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.
Tracy Sartin
Once I decided to leave the military I begin to think about things that I wanted to do that I didn’t get a chance to. Acting came to the forefront of my mind. I started watching acting classes on YouTube before actually getting into a class. Read more>>
Kirsty Bailey
When my son was diagnosed autistic I was thrown into a deep dive of learning all I could. I then realised how little support is out there and trained instead of researching so I can provide the support lacking for families with disabled children Read more>>
Katie Kababik
Photography is always something I have enjoyed doing, even in high school. After graduating nursing school, I realized I didn’t have many hobbies and decided to pick the camera back up to find other ways to ‘fill my cup’ per se. I am completely self taught when it comes to photography and editing. Read more>>
James C. Turner
I grew up in Highland Park, Michigan, a small city completely surrounded by Detroit. From an early age, I was fascinated by storytelling, but my path to filmmaking wasn’t a straight line. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats. I’ve worked as a software engineer, a licensed banker, and earned both a film degree and a master’s degree in business. Read more>>
Avalon Cutts-Jones
I was born and raised right here in Grand Rapids Michigan. I am a product of Grand Rapids Public school, as a Central High alum.’Go Rams’. I come from a very musical family where everyone sings, plays, or preaches. Faith and music have always been major parts of my story. Read more>>
Miah Sims
I started building my brand in 2019 during the peak of the natural hair movement. As I shared my journey, I began connecting with a community that truly resonated with my content, and that momentum opened doors to collaborations with some incredible brands. Many of which are still leaders in their industries today. Read more>>
Lisa Milton
I started my business in 2009. I’d purchase pieces from the thrift or yard sales, paint and then sell them on Craigslist. As the demand grew I decided to move the our home to a small brick and mortar in our neighborhood. I taught myself how to reupholster furniture as I often ran into pieces that had beautiful bones but needed updated fabric. Read more>>
Sheana Kizer
My journey is driven by a singular mission: to ensure that others have the tools and support to navigate life’s challenges and build their own legacies. As a first-generation college graduate, I learned early on that success requires both grit and strategy, a lesson I carry with me every day, inspired by my parents who were both entrepreneurs. Read more>>
April Hickey
Bridgeport Music Collective (BMC) was founded in 2025 by three Bridgeport community members and musicians, Kelly Quesada, April Hickey and Dan Galat. Read more>>
Paul Allen
I’m relatively a newbie in the art of photography. I bought my first camera (Canon R6) off Facebook Marketplace sort of on a whim in September of 2024. I started shooting pretty much everything I could right off the bat. In 2025 I made a promise to myself to post at least one photo everyday to instagram. Read more>>
Boss Wop
My name is Marc McLeod, also known as Boss Wop, and I’m the Founder and CEO of Ground Level Music Group. My journey in music started from a passion for helping independent artists who had talent but lacked opportunities and resources. What began as a small vision eventually grew into a full-fledged music company focused on artist development, content creation, music distribution, and community impact. Read more>>
Jessica Sweet
I started modeling when I was a kid. I’d make my own outfits and put on a performance. My parents would always find me singing and dancing in the craziest outfits. I quit modeling for a long while, i was trying to figure out who i wanted to be, so i spent a lot of time experimenting with different styles. Read more>>
Lara Webster
I got my start on Food Network. I have always had a passion for food and thought about starting a restaurant. I decided, on a whim, to apply for The Great Food Truck Race when I saw they were casting randomly online. On a coffee high, I decided to apply. Read more>>
Cea Green
Diamonds and Pearls Special Events was founded from my passion for bringing people together and creating memorable celebrations. I have always enjoyed planning events, decorating spaces, and helping others turn their visions into reality. What began as assisting family and friends with special occasions soon grew into a desire to build a business that could serve the community. Read more>>
Faith Elie
I knew I wanted to become a therapist when I was in middle school. Even before I had personal experience with therapy, I was deeply drawn to the idea of sitting one-on-one with people, helping them better understand themselves, and hopefully find some relief from what they were struggling with. Read more>>
Tonae Grimes
T2collectionz started as my boutique back in 2011, and over the years it slowly grew with me as I discovered new passions within the beauty industry. In 2018, I started doing lashes, which eventually led me to attend esthetician school in 2022 and become a licensed esthetician. That same year, I opened my own suite to create a relaxing self-care experience for my clients. Read more>>
Mike Anderson
My parents and I started Chippewa River Outfitters in 1996. I lived close to the river and my parents wanted to invest During the summer months people would always come to my house to call for rides. I have relatives that have canoe liveries and after talking with them the idea was born. 30 years later we are still going strong. Read more>>
Donna Coulter
# HIGHER GROUND ABODES: OUR STORY OF FAITH AND COMMUNITY ## When a Seed Isn’t Watered In 2016, my life looked fine—family functioning, work steady, health good. But inside, I was in anguish. So I did what I’ve learned to do in those moments—I sat with God. Not asking for anything big. Just trying to understand what was off. Read more>>
Wendy Warren
While I was house hunting in East Jordan (Northern Michigan) in 2018, I drove by Wagbo Farm & Education Center and was immediately attracted to its big historic livestock barn, rustic farmhouse and outbuildings and the sheep in the field. I was hoping to be a farmer in the next chapter of my life, and I thought, what better neighbors than a farmstead with sheep! Read more>>
Ian Schulist
Opened my business in 2016 in Farmington Hills MI. I was a passionate collector and began selling pieces on the side as a hobby and additional income. I decided to take my eye for design out into the business world and open my shop. Read more>>
Russ Bahri
My passion for automobiles started at birth. Two days after I was born, I was brought home in a 1970 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, a car that remains in my family today. Growing up, I spent much of my childhood in my family’s automotive shop located at 7 Mile and Woodward in Detroit, Michigan. Read more>>
Shane Fan
I’m known as the internet detective on social media for making entertaining mystery solving content. I’m also the creator behind waterfallhunt.com, a real-world treasure hunt with over $10,000 in hidden treasure. I grew up as a curious kid wanting to be an inventor, and I’m slowly realizing my childhood dreams. Read more>>
Momo Madison
Monique Madison started doing drag in 1996. Beginning in Kalamazoo at the young age of 18, Monique has been lucky enough to perform all over the country with house cast positions in Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit. Monique has had two film role in A Holiday I Do and Delirium. Read more>>
Bianca Bekke
My story started about 28 years ago. I was a freshman at Central Michigan University attempting to discern my major and what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I knew one thing, I was tired of being in school. I wanted to earn my degree as soon as possible and get on with living my life. Read more>>
Phalia Harris
I started my career in the beauty industry as a freelance bridal makeup artist. My love for flawless complexions and bridal beauty sparked a new interest in skincare and esthetics. Over the years, I noticed that many of my clients were not only looking for makeup tips and advice but were also drawn to my skin-focused approach to makeup. Read more>>
Blight Hernandez
I’m a self-taught artist and designer from Detroit, creating wearable art under the name Be The Light. My journey didn’t begin in a fashion school or a traditional studio—it started with a desire to transform what already existed into something new, edgy and fun. I’m really drawn to the stories embedded in materials, especially discarded ones. Read more>>
Sean Katchuba
As far back as I can remember I have always dreamt of having a Pizzeria, boxes stacked to the ceiling, pizzas coming out of the oven, the smells, and my family recipes. I have always been a self motivator and Ive tried in the past but it didn’t work out. Read more>>
Larz Cabot
I picked up a guitar at 15 years old and never put it down. I was fortunate in that I had the ability to become a decent player relatively quickly. Though neither of my parents were musicians there was a lot of music in my youth. Read more>>
Luna-Belle Meza
I have always loved slime! My uncle used to buy me slime ingredients so I could make my own slime at home. One day, my mom asked me if I wanted to start my own slime business, and I said yes! That’s how MooZoo Slime Shop started. At first, I just made slime for fun, but then I started selling it at markets and events. Read more>>
Clinton Zimmerman
I grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan, and my journey began at 16 when I started working in a local health food store. This early experience in natural food grocery markets throughout my 20s sparked my interest in holistic health. At 19, I decided to pursue my passion by attending school to become a Naturopathic doctor. Read more>>
Bethanie Thielke
Photography found me during a season when I was learning just how quickly life changes and how precious memories become after having my children. What started as a creative outlet my senior year in high school grew into a lifelong passion for preserving the people, moments, and connections that matter most. Read more>>
Emily Benka
Rosebloom started because I couldn’t find a hat that actually fit me. I used to work in headwear, and I was required to wear a hat every day. That sounds simple enough, except I wear my hair in a high bun. Standard hats aren’t built for that, and ponytail hats aren’t either. Read more>>
Caylin Scott
When people ask how I came to own Rockford Pilates Studio, the answer really begins more than ten years ago when I first walked into a Pilates class as a client back in Denver CO. Five years ago, my husband and I made a big life change and moved from Denver, Colorado, to Rockford, Michigan. Read more>>
Wendee Hofbauer-Drees
In 2014 my now husband and I adopted a stray kitten who was about 8-9 weeks old. We named her Piper. In 2019 she passed away very unexpectedly but I knew her story wasn’t over. February 2019 I started my journey on starting a small rescue under her name, named Piper’s Palace. Read more>>
Rayshawn Robinson Jr
Growing up in Jackson, Michigan wasn’t easy. I was raised in a single-mother household with 2 siblings, one with special needs, and responsibility found me early. When my mom lost her job of 11 years and our house foreclosed, we were living in and out of friends’ homes and cars just to stay afloat. Read more>>
Tiffany “ Trill” Scott
Igot my start at 13, so the industry has essentially been the backdrop of my life. Early on, it was about the pure love of acting and booking the next gig. As I grew, my philosophy completely shifted. I became much more intentional about the roles I take, focusing on quality over quantity and alignment with great filmmakers. Read more>>
Kristin Coffey
If you had asked me in high school what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you that I planned to own my own printing company. During my junior year, I attended the Jackson Area Career Center for their Visual Communications program, initially intending to become an Interior Designer. However, I developed a strong passion for the printing industry. Read more>>
Taylor Danos-Terry
Photography has always been part of my life. I come from a line of “photographers.” My papa, my dad’s dad, always had a camera in his hand. He documented everything, especially my brother’s and my childhood, and those photos have become some of my most treasured memories. Read more>>
Shar Michele & Syd Renee N/A
Dorothy’s Pearl began as the vision of me (Shar) and my mom. What started as a conversation while watching tv evolved into a mobile boutique and eventually grew into a fully trademarked brand. As the business expanded, my daughter, Syd, joined me and we became a mother-daughter team. Syd designs our handbags, while I oversee the marketing and apparel side of the business. Read more>>
P One Entertainment
P One Entertainment was founded by husband-and-wife team Slym Beno and Alex Wilson. P One stands for “Purposeful Opportunities Never End,” a phrase that reflects both our mission and our personal journey. We created P One Entertainment to build meaningful opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, and community members through entertainment, networking, artist development, and community engagement. Read more>>
Megan Love
I started loving coffee at a young age, always seeing it as the center of connection. As I grew older that part of coffee remained constant among the other benefits it provides a college student working two jobs. Upon graduating I ended up working for a corporate coffee chain, running multiple stores and loving the pace and growth opportunities. Read more>>
Angelina Crosby
I started my photography journey back in 2020 when I purchased my first working camera which had been a Polaroid Now!. I only began playing around with it, taking random photos of friends, nature etc. it wasn’t until 2022 when I finally got a digital camera (My Canon t7) from a pawn shop of all places, it was history from that moment on. Read more>>
Alyssa Sumption
Starting a business in my parents’ basement was never the plan, but boy, am I happy it happened that way! While in my second year of college, I created an Etsy digital product. 1 turned into 300, and businesses started reaching out to me asking to run their social media. Read more>>
Robin Wilson
My journey has not been linear, but creativity has always been a constant thread throughout my life. Even while teaching full-time at the elementary school level in Detroit, I was creating fiber artwork and writing stories. Even then, I was a maker and creator. Read more>>
Lauren Dematteo
It all began when my husband Tony and I moved from Boulder, Colorado back to my hometown of Hart Michigan. Living in Colorado gave us a really great opportunity to foster the idea behind what our business is today. For many years I worked as a barista for a high volume café serving specialty coffee to many people daily. Read more>>
Porsche Miles
Professionally, I have dedicated my career to public service, leadership development, and effective communication. My journey began long before my professional career, as I developed a passion for leadership, service, and civic engagement while attending Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. Read more>>
Lindsay Theisen
As we approach our 10-year anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought us to this milestone. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has happened over the last decade. There have been countless hours of hard work, long nights, difficult decisions, and moments that tested our determination. Read more>>
