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.
Quena Mor
I come from a unique and proud line of musicians, so in many ways, music was never just a choice — it was a calling. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, surrounded by rhythms, melodies, and a deep cultural respect for sound. My earliest memories are filled with family gatherings where everyone played something — congas, brass, strings, voices — it was like growing up in a living, breathing band. Read more>>
Wambui Watene
I was always told at a young age that I should model and I justt thought it was due to being a tall skinny kid. Although I am sure that played a part in it, even from a young age my mom would tell me “we are going to [insert some random place] not a fashion show”. Personally, I believe every day is an opportunity to treat life like your runway and I must’ve intuitively known this at a young age. Believe it or not, I didn’t want to be a model because I thought they weren’t respected enough and I perceived them as shallow. Which is crazy to reflect on as I know for a fact I was being a hater and deep down wanted to model; I just didn’t have the confidence. Read more>>
Augustine Turner
There were moments of deep uncertainty, financial instability, and emotional strain. I had to fight through self-doubt, lack of resources, and limited access to mentorship or guidance. But each of those struggles became a stepping stone. They taught me resilience, built my character, and fueled my passion to create something meaningful—not just for myself, but for others walking a similar path. Read more>>
Geoff Anderson
There are not many active models of poets surviving on poetry, so my goal is for diVERSES to fill the vacuum. I rent a space with my own income–no grants, no shareholders, no board–that I get through using poetry as a tool. It is currently the only space in Columbus dedicated 24/7 to poetry. I actively create videos with local poets so they can present themselves in the world professionally. I offer free headshots once a week so we can uplift the perception of poets. I offer quarterly retreats, weekly workshops, and an online editing forum for writers. Read more>>
Tara Custer
Let’s just say permanent makeup didn’t exactly make the “essential services” list. I hit pause on clients and shifted to remote school, snacks on snacks, and surviving. Thankfully, I still had my freelance design work, and I used that time to keep learning, practicing, and perfecting my craft. Read more>>
Stephanie Gregg
Our mission today is to keep dogs happy, healthy & at home with their loving families. In 2016, after a distemper scare at a local shelter we partnered with a local veterinarian (Rascal Unit) who had mobile units and started our low-cost monthly canine vaccination clinics so that vaccines are affordable for all. We continue these clinics 11 months out of the year and on average vaccinate at least 100 dogs & a few cats at each clinic. We target specific areas in the Columbus area, where these services are needed the most. We help all breeds of dogs! Read more>>
Desirée Hargrave
Throughout my intermediate and high school years, I was deeply involved in both the Arts and sports, playing volleyball and basketball while also participating in musicals and plays. I chose to attend Malone University in 2014, pursuing a degree in Music. While attending Malone, I lived on campus and was very active within their musical ensembles. I studied voice, conducting, and piano. I served as the Student Conductor for the Malone University Chorale and Chamber Choir from 2016-2018 and was a member of the Malone Opera Theatre under the direction of Dr. Cynthia Wohlschlager. I have debuted original operatic works such as “Beneath Suspicion” by Dr. Jesse Ayers. Read more>>
Dr. Heather Prince, DNP, FNP-BC
I began my professional medical career in 1999. In addition to my extensive experience as a master injector, I spent two additional years training with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. I am well-versed in and passionate about new developments in the aesthetic field. I have worked in the aesthetics industry for over eight years, collaborating with other professionals, physicians, and major aesthetic corporations. Now, at the age of 50, I am excited to own my own business for the first time. Read more>>
Trey Howard
After graduation I’d like to become a project manager in what capacity I’m not sure yet. I would like to go into entertainment or security I think my perception sets me apart I’ve experienced a lot through my life and experiences help you relate to more people. I’m proud of my personal and professional growth so far I just want to keep learning Read more>>
JEFF JAY
no, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Throughout my career, I’ve been tested to the max—both mentally and physically. It started with a serious car accident that left me with five spine fractures. I had to stop playing basketball and pretty much doing anything for a long time. I had to relearn how to use my body, which was incredibly difficult. Read more>>
Celeste Casto-Goehring And Amy Willison
Truly, it has been fairly easy. Both of us have been in the industry for quite a few years. We each have worked at previous locations. Each salon has brought lessons of good things to help shape each of us and the future we wanted with Local Roots. When the opportunity arose for us to step out on our own, we were nervous but very excited. Our community is full of incredible people. Our families, friends and community members were overwhelmingly supportive. So many clients choose us daily, that isn’t something we take lightly Read more>>
Oriel Lachi
In my time as a photographer I’ve had 12 eye injections in 10 years and also lost my love one due to an accident of a stranger swerving off the road and hitting her resulting in me creating the pink project in dedication to her in 2018 because our prom colors were pink for 2 years I only photographed in pink in tribute to her always wanting to do a photo shoot with me or by me which never happened but I did photograph her funeral and it was the toughest obstacle besides my eye injections of my career Read more>>
Tasha Simpson
I’ve always been a creative soul and my journey has been anything but linear. Since a young age, I have been deeply passionate about singing, creating and healing. When in my 20s, alcoholism really controlled my life and I didn’t know if I would ever meet that creative part of me again. In 2022, I got sober and found out that I have autism after enduring severe burnout in Grad school, which was absolutely life changing. I became a therapist for four years and last October, I left the mental health field to pursue my acting, singing and creative dreams. I have always been led by whimsy and it’s gotten me to a really positive place in my life. Read more>>
Annie Yu
Growing up as an Asian-American immigrant and not speaking English for the first years of my life, I quickly found that the visual arts were a fantastic way to express myself without needing to verbalize my thoughts. I also thought it was peculiar that every kid always started with drawing a sun in the top corner on paper. As I got older, I drifted away from the arts to pursue other interests but I think there was always a part of me that knew that I would always be involved in the creative field professionally in some way. Read more>>
Bharat Kumar
Together, we have two accomplished children. Our daughter, Puja, holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and resides in Tampa, FL. Our son, Nandish, a Finance & Accounting graduate from Ohio State University, is a talented music producer based in Los Angeles. His artistic achievements were recognized with Grammy Award nominations in 2023 and 2024, culminating in his first Grammy win this year for producing a song for Chris Brown. As someone who appreciates the arts, I deeply value the role of culture and music in our lives and communities. This passion fuels my commitment to promoting South Asian Indian cultures and fostering their integration with other cultures to celebrate diversity. Read more>>
Kasey Moore
During the holiday season, I was selling candles faster than I could make them, and that’s when I realized I could turn this into a full time business. By the end of January I was able to quit my full time sales job and focus on candle making full time. Since then, I’ve added a few new products to my line and have been a vendor at art & craft shows every other weekend. Last week, I signed the lease on my very first store front, located in old Milford, and plan to open my store by the end of May / early June. Read more>>
Brianna Schillero
I started off in a Media Arts program in high school, then joined a photography course at a community college a few years later. Education can be expensive – So after 2 semesters of college classes, I decided to take control of my photography education in my own way. I proceeded to reach out to many Cleveland photographers to learn from them. I asked for advice, took courses, second shot many weddings, and went on a 2 day photography retreat in Pennsylvania in 2021. I watched countless hours of educational videos – whether it was for editing or just utilizing my camera in different ways. Read more>>
Mary Kaitlyn (MK) Hensley
i’ve always loved art and have done it for as long as i can remember, but what really got me motivated to get better was when i was young, after school, my friend at the time and i had an art “competition”, she had called my art trash and me being the stubborn kid i was put my head down and started creating more seriously. Read more>>
Simeon Fuller
I am a writer/producer at Four Society Studios as well as the host of the Hear to Inspire podcast. I specialize in communicating thought and bringing people together. Whether its difficult concepts that need to be explained or visions that need to be casted, I have an ability to reveal those things to others. I am most proud of the family that I have. I am a father of 3 amazing children and married to the most beautiful amazing woman on the face of the planet. What sets me apart from others I would say is my genuine love for everyone. It has given me the ability to see the difference in other peoples perspective and be ok with adapting. Read more>>
Courtney Brewer
When I turned 10 we got our first point and shoot camera and you can bet it took it EVERYWHERE with me. When I was in high school I bought my first “big” camera and made my best friend Holly (who is now the BEST assistant/photograher and frequently travels with me) my first client. I took her senior photos and we had a ton of fun. After high school I dabbled in a lot of different photography – seniors,newborns, and families. But, I always knew in my heart I wanted to get into wedding photography. I met Dave and Dawn Estes of Estes Photography and became a photographer for them. I consider them a second set of parents – they taught me everything I know. I love them both so much. Read more>>
Jeani Brechbill
The journey of a freelancer is full of ups and downs—from slow seasons to times when there’s barely a moment to breathe, from learning the ins and outs of accounting and marketing to keeping up with the latest gear and software. There are tough moments when you wonder if you’ll make it, and others when you’re so immersed in doing what you love that everything else fades away. I believe anything worth loving is worth fighting for, even if the road isn’t always easy. Read more>>
Diane Boden
Any recognition I’ve received comes from creating Minimalist Moms—both the podcast and the book. I’m most proud of maintaining consistent production, no matter the circumstances. For nearly eight years, I’ve released new episodes almost every week. Staying consistent with content can be challenging, but each week has felt like a new puzzle to solve—and I’ve always enjoyed figuring it out. Read more>>
Madison Landsness
Im Madison the creator of Dead Tooth Art.I’ve been an art vendor for 6 years. I love working with different mediums, my favorite is using scrap wood to create new pieces of art.I’m into fashion as well , you can find any clothing line and art prints on my website. Read more>>
Corrie Loeffler
I grew up in the heart of central California, among tomato fields and cow pastures. When I was seven years old, my older brother won a regional spelling bee, giving him the chance to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. That win changed my life. It was my first time on an airplane, and my first time getting to meet kids from all over the country; it opened my world to so many new possibilities. I was instantly motivated to earn my own way back to compete. I competed in the Bee three times in the mid-90s, and each experience enriched my love for words and their magic and power. But it wasn’t enough to compete; Read more>>
Brittney Oswald
I started The Queen of Clean in 2019 after I worked in the medical field for a few years. I came home one day uncontrollably crying to my husband because I just felt like I had a bigger purpose. He comforted me and then we proceeded to talk about having our own business’ and since I have a history of cleaning with my mom when I was younger, and I enjoy doing it as well. So, he actually was the one who came up with the business name. I started as a DBA and here we are now an LLC growing rapidly! Read more>>
Justo Delgado IV
During middle school I was told I wasn’t going to be able to get a job or be successful because art wasn’t “well paying” or I wasn’t going to be successful. And I gave up on my dream for a long time. Tried sports and loved soccer, went to college and figured that nothing really fitted me until I started working as a security guard and during my shifts I would draw. I absolutely was thrilled to draw anytime I had the chance too. And I fell right back into anime. After drawing and getting a portfolio I talked with an artist and eventually got my apprenticeship after saving money up while being at home with my parents. And finally the opportunity came to me and I was able to start as an apprentice and learn to be a tattoo artist! Read more>>
Lindsay Burke
I got an early start in the arts through my dad, who is an artist/illustrator, and from time to time I still get the opportunity to learn from his years of experience. My journey in tattooing began with curiosity after getting my first when I was 22- a marking of an important rite of passage in my life. I was hooked but I didn’t know it yet. Three years later a friend invited me to her appointment with local legend, Tony Siemer, and blurted out that I was interested in an apprenticeship. Read more>>
Jared Bowers
Booking shows and working in any capacity in the independent music scene is about the least smooth possible course one can take, but I’ve chosen to take each failure as an opportunity to learn, grown, and improve on whatever comes next. I’ve had some big wins, and some resounding duds. It’s hard not to take it personally, but it’s increasingly difficult to break through the noise online, and in a town like Cincinnati, with NKY just across the river – we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the local music scene. From March through November, you can pick a venue just about any night of the week and something special will be happening. Read more>>
Lauren Hayes
In 2023, I started expanding my client base, picked up Pata Roja, and the rest is history. These days, I manage Instagram accounts for several small businesses and create content for many more. My current clients include Pata Roja, Sudova, Brown Bear Bakery, Sloane Boutique, Estazzi, Eve Floral Company, and Model Group. I love bringing each brand’s personality to life through strategy, visuals, and storytelling. I’m always looking to learn new skills and dive deep into each client’s brand identity—it’s important to me that every piece of content feels authentic, aligned, and uniquely theirs. Read more>>
Anu Yadavalli
After moving to the U.S., I pursued a post grad degree in Labor Relations and Human Resource Management. My first role was with Goodwill Industries of Akron, where I focused on hiring individuals committed to workforce development. I later joined a national tech education provider, offering career development and placement services to tech graduates. As Director of Services, I engaged with the tech industry across Cleveland and Akron and later joined a regional industry-led workforce alliance to address tech talent gaps. Read more>>
Ashley Gros
There was a point where I got sick, and it forced me to pause everything. That pause turned into a major turning point. I had to rebrand Rich Girl Energy, restructure my team, and honestly—rebuild myself. It was hard to step back, but it taught me the power of rest, clarity, and divine redirection. Read more>>
Meya Hill
Currently, I am pursuing my own business venture, Savor the Momentz, where I continue to innovate and share my passion for Southern cuisine and cross-cultural cooking. Also, as of this Summer 2025 I have enrolled in Johnson and Wales to obtain my BS is Culinary and Managment this will assist in furthering my commitment to serving my community through teaching and cross-cultural culinary experiences. Read more>>
KAE Savage
You need a team and my biggest struggle up to this point is that I’ve been doing everything myself(outside of being in a band and even then I felt I was pulling most of the weight). From the music production to writing the music to recording the music to designing the album covers to designing the flyers to putting the money up to produce the merch everything is fallen entirely on me, which I can appreciate if feeling impaired as a indie artist it takes a machine to truly push the artist to the masses to where they can actually make a decent living from music in a constant changing music landscape is also a major factor that makes me struggle in this. I work two jobs not including Music seven days a week so amongst all that and the fact that I still find a time to make music a lot of it has to do with time and money. Read more>>
Harry Acosta
I had just bought my first professional camera that same month I was released from my last corporate job, so it made sense to switch things up. Utilizing customer service skills from my experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry, tech-minded expertise from corporate-American-cubicle-life, business sensibilities I learned from college, creative solution techniques from the design realm, and camera knowledge from my love for music photography, I started my photography business. So far, it is the best career decision I’ve made. Read more>>
Tiffany Johnson
The following year, I enrolled at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) as a business transfer student. Earning my associate degree there was not just a milestone—it was a mindset shift. I then went on to Bellevue University, where I completed an accelerated bachelor’s degree in business management. While studying, I turned my longtime passion into action and launched SkinsoDark, an apparel brand designed to uplift and empower people of color. The goal was more than fashion—it was about representation, cultural pride, and inspiring self-love through identity-affirming clothing. Read more>>
Hanna McCord
Every artist brings their own personality, work style, strengths, and expectations to the table. That diversity is part of what makes our team incredible, but it also means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Balancing strong personalities, creative opinions, and communication styles requires patience, self-awareness, and constant growth. Read more>>
Lindsey Gilligan
Over the years, my favorite part of my job remains the same. I love getting to meet so many different people. Everyone is taking a different path and it’s so cool to hear about them. It changes your perspective on life when you get to be a part of conversations that would never come up in your own little bubble. It has expanded my community, made me a better listener, and all around a better human. Read more>>
Erika Santolalla
We specialize in wedding planning, but Day-of Coordinating is what we are best known for. Our clients most often say that we hold a delicate balance between being kind and approachable while also being firm and keeping things on track. We love to see a wedding day perfectly executed with precision while also maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with both our clients and the entire vendor team. Although we are a young business, we feel proudest of the positive reputation we have maintained throughout our short tenure. Most people find us by word of mouth, which we think is the greatest compliment and triumph! Read more>>
Asia Jones
As much as I wish it had been a smooth road, it definitely hasn’t. Running a business without any prior experience is a challenge in itself especially in the beginning when you’re wearing every hat and doing everything on your own. But it’s deeper than just learning how to run a business. You also have to grow personally shift your mindset, set boundaries, and evolve while still staying true to yourself and the original purpose that pushed you to start in the first place. And somehow, even now, I’m still constantly learning, adjusting, and growing from my mistakes. It’s humbling, but it keeps me moving forward Read more>>
Charity Hudson
In May of 2020, I started advertising on social media that I was offering loc services. One client reached out and trusted me to start his loc journey. Word of mouth started spreading and I was gaining more and more clients. By December of 2020, I was servicing over 45 clients consistently. By January of 2021, I wanted to be in a more professional space instead of my home. I branched out to a daily rental salon space called Hair BnB owned by Antonio Owens. I was renting there daily 7 days a week. Mr. Owens noticed my hard work and referred me to weekly rentals at a barber shop at In the Cut Barbershop owned by Kenneth Alli. I rented there from March of 2021 through March of 2022. By then I was servicing close to 145 clients. Read more>>
Lauren Sandor
After graduating in 2007, I bought my first DSLR so I could take senior pictures for friends. Before long, someone approached me to shoot my first wedding. I started at YSU in the spring of 2008 for psychology but soon found myself wanting to build something of my own. With a big push from my (now) husband, I established my business as Torn Photography. Somehow, even in the middle of a recession, I was able to thrive. A lot of my clients today have been with me since the very beginning, and I’m so lucky to have a supportive husband who continues to encourage me, we married in 2012. Read more>>
Brittani Lilley
I started taking photos in 2016, back in college — nothing fancy, just me and my friends, trying to hold onto memories we knew would slip away too fast. When I moved to North Carolina in 2017, something shifted. I started to realize that photography wasn’t just about pictures — it was about noticing the things most people were too busy to see. Read more>>
Olivia Little
It’s so easy for us to feel alone in this world and music is something that brings us all together. My purpose is to create music and a space with my art that allows people to not feel alone and to be their true selves. Through electronic music I found where I belonged, I found love and acceptance. I had dreams of creating a space with my art where others could feel the same. No matter what they are going through in life this moment together is an escape. Music can be a form of therapy and a place for all of those who are broken to feel and heal. I hope to create a deeper connection with my art and help anyone to have a safe space to let go and feel like they belong. Read more>>
Brett Bottles
The acquisition of a drone and the opportunity to perceive photography from an aerial perspective reignited my passion for the craft. As I gained proficiency in operating the drone, I diligently prepared for and successfully passed the FAA Part 107 test, securing my professional remote pilot license. This license enabled me to engage in communication-related drone operations. Read more>>
Jaimie Shaver
My journey in the beauty industry started right after I graduated from beauty school. I began as an independent contractor, which meant I had to hustle—building my own clientele, managing my own schedule, and continuously learning on the job. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me the freedom to grow, both as a stylist and as a businesswoman. Over time, I developed a strong and loyal client base, and with every cut, color, and conversation, my confidence grew. Read more>>
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>>
