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.
Whitney Pelfrey
For the most part, it’s been a smooth road—though the hardest part was simply figuring out where to start. When I first saw the event space, it was just an empty warehouse: no decor, echoing sound, and a strong industrial, masculine feel that I knew I’d need to soften. I had a lot of ideas that pulled me in different directions at first, but once I landed on a brand and design that truly spoke to me, everything clicked—and I ran with it. Read more>>
Zach Panzeca
Fast forward to April 2018, when I was given an incredible opportunity to work as a photographer for a video production company. I thought I had hit the jackpot! But, as it turns out, the job didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The pay was low, I was on-call 24/7, and the working environment wasn’t great. Despite this, I learned so much about myself, the industry, and—most importantly—how to shoot in manual mode. Read more>>
Ashley Wilson
One of the things I’m most proud of is how comfortable I’m able to make people feel in front of the camera, especially on their wedding day. I know how overwhelming the day can be, so I do everything I can to keep things calm, simple, and fun. Helping people feel at ease and actually enjoy the experience is a big part of why I love what I do! Read more>>
Elijah Anderson
It’s crazy how it started actually . It all started with an idea that popped in my head right after I graduated high school . That idea was me owning my own barbershop . I’m not sure where the idea came from or how it was planted . Some may some God , I can strongly agree with that & I will say that it led to one of the best decisions I ever made., Which is becoming an Image Consultant / Professional barber . I believe God used the girlfriend I had at the time to push the idea of me being a barber . Read more>>
Mariah Balog
My husband, RJ, and I moved in together less than four months after we started dating — when you know, you know. Just one month later, I was approached with the opportunity to purchase The Train Station. I knew immediately it was something I wanted to do. When I asked RJ, “Do you want to buy a gym?” he was shocked — but said yes. We haven’t looked back since, and officially took ownership in August 2023. Read more>>
Kristen Hardesty
After graduation, I joined the in-house photography studio at JOANN Stores Headquarters, where I worked as the studio operations planner. I spent five years there while continuing to grow my photography business on the side. Eventually, that side hustle became a full-time career—not just for me, but for my husband as well, who joined the business six months later and brought videography into our offerings. Read more>>
Monica “Muwosi” Windom
So, I grew up around instruments and music. I was familiar with the DAW- Logic Pro because my dad and my cousin Terrance used it, this was back in like 2015. So, I got my hands on Logic and started toying around with its’ features. I would make beats that were electronic house and I’d perform at Off The Block which was an open mic at The Mockbee. This was late 2016 early 2027. From there, the rest was history and I’ve been doing music ever since. Read more>>
Nia Grain
I’m a fashion designer who specializes in creating original garments from scratch and transforming old clothing into bold, wearable art. I love breathing new life into forgotten pieces and turning them into something unexpected and expressive. I’m best known for my bold designs that push boundaries while telling a story. Whether it’s a statement jacket with bold sleeves or a skirt from repurposed denim, I aim to challenge the idea of what fashion can be. Read more>>
John Hutchison
We provide shelter, meals, care and guidance with support and referrals to address needs and restore our guests’ hope and renew their lives. By providing an achievable path and accountability to reach their goals, guests can break the cycle of homelessness and live an abundant life. Our guests have their basic needs met and then we are able to help guide them to work on the root of what has caused their homelessness. When basic needs are met, along with support and structure available, our guests are able to truly address their situation to become self-sufficient and live abundant lives. Read more>>
Olivia Mullins
Working the makeup section, customers would constantly ask how my skin looked so clear, or how they could get theirs to glow like mine. Truthfully, I didn’t have a clue what toner did back then, or the difference between a cleansing balm and a cream. Don’t even ask me to explain the Fitzpatrick scale—I couldn’t. But something about helping people find the right skincare, the perfect lashes for a party, or the just-right blush for their wedding day lit a spark in me. Read more>>
Lisa Mackey
Growing up my dad always told me to do something you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. I have always loved art class, being creative, and baking, so I decided to pursue a career as a Pastry Chef. I went to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to get my degree as a certified Pastry Chef. I then worked at different resorts and bakeries in Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio, including a position as the Assistant Pastry Chef at a 5 Diamond Restaurant in West Palm Beach at The Breakers Hotel. I eventually settled down in Ohio and fell in love with cake decorating as my specialty. 22 years later I never imagined I would own my own bakery! Read more>>
Marisa Lehnert
I stay inspired by staying curious, constantly exploring, and having genuine interest in what people are making out there in the world. I believe creativity doesn’t thrive under fluorescent lights, and I work hard to bring a sense of wonder and openness to my teams. Whether it’s sparking new ideas, encouraging experimentation, or finding unexpected weird references that push the work forward, I love helping others stay lit up creatively. Read more>>
Haylie Keppler
Last year in 2024, I opened up the studio of my dreams, The Photo Depot, in North Canton. I have now dove head first into all sorts of photography, family, children’s, newborn, portraits, and creative sessions. It is so amazing getting to see people grow, from engagement sessions, to maternity…. Photographing their pregnancy announcement and gender reveals, to getting to meet their little one and then watch their little one grow up as their family continues to grow. It quite honestly is the greatest job in the world. Read more>>
Maggie Newton
I found myself constantly reaching out to photographers after my oldest daughter was born. I did not want to miss the opportunity to capture any of the important moments. The JOY it brought me to photograph these moments was something I decided I wanted to share with others. Read more>>
ELIZA WING
I began my professional life in journalism and digital media—leading teams, launching platforms, and navigating fast-paced, high-stakes environments. I held executive roles, but alongside all that, I was always drawn to the questions beneath it all: What does it mean to live with presence and purpose? How can we find peace even amidst our busy, stressed and often painful lives? Read more>>
Melissa Strong
I went against the grain and open a spa with no memberships that provides excellent services that are reasonably priced. We are non-membership and open 7 days to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules. We are approaching our 4-year anniversary this June. Our mission statement is that wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our overall well-being. Read more>>
Arissa Colvin
I kept learning different skills sets and adding products to my business . My business now provides Vaginal Yoni-Steams , Handmade Natural Soap, Boric Acid Suppositories, and Sunglasses. I’ve hosted Pop Up Shop with local small businesses and entrepreneurs. I used this as a way to get more people to notice my business as well as connect to my peers as we support one another. I now look continue to add new products to my business that women need for all their intimate hygiene needs. Shady Point of View is all about Self-Care and Self-Progress. Read more>>
Ozemenay (O.Z.) Taylor
Six years later, that same goal drives me every day. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing on my mind before I sleep. I love storytelling, captivating audiences, and sharing the highs and lows of my life. I believe I was put on this earth to share my imperfect story because no one’s life is perfect—and that’s okay. Read more>>
Soteria Pannell
I began posting online just being myself — sharing messages that came from the heart, scriptures that helped me, and moments from my modeling and acting work. Over time, I started going viral on Threads and Instagram for sharing bold, faith-based content that resonated with people. That led to more opportunities, visibility, and even launching a Christian brand that has now reached over 1 million views. Read more>>
Aaron James
At first, I was just singing live at local venues, trying to build a name for myself.. but one pivotal moment would change the way I viewed performances. I was selling tickets to a show at Peabody’s and the promoter told us “Whoever sells the most tickets, gets the prime slot right before the headliner”. Which at this time was Kid Cudi! After selling 20 tickets at $20 person, I walked in to the venue with $400 cash just knowing I got the prime slot! However, there were 20 other artist on the bill with the same idea.. the guy behind me sold 25 tickets ($500), the girl behind him sold 30 tickets ($600), and so on and so on.. It was in that moment that I realized, I couldn’t care less about the prime spot.. I wanted to be in the position of the promoter who collected all the money! Read more>>
Brandon Jester
Ever since a very young age I wanted to be a filmmaker. In grade school I would invite friends over to my house and use my parents camcorder to film silly little shorts. As I grew older my passion and drive grew as well. I was blessed with many opportunities that helped me grow as an artist and as a person. Through out many obstacles in my life including struggles with my mental health, I never lost that passion and always went towards my goal to be a filmmaker. As soon as I graduated high school I began being a part of many Cleveland Independent Film projects, and now over 10 years later I have my self owned video production company and do cinematograpy, editing, writing, and directing full time. Read more>>
