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.
Jazmin Sambula
My brother was born with special needs, and so from the age of 7 I saw how doctors worked together in teams to save his life. It really got me interested in the medical field and in the miracle that modern medical technology gives us. I knew at 7 I wanted to be a doctor, because I wanted to give people the hope, and joy that they gave us when they saved my little brother. Read More>>
Chris Wells
I paid attention to the types and names of plants we were putting in as well as understanding the flow of a design. I ended up becoming a foreman and started doing the specialized work. Mortared flagstone, building extravagant walls as well as very elaborate water features. Read More>>
Nmandu Nicole Otutu
In my search for more involvement in my local community, I stumbled upon a vibrant Fashion scene. I quickly assimilated into the fashion world as a plus size model while simultaneously shattering the standards “required” to be a model. With a journey rooted in self love and appreciation, I learned to be empower myself while bringing a much needed diversity to the local modeling scene. Read More>>
Mark Ramos
I am a native Texan, born and raised in San Antonio. Growing up, I always had a passion for horror. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday, and I was determined each year to have the scariest costume. My love for horror movies started even before I was born—my mother went into labor while watching A Nightmare on Elm Street. I’ve always felt that was a sign and the source of my deep passion for the genre. Read More>>
Camille Cardwell
In September of that year, TikTok shop officially launched, which I was actually working with a company behind the scenes that was a founder of TikTok Shop partner agencies before TikTok shop even hit the market. Due to that, I was able to have insight that really allowed me to understand the algorithm and the methods needed as a creator to be able to go viral and sell products online. Read More>>
Ashley Pell
And that is how MoonSpell Mystic was born. I have had the opportunity to dream this up with my kids and let them be a huge part of it. My oldest helps me with the markets and he has learned a lot about business in the process. It has been an awesome opportunity to learn and grow alongside him. Becoming a crystal collector has been a spiritual awakening for me and I enjoy learning about each crystals unique formation and properties. MoonSpell has given me the opportunity to connect with others and in the process I have met some truly amazing and inspiring people. I look forward to making many more connections in the community as we continue to grow. Read More>>
Deaunte Watkins
By my second semester, I noticed a growing need for CPR instructors. Many of my fellow nursing students didn’t know where to go for certification, so I often recommended my workplace. Around this time, I was promoted to a higher teaching position, which gave me the confidence to explore opportunities like earning my ACLS certification. It was also then that I realized I could become certified to teach independently. Read More>>
Ana Isabel Ortega
In 2014, I took the leap. It was just me at first, going from home to home and working 1:1 with clients, pouring everything I had into making a difference. A few months later, I hired my first employee, and from there, things started to grow organically. By 2015, we opened our first two-room small clinic—a huge milestone—and now, we’ve grown into our own 6,000 sqft property, offering center-based ABA therapy along with speech, OT, and feeding services Read More>>
Sara Beesley
I was promoted to Development Manager after nine months, and when the Director position became available nine months later, I applied. I was offered the position the same week I defended by Master’s Thesis and have been Director for the last nine years. These past years have been quite a journey – building the staff and elevating the center. We were able to successfully receive $6M from the city bond in 2022 and will be starting construction on infrastructure improvements this year. Read More>>
Dr Manuel Vogt Do
The biggest struggle has actually been the rapid growth. Patients absolutely love the DPC model. I am currently looking for another physician to join my practice and have recently been in talks with a pediatrician who is also direct care based to lease one of my spare rooms Read More>>
Grace Caruthers
If I could go back and tell myself three things about starting I’d say- 1. Have contracts. It’s well worth it. 2. Have retainers, that keeps you and your clients accountable. And 3. Go easy on yourself and your work. I was so critical of my work and still am because as the saying goes we are our own worst critics most of the time. Now looking back I wish I’d had more compassion for myself starting something absolutely new. Read More>>
Madalyn Harr
I started blogging on My Life as Madalyn in 2015 where I talked about my faith and lifestyle content. In 2018, I started an online Christian boutique named Adorned With Delight where I sold Christian gifts, apparel, jewelry, and more. Around that same time, I started designing products including graphic apparel designs, digital portraits, and a 90-day digital Christian living journal called the Abide Daily Journal. Read More>>
Raven Jimenez
My passion for photography started as a hobby when I became a mother. I love creating memories that last forever. I refer to my business as the buffet of photography, capturing a little bit of everything from newborns, family, fur babies and more! As a photographer you see things from different perspectives and get to use your creativity to bring a photo alive and bring emotion to it. Nothing makes me happier then hearing how much joy it brings to my clients. Read More>>
Cassandra Ramirez
Don’t even know where to start but here we go lol, so it all started in my senior year of high school I was to the point of almost graduating from high school and was clueless on what path I was going to take after since my senior graduation was getting super close, eventually my counselor called me in to go in to see what where my plans after high school and at that moment is when I told her I wanted to become part of the beauty industry since I felt that college was not my thing, I didn’t want to go into debt on something I wasn’t even going to enjoy. Read More>>
Kalie Grace Bohnenberger
The owners of my current Salon, Willow and Ivy Salon and Spa, have always been very supportive with my dreams and what I want to offer to people, so they offered me the room that became available and I took it right away! I immediately started getting stuff to put my room together and I was able to pull it together in two very short weeks. Now it’s my own personal oasis of pure relaxation. I haven’t even been open a month yet and my books are fully booked, and more and more people are making appointments with me! That’s where I’m at today! Read More>>
Roger Woodard
From the start, I placed a strong emphasis on education, believing that a well-trained & educated team would lead to exceptional service. I sought out global educators to provide my staff with top-notch training, including opportunities for continued education at the prestigious Goldwell Academy, in New York City. Read More>>
Shelley Pfister
Inspired by Australia’s relaxed lifestyle, I infuse earthy tones, plants, vintage textiles, and natural light into my distinctive aesthetic. When I’m not immersed in design, you can find me capturing moments through my camera lens, enjoying yoga, rearranging my decor, or soaking up sunny days with my husband Todd and our three kids. My motto is always to have fresh flowers in your home and savor the little moments in life, like evenings spent with friends and family (and a glass of wine) on the patio! Read More>>
Raymond Esparza
No, there have been a few struggles. Initially, our struggle was primarily finding locations to set-up as this involves obtaining permission from property management, because we set up in parking lots of local businesses. We also had a few staffing issues as my staff are all part-time and have their own full-time jobs while moonlighting for me. Now, I would say our main struggle is keeping up with the behind the scenes stuff like data entry, returning phone calls, etc. These things are taking up increasingly more of my time and I find it difficult to release tasks to others but I have been working on that. Read More>>
