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.
Kiranmayee Yanala
My Journey in Dentistry: Early Life and Education: I grew up in India before moving to the United States to pursue higher education. My academic journey led me to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where I earned my Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2010. Professional Journey: After graduating, I lived in several different states across the country. Read more>>
Paighton Corley
I became Executive Director of Hill Country Humane Society in my mid-20s, at a time when the shelter was facing major challenges; limited resources, high intake, and a system that hadn’t evolved in decades. Over the last few years, I’ve focused on rebuilding from the inside out: improving operations, investing in staff, building partnerships, and shifting the shelter to a lifesaving, community-focused model. Read more>>
Valaria Mason
I began my beauty career journey at Regency Beauty Institute in 2011, where I discovered my passion for making a meaningful impact through transformation. For me, beauty has always been more than appearance—it’s about helping people feel confident, seen, and renewed. Getting to where I am today has required consistency, dedication, and a commitment to continuously refining my craft. Read more>>
Steven Piper
Starting in 2014, I started reaching out to various artists all over the world to commission them to create custom artwork for limited-edition screen-printed movie posters. Over the next 10 years I developed relationships with well-respected artists who have created some well-known and sought after art. Including those that were then used for Blu Ray and record covers from boutique labels. Read more>>
Jenn Vigh
I’ve been doing silks for over 11 years. I started Pilates mid way through my experience with silks as a way to rehabilitate my back injury (herniated disc in low back). Pilates quickly became my number one way of getting out of pain and I fell in love with it! Read more>>
John Cleaveland
My name is John Cleaveland and I was born and raised in Austin. My family decided to move here so that my dad could attend the University of Texas for nursing on his GI bill. My mom was a school bus driver for AISD for many years as well. I’m the second youngest of five siblings. Read more>>
Ashley Scott
As long as I can remember, my dad always had a camera in his hand, documenting our childhood. He was the designated “family photographer” on trips with my grandparents, and those images later became memories we relived together, gathered around the TV. That early exposure sparked my appreciation for photography and storytelling. Read more>>
John Aldaya
Served in the US Navy. When I got out in 2013 after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life. I did find a job in orthopedics. It was good money but not what I wanted for a career. I was talking to my barber and he told me go to barber school become a barber. Read more>>
Kim Hoerster
I grew up taking weekly lessons in both art and competitive gymnastics. In 1977, I began my studies at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) as an art major and worked as a lifeguard. It was not uncommon to find me doing back handsprings and tumbling in the grassy areas around the pool. Read more>>
Misti McMain
I didn’t wake up one day and randomly decide to start a print shop, it was a build-up of experience, grit, and realizing I wanted to do things differently. I spent years learning the production side of printing and custom work: what it takes to hit deadlines, keep quality consistent, troubleshoot problems fast, and still make the customer feel taken care of. Read more>>
Arthur Marseoni
Marseoni is not a restaurant; it is love made visible, a dimension of ultimate desire — a love portal, a heavenly garden of flavor, and a gateway to the Mediterranean. Without traveling or leaving Texas, you feel the warmth of the sun, the gentle sea breeze, and the soul of the Mediterranean in every bite. MARSEONI = LOVE. Read more>>
Connie Ramos
My journey into the beauty industry began at a young age, accompanying my mom on salon visits and witnessing the transformative power of the hairstylist behind the chair. These early experiences left a lasting impression on me, eventually leading me to beauty school and a career that aligns with my purpose. Read more>>
Michael McMahon
Honoring the Past While Building the Future: How Mike and Kim McMahon Are Helping Revitalize Downtown Cameron For Mike and Kim McMahon, success is measured not solely in financial terms, but in the lives and communities they help strengthen. Read more>>
Malou Rasmussen
WE are a husband and wife duo. Malou from Denmark and Bryce from Denver Our story begins when we met in Thailand, 2019. Both of us were traveling through Asia, and we had stumbled upon each other at a hostel. In Phuket, Thailand. Once we met we instantly had a connection. We spent the whole night talking and laughing. Read more>>
James Pacey
My interest in teaching and mentoring others was formulated during my college years. I was a resident assistant and assistant dorm director, while pursuing a degree in Physical Education. Fast forward to my professional career in the YMCA, I continued my journey of teaching. I became a national trainer and realized how much I enjoyed training and helping people transform. Read more>>
Christy Price
I didn’t grow up dreaming of owning a web design business. I actually grew up on a farm in rural Tennessee, long before the internet was part of everyday life. When my parents brought home our first computer, though, I was hooked. I loved figuring out how things worked, experimenting, and making something appear on a screen from nothing. That curiosity followed me into adulthood. Read more>>
Pixie Schneider
April 1st, 2025, I purchased the (The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods) from Molly Alexander. I have been a customer for a long time, and I wanted to purchase the store. The history behind the store goes way back. Read more>>
Stephen Braggs
For over two decades, the Stephen Braggs Youth Foundation has made a lasting impact through youth sports, life coaching, and mentorship, helping young athletes develop discipline, athletic skills, and community support. As our mission evolved, we recognized a greater need: supporting foster youth and young adults (ages 16–23) as they transition into adulthood. Read more>>
Tina Bunn
I have always been an artist since I was maybe 3 years old. In first grade I got disciplined by my teacher because she thought I cheated and had my parents do my artwork. Although I’ve taught for over 20 years in the public schools, art is my true passion. And I love teaching other people to do art as well. Read more>>
Jack Woodville London
I grew up in Groom, a very small town in the Texas panhandle, where I was blessed to have an English teacher who encouraged both my writing and my reading. I knew that I wanted to write but also thought that making a living sounded good, and then there was the Vietnam war. Read more>>
Dillon Forte
I started tattooing out of a deep interest in art, symbolism, and ancient cultures. My early work was basic compared to the niche style I have today. I began with an apprenticeship in Northern California and soon after opened my own shop in my early 20s. From the beginning, I was drawn to tattooing as more than decoration or a trend. Read more>>
Dr. Sarah Duke
My husband and I met while working as massage therapists at Lake Austin Spa Resort almost 20 years ago, and as we grew our love for each other, we dreamed of opening our own business together one day. Read more>>
Hal Elrod
I didn’t grow up as the “disciplined” guy. I was ambitious… but inconsistent. I wanted a great life, but I didn’t always live like it. I’d do well for a while, then fall off. I think a lot of people can relate to that. Then when I was 20, everything changed. I was hit head-on by a drunk driver at 70 miles per hour. Read more>>
Nicole Stanley
I’m Nicole. Dave and I met in high school, in Medford, OR. We’ve been married for over 22 years and have a 22 year old daughter. Over the years, we’ve went between working for others—Dave managed kitchens all over the Pacific Northwest—and working for ourselves. Our first business venture was a small quick-service restaurant in Eugene, OR: Not Your Mom’s Sandwich Shop. Read more>>
Mario Morales
My journey has been a blend of leadership, mentorship, and transformation. It began in the fast-paced world of retail, where I started as a General Manager at Finish Line. Over time, I grew into roles as a Manager Trainer and Market Leader, honing my skills in building teams and empowering individuals to reach their potential. But my heart was always drawn to something more. Read more>>
Keith Benson
We started as a small dog training and boarding company in 1995 in Tucson, AZ, with six kennels in my business partner’s backyard. Back then, we primarily trained dogs for a sport called Schutzhund, which is high-level obedience, tracking, and protection, but we also trained companion and competitive obedience, as well as agility, conformation, and other dog sports. Read more>>
Faris Hashim
My name is Dr. Faris Hashim, and I am a pediatric nephrologist practicing in Temple and Round Rock, Texas. I grew up in Iraq, a country deeply scarred by decades of conflict. I lived through three wars, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects on civilians, including orphans, widows, hungry children, and families without access to even the most basic healthcare. Read more>>
Joseph B. Thompson, MBA
I am Joseph B. Thompson, formerly known as DJ Bling, and I have been a dynamic leader and changemaker in the Austin community since 2008. As a DJ, I have performed at events large and small all over the country creating a musical atmosphere that people can enjoy. Read more>>
Rainah Quesada
When I was young, my family had a small point-and-shoot camera that I loved and took with us on every family trip. I would spend hours looking through National Geographic magazines dreaming about becoming a photographer for them someday so I spent a lot of my time photographing animals and nature. Read more>>
Jenna Wren
I didn’t set out to become a copywriter—I found my way here through years of storytelling, listening, and learning how much words shape the way people feel. I started my career as a wedding photographer, which meant spending over a decade deeply immersed in people’s lives at some of their most meaningful moments. Read more>>
Susan Gregurek
Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center: Established in 2016, the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center originated from the curiosity of a young girl who wondered why Jarrell lacked a library. The community united to create the Community Library of Northern Williamson County, a nonprofit library located just outside the city limits of Jarrell. Read more>>
Regina Yunusov
My journey to becoming a dentist in Cedar Park has been anything but traditional. I was born in Russia, where my fascination with dentistry began early—I loved how it could transform not just someone’s smile, but their confidence and overall health. I earned my first dental degree from Bashkir State Medical University in 2008 and began practicing there. Read more>>
Tuan Nguyen
I started working in restaurant kitchens back in college as a helper and dishwasher. Along the way, I was lucky to learn real cooking skills from passionate chefs in both Vietnam and the United States. Over time, I fell deeply in love with cooking, its flavors, its cultures, its stories and I kept pushing myself to learn more. Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Indian. Read more>>
Ginette Damou
I’m Jnet, a professional makeup artist and the founder of JnetBeautyArtist. I’ve loved beauty since I was young and always enjoyed helping people feel beautiful. After working seven years in finance, I moved to the U.S. and decided to follow my passion by attending professional makeup school. Today, I use makeup to enhance confidence and create meaningful experiences for my clients. Read more>>
Ashley Ducote
Always had a dream of starting a Bar and grill, it’s all the family talked about. After the second round of Covid hit, my employer was unable to keep staff working. Being an acting manager, I had many rolls to fulfill, including duties that I had to carry out from missing Employees due to illness. Read more>>
