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.
Yana Hardy
It was only during school that I realized how much I truly loved it. I could see myself making this my career, and I knew I wanted to run my own studio someday. Shortly after completing my training at Neo Beauty School in Hallandale Beach, Florida, I worked in an aesthetic studio to gain hands-on experience with clients. That experience gave me the confidence to open my own space. It was scary and risky, but my desire outweighed the fear. Read More>>
Kathleen Anaya
Along the way, I noticed a lack of responsibility and empathy in the growing plastic surgery industry. Often, patients were treated as just another number rather than receiving the care and support they needed. I witnessed firsthand how women’s self-esteem and personal perception transformed with the proper backing. This experience made me realize that it’s not just about superficial changes through plastic surgery, but about providing professional, science-based support to help individuals achieve their dreams and feel happy with their results. Read More>>
Geraldine Edrei
That’s why I founded 2boxbyGeraldine. I don’t just offer moving and organizing services; I provide a pathway to peace, clarity, and simplicity. I understand the time and emotional investment required during a move, and I am here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Read More>>
Bonnie Sorsby
During these years, I also faced health struggles, including once quite debilitating Lyme disease, which made me rethink how I balanced family, work, and self-care. The challenges often felt overwhelming, but they also brought resilience and perspective that now inform both my art and my business. Through it all, I’m grateful for the support of my husband, family, and the wonderful community around me. Read More>>
Christos Philippou
While I loved Cyprus, I recognized that moving to the USA would open up opportunities that simply weren’t as available back home. I wanted to experience a place with a thriving tech ecosystem and a culture that embraces new ideas, so I made the decision to attend Lindenwood University in St. Louis. Here, I’ve been able to balance my studies with athletics while diving deeper into the world of business and technology. Read More>>
Sidney Etienne
Eventually, I embraced this path. I started building my kit little by little, beginning with just a lamp and a stool, along with drugstore products. Each step of my journey taught me a crucial lesson: don’t hold back just because everything isn’t perfectly aligned. Start with what you have, give it your all, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go. One day, you’ll look back and see that every small step was worth it! Read More>>
Wilmyne Leger
I don’t think my kids saw me studying or working on everything I have going on until recently. Once they went to bed, I would crack open the books or the laptop. If my Husband was off, I would skip studying that night. I can’t say that I ever felt like giving up but there were some moments of “I don’t wanna” LOL! BUT not making my family a priority was not an option and not becoming a Healthcare Provider was also not an option. I just did what I had to do to be the best wife, Mother, daughter, and Sister I could be without neglecting my goals in the process. Read More>>
Jenilee Guilbert
I love the reaction I receive from my clients when I hand them the mirror. I love the stories they tell me about how their confidence has been boosted because of their lashes. I have lashed hundreds of clients in the last 6 years and I haven’t had one client tell me they hate their lashes. Now I teach others how to apply lash extensions either in person or through my online course. I have also created digital products, which are available through my Instagram store, that helps Lash Artists gain clients and keep them, the importance of social media presence, etc., and I am not done. I am still creating and learning more every day. Read More>>
Rafael Sierra
Dr. Rafael Sierra was born in Puerto Rico, where he lived most of his life. He went to the University of Puerto Rico and graduated with a major in education, biology and minors in foreign languages. He also served on mission trips to China, Korea, and participated in many events doing charity work in the Island of Puerto Rico. A little later he got certified as a personal trainer and volunteered to train and educate elderly groups on fall prevention. Read More>>
Emily Afre
Early in college, I hit a terrible dry spell. Between karmic lessons and a personal identity crisis, I had entered the ‘dark night of the soul’. I felt lost, and depressed, and struggled with a serious case of imposter syndrome (and still do). If you ask me now, I think many creatives feel this way when they’re not actively creating. I was a little defeatist back then. Read More>>
Tasneem Campos
Since a hefty portion of my self-worth was tied up in this doctor dream, now that I knew medicine was not in the cards, I felt aimless. I graduated from UCLA, moved back to Miami in defeat, and I started working as a recovery coach at Oliver-Pyatt Centers (OPC). At OPC I was exposed to clients with eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, severe trauma histories, personality disorders…and I would spend 12 hours at a time with these women, helping them with their needs, getting to know their stories. This was the first seed that was planted towards my therapy career, although I didn’t know it at the time. Read More>>
Laqueda Lewis
What followed was a chaotic scene of me diving to catch the shells midair, only to land in a pile of paint and other supplies. Trophy, meanwhile, proudly paraded around with one of my seashells like he’d just won the lotto! Instead of feeling defeated, I burst out laughing. That moment made me realize that crafting isn’t just about creating beautiful things; it’s also about embracing the unexpected and enjoying the process. From that day on, I knew my crafting journey would always be filled with fun, surprises, and the occasional feline intervention! Read More>>
Nisha Noel
We are best known for setting the high bar! If PW is catering your event, just know you have one of the best Chefs in town! What sets me apart from others is simply what I bring to the table. A smooth booking process, when I arrive to your location me and my team moves extremely quick and swift. Not to mention we leave it spotless as if no one was ever there! I’m most proud that my brand has excelled as quick as it did. With hard work, dedication, and consistent content, we cater for clients from all different regions of the world that travel to Miami and want an experience! Read More>>
Julian Rios
I began my clothing brand with my brother in the late 2016. All made in Los Angeles and having 0 clue about the business we embarked on this amazing journey to create our own mid luxury label with a western street style design. We relaunched the brand in 2021 after some learning curves, and our professional careers being more flexible. We’re back in action with a beautiful story behind our brand that represents the American dream. Check us out. Unitedrivers.com Read More>>
Rosa Chang-Crespo
As I consistently shared content that was honest and practical, my audience grew. People started to see me as someone they could trust for beauty advice, and that connection made everything worth it. Eventually, brands began reaching out to collaborate, and I had the opportunity to work with some amazing companies. It was a turning point that showed me I could take my passion even further. Read More>>
Victoria Rivera
I’ve been in the industry now for 10+ years and I’m here to show you in Palm Beach county FL, what a difference loving working with food can do on your meals as well as your relationship with food. I take pride in my variety, my knowledge of allergies and diets, and my willingness to go that extra step to make sure the client is getting the menu they would want. If you want to learn more, browse my website and FAQs www.cheftori-personalchefllc.com, instagram @rivera.tori, and if you still have some questions, reach out to me! Read More>>
Juan Barcenas
Royal Marine specializes in electrical and electronic installations and design on yachts. We are a Latino family owned and operated business. The quality of our work is of utmost importance to us. When clients work with us, we want them to feel heard and for their vision to be perfectly executed. We provide educated and honest suggestions, and we get our jobs done in a timely manner. We’re pleased to receive several returning customers, and many of our clients come to us from word of mouth. Read More>>.
Susan Bigsby
I have spent my entire life honing my skills as a professional image consultant, makeup artist, wardrobe and style expert. As a child, I learned to sew and later designed my own fashions. My desire for perfection in workmanship enabled me to win a national design and sewing contest among 16,000 contestants. This experience enabled me to design and manufacture my own line of knitwear which sold internationally. Read More>>
Estefanía Peynetti
Deciding to move to Miami was an extremely hard choice, after the pandemic business was not so good in Mexico and I decided to take the risk, little did I know it was going to take 2 years to even finish the build out . I had to learn about the whole process and in a different country while struggling with moving with 2 huskies and leaving the country I had lived my whole life in as well. Read More>>
Brian Garcia
Today, GQ Management oversees 25 luxury properties across South Florida and Costa Rica, and our goal remains clear: to deliver the luxury and service of a five-star hotel in the privacy of a home. Our journey started with a simple listing, but our vision has transformed it into a full-service, industry-leading brand. We’re proud of what we’ve built together and are more motivated than ever to keep pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the industry. This is just the beginning of what we know will be an inspiring, game-changing success story. Read More>>
Ksusha Korn
One day, I picked up a camera again, and it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. That’s when I realized how much I had missed it. Gradually, photography took over my attention. I decided to develop my skills seriously and invested in several courses from top photographers around the world. These courses opened new horizons for me — I learned the intricacies of working with light, how to spot beauty in details, and how to confidently manage shoots. Read More>>
Orlando Rosario
From there, I started DJing small house parties. Eventually, I started DJing weddings, and that’s where it all came together for me—making memories for couples on the biggest day of their lives. After years of working for other companies, in 2022, I decided to go all in and launched Continuum DJs. It’s been a journey so far, but I love what we’re building and I’m excited for what the future holds. Read More>>
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>>
