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.
Nikita Collier
I grew up watching my dad run his construction company. He used to take me to construction sites when he was building homes, and that is where entrepreneurship started for me. My dad has always been my hero, and he set the example I wanted to follow. I started my first business around eight years old selling homemade greeting cards. Read more>>
Martinus Sumbaji
I have been interested in the world of art, especially painting, since I was little, sometimes I am chosen to represent the school in drawing. Since graduating from high school, I started to get serious about painting, learning a lot on my own, while making money from art by painting photos or orders. Read more>>
Tyler Bradford
Mega Music DJ Service was originally founded in Coshocton, Ohio by my uncle, Trevor Griffith. Trevor was a full-time radio host who developed a passion for DJing back in high school. At just 17, he launched Mega Music DJ Service and built it from the ground up. Read more>>
Whitney Curtis-Huskey
I started my career in the field of autism support as a paraprofessional in a social communication classroom, working with students diagnosed with Autism. During my undergraduate program, I had taken an introductory ABA course, and I found myself naturally applying those concepts in my day-to-day work. That experience confirmed for me that ABA was the field I wanted to pursue long-term. Read more>>
Anshul Srivastava
My name is Anshul, and I never planned on becoming a pet-care entrepreneur — my Shih Tzu ‘Coco’ made that decision for me. My wife and I grew up in India, where dogs are treated like family members. So when we moved to the United States, our home felt strangely quiet. Read more>>
Jason Covert
As kid I always wanted to own an automotive shop and it was always a restoration/hot rod shop. I have no clue how this got implanted in my brain but it was always there. Maybe it was from growing up on a farm and always being around things that needed fixing, I’m not sure. Read more>>
Judy Sheard
I started this guided trail ride business back in 2016 with the mission of sharing the wonderful world of horses with those who have not had the pleasure of being around these awesome creatures. Ove the years, new trails and new experiences with horses have increased many joyful encounters between horses and people. We offer guided trail rides for everyone… Read more>>
Sean Brown
Small Veteran-Owned business, we started in 2019 as a handyman company with the vision of expanding into remodeling. Since then, we have expanded into full house rehabs, with basement, kitchens and bathrooms being our specialty. Our goal is to leave our customers with a positive stress free experience. As of right now, we have accomplished that goal. Read more>>
Alyson Riley
I’ve always been active– fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve done everything from cycling across the state to competing in national bodybuilding competitions, and those experiences taught me discipline, resilience, and how good it feels to push your limits. Read more>>
Kara Foster
After a decade in corporate change management and years as a CrossFit trainer, I saw an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. In 2016, More Life & Health LLC combined my expertise in education and with a passion for wellness. A deep dive into functional medicine transformed my health coaching and the results my clients we’re seeing. Read more>>
Isabel Stovsky
Not to sound cliché, but I realized I wanted to become a therapist while sitting on my own therapist’s couch. In my late twenties, I felt directionless and unfulfilled. I was teaching yoga full-time – a role that was meaningful and grounding in many ways – but I knew it wasn’t my long-term path. Read more>>
Stephanie Hedrick
I definitely didn’t grow up thinking I’d be an esthetician. I actually went to college for IT Networking and Security Management. My interest in skin health really started with my own issues. I tanned a lot in my teens and began noticing sun spots way earlier than I should have. Read more>>
Doug Meacham
I grew up in the Westerville area in the 1980s. I went to Big Walnut high school and then to Otterbein University. My major was music and business, and that led me to an internship in Nashville, Tennessee. I had wanted to be a professional musician ever since I was a kid. Read more>>
Kaiden Roshon
I started hair school at 19 years old, in Columbus, ohio, as a single mom of a 3 year old. I drove a total of 3 hours a day to and from, and dropping my son off at Pre-K. It was a long year. Read more>>
Graeme Buchanan
Common Thread really started as a simple idea: people need more chances to slow down, be creative, and actually connect with each other. I was getting into tufting withmy friend Micah and anytime we brought other friends in on the experience, the room instantly felt lighter I found the friends I brought into it were laughing, talking, and building relationships through spending real time together. Read more>>
Matthew Robert Brown
I’ve been playing music since I was 14 years old, starting on guitar, which has remained my primary instrument for many years. Over time I’ve branched out into bass, drums and vocals, continually working to grow as a well-rounded musician. I’ve performed and released music with original punk, hardcore, blues, metal, rock and funk bands. Read more>>
Rae Gentry
I have been a bartender for over 20 years. I’ve also worked hospitality management, booked shows and have been a touring fire performer. I’ve always loved The Foundry and have worked there off and on for 20 years, and when I had the opportunity to buy it I jumped! Read more>>
Brian Campbell
Crooked Cottage Escape Rooms began with a spark — one of those ideas that arrives quietly but refuses to leave. I’ve always loved storytelling, mystery, and immersive experiences, and for years I dreamed of creating a place where people could step out of their daily routines and into fully realized worlds. The idea grew until one day I realized: This is it. Read more>>
Linden Avenue Baptist Church
Linden Avenue Baptist Church, affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of Ohio, was built in 1873.. In over it’s 152 years of existence, this church has helped start 5 other churches. Jesus said to love the Lord with everything we have and to love our neighbor as ourselves. I believe Linden Ave is still alive and thriving because of following this commandment Read more>>
Daneé Haynes
My personal journey of both pregnancy loss and carrying full term pregnancies was the catalyst that led me to become a birth doula. I really became a “birth nerd” during that time and wanted to be for others, what I wanted for myself. I ended up having a doula and she told me I would make a great doula… that was the confirmation I needed to hear. I trained with a few organizations but ended up certifying with the National Black Doulas Association. Read more>>
Curtis Shepard
My name is Curtis Drake Shepard, and I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Raised by my aunt, I grew up in the communities of Avondale and Walnut Hills. I graduated from Hughes High School where I met my first love, the STAGE! I tried college several times and eventually I surrendered to my inability to confirm to the structure and rules of higher learning. Read more>>
