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.
Shadia Castillo
I was introduced to the amazing Boxr gym in downtown Miami where I currently host a leg and glute focused class and where I exclusively train my clients. My social media platform has grown in the last few years and has made it possible for me to share my love for fitness to a broader audience, where I am able to motivate, inspire, teach and engage with others who share the same love for fitness as me. I am beyond grateful to be able to help others achieve their goals and motivate others to continue on their fitness journey ! Read More>>
Jesus Bencomo
It wasn’t until I entered the world of high-end furniture cleaning that everything fell into place. What started as another business idea quickly became a passion. I realized that this market, though largely untapped, had immense potential. The craft of delivering exceptional service—paying attention to the smallest details and providing clients with a tailored, premium experience—was something that resonated deeply with me. Read More>>
Max Fukelman
One of the great friendships this profession has given me is with Adrian. Together in Argentina, we achieved quarter-mile records and won championships with BMW touring cars. During a trip to Texas to watch a quarter-mile competition, the idea for this exciting new project began—opening a world-class shop in Boca Raton, Florida. Read More>>
Sean Nguyen
In New York, I was coached by the amazing Russian National Record Holder Vasily Polovnikov and learned so much from him. Unfortunately my lower back pain came back on and off during my time in New York, so I had to come to terms with potentially quitting heavy lifting all together and change gears again. I ended up diving down the rabbit hole of physical therapy and got certified in Reflexive Performance Reset and a few years later in Biomechanics which heavily borrows concepts from Postural Restoration Institute. Luckily rehab has progressed so much in the last 10 years, because I’m happy to say I’ve been pain free in my lower back without the need for surgery for the past 3 years. Read More>>
Daniel Anderson And Miguel Flores
After extensive research into everything we needed—from a warehouse to the right chemicals—we realized that trying to grow our own business while working for someone else would be challenging and complicated. Shortly after securing our first client, we decided it was best to leave our previous company and start our own venture. Read More>>
Hugo Gonzalez Kakouris
In 2020 I was hired by a large yacht brokerage to operate and manage their charter division which consisted of a large fleet of yachts. Shortly after I applied for my brokers license through the brokerage I was working for and stepped into the world of Yacht Sales. From the relationships I made growing up in Miami, my clients under yacht management, and my overall knowledge and passion for boats, I was fortunate to sell and learn from each deal. In 2023 I left the brokerage to Start my own Company with the vision of a Yacht brokerage, Yacht management and Charter business which is when Tidal Yacht Group was created. Read More>>
Sarah Doyle
I started with Valerie Wilson Travel in 2022 as an “Independent Advisor”. My 2 beautiful girls, Ava and Jordanna, were in highschool and had their driver’s licenses. I quickly realized that even with all of my philanthropic commitments, I had a lot of extra time on my hands. I wanted to fill that time with a productive and gratifying career. Read More>>
Valeria Gould
From my earliest years, I excelled academically, particularly in mathematics, which ignited my passion for problem-solving and analytical thinking. After graduating in Business Administration in my home country, I embarked on a career path that took me to various roles, including working for the Department of Education in the United Nations Peruvian program and serving as the logistics manager for an international company specializing in medical technology. Read More>>
Mikayla Luna
What really sets us apart is our Two Week Website offer. We’ve streamlined our process so that businesses can get a custom, fully functional website in just two weeks. Read More>>
Jennifer Saint Heard
Honestly, life Hasn’t been smooth, but I make sure I carve into my liking. I am a lost puppy in a big world with people that are as evil as the devil himself But I always kept my head on my shoulder and I knew one day everything will be worth it. At times I knew my worth and Other times I got Manipulated but all those life tribulations and problems that happened taught me a valuable lesson. If I’m being honest, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Read More>>
Catalina Mellado
My “aha” moment to pursue the boutique of my dreams came while shopping for a wedding guest dress for a wedding in Greece in the summer of 2023. As I scrolled through various boutique websites, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the beautiful dresses and thought, “If I had my boutique, these are exactly the kinds of styles I’d want to curate.” I found myself daydreaming about everything—how I would style the pieces, take the photos, and how good it would feel to have women feel confident wearing the items I selected. Read More>>
Alicia Graubard-Silebi
My journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fitness became my outlet and the one thing that gave me structure and discipline — two things I thrive off of. I started a fitness page, initially just to document my personal journey, but it quickly turned into a passion project. I committed to posting every day, sharing workouts, mental health tips, and new recipes I developed weekly. Fitness had always been a big part of my life, but this platform helped me connect with others who shared that passion, and it began to grow. Read More>>
Maria And Josue Cordoba
I’m Maria Hernandez, and dance has been a part of my life since I was a child. My father used to tell me how, as a baby, I would turn up the music, and bounce and shake my booty to the rhythm of the music, no matter how loud it was. Growing up in Colombia, surrounded by family parties and vibrant culture, dance was always around me. But it wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. that I truly discovered my passion for it. The Hip Hop dance community, I found at 16, became my refuge, filling a void left by the move and giving me a sense of belonging in a place where I initially felt like an outsider. Read More>>
Eve Joss
Rooms by Eve is a full service interior design company based in Boca Raton, FL and services both Miami and Palm Beach areas. I earned my qualification in interior design in South Africa at the DVR academy of design. In 2008, I immigrated with my family to the United States and settled in Florida. (I am married and we have 3 daughters). Read More>>
Danielle Dam
This passion led me to the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching, where I expanded my expertise beyond physical wellness to embrace a more holistic approach to personal development. After becoming certified by the International Coaching Federation, I felt empowered to leave my corporate position and launch my own venture. Read More>>
