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.
Adriana Carolina Sacka
spent many years working in a successful company, dedicating myself to it as if it were my own life project. However, one day that dream came to an unexpected end. It was a difficult moment, but also an opportunity to reinvent myself. Soon after, I started working for an American company and met my husband, my biggest supporter. Five years ago, I moved to the beautiful state of Florida, where I have finally had the time and freedom to reconnect with my passions and my life purpose, to dedicate time to my children, to my husband and to create the family I always dreamed of. Read More>>
Deisy Solorzano
God has never abandoned me in my entire process. In 2017, I started working with some insurance companies. Little by little, I started to increase my portfolio of clients. I’d always dreamed about having my own insurance agency but we were financially unprepared. Starting this year, we got in touch with managers from golden trust insurance, where they gave us the opportunity to acquire our own Franchise. These past nine years in this country have been a roller coaster where we went up and down but always being very clear about my objectives and goals. Read More>>
Rebecca Lenard
I kept in touch with Dr. Webman through college, dental school and residency – he guided me along with the way and challenged me to think outside the box of traditional education , diagnosis and treatment planning. I attended Barnard College, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior while still forging on my pre-dental track. I got accepted and attended University of Florida College of Dentistry, spending 4 years in Gainesville , Florida. I then specialized in pediatric dentistry at University of Florida, Naples Florida from 2012,2014 , serving as chief resident in my final year of training. Read More>>
Jennifer Solomon
From there, my advocacy expanded. I became an appointed member of HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council, giving me the opportunity to advocate on a national level. I currently serve as the President of Florida PTA’s Kaleidoscope Chapter, where I work to uplift and support LGBTQ+ parents and families statewide. Read More>>
Camila Chica
I have to say that I love Colombia, but for me was no a safe place, for my work as a journalist and just as a civilian is no the kind of country where you have freedom. Read More>>
Glaucia Da Silva
Oh wowww hahaha. I think I could sell my story to Netflix. I feel it has been, and continues to be, a journey full of lessons. I’ve had to emigrate three different times. Starting from scratch is not easy, especially when you do it alone and not only have to learn a new language but also adapt to a new culture. But without a doubt, I feel very grateful for each experience and the people I’ve met along the way. And, well, I feel like this new phase as a travel and food blogger is just getting started. Read More>>
Chunju (CJ / Susan) Wang
Throughout my career, I’ve carried this mindset. I worked at a tech startup from its first day until it went public, and later at a commercial real estate company, where I negotiated a deal from $29 million down to $23.5 million after the due diligence period. My ability to find common ground in negotiations helps ensure that everyone wins. Read More>>
Jorge Torres
Started as a college project with a professor that pushed me to grow my business through my passion. Parents that saw my journey were interested in being a part of it. We cater to families around the idea that outdoor activities is essential for all aspects in life. Read More>>
Daria Pupysheva
Well, I’ve tried myself in many different careers and it was never what i really wanted. And only then, 4 years ago, after the COVID i decided to sped all my savings on the makeup course. And it was the best decision I’ve ever took in my life. I love it with all my heart and never was more happy, than now. Read More>>
Mercedes Russell
I started my journey in marketing, earning a Bachelor’s degree in the field, but quickly realized that my true passion lay in cosmetology. While the business knowledge I gained in college was helpful, I should have gone straight to beauty school. Nevertheless, I became licensed in cosmetology and began working in corporate settings, only doing hair on Saturdays. Over the years, I bounced around various salons and suites, even working from home at one point. Finally, in 2016, I opened my own salon in Coral Springs. Read More>>
Paul Andre
I’ve always had a fascination for films & music videos and was interested on how they were made then I decided to buy my first camera before I bought my first car and that was the best decision I made because it created new opportunities for me that weren’t there before. Once I took filmmaking serious, I’ve seen my own progression as a result of me constantly learning, practicing & not letting rejection affect me. Today I’m able to make a living from it and I plan on growing a community to help others anyway I can. Read More>>
Patricia Barbis
During 18 years in New York and 2 in Miami worked with the top Hospitality Design firms in the industry, like Rockwell Group, Tihany Design, RTKL (Miami) and David Mexico Design Group. Read More>>
Mary Boada
I often worked in homes that were being prepared for sale or rent, and every time I saw realtors conducting business so professionally, I couldn’t help but think, “I want to be there.” I knew that real estate was the path I wanted to follow, though I also knew it wouldn’t be easy. So, I began saving with a clear goal: to get my real estate license. Finally, in 2019, after much hard work, I achieved that goal. But the challenges were only beginning. At first, no one knew me, I had no referrals, and the clients I attracted were the ones other agents didn’t want. But instead of feeling discouraged, I saw every client as an opportunity to learn and grow. Read More>>
Jeison Hurtado Moreno
Because of that, I experienced great disappointment and went through a period where I lacked motivation for anything in life. It wasn’t until I reconnected with my essence in God and rediscovered my love for art and music that I found a renewed sense of purpose. I subscribed to an artistic photography network on the Internet called see. me in which I created a profile and entered an online contest that consisted of promoting a photo profile and getting votes because the most voted profiles would get an invitation to an exhibition in New York. Read More>>
Leslie Benitah
In 2006, I found myself moving from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-soaked city of Miami after a coin flip with my newlywed husband. We had just gotten married and couldn’t agree on whether we should live in Miami, his home, or Paris, mine. So, we flipped a coin, and I lost! Eighteen years later, I’m still here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Read More>>
Lavinia Colasanto
My work spans from creating content for companies—overseeing video production in studios with technicians, cameramen, photographers, and drone operators—to being in front of the camera for interviews or closing million-dollar deals on yachts. Being from Rome, Italy, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with numerous Italian companies, which is a great source of pride for me. Read More>>
