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.
Nicole Bennett
My journey has really been one of reinvention, purpose, and embracing every season of my life. I’ve learned that each chapter brings new opportunities to grow, evolve, and discover different parts of who I am. Along the way, I discovered a passion for content creation and sharing experiences. Read more>>
Kristina Anderson
My partner has his degree in cinematography and he would take me to car meets with him while he filmed and one day he gave me his photography camera to shoot for fun and the rest is history. Read more>>
Devan Ford
I started the *Now Let’s Thrive* Podcast in October 2024 because I wanted to extend my work as a wellness and personal development coach beyond workshops and one-on-one conversations. I wanted to create a space where people could access practical tools, encouragement, and honest conversations about personal growth, wellness, resilience, relationships, and thriving in both life and work. Read more>>
Naomi Ortiz Despiau
100×35 Cafe was born from a deep love for God, Puerto Rico, and the traditions that shaped who we are. Our name represents our island’s 100 miles by 35 miles, a reminder that no matter where life takes us, our roots and heritage stay with us. Read more>>
Susan Del Broccolo
Like many photographers, I started with a camera in my hands because I wanted to preserve moments and adventures forever. What began as photographing my life than onto my family quickly grew into a passion for telling stories that felt honest, emotional, and timeless. I realized I wasn’t just taking photos—I was capturing the connections, milestones, and memories that people would hold onto for generations. Read more>>
Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD
I am originally from Houston, Texas and I attended all Texas Universities (UT Austin, Trinity University for a Masters Degree, and UH Main Campus for a PhD). My goal has always been to help people to live more fulfilled lives. I was in individual private practice for 20 years, then, 10 years ago, I started Psychology Houston, PC: The Center for Cognitive Behavioral Treatment. Read more>>
Corey Williams
I’m a father, entrepreneur, and mentor passionate about helping others create opportunities and achieve their goals. With over 20 years as a PPLSI Independent Associate and 10+ years at Ford Motor Company, I’ve built a career centered on empowerment, financial freedom, and personal growth. Through CINO Solutions, I aim to provide tools and strategies to help individuals and businesses thrive. Read more>>
Kierra Taylor
**DaBeautifulKey** is the stage name of Kierra G. Taylor—an independent singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate whose music is rooted in healing, self-discovery, love, and resilience. Inspired by life experiences and the power of sound, she creates music that encourages listeners to embrace authenticity, overcome challenges, and find peace within themselves. Read more>>
Laritza Garcia
I started the magazine in 2018 under the name Hola Katy, with a strong focus on the local community. Before launching it, I had worked with other magazines, which gave me valuable experience in publishing and media. As the magazine grew over the next three years, so did our vision. Read more>>
Thao Nguyen and Arthur Nguyen N/A
Some businesses start with a market analysis. Tastea Houston started with a promise made a long time ago, between a mother and her son. Thao had Arthur when she was young, just 17 years apart in age, close enough that people sometimes mistake them for best friends rather than mother and son. Read more>>
Zamir Rezai
My family moved to the United States in 2006 when I was in sixth grade. Like many immigrant families, we worked hard to build a better future. My older brothers and sisters took whatever jobs they could find to help support our family and pay the bills. Read more>>
Danny Tabares
Of course. First off, thank you for this opportunity! I started as a young immigrant from Acapulco, Mexico and grew up in the Willowbrook area of Houston, TX. Being part of a working-class family, my mom paved the way by going to college herself and showed me it’s a great way to advance one’s career. Read more>>
Gaby Tafhurt
Gaby Tafhurt: Originally from Puebla, Mexico, and now proudly based in Houston, Texas, Gaby Tafhurt has dedicated her life to serving others. A respected television host, producer, community leader, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and social advocate, she has become a trusted voice within the immigrant community, using media, education, and outreach to inspire positive change. Read more>>
Joanne Tang
My passion for the beauty industry began at an early age. My parents owned a hair salon in Vietnam, where I spent my teenage years helping with the business. Eventually, I took over the salon, gaining valuable hands-on experience and developing a deep appreciation for serving clients. After moving to the United States in 1998, I began my career as a nail technician. Read more>>
Keeshea Pratt
I often say that music found me long before I realized it would become my life’s calling. I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, to two incredibly musical parents who were both classically trained singers. Music wasn’t just something we listened to—it was woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Read more>>
Concetta Bang
My journey into the party industry started long before I ever owned a business. I grew up in Venezuela in a very creative family. My mom and my uncle owned a party rental business, so I was surrounded by celebrations, decorations, and event planning from a young age. Read more>>
Tosin Pascal
My business was born from my genuine love of hosting and my belief in the beauty of bringing people together. There has always been something special to me about creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories. My first real step into event design was organizing an old-fashioned sleepover for the ladies on my church’s worship team. Read more>>
Michelai Graham
For as long as I could write, I knew I’d be a writer. Storytelling has always been my passion. It started with poetry and journaling as a kid, then evolved into the school newspaper and yearbook in high school, and just kept growing from there. I never really had to choose journalism; it chose me. I pursued that passion formally, earning a B.A. Read more>>
vicky kumar
My journey into the world of real estate media and digital design started with a simple passion: helping real estate professionals showcase properties in the best possible light. I noticed that many realtors and agencies struggle to find reliable, high-quality photo and video editing partners who truly understand the fast-paced nature of the market. To solve this problem, I founded Oro Realty Flow. Read more>>
Tennyson Smith II
Vital 2 Life Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in response to a deeply personal tragedy. After his daughter was assaulted in Houston, Tennyson witnessed firsthand the overwhelming need for accessible, faith-based counseling for survivors of trauma. Read more>>
Brandi Rae Coleman
My journey into wellness entrepreneurship wasn’t something I planned—it was something I was called to. I’ve always had a nurturing spirit and a deep desire to help others, but becoming a yoga and sound meditation facilitator and podcaster was born from my own healing journey rather than a business plan. In 2018, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Read more>>
EmJay Aguwa
It began with what seemed to be an innate, God-given ability to engage in meaningful conversations with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Even before beginning my career as a mental health therapist, I possessed a natural ability to gain insight, exercise discernment, and create a safe space where others felt comfortable expressing themselves. Read more>>
Michael Galindo
My foundation comes from watching my single mother raise seven children with incredible grace, faith, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. She taught us that giving back is a way of life. Taking those values, eight years ago I founded a non-profit ministry dedicated to mentoring and supporting abused CPS youth, ensuring they have the resources, birthdays, and holidays every child deserves. Read more>>
Quilan ‘Cue’ Arnold
I think my story begins in 1995 when I was four years old. My parents and godparents were having a conversation about the intersection of Hip Hop culture and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Could they be harmonious, or were they like oil and water? As they talked, they were listening to a Hip Hop gospel album by the Gospel Gangstaz. Read more>>
Drake Williams
Deadly Doodles started in 2015 as a creative outlet while I was working as a motion graphics designer at The Richards Group. I’ve always been obsessed with music, art, skateboarding, and streetwear, and I wanted to build something that combined all of those influences into one brand. Read more>>
Thrive 4Youth
It’s hard to believe that the student sitting next to you might be suffering from hunger simply because they do not have access to food, yet this is the reality for many young residents in the Houston area. Just this past year, HISD reported more than 7,200 food-insecure students—that’s 7,200 empty stomachs. Read more>>
Andrea Moore
Hello my name is Andrea Moore, I’m the proud founder of Skin Love Esthetics located in Houston, Texas. My business was born from one of the most difficult yet life-changing seasons of my life. After fourteen years as an educator, I took a two-year sabbatical to focus on my health. Read more>>
Marissa Garcia
Hi! I’m Marissa Garcia, a 29-year-old hairstylist, wife, and mama. I’m incredibly grateful to do what I love every day, and I couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of my husband and family. I graduated high school in 2015 with my cosmetology license, and I’ve now been behind the chair for over 11 years. Read more>>
Nima and Paola Attayan
Nima and Paola’s love story wasn’t just about each other; it was also about their shared passion for perfumery. This couple’s journey began with a dream to create a perfume brand that reflected their love, creativity, and dedication. Nima, a fragrance enthusiast, spent countless hours exploring perfume shops, learning about different scents, and experimenting with essential oils. Read more>>
Kisshima Douglas
I am the only child and I have lived in Houston all of my life. Growing up wasn’t easy but it build me into the woman I am today Read more>>
A.D Hodge
As I was approaching the end of my undergraduate studies in Theatre Arts, my Theatre advisor Dr. Truscott recommended that I pick up a career in Stand-Up Comedy which dates back to December 2015. By March 2016, I took Dr. Read more>>
Cruz Green
full name is Cruz green I was born in Lafayette Louisiana but I mainly grew up in bunkie Louisiana with my grandparents I started finding an interest in music at the age of 10 years old. Read more>>
Jonathan Marshall
TotalHome Hub started from a small moment that turned into a bigger realization. I had an overgrown bush on the side of my house that had gotten out of hand, and I honestly didn’t even know where to start. I went to AI to figure out what to do, and it helped, but it also made something really clear to me. Read more>>
Michael Heilman Kristin Heilman
The Radio Broadcast is a Synth based Live Electronic Duo created in 2008 from the Love of Live Music and Electronic Music. The duo has strong musical influences from the sounds and styles of Crystal Castles, INNERPARTYSYSTEM, Pastel Ghost, You Love Her Coz She’s Dead, and many others. Read more>>
Jonathan Chism
I am first and foremost a husband and the proud father of two amazing children. My oldest son is autistic. He was diagnosed at the age of two and is nonverbal, a journey that has profoundly shaped my family’s life and deepened my commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and supporting other families navigating autism. Read more>>
Nicole Sain
Talk Fluoride-Free Toothpaste began in 2021, and yes, the spark came from eucalyptus oil. At first, that may sound like a leap, but it was learning about eucalyptus oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits that pushed me to create our flagship brand, Talk, under parent company TrnscndWellness LLC. Read more>>
Josolyn Rodriquez
Caribbean Fuzion is truly a dream that has been years in the making. I was born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where food, family, and culture are at the heart of everything we do. About 15 years ago, I had a dream of coming to America and introducing people to authentic Caribbean food and culture. Read more>>
