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.
Latoyia Smith
Honestly having a profession as an Artist may as well been a curse word to me growing up. Not that my family discouraged me; in contrary along with working at a factory in Passaic, NJ my father was an incredible artist and Photographer. Read more>>
Natasha Coco Benitez
My mother convinced me to go to my very first spin class in 2008. I was addicted to the energy and magnetism of group fitness right away! Before long, I changed my mindset about movement and eating, which shifted my physical appearance and made wellness a top priority in my life. I knew I wanted to help others live a happier and healthier life. Read more>>
Flora & Beks Amadi
Our journey with Heaven’s Hands Assisted Living began with a shared calling to create a space where care feels deeply personal, dignified, and rooted in compassion. Inspired by real-life experiences caring for loved ones and recognizing gaps in traditional care, we built this home to serve with genuine understanding and purpose. Read more>>
Suzanne Simon
Chaia started with a pretty simple idea: vegetables could be the main event. Back in 2017, when farmers markets were having a real moment and growing in popularity in our region, we were spending time at the White House Farmers Market surrounded by incredible produce. It felt obvious, why weren’t vegetables being treated with the same excitement and care as everything else? Read more>>
Susan Ways
My vision to open my own barre studio was born during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. After the passing of my husband, I searched for purpose and a path forward. I found barre and practiced regularly, finding it to be more than just a workout — it became a place of healing, strength, and connection. Read more>>
Emily Chastain
I went to school for photojournalism, thinking I wanted to work for a newspaper. In fact, I did an internship at the Harrisonburg Daily News Record in Harrisonburg, VA. But at the end of the summer, they weren’t hiring (like most other newspapers at the time), and I needed a paying job to support my unpaid internship. Read more>>
Mary Huntsberry
I’ve always loved animals, particularly dogs. After having dabbled in trick training with my pet dogs as a child, I started to take training seriously with my first dog as a young adult in college. Mentored by some amazing obedience trainers through the local Animal Assisted Therapy program, I feel privileged to have learned how to bond and work with a dog under challenging conditions. Read more>>
Peter Preston
My path into construction and business ownership is rooted in both legacy and experience. I come from a multi-generational background in the trades—my grandfather was a master mason, and my father owned his own business—so from an early age, I was exposed to both the craft and the responsibility that comes with building something of your own. Read more>>
Dian Budram
My journey into healthcare began at the age of 19, when I started working as a nursing assistant. Over the next two years, I gained valuable hands-on experience caring for patients, which inspired me to pursue further education and obtain my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Read more>>
Chris Ford
I was a former collegiate and professional catcher turned full‑time instructor and academy founder. A multi‑sport youth athlete, baseball emerged as his passion through tee ball, travel and showcase play, and standout years at Arundel High School, where he earned national attention (No. 272 overall, No. 2 catcher in Maryland) and preseason All‑American honors in 2015. Read more>>
Kenyatta Smith-Simpson
I’m Kenyatta Smith-Simpson- a mom, wife, educator, and entrepreneur- and my story is rooted in two simple, powerful feelings: the joy of watching my family/community thrive and helping a child to realize “I can do it.” That moment- whether it’s trying a shoe, achieving a goal, learning a new word, or building confidence- has fueled me for over 28 years. Read more>>
Andrew Heiser
My career in advertising technology began as a Product Manager with local Baltimore startups Advertising.com and Millennial Media. These two companies were pioneers of large scale, data driven ad networks in web and mobile respectively. Both have an extensive alumni network with dozens of successful leaders now guiding the biggest players in New York and Silicon Valley. Read more>>
Michelle Bregenzer
Stella Electric began in 2016 with a simple but meaningful goal: to build an electrical company that delivered on its promises while creating opportunity for people who are often overlooked in the trades. As a 100% female-owned Small Business Enterprise, Stella has always been about more than electrical work. Read more>>
Karina Kennedy
Art always resonated with me, even as a young child. Being able to see art that have lasted through decades has always caught my attention, how incredible is it to see what people have created so long ago yet it still leaves you with so many emotions. Read more>>
David Parraguirre
I’m David Parraguirre, also known as The Mexican Carpenter. I’ve been in construction for over 25 years, starting from the ground up. Like many in this industry, I didn’t have a shortcut—I learned by working, making mistakes, and showing up every single day. Read more>>
Riaa Renee
My story with aRiaaReneeProduction didn’t come from a simple or linear place—it grew out of a mix of ideas, experiences, and moments I didn’t even realize were building toward something bigger.—I didn’t have access to the kind of opportunities I wanted growing up. Read more>>
Jenny Leon
Hi there, my name is Jenny Leon. I’m a proud Colombian that arrived the United States in 2019 as an Au Pair (or live-in nanny). I came up with the hope of finding better ways, a better financial situation, as well as with the excitement that working in this country would finally allow me to complete my degree in business. Read more>>
Tom Gera
DC Wine & Spirits is focused on making wine, champagne, and spirits gifting simple, premium, and reliable. Going forward, my goal is to keep building it into a brand people trust when they want to send something meaningful. Read more>>
Courtney Shelton
My journey really started long before I ever thought about it as a “career.” I grew up around the beauty industry my mom was a cosmetologist for over 20 years and my dad is a barber so the salon environment was always a part of my life. Read more>>
Rodette Jones
I was farm manager at Filbert Street and Baltimore City DPW wanted to take the adopt-lot the garden was on to make it a water filtration station. This garden is in a food desert which provides fresh vegetables for the community as well as community green space that enhances mental health and nutritional add value to diets. Read more>>
Genevieve Lu
I almost didn’t go to college due to personal matters and my family’s financial situation at the time. I worked hard in high school as an International Baccalaureate student balancing many extra curricular activities. A classmate of mine nominated me for The Posse Foundation Scholarship. Read more>>
Rochelle Lynn
My journey has been one of love, loss, faith, and purpose. For more than 32 years, I have dedicated my life to caring for children, pouring into families, and creating safe spaces where young minds can grow, learn, and feel truly loved. What began as a passion for helping children became the foundation of my life’s work. Read more>>
Matt Roberts
I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t been such a bad student in high school. I barely graduated, I had a 1.2 GPA and a Juvenile Criminal Record. With no plans for the future and fewer prospects my mother decided the best thing to do was send me off to the other side of the planet. Read more>>
`Cameron Martin
I started my sneaker journey back in my sophomore year of high school while working my first job at McDonald’s. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about building a business—I just loved sneakers. I would buy, sell, and trade both used and new pairs, learning the game little by little. Every dollar I made went right back into the next flip. Read more>>
Brandi Bridgett
My story didn’t start in business. It started in survival. I am a Gold Star wife. When my husband passed away while serving our country, everything in my life changed overnight. Read more>>
Alexis Nance
Thank you for considering me to be a part of this meaningful experience. My professional journey began when I was asked to serve as a Notary in my workplace. As I took the initiative to research the duties and responsibilities associated with the role, I recognized an opportunity to expand my skills beyond the workplace and into my own business. Read more>>
DEBORAH MARINELLI; MORGAN WELCK
In 2020, Deborah Marinelli began serving the homeless through mobile services throughout Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City. Starting the journey in a pick up truck with totes filled with nonperishable foods, clothing, hygiene items, On the Go Homeless Outreach grew into something larger. Read more>>
Camila Sanchez
As a certified fitness instructor since 2012, It started with my own weight loss journey where I was 317lbs. I became a fitness instructor and lost over 70lbs. I’ve inspired countless women begin or continue their wellness journeys through dance fitness classes. Read more>>
Alison Jefferies
I discovered my passion for personalized accessories in late 2011 when I was planning my wedding and was dissatisfied with the jewelry offerings I found at bridal shops. I opted to make a set of matching jewelry for my bridesmaids instead, and just a few short months later I opened an online shop for my creations. Read more>>
Frank Kerrigan
The Apawthecary Co. really started from a mix of curiosity, creativity, and frustration. I’ve always been someone who likes figuring out how things work and improving them, and over time that turned into experimenting with candles, skincare, and body care products at home. Read more>>
Krystal Bailey
I’ve been a creative person my whole life. I grew up watching my dad, a DJ and costume designer, turn fabric, music, and whatever he had on hand into something amazing at our kitchen table. As a kid, I swore I was going to be a fashion designer. Life nudged me toward graphic design instead, but creativity was always the thread. Read more>>
Belinda Johnson
My journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start as a straight line. It started with passion, resilience, and a willingness to rebuild. I’ve spent over 20 years in the media industry, working in broadcast television across multiple departments including production, programming, and public affairs. Read more>>
Malcolm Compton
With over a decade of immersive travel to the vibrant island of Curaçao, rich in history, culture, and Carnival energy, we decided to bring the full island experience — and then some! Winter Soulstice Curaçao Weekend, an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, connection, and Carnival was created to bring awareness to a relatively new place for American tourists. Read more>>
Elizabeth Kim
My Daily Goal: To love first.’ Elizabeth is a Korean-American and native of Northern Virginia. Her daily goal in life is to love God and to love others. Elizabeth graduated in 2003, with a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising from VCU’s School of Fashion Design & Merchandising in Richmond, VA. Read more>>
Victoria Burgess
I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland. I moved to Las Vegas in the fall of 2012 for the weather and the energy of Sin City. I built my career in hospitality, working as a server and bartender, which meant I was fully immersed in a culture where drinking isn’t just common, it’s the default. You’re either a normal drinker or you have a problem. Read more>>
