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.
Athena Gardner
Women face unique challenges regarding wealth. We’re often conditioned to believe that we can achieve financial security through beauty or by marrying wealthy partners. However, hard work does not guarantee wealth, and even affluent women can experience financial deception and abuse. Statistics show that women typically earn less than men for similar roles, can lose an average of $1 million in their lifetimes due to caregiving responsibilities, and may face financial hardship after divorce. Read More>>
Jenny Huertas
My transition to real estate began in 2004 as a Mortgage Broker, followed by becoming a licensed Real Estate Agent in 2005. I excelled in sales centers, specializing in pre-construction projects. In 2006, I co-founded Condo Vultures Realty, Florida’s pioneering brokerage focused exclusively on buyer representation, leveraging our proprietary database of the South Florida condo market. Read More>>
Lauren Hoffman
Each moment of life is by series of ripple effects that started long ago. When I graduated from Appalachian State University a decade ago (Go Mountaineers!), I was fascinated with the business side of psychology. I wanted to learn more about what drove people, what motivated them, and what it took for people to reach their highest potential. There’s no doubt in my mind that my strong interest in performance and potential stemmed from my own personal evolution as an at-risk youth turned cum laude graduate. Read More>>
Angela Hernandez
I found a 30 day yoga challenge with 10 minute classes, and by the time I finished, I knew I wanted yoga to be a part of my life. I kept practicing at home with free YouTube classes and read more about yoga and meditation. Since everything was closed, I learned from different online teachers and started memorizing the classes to practice teaching in front of the mirror. Read More>>
Lana & Ricky Perez
Lana: Originally from Riga, Latvia, I arrived in the United States in 2001 with limited English and minimal funds. But I carried with me an unshakable vision for a brighter future. I started by working on cruise ships and later joined a local bank, where I progressed from a teller to Branch Manager. The potential I saw around me sparked a deep desire for financial freedom and a life of purpose. In 2009, I earned my real estate license, embarking on a new career as a realtor. The road was challenging, but my determination to succeed was stronger than any obstacle. Today, I am proud to serve my community, guided by the same values of hard work and persistence. Read More>>
Terry Lynch
I feel like if a guy from a small town and Mississippi can grow up and make it out of Mississippi and do some pretty cool things with myself I think anyone can so we’re super excited about what we’ve been doing and we looking to continue to grow in the Florida area you know like we did in Atlanta so now we’re gonna do it here. We are looking for those people that would love to work with us and we feel like that they want to grow vertically in take on the challenges but expect the reward to be great at the end so that’s my story. I’m excited about the present and look forward to a much more exciting future. Read More>>
Marc Coqmard
Growing up in South Florida led to seeing a lot of different range of cultures, and lifestyles. Between Miami and just the music, fashion, video games, shows, books, and movies, I was seeing as a kid really shaped my taste to what I produce visually now and how its curated with a certain level of intricacies. Some of my favorite specific inspirations would include Kanye West, Mirror’s Edge, and even films like a Transformers really pulled me into cinema as a kid to name a few. Read More>>
Ariana Lopez
The journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced setbacks and, at times, doubt from those around me. Fortunately, I had supportive Husband, family and friends who believed in me and encouraged me to believe in myself. Their support, along with my dedication, opened doors that led me to where I am today. Read More>>
Alexandra Toro
My story with the fashion world was born a year and a half ago in a creative agency, as a professional I am a graphic designer but I have always liked the fashion part. Since I was very young I was in contact with the textile world and I was about to enter to study fashion but due to personal issues, I could not finish. When I faced in an agency, with the help of a person who at that time was a co-worker who later became my current partner, the whole project of the fashion studio came up. I started a year and a half ago to study everything I needed to know about the world of fashion in 3D because it was something I liked to do. Read More>>
Clairvens Joseph
Online, people know me as Laybrday, an underground artist who doesn’t believe in sticking to one genre like ‘hip-hop.’ My music is all about expression and inspiration, so I’ve explored everything from supertrap and hyperpop to pluggnb, ARNB (Asian rock), and shoegaze. A lot of listeners recognize me from a track I did with Jace!, which became my top song on Spotify, but lately, I’m moving toward an electro-pop sound, working closely with producers like vtmscries and Vital. I’m proud of how I’ve evolved as an artist, but my real passion lies in connecting with other creatives. What makes me different is my fearlessness, I’m open to experimenting and trying something totally unique, even if it feels unconventional. Read More>>
Alexandria Redding
Once accepted I quit my full time job to attend Paul Mitchell full time day cosmetology program and worked my part time job at night. This was a pivotal time in my life and required a great deal of endurance and effort. Looking back, I’m not sure how I was able to push through but I’m so glad that I did because I can confidently say the hard work paid off! The detours, redirections and tough lessons were worth it. I experience joy in being a hairdresser and taking charge of my career and my story everyday. Read More>>
Clayton Ramsay
My family has a long-standing connection with the sea; for generations, we’ve fished off Jamaica’s shores, understanding the unique qualities of the Caribbean. The sea moss we source grows naturally in these warm, nutrient-rich waters—perfectly suited for revitalizing the body with its essential minerals and vitamins. This journey, which began with a childhood connection to sea moss, became a passion project born from heritage and health, and it’s now a business that lets me share the benefits of this remarkable plant with others. Read More>>
Aidan Wells
Bek and I met through mutual friends a few years back and began hanging out to write or just play some music. It wasn’t ’til we took a trip to St. Augustine that we wrote our first song, “Never Found”, while camping out in my old van for a few days. We realized we worked well together and decided we’d start a band alongside our drummer at the time. As time went on and some things changed, of course we began working with new people: our bassist, Leaf, and our drummer, Jeremy. We’ve written an album’s worth of music for the band itself, despite only having a few singles out. Read More>>
Sophie Ayad
At heart, The Poolclub’s goal is to hand select the finest and highest quality women’s resort wear, always prioritizing timeless and effortless elegance as well as avant-garde designers. From timeless wardrobe essentials to sophisticated bohemian outfits and luxurious beachwear, The Poolclub Monaco aspires to be a one-stop-shop for e-commerce aficionados that want quality and understand value. As such, it is our company’s mission to remain competitively priced in a world of oh-so-many bargains. Read More>>
Acasha Pressley
So I was interested in photography since college. I got my first camera as a gift back in 2017. I would shoot things here & there but not consistently. Fast forward to about three years ago, I started to miss making those memories & capturing things through photo so I got serious about it & here we are now… a full photography & 360 photobooth rental business. I’m so grateful Read More>>
Karym Benitez
I’m Karym Benitez, the creator and owner of Holi Nails. My love for nails started in childhood, during cherished trips to the nail salon with my mother. Those moments together, surrounded by vibrant colors and the art of nail design, left a lasting impression on me. I still remember the excitement of receiving my first nail kit—it sparked a dream that would stay with me. Read More>>
Brina
Long story short, I met a family friend named Ruben Raymond (now my current producer) who played piano at my church while I sang. We quickly became close over our love of music. He’s the one that took me to my first session, taught me song structure, and piano chords. Meeting him drastically changed my life. Although I know I still would’ve pursued music without meeting him, I can’t imagine how different my life would be had that not have happened. With my own hard work, determination, and persistence mixed in with that experience, I am now doing what I have always wanted to do and I am now the artist I’ve always wanted to be. Read More>>
Sara Castaneda
This was my life with photography until I got to Coral Springs High, where I joined both the school newspaper and the yearbook. In my senior year, I became the photo captain, leading a photo team. I couldn’t afford a DSLR, and my parents didn’t see the value in investing in my photography, but I was fortunate to have a friend lend me his Nikon D5100 throughout high school. By the time I got to college, I had saved enough to buy the same model—I had grown so fond of it. Once again, I documented all the adventures with my friends. One of them even called me “the documentarist.” Read More>>
Sydney Scott
I dedicated my college education to learning about the music industry and business development while going through lots of trial and error myself. My personal struggles as an artist inspired me to research the economics of the music industry, and I became focused on addressing the inequities that musicians face through education and economic empowerment. Read More>>
Karina Brandenburg
Sometimes fate is on your side and with luck, you do get to live out your dream. But the curveball named COVID hit and the world came to a standstill with all service providers. Learning from COVID, was how to pivot; how to expand services. Expanding my services is what saved the day. Today, I offer a variety of services to my client that centers around photography, branding, and marketing. I understand the importance of a good headshot and what marketing can do for a business. Read More>>
Eurydice Eve
With hand-stitching and hand-drawing as her artistic media and the female nude as her theme, Eurydice “bridges high and low aesthetics in an ecstasy of satire and connects the viewer with past generations of silenced women for whom she hopes to speak.” Eurydice says her artwork is committed to “the age-old tension between the natural flesh we inhabit and our sociocultural constructs about it; between the bodies we are and the marks we make to capture them.” Her collectors have no idea that the artist Eurydice is also the “Eurydice”: the legendary writer whose cult following was formative to many in New York’s turn-of-the-century millennial underground in the halcyon days of late 90’s Guerrilla Grrrls alt-culture era. Read More>>
Nik Salazar
I´m a pop artist, and I always like to experiment with new sounds. I like to write about personal stuff but also about life, society and us as human beings, but what I most enjoy about making music, is the capability it gives you to inspire other people, like my song “No Me Cambio Por Nadie Más”, I wanted to make a self love anthem against bullying, ´cause I grew up being bullied, and it touched many people. Read More>>
Michele Singer
Being a new business during Covid was a challenge, but we survived with no PPP. Not having a business background or knowing anything about owning a store was also a challenge. Some things were not done the way it should have been, but we learned fast. Learning what the customers want and like is another challenge. Another challenge is making the majority of chocolate in house due to the time it takes to dip in the chocolate. I don’t regret opening the store or going down this path, but love to pass down what I have learned to try and help others. Read More>>
Taylor Abess
During that time, I renovated my entire showroom space, and friends who saw it began asking me to design their homes. The transition into interior design happened naturally from there. Ultimately, I closed the showroom to pursue design full-time, but my fashion background gave me a solid foundation in textures, layering, and mixed media. Read More>>
Juliana Salgado
I started as a teenager, doing my friends’ hair, nails, and makeup—something I simply loved to do. After high school, I couldn’t go to college, so I began working in restaurants. Meeting my husband and experiencing a miscarriage became a turning point for me; I decided it was time to be an adult and go to school so I could provide for my future children. Right after graduation, I found out I was pregnant again. Because of my previous loss, I was mentally terrified of going through that pain once more. It wasn’t until 2018, when my daughter was two, that I was finally able to seek professional help for postpartum anxiety and begin to reclaim my life as a mom. Read More>>
Chiara Cucinella
This year, I decided to take a leap and start my own professional home organizing business, focusing on helping busy moms and individuals create functional, serene spaces in their homes. Discovering the power of organization in my own life has shown me how impactful it can be on our peace of mind and overall well-being. Now, my mission is to share that impact with others, creating accessible systems that make homes easier to manage and more enjoyable. For me, it’s deeply fulfilling to see my clients feel the positive shift that an organized, clutter-free environment can bring into their lives. Read More>>
Maurice Mompoint
Beatriz, who founded the company, worked alongside Maurice for over 25 years to build this legacy. While she stepped back four years ago, her dedication and values continue to shape our approach. Quinceañera cruises remain our specialty, but our success in this area has allowed us to expand into high school graduation cruises, destination weddings, and other celebratory event cruises. Today, we’re proud to offer a range of customized travel experiences, each crafted with the same commitment to quality and joy that has defined us from the beginning. Read More>>
Yenny Guevara
Over time, my journey shifted towards self-love and authenticity, sharing my most vulnerable and courageous processes on Instagram. I’m an avid traveler, which led me to move between cities, countries, and continents from 2016 until 2021, when I finally settled in Miami. However, in 2020, while living in Dublin, Ireland, I launched my podcast “De tú a tú,” where I share my experiences in an intimate and unfiltered way. Read More>>
Iva Jay Herjavec
Then I moved to Madrid and opened and managed a concept store where I was selling brands from the USA. I wanted to make a community in Madrid to feel like I am in Miami, as well to make people fell like they are a part of something more than just fashion but a unity but it took me one year to realise its not going the way I wanted to or even expected as my heart is in the wrong city. What I took out of it was learning Spanish , management , communication skills and meeting amazing Inspiring people. Read More>>
Hannah White
As I deepened my studies, learning from spiritual mentors, teachers, tools and books for studying, I began to see my experiences as part of a larger purpose. It was never just about me and my healing; it was about sharing what I’d learned to help others find their way out of darkness. That’s when I launched my platform, @revatisrevolution, on Instagram and TikTok. I wanted to build a community for people who, like me, were seeking transformation, hope, and healing. Read More>>
Greg Young
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. The path to where I am now has been full of challenges. Early on, I was battling addiction, homelessness, and legal troubles, which left me at rock bottom. Getting sober was the first big hurdle, but it was only the beginning. After getting clean, building my barber business, Noblemen’s Cut and Shave, required a lot of long hours and dedication. It’s tough balancing that while also being a present husband and father, especially when you’re trying to establish a brand like Noble by Greg Young and keep a nonprofit like The Backpack Barber Foundation thriving. Read More>>
Tevin Johnson
Tevin Johnson, known as Marvel The Energy, is an electrifying DJ originally from the DC Metro Area. His journey began at local CBS TV, where he co-founded “The DMV Soundcheck,” a weekly music series that showcased emerging talent local and national. This experience propelled him to the forefront of the DC music scene, where he became one of the most sought-after DJs, spinning at local clubs, restaurants, and various events.** Read More>>
Melissa Justice Rao
For the past 10 to 15 years, I’ve delved into mixed-media art, treating anything that could hold paint as my canvas. A few years ago, I rediscovered my love for drawing people, spending hours in bookstores marveling at whimsical character illustrations. I began to create my own versions of these quirky girls, immersing myself in the joy of the process. Yet, despite my enthusiasm, I felt something was missing—I longed for more dimension in my work. Read More>>
Lydia Liscom
“We need someone with more design courses; stay connected when you’re further along in your education!” I was willing to work for FREE on the days I wasn’t working my part-time job and I wouldn’t take no for an answer. After connecting with many design firms in the area, I was offered an internship at a high-end residential firm. That opportunity ended up being my runway into an amazing career as a luxury interior designer. Working on multi-million-dollar homes and condominiums at such a young age gave me a huge leg up in my career! Read More>>
Leticia Perez
Luckily, people are very receptive and feel the need to train with us to feel safe. So for quite a few years now, my husband has dedicated himself exclusively to this. He is called from different parts of Europe, such as London, Italy, Switzerland… to teach seminars and courses on the DEFCON System. And luckily, I can accompany him on all his trips to teach the seminar and support and help all the participants. So, for the last 2 months we have been permanently in Miami, in order to make ourselves known and expand self-defense in this city and in the other States where we are requested. Read More>>
Brittany Velez
I struggled with the idea of being too pushy or talking about my travel business with friends. I felt awkward being “that friend” who was pushing their new business on others. So, I learned to just ask for social media support. A like, follow, or share was the best thing I could ask others to do. Eventually, if they needed something travel-related, they knew I was there. Going forward, I have grown my business the most from the recommendations of friends/family. Read More>>
Claudia Rios
Like all good things in life, challenges have been incredible opportunities for learning and growth. One challenge I’m particularly proud of overcoming is learning how to ‘see’ light. As photographers, we have to train ourselves to view scenes differently than the naked eye, and mastering light is a major part of that. I’ve had to learn how to create light in situations where there may be none, and now, I feel comfortable playing with both natural and artificial light to bring my vision to life. Read More>>
Agata And Warren Attersoll
We’d love to have some amazing and inspiring anecdote of how it all started but in reality our brand began with Agata’s love of documenting our life through media. Not satisfied with simply taking photos, Agata took to Instagram in hopes of inspiring other no longer 20 somethings content creators. Read More>>
Julian Garcia
I began my career as a cinematographer at 18 when I enrolled at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in 2017. From the start, I knew my focus would be camera direction. I was captivated by the magic behind the lens, the depth of every frame, and the visual and emotional impact that a single shot could convey. Each time I positioned myself behind the camera, I felt a genuine connection to the world through a unique perspective. Every shot had the potential to tell complex stories, filled with emotion and meaning—a universe in every click. Read More>>
Daniel Lam
I’m proud to say that I’ve built a strong foundation in the hospitality sector, where I’ve been recognized for my contributions and leadership, especially in the South Florida region. With over 25 years in this industry, I now serve as the Area General Manager for Economos Properties, overseeing properties in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Sparks, NV. My role covers operational oversight, franchise management, and asset development for a portfolio of 996 rooms and several hundred employees, all essential to our continued success and growth. Read More>>
Maya Faulkner
Hello! My name is Maya Faulkner, and I’m the proud owner of Caribbean Swim Boutique. Born and raised in Florida with deep Caribbean roots, my love for fashion began at a young age-I would often spend hours sketching designs, even in grade school. Over the years, I immersed myself in social media and fashion, steadily growing as an influencer and designer until I found my true niche in swimwear. Read More>>
Thomas Cordasco
I was working at the Fontainebleau, enjoying life on the beach, when the COVID pandemic hit, and like many, I found myself laid off. That moment was a turning point for me. I didn’t want to be stuck in the routine of a 9-5 job. My wife and I talked about how we wanted more time with each other and our kids, so we made a bold decision to pursue real estate together. Becoming Realtors allowed us to build our careers while also being present for our family. Read More>>
Yehuda Nathan
We opened a full showroom and invested in lots of machinery and an amazing crew to be able to take on any size job. Recently i bought out my partner and today the shop focuses on high end residential and commercial millwork projects. We focus on custom projects that range from full scale millwork packages for high end condos in Miami to large scale commercial packages like lobby’s, synagogues and the sort. Read More>>
Lauri Mora
My name is Lauri Mora, and my journey here has been one of tough decisions, moments of self-discovery, and a constant search for purpose. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to helping others, which is why, when it came time to choose a career, I chose medicine. The idea of saving lives and making a tangible difference in people’s well-being fascinated me. However, as I progressed in my studies, I began to question whether I was truly willing to take on the high personal and emotional cost of this career. I realized that I didn’t want to sacrifice essential aspects of my life and well-being in the process. So, with all the pain it involved, and despite my family’s initial lack of understanding, I decided to change direction. Read More>>
Craig Nelson
Wanting to continue in Human Resources, I took a job with the Missions arm of the United Methodist Church, But they had me work on an immigration program in Florida. That brought us to Miami, where we have lived on and off for about 30 years. After three years of schooling in Atlanta, GA, we came back to Miami, and South Florida generally, and have lived here ever since. I love asking people where they are from, because odds are, if I haven’t lived there, I’ve visited there. And I love to hear the stories. Read More>>
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>>
