Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

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.

Finley (girlgonemissing) Winters

I started as a kid writing songs on my dad’s work notepads, I’d write love songs to my crushes and fantasize about performing them for them. Once I turned 13, I spent the summer working for my grandma to afford my first acoustic guitar, and never put it down since. Read more>>

Steve Sosebee

It started at Kent State University, more than three decades ago, when I was a college activist working for human rights in Palestine. I was invited on a fact-finding tour of the occupied territories on winter break of 1988, and was very moved by what I saw there. Read more>>

Angela Griffith

Back in Dark Ages when I was in school, Good Girls™️ from Small Towns™️ did NOT go to school to become sex coaches – they got their MRS degrees (if you know, you know). Read more>>

Jenny Smas

About Me I’m a multidisciplinary designer working across fashion, soft home, and brand storytelling. I studied at Kent State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising. My education gave me a dual foundation — both creative and strategic — which continues to shape how I approach design today. Read more>>

Kathleen Casey Proctor

Casey’s Irish Imports, Inc was established in 1988 by our parents Vera and Tom Casey. Both were Irish immigrants hailing from Cong, County Mayo and Connemara, Co Galway. After retirement they fulfilled their life long dream of bringing the treasures of their native homeland of Ireland to Cleveland, Ohio. They settled in Rocky River among 5 Irish Catholic parishes! Read more>>

Patrick Sumey

Our journey began after more than 20 years of military service. As we transitioned into retirement, we both faced unexpected health battles: my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I suffered a series of heart attacks. These challenges changed our perspective on health and nutrition forever.  Read more>>

Vicky Pan

I began learning piano at a young age in Taiwan, where I developed a strong classical foundation and a deep love for music. Later, I came to the United States to continue my musical studies at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where I earned my master’s degree in music. Read more>>

Maliyah Clark

I grew up in a very supportive family. They believed my love for the arts was something important to foster. This continued support led me to attend magnet art schools for middle and high school. This pursuit in art education resulted in attending art school and receiving an internship with the Whitney Museum of American Art. Read more>>

Katie Wagner

The Guest Experience Co. really grew out of my photography business and my passion for creating meaningful experiences for people. Read more>> 

Julie Cain

My path into healing really began around 2015. At that time, I was going through a period of deep personal growth and spiritual exploration, and I found myself naturally drawn toward energy work, intuition, and holistic healing practices. Read more>>

Sue Lehman

I am #2 of 6 girls, so I’m used to being second in charge in a supporting role. I worked full time while in undergrad and law school and worked as an attorney for 24 years before retiring. Read more>>

Nicole Hoover

I worked in Corporate America as a high level HR leader for 15 years. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Shortly thereafter, my paternal aunt experienced a significant decline. So in addition to working, traveling for work, being a mom, a wife, a friend…’all of the things’, I was driving one to chemo and the other to dialysis. Read more>>

Marlene Purdie

The Story of Purdie Cleaning Built on Consistency, Grown Through Relationships, Driven by Purpose “I didn’t just want to start a cleaning company—I wanted to raise the standard of what service should look like.” Purdie Cleaning was built from a simple realization—businesses needed dependable, high-quality cleaning delivered with consistency, care, great customer service and professionalism. Read more>>

Jack Murphy

**The Company I Built on a Lie** It’s July 2011, and I’m standing in the middle of a summer camp, and I am the camp director. Read more>>

Jan Householder

In December,2005 a friend’s daughter, Katherine, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. In January of 2006 she became a patient at St. Jude’s. After meeting with her and her mom in March of that year, i decided i wanted to do something to help. That is when the Giving Doll was first created. Read more>>

Lyndi Zolnai

Our story began with my dream, and goal of being able to follow in my dads footsteps in every sense. Read more>>

Ashtyn Pharis

I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 15 years, but Pilates by Ashtyn was built from a much deeper place than just fitness. Read more>>

Stanley Jones

DJ Stan has established himself as a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry since the 1980’s with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional DJ services. He has worked with numerous clients, including wedding couples, and has received glowing reviews for his professionalism, communication skills, and ability to keep the party lively. Read more>>

Nicole Loy

If you were to have asked me when I was a child what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have confidently stated ‘author.’ I loved to write – stories, reports, poems – you name it, and I was writing it. At some point in college, however, I felt compelled to choose a more ‘practical’ career path. Read more>>

Joshua Mika

Hello! My name is Josh! I was born in Zambia and my family moved to the US when I was 3 years old. I spent my early years in the background, cutting my teeth playing keys for friends, church groups, and youth bands. But when the world shut down in 2020, I moved from the background to the front. Read more>>

Trevor Fraley

I started Gimme a Swing with my best friend Zach Singleton. We both graduated from the University of Dayton where I studied Entrepreneurship and he studied Finance. Ever since college we would golf as much as we possibly could. Sometimes up to 5 times per week. Read more>>

David Hurley

My coffee story started back in 2020. I actually went and learned about coffee and the business behind it at the Texas Coffee School. My intention was to open my own shop back then. We had drawings made up, contacts, suppliers, etc. all in the works when COVID happened. The uncertainty at the time unfortunately caused us to shelf the whole plan. Read more>>

Tracy Schottenstein

After 12 years in medical administration, I left on a new adventure. I went to graduate school and earned a master’s degree in Biblical studies. I was ordained in 2010. After serving in Christian ministry for 14 years, I left the church to celebrate life with others. Over my years in ministry, I focused my work addressing food and housing insecurity. Read more>>

Terrie Lawwill

I’d love to share my story! For over 20 years, I’ve been the person family and friends turned to when it came to planning wedding, parties and special events. Everyone always told me that this was my niche and I need to open my own planning business. I’ve always had a passion for creating meaningful moments that make an event feel personal and unforgettable. Read more>>

Amanda Nunn

’m a mom to my incredible 9-year-old daughter, Olivia, and I have the most supportive husband, Austin. We’re originally from Oklahoma, but we made the move to Ohio in search of better opportunities and higher pay for educators. Education was my first passion. Read more>>

Robert Uta

I moved to the US from Romania in 2017 after meeting my wife, Alli, while working as an exchange student. Like many people, my life took an unexpected turn during COVID-19 when I was laid off from my job as a bartender. One of my close friends had just started working at a local furniture shop that specialized in selling and refinishing pieces. Read more>>

Cindy Comperchio

The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Community Support Center serves neighbors in need with food, hygiene and cleaning supplies, diapers and baby wipes, and special programs at Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Throughout the year we also participate in programs to assist families in need with back to school supplies, Halloween costumes, and more. As the Executive Director, I can attest to the need being very real, and continuous. Read more>>

Jaime Westhause

I hit a point where I wanted something of my own. In August of 2024, I really had to look at my options because I have a busy full-time job managing five distribution centers across the U.S., and I don’t have a lot of extra time. However, I decided to start anyway. Read more>>

Amanda Strand

Gamers Haven was established in 1998 by original store owner, Wally, with an outstanding selection and free playing environment for all table top miniature and hobby needs. Community was at the heart of Gamers Haven when it began, and continues to be the cornerstone of our mission today. Read more>>