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.
Stephanie Martis
I started crocheting in 2018, and my sister in law got me interested in it, and helped guide me ! I because instantly obsessed lol. I studied yarn, hooks, patterns, and saved a lot on Pinterest. I practiced crocheting everyday, it became my full time favorite hobby! I made a lot of teacher gifts, donations, and gifts for my family and friends. Read more>>
Shauntarius Hinton
My journey as an entrepreneur began with a passion for creativity and a love for bringing joy to others through my content and desserts. In 2021, I officially launched Shauni’s Sweets LLC with a vision of creating custom desserts and floral arrangements for special moments and celebrations. Read more>>
Kristen Lorenz
My path into dietetics was honestly a happy accident. I’ve always loved food and genuinely loved helping people, but it wasn’t until college that I stumbled upon the dietetics major and thought this is it. I changed my major and never looked back. What came next was intentional, though. I started my career in intense clinical settings, and I’m really grateful for that foundation. Read more>>
Layne Kangas
I’m a West Michigan native, and my career has really been defined by a love for building systems and helping people succeed. I actually started my professional career in the banking and mortgage industry before pivoting to focus heavily on operations and management. Read more>>
Leon Benson
From the Clay to the Concrete: My Journey of Creation, Culture, and Survival THE FOUNDATION: A FLINT CREATIVE IS BORN I grew up in Flint, Michigan. I had a solid foundation—a stable, two-parent household in what we’d deem an average, middle-class neighborhood today, though it was intimately surrounded by the stark realities of urban poverty. But my true story begins with creation. Read more>>
Erick Hernandez
I was born on October 2, 2000, in Plano, Texas, and raised in Garland by my Mexican immigrant parents, Silverio Hernandez Perez and Lorenza Leos Jimenez. As a first-generation Mexican American, my upbringing was deeply rooted in hard work, family, and music. Read more>>
Christine Shipley
Our business ProHouse Designs LLC. began in July 2013. We started out in a garage space initially until we found a brick and mortar space in Wayne, MI. which is actually where my printing career began over 45 years ago. I took a graphic arts class in high school where they touched on printing and immediately fell in love with textile printing. Read more>>
Amber Ward
Hey everyone, Amber here! I am an artist with 14 years of experience in the tattoo industry, specializing mostly in colorful illustrative designs. My journey has most recently landed me at Sparrows Nest in Grand Rapids after owning a studio called Portfolio Ink in Three Rivers for eight years. Read more>>
David Tan
My name is Ricardo Pruneda, and I’m an artist/entertainer/photographer… My stage name is Dirty White.. I’ve had several original music projects over the year and worked in various bars and what not as DJ Dirty White. Read more>>
Ryan Effgen
I am a debut author whose novel, Make Nice, is set in a fictional island in the great lakes…the island in question is undeniably inspired by Mackinac Island. I was inspired to write this story as I got to thinking about the whole idea of family…what is it, exactly? What obligations do we have to each other? Read more>>
Jamie Zayac
I started just like everyone else. I had an idea that turned into a dream. I think it’s important to hold that dream in your mind, because every day you should be taking inspired action towards it. Read more>>
Maeva Salomon
It started when I was 7 years old. I told my mom I wanted to be ‘the people in the TV.’ She took me to an acting and modeling agency and I got in, but the classes and portfolio costs were out of reach for us financially. Read more>>
Rhonda Alexia Webb
You know, my story doesn’t start where most people would expect. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. and for 25 years I was a licensed cosmetologist and co-owner of a salon. I loved what I did — I built real relationships, developed my craft, and created something I was proud of. But eventually I felt a pull toward something greater. Read more>>
Cece D.
When I was younger I had always had a strong connection with storytelling through theater, my mother loves showing me movies of Broadway productions and taking me to professional theater or high school productions and I loved every moment of it. Read more>>
Amy Lape
We bought the farm in 2021. The only animals here at the time were 3 Perkins ducks. Shortly after we also bought chickens, for the eggs. We knew we wanted to do something more with livestock. After going back and forth and visiting many different farms we fell in love with alpacas. We found a mentor farm not too far away. Read more>>
STEVE CARO
I started off in the restaurant business and eventually ended up in the building trades. From there I got into the niche of yurt manufacturing. This led me into the campground and short term rental business. I do a combination of everything except the restaurant business to this day. Read more>>
TyLicia Broden
My journey to becoming a business owner wasn’t a straight line, but looking back, every step prepared me for where I am today. Professionally, I built my career in the insurance industry, where I developed skills in problem-solving, organization, and resilience. Read more>>
Jacquelyn Fausset
My background is actually in manufacturing — I spent years working in a factory making circuit boards, and precision tweezers were just part of my everyday toolkit. Then one day, my girlfriend treated me to a lash appointment, and when I watched the artist working, I immediately recognized those same tweezers. Something just clicked. Read more>>
Toni Porter
I founded Toni’s Collection in 2012 with a simple vision: to create beautiful, high-quality home fragrance products that make people feel at home wherever they are. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a luxury home fragrance brand offering handcrafted soy candles, home and linen mists, wax melts, diffuser oils, and interactive candle-making experiences through our Sip & Scents workshops. Read more>>
Danielle McKee
Ever since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by weddings. Looking back, I think part of that fascination came from being drawn to the joy, connection, and love that weddings represent. I was always curious about what brought people together and how those moments were created. Read more>>
Rachel Erin
We started this project in May 2020 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic with a simple goal: to create an affordable place where people could enjoy the outdoors, connect with horses, and experience the peace and beauty of nature. Our vision was ‘A Private Perch in an Enchanted Forest’—a place to slow down, unplug, and recharge. Read more>>
Michelle Maher
I graduated from Michigan State with a marketing degree/ minor in graphic design in the middle of Covid, got a job working remotely in corporate tech, and would craft and embroider in my spare time. I started out just making gifts for friends and family, a few custom requests here and there, and finally started creating designs for markets and crafts shows. Read more>>
Julius Davis
It all started in my grandma’s living room, where I would sit on the floor looking up at the TV repeatedly watching Sam Raimi’s “The Amazing Spider-man” and Spielberg’s “E.T” I couldn’t help but to get immersed in every scene. Read more>>
Ediel Romero
The story started between me (Coach E) and my brother Edwin. We moved to Fort Wayne in 2020. Edwin was a boxer but there was no boxing scene in Fort Wayne so we took matters into our hands. Later on Jarrell Harris (Co Founder) came on board he saw the vision and gave it structure, now we’re here. Read more>>
Fetti Fuego
I didn’t get into music until I was 11. My mom used to force a bald fade on me and I was constantly being told I looked like Slim Shady. Never knew who that was. I had a friend who was deep with media knowledge and gave me crap for not knowing who Eminem was. Read more>>
Norma Lopez-Pomeroy
Growing up I always had a love for photography. I loved the idea of capturing a moment in time, one that could not be replicated. I would borrow my dad’s camera and act like I knew what I was doing (I definitely did not). Read more>>
Jenny Metzmaker
Positive Somebody: A Small but Mighty Force for Healing in Mid‑Michigan Positive Somebody may be a small nonprofit, but its impact across Mid‑Michigan is anything but small. Read more>>
Karli Dawson
My whole life I was set on being a second grade teacher. I had such a deep passion for educating and loved kids, so I thought it would be the perfect fit. Fresh out of high school, two weeks before my classes started at Oakland University, I dropped out. Read more>>
Trinity Lewis
I’ve always loved creating. As a kid and into my tween years, I spent hours watching YouTube. I was fascinated by the people I saw sharing their lives and teaching new skills, and deep down I always dreamed of starting my own channel one day. Read more>>
Lucas West
When I was six years old, my mother put me in classical piano lessons. By the age of ten, I had added jazz piano, and classical/jazz trombone. Then in the 7th grade, after seeing my sister Clara in a theatre production, I decided I wanted to start singing! Read more>>
Jimmy Garner Jr
I was born into a household of optimism and resiliance. From the earliest moments of my memories, I can remember being taught to not fear standing out or apart. In school, sports, amoungst family and friends, in life. In elementary I would have to wear a tie on Wednesdays every week. It was my parents’ idea and I really didn’t like it at first. Read more>>
Christie Baer
I have been an attorney, a mediator, a political strategist, a fundraiser, and 48 other things—but I have always been an entrepreneur. It’s a curse, really. If I see a lot of people waiting in line for something, like a concert or a sporting event—I don’t wonder what they are in line for. Read more>>
Antonio Hood
I am Antonio Hood, a 23 year old music producer/musical theatre writer, composer and actor. I have been making beats since 2016 in 7th grade. My mama introduced me to Magix Music Maker, and then Fl Studio. I share the love of music with a lot of my family members, especially my Dad and my Auntie. Read more>>
Carson Matranga
It all started with dance. I’ve always loved entertaining people, so I started posting dance videos online. Then I met Brielle, and we started creating couple dance content on TikTok. Over time, our content naturally evolved into lifestyle and family content as we got married, had kids, and shared our everyday lives—including building and living in a tiny home. Read more>>
Kaila Hemphill
I began my content creation journey as a student-athlete at the University of Detroit Mercy, where I competed in track and field. During my undergraduate years, I landed several Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships, which introduced me to the world of brand collaborations and content creation. Read more>>
Dori Isufi
I came to America with husband from Albania 20 years ago, we were basically kids! We have been working in hospitality ever since. We own 7 of the Molly’s Cupcakes here in Chicago, and after spending so many years developing these businesses we decided it was time to build out our own home base. Read more>>
Alonna Stigger
I am a Detroit-born dancer, choreographer, certified life coach, and mother whose journey has been shaped by movement, faith, and personal transformation. My journey with movement began early in elementary school at Academy of Oak Park Marlow, where cheering first introduced me to performing. Read more>>
Zach Berg
I have been obsessed with food from a very young age. I found my way into commercial kitchens by the age of 13. I washed dishes and eventually cooked my way through high school and college. I studied Hospitality Business at Michigan State University. Read more>>
Megan Stinson
I have always been bursting at the seams with creativity, as well as having an entrepreneurial side. Instead of the usual lemonade stand, I decided one day, as a child, that I was going to sell sunflower seeds, and plucked every last one out of my mother’s sunflowers (sorry, Mom!). Read more>>
Brandy Jackson
My journey started in 2023 when I was severely missing a delicious sweet treat. I had recently transitioned to a plant based lifestyle and I was finding it difficult to satisfy my sweet tooth. I jokingly said one day ‘I should start a vegan dessert company’; after saying it a few times I finally decided to give it a try. Read more>>
Janeen & Jessica O’Toole & Maher
This could be a long one! The two of us met back in 2012 when our sons played travel soccer together. What started as countless hours on the sidelines quickly turned into a lifelong friendship. We instantly clicked and have been inseparable ever since. Over the years, we always talked about going into business together. Read more>>
Kathy Vega Hardy
I was a former accountant and when I was let go from my job, I started to think what else I can do. I noticed there was a lack of Filipino cuisine representation in Denver (where I started the business), I got to work on some recipes. Read more>>
Jade Moore
Smooth Collection began with my passion for skincare and my desire to create products that offered the qualities I was searching for. I wanted products that felt comfortable on the skin, weren’t overly sticky, came in a variety of shades and scents, and were made with ingredients that provided lasting moisture. Read more>>
Jennifer Valinski
Every dancer teacher has a story. Mine began as a young girl with a dream and a love for dance and tumbling. My dance and tumbling journey started in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where I trained at Dancer’s Workshop under the direction of Mary Lou Barnes. Read more>>
Katie Cotton
Flint Roller Derby (FRD) was founded in 2007 as the 4th flat-track roller derby league in the state of Michigan. Since the world of flat track roller derby was relatively new at the time, it took many years to establish itself as the competitive, athletic sport we know and love now. At that time, we were known as Flint City Derby Girls (FCDG). Read more>>
Jacqueline Drake
During an internship in Louisiana, where I helped care for hundreds of dogs at a rescue, I met and bonded with a very special dog named Puma. Read more>>
Victoria Zahul
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember. I grew up with dogs, I was completely horse obsessed as a kid, and honestly, if there was an animal around, that’s probably where you would have found me. Looking back, I probably should have known this was where I’d end up… it just took me a while to figure it out. Read more>>
Kitsu Fondue
I’ve always wanted to be onstage, to express my art and help others find the courage to do the same. Honestly, the longest goal was to be a musician (that is still in the works), to travel the country and the world. It was only in 2015 when I witnessed burlesque for the first time, and fell in love instantly. Read more>>
Samantha Carver
I’m Samm, a 33-year-old mom, small business owner, and the founder of Soul Sisters Safe Haven. My journey hasn’t been perfect or straightforward, but every chapter has helped shape who I am today. I became a mom as a teenager, and growing up alongside my daughter taught me responsibility, resilience, and how to keep going even when life feels heavy. Read more>>
Ryan Walsh
A defining moment in Elk Rapids history occurred in 2025, when the future of the building was placed at risk. Although I officially joined HERTHA in February 2026, I had closely followed the public discussions surrounding the Township’s decision to sell the property. Read more>>
Keith McCoy
My name is Keith McCoy, and I chose the camera as my weapon. This is a reference to the first book that I read upon losing my job and truly embarking on the path of an entrepreneur. The book is titled “A Choice of Weapons,” and it is the autobiography of legendary photographer Gordon Parks. Read more>>
Olivia Sabellico
My journey as a nail artist began in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. What started as a creative hobby quickly became an outlet that allowed me to express myself through art. Read More>>
Jeanette Faria
Sure! I’m the founder of Field + Flow by Jeanette Danielle Wellness, where I help clients uncover potential root causes of symptoms through bioenergetic testing and functional at-home labs. My path into this work wasn’t something I planned. Read More>>
