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.
Anthony Kraschinsky
My most fond memory is hanging out around the campfire with all of our family and friends. My worst memory is watching my favorite shirt combust into flames while it was drying on the back of a chair after we had played in the mud all day. We always had the best time there, and now I am able to take my son every year to enjoy the show from an entirely different perspective. We’re business owners now! It’s become a family tradition! Read more>>
Joe Dybala
Married for 12 years and together for 16, we make a great team. Our journey started with a focus on dog training, helping dogs of all breeds and temperaments become well-balanced companions for their owners. But as we worked with more clients, we realized our services went beyond just training—we were creating experiences that brought peace, confidence, and joy to both dogs and their owners. Read more>>
Sakshi Shah
On top of that, I started my freshman year of college just months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Suddenly, I was thousands of miles away from home, navigating lockdowns, online classes, and isolation without the comfort of family nearby. The uncertainty of travel restrictions made it even harder, knowing that I couldn’t visit home even if I wanted to. That experience tested my resilience in ways I never expected—it forced me to build a support system from scratch, find ways to stay motivated, and adapt to constant change. Read more>>
Lukas Martin
In the early days, my schedule was relentless working for five hours in the morning, attending school for eight hours, and then coming back to work until 9 or 10 PM. The long days and sacrifices were tough, but what kept me going was my competitive nature. I’ve always loved competitive sports, and I truly believe that running a business is one of the most challenging and rewarding games you can play. Read more>>
Loni Friedmann
I’m type 1. I took a genetic eye exam and it took a year to find out how and why I became DeafBlind. The test results said I was born DeafBlind. I found out at age 29. It changed my life and perspective 360 degrees. I’m now an advocate for Deaf and DeafBlind communities related to accessibility, audism, vidism, Deaf & DeafBlind awareness on Instagram for over 4 years now, I do consulting for access, teach ASL and my business is called Functional ASL. I’m an artist as well- I make a lot of tactile art. Read more>>
Ross Dykstra
Five Daughters Construction is a boutique home builder that works across Southern Ohio & Kentucky, with nearly 100 custom homes built from the ground up. We work directly with clients in building their custom dream home that is outside of the “cookie cutter” big box options. With high end finishes, attention to detail and custom craftsmanship, Five Daughters believes in curating “less house, more home” for each unique client we serve because we truly believe “home is where the heart is” and it should be prioritized as such. Read more>>
Og Ukon
Im Og Ukon. I’m and hiphop artist/actor from Cleveland Ohio. I’ve started out with a group that separated years ago. I’ve released countless music videos and projects. My biggest accomplishment yet is being featured on Legendary Atlanta “Dj Holliday” platform only because he was my little brother favorite Dj growing up. Just to be on there I know I have an extra hand on my journey. My brother was a huge fan of “Gucci Mane”and Dj Holiday yelling over each track is nostalgia from my younger self Read more>>
Pangeaux
There’s definitely been ups and downs throughout the whole journey. There’s a certain mindset you have to take when pursuing a career that’s the total opposite of what people expected from you. I mean I was going to college to be a strength & conditioning coach, but did a 180 flip and chose music. So you get the people that think you made a mistake or kinda look at you with a side eye. That in itself can be difficult, but I surrounded myself with like minded people who were supportive and understood what I was pursuing. Then to add on top of that, working within the music industry can really mess with your psyche. That’s a whole other game that i’m still working through now. Read more>>
Kristina Schwemberger
It hasn’t been the smoothest road for me to start my own business. I deal with a lot of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression that affect how much I struggle on a day-to-day basis. I never let this struggle get me down though. I persevere, always. The COVID pandemic exasperated my anxiety and depression back in 2020. I struggled with self doubt when I first started my business. I had negative thoughts in my head constantly about whether I would succeed or not. Constant worry and stress about the unknown as well. Read more>>
Samantha Hunter
One of my biggest challenges to navigate is seeming to never have quite enough time – there is always a message or email that needs answered, tees that need made or social media that needs managed! I truly struggled with juggling all the hats I wear both with MJ’s, at home and at work – learning to set boundaries (and stick to them!) I’ve created a whole weekly outline that I now follow and have more lists than I probably need – but it has improved my mental health and workflow tremendously! Read more>>
Danielle Cummings
In 2013, I had an emergency hysterectomy. While I was recovering, I decided to try making jewelry. For many years prior, my family and I went gem mining for spring break. Read more>>
Elizabeth Overberg
I knew that I needed to become a Holistic Wellness Coach, and this naturally lead me on a path of receiving training for Thai Yoga Massage, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and many other holistic modalities. I have now been sharing these practices with the Cincinnati community (and beyond) for 5 1/2 years, and I know I have found my true calling in this journey! I am so grateful for every step of the way that lead me to where I am today. Read more>>
Nicole Dupont
When I first opened, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know how to order things for my store. I had no idea what products to get and running a business was pretty foreign to me. Through lots of guidance from other small business owners, indie pet retail owners, good sales reps and lots of research, I muddled my way through it. My husband and my dad were the best at helping me make sure everything was set up the way I envisioned it, Everything was a learning curve. I’m lucky to have had so much support. Read more>>
Brittany Burgdorf
When I found a historic space in downtown Lawrenceburg, I knew it was the perfect place to bring my vision to life. The Opal Haus was designed to be more than just an event space—it’s a community hub. Since opening, we’ve hosted 68+ events in our first year, launched a women’s empowerment program through Power to Pursue, expanded into Airbnb hospitality, and continuously enhanced our space with new renovations to better serve our clients. Read more>>
Gia Baldeh
Around that time, I discovered I was expecting my son, and it was a major turning point. I knew it was time to take the leap and build something of my own. At four months pregnant, I signed the lease for the salon suite that I still call home today! Fast forward to October of 2024, and we proudly celebrated our third anniversary. Now entering our fourth year, Baldeh Beauty Bar has flourished in ways I never imagined—our social media presence has grown, we’ve welcomed so many wonderful clients, and the quality of service we provide continues to elevate every day. I’m beyond excited to see where this journey takes us, and I’m so grateful for all the support that’s helped us get here! Read more>>
Maggie Bender
I have been in education since 2009, specializing in special education and working with Ohio’s Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships since 2014. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Special Education, and second master’s degree in Educational Leadership. My passion lies in helping students access the education they need and deserve. After over 15 years in the field, I was eager for change and wanted to support families and educational businesses in a new way—free from the red tape often associated with serving children with special needs. Read more>>
Cheryl Mccolgan
I’ve had a life long interest in health and wellness which prompted my degree in Psychology. While studying at UC for my degree, I discovered yoga which came a big part of my physical and mental wellbeing. Eventually I became a certified yoga instructor and after getting burnt out in the corporate world, eventually started my business Heal Nourish Grow to share tools to help others find more balance and health in their lives. Read more>>
Brianna Koehler
And of course sharing your life through the ups and downs. It is so fun when things are exciting, and I love being able to look back at special moments that are all filmed- birthdays and vacations, and holiday memories. But it can be really hard when you’re going through those lows- losing my dad, losing a baby, getting a divorce, figuring out single motherhood all while having to smile on camera isn’t easy. But life has hard moments and seasons for everyone, and I am so thankful I’ve had the opportunity to work from home and have a flexible schedule for the kids, and to have such a beautiful community of women supporting women, so I can’t help but be grateful. Read more>>
Marissa Mcclellan
I’m a lifelong Akronite with deep roots in the local arts and culture community. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Akron, studying photography and arts administration. During grad school, I interned with Crafty Mart, where I helped develop an in-depth entrepreneurial curriculum for artisans and makers. This experience led to my role as Director of Education, and eventually, in 2019, I became the Executive Director, continuing to support the arts community in exciting and innovative ways. Read more>>
Jessica Ramirez
While art was always a part of her life, it wasn’t until 2020 that Lydia decided to take her art practice seriously. During this pivotal year, her father and she came to a simple but profound realization: to be an artist, you simply need to “make art, finish art, and put art on walls.” With this newfound clarity, they opened Casablanca Studio and Gallery at Front Street in 2021, providing Lydia with a platform to showcase her work. Since then, she has held several solo shows around Ohio, participated in group exhibitions, been an artist demonstrator and juror, painted murals, and even taught a NOODLE People workshop. Read more>>
Alaina Hardin
Some days are smooth but lately not so much. Consistency is something that is very important in anything you’re trying to accomplish in life. When things aren’t going the way you want them to, staying consistent can be a struggle. Navigating through my first drop has been my biggest struggle lately but I’m being patient and learning along the way. Read more>>
Ezekiel-bethany Goff
Nowadays, I don’t work, and I don’t live independently. Not knowing I was disabled, I got a lot of flack when I tried to move out truly on my own around age 19 and couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t hold down a job, and usually I was being let go for what I can see now are facets of my autism, mental illness, or progressive inability to walk. I also need help with things like showering, dressing, cleaning my house, and just having the energy and executive functioning to do things at home, plus the regulation to do things in the community. Read more>>
Carlye Shumaker
In 2021 I opened Symmetry Microblading, now known as Symmetry Tattoo Co. My business has grown from there, learning everything business wise-the hard way. I still do brows, lip blushing, freckles, and saline removal, but I am most commonly known for my fine line tattoos. I pride myself on building an almost exclusively women clientele and offering them feminine, floral, dainty tattoos in a safe, private, and welcoming environment. Of course, everyone is welcome in my studio, I have just found that women are drawn to not just my tattoo style, but the whole experience I offer in general. Read more>>
Isabella Weik
I love this city. When I first graduated from the university of Toledo I found it difficult to find my community of young people who also believed in the renaissance of Toledo. It’s an unpopular opinion to want to stay in the area. I wish that weren’t the case, and I feel it is my mission to help change that. I was fortunate to be able to help found Rotaract, a club who’s purpose is to serve the creative and entrepreneurially minded young professionals of Toledo (pull love and inspiration from TolHouse, I love being a member here!) Read more>>
Hannah Tramonte
Some of my favorite experiences in the industry have been recording with Brandy Melville in NYC, performing at CMA Fest in Nashville, opening for Andy Grammer at Playhouse Square, and performing the National Anthem for the Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians. Now, I am set to release my new single, Red Light Kiss, on March 10th! I haven’t released a new song in two years, and I believe Red Light Kiss represents who I am as an artist now and where I see my music going. This song represents a girl in a fast paced life who realizes that when you have a good thing in front of you, you need to slow down and take it all in. I am so excited for everyone to hear this song and see how I’ve grown as an artist. Read more>>
Tiffany Houdek
It wasn’t until many years later that I learned about the art of royal icing sugar cookie decorating from my mom, who spent years perfecting a sugar cookie recipe after taking a cookie decorating class. She began creating beautiful royal icing-frosted cookies for our birthdays, family events, and other special gatherings. One day, I decided to try my hand at frosting cookies with royal icing, and I immediately fell in love with it. I’ve always had a passion for arts and crafts, so this felt like the perfect creative outlet for me. It didn’t take long before friends and family started asking me to make cookies for their events and offering to pay me for my time. Read more>>
Emily Summersill
It hasn’t always been easy. When I first started, I knew very little and wasn’t tech-savvy at all, despite being in my 20s. Everything I know now has come from credible sources and classes. It’s been a tremendous amount of work and time, but it’s definitely paid off. Today, I feel confident in my experience and education, and I’m proud to help companies create accounts and websites that truly represent their message. Read more>>
Michelle/jared King/ Casci
One thing our town was missing was a dedicated toy store—a place where the community could come together, where generations could connect through the language of toys. We wanted to create a space where people could feel the excitement of buying toys again, rather than just making a transaction at a big-box retailer. For us, it’s about building relationships, not just selling products. Read more>>
Gigi Magick
In 2016, I landed an uncredited role in Steven Caple Jr.’s The Land alongside the late Michael K. Williams, Erykah Badu, and a host of other talented individuals. It felt like a step in the right direction artistically, but everything came to a halt when I was incarcerated that September. That time away forced me to step back, but it never took away my love for music. At my core, music has always been who I am. Now, I’m back, and this time, it’s bigger than before. Gigi Magick is the next chapter—a fusion of my roots with new genres and fresh ideas. This isn’t just a comeback; it’s an evolution. I’m here to create something real, something different, and something that truly represents who I am today. Read more>>
K Pi$tol
I wouldn’t say a smooth road, everything isn’t all good but most certainly not all bad either. One of the biggest struggles for me would be simply planning. I learned not to throw things at the wall and hope it sticks. I learned to be intentional, actually sit dow and read, do your research. Coming in I was one of the people who moved fast and more so off of emotion rather than actually taking my time to look deeper into it. Ultimately I lost money, time, and energy simply from not planning. Read more>>
Grace Smith
We moved our business growth much slower than most others we know in the wedding business. We wanted to remain debt free and we wanted to grow our family as well. We have 4 children, all boys, and are happy that we decided to not wait to have our family. It has been a joy growing our business while also learning to parent. Now I am working more part time while homeschooling our littles, and Sam works full time to keep everything flowing! We take every year one step at a time and are always re-evaluating what is best for our business and our family. Read more>>
James (david) Sherrill
It’s now 5 years later and I’ve been a professional artist this whole time. I have not reopened the vintage store but instead it’s a studio for me to paint and a place for me to box and ship paintings and prints. I do have plans to eventually open the front of the store and sell off the vintage stuff and just make it a storefront that sells my art. I occasionally will have people from Germany or Italy who are touring America and want to come see what I’m doing lol. I would eventually like to have a nice place for them to visit instead of a dirty art studio LOL. I currently have over a quarter of a million followers across all my social media and am restarting my YouTube channel as an educational and entertainment art based channel. Read more>>
De’leon Bates
I am most proud of enduring all the trials, ignoring all the doubt and overcoming all the obstacles in my life to become the confident leader, talented artistic mind, and strategic entrepreneur i am today. ARXHIVAL is my proudest creation and it truly took GOD and GOD’s timing, patience, faith, my entire soul & effort to realize. What sets me apart from others is my style and uniqueness as a whole, my versatility, my thought process, my attention to detail, my execution, lack of fear, my readiness to achieve, how i carry myself, my hustle +discipline and last but certainly not least my faith in GOD and his perfect plan. Read more>>
Jazmine Byrd
We specialize in all things travel. From planning the vacation, to providing quality swimwear, travel bags and packing needs, to even working out and getting in shape for the vacation. We are end to end, hands-on, vacation girlies! Read more>>
Dustin Wenger
Not quite, I had to start on my stepsisters camera that shot 1080p video. I still have the first video I ever shot on her DSLR as a reminder of where I started aswell as a comparison to where I am now. I can have weeks on end where I don’t have a shoot because of the weather or for the fact I’m not well known yet but that’s just part of the journey in this field so I try to take it with a grain of salt. Read more>>
Nicka Johnson
I started working in the financial sector over 15 years ago, learning everything I could about money management, credit, and building wealth. But what really pushed me forward was seeing how many people—especially in my community—were struggling simply because they lacked financial education. I realized that financial literacy isn’t taught in schools, yet it’s the foundation of success. Read more>>
Greg Hill
I’m a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and solo artist. My music is a blend of indie rock and pop. The thing I feel that sets me apart is my ability to write, record and perform every element that goes into my songs. I then take those tracks I record, and recreate them live. I’m a drummer first, so getting to turn myself into a “band” is super exciting to me. I’m most proud of the community I’m starting to build. It’s very humbling to be even a small part of people’s worlds. Read more>>
Lauren Benz
After High school, the pair went to separate art colleges. Marianne studied oil painting and graphic design at The Columbus college of Art and Design and Lauren studied movie make up and Industrial Design at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. During college and afterwards, they worked in various bakeries and worked out of their homes creating custom cakes for friends and family. The home business grew quickly, and word of mouth helped create a huge customer base all over Northeast Ohio! It was in 2006 that they decided to start The White Flower Cake Shoppe, a bakery specializing in custom wedding cakes, and cakes for all occasions. Read more>>
Ariana Johnson
I completed in nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio and I won the print model competition, my platform in the ARB pageant was gun control, as I believe that many states Ohio included has very lenient Gun Laws. shortly after, in the fall of 2023, I won Ms Black Ohio USA 2024, My platform was Black Maternal Health because according to the CDC ( Center of Disease Control) in the state of Ohio 40% of Black women are dying after child birth. I was blessed to be an ambassador for Village of Healing, a Black woman owned clinic in Northeast Ohio, that helps to eradicate the Black Maternal Health Crisis. In November 2024, I was Blessed to be crowned Ms. Black Ohio USA 2025-2026. I return with my platform once again being Black Maternal Health. Read more>>
Josh Bartell
My wife was part of a group that helped her make friends with women. I thought how it was awesome and I looked for something like it for men. Problem was it didn’t exist. So I thought to myself I couldn’t be the only one who felt this way and started Dudes of Cleveland in October of 2024. The whole idea is hosting events where it takes away the awkwardness and pressure of making friends as an adult because everyone is going to these events for the same reasons. To have fun, maybe check out a place they haven’t been too and find like minded guys to make friends. We host 2-3 events a month all over the Cleveland area now and it has been absolutely life changing for me. Read more>>
Gabrielle Pobega
Hello , I’m Gabrielle, I’m 32, I’m a Mom of 2 kids, I live in Cleveland Ohio, and I’m a stay at home Nail Tech. I have been doing nails for the last 6 years. I’m self taught! Everything I have learned about nails and the nail industry I’ve learned about online. Using sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok to learn any and everything I can about this occupation. But I didn’t start out wanting to do nails. I grew up in Garfield Heights, Ohio. I went to Garfield Schools all my life, I graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 2011. Read more>>
