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.
Andew Sakamoto
I started pursuing art after moving to Leander, TX from Oakland, CA in November, 2023. My intent was to live closer to my parents and two sisters, but I was also looking for something new in terms of a career. I saved up money having worked as a senior water treatment operator for a little over 7 years, and wanted to invest in myself as an artist. I had always loved drawing as a child. I grew up on cartoons, anime, and comics which I now use as inspiration for my art. Read more>>
Diana Skellenger
Over the years, we’ve grown into a team of talented, specialized professionals who care deeply about craftsmanship and customer service. We’ve added in-house cabinetry, vertically integrated with some of our key trades, and continued to build out our pre-construction process so that we deliver the highest quality product, on time and at a fixed price. Today, we’re one of the top luxury renovation and custom builders in Austin. But more importantly, we’re still grounded in that original mission: to care for people and their spaces through thoughtful construction. Every decision we make—every hire, every partnership, every process—is about honoring that commitment. Read more>>
Jeremy Gagon
Learning—and championing—new tech. I got into Revit pretty early, back when most firms were still sticking with 2D CAD. The learning curve was steep, and getting people on board wasn’t easy. Convincing teams to invest time and budget into a new complicated program took a lot of patience, live demos, and one-on-one support. But once they saw what Revit could do, it was clear that the investment was worth it. Read more>>
Jeymmy Cordoba
I felt once more that I was doing something that filled my soul and made me happy. However, starting a business isn’t just about having manual skills—it’s also about learning social media, sales, communication, language, and many other factors. One of the biggest challenges for me was social media. I had never used it before, and it was a topic that caused me stress, insecurity, and fear of being on camera. It was a complete challenge. But little by little, I started studying and seeing the positive side of social media: all the things we can achieve if we learn to use it with purpose. Read more>>
Joanna Hartman
My journey has been a deliberate study in gathering skills, experiences, and specific knowledge. It took some time, and it took some speaking up for myself – sometimes uncomfortably, but it hasn’t been fraught with anything I’d characterize as a struggle. Maybe because I tend to look at challenges as opportunities. For the record, my journey isn’t over. I’m always seeking out and learning, and I always have a long list of travel destinations! Read more>>
Maghan Fittler
And now, this passion for accessible, high-quality Pilates has brought me to Austin! We’ve identified a growing need for online Pilates solutions within gyms, hotels, and community centers, which led us to develop our newest product, Pilates StudioConnect. We’re thrilled to set up our global HQ in Austin and embark on this new chapter, bringing the transformative power of Pilates to even more people and businesses. Read more>>
Mardy & Jeff Chen
Yoga transforms lives. “How is this a beginner’s yoga class?” All you have to do is breathe. “I am not flexible enough to ‘do those poses’” Just try 1% and you receive the therapeutic benefit. “Why is it so hot?” Deliberate heat exposure has been a healing modality for centuries; it improves circulation to heal the body. Without exception, people who try the “Original Hot Yoga” feel a change after class. 99.9% feel the best that they have ever felt! You might even feel that you have been transported to a new place. Sweating it out with a diverse group of people of all ages, sizes, and conditions builds a community of like-minded people like no other. Our student community is, in fact, the “real story” behind PURE Yoga Texas. Read more>>
Liz Plachta
My goal that first year after Ruby was born was ONE $2k scholarship, and that year we were able to give out 11 $2k scholarships!! It was then that I knew this was going to be a success because we had people dreaming and believing with us! Dreaming and believing in the value and worth of people with that magical extra chromosome just like my daughter. And not only were they dreaming and believing with us, they were taking it a step further and investing in their futures! Read more>>
Whitney Lauren
I never thought I would be a painter. I can’t draw well and I wasn’t classically trained. But, the first time I sat in front of Mark Rothko’s work, something inside me awakened. I sat for hours soaking up the vibrational fields of color. I’ve always appreciated art, but in more of a technical or mechanical way. These paintings weren’t about the skill, but rather, how they made me feel. About a year later, I created my first painting, in an effort to explore and deepen my connection with the way I felt in front of the color fields, and I’ve been painting ever since. Read more>>
Zenifa Zaman
I’m not trying to sell anything or hype up places just because they’re trendy. I’m most proud of building a page that feels trustworthy, where people know they’ll get genuine recommendations. What sets me apart is that I’m coming from the perspective of a regular student exploring the city, not a professional critic or influencer. I think that’s why people connect with my content — it feels approachable, fun, and grounded in real experiences Read more>>
Stephanie Peterson
I write this as I lay awake in a hotel room the night before IRONMAN Texas as I have a few athletes racing their first ever Ironman tomorrow. I never imagined I would be where I am today when I started R3 Endurance. I’m a healthcare provider, not a marketer and definitely not a business owner. Except now I am all of those things plus more. I have learned so much in the past few years not only about triathlon coaching, but also about business, social media marketing, sales, website design, and the list goes on. I still have so much to learn but I also understand that this is my journey and it takes time and I’ll come across different Read more>>
Reverend Dr. Sheryl T,. Martin
Since 2015 Heaven-Pathways-Earth has grown in many directions. I not only offer readings, healing, spiritual counseling and officiate weddings but I also teach workshops for others to learn psychic development, reiki, and connecting with spirit. January 2018 I started the San Marcos Metaphysical and Holistic Fair which prior to covid was a monthly event that drew in vendors and clients from all over Texas and beyond. It is now three times a year. In 2019 I founded Wimberley Metaphysical and Holistic Fair which is hosted three times a year. January of 2025 I began the Austin Metaphysical and Holistic Fair which is a monthly event. Read more>>
Samuel Frank
My brother lived in Austin for a few years starting in 2021. I would visit a lot nearing the end of college and decided that I would move there after college. A year into being here, I’m seeing opportunities open up that I thought would take longer to get. There’s a sizeable community of people from South Louisiana and even Crowley, my hometown, here in Austin. Bishop from Nether Hour and John Core from LSD have helped me get established here, and a ton of other local musicians have been super helpful in getting settled here. I’m looking forward to what my future in Austin and music holds, and I know it will be a fun ride wherever it takes me Read more>>
Victor Diaz
Carabuena was inspired by founder Victor Diaz’s deep roots in Jalisco, Mexico, where he was born and raised among the agave fields. His vision was to capture the spirit of Jalisco in a bottle while staying connected to Austin, Texas, the city Victor now calls home. After moving to Austin in 2012, Victor quickly became immersed in the local Austin culture while working at Maudie’s. As a bartender there, Austinities couldn’t help but fall in love with Victor. His ambition and drive to create Carabuena was so strong it eventually led some of his regular Maudie’s guests to become investors, co-founders, employees, and lifelong supporters. Read more>>
Nimsi Rebeca Ledezma
With that being said, everything I do now, from content creating to being a small business owner to also being a wife and mom has to be because I did not go to college. Do not get me wrong, I do have my associates in Liberal Arts from Austin Community College (I received it along with my high school diploma) however, I found it challenging to go back to school after my 8 month break after graduating in 2020 due to my immigration status. That was actually when I turned my focus to doing nails, dance choreographies, content creating, and working which led me to meet my now husband and father of my only son. Read more>>
Monica Simmons
Lirios Pediatrics is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2021 in Austin, Texas by a pediatrician and pediatric nurse who recognized a need in our community that was not being met. The mission of Lirios Pediatrics is to improve the well-being of uninsured children by providing them with free, equitable, comprehensive, and high-quality medical and mental healthcare. We exclusively serve uninsured children and most of the families are living in poverty so have few choices for obtaining the healthcare their children need. Services are provided by culturally competent, patient-centered staff who utilize a team-based approach to providing care. Read more>>
Lucy Rendon
One day, I realized my personal growth hit the end of its road and it was time for a new chapter. As scary as it was, I started P’Z Candiez LLC by a leap of faith. I wanted to create something of my own that I can pass down to my children just like my parents did. I initially bought my first freeze dryer for food preservation and to minimize food waste. My husband, who is a candy lover, asked me to freeze dried some candy for him. We couldn’t believe how crunchy candies such as skittles and jolly ranchers became after being freeze dried. So that is how a fun hobby turned into a full time business. I love what I do and have a passion for educating others about the benefits of freeze drying. Read more>>
Marquita Ewing
In 2022, I tried my first pop-up market—Hutto Market Days—and instantly fell in love with the experience. What was supposed to be a one-off became a regular part of my life. By 2023, I retired from my 19-year healthcare career to pursue this full-time. Since then, SD + Co. has been featured in 32 stores nationwide, participated in over 100 markets, and launched franchise kits to help others start their own small businesses. Read more>>
Amy Patel
Tasty Amy’s is truly a family creation, built on love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food. The inspiration came from my husband Mike’s beloved salsa recipe, something our family and friends had enjoyed for years. With their encouragement, I decided to follow a lifelong dream: sharing that salsa with the world. Read more>>
Sky Cutler
BIO- “Sky grew up in Silicon Valley, California, As a child his crib was in the kitchen of his family’s restaurant. After earning a BA in Hospitality Management from Florida Atlantic University, he traveled abroad for what was intended to be a year, but turned into eight + years living in Bali, Indonesia, managing hospitality venues. Returning to the US just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he witnessed the food system collapse and knew he had to be a part of the ‘new earth.’ Transitioning from hospitality to agriculture, led him to work on farms, and eventually establish Wild Candy Farm with his family. When not in the garden, Sky enjoys working out, spending time with family, and planning his next surf adventure.” Read more>>
Miranda Haggerty
I never expected to develop such a strong passion for employee retention and Workforce Solutions, but looking back, it makes sense. People-focused consulting has always been a personal goal—something rooted in my desire to create meaningful impact for both individuals and organizations. Maybe it’s the middle child in me, but I’ve always had a natural inclination to build bridges between people, especially when there’s a disconnect. Read more>>
Stephanie
It all started at the Frida Friday market, where I had a little setup selling accessories under the name Smooches. I loved being part of the market—connecting with people, sharing my style, and adding a little sparkle to people’s days. One day, I decided to bring a small batch of homemade chamoy tubs to go along with my table. I figured, why not add something flavorful to pair with the sweetness of Smooches? Read more>>
Savanna Blake
reaching people where they are with encouragement, education, and movement. But my dream is so much bigger than just opening a facility—it’s about building people, especially young women. I want to travel, speak, and pour into girls who don’t yet see their worth, teaching them to love the body God gave them, to find strength through their struggles, and to stand tall in their own identity. Read more>>
Kaki John
Kaki John Interiors is a full service design firm. We specialize in new builds, remodels, and everything in between. No project left behind! I feel my speciality includes lighting, fabrics, furniture placement, wall coverings, art, accessories. I think what sets us apart is our transparency and being completely honest with our clients. Communication is key. There can be bumps in the road with a project and we feel being open and honest is best! Building trust and friendships with our clients is most important! At KJI we want to create a space for our clients that reflect their personality! At KJI, we use a seven step process that keeps everything organized and our clients know exactly where we are will working on their project! It’s key to our success! Read more>>
Elizabeth Ai
I’ve been producing films for over a decade, but something shifted in 2018 when I was pregnant. I felt an urgency I hadn’t felt before…an inner push to tell a story about my community. NEW WAVE began as a quiet idea, inspired by the music I grew up with as a child. It lingered in the back of my mind, and over time, it evolved into something deeper—a meditation on family, identity, memory, and the emotional weight we carry but rarely speak about. Read more>>
Brooke Nichol
Hi! I graduated from nursing school in Mississippi, and soon after, I found myself working as an ICU travel nurse — a path that eventually led me to Los Angeles. That experience was fast-paced, intense, and deeply formative. But the real turning point came when I transitioned from the ICU to the operating room of a top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. It was there, in 2007, that I was introduced to the world of aesthetic injections. I was instantly captivated — not just by the science, but by the artistry. Learning how to shape a face through light, shadows, and structure felt like discovering a sacred craft. Read more>>
Judy Oskam
I’m proud to serve as the director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University, one of the largest accredited programs in the country. Since stepping into this role in 2012, my focus has been simple: support students and faculty, champion creativity, and connect classroom learning to the real world. I teach undergraduate courses in public relations and mass communications, and a graduate course on creativity— one of my favorite subjects. Read more>>
Gunner Lewis
I’m most passionate about putting together my most recent collection because I was able to handle each aspect of it on my own. I shot all the photos, designed and sewed all the clothes, and did all of the promotion and activation. Other than that, I’m most proud of things I make for friends because I think making stuff for your friends is really the whole reason I do it. I’m really fortunate to be so nerdy and passionate about the subcultures that I’m into because it gives me a much bigger pool of things to reference and pull from in a way that really feels genuine and that’s what separates me from other people in the creative space. Read more>>
Sarah Franklin
My love for all things beauty started at a very young age. My mom was a hairdresser and loved to use me as her live Barbie Doll. I was a child in the 80’s she had no problem giving me perms and putting makeup on me. I even got suspended from Catholic school in second grade because she sent me to school with blush on my cheeks. I didn’t go back to that school after that year. But I knew from then on I loved beauty! Read more>>
Sarah Heard
We’ve encountered many obstacles, financial, emotional, and physical. In this industry, there seems to be a new obstacle to overcome daily. Some of our biggest obstacles have been finding the funding to purchase the restaurant, navigating the covid shut down, and staffing changes in availability, mentality, and priorities. Some of our internal struggles have been finding balance in our lives between life, family, and the restaurant. Read more>>
Sarah Doan
In the end however I think it’s worth it because I’m getting closer to my goals of publishing a children’s book that I both write and illustrate and I love what I’m doing. Community has been a big reason why I’m still creating today. Austin has a great creative community and everyone has been so supportive and willing to help one anothe Read more>>
Kaitlan Warmbrod
From a young age, I knew I wanted to start a nonprofit to help homeless pets, I just wasn’t sure what form it would take. That passion led me from my hometown in Montana to Southwestern University (SU) in Georgetown, Texas, after I found it offered a degree in Animal Behavior. Not long after I arrived, I learned the university had discontinued the program. Rather than give up on my goal, I worked with faculty to create an independent study path, ultimately earning a customized degree in Animal Behavior. Read more>>
Casey Buckingham
Honestly, it’s been a pretty smooth ride so far. The support and positivity from the community have been amazing—it’s been incredibly encouraging. The biggest challenge has definitely been figuring out the best way to keep hundreds of plants happy, healthy, and properly watered all at once. But it keeps me on my toes, and honestly, I don’t mind staying busy when it’s doing something I love. Read more>>
Katilyn Pummill
Definitely not a smooth road—but a meaningful one. In the early days, we were hauling plants, tables, and displays all over town for pop-ups and markets. It was incredibly rewarding, but physically demanding and exhausting at times. Once we found our dream location in Gruene, we hit an unexpected roadblock with building permits that delayed our opening by several months. It was frustrating and tested our patience, but we learned how to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward. Read more>>
Cameron Tepper
Hi! My name is DJ Saltnteppa aka DJ Cameron and for the past 3 years, I’ve hosted and produced a community radio program, EXCLAMATION! Fridays 4:30pm-6:00pm for KOOP 91.7, Austin’s Community Radio Station (Radio for People, Not for Profit!). It’s been a dream and an honor to do this for the community! Since I was in high school, I’ve always been a fan of community/college/independent radio where it feels like real people are picking the music they like. (Shoutout KSPC 88.7/KUCR 88.3 for all the early music discovery!). During college, I didn’t have the opportunity to participate in radio because I was working different jobs. It was always a bucket list thing to do for my future. Read more>>
Joseph Kelly
Technology had progressed with the advent of Facebook and digital cameras. I purchased a Sony package online for a winning bid of two hundred dollars. In addition to the actual camera, I received an 80 to 200mm, a 35mm and a wide-angle lens in that price. Thrilled beyond words I began exploring the areas around Lago Vista, Cedar Park, Spicewood and Point Venture. I have a website with most of my work https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/7-joseph-kelly, or @txhealer on Instagram. It is my hope that you are moved, at a soul level. and connect to my work, or the energy contained within each image. Read more>>
Jamie Freda
I’ve always known I was wired a little differently. I spent years masking, overthinking, and pushing myself to keep up in ways that never felt quite right. Things that seemed to come easily to others took everything I had, and I often wondered why. It wasn’t until I became a psychologist and started specializing in ADHD that the puzzle pieces began to fall into place. After years of supporting others and completing advanced training as a certified ADHD clinical services provider, I realized in my forties that I’m one of the people I’ve been helping all along. Read more>>
Cynda Green
My journey into advocacy and family support began when my daughter experienced her first seizure at just six months old. It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I had never witnessed a seizure before, and watching my baby go through that left me feeling helpless and overwhelmed. I made the decision to leave my job and dedicate myself full-time to caring for her. There was so much to learn—about doctors, medications, therapies, and navigating a complex healthcare system. As she grew older, additional diagnoses came, each bringing new challenges and lessons. Read more>>
Steve Harper
That spark turned into a published book—The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships for Your Life and Business—which has since sold tens of thousands of copies across the globe and become a staple in business circles, classrooms, including at Belmont University, Ohio State, and others, and corporate boardrooms of companies of all sizes. In its third edition, the book has solidified Steve’s reputation as a best-selling author and thought leader in relationship strategy. Read more>>
Michael Morgan
Based on my experiences, I decided to write a book as I have a passion for teaching and inspiring others to achieve their goals. “The Power of Networking” has won the Literary Titan Book Award, Global Book Award, International Impact Award, PenCraft Book Award, and Firebird Book Award. To date, I have had speaking engagements for the University of Texas, Texas State University, Huston-Tillotson University, Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University, LineLeader, the National Black MBA Association, Cyversity, Black Executive Men, Maryland Public Libraries Workforce, Mentor Me Collective, Consortium, and Women in Cybersecurity. Read more>>
Tina Cruz
I was accepted into the Art and Technology graduate program at the University of Oklahoma, where I honed my skills and developed a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional painting. I wanted to bring my physical paintings to life in virtual reality, so I began working with Unity, Maya, and coding to create what I call Immersive Paintings. Instead of simply viewing a painting on a wall, these works allow people to step inside them using a VR headset. The viewer becomes part of the painting—interacting with it, sitting within it, and experiencing art in an entirely new way. Read more>>
Burnadine
Burnadine is an Austin alt-rock group pushing the boundaries of what falls under the umbrella of rock music. Our first single, “Tension”, has received raving reviews from critics, and even radio play. We just put out our second single, “Dreambitch”. We are planning to release one more single at the end of this month and our album this summer. Read more>>
