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.

Michelle Vaughn

I spent years in the mortgage industry, founding Paradise Mortgage in 2018 and growing it into a successful company. I thrived in that world—networking, closing deals, and making an impact. But in 2023, my world shifted in a way I could never have prepared for. I lost my son, Dylan, and in that moment, everything I had built no longer felt aligned. I made the difficult decision to close my company and step into a period of deep reflection.  Read more>>

Julia Glander

I like to think that what sets Tipping Point Theatre apart right now is our new direction. Others might suggest that the best choice would be to play it safe during tough times and give people what they think they want. I’m not convinced patrons know what they want until they experience it. That’s my job, to give them a new experience. Historically, theatre lasts because it finds a way to take risks especially during the toughest times, I’m proud that Tipping Point Theatre is still here and continuing to grow. Read more>>

Rachelle Conley

Pain into purpose is all about giving hope and inspiration to someone whose been in the system rather as a child or adult believing in themselves . Today I’m know for my determination to help others , I have several books on Amazon I started a series called refocus which teaches you in short stories which are biblical based on how to turn your negative into something positive Read more>>

Emily Hobson

Working with infants became my specialty, and parents would hire me for just long enough to hit those developmental milestones and potty trained just in time for Pre-School. Keeping up with this cycle and filtering through now a third family, I was feeling a bit drained. Building up bonds just to say goodbye takes an emotional toll, and not only that, but full-time positions were becoming less needed as parents began working hybrid or full-time work from home positions. I was met with a choice: I could find yet another new and exciting career path or I could lower my requirements and take a part-time position. Remember when I said I was a fiercely independent person who put my parents, and now my husband’s, faith and trust in my abilities to the test? I decided to do both. Read more>>

Aja Gore

Instead, I realized that I really enjoyed connecting students to resources and assisting them on their next steps as they transition. So I began to rebrand that tutoring service after COVID hit and created an education consultant firm where I assist high school and college graduating seniors on their next steps. Not everyone’s path is the same so I create an individualized experience for students that fits their needs and wants using a holistic approach. During this process I am a guide on the side and I provide the necessary things to empower them to take their future in their own hands. Read more>>

Katie Barnes

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the journey in unexpected ways. Leaving corporate marketing was a leap into the unknown. I had built a career based on structure and strategy, but my body was telling me it wasn’t sustainable. Walking away wasn’t easy—I had to redefine success on my own terms. Read more>>

Audrey Byker

Being an independent business owner is the most rewarding and fulfilling, but it definitely comes with its challenges. In the beginning it took an incredible amount of effort and dedication to grow confident in executing my vision and establishing my brand. People come from all walks of life with an idea of what a health and wellness coach and holistic nutritionist does, but they don’t know how I do it or how it’s so life-altering; it’s tough to even put a price on it. What would you pay to completely transform your body and life forever?  Read more>>

Asher Morgan

After that day I began to watch all the detailing videos on YouTube. Videos from testing and reviewing products, those really satisfying videos with the foamy soap. YouTube videos taught me a lot about what detailing really was, and how you could turn it into a business. The more and more videos I saw about old and young detailing entrepreneurs and it got me to think, “what if I started a detailing business?” Read more>>

Isabel Dowell

Since then, I’ve gone on tour twice with a Grand Rapids-based band, Low Phase, covered hundreds of shows, traveled across the country to cover music festivals (Lollapalooza, Hinterland, Pitchfork), and worked with more artists than I can count. I provide artists with portraits as well as show coverage, and I work in both digital and film mediums. I’m always looking to try something new whether it be bringing my medium format film camera to a show or working on some crazy collage or alternative process to take my work to the next level. Read more>>

Kristy Mcclellan

Left Foot Charley is located in the former Northern Michigan Asylum in Traverse City, Michigan. LFC is a Michigan version of an Austrian Heuriger – a place where aromatic and flavorful wine is an everyday event. Locals and visitors alike have come to realize that the non-traditional setting pairs perfectly with the atypical fruit sourcing and old-style winemaking that defines LFC. Left Foot has a committed focus on red and white wine varietals, hard cider, and sparkling wine. Read more>>

Asia Rawls

As a former NCAA Honorable Mention All-American in the 400m hurdles, a multiple-time Mid-American Conference Champion, and a collegiate record holder at Eastern Michigan University, Asia was a dominant force on the track. She set records and won championship titles in one of the most competitive collegiate conferences, solidifying her reputation as a fierce competitor and an expert in the game. Read more>>

Jasmine Simanca

I got pregnant again. So, my bright, ambitious dreams quickly turned into with morning sickness, a toddler, and an identity crisis. Long story short, I hit rock bottom this past summer, where I had to choose between pretending everything was fine or actually changing something. So, I did the brave thing: I quit drinking and threw myself into something I’d always dreamed of—making TikToks. I started with 140 followers and now I’m at over 2,000 and growing. I enjoy sharing videos about motherhood, sobriety, and my lifestyle as a stay-at-home mom. It’s been a wild ride, but I’ve found a real community of other moms from all over the world, and it’s been a creative outlet I never knew I needed. Read more>>

Jesse Rios

The mission is clear, create amazing relationships while providing high quality services with intention to positively impact the community. Jesse has a priority focus on serving the community while Jordan is considered the artist because of his skills in high end services such as Ceramic Coating, Window Tinting, and Paint Correction, and Connor runs the backend of the business as well as creates connections with other local businesses. There’s a reason we were able to move from a 800sqft garage to a 6,000sqft facility.. We invite you to DISCOVER THE DISTILLED DIFFERENCE. Read more>>

Emily Kanakry

Things weren’t necessarily “smooth” per say. I graduated at the start of the pandemic, leaving a lot of questions about my future. With a Sports Administration Management degree and no sports being played, I was out of work for the time being. With some trial and error, and a lot of prayers, I have found a home at Oswald Companies. Oswald is a commercial insurance brokerage and I have had the privilege of working there for some time now. While I didn’t attend college with the intent of working in the insurance, I am so blessed to be where I am today. God has had a plan all along and putting my faith and trust in that is the best thing I’ve ever done. Read more>>

Tawny Thieu-walker

My journey as a serial entrepreneur began right after College. I quickly learned that working in an office cubicle was not for me, and borrowed money, flipped a duplex and maxed out my credit cards to open a salon in Bloomfield Hills. This year, we celebrate 20 years in business! After opening Liquid, I ventured into the women’s shoe business with my husband and we scaled it to 10 locations before selling it in 2013. Read more>>

Virid

VIRID started as a collaboration between me and my partner Fitz in 2023. Because we both had a passion for writing and performing music, we wanted to combine our varied interests into a singular collaboration. We each have a pretty diverse and eclectic taste in music, and we also write music very differently. Ancel (who goes by Fitz) has degrees in composition and percussion performance, and I have a degree in percussion. I’ve also been writing songs since I was 6 or 7 years old. We have always really admired each other’s work and wanted to join forces to make a unique project that we could be really proud of. Read more>>

Ariana Coleman

Soon while at school multiple people started referring and coming to me, and the more clients I received the more practice I gained. I started to feel efficient in my work, and my progress started to slowly show as I kept going. Soon I graduated, and started taking clients from home, and my creative process had took a turn for the better, I was able to do whatever I wanted and actually take the precautions to protect and build my business while also maintaining a clientele. I now take clients every week and do creative and innovative detailed nails as my job. I am forever grateful for the good and bad, as it taught me and brought me where I needed to be, I still have a lot of growing to do, but where im at right now is wonderful too! Read more>>

Carmem Gusmao

Then I find a piece of paper advertising a ceramic classes very affordable and near to my house . I thought I am going to do then I get to know people in art and the teacher can tell me about the supplies . To make the story short the teacher ask me why I was doing the classes if she could see that I was a professional . To make short she was part of a big gallery in Palos verdes and I end up doing a lot of art shows there and selling many art there ,. But that time o still need to work 10 hours a day to pay my expenses and supplies Read more>>

Justin And Elizabeth Pattyn

With more than 25 years of experience in the building world, we pride ourselves on meticulous craftsmanship that you won’t find elsewhere. We take immense pride in the fact that every team member who touches your project – from initial conversations to final installs – will treat it as their own, with care and high-level attention to detail. We don’t just build houses—we create spaces where life happens, where memories are made, and where families thrive. Whether it’s a custom dream home, a thoughtful renovation, or a fresh design to match your lifestyle, we’re here to make your vision a reality. Read more>>

Tianna Trombly

Each year has had its ups and downs, but thankfully nothing too bad! When I first started the business, I was not charging nearly enough for my services but I was able to gain some great experience and content. Then a few years in, I became a mother—my favorite role in life! Balancing motherhood, a business, and my overall health has been a challenge but very rewarding. Read more>>

Emilee Schipper

During those recoveries I started to experiment with french macarons. I was always so fascinated by the preciseness it took to create beautiful shells and fillings that would compliment them well. So my journey of creating different flavors and perfect smooth shells began. I spent hours in the kitchen as I recovered from my surgeries baking macarons and giving them to family and friends to try. They loved them and what started as a form of relaxation and therapy has now turned into my business. Macarons are still my “go-to” but I’ve also added on breads, cookies, cupcakes and cakes into my menu. What started as something painful and hard has turned into a beautiful business where I can share delicious baked goods with others and be involved with their stories. Read more>>

Kathy Hinchman

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, and I was the youngest of four children. My father was a milkman for Wilson Dairy and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. After high school my first fulltime job was in 1978 at a computer company as a shipping clerk. I worked my way up in that job to become Midwest Regional Warehouse Supervisor in charge of all computer shipping/receiving in the Midwest.  Read more>>

Binkky Baby

My music has found a home in the hearts of listeners across the United States, particularly in cities like Grand Rapids, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami and Detroit where my tracks have become fan favorites. With a growing fanbase and a knack for creating memorable melodies, I believe I’m an artist to watch as I continue to make waves in the music industry. Read more>>

Pamela Mccormick

As a result, I reduced my full time day job to 3 days per week and have continued to grow. I opened my first studio in 2021, right in the middle of covid. My business began to thrive and I moved the following year to PARC, a former school donated to the Plymouth Arts & Recreation program. My larger studio afforded more opportunities to photograph even more subjects, including newborns and children, maternity, professional headshots and more. I am also able to host educational and other miscellaneous events there. I owe my success to hard work and a never-ending desire to learn more. I attend many workshops and conferences throughout the year and have built a strong network with other photographers and business owners in the community. Read more>>

Michelle Phibbs

Now, the challenges have shifted, but the learning never stops. The focus is on hiring and retaining amazing therapists who not only love where they work but also fully embrace the mission of the company. At the same time, we’re always looking at how we can continue to bring real value to the families we serve, making sure our services are the best they can be. It’s a constant evolution, but one that’s worth it. Read more>>

Samantha Klug

I grew up in Bay City, MI and after high school I went off to college at MSU to study interior design. After 2 years of living in dorms and sorority houses, I found that college wasn’t for me. I still wanted to create art and was intrigued with the hair school across the street from campus and the women that hung around there. So, I enrolled into beauty school and 21 years later I am still in the industry. Read more>>

Katelyn Smith

Nothing in the farm world is “smooth sailing”. We are faced with adversity every day. We have had to upgrade and renovate many of the outbuildings on our property to meet our needs, fix and repair equipment in order to operate our cattle operation (feeding cattle, producing hay for feed, etc.). We often have to get creative with our resources as there are not many funding opportunities for small farm operations. Cattle often get out of the pasture in the summer months due to fencing being down or just curiosity of the calves. Calving season always comes with potential challenges. Farming comes at a very high cost, financially and emotionally. Read more>>

Brianna Trammell

Randi and I took on clients together as a team for a year under the umbrella of Sprout and Blossom Birth. We recently created something new and special to us: our business, The Nurturing Company. We were given the opportunity to bring our Birth Equity Fund with us into the new company. Our Birth Equity Fund is funded by donations and a percentage of all our full-rate bookings. I am the first doula-tog (doula and birth photographer) from the BIPOC community within the state of Michigan. I hold that title with great honor, and I aspire to inspire many more after me. Read more>>

Stephanie Hunter

Ever since I was little I have always had a love for music. It wasn’t until late 2022 that I bought my first ever guitar, a strat style Washburn. I remember listening to Cliffs of Dover in the car on the way to work one day and thinking, “I should buy a guitar today”. That same month, I joined my first band (an all girls cover band “Hot M.E.S.S.”.) and immediately started playing gigs. Needless to say, my learning style was “trial by fire”. Since then I have been in a couple cover bands; I played Keyboard in a classic rock band “Dogfish” and lead guitar in a multi-genre band “BlueSkye”. Read more>>

Andy Hollyday

After graduating there, a combination of work and travel took me to where I am today: My most formative experience was probably cooking at Oliveto under Chef Paul Bertoli, which is where I learned to cook with wood fire and really grew an appreciation for understanding where our food comes from. I was also able to work at L’Essentiel in Chambery, France, and used that opportunity to see Europe. Locally, I was fortunate to work under Chef Takashi at Tribute, and after deciding to stay in the Detroit area, I eventually went to work at Michael Symon’s Roast where I became the Executive Chef. Read more>>

Quang Le

My musical journey began at the age of 9 when I started learning to play the piano. Growing up in Vietnam, I always knew music would be my path. In 2012, I moved to Michigan as an international student and continued to nurture my passion for music. In 2014, I began teaching myself how to mix and produce in my sister’s basement, using a laptop, headphones, a small audio interface, and a MIDI controller. Read more>>

Katie Davis

After all, I had grown up standing in my driveway everyday rebounding free-throw shots for my older brother, who insisted that shooting at least 100 free-throws a day would impact his future collegiate basketball career. But I loved my brother so much, I didn’t really mind. And I suppose I picked up on the work ethic here that turned me into a pretty hard worker (and I should say did end up turning him into a collegiate basketball player). Read more>>

Dale Malone

I also learned after hiring a social media manager that my target audience was much younger then I realized. I hired them in 2021, so I was erroneously attending those in-person events for many years before I learned when my target audience was. During the Covid time I completely changed over all my selling to on-line and learned I had to advertise more. The first advertising company I hired (which came from a recommendation) did not know much about the clean beauty industry and I spent a lot of money with them with little results. During that time though I found an advertising company that was more aligned with my companies values and that has been working well. Read more>>