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.
Sioban “Damalia” Majeed
I have done pretty much everything within the industry from salon ownership, set work , editorial, educator, runway , music videos and various fashion weeks to include , New York , Philly, Paris and soon Milan fashion weeks. My love of helping women to look and feel there best has always been priority for me especially now as natural hair/coils and curls are now in the forefront of the industry from executive women to magazine covers women are now embracing their hair textures. Read more>>
Megan Shekleton
In my executive coaching, I specialize in supporting my clients in moments of transition when they are on the precipice of change, ready to truly push past anything holding them back, and fully step into their power. Most of my clients come to me feeling unfulfilled, stuck, lacking clarity, or full of self doubt, and together, we partner together to identify what is that meaningful change that they want to create and then, start to embody it through internal and external transformation. Read more>>
Efosa Ojomo
My breakthrough moments came through consistency, releasing songs, performing live, and connecting with audiences who resonated with my sound. One of my most notable projects, my EP featuring Yes O Yes and Love Me Right, gained traction, and my new release “Gimme this love” solidifying my presence in the industry. From there, I expanded not only as an artist but also as a producer and studio engineer, ensuring that my sound remained authentic and true to my vision. Read more>>
THANKYOUSTEEZ
The real ones know what I’m talking about. Eventually, I started performing more frequently at bigger venues. This momentum kept building & building. I also kept creating & creating. Each song & project felt like a stepping stone to finding who I was & was essential to my growth. Unfortunately, Covid 19 & the pandemic really slowed me down but it ultimately helped me define my sound and I truly believe I came out of that time polished & more mature with my music. I have since put out 2 more projects, and my latest project, “THANKYOUWHO? Vol. 2”, which is my best work to date. Read more>>
DeeDee Haw
Even as a child, DeeDee sensed she had a unique gift, but it wasn’t until a chance encounter with a wounded friend that she fully embraced her path as a healer. As a Diné (Navajo) medium and energetic healer, she now dedicates her life to helping others find clarity, connection, and healing. Her approach is simple: assist to clear energetic blocks, provide intuitive insight, and remind people that they have the power to heal themselves Read more>>
Christopher Salas
No one teaches Latino Men how to process things in a healthy way. That isn’t prevalent in our culture. We are supposed to be strong and have little emotion. Yet I was broken. I quickly turned to substances starting with alcohol to numb or pretend that I was ok. Then as time went on I begin to go deeper. Weed, Cocaine, Methamphetamines. I had lost everything. I was homeless. From living in sketchy motel rooms to sleeping in shacks. I seemed to only dig deeper holes for myself that landed me multiple times in County Jail. Then soon enough not only once but twice in prison. Read more>>
John Samilpa
Growing up in Austin, music was more than just a backdrop—it was a way of life. Born and raised in the Live Music Capital of the World, I was constantly surrounded by sound, rhythm, and culture. I started DJing at 16, armed with a pair of Technic 1200s, a Gemini mixer, and an obsession that led to weekly pilgrimages to Turntable Records and Alien Records. The SouthSide House Parties became a staple in my early years. Read more>>
Rachel Jackson
Everything shifted during a business retreat in San Miguel, Mexico, alongside a talented group of friends & entrepreneurs across various industries. We’ve known each other for years, and are the kind of friends who share tips for everything, not just business. Recipes, skincare, family dynamics, and lately lots of chatter around sleep, supplements & all things perimenopause. We’re connected by a drive to build and create things, so when we bring new ideas to the group, which is pretty often, it’s never just shop talk – it’s soul talk. We listen, we challenge, we encourage each other’s visions. Read more>>
Thaddeus Foster
In August of 2021, there was a large fire outside of San Marcos called the Oak Grove fire. The massive smoke plume on the horizon was the tipping point for my interest in wildfire preparedness. Later that month, I took my family on vacation to Napa Valley. The region had been heavily impacted by big fires over the previous two years. One winery was completely untouched by the fires, while all around it was utter devastation. The owner told me she had found a service that sprayed a fire retardant called PHOS-CHEK around their property that was safe for people, animals, and vegetation. Her property was so safe that when the firefighters were taking a break from fighting the wildfire all around her property, they would camp in her vineyard. Read more>>
MONICO GARCIA
After that we started catering small parties/events and before we knew it we were catering for 100 -250 people. Now we have a seasonings company to go along with our catering company. You can find our seasonings at the AtlantaBBQStore/TheBBQSuperstore.com/ Lonestar BBQ Supply/ South Texas Outdoor Kitchens/ Hill Country BBQ Supply LLC/ The BarBque Store/ TripleSSS Seasonings/ Big City Barbershop Austin Tx /Show Me Pizza Austin Tx/ or you can place your order via twistedoaksbarbque@gmail.com Read more>>
Helga & Diego Correa
This idea came up almost 4 years ago. Helga is an interior designer and architect and together with Diego they always wanted to do something different. Helga used to offer interior design services, in 2020 someone asked her to design a home office. She proposed a nice design with an accent wall, cabinets and shelves. The lady loved the idea and asked if they could make it happen. Helga and Diego were going to make their first accent wall. With some trepidation they searched for everything they needed to make the design a reality and they did it! After this experience they have not stopped making accent walls to this day. Read more>>
Clarissa Saucedo
It was not a smooth road at all. I’m fully independent and going to school and trying to work enough to pay for school and bills was an obstacle in itself. In addition to that there are some things beauty school just doesn’t teach you and navigating those things after school and trying to build a clientele and perfect my skills was hard work. This job is definitely a job that requires continued education and you have to be willing to keep up with nail trends and learn new mediums. It really keeps me on my toes. I’m thankful to be where I’m at today. Read more>>
McKenna Michels
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I remember listening to the original cast recording of Phantom of the Opera in the car with my grandma as a toddler, being in awe of the range and depth of the voices I was hearing through the car stereo. I dreamed of singing anywhere and everywhere, to anyone that would listen. When I was old enough, I was always in choir, playing piano, and doing musical theater. The discovery of artists such as Lady Gaga and Adele inspired my decision to pursue a career in music and made me especially passionate about writing my own songs. Read more>>
Jennifer
My new mentor, Denise Bodman, is a powerhouse in the Austin real estate scene and it has been an absolute joy to work with her so far. We have several new developments coming up that have entrusted her and the Bodman group to exclusively represent. We assist buyers and sellers all over Austin in all price points. Our team is incredible and have been able to help so many into their dream spaces, in the Austin market, a lot of listings end up on the private market, and compass has one of the largest private collections of real estate in the world. The support I feel is strong despite still servicing both cities, and I cannot wait to see what we do next! Read more>>
Oliver Barrett
The band got bigger, we traveled to play shows out of town, and made friends with other bands. We also got signed to a small, indie hardcore label. I also got a lot better with visual communication after learning about the greats like Milton Glaser and Saul Bass. Because of the band and my decent-for-a-kid design skills, I made a lot of connections with other bands and record labels, who hired me (for pennies) to make stuff for them. Read more>>
Hannah Skalsky
I have a passion for black and gray realism, and I also love exploring Japanese and American traditional styles. What sets me apart is my ability to create any style that resonates with my clients. Read more>>
Brooke Weathers
As someone with a history of severe cystic acne, my skincare journey began out of necessity. Attempts at treating my acne topically proved to be ineffective, but once I started treating my skin as a part of a wellness journey, considering all systems of the body and mind, this is where magic began for me. That experience lit a fire in me to learn everything I could about skin health and holistic healing. Even to this very day, I still struggle with imbalances, but I can truly say I feel confident and beautiful in my skin. This ignited a passion in helping others find this same feeling of confidence and comfort by introducing them to an effective, holistic approach, rooted in both western and eastern medicines. Read more>>
Lisa Pelt
In 2019, I was presented with the opportunity to partner with a friend of mine and open a strength and conditioning business. Unfortunately, Covid hit and my dream was placed on hold….temporarily. During this time, I remember sitting on my front porch and asking God what to do. Should I go back to what is comfortable which is the corporate world, or do I stick with my dream of going into the athletic community? And it was so clear to me. God‘s words were “Continue to pursue the desire that I have placed on your heart.” I made the decision then to purchase a cargo trailer, buy athletic equipment and to go mobile. My partner and I traveled to different locations to train track athletes, private school organizations, and found multiple locations to personally train adults and youth athletes. Read more>>
Lori Neathery
After many years in that role—and following both a profound loss of a step child, my wifes oldest son, as well as the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic— My amazing and supportive wife and I decided it was time for a the next chapter. With her support and encouragement, I took the leap, quit my 9 to 5 job, and started Thrifty Goat Graphics. Our company name is inspired by our love for thrift shopping, and the memory of our son Griffin who his friends referred to as the “GOAT”. Today, I channel my experience, resilience, and creativity into making unique, high-quality designs for clients all over the country. Read more>>
Erin Simmons
Since then, I’ve rebuilt my life as the person I’ve always been. Today, I work for myself as a holistic style coach, clothing designer, and model. I help people overcome the emotional blocks that keep them from dressing the way they truly want to, and I design one-of-a-kind pieces from reclaimed materials that celebrate femininity, individuality, and identity. Read more>>
Greg Williams
Of course not! I moved to Austin not knowing anybody except for 1-2 local sax players I connected with through MySpace. The drummer I was supposed to come from Orlando with bailed on me a couple weeks prior to the move so it was quite the leap of faith. Not having any gigs on my calendar I picked up a serving position on Dirty Sixth and felt totally defeated moving to the Live Music Capital of the World and waiting tables. I remember asking my mom for help with rent once I made the transition to full-time musician 4 months into the move (at 25) and it had a profound impact on my drive and work ethic. COVID was devastating to my business but through determination and some federal economic relief I was able to help guide my team through those tough years. Read more>>
MJ Sutton
As the needs of our clients grew, so did our skill set, and photography and videography were soon added to our list of services. The photography side really took off, and while we’ve dabbled in just about everything, our real niche was themed photoshoots and boudoir. The boudoir became so popular that we had our own division with multiple models and photographers. We would throw Airbnb events where we would rent out unique locations for a weekend and do as many as 20 shoots over that weekend. Read more>>
Chloe Browning
That drive led me to launch Adella Design in my early twenties. My first projects came through personal connections, but things quickly grew through referrals and meaningful relationships. Today, we work on a range of projects — from hospitality spaces to home renovations and vacation rentals — always focusing on creating spaces that feel soulful, personal, and anything but ordinary. For me, design is about storytelling and creating experiences that leave an impression. Read more>>
Erica Steele
It was during the height of the pandemic and women were looking for a safe place to birth outside of the hospital where restrictions were high and autonomy low. We were able to open our doors in April of 2021. The birthing center here in San Marcos is the only birthing center in Hays county. It has been extremely successful over the past 4 years, celebrating the births of 200+ babies. Luminary is also a teaching facility that incorporates the apprenticeship model, offering the opportunity to train new midwives.. Read more>>
Jasmine Hillyer
The biggest obstacle or challenge I’ve had is the tragic loss of my dear friend Kevin. Kevin was my photographer for the make up classes and we worked on many creative photo shoots, weddings, family photos, you name it. He became like family. When he passed away in February 2023, I had classes scheduled, and no photographer. I met with a couple of photographers that were referred by friends but it just brought me to tears every single time. Instead of hiring another photographer, I decided to take some time to regroup and restructure the classes and content. I plan to relaunch new classes in the Fall of 2025. In the meantime, I continue to service my regular salon clients with hair and makeup services. Read more>>
Jaime Chase
From there, it was a lot of ups and downs, learning different lifting techniques, and eventually specializing and competing in Olympic weightlifting. As I became a serious strength athlete, I practiced and built my knowledge as a coach. After all said and done, I’ve lived and worked in gyms across several different states, earned a master’s degree in Sports Management, and finally started my own private training business, Chase | Strength, in 2019. I moved to Austin in the fall of 2019, to further build my business in our fit city! Read more>>
Cara Slade
I wanted to show people that fitness doesn’t mean sacrificing the joys of life—like wine, chocolate, or a slice of sourdough. So I started small, training a few clients out of my one-car garage. What began as a side hustle quickly revealed itself as a calling. Clients loved the intimate, personalized feel of small group training, and it became clear we had something unique. We never set out to create a typical gym—we set out to build a fitness club where adults could get stronger, connect with like-minded people, and find a sustainable approach to exercise they actually looked forward to. Read more>>
Summer Willis
Inspired and horrified by their experiences—and by the legal loopholes that still leave so many assaults unrecognized in Texas—I decided to fight for real change. The Governor’s Task Force made its top priority the “Summer Willis Act,” HB 3073, which for the first time defines consent in Texas law. Because right now, if one person hands you a drink and another takes advantage of it, it doesn’t even legally count—and that’s exactly what happened to me. After passing the House 143–1, it’s now on its way to the Senate. Read more>>
Izrah And Jay Tan-Sprague And Sprague
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced happened this past January. We were setting up for an event when, out of nowhere, our aura camera stopped working. We tried everything we could to troubleshoot it on the spot, but nothing worked. It was such an embarrassing moment, not being able to deliver the experience we promised. We had to cancel the event and ended up losing an entire month of bookings while we sent the camera back to California for repairs. To make matters worse, the repair facility was dealing with wildfire evacuations, which delayed things even more. It was a tough time, but we used that unexpected setback to reset, reevaluate, and get our heads in the right direction. Read more>>
Stephanie Johnson
On a more personal level, starting this journey after experiencing a loss made it even more emotional. It wasn’t just about building a career; it was about building something meaningful and healing for myself and my family. There were times when self-doubt crept in, especially during the early days. But every time I helped a client grow their brand or told their story in a way that made them light up, it reminded me why I started. Read more>>
