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.
Shasta Fase
Our Journey Our journey has been nothing short of a life-changing experience of travel and discovery. After many years as a local real estate broker, I felt compelled to make a change — something more meaningful, something that could help others. That’s when the discovery began. Read more>>
PJ Gordon II
I launched PJG Photography in June 2025 with a simple goal: help listings in our corner of Michigan stand out. I’d photographed family, sports, and the outdoors for years, but real estate demanded a new kind of precision—clean compositions, true-to-life color, and images that make buyers feel like they’re already walking the space. Read more>>
Trae McMaken
I live and work near the shores of Lake Huron where I write and fiddle and watch my livestock munch grass. I’ve had a varied career as a traveling storyteller and folklorist, a fiddler and singer, but these days I much prefer to stay put, write, research, farm, and play tunes with friends. Read more>>
Joni & Riley Flaska
I have always been a self-starter who enjoys the challenge of creating, building, and forging new relationships. I started shortly after graduating from college by opening a retail location that grew into three locations. I fell in love with making visions come to life. When we moved to Michigan to be closer to my husband’s family, we decided to homeschool our daughter. Read more>>
Jenifer Neptune
My lifelong passion for health and wellness inspired me to open my boutique med spa in downtown Brighton. In my personal journey to combat muscle aging—especially muscle fatigue and inflammation—I discovered the incredible benefits of treatments like Accufit Muscle Stimulation and Therabody Compression Therapy. Read more>>
Cassie Lawler
I grew up in Battle Creek, MI, where I lived until I was 28. As a kid, my parents called me “tender-hearted Cassie”—a nickname that fit long before I ever knew what the word empath meant. Looking back, that’s exactly who I was then and who I still am today. In high school, I remember the pressure to choose a lifelong career before graduation. Read more>>
Phil Brissette
So here we are. After nearly 20 years working in Human Resources I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the structure and, frankly, lack of humanity within the corporate world. I started therapy and embarked on a long-term journey of improving my mental and emotional health. Part of that included re-evaluating life decisions that had always seemed obvious, but perhaps were automatic. Read more>>
Savanah Sheets
My best friend Shane and I took a trip to Orlando, FL for Disney in May of 2015, and while we were there we played an escape room. We fell in love! (With escape rooms, not each other.) Everyone assumes we are married but we are just best friends of 20 years. Read more>>
Kelly Merry
My Name is Kelly Merry, I am a mother of 2 young men, Brandon and Dylan, Mother in law to Marissa, Grandmother of a 1year old beautiful baby girl, Ava Rose. During the day I work as a Billing manager with a Medical practice in Farmington Hills. This was a total switch of professions after an accident being crushed by a Hilo against steel. Read more>>
Jane Donnelly
I would never have been able to name my story early on as a slow spiritual awakening but I believe that might be the correct title. I also believe that we are all perhaps on an evolutionary journey to refine ourselves and awaken as we trudge through the components of being born human into so many societal behaviors, circumstances and life experiences. Read more>>
Rian Graham
Rian Graham — A Leader Transforming Community Care Through Innovation, Compassion, and Vision When Rian Graham first began working with the Rian Ryelee Foundation, she stepped into an organization that had the heart and potential to make a tremendous difference — but needed someone with clarity, resilience, and innovative thinking to take its mission to the next level. Read more>>
Jeanetta Malone
Powered by Grace is a specialized, Christian – based Fitness Facility located in Flint, MI. Our mission is simple: to go beyond the four walls of the gym and create a space where fitness, faith and community come together. PBG isn’t just where you train, it’s where you belong! Read more>>
Anna Dravland
Back in 2011, I was a student at Northern Michigan University, working toward my associate degree in Food Service Management. I didn’t have a dream job in mind and worked everywhere from restaurants to a jewelry store to Family Video. Read more>>
AnnaMaryLee Vollick
While I’m the experience curator and the face behind the Derby Bar, I’m just one member of our dynamic team. Our story really begins with a group of friends who share a love for nostalgic, warm ambiance, great company, and meaningful conversation. Read more>>
Doris Hage
From as early as I can remember, I have turned pain into purpose. I grew up in a Lebanese and Hispanic family, surrounded by love but also by unspoken struggles and generational trauma. There was a constant pressure to be strong, to keep moving, and never to let life see you break. Read more>>
Meagan Mitchell
I started my journey as a social worker and educator with a deep passion for helping people learn, grow, and meet their professional goals. Early in my career, I worked closely with children, families, and communities, building a strong foundation in early childhood and special education. Read more>>
Emily Hromi
I attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and graduated with a BFA in Life Sciences Illustration (formerly Biomedical Art) in 2014. I was fortunate to have a few relevant internship experiences while in school, most notably a position as a student medical illustrator at the Cleveland FES Center, which gave my career an early jumpstart. Read more>>
JAYLIN ANDERSON
I grew up in Detroit, Off of West Warren and Outer Drive. I started rapping around 16 or 17. I have been pursuing music for about 10 years now and while i cant say I ‘made it’, I will say that i have managed to build a decent fanbase and reach many listeners around the world and for that I am humbled. Read more>>
Jennifer Romain
Co-owners Amanda Texter and Jennifer Romain are both moms who live in Caledonia. They met in 2022 when their daughters attended a gymnastics class together. They became fast friends and frequently commiserated about the lack of indoor play spaces for young children in the Caledonia and surrounding areas. They couldn’t find what they wanted, so they built it themselves! Read more>>
Macy Crouch
I have always strived to provide my daughter with the life I never had growing up. Starting with learning how to cook. I thought being a great mother meant I needed to be domesticated so almost 14 years ago I taught myself how to cook and bake. Before that I could have burnt boiling water. Read more>>
Jeremy Williams
My journey is one of heritage, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of mastery. I was adopted alongside my older sister in 1991. She has always been my protector, but the greatest gift we both received was our mother—the incredible woman who chose us as her own. A true Southern matriarch, she was loved by everyone who tasted her cooking. Read more>>
Gabe Hammes
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is sitting in my grandma’s room, plucking away at her piano and just exploring what I could create. From there, creativity never really left. Being homeschooled gave me the freedom to try a lot of different things — music, videos, design — and that helped shape who I am. Read more>>
Liz Eiten
For many trauma survivors, finding truly effective and empathetic care can feel like an endless search. There are plenty of trauma-informed practitioners out there, but it really takes someone with advanced training in trauma processing—and a genuine holistic approach—to really help. That’s what inspired me to start Boketto Center. Read more>>
Lois Ivory
Hello my name is Lois Ivory I,am 60 years old from the Detroit, Michigan area I’ve been in the beauty industry over 40 years plus I started as a hairstylist which I indulge in for 15 years but, was in- love with makeup and color. Color reflects who we are inside. Read more>>
Monica Daka
I think I fell in love with photography long before I even knew it was photography. As the oldest kid, I was always trying to save moments — birthdays, tiny laughs, the everyday things — so one day my siblings could look back and remember where we came from. Read more>>
Anna Skelton
I started organizing part time on the weekends to save up for my weddings (me and my husband have had three). I have always been organized and mostly did it for family and friends. As I started advertising myself I just knew this is what I should have been doing my whole life. Read more>>
Te’Asia Jordan
My story is unique but very similar to so many others I know who have found a way to achieve their dreams or their goals. I am originally from Muskegon, Michigan, and I came to the Grand Rapids area to study at Grand Valley State University. Read more>>
Mandy Wallace
I am what many folks call a ‘crunchy mom,’ meaning that I choose natural options when it comes to my family’s food, healthy, and daily lifestyles. We are the kind of folks who use cloth diapers, ditched the plastic sippy cups for the stainless steel ones, and let our kids run around barefoot. Read more>>
Vincent Frank
I moved back to West Michigan after finishing a music degree at Saginaw Valley State University. That was in the spring of 2020, which was not a great time to be starting a music career due to Covid19. I was lucky enough to get a job that summer teaching guitar for a local studio, and shortly thereafter began accompanying middle school choirs. Read more>>
Tiera Moultrie
I started Autism in the D the same way a lot of mothers start movements—by trying to survive a season that felt too heavy to carry alone. Read more>>
Julie Reisner
I was working in banking, training and development and was very good at what I did. One Friday, I walked into the office and was called into my bosses office and was fired on the spot still to this day for reasons unknown. I call it the best worst thing that ever happened to me. Read more>>
Laura Host
Growing up in West Michigan (Grand Haven), I was always involved in art activities. I do believe part of my coping mechanisms during hectic or crazy times is closing my eyes and seeing Lake Michigan’s horizon. It always is a calming and settling force within me. Read more>>
David Broden
I come from a family that loves music. Music always played in my home and was playing during visits over close relatives houses. I somehow always became the child in charge of music. Once my friends started having small parties, they put me in charge of music as well. Read more>>
Johnny Jones
I started Golden Gears, LLC last year in an effort to bring unique products to a niche group of firearms enthusiasts. My focus from day one has been to source every component of my products from only the United States; from the target steel, to the ink on my stickers, everything is made in the USA. Read more>>
Rachel Vogtmann
I am a self-taught photographer who has been capturing special moments for over 15 years. Just recently did I start venturing into the wedding world, I haven’t looked back. I can remember being little, and my father would be at the dining room table working on photo albums and always developing film from our cameras. I always thought getting my photo taken was a bust. Read more>>
Jael Caliman
It all started when I could hold a pencil, I’ve always had a love for art. I guess part of it is in my blood as my grandfather would teach me and my sister how to draw Read more>>
Dawn McCormick
For four years, my husband and I owned McCormick Farmz, a northern Michigan lavender farm with a surprisingly robust line of culinary lavender products. It was beautiful and wildly educational — and also a lot. The farm was four hours from our home, and over time the distance became overwhelming. As odd as it sounds, we found ourselves needing a break from lavender! Read more>>
Nick VanCourt
All of this has slowly but surely pushed us toward more and more distribution of our products, which is our main business now. In 2026 we expect that 95% of the products we produce will be sold outside of our taproom. We have been doing self-distribution in Michigan and Wisconsin for the most part until this year. We have now been signing with Wholesalers and ramping up production. With any luck, this year we will also expand our footprint into Illinois and Indiana as well. Read more>>
Angela Burgess
I was already a therapist—helping people show up for themselves, guiding them through healing, and holding space for their growth. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t showing up for me. I was fully present for everyone else, yet quietly abandoning my own emotional needs. That wake-up call pushed me into a deeper healing journey of my own. As I began doing the inner work—feeling my feelings, being honest with myself, and making room for healing—I became even more grounded in the work I was doing with others. Read more>>
Ricci Swiderek
I was born and raised in Cheboygan. I had a wonderful chiropractor by the name of Roger Benter growing up. I played lots of sports growing up and always enjoyed getting adjusted. When it came time for me to pursue my degree, I went to Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, because that is where he went. Read more>>
Kate Ford
I am all about celebrations and creating memories through creating beautiful arts and crafts. I worked in business for over 20 years and gave it all up to start this business. I went to a Pinspiration Franchise in Kalamzaoo, MI and knew I wanted in. I researched the model, applied, interviewed and accepted the franchise in 2022. Read more>>
Natividad Kolb
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City when I was almost 17. In 2002, at age 19, I joined the Air Force. Shortly after arriving at my first duty station-Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota-I met my husband, Joel, a Michigan native. Read more>>
Abigail Saalfrank
You are probably assuming my about me section will have a story about how I always wanted to be a photographer, I came out of the womb holding a camera, but that couldn’t be me. I stumbled into it, literally. I had no plans to become a wedding photographer. Read more>>
jessie zevalkink
Hey there ! I am Jess. Jessie. JZ. JessieBrave. I’ve been known around town as a portrait photographer, storyteller, and adventurer who spent a lot of time living on sailboats… it depends on who you ask and when and where they met me. Read more>>
Leslie Ann Pilling
Leslie Ann Pilling’s Journey Into Design Leslie Ann Pilling’s story in design began long before she ever recognized it as a career. As a child in Detroit, she found herself mesmerized by color, texture, and the small aesthetic decisions hidden in everyday objects—her neighbors patterned scarves, the stitching on her best friend’s mom, jacket, the elegance of storefront signs along Woodward Avenue. Read more>>
Demarick ‘Ledge’ Culpepper
I began my YouTube channel as a personality discussing a niche genre known as Battle Rap. I covered it officially since 2016. I conduct interviews, live stream sessions with supporters and drop vlogs about the current events in the battle rap community. I’ve pretty much made a name for myself for being honest, non biased and very relatable to the supporters whom i’m nothing without. Read more>>
Nydia The Serpent Sage
Absolutely. My story is one of remembering rather than becoming. I started like many people in the wellness space—searching for answers to my own imbalances, my own emotional weight, and the parts of life that didn’t make sense logically. What I didn’t know then was that everything I was questioning would eventually lead me into a path that blends mysticism, science, and ancestral wisdom. Read more>>
Teghan Devon
When I was 10 I started guitar lessons. I was really bored learning at first so I started writing songs to make it more fun. Eventually, I learned how to play Blackbird by The Beatles and that’s what made me fall in love with guitar. I kept writing songs and in high school I was privileged to be able to go to multiple songwriting camps. Read more>>
Gavin Jackson
I started this journey long before I ever stepped into a classroom. Growing up, my community and my village at school poured into me in ways that shaped my whole life. So when I think about how I got here today, it really feels like I’m just reaching my hand back to give what was given to me. Read more>>
Alysia Boles
My journey is a blend of faith, family, music, and service. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, in a Christ-centered home. Music was woven into my life from the very beginning. Read more>>
Nakia Scott
My journey really began in 2018. At the time, I didn’t have a perfect plan — it was something that found me. I reached a point where I knew I had to bet on myself, so I quit my job and stepped into the unknown with nothing but faith in my own potential. Not long after, I discovered my gift for creating oil paintings. Read more>>
Destinée Edging
I first found my love for photography as a young child when my mother would have me take her pictures with her very first digital camera. Over the decades it grew into a fascination for taking pictures of anything I found to be pretty or interesting. In 2021 I had my first child and staged “photoshoots” with my iPhone at the time. Read more>>
Chyna Jackson
I started my journey in eighth grade through a program called STEM Greenhouse, where the staff saw potential in me and pushed me to go further. They encouraged me to write an essay for the Michigan Afterschool Partnership, and winning that contest opened up everything for me. Read more>>
Precious Green
I’m a first-generation student with a Detroit rhythm and an entrepreneurial spirit. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and am completing my post master’s in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University. Read more>>
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>>
