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.
Tam Jones
After working in the industry for several years, I took a leap of faith and opened Tam Nicole Esthetics Studios & Spa in 2020. I wanted to build more than just a spa—I wanted to build a sanctuary. A place rooted in professionalism, education, and genuine care. Since then, our studio has grown into a trusted destination for facials, waxing, and body treatments, known for its intimate, relaxing atmosphere and exceptional service. Read more>>
Clarence Moore
Things were also a big shock to me when I had to get over how needles hurt people, definitely an important lesson I’d have to move past. In order to give my canvases the designs and colors they desire, I have to give all of my time and attention to each line and stroke of the tattoo. Remembering that people sign up for the pain is helpful but as long as you don’t overwork the skin you’ll be a super effective tattooist. Read more>>
Montrell Wilson
Im a Supervisor for a Distribution Warehouse. I supervise a small team in the receiving department. I specialize in Power Industrial Equipment, Continuous Improvement in Advance Warehouse Operations, and Training. Media is my first love! A hobby that I want to make a career out of in the near future. In media and Entertainment i specialize in music production, engineering, grapic design, audio recording, editing, and filming. What sets me apart is my creativity, my ability to adjust and solve problems, and help others figure out their own way to express themselves creatively. Read more>>
DJs Tirow, Chiano, Bidza, Benten, and Bond
Another challenge was gaining recognition without compromising authenticity. As a group representing Zimbabwean roots while promoting sounds like Afrobeats and Amapiano — genres more traditionally associated with West and South Africa — we had to work twice as hard to prove our voice mattered in that space. But that’s exactly what drove us: showing up with heart, precision, and originality. Read more>>
Brandy Taylor
As a young adult, I mentored pregnant and parenting teens and supported children from under-resourced communities. If someone was considered marginalized or overlooked, I wanted to connect — not out of saviorism, but solidarity. Along the way, I learned that true empowerment doesn’t come from speaking for others, but from creating spaces where people — especially young people — can speak for themselves. Read more>>
Kristen Reyes
I also recently became a mom in 2024, so that has introduced another layer into owning my own business! It is an adjustment to balance home life and work life, especially working in something creative. My mind can always wander into new ideas, intentionally or not, so there have been some late nights in the last year. However, I greatly appreciate how owning my own business gives me the flexibility I desire so I can have both the role of interior designer and mother. Read more>>
Chris Schnabel
Originally a solo project, Mad Props grew steadily through Chris’s unique mix of authentic conversation, top-tier production, and relentless drive. In 2025, Hannah Robertson joined as co-host, bringing a new dynamic to the show with her charisma, communication expertise, and fresh perspective—elevating the energy and expanding the conversations. Read more>>
Kiyani Savage
“The journey hasn’t been easy. There have been highs and lows, but maintaining a level head has been essential. Creativity rarely unfolds exactly the way you envision it, and that’s something I’ve had to embrace. Some of the biggest challenges I faced involved mastering color palettes and understanding which fabrics work well together. It took time and experimentation to develop an eye for those details. Time management was another major hurdle—balancing a full-time job, launching my own business, and modeling required careful planning and discipline. I had to stay organized and intentional with my schedule to avoid burnout and keep everything running smoothly.” Read more>>
Justin Jackson
After graduation, I took a gap year to prepare for the LSAT and was ultimately accepted into three HBCU law schools. I decided on Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston—and that choice was truly life-changing. TSU sharpened my skills, deepened my purpose, and surrounded me with professors and peers who believed in the mission of justice. I graduated from Thurgood, passed the Texas Bar Exam on my first attempt, and moved back to Dallas. Read more>>
Melanie Barrios Jones
If anyone tells you their road has been easy and smooth is either lying or has sold their soul to the devil. One of the biggest struggles was leaving my job as a financial advisor to pursue entrepreneurship. I was the breadwinner at the time but my husband supported my decision and he has had my back the entire journey. Being self-employed is challenging in so many ways because you wear all the hats and it takes time to build your business. There were a couple of times when I thought the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze but giving up isn’t really in my DNA so that was short lived. Read more>>
Jerry Williams
I was introduced to wedding photography in 1978 a friend of mine from the neighborhood was shooting them he gave me some pointers I brought one more camera a Mamiya 645 the film for this camera was much larger that meant even better pictures. I photographed many weddings for about 7 years I also shot nature, with nature photography I discovered macro photography which means close up I got into shoot flowers and insects. I continued this kind of photography many years shooting portraits landscapes and animals. Read more>>
Denise Parker DC
Before I became a chiropractor, I spent 8 years in the world of massage therapy and bodywork. That time gave me a deep respect for how the body stores experience—how stress, emotion, injury, and environment can all leave a mark. But I also saw the limitations of symptom-focused care. I knew there had to be more. That curiosity, and a strong sense of calling, led me back to school in my 30s to pursue chiropractic care with a deeper lens. Read more>>
Laurie Peterson
In 2013, I met my husband, Tim. He had recently left the golf profession and had been managing his own ADHD diagnosis. He was immediately drawn to the work I was doing, and together we realized we could grow our impact. We opened our second office in Houston/The Woodlands in 2014, and from there expanded to Austin, Fort Worth, and beyond. By 2019, we were exploring how to offer online evaluations. Then COVID hit, and suddenly that vision became a reality faster than we expected. Read more>>
Sara Carroll
I grew up surrounded by beauty and craftsmanship in the foothills of North Carolina, where furniture was more than a business—it was part of our family DNA. My father owned a retail showroom in Hickory, so from a young age, I was immersed in the world of furnishings. I attended my first High Point Market at just 13 years old and still remember the sense of wonder I felt watching my dad thoughtfully select pieces that would inspire our customers back home. That early exposure gave me a deep appreciation for quality, design, and the stories behind each piece. Read more>>
Kristen Barbee
I feel very passionate about celebrating a woman’s body no matter her size. I carry sizes XS-3X with plans to expand my sizing range in the future. Being plus size myself I recognize the need for more options in this industry. I’m also all about dopamine dressing, wearing the things you love whether that’s sparkles or an all neutral outfit wear what brings you joy. When you walk into my store you will find trendy styles, colorful pieces, sequins for that extra bit of dopamine, and items that you could make western with the right accessories. Read more>>
Megan Uini
I’m from El Paso, Texas, and honestly, the beauty game has always been in my blood. My mom worked at a hair salon (Step Above) and I basically grew up in that shop—sweeping floors, watching women transform in those chairs, flipping through Jet and all the old-school hair mags. What really caught my eye, even back then, were the nails. I’m talking about those bold, curved, dramatic ‘90s sets—loud, proud, and full of attitude. That’s where the obsession started. Read more>>
Carl Stallins
In 2023 I started out junk hauling, seeing what applicances and different things people threw out on bulk junk day. Then I bought a used trailer and started out as a you load it moving business but many people called me asking about junk removal so after doing some research and I started doing junk removal. Read more>>
Carol Roberson
Well today I am a T-Shirts & Tumbler maker, Photographer, Salon owner, and a Cosmetologist (Hair Stylist). Through all of these and more, it allows me to become The Creative Evolution. The thought on the name of this business allows me to know that beyond the sky is my limit. I can do anything that I allow my mind to focus on. I see Art in everything and that’s the beauty of it all. I started as a teenager always home and styling and braiding hair. I started earning money at the age of 13, I thought earning 25 dollars for braids was making a lot of money lol. Read more>>
Andy Bishop Cox
My mom was equally creative but in a different way. I was her tagalong during frequent thrift store runs on the hunt for fabrics to cover her purses, trim to enhance a Sunday suit, or beads and gems to bedazzle a pair of shoes. She also served as one of the ministry leads for our church’s drama department. I had the privilege of watching her give direction to the actors and dancers, play a part in costume and set design, as well as the musical selections. At the time, to 14-year-old me, it was just a part of the role she chose to accept, but it wasn’t just a role. It was passion and purpose. Read more>>
Robert Coltharp
I began my professional career as a mechanical engineer. At the time, I assumed that I could find meaning and fulfillment by prioritizing my engineering work. However, my career pursuits came at the expense of me learning how to form strong relationships. Over time, I progressively felt more disconnected and isolated from my friends, family, and community. Eventually I came to realize that building relationships and helping others self-actualize were highly important for both my personal and career development. Read more>>
Marcus C. Williams
Chef Marcus Williams is the visionary behind Clifton Catering, LLC, a Dallas-based culinary brand known for its bold, globally inspired Modern Comfort food. With roots in Cajun and Creole cuisine, Marcus transforms classic dishes into unforgettable experiences—infused with soul, creativity, and a deep respect for tradition. His culinary journey began at home, inspired by family gatherings and fueled by watching legends like Gordon Ramsay, Julia Child, Bobby Flay and more. That early passion evolved into a career after years of managing restaurants and sharpening his leadership skills in the hospitality industry. Read more>>
Abbe Fenimore
Then came a turning point. A national sorority reached out, looking for a fresh take that still honored their legacy—and I was immediately hooked. Designing for these chapter homes combined everything I love: bold storytelling, functional beauty, and the challenge of balancing tradition with a little sparkle. One project led to another, and now we’ve designed over 100 sorority houses across the country. It’s a niche I never saw coming, but it’s been an absolute dream. Read more>>
Amy Wolf
I’ve been passionate about sports and staying active for as long as I can remember. My love for fitness first took root in my middle school weight room and over the years my passion grew into a deep interest into the world of bodybuilding. This journey led me to connect with my first bodybuilding coach during college and not long after I stepped on stage to compete. This experience ultimately motivated me to relocate myself and my business from Michigan to Texas in order to immerse myself in a more robust and supportive bodybuilding community. Read more>>
Joytoya Abrom
I began teaching in 2007 at the same elementary school that I attended in Oak Cliff, William B. Miller. As a child, I was influenced by great teachers and gained an appreciation for education. Mrs. Lisa Spears and Mrs. Patsy Williams are teachers that I accredit to my drive and passion for educating. Teaching became second nature for me in my youth, as I was always driven to teach. In my teenage years I taught sunday school classes and lead the youth at Warren Chapel AME Church in West Dallas. It became my dream to own a school or community education center to provide educational opportunities. I wrote the vision down at a young age and have always kept it in my heart. Read more>>
Jonathan Young
I started The Cozy Oven in October 2024 out of my home kitchen in Fort Worth, Texas. What began as a side hustle quickly became a full-blown passion. I was working a full-time job at the time, baking late into the night to fulfill weekend market orders. My cinnamon rolls started gaining attention first—gooey, nostalgic, and made with love. From there, I added seasonal sweet loaves, cupcakes, and muffins, all made from scratch with a focus on flavor and comfort. Read more>>
Autumn Henderson
I started playing around with skincare because I needed something to pour into. The more I created, the more I realized… I wasn’t just fixing my skin, I was fixing my spirit. It hit me — women like me need this. We carry so much. We survive so much. And we’re always showing up for everybody but ourselves. So I created TheSkinAuntie as a safe space for us to glow, grow, and get real about what’s beneath the surface. Read more>>
Tara Faye
My fitness career began after graduating college in NYC with a degree in Arts Administration. What started as a side gig teaching group fitness quickly became my calling. At 26, I co-founded my first boutique studio in Queens, NY. Two years later, I became the sole owner and grew it into something I was truly proud of. Eventually, I rebranded the studio as ‘FIT to a T’ and relocated to Manhattan, where I focused on small group training and created a space that felt like a second home for so many women. I became known for working with aspiring and high-end models, but what mattered most to me was helping women find a method that felt sustainable and empowering—not extreme. Read more>>
Prettiest Podcast
The Prettiest Podcast was born out of sisterhood, shared experiences, and a desire to create space for real conversations that often go unheard. We’re Traveana Bowens and Alexandria Moore, two best friends who met back in high school in Dallas. Over the years, life took us through some major transitions: motherhood, careers, personal growth, and navigating our identities as Black women. Through it all, our bond remained strong, and so did our passion for storytelling and community. Read more>>
Saravana
Initially, our journey was smooth, but we encountered challenges as some clients began taking advantage of our services. Organizations often expected free work, clients requested re-edits 6 to 10 months after events, and payments were frequently delayed or never received. Over time, we learned valuable lessons about these behaviors. We analyzed the root causes, educated our clients on our process and value, and implemented strategies to ensure timely payments and professional delivery for all our work. Read more>>
King Charles
With the momentum from the show, I launched Majestic Media Solutions, LLC and King Charles Productions. Both companies are dedicated to helping businesses shine—offering comprehensive media marketing solutions that elevate brands and tell authentic stories. We handle everything from digital campaigns to video production, helping others find their voice just like I found mine. Read more>>
Kristen Parks
Although I am forever grateful for those experiences, I realized very quickly that I wanted to provide a more personal, individualized experience for women and their families. Thus, began the dream of a birth center in my own community! It has truly been a labor of love as I have learned the business aspect as well as researching what women in North Texas desire from their midwife team. It’s been such a blessing to sit with women, hear their stories, and pledge to honor their preferences, desires, and autonomy as their midwife. Read more>>
Wick Zimmer
My introduction to modeling happened late December of 2022, leading into the new year. It started with a push from my sister, who encouraged me to create an Instagram account and post photos. At first, I was a little intimidated and did not know if I was truly going to go through with it. I mean, no one paid much attention to me growing up. I was very self-reliant, self-conscious, and somewhat of an outcast. I was different from the people around me. At least that’s how I felt. But I had nothing to lose, so why not? At least if I do it, my sister couldn’t say I didn’t try. Read more>>
Ranesha Smith
Besides my business, I am a mother, to 3 wonderful young man. Our youngest just graduating from high school and leaving off for college this fall. I have been married to a wonderful man for almost 30 years. But that is not what I am best known for,I am also an author I was featured in the most recent book for black Wall Street centennial. I am a poet in Tulsa Oklahoma for the past 10 years. I have been blessed to be featured on the East Coast and the West Coast for virtual poetry nights.. Read more>>
Odera Macfoy Akachukwu
At Kent, I honed practical skills in logistics, strategic planning, and teamwork. After graduation, I translated theory into action through operations roles at Bloomingdale’s, Target, GoPuff, and Pandion—each position teaching me how to solve real-world problems under pressure. Yet by 2023, I was ready to build something of my own. I noticed a glaring gap in the beverage market—no one was speaking directly to people who value culture, health, and authentic experiences. That realization inspired me to found StayLyte: the world’s first culturally aware electrolyte beverage. Read more>>
Yo$hi Babyyy
I started writing music in private, because I knew I wasn’t quite where I wanted to be vocally or lyrically. I’d sit in my room mimicking artists like Natasha Bedingfield, trying to train my voice and figure out my sound. I remember one day my sister—out of six of us—walked in on me singing and said, “Wait, you can sing?” That moment gave me the confidence to start sharing my writing with her, and it became our little creative bond. Read more>>
Tammy Chewe
In addition to my corporate role, I’m deeply involved in community service. I serve on several nonprofit boards and actively volunteer my time to help strengthen and support local organizations. It’s my belief that God did not bless me with experience, opportunity, and knowledge for me to keep it all to myself. I strive to be a blessing to others—especially those in the community who are still finding their path. Read more>>
Rebecca Landry
The store front closed down, so I started practicing out of my house. Hundreds of people contacted me for weeks, trying to get loved ones home, trying to get trip refunds, etc… and I had no idea who these people were, but I helped every one of them. Some of them are now current clients. Through integrity and determination, I made it through COVID and my business thrived. Once travel opened back up, my agency was in high demand because people needed help navigating travel COVID tests, understanding insurance, and trying to figure out new VISA and entry code requirements. The business grew very quickly, and I have 5 agents that work for my company now. Currently, about 95% of our business comes from referrals. Read more>>
Joel Vargas
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—but that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. Like many people starting out, I faced a lot of challenges, especially in the beginning. One of the biggest was self-doubt. I’d often question whether I was good enough or if people would actually value my work. It took time for me to build the confidence to start charging for my photography and to see myself as a creative professional rather than just someone with a camera. Read more>>
Wesley Phipps
It was after a few months at Belmont that I realized I was truly passionate about anything at all that helped me create music. I now have produced several songs for fellow students, played in dive bars all around Nashville, and committed to giving music my all. Over the summer, I have started working on an EP of five songs that will be released at the end of the summer. They’re songs written by myself and produced by friends in Nashville. After this release, I plan to work with artists around Nashville to create and collaborate on music by playing shows, producing, and writing. Read more>>
Arneil Brooks
It has been a slow grind. Yet meaningful with challenges coming from not getting or having years of training like most people, proper headshots early on, not knowing the ins and outs, finances, not having transportation to projects, etc. made it hard and still has its challenges with time and family. Read more>>
Kelsi Williams
I’ve learned that having a strong support system is absolutely essential and so is physical exercise. I also struggle with emotional eating and whenever that gets out of control, I have to work extremely hard to get back on track. I recently experienced a pretty intense back injury which led to weight gain. As a fitness coach, I felt like I was a failure because my body no longer looked like it used to or how people would expect it to look. I have to shake those thoughts and take it one step at a time, just like I tell my clients. Read more>>
TG-18 The Spaceman
It still have moments where I’m still learning the art. But for the most part, I have been blessed to be surrounded with a supportive girlfriend who is also an artist as well as other people that look out for me and help to navigate the business side of music. I’m definitely grateful for the tribe that holds me down with love and support. Read more>>
Isha Koroma
I’m also proud of my self for going to college and about to graduate with my BFA a lot of people around me think I’ll never make it this far but look at me now I’m working hard for what I believe in. I also work with people that have small business like if they want to promote their business out there to the people and also i have a good a amount of followers on my TikTok so i use that platform to help other people. I receive product and put other people on to it. Read more>>
Andrei Tone
At the heart of what we do is connection. We’re not just a Dallas video production company—we’re strategic partners, helping our clients connect with their audience through film. Whether someone’s searching for Dallas videographer, videographer in Dallas, or video production companies in Dallas, we want them to find Tone Films and feel confident that they’re working with professionals who care deeply about quality, creativity, and results. Read more>>
Lindsey Bass
Not only did it help me with my grief, but I learned so much more about myself as a person and what I wanted to do with my life. I really wanted to provide that same space and support to others, so I majored in psychology in undergrad and then got my masters in counseling with a concentration in child therapy. My own experience in therapy as a young person as well as learning about how differently children communicate led to me opening my own private practice to counsel children and adolescents. I also have a passion for serving the LGBTQIA+ community across the lifespan. Read more>>
Alec Mack
It has not been smooth at all. If anyone asks owning a business is not for the weak, business it competitive and hard. Some of the struggles have been finding the right people who actually want to make a movement for themselves in the industry but also truly work and think like a business owner. Mistakes are always learned overtime and I’m still learning to this day but staying strong in faith for what god is doing is a struggle at times as well. Another struggle that comes with owning a business is you have to buckle down and be ready for any and everything especially dry seasons. Read more>>
Danielle Hamlin
Over time, I realized that corrective exercise alone could only take people so far. I kept asking, What’s still missing? That question led me to massage therapy school, where I learned to see the body through a new lens — one that honored its tension, structure, and natural design. Now, I combine therapeutic bodywork with functional movement to help clients get out of pain, stay out of pain, and feel strong in their bodies again. Read more>>
Saige Lindow
The world saw yellow furniture and brown tile, Derrick saw potential. We got to work right away! Saige came up with the design and Derrick made the dream happen. We operated the camper there in 2019 and throughout 2020. We moved to TX, leaving out beloved photo camper in storage. In 2023, after 2 years in storage, we made the trip back to wisconsin to bring the photo camper to it’s new home in Texas. We got to work once again, restoring it a second time to take it from “rustic Wisconsin” to “Chic Texas.’ It took four months of work tearing it apart and remodeling it once again. Read more>>
Carleigh Adams
So, in May of 2020, I took a leap of faith and launched Marrying Magnolias. Since then, it’s been an incredible journey filled with meaningful relationships and beautiful stories. One of the greatest joys of this work is getting to know each client personally—hearing their love stories, meeting their families, and helping bring their unique vision to life in a way that feels deeply authentic. Read more>>
Evan Duncan
I’ve always been someone who picked apart businesses and thought of what could be done better or differently. For 4+ years I’ve had a vision of what I thought gyms should look, feel and operate like. I knew there was a huge opportunity to do things different and revolutionize an industry that had remained unchanged for decades. I spent 4 years pitching to hundreds of investors in an attempt to make my vision a reality. Over this period I became all but broken from my inability to secure funding for what I knew would be an amazing success, but I never quit. In hindsight, it was a true blessing that I was forced to wait. Read more>>
Cristal Vardeman
That passion led me to pursue a degree in nutrition and dietetics. While I had resolved many of my initial symptoms and built better habits, like many in the fitness and nutrition world, I fell into the trap of body dysmorphia and an obsession with numbers. On the outside, I looked healthy—but behind the scenes, I was struggling with irregular periods, insomnia, over-caffeination, and an unhealthy relationship with food. The transition from my internship to full-time work only added to the mental and emotional strain. I faced burnout, identity shifts, and the hard truth that looking the part doesn’t always mean you’re thriving. Read more>>
Tyler Clement
After that, I started doing senior photos for my friends who were graduating. Now, this made me a lot happier than events. Knowing that I was playing a part in these individual’s legacies was super satisfying to me. From there, it morphed into all the typical things that photographers do… families, babies, weddings, etc. Read more>>
Dr. Humberto Figueroa Pérez
But it wasn’t until I discovered Directional Non-Force Technique (D.N.F.T.®) that everything clicked. D.N.F.T. is unlike anything I’d seen before—there’s no cracking, popping, or guesswork. It’s a precise, gentle method that works directly with the body’s innate signals to correct imbalances at the root. I was fortunate to be mentored by one of the most experienced D.N.F.T. doctors, Dr. Hank Ferrell, who taught me not just the technique, but the deep level of care and analysis it requires. Read more>>
Sarah Bray
I also found out through a lot of my nurses that there was a big need for the Cosmetology industry for disabled and memory care clients so in 2020 I started mobile hair Cuts & Coloring. Mobile hairstyling has become more popular here in Texas and in the south but he has been around for 100s and hundreds of years. It’s very popular in England and Australia, but it has now come to the south if you have anyone that needs hair care at home in the north Texas area of Dallas we had the best reviews in Dallas Read more>>
Victoria Piland
The modern western theme comes from our city Fort Worth, “Where the west begins.” I am a country girl at heart living in the city. My father is a cattle farmer in Texas and I have a love for horses. I have a paint horse named Martin. Most photography studios are all the same and I wanted to do something different. So out furniture and props have modern western touch. We love our custom barn doors, barrel side table, cowhide rug, and camel couch. When you visit Fort Worth, our guest book is a cattle ear tag for you to sign and put it on our wall. Read more>>
Cam Christian
I shot my first friend’s wedding for free and discovered a passion for the exciting process of wedding videography. A few years later, I teamed up with one of my best friends to form Senders Film Co. We chose the name “Senders” based on the idea that we would use profits to send missionaries and maintain a missional approach in our work, inspired by our faith-based upbringing. We connected deeply with newlyweds and had the privilege of filming many amazing weddings, meeting incredible people in those first couple of years. Read more>>
