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.
Claude Charlier
I was born in France, where my childhood was deeply influenced by the study of classical music composition, piano, and fine art—disciplines that continue to shape my artistic vision and aesthetic today. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to become an artist. At the age of 11, I discovered photography and fell in love with the magic of the darkroom. Read more>>
Meshah Hawkins
I was born in Oakland, California and raised in Houston’s historic Third Ward, a community that shaped my values, my resilience, and my passion for giving back. I graduated from Jack Yates High School and later earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas Southern University. My career began in the classroom, where I had the privilege of teaching and mentoring children in underserved communities. Read more>>
Judith Thielen
I have always been interested in Art and working with different mediums to create art. In high school I gained interest in tattoos and even got a few underage. Read more>>
Paige Kail
I’ve always been drawn to animals, but over the years I’ve realized my career has been just as much about people as it has been about pets. Emergency medicine sits at the intersection of both as I support families through some of the hardest days they’ll expereince while helping teams perform at their very best under pressure. Read more>>
Aracelys and Asleyda Bracho
Our Story If someone had told us years ago that the dream born in Venezuela would one day open its doors in Texas, we probably would have smiled with hope, never imagining everything we would go through to make it a reality. Our story began many years ago in Venezuela. Read more>>
Wesley Ogsbury
I’m Wes — I’m the founder of MOOD, a fitness app that builds your workout around how you actually feel that day. Read more>>
Anupriya
My journey into clean beauty didn’t begin with the idea of starting a business. It began with a simple question: Can we make better choices without compromising on quality? One evening, I watched a documentary about the environmental impact of consumerism. It made me think differently about the products I was buying every day. Read more>>
Ronald Durio
I started my business venture at the age of 16 inn the hopes of just having fun and building something on the side which is where my record label, Americas Most Youngest Entertainment started. Over the years, i have parted ways with former associates while continuing to build my musical catelog reaching over 1000 songs and over 30+ albums. Read more>>
Reginald Adams
My journey as an artist began long before I understood that art could become a career. As a child, creativity was how I processed the world, expressed myself, and connected with others. Over time, that natural curiosity developed into a deeper interest in using art to transform not only objects, but people and places. Read more>>
Kane Mckinney
Creativity has always been a part of who I am. Long before I ever picked up a camera, I was painting and drawing. Growing up, my artwork was displayed in art shows, and I quickly realized how much I loved creating something that could make people stop, feel, and connect. Everything changed in high school when my dad gave me my first camera. Read more>>
Shanté Berry
My story begins with a simple truth I had to learn the hard way: storms don’t break you, they build you! I was born in Los Angeles, raised in St. Read more>>
Ren
It all started when I watched my mother make my Greek Dancing outfit at age 6. She let me help glue on the trim and held my hands as I pushed it through the sewing machine. Ever since then I was hooked on costumes and crafting. I’ve always been a very creative person. Art and music were my favorite subjects in grade school. Read more>>
Allison Rosen
After years of struggling with Crohn’s disease, Allison Rosen was diagnosed with Stage 2C colorectal cancer at just 32 years old. Following a challenging journey that included multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, she is now cancer-free and has remained so for 14 years. Motivated by her experience, Allison has intentionally dedicated her life, both professionally and personally, to being a passionate patient advocate. Read more>>
Regan Johnson
I’ve always loved music. I consider it my second language, my mom got me piano lessons as a child so with that background I believe I connect and understand music on a special level. In college, I was always requested to be on the aux for our dorm or house parties. Read more>>
Les Lee
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by drawing and art. As a child, I would flip through magazines and books and linger over the illustrations and paintings far longer than the words, imagining what it would be like to create images of my own. When it came time to choose a career, I knew it had to involve art. Read more>>
Marusya Nalimova
Hi! I’m Marusya! My creative path started with a blank page, a camera, and a lot of passion. I spent years writing, directing, and producing short films, taking them around the festival circuit and taking home awards for Best Director, Best Short Comedy, and Best Director of Photography. And then, there’s my absolute favorite title: The Creepiest Character. Read more>>
Jada Stewart
I’ve always been passionate about sports and creativity. I started playing basketball in elementary school and continued competing through middle school, high school, and into the collegiate level. Basketball taught me discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure—qualities that still shape who I am today. Read more>>
Uniqua Smith
That’s a beautiful mission. Here’s a revised version that reflects your vision more clearly: My journey started with a passion for serving people through creativity, purpose, and faith. I founded **Uniqua Smith Co.** to help entrepreneurs build impactful brands through strategy, branding, website design, and marketing. Read more>>
Candis Evans
My journey in the mental health field began in 2019 when I started working at a psychiatric emergency treatment center. I didn’t realize at the time how significant that year would become, both personally and professionally. Read more>>
Carlos Wallace
I grew up in Jacksonville, Texas, where I learned the values of hard work, faith, and personal responsibility. Those lessons carried me into the United States Navy, where I developed a deep appreciation for discipline, service, and teamwork. From there, I followed in the footsteps of my family as a fifth-generation railroader. Read more>>
Keara Henderson
My journey into real estate has been driven by a passion for helping people and create opportunities through homeownership. Like many entrepreneurs, my path hasn’t been a straight line. Before fully dedicating myself to real estate, I owned a beauty business, which taught me the importance of customer service, consistency, and building lasting relationships. Read more>>
Shana Martin
I grew up singing and performing with my family group. We performed locally and put on events in our home town of Buffalo, NY and all around the United States. In Highschool I wrote and recorded my first solo EP of instrumental music on piano. After High school I went on to graduate from Schreiner University with a Bachelors of Arts in Vocal Performance. Read more>>
Lola Carroll
Our Story Rhythm began with a little girl who simply loved to dance. I took my very first dance class at just two years old, and from that moment on, movement became part of who I am. Dance taught me confidence, creativity, discipline, and joy—and I knew early on that I wanted to share that feeling with others. Read more>>
Owen Lartson
My work started when my mom was dying. I didn’t intend for it to be work at that point, I just needed something to keep my mind busy in the quiet moments between trying to help arrange affairs and everything else. Read more>>
Rachel Redding
Hi! I’m Rachel Redding. I’m a choreographer, performer, and photographer from Houston. Growing up in the city I was very fortunate to have a lot of opportunities to engage with the arts. I started dancing from a young age and as I got to high school and college my passion for dance and photography were steadily growing in parallel lines. Read more>>
Alonie (they/she) Riggins
I’ve always loved to dance and entertain—it just feels like where I’m meant to be. I love bringing people together and creating moments where they can feel the energy, have fun, and experience a real sense of community. In 2022, I decided to challenge myself and pursue sports entertainment, and it completely changed my path. Read more>>
Robert Pope
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was involved in music, performing, and live events, and over time I discovered that I loved not only entertaining people but also creating experiences that brought people together. I started DJing in high school, providing music for school banquets, dances, and parties. Read more>>
Isaac Knuteson
I was adopted in Perm, Russia at the age of 18months. I Immediately knew when I started dancing I wanted to pursue it professionally. I was inspired by the ballet lines at water ski show & that sparked my love for movement & Creativity. Read more>>
Marcus-Jamal Gray
My journey started back when I was in college shot a music video for a class and fell in love with the camera. The real work began when I move to Houston and decided to peruse sports photography in 2019. I went to local High school football games and took pictures of the athletes. Read more>>
Kelli Gandy
My heart was always in labor and delivery. I became a licensed nurse in 2010, in the aftermath of the recession, when hospitals were not hiring new graduates. This was pre-pandemic—before nurses were suddenly “healthcare heroes” and hospitals were offering sign-on bonuses that sounded like game-show prizes. Read more>>
Kent Schaffer
I originally had been a drama major at the University of Texas but when I was in my second year I met a well known criminal lawyer named Racehorse Haynes who inspired me to become a lawyer. I spent a summer working for him and changed my major during the next semester. Read more>>
Christopher Wilson
Founded in 2018 by Preacherkid Chris, P.A.C.MAN was created with a vision that extends beyond clothing. Born from the culture of Alief, Texas, P.A.C.MAN stands for Protect All Culture—a movement dedicated to inspiring confidence, preserving community, and representing the people who help shape it. What began as an idea in a bedroom closet has grown into a lifestyle brand rooted in purpose. Read more>>
Ksenia Ortega
I moved to the United States over sixteen years ago and, like many immigrants, started by building a completely new life from scratch. For years I worked in healthcare administration and revenue cycle management, eventually leading insurance collections teams and helping organizations improve their financial operations. Read more>>
Jasmine Mason
I grew up in Kansas City, MO. The youngest out of 4. We didn’t have much growing up like most families around me at the time but my parents always tried to do their best with giving us the most fulfilled life. I gained my passion for photography and production when I began high school at Lees Summit North. Read more>>
Patrick John Sablan
Aloha – Hafa Adai, My name is Patrick Sablan, and I’ve had the privilege of entertaining the City of Houston for over 4 years now. I first made my way out here to the “mainland” United States from the beautiful island of Guam. I had a passion and desire that my ancestors had in their blood as well; the need to explore this beautiful planet. Read more>>
Shang-Yi Hua
I was born in Taiwan. Back then in Taiwan, I never imagined I would pursue an artistic career. I went to the United States to study business, get married, and have children. Because of my immigration status, I couldn’t work in the US, so I focused all my energy on taking care of my children. Read more>>
Adan Gonzalez
Riff Valley began in 2005 when I was a promoter bringing hardcore-style bands to the Rio Grande Valley. The hardcore subculture has a strong connection to veganism, and through that community, I saw how naturally music, activism, food, and lifestyle blended together. It felt natural to combine my passion for music, community, and plant-based food. Read more>>
Dana A
I started my career with a passion for helping people look and feel their best. What began as an interest in hairstyling grew into a profession built on creating quality work and building lasting relationships with my clients. Over the years, I’ve continued to grow my skills and eventually opened my own business, Hair & Beauty by Dana. Read more>>
Absolem Yetzirah
The Path to Founding the Shop: The Initial Spark (2009): My journey into Voodoo began when I visited a Voodoo priestess in New Orleans named Priestess Miriam Chamani of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, which deeply shifted my spiritual path. Spiritual Initiation (2011): After studying the religion and its West African and diaspora roots, I was formally initiated into Voodoo. Read more>>
Veronica Sekac
My story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose. I began this journey with a simple but deep desire: to create something meaningful of my own while helping others feel cared for, restored, and confident. From early on, I was drawn to the beauty and wellness industry, but for me, it was always about more than appearances. Read more>>
Anh Huynh
When I first started my photobooth business, it began with a simple idea: creating a fun, memorable experience that brings people together. Being an oncology nurse has always been about serving others, building meaningful connections and creating moments that makes a difference. While my photobooth business is very different from healthcare, it brings me same sense of joy in a unique way. Read more>>
Marisela Collins
**A Life Built on Faith, Music, Family, and Hope** Thirty-five years ago, I married the love of my life, Luis. We were young, deeply in love, and full of dreams. Like many newlyweds, we envisioned a future filled with opportunities, family, and purpose. Read more>>
Gina Caldwell
For those who may or may not recall, I answered this in an interview back from 2018. The short and sweet explanation is that I’ve always been drawn to art, (who hasn’t) but it was one particular day in kindergarten where I made a promise to myself to pursue it as a career after drawing a dragon. Read more>>
Iam Justified
I grew up in Houston, Texas, where I learned the value of hard work, faith, and perseverance. Music was always a part of me, but life led me down different roads—from entrepreneurship to the insurance industry—each chapter teaching me lessons about people, purpose, and resilience. A few years ago, I made the decision to step outside my comfort zone and build a life abroad. Read more>>
Quin Batiste
I’ve always loved helping people feel beautiful and confident. My journey actually started with makeup, and after graduating high school in 2016, I went straight to esthetician school in Louisiana. Once I graduated, I moved to Houston and started working for a large lash company, where I gained valuable experience and worked my way up. Read more>>
Justyn Boumah
Justyn Boumah is an internationally recognized youth leader, speaker, and international author whose work is rooted in expanding literacy and inspiring purpose in underserved communities around the world. He founded Heroes & Heart at age five, becoming one of the youngest nonprofit founders in the United States. Read more>>
Mayuko Ono Gray
I grew up in Japan, where I spent my childhood studying traditional Japanese calligraphy. Later, as I prepared for art university entrance exam, I transitioned to Western academic drawing, where I trained in realism using graphite and charcoal. Experiencing both traditions shaped the foundation of my artistic practice. Today, my work brings these two worlds together. Read more>>
Valerie Torres
Blooming Grounds began in 2024, six months into pregnancy, during a season of life filled with change, excitement and uncertainty. While I was preparing to welcome my daughter into the world, I was also nurturing a dream of my own. The first product I launched through Blooming Grounds were floral drink carriers, a simple but unique way to combine my love for flowers and coffee. Read more>>
Shelly Lee
Growing up, I always loved writing, but becoming an author and author coach was never part of my original career plan. Like many people, I worked a full-time job while pursuing my education, eventually earning my MBA. Throughout that time, I felt a persistent calling to write and encourage others through my experiences and faith. Read more>>
Dominique McFarland
My Instagram journey began in 2016 after taking a year-long break from social media. During that time, I found myself taking photos of my meals simply to remember the experiences and restaurants I enjoyed. A friend suggested that I create a separate Instagram page dedicated to my food content. Read more>>
Jewelyanna Balderas
Looking back, I never imagined I’d end up where I am today. I started with a camera simply because I loved creating. Taking photos quickly turned into creating content for businesses, photographing weddings, and eventually building a career doing something I genuinely love. None of it would have been possible without my dad, Nathan Balderas. Read more>>
Ogechi Agu
My journey into nursing started with my mother, who was also a nurse. Watching her taught me what service looked like in real life. She showed me that nursing was not simply a profession. It was a way to care for people, advocate for them, and leave an impact long after the shift ended. Read more>>
