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.
Nelsen Varghese
That perspective shifted when my cousin had his daughter, Kenna. I decided to document her milestones, a choice rooted in a desire to preserve moments my family often let slip by. At the time, I was already learning videography while working with a rap duo from Chicago called 2 Masters. Initially, I handled management, but as we struggled to find creatives who could bring our ideas to life, I took on a more creative role. Videography wasn’t just a skill I wanted to learn—it became a passion. Read More>>
Maria Flare
As a kid I always knew that I wanted to pursue art. Prior to tattooing I had worked as a caricature artist, animator, and storyboard artist. I had studied Animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I earned my Bachelors of Fine Arts. Tattooing was never something I planned on, I didn’t get my first tattoo until I was 23. While I’d been offered opportunities to tattoo in the past, I remained focused on my previous career until burnout eventually led me to step away from art for a while. Read more>>
Katavia Femster
In 2014, I embarked on a new chapter in my journey when I relocated to Nashville. My unwavering dedication to health and wellness led me to create a business committed to enhancing the well-being of Black communities through juicing “GreenGoddessJuices.” This commitment instills confidence in our community health initiatives. Read More>>
Ashley Reed
I came home and immediately got to work. I challenged myself to post videos of me singing acapella every day for a year. That challenge helped build my confidence and helped me grow with creatively. That led to an oppurtunity to attend Mike Beaty’s Model and Talent Expo in Dallas, Tx. I auditioned for several different things but my main focus was singing and song writing. That’s where I met my producer Christopher “C-Ray” Roberts and his partner Marc Williams. I signed a deal with them and have been working with them ever since. Read More>>
Amy Villanueva
I began taking clients and learning every step of the way. There were days where I would sit and stare at my computer feeling completely defeated because my edits were slightly off, or the pictures weren’t exactly how I wanted, or no one had booked me for that month. I continued to push through because it was something I still loved and I felt it was my calling in life. Months went by and I found myself booking more and more opportunities. With each one, I was learning and still am today. Here I am today a little less than a year later feeling so incredibly blessed and grateful of this dream I was had that has now become my reality. Read More>>
Clete Donovan
Inspired by nontraditional filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Richard Linklater, while also being attached to my hometown, I stayed in Austin to chase my new dream. I volunteered or worked for every film organization I could get my hands on, including the Austin Film Society, Alamo Drafthouse, Austin School of Film, SXSW, and Austin Film Fest. A couple years and many friendships later, I hosted an event to launch my brand, Think Flamingo. Read More>>
Ashley Rodriguez
I am a current practicing Fractional CMO, and felt deeply compelled to create a team that makes an impact on the small businesses that are priced out of receiving marketing help. My overarching mission is to empower local brands by amplifying their voice online, and facilitate wider awareness of their companies through our services. Read More>>
Lisa Lam
It started with my son’s first birthday. In the midst of lockdown, I decided to create a balloon installation from scratch. I had no experience—honestly, I couldn’t even tie a balloon—but somehow, I made it work. The process brought me immense joy, reminding me how fulfilling it is to create something beautiful. That one project sparked a passion for design and balloons became a playful medium, a gateway for rediscovering my creativity. Read More>>
Rae Towne
began vending at various markets and pop ups around Seattle. At that point, I was no longer working at a Salon. I was more interested in focusing on building my business. I was bartending part time to ensure I could pay my bills. I had started selling vintage clothing and goods as well. I had always had a deep love for thrifting and the thrill of the treasure hunt. In 2015 my love for Seattle had dwindled after living there for 13 years and I decided it was time to leave. I then briefly lived in Tennessee, Florida, and California, continuing to work on jewelry and collecting vintage in addition to various jobs in the service industry. Read More>>
J Quinonez
Following a disagreement, I began to approach my passions for music and photography with greater seriousness in the summer of 2018. Throughout the years, I have acquired extensive knowledge through self-directed learning, research, and experimentation. Even now, I consider myself a lifelong learner, continually seeking to broaden and enhance my understanding of these interests. Read More>>
Adriana Cantu
While I believe that my story starts much further back, I feel like I started a second life after my first child was born. I know that everyone says having a child is life-changing and that it’s the best thing that can happen to anyone, and while I agree, it was a completely different change of life for me. First of all, I never wanted to have children. My partner and I lived happily without children for 10 years, then one day we decided we should have a child. Read More>>
Sharon Hughes
Throughout my career, I have worked in almost every role in a salon. I started as a salon receptionist while attending cosmetology school and became a licensed stylist. I also love the business side of what I do, so I have owned salons, managed salons, been an in-salon educator, styled hair for fashion shoots, brides, and their wedding parties and for runway shows. One of the biggest gifts that I have been able to give is being of service with my skillset. Donating hair services to philanthropic organizations has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I am a long-time donor and volunteer for the Texas Advocacy Project here in Austin. Read More>>
Deborah Main
To be honest, it was a little scary. Little did I know that that magical experience would ignite my passion to collect beautiful ribbon, vintage textiles, and vintage French trim to design one-of-a-kind decorative pillows. In 2004, while still sick but better, I spontaneously answered an “Open Call for Designers” at the local boutique The Garden Room and opened my business, Deborah Main Designs. The rest is history. I now work exclusively with homeowners and interior designers on custom orders and enjoy creating miniature holiday pillow ornaments. I also started a new direction in 2023. I am working with a licensing agent, YKD Associates, to secure a partnership to grow The Pillow Goddess brand nationally, and my newest original design, The UnZipped Pillow Collection. Read More>>
Oluwaseyi Odufuye
I think everything happened when it was supposed to happen and certain seasons of my life prepared me for the next. So I wouldn’t say the journey has been smooth but it has been purposeful and intentional. The biggest struggle in my creative journey has honestly been with myself: learning how to apply discipline to my craft, how to shift my craft as my life and beliefs change, and empowering myself to take action on my ideas. Read More>>
