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.

Veronica Bareman

I’ve always loved travel, writing, and photography, but after Covid hit, my poor little photography blog was gasping for air. In a last-ditch effort to revive it, I attended a travel blogging conference and quickly realized there was a whole world of women like me — over 50, full of life, and ready to explore — looking for someone who “got” them. Right about that time, I became a grandma for the first time, and since I was already known for lugging my camera everywhere and rocking a pink mohawk, a friend jokingly dubbed me the “Hip Grandma with a Camera.” And just like that, a brand (and a new adventure) was born. Turns out, there’s an audience out there that doesn’t mind a little sass and a lot of personality — and they’ve been coming along for the ride ever since. Read more>>

Emma Cramer

I started doing yoga in high school to help me with anxiety. Over time I started practicing daily and completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2014. It was around that time that I first used a paddle board at a friend’s lake house. The first thing I tried was downward dog and a few other yoga poses! I loved the challenge of balancing in the poses on the water. It totally changed the way that I felt about my yoga practice. It felt like I was activating the core of every muscle. My focus needed to be so much sharper and it brought me more peace being in nature. Read more>>

Ryan Crawley

As far as my art journey goes I’d say it started with comics when I was younger. My older brother used to draw a variety of cartoons and my mother would repetitively draw shapes while on the phone. That was intriguing and led me to continue chasing after art in high school which then translated into college where I got my BFA with an emphasis in painting. Read more>>

Katie Gillette

I have been an Occupational Therapist for 14 years, receiving my Masters degree from SVSU in 2011. For most of my career, I actually worked with adults in various rehab settings. When I became a mom, things started to shift for me, as “Mom” became a primary role for me. I breastfed both of my children, but we struggled with that journey. I wasn’t aware of the support and resources that were available out there for me, and so I struggled alone. Something that I didn’t expect in the newborn phase of life, was just how isolating it can be, no matter how supportive your partner, family, and friends are.  Read more>>

Gabrielle Sword

Hi there! I am Gabrielle. I fell in love with coffee downtown Flint about 7 years ago. I was working at Cafe Rhema. I then proceeded to try everything and started working with coffee and roasting almost 2 years ago in Milford, Mi. My love for coffee and business came together with Dry Bones Coffee Read more>>

Marina Karassellos

Each piece becomes a silent storyteller, whispering tales of unexpected passions, quirky misfortunes, and the strangely beautiful mishaps and magic of ordinary lives. My work also delves into societal and cultural themes through subtle symbolism and poignant expressions, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities and nuances of the human condition. Beyond figurative works, I also create sculptural vessels inspired by the textures and patterns of both human and natural design. Read more>>

Kailey Mattarella

At first it looked like picking creative ways to go out and spread joy, then creating videos for social media to inspire and encourage others to go out and spread joy, too. Sometimes that would entail buying basketballs, soccer balls, and frisbees, handing them out to kids at the park. Other times it looked like dropping off random notes of encouragement at the airport, stores and other sorts of random acts. The response was positive, impactful, and the receivers of these random acts of kindness raved about it. Read more>>

Lacey Ingersoll

Fitch Dance Company is a multigenerational, family-rooted dance studio that has been serving our community since 1979. Originally founded by my grandparents, Jeff and Kathleen Fitch, the studio has always stood for more than just great technique—it’s been a place where dancers feel supported, encouraged, and connected. I, Lacey Ingersoll, proudly took over the studio in 2018, continuing their legacy while bringing in fresh energy and modern approaches to dance education. Read more>>

Frank Gibbs

As a licensed mental health therapist that grew up in suburban Michigan, I didn’t know much about old houses except the ones I’d gawk at driving around my alma mater University of Detroit Mercy. I didn’t always want to be a therapist; I thought I’d be an architect early on but ended up changing directions. After meeting my wife, we met people that lived in the Old West End of Toledo–a large Victorian-era neighborhood–and suddenly it came rushing back. My love of architecture, my infatuation with older buildings, and inquisitiveness led me to figuring out how they “made things like they used to.” Read more>>

Brianna Braun

Decorated sugar cookies are something that I have always loved to create; but, it was more of a Christmas time tradition. I would bake and decorate with my mom as a young girl, then it became a tradition to do with one of my best friends as a young adult. We spent several Christmas seasons perfecting a sugar cookie and frosting recipe that we are so proud of! After several years of trying out different decorating techniques and becoming proud of my work, I started posting pictures of my creations on social media and gained attraction of friends and families who would ask me to bake for them here and there. Read more>>

Donica Dravillas

Floral Art Designer pairing modern, luxury floral and design – alongside a sustainable process. Known for foraging local vegetation and homegrown flowers straight from the garden, combining an elegant and earthy aesthetic with an artisanal approach. Also sourcing from local farms and wholesalers in order to meet special requests – for Gallery, Wedding, Holliday, and Event purpose. Read more>>

Taylor Copes

Today, that vision has expanded into a 7,000-square-foot facility in a small rural town — offering 24/7 gym access, personal training, tanning, massage therapy, group workout classes, a golf simulator, and an infrared sauna. We’ve built not just a gym, but a true community — a place where people of all backgrounds can prioritize their health, find encouragement, and invest in themselves. Read more>>

Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert

Born into a lineage of artists and musicians, Jennifer’s life has always been steeped in creative expression. From her early years in Manistee and Ludington to studying dance at Western Michigan University, music and movement were her constant companions. Even as a college student, she spent as much time in Kalamazoo’s clubs and music venues as she did in class — captivated by the city’s underground energy and talent. Read more>>

Klaudia Jakubiak

Most certainly NOT – in the beginning, there was a lot of pressure to constantly post and capture the ‘best photos’ which became exhausting and at times, would steal the essence of why I was traveling. There was also a lot of comparison because you are constantly watching others’ highlight reels and comparing to yourself. I also felt imposter syndrome when I was selected as a Delta Air Lines ambassador because I did not have nearly as many followers as the other creatives so I was feeling like I wasn’t enough. Read more>>

Ally Cohen

We set up a meeting for the following week when we got back into town. We met at our photography studio (Frameable Faces Photography) in West Bloomfield, talked some numbers, got some more information and chatted about a sales price for the company. We arranged for Scott and Katie (his wife and business partner) to come back to reconvene the following week and at that meeting, the deal was done! We were the new owners of Detroit Jerky! Scott and Katie held our hands during the entire transition, helped to train us on production, learn a lot of the ins and outs of food production at the commercial level and BOOM! Here we are now! Read more>>

Catherine Lopez- Camas

I eventually realized I had to compromise and focus on less services to give my clients my all. I chose to focus on growing my brand solely as a hair and makeup artist so that I could also manage my lash brand and full time job on the side while still participating in vendor markets- these vendor markets quickly became something I looked forward to, I loved the sense of community, connecting with other small businesses owners, and seeing everyone come together. Read more>>

Brandon Erhart

My story in life and behind my career philosophy begins early on in life. When I was 6 months old I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a life threatening disease that affects the lungs and digestive system making it difficult to breathe and digest critical nutrients essential to healthy life. Historically, CF primarily affected children due to the fact that many CF patients simply do not make it to adult hood. As a result, I grew up living with mortality in mind. It was a gift as it allowed me to feel and experience gratitude in all things and live out my story as one that was there to love and serve others well. My Christian worldview reinforces this vocation as a mission to serve those who are most vulnerable, while sharing a sense of compassion and grace with everyone. Read more>>

Jaden Rice

My story begins in a place many wouldn’t expect. My time in West Michigan started on the volleyball court at Grand Valley State University. I was a committed athlete, playing on the varsity team and dedicating nearly every moment to my sport. At the time, I believed athletics were my entire identity. However, something was missing. I felt extremely unhappy in my sport as it did not allow me to pursue other passions. I began to realize there were other parts of myself I hadn’t fully explored. Read more>>

Amanda Derocher

For much of my life, I’ve studied and worked with medicinal and aromatic plants—gardening, foraging, and making my own natural skincare and herbal preparations. I didn’t wake up one day and decide to start an herbal products business; the plants had been guiding me toward that path for years, whether I realized it or not. Herbal solutions had consistently been more effective for my ailments than pharmaceutical options, and I decided it was time to return to my roots and build a life around my love for the plant world. Read more>>

Amy Oostveen

I had just gone through a divorce and a rebuild of my company after I lost everything during Covid. In 2023, while I was homeschooling my son, I helped him start a dog walking business. That business got pretty busy, he was making awesome extra cash, and it gave us something really cool to learn about during homeschool! In November of 2023, my sister sent me an Instagram reel of a dog bus. The second she sent it to me, I showed my son and decided we were going to buy a bus. In December, we bought a bus and on January 29, 2024, we started Wagging Riders – The Dog Bus! We have been in business for over a year and have 5 full routes along with offering boarding out of our home. Read more>>

Mary & Maddie Mancus

Our road has been full of ups and downs, which is par for the course withy any new business, especially retail. We are so lucky that we can rely on each other for our good and bad days, it is something not a lot of other boutique owners have. We have both worked in retail prior to opening Glitter & Scotch, but this is our first shot at opening our own brick and mortar, so we have learned almost everything from the ground up. Everyday brings something new that we have to face head on but we are always up for the challenge. Read more>>

Bob Arnold

I started out small with only 6 blends. I was setting up a simple booth in Shelby Township at our local farmers market. I soon had a strong customer base so I decided to branch out to other markets around Macomb and Oakland counties. The business started growing basically by word of mouth from my loyal customers. Which brings us to the 18 delicious flavors we offer today. I am currently making my seasoning blends under the guidelines of the Michigan Cottage Law requirements. I have recently been in contact with the state in order to move to the next level. Read more>>

Delaun Hill

After completing the course and doing my first set of lashes, I absolutely hated it, lol. I only had the basic supplies from class — no lash bed, no lamp, no proper chair. My setup was my mom’s living room couch, a dim lamp, and a very patient family member as my first client. It took me five hours to finish one set, and by hour three, I had already made up my mind that I would never do lashes again. (I actually said “I’m never doing this again”) Read more>>

David Silver

Teach For America (TFA) offered me the opportunity to join the front lines of the fight for equal opportunity in education. As an applicant, I received a big map of the dozens of regions where you can be placed and I quickly gave high rankings to big cities I knew and loved. I remember hesitating before giving Detroit a mid-tier position, thinking, “If I’m truly committed to opening doors for students in need, Detroit is as good a place as any.” As luck would have it, Detroit was a priority region for TFA in 2012 and I have lived in the city ever since. Read more>>

Shelby Doyle

The most difficult part about farming (besides being incredibly sore and tired all of the time) is when you make a mistake, you often have to wait until the next season to implement change. Growth can feel slow, but there is beauty in practicing patience. With floral design, my biggest hurdle is good ol’ imposter syndrome, which I know is familiar for many women. Read more>>

Tonya Rocho

My journey into health and wellness didn’t begin because I had it all figured out—it began because I lived through the struggle myself. For years, I was caught up in the fads and trends of the weight loss and exercise industry. If there was a new diet, a new workout, or a “quick fix,” I was chasing it. I thought I was doing the right thing, but instead, I was unknowingly causing serious damage to my body. Read more>>

Rachael DeWitt

There are many people who do not understand child sexual abuse or prefer to believe it doesn’t exist. The nature of our work can make people uncomfortable and it is easier to look away. Many in our community seem to think they are immune to the possibility of victimization however child sexual abuse does not discriminate. One of my greatest challenges has been reducing shame and stigma around our work. Read more>>

Crossworm

in 2022 I finally opened the doors to my own Record Label “Dirtcore”, which currently has over 7 artists signed including Grand Rapids / Kalamazoo Poet, Marcel Fable Price who was once the youngest, first person of color, and first without a college degree to serve as Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, MI (2017–2020) Read more>>

Jaymi Schout

There have certainly been seasons of doubt, comparison, and questioning whether I was truly cut out for this. I started young, with no formal business training—just a whole lot of heart and a willingness to learn through trial and error. Every challenge stretched me, shaped me, and ultimately helped my business grow in ways I never could’ve planned on my own. I’m so grateful for the journey this business has taken me on, and for every person who believed in me, encouraged me, and walked alongside me through it all! Read more>>

Phil Carter

Since then, I have had the chance to travel around the world telling people’s stories. Along the way, I have met some of my closest friends, the kind of people who understand the strange thrill of filming someone’s most important day while also desperately trying not to cry behind the camera. There is nothing quite like delivering a film and getting a genuine heartfelt message of how seen and celebrated, and loved they feel through a piece of art that was crafted with care. Read more>>

Miranda Dallas-Campbell

I grew up on the Southwest Side of Grand Rapids with my younger siblings and my mom, but eventually moved to the Kentwood area where I graduated High School. When I turned 15, my mom handed me a newspaper clipping that read OPEN INTERVIEWS! Saturday 11AM-2PM, or something to that effect. She told me to put on something nice and get in the car. That day I had my first interview at a local seafood restaurant. I had no experience with interviewing let alone a job, but I got hired and immediately fell in love with the industry. Read more>>

Renee Smith

For the most part, it has been a pretty smooth road, but there have definitely been some bumps along the way, especially in the beginning. When we first started, we bought jewelry supplies from a company that advertised their products as gold-filled, but we quickly found out they were not. We had to scramble to find the high-quality supplies we needed just in time for our very first event. Quality has always been our top priority, so offering anything less was never an option. Read more>>