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.
Rachel Bentley
I myself, have consulted with numerous experts -in the world of developing, growing and sustaining a health Group Private Practice. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with others, on their journey of Private Practice development and growth. I am not afraid to share my mistakes and lessons learned, along with what has worked very well. Private Practice development and growth is a JOURNEY. Read more>>
Jodi Graves
Western medical system and from within the communities we serve. From there, I also own Michigan Family Nannies and we provide any type of short or long term childcare that any family could need. We are a one-stop resource for families in Michigan. Need support in labor, birth & beyond and then short or long-term childcare -we do that! Read more>>
Heather MacGraine
My family had a terrible time getting notaries to come out during the pandemic for my grandmother’s end of life care. After everything opened up again, and after she passed, in 2023 my partner mentioned he also has this problem of setting appointments with mobile notaries who never show up. Read more>>
Andrea Hingst
I am a Licensed Acupuncturist and nationally recognized practitioner of Chinese Medicine with over 15 years of clinical experience helping patients reclaim their health and vitality. My journey began at Michigan State University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. During that time, I conducted four years of laboratory research in the field of medical genetics, earning grants and publication. Read more>>
Raeanne Niemer
Get emPowered Fitness Studio (GEFS) opened its doors for business on December 1, 2013 with myself and 4 other trainers. We offered group fitness classes, 1-on-1 personal training sessions, and medical massage treatments in an 1100 square foot space to our members who we called emPeeps (emPowered people). GEFS is unique in that we train our emPeeps barefoot in physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Read more>>
Kevin Courtney
I grew up in Birch Run, Michigan a small town between Flint and Saginaw. I always wanted to be a police officer and after High School graduated from Ferris State College with a degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by the Jackson Michigan Police Department and spent 14 years there reaching the rank of Lieutenant. Read more>>
Cody Hendrickson
I started Innovo Spa during COVID when I lost my job in the spring. We needed to make money, and I knew how to clean and maintain hot tubs. I noticed hot tubs were being sold like crazy during this time because everyone was staying home, and or working from home now. Read more>>
Nicholas Lux
I am a funeral director by trade and decided It would be nice to be in a service industry, where the guests are happy to be there. Block House started with watching my kids interact with other kids their age. They would go play outside and then watch or play video games. I figured there had to be something to this. Read more>>
Alexis Murphy
I started Fox and Hound Children’s Boutique with two reasons in mind. Reason number one – I found a niche in our area that I just couldn’t let go of. I knew we needed a shop that offered more of an everyday wear for babies and kids. For years, we really didn’t have anything like it. Read more>>
Jessica Plank
I was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and somehow I never left—and honestly, I love that. I’m a mid-Michigan girl through and through: a wife, a mom to two hilarious little humans, and someone who finds a lot of joy in simple things… like heading up north for the weekend or going on family adventures with my husband and kids. Read more>>
Christopher Berish
I am a Renaissance man. By that i mean that i love to have skills in multiple fields. I am a Registered Nurse and i work as a Circulating Nurse in the OR at McLaren Northern michigan. I have experience in sales, i have experience in management and i am always seeking something new. Read more>>
Jennie Zoll
MJ Design Company was started with a Cricut machine and a love of art. I’ve always had a passion for art and designing and making beautiful, high quality products. After making and gifting numerous items to people, and seeing their reactions, I decided to take it to the next level and start selling some of my creations. Read more>>
Erica Gretebeck
I started in college while pursuing my degree in photojournalism second shooting weddings to gain experience outside of newspaper work. While in college I worked for our student led newspaper as a staff photographer and spent time as the photo editor of the newspaper during the summer. I also freelanced for various newspapers covering sports and events. Read more>>
Marianne Jones
My journey into interior design began with a strong foundation in fine art and a business minor. I started my career in graphic design, working with clients in the building and development space—first in Orange County, California, then later in Birmingham, Michigan. I was drawn to small, entrepreneurial businesses where I continually gravitated toward the account and strategy side of projects. Read more>>
Melissa Hollingsworth
I’ve known I wanted to be an interior designer since I was young. When I was around nine or ten, my mom hired an interior designer, and that experience opened my eyes to the profession. I realized it might be the perfect fit for me — while other kids played with Barbies, I was more interested in designing their houses. Read more>>
Terri Bush
My journey with running began in 2001, following the loss of my brother to cancer. A smoker like him, I quit and started running a few months later. Initially clueless, I was driven by a deep desire to learn this new sport. Read more>>
Ali Smith
As I approach my ninth year in real estate, I can’t help but reflect on how far this journey has taken me, not just in my career, but as a person. It’s been a road full of ups and downs, moments of triumph and challenge, and countless lessons that have shaped who I am today. Read more>>
Rani France
Honestly, I never planned to start a baking business. It all began right in my kitchen, just baking for fun — birthdays, holidays, or simply because I was craving something sweet. I’d spend hours trying out new recipes, decorating late at night, and sharing my treats with family and friends. Read more>>
Andrew Schrauben
After receiving a degree in Architecture, I accepted a position as a draftsman for a large architectural firm (Robert Lee Wold & Associates) in Grand Rapids. It was 1984 and we were still drafting with pencils. I soon discovered that I could draw but knew very little about construction. Read more>>
Linda Ringler
My husband opened Chase Creek Smokehouse in April of 1999. In April of 2012 (3 weeks after we started dating), there was a total loss fire. The only thing that survived the fire are the door handles on the new building’s front doors. In 2015 my husband’s FOH Manager quit at about the same time that my job was laying me off. Read more>>
Lara Eenigenburg
In 2003 I graduated from Michigan College of Optometry, located at Ferris State University. I joined Dr. Jeffrey Byland, the then owner, at Excellence in Vision. He had recently relocated the practice from its original home on Main St and was looking for an associate who would eventually take over the practice. Excellence in Vision is the original optometric office of Fremont, MI. Read more>>
Michelle Smith
MamaSuds started in my kitchen out of pure necessity. When my daughter was a baby, I couldn’t find a laundry detergent that actually cleaned her cloth diapers without irritating her skin. Every “eco-friendly” brand I tried was either watered down, full of hidden preservatives, or just didn’t work. So, during nap times, I started researching ingredients and making small batches of soap from scratch. Read more>>
John Pilot
My company, ThermalPros is celebrating its 20th year in business in 2025. My career started in the stock brokerage industry. Straight from high school, I got a job working on a trading desk for Olde & Co in 1987. That lead to a 15 year career in the brokerage industry. Read more>>
Darren Chan
I went to school for music. I’ve always played music since starting piano at the age of 4. I picked up the viola at age 12 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Music in Viola performance then a Masters in Violin Performance. During Covid, I had to rely on restaurant work for a living and restaurants brought me to Grand Rapids. Read more>>
Oren Basse
I have been working in the health & fitness industry since 2007. I began working as a personal trainer at a health club in Chicago, leaving my job in the finance world for something more in line with my personality. Read more>>
Matt Parks
My dad brought the game of basketball to me when I was in diapers and since then it has always been an important part of my life. I always wanted to play whether it was in the driveway, at the local community center, at the park, for the school team, etc; I just couldn’t get enough. Read more>>
Besmir ‘Besi’ Gjini
After a long and fulfilling career in the hospitality industry, I decided it was time for a change; one that would let me create with my hands and see something real take shape at the end of each day. I’ve always been drawn to the process of building and problem-solving, and in many ways, hospitality prepared me perfectly for construction. Read more>>
amber kilgore
Rain and Revelry Events is a culmination of three best friends’ shared passion for all things fantasy and event planning. We create luxurious, immersive experiences that serve our region’s growing *bookish* community for unique, experiential travel. We produce large-scale, bookish-inspired events—such as fantasy masquerades or custom built obstacle courses—that turn local venues into temporary story worlds! Read more>>
Jen Sokolowski
VerityBeauty GR began as a vision to create a beauty experience rooted in authenticity and self-worth. I started my journey as an esthetician and makeup artist with a passion for helping people feel confident in their own skin. Over time, I saw that beauty isn’t just about appearance, it’s about presence, energy, and how someone feels about themselves. Read more>>
Alisa Vandercruyssen
I started out as a freelance makeup artist after studying at Multimedia Makeup Academy. Funny enough, I just came into ownership of it now, but back in 2016 I was just a student trying to find my lane. I really fell in love with brows after trying to grow mine back out. At one point, I looked like I was sponsored by Nike.. Read more>>
Harriette Brown
On the surface my company does Disruptive Food Service, But what we really do is WageWarWithAFork ‘ ° The idea for my business grew from outreach ministry and the love for feeding people. It struck me that a difference could be made starting with me. After offering friends, family, and others a way to eat foods they love with different dietary issues. Read more>>
Morro Hernandez
Art has always been a part of my life. Since I was a kid, drawing was my escape and my passion, it kept me focused and driven. I didn’t have much family support growing up, but that only pushed me harder to create a better future for myself, my wife, and our kids. Read more>>
Elaine Soble
In 2012, my husband Jeff and I bought a second family home in South Haven, MI. We decided to rent it out a few weeks a year to help pay the bills. It did so well that we began to rent the house more and more, and eventually it became a full-time rental. Based on our experience, we decided to buy another rental home. Read more>>
Hana
My journey into bridal fashion began with my own experience as a bride. It turned into a passion —to help brides step into their happily ever by feeling radiant, confident, and truly seen. Read more>>
