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.
J.I. Mardones
People often think that filmmaking is a career with great advantages because you use to work with different groups of people practically all the time. However, sometimes it is not as nice as it seems. I can tell you about the few times when I did not receive any recognition, any mention, for my contribution in a project, or when other people tried to sabotage or steal my work or excluding me from important decisions. And that is how I began to learn the importance of having my own personal projects, parallel to the other projects I use to work on all the time. I know it may sounds like being individualistic, but I think you understand my point. Read more>>
Averi Segrest
Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to have the support of Sherri Arrington, the owner of Mainstreet Productions. Sherri played a pivotal role in my evolution from an inexperienced vendor to a successful one. I learned the ins and outs of the craft, not just from my own trials and errors but also under Sherri’s guidance. It wasn’t long before I was helping her as a show organizer, diving into social media strategies, and connecting with vendors to create engaging experiences at events. Read more>>
Aaron Tamez
At age 10, I left Brownsville to live with my mother and sisters in Dallas. My reality changed drastically as I became one of four children in a single-parent household. My mother worked hard to provide, but resources were limited, and I learned the difference between needs and wants. She incentivized my good grades the way my grandparents did, especially during Christmas, and in middle school, I received my first point-and-shoot camera. I documented everything with that Canon—my friends at orchestra practice, field trips, cafeteria moments, and family events. Read more>>
Jacklyn Westbrook
In the world of theater, music, and production, there’s a behind-the-scenes wisdom that’s often overlooked. One of the most crucial aspects is timing—the ability to synchronize a team’s efforts into a seamless production. Creative people thrive in a space where they’re free to express themselves, yet structure and coordination are just as important. Striking that balance—honoring both the artistry and the discipline—is something I’ve learned to navigate well. Read more>>
Ashley Lazarz
That’s what motivated me to make a change and move to Austin in 2023. I completely changed my career, my lifestyle, and my surroundings. Now, the art and inspiration I see daily motivates me to keep painting and immerse myself in the art community. Painting really was just a hobby until 2024. My paintings are vulnerable and tell a story and until recently, I was afraid to share those stories. My parents were my biggest fans, but of course they had to be. Once strangers and friends of friends started appreciating and purchasing my art, I stopped doubting my skills, released the imposter syndrome I was living in, and acknowledged the artist that I am. Read more>>
Carolynn Brower
Since its founding, the organization has grown into a global network of volunteers, partnered with national brands such as Kendra Scott and Kona Ice, and launched awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and spark conversation around youth mental health. While I never anticipated leading a nonprofit at this stage in my life, the impact we’ve made affirms our purpose every day and reinforces my commitment to honoring Sam’s legacy through meaningful action. Read more>>
Walter Bristol
Tom was the one who introduced me to social media management. He saw how naturally I crafted engaging content and suggested I apply those skills to managing his online presence via social media. It started with me curating and growing Tom’s platforms, but before long, the demand for my work exploded. What began as a single project turned into something much bigger. I started being reached out to by different businesses in the Austin area and have been given so many opportunities to learn and grow. Read more>>
Anna Knobloch
I kept up my love for film throughout school. After graduating High School I moved to Brooklyn to attend Pratt Institute for film. While there, I was on their Division III volleyball team. I quickly learned that balancing school and athletics was going to be a challenge. After three months at the school I suffered a concussion during one of our weekly volleyball games. School became impossible. I was unable to keep up with the rigorous coursework while trying to heal. Neither was happening. After about a month trying to keep my head above water, I decided to leave school and focus on my health. Read more>>
Emily Swope
My road has not always been sunshine and rainbows. I finished my undergraduate journey and spent 6 months doing odd jobs until I finally decided I wanted to begin my Master’s program. I worked full-time at a child development training center for two years while I paid for and worked my way through graduate school. And even after graduation, my journey didn’t end because I started an internship to earn supervised hours toward my credential. There were certainly times when I wanted to give up because I just couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I felt as though all of my peers were leaps and bounds ahead of me. But I had to trust in the world’s timing for me and understand that everyone’s journey is different. Read more>>
Jon Yvon
When my time with College Pro ended, I decided to take a leap. I **purchased a flooring business** from a local franchise owner while simultaneously launching my **own painting company.** Painting took off, but the flooring franchise struggled from day one. I found myself caught in a constant cycle of **robbing Peter to pay Paul**, trying to keep the business afloat while franchise fees drained my finances. Read more>>
Devin Deapen
But on the hard days, we face the reality of what many of these dogs have been through. I’ve had to learn so much about behavior and training—almost becoming a dog trainer myself—because of how many broken, fearful, or reactive dogs we’ve taken in. On top of that, the constant cycle of overcrowded shelters and weekly euthanasia lists is heartbreaking. It can feel overwhelming, but that’s also what fuels us to keep going. Read more>>
Justinia Gardiner
Determined to simplify sunscreen application, I created SunnyStik—the first sunscreen applicator designed specifically with kids in mind. After extensive testing (with plenty of help from my own children), I developed a patent-pending design featuring a detachable connector piece for easy cleaning and precise coverage. The result? A fast, mess-free, and effective way to apply sunscreen, even on the squirmiest kids. Read more>>
Stevi Gongora
INVERSIONS. Handstand and arm balance play seemed like the perfect marriage (for me) of aerials and yoga. Suddenly I didn’t need any fancy equipment to playfully explore what my body could do. My background in gymnastics facilitated the entrance to the world of upside down, but it was the study of anatomy that helped me plan, practice, and progress. Read more>>
Jessica Johnson
I was working for a family at the time whose children attended WPDS, and they mentioned that the school was looking to hire an aide. I thought it would be a great part-time job while I got my teaching certificate. Well, I ended up falling in love with Westminster and have never looked back. After my first year working for them as an aide, a teaching position came available, and I quickly took it. Instead of getting a teaching certificate in Elementary Education I got a Child Development Associate certificate where the focus was Early Childhood Education. I was a lead teacher at Westminster for 15 years when in 2019 I interviewed for and was chosen to become the next director. Read more>>
Lindsey Means
Eventually, I followed the nudge to leave the salon and fully step into the unknown. I began offering online sessions, courses, and ceremonies that fused ancient wisdom with modern strategy. What started as a personal experiment transformed into a global movement — helping soulpreneurs, couples, and families create sacred union within themselves and in their relationships and businesses. Read more>>
Renee St Pierre
Temperature, humidity, and even the mood of your starter (yes, it has moods) can affect fermentation. One day, your dough is perfectly bubbly; the next, it’s a flat, lifeless blob that makes you question your life choices. On Top of the starter choosing the days it wants to work right, which is about 95% of the time, I am a home baker, which comes with its own set of challenges. I am limited on space, storage, and tools needed to produce a lot of product at one time. Balancing running the bakery with family life and working full time as a nurse coordinator helping patients receive kidney transplants has definitely been a growing experience. Read more>>
Dalit Trejo-Mexicano
I’ve always been passionate about makeup! I’ve always done my friend’s makeup or my family members, but that’s it. Last year I decided to take a makeup course to polish my knowledge in the field. It was through that course that I felt so motivated to start my own little makeup business. I’m still slowly but surely getting a few clients and working on marketing my small business. Read more>>
Ellen Beaman
For years, I managed organic vegetable farms, living and breathing sustainability. Then, life took an unexpected turn. Corporate Capitalism lured me in with its sparkly promises—big paychecks, fancy clothes, the thrill of dressing up every day. At first, it was intoxicating. But before long, I realized I was spending more money on stress management and covering my greys than I was on time with my family or connecting with the outdoors. No matter how much I earned, it was never enough. I had become a cog in the machine, and I felt lost. Read more>>
Greg Siller
Lando’s came about by accident. We were looking for a couple of decent bottles of wine for a dinner, but were extremely unsuccessfully in getting what wanted. We tried smaller stores and they were all sleazy. Then we tried bigger stores and these were stocked by mostly pretty labels, but quality of wine was terrible. We also realized that consumers had almost no option for a liquor or wine shop with open pricing or a place that provided consumer education. So we decided to start our own location to test out how it goes. Our first location was well received, and now we have two locations (with more coming soon hopefully – we are looking). Read more>>
Lauryn Piemonte
After dealing with health issues throughout childhood, we discovered that I had Celiac disease, PCOS, and food allergies. Over the years I had many symptoms and challenges, and this led me to learn how to take control of my own health. Some of my biggest challenges were skin-related (acne & hives), migraines, stomach issues, and hormonal symptoms due to the PCOS. I began sharing some of that healing process including recipes and tips on social media @laurynemilia. I really enjoy helping other people who are going through the challenges I faced. I think facing those symptoms can feel isolating and frustrating. Read more>>
Kiki Ambrose
I gained social media in fame in the summer of 2024 along side of my brother with our take on popular song “Meeting in my bedroom” by 90’s R&B group Silk. I have absorbed my musical talents from an array of artist such as Fantasia, Tony Braxton, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker and many more. While on my journey I have released single “HML” and have released my first EP titled “PHASES”. With the support of my family and friends along with my new found fan base, I plan on using my platform to bring true R&B back and create music that uplifts others. Read more>>
Chris Haddad
My love for the event industry kicked off in college, thanks to St. Edward’s digital media program. Back then, they had classes focused on the music, film, and gaming industries, which was basically a dream lineup. I was taking event management courses where the whole class revolved around creating and hosting an actual event. We landed on Momos on West 6th as our venue, pulled in some awesome local sponsors and bands, and even threw in a silent auction for good measure. It was the kind of hands-on experience that gave me the passion and fire to keep an open mind that producing events could be an actual profession after college. At 19, trying to figure out life, it was a refreshing and fun thought. Read more>>
Liezel Houle
From there I was able to build our website and started to make my first sales. Of course sales were slow at the beginning, but I was able to sell on live selling platforms such as Whatnot and Palmstreet to boost my sales. I also worked on my Instagram and Facebook page to promote my business. Today I continue to sell plants locally and online. It’s a lot of hard work, but I like it because I’m building my own business around something I really enjoy. Recently I’ve started importing rarer exotic plants from Thailand that are hard to find in the US. I’m hoping I can visit Bangkok in the near future to continue my quest on finding great plant suppliers. It makes me happy when I can provide people with a great selection of plants at very fair prices. Read more>>
Mae Ling Strang
After a lot of these impromptu virtual organizing consultations led to tidier homes and less stress for my loved ones, it eventually dawned on me: Why not turn my unique organizing hobby into a career where I’m able to help others by doing what I do best? That realization (plus watching the entire season of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo in just 2 days) kicked off my decision to become a professional organizer. I spent the rest of the quarantine creating my organizing process called the “Mae Method,” as well as reading/watching/absorbing everything I could online about running your own business, established professional organizers’ careers, the latest organizing supplies, interior decorating, and then created my business plan. Read more>>
Diana Foegelle
I started my journey doing crochet. I was taught by my aunt. The CGOA opened the doors for me to learn more and experience a variety of yarns. I began participating in the Best Little Yarn Crawl in Texas, where I was amazed with all the types of beautiful yarn. While visiting a shop in Navasota, I met the Binders. They soon became my alpaca ranch mentors. I started my herd with 3, then quickly added a few more. Currently, I have over 50 alpacas and 10 debouillet sheep (they are fine wool sheep). Read more>>
Kaneeka Moore
I try to make my creations different from others, as well as not all the exact same, as previously creations I’ve made. My press on nails are all one of a kind. I will only make a set once and never the same. My fashion bags and clothes are a little different since I don’t personally make them. But I make sure they are unique and functional. Read more>>
Trey Gonzalez
As an adult, when life and business (I had a landscape/design business) would get crazy, I turned to gardening and canning as a stress reliever. Eventually I had canned more than we could store or eat, so I shared with clients and friends. All it took was a few compliments on my flavors, then a few more AND a few more until I decided to slap a label on it and start selling at local markets. From there I built a following, a repeat customer base and continue to grow. Read more>>
Paige Bailey
I am currently finishing out a teaching contract. I bought the contents of a well established plant nursery and moved it to my house. We are just starting up and am trying to specialize in herbs, native plants and vegetables. I think that what sets me apart from others is my ability to make connections with other people and build relationships with them. I am most proud of the relationships I have already formed and how many people have come back to me, even with my limited start up hours. I hope to soon be offering more products to promote a healthy life style to help people feel better. Read more>>
Mackenzie Smith
There’s something profoundly beautiful about the process of getting to know each couple—unraveling their unique stories, discovering the intricate details that make their relationship special, and capturing their engagement photos leading up to the big day. Each moment fills me with an immense joy and excitement that’s hard to put into words. I absolutely adore learning about my couples—their journeys, their dreams, and the commitment they’re making to one another. Read more>>
Malina Murphy
In 2022, my husband and I moved to Austin, and I knew it was time to take a leap. I got certified in Polestar Pilates, which focuses on rehab and movement science, and in 2024, I opened my own studio space in South Austin, where I teach private sessions. It has been the most rewarding shift of my career. Now, I get to slow down, give my clients the time and attention they deserve, and help them move through life with more ease and less pain. Read more>>
Ilse Colchado
The Tower card became a constant reminder that building a life on a false foundation—one that denies your true self—will inevitably come crumbling down. Amidst the upheaval, I chose to pursue a lifelong desire: to be in front of a camera. I began sharing daily tarot readings on my personal Instagram, and to my surprise, they gained a bit of popularity. Encouraged by the response, I decided to officially create a dedicated tarot page. Read more>>
Mary Foss
As we started to plan the business, we reached out to the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation and were put in contact with an advisor from the Small Business Development Center in Round Rock. This was a crucial step for us as our advisor helped us put together our business plan, financial projections, and put us in contact with options for lending. Because we had this help and connections, we were able to pursue an SBA start up loan from a local bank. This has proven to be an integral piece to our story and we are so grateful for the connections to the local community in the beginning which set us up for success as we grew the business. Read more>>
Lauryn Bosstick
There are fires to put out every single day, but that’s the game. All entrepreneurs know that it’s never a smooth road. Going from a solopreneur, doing everything myself, to having a team was a struggle for me. Also, the behind the scenes of running multiple businesses is not glamorous and I think people need to talk about that more. To build The HIM & HER Show we spent countless hours driving from San Diego to LA, recording all the time, not making a dime. Read more>>
Shelley Shroyer
Today, my journey as a photographer has come full circle, and it’s amazing to look back at how far I’ve come. After the birth of my second son, I felt an undeniable urge to dive deeper into the world of photography. I was determined to not only capture memories, but to truly master the craft. To fuel this passion, I enrolled in a darkroom class at the local college in Austin, ACC, where I began to refine my technical skills and immerse myself in the analog side of photography. This experience helped me appreciate the artistry behind the process and strengthened my understanding of the fundamentals. Read more>>
