Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

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.

Nicole Zaagman

Shortly after that, with my art degree and career background, I started volunteering at the same hospital doing art therapy with a local art therapy non-profit with patients in long term care situations. I learned so much about the importance of kindness, empathy and compassion. After 2 years in that opportunity, I started volunteering with a local a horse therapy center and was later contracted as their Marketing Strategist. Through all the latter experiences, I dreamed of having pygmy goats again, a dream which came true in October, 2021. Read More>>

Kiana Donae

My journey with poetry began when I was eight years old, crafting my first poem about autumn leaves. As I grew up, poetry became my confidante and refuge, helping me navigate a challenging childhood. In those early years, I found solace in the pages of my journals, where I could express my emotions and dreams freely. Poetry was more than just words on a page; it was a safe haven, a place where I could explore my thoughts without judgment. Read More>>

Kitty Pawell

Ever since I was seven years old I had always wanted to write. I thought books were amazing, and the characters were all going on the most awesome adventures! So why not create my own adventures? The answer to that question was to begin writing and so I began. Now, something all Indies deal with is the dreaded imposter syndrome and I was quite susceptible to it when I was younger. I would write and then second guess or I would go through bouts of severe writer’s block and just not write at all. Which is the worst thing you can do. Read More>>

Esther Ruggles

And the whole business went downhill from there. Another woman was slandering me on a public Facebook page in our community, I had to talk to the police several times, one of the crafters ended up coming into the store and stealing some other inventory. Also because I can’t afford business and housing rent I’m living in a camper and that got towed by the police because it was parked in a public parking lot & there’s a city ordinance against that. I don’t have a huge support system in my community so most of my support comes from my Blox community & my foster parents. Read More>>

Jackie Nees

Being a coach was something I had wanted to do for years. I wanted to combine all I knew in the metaphysical world with practical coaching methods and help people to discover who they truly were, what their purpose was and how they could overcome blocks that were keeping them from living their best life. I decided to go through coach training in 2023 and upon completion, knew that this was exactly where I was meant to be. Now, I coach women on reclaiming their self-worth and living their best life. I love incorporating both tarot and numerology into the work. It’s very rewarding and powerful. Read More>>

Darla Bishop

Through this personal journey, I discovered my passion for helping others achieve financial wellness, especially those who, like me, lacked early financial education. That’s when I wrote How to Afford Everything, and developed my signature tool, the Paycheck Playbook™, to simplify the path to financial freedom for others. I also launched Finansis LLC to offer coaching, speaking, and educational materials that support individuals and organizations in their financial wellness journeys. Read More>>

Fihmiya Hamdan

That curiosity led me to one of the most fulfilling projects of my career: working as a Business English Coach for adult learners in Italy. Stepping into this new role, I was driven by a desire to bridge cultural and language gaps, helping professionals communicate with confidence in the global marketplace. It was an eye-opening experience that expanded my understanding of education and its impact beyond academia. Read More>>

Jasmine Tiara Davis

I have been in business for a little over one year and I have accomplished so much and still have so much more that I am planning to do. I started Revived Roots because I have a passion in helping people restore their lives and teaching people about alternative methods that are effective yet gentle. I have always had a heart to help and has always been joyous about giving. I also make customized body care products that are catered to my client’s specific wants and needs. I only use essential oils and spices to create scents for my body care products, which also provides even more health benefits not only for your skin but overall health. Read More>>

Meghan McMurphy

My name is Meghan and I’ve been a licensed esthetician for 7 years. I’ve specialized in laser aesthetics for 5 of those years, going solo just 2 years ago! In those 2 years, I’ve experienced more growth, aptitude, and abundance than I could have ever imagined when I first started my career. I have a passion for guiding people and hope to expand my expertise further and further as time goes on. Read More>>

Felicia “Fe” Bryant

On the beauty side, I struggled being marketable to the everyday person. As I explored makeup And different techniques, I fell in love with bold and colorful looks. At the time “creative makeup” wasn’t sought after unless you were working a photoshoot or something. I called some friends and family to practice “regular” makeup on, started posting that and began to get traction. After this, I began working with photographers and models to be able to do those more extravagant looks. Read More>>

Addison & Allison Reece

Hello, we’re sisters from Detroit, MI. We have a passion for art and creating things with the simplest material. Addison is ten years old, & Allison is seven years old. We love to make people smile and feel loved through art. Our most popular art pieces are our black n white, heart design, canvas paintings, we also started designing logos for local companies. We both have asthma and recently became asthma advocate’s. We also donated our art pieces to our families, asthma foundation, Breathe Anthony J, Chapman Asthma Foundation, where they provide asthma resources for asthmatic families. Read More>>

Sarah Rose

I’m not bragging – this wasn’t my choice after all – you see my parents weren’t happy and it resulted in tension that I could feel. From a young age while my body listened to the nuance of arguments and emotions, it seems that it was also busy programming an intuitive internal operating system that I now can’t turn off most days. I now know that this was my nervous system watching and attending to danger and stress, long before I had verbal language. Read More>>

Crystal Vanantwerpen

I’ve always loved taking photos! When I was a kid, I had an automatic point-and-shoot film camera that I would use to take photos of my pets, my toys, and landscapes. In high school, I started taking photos of my friends, posing the way “real photographers” did senior photos. Once I was an adult, married, and with a toddler and a baby at home, I decided I wanted a “good camera” to document my family memories, and I bought a DSLR. Read More>>

Delora Green

The longer you travel down these bumpy roads the more adaptable you will become to the obstacles instead of allowing those obstacles to become a hindrance. The road to entrepreneurship can be very difficult to navigate at times but once the path comes more manageable to steer through you’ll begin have a more smoother experience. Read More>>

Duryea Paige

The road for me, Duryea Paige, also known as Duryea Hozay or (cornbread)lol in Detroit was very rough, hasn’t always been smooth. Like any journey, especially in music and business, there have been challenges along the way. Navigating the music industry comes with its ups and downs—whether it’s dealing with creative hurdles, balancing personal life with professional demands, or learning the business side of things through trial and error. Read More>>

Jerwaun Suddun

The road has not been smooth but I was long prepared for it all. Some struggles I’ve come across along the way were constantly dealing with the misunderstanding or misconceptions of what krump is, Not being supported as an artist because people don’t believe in the arts to be lucrative professions, Creating a movement through a culture that did not exist in Michigan before I decided to do it was very challenging and other things. Read More>>

Carrie Dewolfe

As an optometrist, one can pursue many different avenues of patient care. I chose to go into private practice because I can dictate what level of care I provide to patients. I have worked as an employed doctor at different corporate offices, however the level of care was always narrow due to a production based model (pushing glasses and contacts) versus a care based model. To go even further, not only did I choose to go into private practice, I chose to own my own office. I am the owner of Fresh Coast Optical in Caledonia, Michigan. Read More>>

Mark Davis

Without his teaching and guidance, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m currently going into my senior year at Michigan State University, and studying with Justin Emerich these last three years has also been extremely helpful. Last year, I decided to start taking professional auditions. I took five that year and was very surprised when I won three of them! It was an awesome experience to become part of and get to play in the Lansing Symphony, Detroit Opera, and Jackson Symphony. This year, I will continue to play in these orchestras while finishing my last year at MSU. Read More>>

Andrea Lynne Jenkin

I am blessed for my husband, Timothy. He has been my muse for certain songs & is also supportive that I love making music, writing, modeling & has even had input on my book “17 years and counting” which is based on a true story about us, coming soon! Read More>>

Alexia Hoffman

That’s why I’m so passionate about coaching, speaking, and sharing my journey to help others build lives they’re proud of. Through my coaching business and Mom Boss Central community, I empower entrepreneurial moms to chase big goals while navigating the demands of work and motherhood. Whether I’m coaching, speaking, or connecting in the Mom Boss Central community, my mission is to support other women in creating fulfilled, balanced, and successful lives. Read More>>

Robert O’banner

Even though I’ve always been creative, it’s not until recent years where the momentum has built up to where it is today. I’m originally from Compton, CA, and I’ve been here in Detroit, MI since 2018, where I’ve found a community of really talented and supportive folk. My art, influenced by the cartoons I grew up watching, the dope graffiti of the early 90’s and this hyper perceptive, but also wandering, mind of mine, has been finding its way into galleries, shops and homes throughout the region and beyond. I’m glad people are liking what they see! I’d be making it anyway, but having people appreciate the art means a lot. Read More>>

Hannah Pedersen

I graduated in 2015 from Grand Valley State University with a fine arts degree and a minor in psychology, thinking I would return for my masters in Art Therapy. At the time I didn’t have the funds to be able to pursue a masters, so I worked through multiple different jobs. I’ve done all different types of things from Vault teller at a bank, marketing, customer service, dispatch, grant writing and driving a bus for public transportation, to IT, accounting and data entry for a trucking company. Any job I would get, I would train in as many departments as I could, never wanting to be idle. On the weekends, I would do art fairs and had an etsy shop, because my true passion for the arts was something I couldn’t stay away from. Read More>>

Debbie Bergren

That photo sat on my end table and every time I looked at it I felt God saying to me that I needed to paint that picture. I pushed back at that thought because I’d never painted before plus there were people in it! Eventually I said, Ok, but You’re going to have to give me the ability, and He did and the act of making that painting became a thanksgiving for all He had done in our daughter’s life. That painting was juried into my first ever art competition, Celebration of Art, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Read More>>

Erin Rappleye

Plant Shop started a little over six years ago as a small pop-up shop at Outside Coffee in Grand Rapids. I was burned out working retail and had mentioned the idea to my friends, the owners of Outside Coffee, before they opened. When they were opening the cafe, they wanted to sell plants and it motivated me to get started. People were so excited about it that I decided to do more events and pop-ups around town at other local businesses I had connections with. Read More>>

Karey Casto-chrin

Living in a society where the status quo is often preferred over innovation, I’ve encountered numerous challenges. From self-doubt to external criticism, there have been times when it seemed like the odds were against me. However, I’ve persevered, driven by my passion for revolutionizing pain relief and beauty. Read More>>

Xxmorrison

Diminishing the boredom with music is nothing new for me in the slightest. Growing up as an only child with the majority of my time going towards Junior A hockey, any free time I had usually consisted of me picking up an instrument and freestlyling some tunes. Never being one to play already written songs, but instead going with the flow and creating things as I progress. This would years later be the main reason I have the ability to do what I do today. Read More>>

Katie Auger

I volunteered for years and then decided to start my own foster based rescue, something I had dreamed about doing for years! Volunteering really helped me see the ins and outs of the rescue world and helped me execute my plan of having my own rescue and Serenity Canine Advocacy Rescue & Rehab was born! Now our team gets to work alongside the rescue organizations that we have looked up to all these years, it’s such a cool feeling! Read More>>

Whitley Semrow

In 2014, I graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in furniture design. After that, I worked at a custom cabinetry studio and then a custom furniture store in Grand Rapids. I also did freelance work for a local architecture studio and an interior design studio. These years were full of learning and growth! In 2019 my husband and I found out we were pregnant, we were so excited! Everly was born in February 2020 and had to be in the NICU for three weeks. We were so happy to bring her home! A week later, the pandemic happened, and I eventually made the hard choice not to return to work. Read More>>

Niya William

I’m a multifaceted Creative, Petite Model & Entrepeneur. I’m most proud of my artwork & my network of creatives, entrepreneurs & Investors. All of them have helped me accomplish many goals in my life. I’m the type of person who is self-motivated. I become inspired by my progress, which makes it a lot more fun to keep moving forward on my journey. Read More>>

Kelli Walker

I originally started my photography career as a newborn and family photographer. At the time, I was brand new to the world of photography, and with three daughters of my own, it felt like the natural path. I figured capturing sweet moments of newborns and documenting the love between families was what I wanted to do. For about a year, I was convinced this was it. I loved getting to hold those tiny babies, capturing every little detail—their tiny fingers, squishy cheeks—and witnessing the connection between families. But something always felt a little off, like a piece of me wasn’t being fully expressed through the images I was creating. It was fulfilling, but I sensed there was something more I was meant to do. Read More>>

Haajrah Abdullah

The idea seemed absurd initially because, as a hijabi, I never imagined selling haircare products. I’ve always had a love for natural hair, and before wearing a hijab, I often shared my favorite products and styling tips on my socials. Once I committed to covering my hair, I kept that part of me private, sharing it only with a small circle of women in my life. When the idea of selling my haircare products was presented to me, my first thought was, “Who would buy my products without being able to see my hair?” This limiting belief stayed with me even as I labeled and listed my products for sale. Read More>>

Twisted Heel Productions

Twisted Heel Productions started in 2022. It all began with an idea to one day change the face of Reality TV and film. Two sisters from Detroit, MI shared the same vision to help their communities and bring light to the forgotten. When the world was placed on pause for Covid-19, it allowed their creativity to take flight in hopes of one day manifesting. With one idea and much faith in God, a dream became the reality. Read More>>

Molly Meek

Last summer, my daughter and I relocated to Detroit, MI, to start fresh and build a new life. Our move was centered around supporting my boyfriend through the second half of his general surgery residency. It was crucial for me that my daughter grows up in a loving and supportive home with two adults who love each other unconditionally, especially after divorcing her father when she was two due to his affair. Read More>>

Vanessa Chaverri-gratz

I would say most people now know me for the design and decor of our Michigan home. In particular, my love of the color green, use of mood and warmth, as well as my deep love for layering vintage and antique items throughout our house. I love a collected look and I’m not shy about that. Read More>>

Dr. Stacey Francis

My story starts in middle school. My favorite class was biology, specifically cell biology. The cell is like a little world and it was amazing to me that our bodies are made up of all these tiny worlds that communicate with each other. I knew I wanted to go into science but when I entered college I came upon one obstacle after another which had me switch majors 7 times in 2 years, none of which were science based. I finally found my way back by enrolling in chiropractic school. While there I delved deep into biochemistry, endocrinology and nutrition. Read More>>

Drew Struckmeyer

There has been a ton of learning. Navigating roads like how to start booking shows with very few contacts, learning the full recording process, and figuring out how to get our music on streaming services like Spotify was quite the challenge, but one that we enjoyed taking head-on. Learning all of these things made the victories in each of these departments that much more meaningful. Read More>>

Solimar Salvador

I am a makeup artist and hairstylist. I specialize in bridal makeup and hair styling. I am known for my signature soft glams and my ability to connect with my clients. I am most proud of my work within the bridal industry, I love helping people feel confident and beautiful. It is such an honor when they choose me for such a special day in their lives! What sets me apart would be how well I communicate, how understanding I am, how well I connect with my clientele and how I am able to adapt to the needs of my clients. Read More>>

Samantha Raj

For the past 15 years, I have gone all-in on my career in marketing. I put it as my “career choice” in every high school presentation, I had fourteen marketing/PR internships throughout my undergrad career, and hustled hard throughout my professional journey, learning everything I could about the agencies I worked at, the clients we serviced, the technology we offered, and how to remain an asset. Read More>>

Raquel Welch

For over 15 years, I’ve thrived as an entrepreneur in the Marketing Industry, 5.5 years owning a Design Firm, and also ventured into Talent Acquisition, where my personality and professionalism felt effortless. In that role, I met new people daily from all walks of life and industries, interviewing them while helping them secure career opportunities. Fast forward to 2023, and I found myself feeling the need to set new personal goals – ones that make me even HAPPIER. That’s when my creative side kicked in, and the idea for a podcast was born—one that connects people from all fields with a unique flair, discussing everything life has to offer. Read More>>

Alaina Leech

When the opportunity arose to buy a wine shop, we took the leap, and in early 2021, along with our friend Michael, we bought Lake District Wine Co. My love for wine deepened from there. For the past three years, I’ve been studying with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, eager to learn all I can about an industry that combines agriculture, history, culture, and geology. I believe in wine’s unique ability to build community, and I love that we get to create those connections in our neighborhood shop. Read More>>

Lauren Lenz

I studied as a music major in college to be an opera singer, but throughout the process I felt a pull to bigger-picture storytelling. After graduating with my Bachelors in Music I went to work at a local opera company as their assistant director, and I’ve been directing and working on operas in different backstage capacities at different companies throughout the US ever since. Read More>>