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.
Caitlyn Holmes
Determined to deepen my expertise, I enrolled at the Avenue Five Institute in 2017 to study cosmetology. While in school, I decided to apply for a national scholarship through the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation, and winning the Arnold Miller Find-A-Way Scholarship—which covered my entire $20,000 tuition—was an unforgettable milestone. It gave me the confidence and financial freedom to fully dedicate myself to this career, reinforcing that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Read More>>
Alex Bell
Much like everyone else in 2020, I found myself feeling a bit adrift, you might say. The world I had pledged my life to had been decimated and relegated to creating the closest thing to the intentional cuisine in a takeout and fast-food fashion. My industry, the hospitality industry, was beyond struggling; we were strangled as we attempted to move forward through a fog of uncertain length and outcome. I spoke to my compadres in the culinary community, and we all lamented what we missed: the connection, the hospitality, the passion, and more. Read More>>
Jayna Doyle
But we feel like we’re finally coming into our own now — really grounded into our grunge-pop sound and proud of who we are and what we stand for when we get on stage. Austin has provided such a safe space for us to bloom and lean into who we want to be as artists and I think that is really coming across during our shows now. We want to empower other artists and people at our shows to really lean into themselves and not give up on what they deeply believe in, no matter what it is. Read More>>
Alicia Palomares
Last September, I decided to follow this passion and launched my own floral design business. Floral design has become almost meditative for me – there’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating beautiful arrangements that bring joy to people’s lives. Every time I see someone’s face light up when they receive their flowers, my heart just bursts. My mom’s passing taught me that life’s too precious to not do what you love. Every arrangement I create feels like a way to spread a little more joy in the world, and I think that’s exactly what she would have wanted. Read More>>
Pattie Farley And Amalia Litras
In 2003, we began our careers as personal trainers at Gold’s Gym, driven by a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals. After about a year, we transitioned to Hyde Park Gym, where we worked as contract trainers for nearly seven years. During this time, we steadily grew our business and built a team of independent contractors. Read More>>
Gabrielle Travis
Believe it or not, I refused to bake for years, I didn’t believe I could do it. I would always say baking was too Science heavy and I much prefer electives! Cooking was my first passion, I cook just as well as I now bake. I started making cookies for family and friends and they really enjoyed them! After a while I posted pictures of what I baked on Facebook and that turned into customers! Today, I absolutely love baking! I’m slowly getting into other things besides desserts such as bagels and sourdough bread. I am hopeful to one day, very soon do this as a full time entrepreneur and open a cafe! Read More>>
Dark Sky Roads
Dark Sky Roads started as an indie pop duo including Zamar Soto on drums and bass, and Carson Garcia on guitar, keys, and vocals. We started in Carson’s bedroom learning how to song-write with a drum-set and piano. We would go on walks every night after playing bad music and try to figure out a direction for the band. We named our band after the same walks we went on every night, hence the name, Dark Sky “Roads”. Read More>>
Kim Lehman
I am dyslexic. Reading was difficult for me. I have very vivid memories of breaking out in a cold sweat when I had to read aloud in class. My hands would get clammy and my heart rate would increase. It was terrifying. With time I figured out tricks and tips. As it turns out, I ended up reading aloud to children at the Austin Public Library for twenty years. I am an avid reader now thanks to audio books. It is no wonder that I would rather create and tell a story than write one. Read More>>
Angeluz “Angie” Carrera
I had been lifting weights for some time but did so sporadically and casually. As a product of this relationship, I was heavily reliant on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. At one point, I overdosed and landed in a behavioral clinic. After the relationship, I wanted to feel again. I didn’t want to be sedated. I wanted to feel physically strong enough to stand my ground. Read More>>
Melissa Morgan
Hippie Girl Photography started in 2012, I was inspired at my own senior photo shoot when I was graduating high school and wanted to make people feel as beautiful and amazing as I felt that day! In February 2025, Hippie Girl Photography will be 13 years old and specializing in wedding photography, as well as families and seniors! We’ve done close to 100+ weddings and look forward to many more! Read More>>
Megan Stewart
Once I had children, my perspective shifted, and I found myself drawn to family photography. My own kids, now 6 and 9, became my practice subjects, and I honed my skills capturing the fleeting moments of their early years. This eventually evolved into a thriving business, starting with the occasional family shoot and growing into seasonal sessions, taking full advantage of the beautiful spring and fall seasons in Texas. I’ve expanded my focus beyond family photos, offering sessions that cater to all phases of life, from newborns and senior portraits to headshots and personal branding. I’m passionate about capturing authentic moments and creating portraits that truly reflect each person’s story. Read More>>
Mike Plummer
One of the toughest challenges has been getting the whole band on the same page. Over the past two years, I’ve gone through multiple lineup changes, which is never easy. You build strong bonds simply from the time spent together—practicing, playing live, and just hanging out—so it’s tough having to tell someone they’re no longer in the band. I can be stubborn in wanting my bandmates to think the way I do and share the same level of commitment and vision. Of course, it’s a tall order, but I truly believe that with the right members, this band can go far. Read More>>
Ashley Armstrong
Right before I turned 30, I took a leap of faith: I sold my house, quit my incredible job, and moved to LA with no concrete plan, just a small savings account and a deep pull toward storytelling and performance. I took my first acting class and immediately fell in love with it. To pay my bills, I was working as a personal assistant to one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Balancing the unpredictability of a creative career while working in such a structured, high-pressure role was challenging. I found myself attempting to juggle acting, assistant work, and constantly trying to figure out my next step. Read More>>
Toni Jennings
Our success is a reflection of the incredible support from our stylists, clients, and business community. We are honored to have been recognized as one of Austin’s best salons, named Best Stylist in Austin, and featured on Queer Eye as well as in Allure, Elle, Tribeza, Austin Monthly, and other local publications. Read More>>
Maria Bahlol
I was fortunate to have a multicultural educational upbringing, which exposed me to different languages, traditions, and ways of thinking. This experience deeply shaped who I am, and I want to offer the same opportunities to other children. Instead of a program that simply keeps children occupied, I believe in creating a meaningful, engaging learning experience that provides abundant opportunities for growth and discovery. Read More>>
Declan Chapin
I was born and raised on Mercer Island, a small island in Washington State, where my love for exploration and storytelling began. At 18, I packed my bags and moved over 2,000 miles away to Austin to attend the University of Texas. It was a bold move—I didn’t know a single person in the state of Texas—but it turned out to be the best decision of my life. Read More>>
Luis Larez
Today, Candelario continues to lead Nobel Solutions with renewed passion, focusing on growth and innovation, and guided by the lessons he learned throughout his journey, from his humble beginnings to becoming a leader in his industry. His story proves that with determination and hard work, anything is possible! Read More>>
Jessie Villanueva
I’ve encountered many challenges along the way. From perfecting my technique, to working long hours, to losing work relationships. The beauty industry can be competitive as well so making sure I’m staying consistent in my services as well as my client experiences is always a grind. This is such a creative industry that you might not be everyone’s cup of tea but the ones to stick with you whilst you grow is so rewarding so it makes all of the hard times worth it. Read More>>
Qudduws Ware
Well to began with I come from a musical family my mother and father were both professional singers my father was also a bass guitar player and he also played the drums, my mother did a lot of session singing when artist couldn’t hit certain notes they would call her in because she had a amazing voice she was so good that Aretha Franklin ask her to sing background on tour but at the time she was to young and my grandmother would not allow her to go unfortunately. Read More>>
Alyssa Rome
My mom was actually a designer, so I was lucky enough to grow up around the interior design world. I didn’t immediately following in her footsteps and actually went a totally different route – an education and career in equine veterinary medicine. After several years of working in the horse industry, I decided I needed a change. After moving to Austin in 2015, I started my first job in the design industry as an office assistant for a local firm. I learned everything I could from that firm and working one on one with another designer, then started my own business in 2017. Read More>>
Chantelle Wallace
What makes AAC volunteering especially addictive is how thrilled each dog I take out is – their attitude is contagious. After a shelter shift, I’ve often logged ten miles of walking because it’s such a joy to spend time with creatures who love the outdoors and exercise as much as I do. It’s also wonderful to see a hissy, fearful foster feline turn into a cuddly lap warmer, or watch a shut-down, under-socialized foster pup find his bravery and go on to be a beloved family pet. Receiving happy updates from former foster adopters is such a mood booster. Read More>>
Selma Mijares
Beyond my academic and professional journey, modeling has been an exciting part of my life. I have had the opportunity to model for Viva Day Spa and collaborate with brands such as Express, Prada, Hollister, and others. I truly enjoy modeling and remain open to more opportunities in the industry. Read More>>
Hannah Jaramillo
After high school, I was always the person at events or in a room capturing moments—constantly taking pictures or recording videos. At the time, I didn’t really know how to share those memories in a meaningful way until I discovered social media as the perfect outlet to give others a glimpse into my life. By the end of 2021, I leaned into “day in my life” vlogs on TikTok, which helped me build a following that resonated with who I was. Read More>>
Grace Feray
One new direction I’m excited about is transforming thrifted ceramic plates into pendant necklaces using a more advanced silversmithing process. Not only will this allow me to expand my jewelry-making skills, but it will also provide a more consistent and unique source of materials. This new approach feels like the perfect evolution for Moya Moya Studios as I continue my commitment to sustainability and reuse. Read More>>
David Fore
After 11th grade, I quit high school and joined the psychedelic rock band Bubble Puppy. Our song “Hot Smoke and Sassafras” became a nationwide hit, reaching #14 on the Billboard Magazine charts. In 2010, Bubble Puppy was inducted into the Austin Chronicle’s Hall of Fame. Read More>>
Jessica Love
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The 2008 economic crash was a major challenge, especially in an industry so closely tied to housing and how people spend on their homes. That experience forced me to adapt quickly and rethink my approach. But beyond external challenges, one of the biggest struggles was the fact that I went to school for design-not business. Knowing design is one thing; learning to run a successful business is another. And I chose the hard path-figuring it out through real-world experience, trial and error, and sheer determination. Every challenge, though, has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today, and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything. Read More>>
Rott
I was raised by a single mother who did her best to provide while dealing with addiction. We moved around a lot between project housing, but spent most of my time in Dallas, Texas. My humble beginnings instilled a determination in me to make a better life for myself and leave the projects behind. Most of my time as a child consisted of playing basketball and writing poetry. Sports and writing were my escape from my environment, and eventually led me to music. Read More>>
Magdalena Silva
Switching from an engineering career into fashion was definitely a big jump, I was, however, selling my own designer items on the side and I truly enjoyed the whole process. I felt like my hobby turned into work when I made Fashion Reloved an official business in 2015. Finding new clients at the very beginning was definitely challenging but when you are passionate about what you do, things will fall into place eventually. And they did. Today I have clients as far as California and sell items all over the world. Read More>>
Johana Cunliffe
Transitioning from working at home to managing a kitchen has certainly been a significant change, but it’s also been a rewarding experience. One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered is effectively managing people in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. That said, I’m fortunate to have an incredible team by my side. Their dedication and collaboration are essential to our success, and I truly believe we wouldn’t be able to thrive without them Read More>>
Kathryn Deladurantey
We also host a celebration of spring event called “Market on the Farm: Ag weekend” When the flowers are at their height, and promote our love for sharing lost trades and the ways things are made we bring in many vendors that share their craft and trade through hands-on displays with the public, along with live music and food trucks. This is one of the most special weekends taking place May 16-17 4-7 pm. Read More>>
Breanna Hernandez
As the year passes, time slows down, I get a full time job back in my hometown, Georgetown, Tx, my photography gets put to the side with life getting hectic and becoming busy with a 9-5. When my Boyfriend found out he has another year of eligibility of baseball, he accepted the offer and suggested I move down to Laredo with him and quit my job. Like a silly little girl, I did and I upgraded my gear because why not? Why save my money right. Read More>>
Jada Walker
After speaking with her and learning that she has classes here in Austin, I decided to sign up. A few months later, I was then fired from my job at seven months pregnant. This was also before I’ve had taken any of the training from Laura. I took her training a month before I gave birth. Then, in January around my birthday. I got a message from Laura asking me if I wanted to help her with one of her clients. I of course said yes! While helping her she asked me to be her assistant at the salon, I gratefully accepted! I’ve now been working as her assistant for a little over a year and I love it! Read More>>
