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.
Cherille “Chae Shanti” Simpson-Riles
I’ve been braiding hair since I was about 10 years old. Like a lot of little girls, I started by playing with my Barbie dolls, but hair became personal for me pretty early on. I didn’t like the way my own hair was being combed when I was younger, and after being teased about it, I decided to learn how to braid my own hair. Read more>>
Alexandra Dovzak
I have been dancing since I had the ability to walk. I started in ballet, joined a Slavic Folk Dance group called Uzori, where I met several of the girls I dance with today. Over the years I picked up several other genres of dance, specifically Broadway jazz as I started my Musical Theatre career and in 2021 I started belly dancing professionally. Read more>>
Isabell Campbell
I’ve always been a creative person. I’m originally from Germany, and I’ve worked as a graphic designer for more than 30 years. For a big part of my career in Germany, I worked in graphic design and eventually led a graphic department. Read more>>
John Rascoe
For years, music was one of the greatest ways I expressed myself. Through writing, recording, performing, and creating, I learned how to turn ideas and emotions into something people could feel. Music taught me discipline, creativity, storytelling, and most importantly, how to believe in the gifts I was given. Read more>>
Paola Arellano
It has not being a hard or super smooth road especially learning new software for every printer i own but i try my hardest and pray i do lots of prayers lol when i do anything it all eventually works out. Read more>>
Mirna Martinez
I grew up in the ancient ocean of the Permian basin and I moved to the modern day ocean to pursue my dreams of becoming a marine biologist. Despite being land locked for all of my adolescent life the ocean called to me. Since I was a little girl, I would collect anything ocean related that I could get my hands on. Read more>>
Christa Walton
My journey into aesthetics actually started later in life, and I think that’s what makes my story so special. I was 44 when COVID happened, and after spending 19 years in the same career, I realized I was ready for something completely different. I decided to take a leap of faith and start over in a brand-new industry — aesthetics. Read more>>
Diana McShan
I’m a Houston native, born and raised, and my journey has definitely not been a straight line, but looking back, I can see how every part of it has connected. I started my career in property management, first as a leasing agent and eventually working my way up to Assistant Manager. Read more>>
Joshua Ashley
Here, they call me Joshua Ashley. I was born into a family rich in spiritual wealth. Before I was born, my mother dreamed of me running down a hallway. She called my name, Joshua. The following morning, she heard a sermon about Joshua and the battle of Jericho and knew what she would name her child. Read more>>
Travis Ziebro
I started my career as a mechanical engineer working in industrial manufacturing. Over time, I moved into engineering leadership, earning an MBA and gaining extensive project management experience along the way. My pivotal entrepreneurial moment came in 2016, when I was laid off from a struggling fabrication company. I decided to strike out on my own, offering consulting and software implementation services. Read more>>
Damion Loera
I started cooking when I was sixteen. My first real job in food was working late nights as a cashier on Washington Ave, taking orders out of a truck window while the bars let out. It was loud, it was fast, and I loved it. Read more>>
Merit Munoz
My journey as an artist began at university, where I studied Graphic Design. As part of my degree, I learned a wide variety of illustration techniques, including watercolor, acrylic, oil painting, pastels, charcoal, graphite, colored pencils, and airbrushing. This became one of the parts of my studies that I enjoyed the most. Read more>>
Angelle Morris
My journey has been a blend of career, creativity, motherhood, resilience, and learning to embrace change. Professionally, I built my career in healthcare and health insurance, working in auditing, analytics, and special projects. That experience taught me how to pay attention to details, solve problems, and approach challenges with intention. Read more>>
Savannah Wetch
Savvy Ray Photography started in 2020 from something I’ve always genuinely loved—taking pictures and capturing memories. What started as a passion slowly turned into a business, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph so many beautiful families, milestones, and special moments. Read more>>
Montinique Johnson
My story is really a story of faith, resilience, restoration, and purpose. I didn’t start out knowing exactly what my purpose was. Like many people, I experienced seasons where life didn’t go according to plan. I faced setbacks, uncertainty, disappointment, and moments when I questioned what God was doing in my life. Read more>>
McKenna Parr
Absolutely! I have always loved music, singing and performing since I was a little kid. My dad was a singer/songwriter so he taught me to play guitar and whenever there was a school or church talent show I was immediately all over it. In middle school and high school, songwriting entered the mix and I would use that to process little break ups and such. Read more>>
Ashton Koontz
I’m Ashton Koontz — a creative, model, stylist, and storyteller with a passion for fashion, beauty, and visual expression. I’ve always been drawn to the art of creating — whether that’s in front of the camera modeling, behind the chair styling hair, putting together a look, creating imagery, or bringing a brand’s vision to life. My creative journey has never been one straight path. Read more>>
Rico Davis
My journey has been built on resilience, purpose, and a commitment to serving others. After overcoming personal challenges in my own life, I realized my greatest purpose was helping others find strength, hope, and inspiration. I founded the Salt & Pepper Gang (SPG), a movement focused on empowering men, supporting families, mentoring youth, and giving back to communities through programs, events, and meaningful conversations. Read more>>
Sherri Logan
Eleven years ago, our lives changed forever. Our son, Ryan, was just 13 years old when he suffered a devastating stroke caused by an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, in his brain. In an instant, our healthy, active teenage son was faced with a journey no child should have to endure. Read more>>
Juliet Awolumate
I started my nonprofit, Scion of Tabitha, when I was 19 years old and still in college. At the time, it was called Help Each Other Rise, or the HER Foundation, and our mission was centered on giving back to the community as a whole. Read more>>
James Sims
I am a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and the co-founder of Red’s Smoke Shop, a veteran-owned mobile cigar experience company headquartered in Williamson County, Texas. After serving 20 years in the military, I transitioned my leadership, resilience, and servant-hearted approach into entrepreneurship, building a company that combines luxury cigar experiences with meaningful community impact. Read more>>
Ryan Lockridge
My wife and I are born and raised in Friendswood, TX. We participated in Little League and Pee Wee football/cheerleading in the 90’s at Renwick Sports Park. Fast Forward to today, we are raising 3rd generation Friendswood boys on the same fields we grew up on. Read more>>
Kayla Donnell
I’ve always been a creative, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself throughout my journey, it’s that I was never meant to fit into one box. I’m originally a military kid from San Antonio, Texas, and I moved to Houston in 2019 to attend Texas Southern University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Theatre with a concentration in Performance in 2023. Read more>>
Janet Montanez
I was born in the Dominican Republic and came to New York City as a child with my mother and my siblings. Like a lot of immigrant families, we arrived with very little, and what held us together was the table. Read more>>
Diana Zapata
Pets & Pets Katy started with a very personal purpose. When my family and I moved to the Houston area, I began thinking deeply about my daughter Alejandra’s future. She has Down syndrome, and like any mother, I wanted her to have a place where she could feel useful, valued, independent, and proud of what she was capable of doing. Read more>>
RETI
I started as a huge fan of the hip hop culture. The graffiti, break dancing, the dj’s, & mc’ing. I was infatuated with it really. I studied it & learned the history & where it came from. Me being from the south we had our own sound and that intrigued me as well. i was addicted to the culture. Read more>>
Luis Anzures
I was part of a family owned place, my dad started in Mexico selling on a 5ft x 6ft little shack, then grew it to be a 7 location full size fastfood mexican restaurant, my older brother and I brought it to the US 17 years ago, and grew it to have 5 locations and added more in Mexico as well. Read more>>
Elixis (Liz) Spencer
I’ve loved art all my life. When my grandmother took me to a garage sale as a kid and I used the $10 she gave me to purchase my first piece of artwork. I felt like it woke up the creative in me. From there, I was trying just about anything to keep that creativity flowing. Drawing, painting, even sculpting. Read more>>
Joseph Walker
I have been a practicing artist since I was in grade school starting with my love for graffiti, comics, cartoons, etc. I honestly had to find inspiration where I could. I will tell anyone today that kids cultivating imagination or being allowed to is one of the strongest things we can nurture. Read more>>
MAYERLYN BAUTISTA
My story has always been about transformation, resilience, and purpose. I am a Colombian woman, entrepreneur, professional makeup artist, cosmetologist, hair care specialist, educator, and a Social Communicator and Journalist. Read more>>
Nor Kin4life
Nor Kin4life ‘I Am Legend’ Introducing NOR KIN4LIFE, the dynamic force hailing from Mount Vernon, NY, who epitomizes the essence of a renaissance creator. With a diverse skill set encompassing singing,songwriting, emceeing, producing and photography, NOR KIN4LIFE has crafted a legacy that transcends boundaries. Read more>>
Porsha Pruitt
Travel has really always been in my DNA. Long before Xscape with P Travel LLC existed, I had an interest in the travel industry. Not long after high school, I attended System One Travel Academy in Houston, where I graduated and earned my certificate in travel. Read more>>
Maggie the Daughter
My journey into real estate actually started with my husband, Jose. At the time, I was working in corporate America and had climbed as high as I could within the organization. I had built a successful career in operations and leadership, but I knew there was a ceiling. Read more>>
Jessie Watt
Growing up I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, I just knew I wanted to make people happy! I decided to study Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts in college and originally fell in love with TV. It wasn’t until I applied for a part time ‘Promotions Coordinator’ position at CBS Radio that I discovered the true magic of radio. Read more>>
Mishta Smalley
I moved to Houston with my husband 20 years ago. With a degree in animation and half a life time of experience in advertising and film set design. I have traveled and worked in several countries including India UK Poland Indonesia and now in the US Finding my feet in the US and in Houston Tx was not easy. Read more>>
La’Mya Wyrick
I first moved to Houston in 2022 where I attended college at the University of Houston. I came in as a Junior which put me ahead of my peers academically and because of that I had a lot of free time. Read more>>
Misha Penton
I’m a Houston-based vocalist-composer, improvisor, and multidisciplinary artist creating immersive works at the intersections of music, voice, poetics, film, recording, visual art, and performance. My path has never been linear. I’m a singer and I’ve gradually moved deeper into composition, improvisation, experimental vocal practice, electronic music, filmmaking, writing, and visual art. Read more>>
Darren Pierre
I was born in Boston and spent a big part of my childhood in Montreal and Laval, Canada, before eventually moving back to Massachusetts and later Texas. Growing up, I moved around a lot, so adapting to new environments became a big part of who I am. Read more>>
J&M Jewelry
J&M Jewelry was established in 2005, starting primarily with engagement rings and providing high-quality jewelry directly to consumers. Over time, we began expanding into other areas of the industry, from custom design and manufacturing to wholesale, private label, and other specialized jewelry services. We’ve always worked by appointment, which has allowed us to give our clients a more private and personalized experience. Read more>>
Steliana van de Rijt-Economu
I grew up in a small village on the Romanian Black Sea Coast, during the pre-Internet era. After graduating as an Economist, I quickly became frustrated with the limited opportunities in my hometown. At 21, I moved to Bucharest for my first HR job at Kraft Foods. When the chance to intern at Nike’s European HQ in Amsterdam came up, I seized it. Read more>>
Jocelyne Guzman
I started my makeup artistry journey in 2020 when I created Tilaglams out of a genuine love for beauty and helping people feel confident. What began as doing makeup for friends, family, and special occasions gradually grew into working with brides, bridal parties, quinceañeras, and clients throughout the Houston area. Read more>>
Obinna Nwadike
My journey has really been built around persistence, relationships, and a willingness to take opportunities even when there was no guarantee they would work out. I started Global Drilling Resources with the goal of building a company that could become a trusted partner to the energy industry. In the beginning, like most entrepreneurs, I had to wear many hats. Read more>>
Geoffrey Wheeler
I started out as an architect. Worked in it since 1994, got licensed in 2002, and lost my first architectural job EVER in October 2020 due to Covid reasons. That was only after reconsidering my career choice many times, almost since I got licensed. I had never felt like I belonged in that industry. Read more>>
Gabriela Klerian
My journey as an artist started with a more classical art background, where I learned composition, perspective, color, and technique. That foundation is still very important to me, but eventually I felt the need to break away from doing things the “right” way and start exploring what felt more natural to me. Read more>>
Dana Blair
My story is not a straight line. And I think that is exactly what makes it worth telling. I grew up in Louisiana, my mother is from 5th Ward Houston. I am a dancer, a theatre kid, someone who could never sit still and always had something to say. Read more>>
Carmen Lam
I’m a food and wellness content creator and visual storyteller—and the amazing thing is, I never planned or intended for it to become what it is today. It simply unraveled and fell into place in the most beautiful way. My passion for food began when I was a teenager. Read more>>
TIFFANIE PETETT
I was born in LA, raised in the Bay Area of California. After 12 years post grad school in LA, I moved to Houston to explore a new city and have been here for 2.5 years now. I work as a strategic partnerships and revenue leader with more than a decade of experience building Fortune 500 relationships across media, entertainment and the creator economy. Read more>>
Natalia Ramírez
Mi Dulce Tentación Surprise Gifts began with a simple idea: to make people feel loved and remembered through thoughtful surprises. I started my business by creating personalized surprise breakfasts, filled with delicious treats, beautiful details, and heartfelt messages. What began as a small idea grew through dedication, hard work, and the support of our customers. Read more>>
Kemet Abernathy
Born and raised in Houston, TX Started playing drums around 9-10 years old Joined the band in middle school and high school Graduated high school and decided to join the US Navy. Served for 6 years, deployed once. Continued making music because the Navy wasn’t fulfilling enough for me. Read more>>
Sulien Fernandez
My journey has been one of learning, adapting, and creating something of my own. I’m originally from Cuba, and moving to the United States opened a completely new chapter in my life. Like many people starting over in a new country, I had to find my way, discover my strengths, and figure out what I wanted my future to look like. Read more>>
Lauren Hill
I never set out to become an inventor or start a company. Medical Inflatable Exhibits started with a problem I was trying to solve while working in marketing and events for a hospital in Houston. Read more>>
Peter O. Estévez
My story begins long before entrepreneurship, business, or success. I was born in Mexico City and immigrated to the United States at the age of ten. I am one of thirteen children, and we grew up with very limited resources. Read more>>
juarezproduction@gmail.com Juarez
I started doing photography when I quit my job in the corporate world in 2019, I was miserable sitting behind a desk all day and people not willing to listen to my ideas. I moved back to Houston, got a job at a Amazon warehouse, where I felt lost with no real direction other than the motivation for a more fulfilling change. Read more>>
Joshua Echavarria
I started making kettle corn in a skillet with a lid back when I was a teenager. It was ok, but the lid with no holes doesn’t let any of the steam out allowing the kettle corn to get nice and crunchy. Read more>>
Anna Smith
Rachel (co owner) and my self Anna, knew each other for several years before opening The BeautyBark. We had a combined 20 years experience in the pet industry. Considering our past experiences we’d seen enough of what the pet industry had to offer. Read more>>
Jazzilyn Simmons
Headline Idea: ‘Jazzilyn Simmons: The Elle Woods of Economic Ecosystems’: Pink Is Her Color. Economic Power Is Her Business. Jazzilyn Simmons is building an ecosystem where women leave with contracts, capital and opportunity. ‘Pink heels. Big ideas. Bigger infrastructure. Read more>>
Deonna Bailey
My journey in the beauty industry started with a genuine love for hair and making women feel beautiful and confident. Over time, that passion grew into RawTrendz Boutique, my beauty business where I’ve been able to express my creativity, build relationships with my clients, and continue developing my craft. Read more>>
