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.

Katy Bader

What truly sets The Frenchie apart is our attention to detail and dedication to personalized service. From our beautifully designed rooms that combine elegant aesthetics with modern comforts, to our inviting pool, pickleball court, and on-site restaurant serving chef-crafted meals and curated wines, every element is designed to elevate the guest experience. We pride ourselves on being a boutique haven that feels both exclusive and intimately familiar. Read more>>

Paige Mulick

I began my arts training like many others, dreaming of becoming a ballerina! (Or a popstar, or an actress, or a princess, or a Broadway performer… or all of the above). From the age of 5, I began training in dance and singing on occasion. Throughout my youth, I danced intensively at The Citadel Dance & Music Center of Benton Harbor, MI – which developed a deep-rooted love, appreciation, and dedication to dance in all forms. My total obsession with dance was most definitely a product of the brilliant Lari Lawrence-Gist, who has served as my mentor since my early days in dance. I dedicated my week nights, Saturday mornings, and summers to all things dance in any way I could through classes, performing in musicals, and countless hours of rehearsals. Read more>>

Jennifer

Barbarossa Nitro Coffee (BNC) started as a dream brewed from a mix of passion, purpose, and a whole lot of caffeine. As a veteran-owned business, we wanted to create something that not only served exceptional coffee but also connected with people on a deeper level. We began with a single coffee truck and a commitment to delivering high-quality nitro cold brew and handcrafted beverages with friendly, memorable service. Read more>>

John Schremser

My journey into the carpet and textile cleaning industry started unexpectedly over 30 years ago. I was at a men’s breakfast when someone mentioned that a friend was selling their cleaning business. At the time, I was feeling unfulfilled in my work and open to a change. I’d cleaned carpet once before, and something about the idea stuck with me. I looked into it, and my mindset was, “If he can do it, I can too.” So I jumped in—and just like that, I was in business. Read more>>

Jenna Smith

In 2020, I decided to do something different. I started Vitality At Home, a mobile physical therapy practice based in Grand Rapids, MI, with the mission of helping adults continue doing the things they love well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond. Our model is simple: one-on-one care, delivered in the home, focused not just on rehab, but on long-term strength, mobility, and confidence. We take the time to listen, build relationships, and create plans that actually work for the people we serve. Read more>>

Bryce Maurer

Being the first born of 4, I like to say that I was born to be a teacher. I was constantly helping my siblings to learn, and stepping in to help guide them in the right direction when I knew our parents would want me to. I spent a lot of my childhood outside, playing in the woods and on the water. A normal day for me, as a child, involved catching bugs, finding cool rocks, climbing trees, and playing make believe games with my siblings and the other neighborhood kids. When I wasn’t outside, I was participating in performances at the Kalamazoo Civic Theater or Kalamazoo Kids on Stage. As I got older, that switched to becoming very involved in forensics (not the CSI kind, the competitive public speaking kind) and school performances. Read more>>

Dana Sladowski

After almost 5 years in business, we were so busy I could hardly keep up. I had become burnt out, stressed out, and was secretly struggling with substance abuse. I needed change and didn’t know how to get there, but when one of my full time employees quit, I made the difficult decision to downsize instead of moving forward. I kept a handful of clients, but looked for other career options. I eventually discovered personal development and started an in-depth study of yoga which helped me reconnect to myself and transformed my life in really amazing ways. Read more>>

Charisse Kushmaul

Alpacas are weird. They are newer to the United States and there are very few large animal vets that have the education to treat them beyond their horse or goat knowledge. Caring for alpacas can be difficult. They are normally healthy and happy but when they get sick they get really sick. I lost 2 alpacas last year and it was horrible. Broke my heart. Read more>>

Justin Helou

We started HolStrength out of my moms basement in 2020. With a mission to bring God into every part of our lives. Specifcally within gyms across the country. Creating clothing that spread the Gospel. This stemmed from my own personal faith triumphs and obstacles in making God the center of my life. I had the idea in college, when Jesus became the center and foundation of my life. We are a faith and fitness ministry and clothing brand. Read more>>

Angela Phillips

My love for living close to the land blossomed into a fascination with pollinators—creatures so small, yet vital to our entire ecosystem. I started my apiary with a few hives and a mission to care for the bees in the most natural way possible. Now, as I continue to grow my beekeeping skills, I’m focusing on producing raw, chemical-free honey, beeswax goods, and pollinator-friendly products that reflect both our values and the health of the land. Beyond honey, I see the apiary as a way to educate others—sharing the importance of bees, pollinator conservation, and how even small efforts can impact the environment for the better. Read more>>

Zach Schatzer

Owning a food truck is a lot more time and labor intense than what a lot of people think. Thankfully my journey has been much smoother overall than others and a lot of that is because I was able to watch WonderBurger, Fat Matt’s BBQ, 5-2-oh, MexiCrunch and a few other trucks before I launched mine. I was able to take things that I liked that they did and implement them in my business, or tweak things I wanted to do differently. Read more>>

Rebecca Dexter

It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. For me, my mental health journey and running a business are really connected. One of the biggest reasons I wanted to work for myself was to have more control over my boundaries and my time. I used to carry a lot of anxiety and guilt around feeling like there just weren’t enough hours in the day — like I was always behind. Owning my own business has helped shift that. I love being able to set the pace, work in a way that feels right for me, and stay client-focused without burning myself out (or at least attempting not to, haha). Read more>>

Jailyn Gilles

When you take a seat in my chair, there’s no need to perform or pretend. Come as you are: a mom with a hundred things on her mind, a friend in need of a listening ear, or just someone craving a moment of relaxation. I designed this studio to feel less like a business and more like a second home a place where you’re seen, you’re heard, and you’re always welcome. Read more>>

Tony Rave

My teen years were more about survival, figuring out who I was and how to move as a man. In my early 20s, I spent a lot of time gambling, chasing women, and selling drugs. Eventually, I got tired of living like that. That’s when I picked up tattooing. Tattooing gave me a different view on my art, it gave me perspective on my art career, and made me see it as something professional, something I could really build on. Read more>>

Bridgette

I shared those images on Facebook, and soon friends began asking me to take their photos. I started doing sessions either for free or a small fee, gradually building a portfolio and regaining confidence in my creative voice. Eventually, I began sharing my work on Instagram, still thinking of it as a hobby, but the encouragement I received made me wonder if I could turn this into something more. I recently took the leap and built a website, officially beginning to take on clients outside of my immediate circle. Today, I balance my work as an RN Case Manager, my role as a wife and mother of three, and my small photography business.. Photography has become more than just a creative outlet, it’s a part of who I am, and it brings me a deep sense of fulfillment Read more>>

Madelyn Perez

Even though I loved Europe, I realized there’s something really special about the people here in the UP. They’re just so genuine and kind, and I knew this was the kind of place I wanted to stay. After moving back, I finished college, got married, had two kids, and like many moms, found myself needing a creative outlet beyond the day-to-day of motherhood. My husband encouraged me to turn my cupcake decorating hobby into a business, and to my surprise, it took off quickly. I built a loyal customer base and found so much joy in baking for celebrations across our community. Read more>>

Alondra Alvarez

I go by Just Call Me Alo on socials. I started my page back in 2020 during the global pandemic. I post lifestyle content on social media platforms. Fall 2024, I specifically started posting coffee focused content (coffee shops reviews, coffee beverage tasting, and anything coffee related). That same fall I started hosting events called “Coffee with Alo” where I invite in 8-12 of my followers to join me for coffee. At these events we try new drinks, go to new coffee shops, and just engage in girlhood. Read more>>

Jessica Hoffman

Discipline(counting on yourself every day to show up for yourself) Community( I want everyone to feel like family and push each other and have fun and feel like it’s someone you’d invite over for dinner) and lastly Balance( it’s good to work out but we also like to have fun so have that balance of having a good time while also focusing on your health) We have been so honored and privileged to work with this amazing community and love seeing new faces and learning new stories. Read more>>

Erik Koch

Our dojo was founded by Jacob and Candace Kulhanek, alongside Damon Stirling, in 2022 with the vision of creating an environment to serve the community of Okemos through Martial Arts in areas such as self control, confidence, courage, self discipline, and most importantly, respect for those around us. This is the foundation that we have built our dojo family, and what we continue to strive to impart on not just our students, but the parents and guests that walk through our doors each and every day. Read more>>

Lindsay

As much as I loved my time at home, I started itching for some kind of creative outlet. Something that was just for me, in the pockets of time during nap or after bedtime. I had always been a huge fan of candles, ever since I was a young child. In the midst of the deep gratitude I felt for the time I had gained by being home, I envisioned a line of candles with scents that would celebrate life’s little moments of joy. I ordered materials for four scents: Morning Coffee, Dad’s Pancakes, Fresh Cut Flowers, and Clean Sheets. I wanted the labels to have whimsical little illustrations on them, so I tried my hand at painting them. Read more>>

Kevin Peterson

I spent several years collecting data on the ideal temperatures and dilutions of different classic cocktails, the perfect ingredient ratios, and how scent can alter the balance of a drink. All this work culminated in me publishing a book, Cocktail Theory – A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks, which is a deep dive into the science behind cocktails. I’m very honored that my book has received several mentions in local and national press, as well as being up for a major award, the Spirited Best New Cocktail or Bartending book! Read more>>

Lee Johnson

I didn’t take the conventional route to success. I didn’t have a safety net or generational wealth. What I had was obsessive determination, God, and the relentless belief that I was called to do something greater than my circumstances. I started by serving others; first in small ways, then in scalable ways. In 2019, I wrote a book called Before I Expire that became a national bestseller. It was more than a book. It was a mirror to the forgotten, the lost, the overlooked. It was proof that your story still matters, so long as you never forget about your clock. Read more>>

Liz DeBetta

That pattern wasn’t just about romance—it was a mirror, showing me the deeper wounds I hadn’t yet addressed. I had always known I was adopted, but it never occurred to me to explore how adoption trauma had shaped my identity, my beliefs about worthiness, and my capacity to trust until this moment. I realized I had spent most of my life performing safety and success, rather than living in alignment with my truth. I began to see all of the ways that my unacknowledged grief and loss were prohibiting me from moving forward. So, I began the hard work of healing— first by breaking up with my therapist of more than 15 years because every time I left a session I felt worse than when I went in. Read more>>

Rachael Iaquinto, M.A. CCC-SLP

Now it’s almost a year later, and we’ve opened our second Simpli Speech location in Downtown Whitmore Lake to provide speech therapy to the Whitmore Lake, Brighton, Ann Arbor, South Lyon, and Pinckney, and Dexter areas! Our team now includes four amazing speech therapists, all working part-time in a way that supports their own families, home life, and personal well-being. I believe that this work is about showing up as whole humans, so we can give the very best, individualized care to each client we serve. I learned the hard way that you can’t give from an empty cup. Read more>>

Amy

Driven by a desire to harness the unique terroir of the Leelanau Peninsula, Amy and Mark introduced a herd of Certified Humane® Alpine goats and implemented a rotational grazing system that rebuilds soil health, sequesters carbon, and produces milk with a flavor deeply reflective of place. As Cheese Connoisseur noted, Idyll Farms is “Michigan’s Great Lakes cheese secret,” setting a national standard in flavor and ecological stewardship. Read more>>

Gen Wais

I believe my passion and calling for bodywork stems from my time as an athlete. I grew up playing ice hockey very competitively and the sport took a huge toll on my body. Back then, recovery wasn’t prioritized or talked about very much. It was always more training and more skating. Tight muscles and lactic acid build up in my legs profoundly effected my performance, my confidence, and my overall abilities. Read more>>

Elizabeth Ferris

One of the things I still struggle with is consistently bringing in new clients. It’s a challenge that comes with being in a creative field, especially when you’re juggling everything on your own. But the silver lining? The clients I have worked with almost always come back—and that means the world to me. It reminds me that the experience I create and the connection I build with each person really does matter. Read more>>

Darcel Hawkins and Brooklynn Scott

This is a tough question because what determines the start? I myself remember being curious as a child. Wanting to invent things… always creating and exploring and questioning. Brooklynn too had an artist mind. She remembers in her younger years decorating paper plates with images and then selling them to her grandparents (art gallery style) for .50 each. So much of who we become stems from the experiences we’ve had growing up so I would say that was the start. Our business, Two Birds and One Stone, as well as Spiritual Whiskey and Souldryft are built upon the foundation of youthful enthusiasm and curiosity. We wanted to keep creating and to embody an artist-like lifestyle. Read more>>

Cari Wiechers

Oh gosh, no-it’s been anything but smooth! Creating a candle that truly stands out throws more curveballs than you’d expect. There were fragrances that smelled amazing in the bottle but morphed once lit, wax blends that didn’t play nicely with the molds I use, and the never-ending trial-and-error of finding the right wick size to achieve a perfect melt pool-without tunneling, overheating or sacrificing scent throw. It often felt like I was constantly starting over. But every setback taught me something, and looking back now, it makes me even more proud of how far Lutsi’s products have come. Read more>>

Michelle Howard

I began my career in the beauty industry about 19 years ago after earning my cosmetology license. In the early years, I worked mainly from home while juggling a second job to support my family. Even though I later went on to earn a master’s degree from Michigan State University, I never used it professionally, my heart has always been in the beauty industry. Read more>>

Aleisha Gates

In February 2022, I picked my camera back up—and I haven’t looked back since. That moment marked not just a return, but a rebirth. I rebranded as AMG Photography and stepped fully into what I feel is my calling, with a strong focus on boudoir photography. What began as a way to capture love and connection has now grown into a mission to empower, celebrate, and honor the stories and strength of others—because I know how precious and powerful those moments truly are. Read more>>

Shauntez Johnson

In the midst of everything, I picked up a new hobby: paintballing in my free time. I enjoyed it so much that after shutting down the cleaning business, I immediately started researching how to start a paintball business in Michigan. After doing my homework, I realized that getting a building for an indoor paintball arena was out of my price range—so I came up with the idea of going mobile. Read more>>

Lauren

I came across the dirty soda community online and absolutely fell in love with the concept of it, especially knowing we had nothing like it around my area. My biggest goal in life is to own my own business. I thought, well, this could be it. I love going to different events all over, meeting new people, online AND in person. The most rewarding thing is the feedback you get when someone takes a sip of a drink I created. Bringing other people happiness in an ice cold dirty soda, makes me happy! I have the drive, personality, and heart, to build Happy Fizz from the ground up. I can’t wait to see where it goes from here Read more>>

Markesha Tarver

As time passed, the vision expanded. In 2022, we opened an event venue, choosing a name similar to my original business because it carried personal meaning and connection — and to our surprise, it stuck. Clients loved it, always asking about its story. Today, we proudly operate as September Bliss Events, curating unforgettable designs that honor milestones, celebrate resilience, and turn moments into memories. Every client we serve becomes part of this ongoing story — one built on faith, family, and the belief that beautiful things can bloom after life’s hardest seasons.” Read more>>

Heather Cope-Perez

From my earliest childhood memories, I have felt a calling to be the change I wished to see in the world. I’ve always had a passion for wildlife, all animals, and helping the underdogs. In 2023 I created A CharitABLE Heart which is where I share content designed to show others how simple it is to be charitable. CharitABLE hearts are compassionate, generous, open minded and serving. I hope A CharitABLE Heart encourages others to make a difference in their communities and ultimately take small steps to change the world!! Read more>>

Two Penny Productions

What started as a handful of local wedding shoots evolved organically. We began with friends, then their networks, and eventually found ourselves documenting love stories across the globe—from the dramatic landscapes of Iceland to intimate ceremonies in Seoul, from the windswept coastline of France to celebrations throughout Mexico and across the United States. Read more>>

Emily Romeyn

I was a stay-at-home mom of two little boys, and my days were often hectic and messy. Having a camera in my hand allowed me to reframe my view, to not look at the mess on the floor as a tripping hazard I would have to clean up but to see the world my son was creating. By turning my children’s messes and chaos into art, it allowed me to see and preserve the magic of their childhood. I cherish those images so much that I wanted others to have the same experience. So I started taking photos professionally in hopes that others wouldn’t have the same disappointing experience I had with a professional but would have the experience I do now: the magic of the moments preserved in a timeless photo. Read more>>

Cloee Caldwell

Fresh out of beauty school i started at an incredible salon in Paw Paw called The Harvey House April Muday is the owner of this salon and full time educator for Redken, she was the best mentor and teacher I could’ve had. With learning from an experienced mentor started me off an upwards and onwards path growing and learning faster than imaginable.This career is the best blessing i have ever been gifted, I get to make an impact on people daily. Women going through Chemo losing their hair and trying to find confidence in it once again. Men going through genetic hair loss trying to navigate a harsh dating scene. A mother who has 5 kids and this is the only 2 hours she gets for herself. A wife of 15 years going through a divorce. I’m not just a hairstylist I’m a friend, and I get to make real impact. Read more>>

Jonathan Mandras

Selling the practice I had built was not easy, and starting over in a new state—both personally and professionally—has been challenging. But at 44, I’m embracing this next chapter with renewed energy and focus. While the road ahead is unfamiliar, I remain deeply committed to patient-centered care and am excited to grow a new practice grounded in the same values that have guided me from the start. Read more>>

Jordan Pike

That led me to Michigan State University, where I earned an associate degree in Horse Management. I still wasn’t certain about the future, but I knew I was heading in the right direction. From there, I transferred to Colorado State University and completed my bachelor’s degree in Equine Science. I had this vision of running a horse show business, working with horses full-time, and building a career around the equestrian world. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but my path was starting to veer in a slightly different direction—one that still honored my love for horses, but in a much more creative way. Read more>>

Tyler Svec

Fast forward a couple of years, and I realized that I had too many stories for this to be a hobby, and I needed to see if I could make a go of it or not. I had self-published a couple of books through a self-publishing company years earlier, and it had been a pretty horrible and expensive venture that never made me any money. But thankfully, I was knowledgeable about Photoshop, websites, layouts, things like that, so I decided I was going to self-publish because it was much, much cheaper, and I had too many books to even consider doing it the way I was before. Read more>>

Luna Guerrero

After covid I remodel my small salon into a metaphysical store selling my custom work such as intention candles, spiritual baths, banishing sprays, and handmade jewelry. Luna gallery supports the local art community, giving artists a place to display and sell there art. Read more>>