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.
Ryan Parham
I wouldn’t say I specialize in any of the previously mentioned gifts. Only well and learning to be better. But one thing I will say I specialize in is acting and dramatization. I believe I have a natural talent in acting, and enjoy performing In the everyday play, called life. I do so in a way that entertains myself and others around me, authentically. Though this is something I’ve never pursued, it is something i hope to and master. It has gotten me very far in life, even landing me jobs based off of pure personality and i remember acting out a whole improvised story to get into a drama class in school. Read more>>
Emily Seibel
My favorite thing about massage therapy is that there is always something new to learn, and my hunger for knowledge is never satiated! I’m already looking into a pediatric/NICU massage course to work with kiddos and babies, and a stretch course to help my clients (and myself) be able to use their bodies to the fullest capacity. I have so many ideas and so many concepts I want to learn. I cannot wait to get back into continuing education courses! Read more>>
Rose Benedict
I was just so curious about it, and wanted to take the leap but didn’t quite know how. I began some freelance projects through my social network, and I tried out full-time freelancing for a year. I then realized that what I actually wanted was to become a small business owner, so that’s what I did! I began Rose Benedict Design in January 2022, and have loved it so much! It’s not for everyone, but is definitely right for me. Since then, I’ve worked with so many small business owners (therapists, photographers, artists, stylists, creatives, etc.) and it’s so fulfilling to be able to help their businesses grow! Read more>>
Morgan Callaway
Some struggles i would say ive had were finding people who were actually serious about working with me. i started modeling at 17 so i was very young around adults and some creatives ive encountered only looked at me as a pretty face that they wanted to use and not for professional reasons. Other struggles ive had were maintaining connections. ive been cut off for working with certain people that another person simply just did not like. Read more>>
Garrison Glover
When I was a child, I took up filmmaking as a hobby making my own mini skits on the family camcorder, or uploading my old Roblox screen recording videos on YouTube. Gradually, as I got older, my interest in the hobby died down and I picked up architecture in middle school. Though I decided to major in it in college for my first semester at Ohio State, I realized quickly that architecture wasn’t for me. I was at a crossroads: do I change my major and start over, or do I stick with something I knew wouldn’t give me a good jumping off point after graduation? I chose the former and changed my major to Film, going back to my roots in a way. Read more>>
Jerry Liu
Our city is truly remarkable. Opening a Tous les Jours in Cincinnati wasn’t just about business, it was about bringing something fresh and different to a city I love. The Asian-French fusion, the beautiful cakes, the seasonal drinks, the unique offerings you can’t find in most bakeries—that was the strength. It filled a niche between everyday café and special-occasion spot. We were among the first to introduce this brand here because we recognized it as a sophisticated and culturally diverse brand. Read more>>
Ellen Frank
We also work with Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State, and many high schools in the city of Cleveland and the inner ring to register first time voters. We pivoted to end gerrymandering, keep abortion available in Ohio, and the latest was Issue 1 – which was a constitutional amendment for a citizens commission to re-write out maps. Right now we are very involved in protesting the actions of Trump, and the lack of response from our Senators. We are also getting out to our buildings and schools to register voters. Read more>>
Sunday Driver
Balancing life outside the band, jobs, school, just trying to stay afloat. It can make the creative stuff feel like you’re swimming upstream sometimes. And then there’s the usual growing pains: figuring out how to communicate better as a group, dealing with gear breaking mid-set, or playing a show to five people and pretending like it’s five hundred. Read more>>
Joseph Campbell
I found the nostalgic melancholy style of his raps since an early age to resonate with me very much and just the ways I would feel growing up at times, it was very much like a safe haven for me and still is. Today a lot of my inspiration lies in the same places when I go to work on new music but the biggest change that I have noticed in myself is my ability to go with the flow of the music and not necessarily feeling stuck to one lane or sound or flow. As 2025 marches on I look forward to creating and curating new ideas and visions. Read more>>
Rick Ryan
My first job was a prep cook in a small Tex-Mex restaurant in Tulsa, OK. In 2006 I graduated with a Culinary Degree with a minor in Pastry Arts. During this time I paid my way through culinary school as a general manager for a French Bistro in Boston, Massachusetts. Read more>>
Da’Shea Ray
I was first drawn to Reiki through Social Media during a difficult time in my life. In 2015, I experienced a life-changing event. I lost my left eye in a car accident. As I was seeking balance and peace amid life-changing challenges, Reiki found me. I’ve always felt deeply connected to energy and intuition, but it wasn’t until I experienced Reiki for myself that I truly understood its power and how it would shape my life. That moment sparked something in me. I knew I wanted to learn more about Reiki and how to help myself and others to feel the same calm, clarity, and alignment. I began studying and practicing regularly, and eventually became certified. Now, through my practice, I help others release what no longer serves them, restore inner peace, and reconnect with their higher self just like I did. Read more>>
Upstream Drifters
Starting in March 2024, we found our stride writing collaboratively. We don’t necessarily follow a formula, but typically Craig will lay down a chord progression, or one of us will come up with a tune or story idea. Or it’s just a mood. Then we pass ideas back and forth using a multi-track recording app on our phone. (We’re very high tech). Craig makes our songs come alive in another dimension with rhythm and percussion texture. Aubrey loves playing with harmonies, and we both enjoy arranging as storytelling / painting pictures with sound. Read more>>
Sarah Crawford
I decided to become a physical therapist at eight years old, inspired by my experiences as an athlete and a patient. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, I was exposed to business early on, managing my dad’s company books by my teenage years. I later pursued manual therapy, specializing in an Australian-based approach that aligned with my belief in delivering personalized care. After years of contributing to someone else’s business, I realized the traditional high-volume PT model didn’t fit how I wanted to practice, so I decided to start my own practice, aiming for a more sustainable and tailored approach. Read more>>
Rachel Eten
As an oracle housewife and a non-toxic advocate mama to Ari Rocket and Jubilee Gold, I strive to create a life centered on faith, clean living, and a deep connection to the earth. Alongside my husband, we guide our family in seeking a deeper connection with the Creator and His intent for our lives. I have found it to be a joyful journey to explore foraging, natural remedies, and nourishing foods, all while seeking balance in a modern world. Read more>>
Matt Erickson
The path hasn’t always been direct—more like a winding road with its fair share of quiet stretches and unexpected turns. There have been moments of doubt, days when the work felt heavy and the progress felt invisible. But even in those seasons, something kept calling me forward. When I reflect on where it all began, I’m reminded that growth doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it shows up in quiet confidence, in the deepening of craft, and in the trust of the people I’m honored to work with. That reflection softens the hard days and re-centers me on what matters most: creating meaningful, lasting work that celebrates love, connection, and the stories we’ll want to hold onto. Read more>>
Izetta Thomas
I’ve held many different positions, including PAR (peer assistance and review) Consulting Teacher for first-year CCS educators, a member of the innovative schools team that designed a program specifically for students with autism (REACH), an itinerant teacher and behavior specialist. I am currently on leave from the district to work as the education justice organizer for the Columbus Education Association. My primary purview in this role is as the executive director and lead organizer for the Columbus Education Justice Coalition. The coalition is an organization of many grassroots partners, parents, neighbors, educators, and students of Columbus City Schools. We are fighting for equity and justice through relationships, reinvestment and reconstruction – for our community and our schools. Read more>>
Rick
I decided to leave that brand behind and started “Samos photography”. This was going to be my wedding brand. I grew extremely quickly. I was able to charge much less than other photographers because I had a full time job in addition(which I still have – I am a software engineer). The first year I did 15 weddings. The second year I did 33, 3rd – 45. After the third year I convinced my wife to do the videography for my weddings. I set up her equipment and showed her the ropes. We grew very quickly. We had 55 weddings the next year, then 63. Then 72! At this point I realized our brand didn’t match our services. We decided to change our name to Feelstory. We felt this was a name that encompassed both photo and video. Read more>>
Johnnie Legrair
Through developing corrections on a case by case basis I could see why so many athletes did not perform well and often had injuries from minor performance altering pain to end of season injuries. Unfortunately, female athletes suffered more than male athletes. Having five active sisters, I saw injuries. I did not see in my male friends at the same age ! Over time I leaned a few common mistakes that causes poor performance and lack of confidence for athletes. I was fortunate enough to be able to have Olympian’s, very good athletes and physicians to talk to and learn from their successes and failures. I developed a few extremely common corrections to common athletic movement issues. We can discuss and review at length, at another’ time. Read more>>
Lisa Luchka
I started selling vintage decor and collectibles online and quickly realized I really wanted to have a space of my own to sell my goods. I also enjoy rehabing furniture and thought with a shop I could easily sell larger pieces that I didn’t want to ship. Opening a store having no retail experience was a bit daunting, but I’m so glad I made the decision to do it. In March of 2022 the shop moved to Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls and being in the heart of downtown has been amazing. I love what I do, I love the community and helping people make their homes beautiful with unique sustainable items. Read more>>
Abby Lynn
I was only going to college to play soccer, the rest was going to get figured out after. So without soccer, there was no point for me. With the support of my mom during this time, I decided it wasn’t right for me and wouldn’t accept any college positions. I really sunk into a dark space mentally and it was hard. I always credit my mom for getting me out of that headspace because she signed me up for an interview at a salon to be a salon receptionist. At the beginning, I hated it because I did not belong in a salon. As time went on, I did fall in love with the environment, the girls, and how much they truly seemed to love their job. I loved it so much I decided to enroll in cosmetology school in the fall. Read more>>
Bianca Reed
We also lack self-development, and you have to self-develop to be able to grow as a person. But a lot of us weren’t taught these things. So that’s why I took initiative to make a change, I am on a mission to educate others on finances and the importance of self-development. With the power of life insurance i can show others how to build and protect their wealth, empowering others to build a better future. I am also looking for other individuals who wants to make a change in the community and build with me. Read more>>
Krista Ritz
The road has not always been smooth. Self confidence has always been a major struggle and it has been something that can affect every facet of life if you’re not careful. I have always been a chronic over thinker. In fact, I could probably win an award in overanalyzing and mind-spiraling. Mastering this art can create indecisiveness in the deepest parts of who we are and can make us feel incapable of getting the things we desperately want. Not having self-confidence will limit you, make you stuck. You feel undeserving even when you do achieve things you worked hard for and might even find it hard to say “thank you” when receiving a compliment. Maybe it’s a fear of rejection or failure or maybe someone doesn’t believe in your ability to succeed. Read more>>
Jamie Escola
I actually reconnected with photography after my first daughter was born. I had this beautiful, ever-changing little model right in front of me every day, and I felt inspired to capture every moment. That inspiration pushed me to really learn more—experiment with new techniques, try different styles, and explore the creative side of it. I started following photographers who inspired me, and I eventually invested in mentoring sessions that completely lit a fire in me. That’s when I knew I wanted to turn this passion into something more and to offer other families those same meaningful, lasting memories. That’s how my business was born! Read more>>
Kevin Norton
Obviously, COVID-19 created a great problem, as we had to go dark for sixteen months between March 2020 and July 2021. In addition, there have been the occasional required last-second changes: performers having to back out a few days prior due to illness or other circumstances beyond their control, venues needing to change a week before due to unforeseen closures, and the rare cancellation of events due to weather and the few spikes of COVID-19 variations in 2022. Read more>>
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>>
