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.
Taron Youngblood
You began TY Notary Services by spotting a need in Kent County and Grand Rapids. From those early days, with just ambition and precision, it grew into a trusted mobile notary service. Today, it stands as a reflection of my detailed-oriented approach and commitment to serving my community. Read more>>
Laura Raisch
My path wasn’t a straight line, but it’s always been rooted in a love for community and the arts. I’ve been connected to the arts from an early age—trained in ballet and theater—and that creative foundation has stayed with me throughout my life. Read more>>
Jonah Jasman
I screen printed on glassware for 8-10 years, eventually took a job as a screen printer to decorate clothing, somehow ended working in the embroidery department of that company and I enjoyed it much more than screen-printing. Read more>>
Joanna Thornton
Over a decade ago, I made a career shift into agriculture, inspired by my long-standing passion for gardening since childhood. Just like my plants, I began to flourish in this new venture. The year before the pandemic I started collaborating with my fellow farmers to collectively build a business that meets the needs of small farms here in northern Michigan. Read more>>
Tenia Martin
Building Smile Society Photobooth has been a journey of intentionality, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence as a Black woman in the small business landscape. I got to where I am today by transforming a vision of joy into a high-standard service refusing to settle for anything less. Read more>>
Chris Nordin
I am a 1990 graduate of the College for Creative Studies where I majored in glass works and minored in metalworking. As an artist, I always wanted to be as technically accomplished as possible to create any art he imagined. To that end, I am recognized as a master glass artist and an accomplished blacksmith and fabricator. Read more>>
Jeff Stillman
I joined Avon Players Community Theater in November 1997. I had done theater in high school and college, and after two years as a working professional I wanted to get back onstage. Read more>>
Makeda Turner, PhD
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI, and a product of Detroit Public Schools (Cass Technical High School). I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, Master in Higher Education Student Affairs, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Read more>>
Darryl Smith
Funny Meeting, Markus and I were a summer festival and he was taking some photos and I was there also taking some photos. He had this Canon camera bag then pulled out a Sony camera. I am a Canon shooter so I made a joke that he was ashamed of shooting Sony so he carried a Canon bag. Read more>>
Karel Vandervelden
Like many newly married couples, my wife struggled to sleep next to me due to my loud (according to her) snoring. My wife is a nurse practitioner and told me that I probably have sleep apnea and need a CPAP. Read more>>
Leiko Bergers
I didn’t set out to open a boutique Mirthy Emporium really grew out of a lifelong thread of creativity, healing, and connection. My background is actually pretty layered. I studied interior design and have always been surrounded by art and visual storytelling. I later spent many years working for the U.S. Read more>>
Trevor Hopkins
When I was 18 I was presented with the opportunity to purchase my first home. I decided this was the right decision for me vs going to school. Ultimately I did not know what I wanted to do or where to go. I have no connections, I’m young and I don’t come from much. Read more>>
Megan Oxley
As an ER Physician in Detroit, I observed that without mental health, there is no physical health. Modern psychiatry was often treating mental illness like an overwhelmed ER, stabilizing clients to get them out the door without healing root causes. I discovered the immense benefits of ketamine when researching depression treatment options for a family member who was really struggling. Read more>>
Rosa Lee
My name is Rosa Lee. I’m the founder of My Urban Toddler, a children’s boutique and e-commerce brand I started in 2006 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I actually came from a background in architecture and acting, so I’ve always approached business through a creative and storytelling lens. When I became a mom, I saw a need for connection. Read more>>
Michael Syrjala
Hello, My name is Michael Scott. I grew up in St. Ignace, Michigan. The story of how I started my business, Ive been a restaurant guy since i was 14 bussing tables at the Galley. Since then, I’ve worked every position in a restaurant, and I’ve worked in some cool places, California, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, I’ve lived in many resort areas and tourist towns. Read more>>
Alison Costello
I grew up in Monroe, in the southeast part of the state, and some of my favorite memories were the trips we’d take Up North to visit family and friends. I fell in love with Charlevoix after my uncle bought a cabin there and invited us to spend time in the summers together. Read more>>
Nick Cappelletti
I came to the art world later in life, and in some ways that’s been a gift. In my forties, I started spending time around artists and creative communities and it felt alive and stimulating. What began as curiosity turned into a real pull. I started traveling not with a plan, but with intent seeking out artists, studios, small shows, conversations. Read more>>
Jim Makowski
I came to the art world later in life, and in some ways that’s been a gift. In my forties, I started spending time around artists and creative communities and it felt alive and stimulating. What began as curiosity turned into a real pull. I started traveling not with a plan, but with intent seeking out artists, studios, small shows, conversations. Read more>>
Kim Darrah
I started a boating magazine in the year 2000 which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The 2026 edition of the print “Lake St. Clair Guide” has grown from 24 pages to today’s 164 pages with 150+ sponsors and 20,000 annual copies. The www.lakestclairguide.com “website” followed several years later in 2007 Read more>>
Sarah Dykes
I’ve always considered myself an entrepreneur at heart. I started in the hospitality industry more than 25 years ago, owning and managing bars and restaurants, and later even launched a spray tanning business in Houston that I eventually brought to Traverse City. Hospitality taught me the value of exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and creating experiences where people feel truly taken care of . These are lessons I’ve carried into every aspect of my real estate career. Read more>>
Candace Capps
How I got started: I was working as Director of Engineering in the healthcare space. While doing that, I wanted to start a fun place for the community to gather, hang with friends, create memories, have delicious food & drinks, and enjoy great music. Read more>>
Julie Wentworth
After finishing my MBA during the pandemic, I realized that I wanted to do more. I bought and sold a food business, and vending machine business. I was ready for my next adventure when I found myself wanting to be in the Wedding business. We recently purchased an established wedding barn. Read more>>
