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.
April Gladieux
I started Your Perfect Day 15 years ago when I was planning my own wedding. I was looking for a vendor that offered a variety of services that I could use. After a lot of research, I realized that vendor was not available so I created my own. My company offers 7 different services: wedding planning, day of coordination, ceiling/backdrop fabric/lighting, furniture rentals, centerpiece rentals, linens/napkins and luxury restroom trailers. I have worked with over 1,000 couples and now manage 180-200 weddings a year. I am a mother of 2 (10 year old daughter and 12 year old son). Both of my children are involved in sports so that keeps me busy during the week and any weekends that I have off. Read more>>
Codi Morrison
As far as how I’ve made it to where I am now? Putting in long hours on and off the tools. I try to stay as consistent as I possibly can every day, and I realized early on that it’s better to be overly self-critical of yourself. If you can learn something new about your profession every day, be consistent, honest and passionate about it, you’ll find that the doors throughout life will open up to new, greener pastures. Read more>>
Jan Baird
I had a long, and successful career in corporate America in the Boston, MA area. About 15 of those years were spent traveling internationally. It was exciting, fun, busy and rewarding. However, my family was growing, and I wasn’t there. In 2017, my husband and I decided it was time for me to resign as a Senior Vice President, COO and CFO and become a business owner. He was all in! We were on the search for a business to buy, and settled on Al’s Delicious Popcorn in Columbus, OH, purchasing it in February of 2018. We found the product to be amazing, but everything around the product needed work. What that provided for us was OPPORTUNITY! We have invested in production capability, branding, employees, recipe development and marketing and it is working! Read more>>
Paul Chidsey
Then I fell in love with paint work so I went to the junkyard and bought a bunch of body panels and I learned how to buff and wet sand on those. Eventually it evolved into friends and family cars and next thing I knew we’re doing full fledge paint corrections, ceramic coatings and details on anything from daily drivers to Ferraris and Maserati‘s. We then evolved into window tint and plan on doing more. My business has been built purely on passion and just out of love for cars! Read more>>
Allie Skipper
I started Happy Girl Sweets around 2014. At the time it was Valentine’s Day Season and I was in desperate need of red of chocolate covered strawberries. However at the time my budget was a bit one the low side and I didn’t want to spend $40 on berries. So my curiosity got the best of me. I YouTubed how to make chocolate covered berries at home. After I went to the store, got home and started experimenting! I showcased my at home berries on social media. Next thing you know I got DMs inquiring about services! I was shocked! Read more>>
Ricky Thurman
I was a football player all my life always knew the intricate parts of the game I was always the kind of teammate that would help other teammates understand the concepts most of my teammates say that I’ve been coaching since we were playing but I got my first coaching job after I left College I joined Akron East peewee dragons that was home that’s where I got my start playing football I love being a dragon I fell in love with those kids in 2015 because they all were eager to learn the game that I was so passionate about. Read more>>
Aviva Vincent
And, in 2021, I started with the HERD Institute to complete their equine facilitated therapy certification. I used my experience to help found the International Association of Veterinary Social Work – an interdisciplinary, membership organization for veterinary social work and aligned professionals. Currently in addition to my professional roles, I am on the board of trustees of PATH Intl, volunteer with Canine Companions, and spend as much time in nature as possible. Read more>>
Katrina Brooks Tyler Payne
I got hired at a community college 8 months after graduation working with the TRiO program, which impacted me during my undergrad career. After 2.5/3 years there, I got hired as a Specialist with the Buffett Scholars Scholarship Program, better known as the Thompson Learning Community at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). That program literally changed my life and made me into the leader that I am today and will continue to be. Now I am leading another program, working with students, and just doing what I know–empowering students to be their best, realize their potential, and to find true peace/happiness. Read more>>
Susan Hazel Rich
For over a decade, Hazelmade has produced USA and Midwest Made products that are functional works of art, guided by Susan’s commitment to creating high quality products that connect people to the ones they love. Each design is carefully hand-drawn and paired with the highest-quality environmentally friendly papers, durable cotton fabrics, and minimal earth-friendly packaging. Susan finds herself inspired by everyday objects and the wildflowers around her Kent, Ohio home. Her designs are modern, colorful twists on vintage themes. Read more>>
Kamen Haddon
Through my expression, my then (only 200 at the time) followers expressed how they enjoyed my art, discussions, and personality. So, a friend of mine at the time told me to make my pages public and celebrate myself for an upcoming birthday (something I don’t normally do) and invite the public for a bigger celebration. When I made my platforms public my audience grew and my eye for digital media and storytelling grew, as well. Read more>>
Carla Johnson
Blue Lotus Property Preservation Group was a business I began in the middle of the pandemic while going through a major life transition. We partner with national REO vendors and private clients to protect and maintain real estate investments with excellence. To me, home is more than a structure—it is a sacred space of peace, protection, and restoration. We treat each property with that reverence, ensuring it reflects the care it deserves. Read more>>
41 Stikkz
I make music specifically hip hop and rnb mixed with a little pop i’m really versatile and I like all genres of music including rock i’m mostly known for music or just being me I’m most proud of how far I came because i started to drop my music last year in 2024 did my first video interview etc. before i was very shy I am still a little just not as much i’m not the same was other because i am able to make any type of sound with my music but it will remain as my own flow and my own sound I don’t think no one can sound like me i can’t sound like no one else. Read more>>
Tammara Hill
It has definitely come with it’s challenges. Building a solid client base that not only trusts you but also trusts the process takes time and consistency. There’s also the financial side- investing in inventory, covering start up cost, amd managing ongoing expenses can be overwhelming in the beginning. On top of that , managing people, expectations, and the pressure to deliver excellence every time requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. The demographic you serve and fluctuations in the cost of living are also factors that can impact pricing and planning. Despite bumps in the road, each challenge has helped shape me into a more resilient and resourceful planner. Read more>>
Shari
I grew up in Kansas City then went to college for Art Direction and Graphic Design in Detroit, MI. My husband and I moved to Catawba Island, Ohio 20 years ago. I worked for various advertising agencies and other companies over the years, as well as freelanced on the side. For the past 10 years I have solely been a freelance graphic designer. I have always been creative and I enjoy making homemade goodies for my family and friends, whether it’s baked goods, meals or handcrafted items. It’s fun to use my creativity in different outlets. Read more>>
Elonzo Coppins
We designed and printed flyers for 90 pencent of the Urban Tri-State area market (Cincinnati/Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Also Serveral Recording Labels Like: Cash Money, No Limit Records, Def Jam, Concerts & Festivals and Local Artist. We had an Amazning 15 year run!! In 2015 i got married then in 2016 i had my daughter. So i decided to go on my own and work for home to take care my kids. Now im running my new company: MadeULook Unlimited LLC https://madeulookunlimited.myshopify.com/ AND WE DO ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS!!!!! Read more>>
Italia Penn
This led me to write and publish The ABCs for the Healing Postpartum Mama, a guided journal available on Amazon.com, as a way to support other mothers navigating similar challenges. Inspired by my own transformation, I was determined to expand Healing Mama into a holistic lifestyle brand. I became a certified doula to provide hands-on support to mothers, and I founded the Healing Mama Social Club to create a safe space for connection, encouragement, and community. Healing Mama Brand is now a reflection of my healing and a mission to walk alongside others in theirs. Read more>>
Kaylee Balzan
The journey hasn’t been entirely smooth—it’s been a steep learning curve. There’s a real pressure that comes with knowing people are spending their hard-earned money on my products; it pushes me to ensure everything I make meets the highest standards. Creating quality pieces takes a significant amount of time, and balancing that with personal time for myself, my family, and friends can be challenging. On top of that, participating in markets, while rewarding, can also be costly—and there’s never a guarantee you’ll make that investment back. Read more>>
Brittny Ryan
My journey in cosmetology started at 18 years old, in 2012. I was dealing with a rather difficult home life and I had no interest in any subject in school. When it came down to choices for my future, my interests were art and music. I was involved in a lot of musicals in the theater department at Springfield high school, and I did people’s hair and makeup for the stage, including my own. That was the basis of my decision to attend cosmetology school. 1500 full time hours of school was required, and I had bills to pay so I worked evenings as a hostess and to go employee at Applebees to make ends meet. It was exhausting, but I was enchanted by the cos industry. Read more>>
Cassie Carter
Then came the issue of space. We outgrew that tiny $300-a-month room quickly, but coming up with the money to pay for something larger was a major hurdle. When we finally made the decision to expand we had no idea how much work it would take to get it the way we wanted it. We renovated it entirely on our own—nights and weekends spent painting walls, removing tile and replacing it, and trying to make it feel warm, welcoming, and safe for our families. Read more>>
Bill Barak
Well I started here at Rozis in 2008. Just as seasonal worker. They hired me on full time soon after. Then over time I took over the Beer Section. Doing the orders and running beer events. Then I became a manager. Was closing the store and opening when the owner would go on vacation. Then in 2018 Gary, who used to own Rozi’s, started talking to me about wanting to sell the business. But he wanted to leave it to someone he trusted. So I got together with Jim Wooley, who I met through Rozi’s and who also used to work at Rozi’s when he was a teenager, and we came up with a plan to buy the store. And since 2018, Jim and I have been owners of Rozis. Read more>>
Tracey Parriman
Having a business selling a perishable product certainly presents its challenges. As with any farming operation, so much depends on the weather and that can make for either a good or challenging season. It took several years to get the hang of it, but with 8 seasons under our belt, we’ve faced many obstacles and have learned many lessons along the way. Having a degree and background in Horticulture before starting the business has really been helpful. Read more>>
Amy Nelson
Our business journey has really been fairly smooth. We gradually applied for more farmers markets each season and were welcomed into a few local coffeehouses. The greatest challenge was probably Covid when we pivoted to Saturday morning deliveries and had a three month stint at Cameron Mitchell’s Bud Dairy. Read more>>
Johnny Waller
Over the past decade, “HowBadUWantIt” has evolved into a brand that represents consistency, discipline, and drive. Originally launched as a way to share motivational merchandise, it now stands as a symbol for anyone striving to change their life—mentally, physically, or financially. Read more>>
Keli Schimelpfenig
That calling became Shiny Penny Studios—a women-led photography and content creation team based in Cleveland, Ohio. We specialize in weddings, boudoir, branding, and community storytelling, with a style that leans more real than rigid. We’re the ones who will hype you up, laugh with you, cry at your wedding speeches, and somehow catch that one perfect photo of your grandma slow dancing with a ring bearer. Read more>>
Autumn Dethlefs
One notable struggle I faced happened in March, when a viral reel I created was stolen by DraftKings for their Golden Nugget Online Casino. My original caption was “When your friend hits a jackpot”—lighthearted, relatable, and positive. DraftKings reposted the reel with their own overlay text: “When you’re down and your friend hits a jackpot.” That slight shift in tone from celebratory to negative completely changed the audience’s response. Despite their account having over 250k followers, their version received fewer than 1,000 likes and mostly negative comments. Ours? It hit 11.5k likes and was filled with positive feedback. Read more>>
Tihiau Carter
I started with an accidental life safer product that relieves intense burn pain while I was homeless, I also have experience to the mix that heals diaper rashes up to a stage one bed sore. Finally, by learning new things to add as well I have a body butter that produces a magnificent hold of moisture for 24 hours. so me starting came from a prayer of starting my own business and to help heal people. I have been healing people since 2021 with skin care protection products. I am still pushing to be international but in God’s timing everything will take place. Read more>>
Jonathan Marc Stein
My biggest obstacle that I am still trying to overcome happened in October 2022. My father went back to Ohio to check on some rental properties he managed and was shot and murdered by one of his tenants. This was the most devastating thing that has ever happened to me. I could not work for months and had no creative ideas to speak of. Eventually I utilized my grief and decided to dedicate a piece in his honor and came up with The DAN/IEL; a convertible leather trench coat named after him with his image in mind. Read more>>
Alejandro Delgado
What started as private journal entries turned into full poems, and eventually, full books. My first poetry book took me three and a half months to finish. It was 120 pages of raw emotion, vulnerability, and healing. From there, my second book took six months. My third book—my most personal and transformative one—took two years. Right now, I’m writing my first novel, and it’s been four years in the making. It’s a slow, powerful process, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Read more>>
