express my experiences, emotions, and the things I’ve seen around me. Coming from Texarkana and building my roots in cities like Little Rock, New Orleans and Houston, I was influenced by different sounds and cultures, which helped shape my style as an artist. Read More>>
Dau’ne Rhea’ Baraka
Ever since I was a child, I’ve dealt with skin sensitivities, allergies, and different skin concerns that made me very aware of what I was putting on my body. From eczema, hormonal acne, HS, seborrheic dermatitis, and other sensitivities, my skin journey has been something I’ve had to learn through personally. Read More>>
Brittney Kettler
Definitely not. Confidence, I’m constantly learning and there are so many things that does into being a successful business and small shop from doing your research, to financial struggles and just life quite literally being life, to the hours and love you put into it. I’m happy to have taken the chance on myself, especially with today’s world and economic state. I also feel as though life is too short, and one should appreciate life and its moments and learn/accept challenges. Read More>>
Paulraj Samuel
As the son of a Cardiologist, the story of my professional life began even in childhood. Growing up in a household with my Father (The Cardiologist) and my Mother (a Family Practitioner), it became apparent that a career in Medicine brought with it the highest highs, the lowest lows, and all the never ending hard work in between. Read More>>
Savaun Young
Get Money Nation Records (G.M.N.) Bio Get Money Nation Records (G.M.N.) is an independent record label founded in 2012 by CEO and artist Lil Say. Built on the principles of hustle, independence, and perseverance, the label represents more than music—it’s a movement dedicated to elevating talent from the streets to the spotlight. Read More>>
Cynthia Benavides
My journey with The Cake Craft Shoppe Youth Baking Academies really began with a love for baking, teaching, and creating a space where people could feel welcomed, encouraged, and inspired. When I first started, Cake Craft Shoppe was focused on helping customers find the tools and supplies they needed for their own baking and decorating projects. Read More>>
David Gomez Jr
My fashion career started in Chicago, IL at age 17 as my senior year of high school was coming close to an end. During my prom photo shoot, an opportunity was presented to me to get into the fashion industry. From the results from my first shoot. Read More>>
Three The Artist
I was born and raised in Houston, but my family is from Trinidad and Louisiana, so naturally music has been a huge part of my life from the beginning. My mother , aunt Charmaine, and my Gran are some of my earliest memories and knowledge. I started listening to any and everything so my music taste is vast. Read More>>
Daniel Perez
RDP Media Company was founded in 2018 completely by accident. What started as a simple favor for a family friend quickly turned into something much bigger. A family friend needed help with a website, and I offered to build it simply for fun. After seeing the finished product, she began referring others to me, and before long, a small side business was born. Read More>>
Thuy Khuc
As an open format, local Houston dj, it all started off as a hobby. A girl who was intrigued and eager to learn and hon the skill. From casual kickbacks to after hour parties, my best friend’s boyfriend helped me shape into the dj I became. Read More>>
Janan Araujo-Siam
My friend and fellow comedian Onkar and I were standing at the back of a show, waiting for our turns on stage, sipping our drinks, when he leaned over and said, ‘I think we should start our own comedy club.’ The amazing and huge city of Houston has so few spaces for stand-up comedy and as comedians, we feel the scarcity. Read more>>
Kelley Truell – Rios
Kaptured by Kelley started with a simple love for documenting people and their stories. What began as a creative outlet eventually turned into a business I poured my heart into building. Read more>>
