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.
Katelyn Ege
I launched my photography career focused on portraits and weddings, but when my husband asked if I could photograph some mobile homes he was renovating, I jumped at the opportunity for a new challenge. With seven years of photography experience under my belt, I was confident I could handle it. However, I quickly realized I was nowhere near ready. Those images of my first home were terrible and are now hidden away never to see the light of day. I lacked the right lens, lighting, knowledge, and techniques. Read more>>
Amber Blade
At first we started with lots of different things in the booth and 1 flavor of jam. Market after market we slowly added more jam and less of the other stuff. Until in 2017 we made the switch to all jams/jellies and became We Be JAM’N. We started off slowly and have grown this into what it is over the last 8 years. We try to offer the most unique jams and jellies and have added peanut butter, salsa and pie fillings over the years. We set up every Saturday at the New Braunfels Farmers Market from 9-1. We have 2 other once a month markets which are: 1st Saturday of every month is Gruene Heritage Market 9-6 and the 3rd weekend of every month is Gruene Market Days 9-5. Read more>>
Kayla Beltran
It was a big transition at first, from a high stress/volume environment in an emergency hospital with multiple patients to working in a relaxing space one on one in a spa, but I like to think I have found a perfect medium now that I have my own massage studio. My current partner, Jenny at Magic Manos Skincare, and I discussed over lunch one day that we should open our own space of wellness together. Read more>>
Alison Lange
I believe that everything we do has a greater impact, which is why I’ve carefully curated Honey Mercantile to celebrate quality craftsmanship, recirculate vintage treasures, and support independent makers and artists. As a career woman and mother, I know how easy it is to put self-care on the back burner during life’s busiest seasons. That’s why I fill the shop with comforting, soul-soothing pieces—art that transports you, candles that evoke the warmth of a crackling fire, and treasures that bring joy to the everyday. Read more>>
Catherine Wilson
I started to practice sustainability in my own life through 2021 and make better choices where I was shopping. One day that same year I met a woman who gifted me and some of my friends her stunning vintage collection of beaded party wear. It was then that the spark for LUXURY vintage pieces really inspired the vision of the brand. Read more>>
Lauren De Hoyos
Fast forward to today, I have had a solo art show and shared my work in businesses and art shows throughout San Antonio as well as being involved with the local community to support and I also attend vendor pop-ups to connect and present my art prints. Between that time, I have always worked full time, balancing work and my artist life, making sure to stay creating, showing up on social media and being ready for any events that I may come across. I still have goals to accomplish like doing art full time but as the years have progressed, I have connected with more people and been able to showcase my work consistently. I know it’s only a matter of time. Read more>>
Michael Martinez
There will always be someone who likes what you make and others who won’t and that’s ok. The only thing any artist should be worried about is putting everything they have into their work and making sure that their effort is expressed in it. Another struggle would be a lack of customers but that is the same struggle that other artists and merchants experience, especially when their business is brand new. Read more>>
Mary Verock
We operate under the Texas Cottage Food law,so we must stay informed of the changes in the law but still stay fun and unique. We have over 100 different recipes we make throughout the year,changing some flavors monthly with the seasons. We love what we do,and love our customers,some of those who have been loyal customers since the beginning. Since we bring our business to the customers,we attend many farmers markets and artisan events. it has been a asset to me,at 66,I keep moving,social,and mentally active. I look forward to many more years of new and crazy recipes and more jam adventures. Read more>>
Anny Sanchez
Madre Herb started as a passion project rooted in healing, heritage, and a deep love for holistic wellness. It’s more than just a business, it’s a part of who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for. Madre Herb isn’t your typical wellness brand, and we’re not your typical faces behind it. My partner, Les, and I are two Latina, LGBTQ+ women who are deeply connected to our community. When we looked around the wellness space, we didn’t see many people like us, and we knew we wanted to change that. Wellness shouldn’t be exclusive or out of reach. Holistic healing has always been a part of our culture, yet so many underserved communities don’t have easy access to it. We’re here to change that, to make wellness more inclusive, and to bring healing back to the people who need it most. Read more>>
Ariana Velasco
When I met the owner of Look Salon, Damian, and manger Dayna, for an interview the three of us clicked immediately. I had never had an interview that lasted over 45 minutes, let alone 2 hours. It was an organic connection and very refreshing to have met people with the same attitude and enthusiasm for hair and business. Damian hired me a few days later after bringing in a model and showing him my skills as a stylist. I was beyond excited to work alongside him and the rest of his team. Read more>>
Jenny Garcia
No it’s been a bit of challenge competing with the quick fix mindset. Those that struggle with chronic health issues don’t go from one day to the next healthy to unhealthy . It’s usually a gradual process that has been long ignored or unnoticed. Sometimes the body needs time to repair various systems to get long lasting results . Patience and helping to bridge the gap in understanding of why the body does things the way it does often makes the journey bearable. Read more>>
Alyssa Carmona
Another pivotal moment in my journey was caring for my grandmother during the last three months of her life. I witnessed cancer ravaging her body and spreading, but it wasn’t just the physical illness that stood out to me. I saw her fear of dying, the resentment from past hurts, and the shame she carried from different situations in her life. This experience made me realize that we are not here to simply endure suffering and painful thoughts; we are here to heal to transform that pain and break free from thoughts that no longer serve the body and mind. Read more>>
David Notion
They have motivated and inspired me to stay strong and keep pressing PLAY! I had moments of discouragement and would often question “why?”. Why have I been chosen to carry this cross? However, my community gives me so much purpose! I am blessed that I came across one of the best surgeons in the country, who finally pinpointed my complication. I just had my first surgery in the end of January. I have two more to undergo. God willing, I will be permanently done with the surgical part of this journey next year. I aspire to get back into performing and sharing the stage again with other creators. My heart has always been on the stage and there’s no place like home! Read more>>
Jake Danklefs
I was always intrigued by shoes and art and brought those two things together at an early age and that seemed to weave in and out of my whole life. Then somewhere around 2009 I started doing custom shoes for friends and family and for people on message boards. Shortly after I started making more money in my spare time than I was at my full time job. Then in 2012, my father diagnosed with colon cancer and I quit my job and went full time as an artist the day of his diagnosis. He passed in 2014, but in that 2 years my business quickly started gaining in popularity, all the way to the point that before he passed away he even got to see my shoes bless the cover of Sports Illustrated on non other than Lebron James’ feet. Read more>>
Adam Hill
We are now excited to release the newest version of Crewdogs for the San Antonio community, which will feature thousands of Airbnb listings available for booking directly through Crewdogs with a military discount. Most importantly, these bookings will generate thousands of dollars in donations for our veteran non-profit partners—many with a strong presence in San Antonio like Fisher House Foundation and Five and Thrive. Read more>>
Luie G.
I created “The Intro,” which serves as an introduction to me. This project is very calm with influences of R&B music. “Vert” is only an extension of that, which is a very different style, more “upbeat,” I’d say; currently, I am in the process of putting this project together, which will come out later this year. I recently shot a lot of content in San Antonio, TX, for my first song of this project called “WITHOUT YOU.”. I hear there are lots of creatives out there, and I plan to go back to continue shooting more content for my project. I believe that is all I have to share for now, and well, you’ll just have to stick around to hear the last project… “The Introvert Part III.” Read more>>
Chava Gutierrez
I dove deep into studying relationships, human behavior, and emotional intelligence. I started sharing what I learned online, and people connected with it instantly. What began as simple advice turned into a movement—millions of people resonated with my content, and I found myself helping couples worldwide through books, workshops, and therapy sessions. Read more>>.
Chloe Blackmon
Wouldn’t that be nice!? My business career was on an incline with a decision to move to Dallas, Texas. It opened so many more doors for opportunities and got our name out. Doors were opening when others were closing. We were affected by the pandemic along with many other people. I tried to make it work in Dallas but unfortunately it was not. I was really sad to leave Dallas and the friends I had made. I moved back to San Antonio and didn’t realize how great the opportunities were here! Coming at it with fresh eyes and a new perspective changed everything! Read more>>
Jessie Schultz
Back then, I was still learning, saying yes to everything simply because I loved photography. It quickly became a passion—one that I couldn’t ignore. So, I dove deeper, attending workshops and reaching out to photographers for advice on the business side of things. But in 2013, the industry wasn’t as open as it is today. It was more about competition than community, and I struggled to find guidance. Every door I knocked on was shut. I felt stuck. I knew how to create beautiful images, but I had no idea how to run a business. Read more>>
Kalin Johnson Gembler
Another challenge was putting myself out there more. Participating in local markets and networking events required me to step out of my comfort zone, but they ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally. These experiences allowed me to connect with my community, share my work, and learn from other entrepreneurs. Read more>>
Jen Rulon
But life evolves, and so did I. After retiring from Ironman racing, I found myself at a crossroads, navigating menopause and redefining what strength and wellness meant to me. I embraced strength training, surfing, journaling, and a more holistic approach to health. That shift not only transformed my body but also my mindset, leading me to help women—especially those in their midlife transitions—find their strength, confidence, and power. Read more>>
Megan Bernal
That’s when Glam Haus Design Co. was born—a dream I never knew I needed but one that perfectly blended my love for entertaining, design, and creating beautiful experiences for others. What started as a small idea turned into a passion for charcuterie, event styling, and curated gatherings that bring people together. I wanted to show my daughters that chasing your dreams is always worth it and that hard work, faith, and a little creativity can turn anything into something special. Read more>>
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>>
