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.
Theresa Nazik Junaid
How I got started on my Healer journey? Each of us have a healer inside but only some of us make a conscious decision to share this innate healing gift in a selfless way being of service to others. My journey like most started in survival mode. I’ve always known I had a natural shaman healer inside. I haven’t always had the courage to explore the gifts bestowed upon me. For a much of my life I served the superficial and programed side of me. Read more>>
Erica Powell-Reeves
Honestly, Wash Bar started from a very real moment in my own life. It was about 3 a.m., and I was lying in bed with faux locs in my head and very pregnant. I had a hair appointment later that morning, but like many, my stylist (and bestfriend) needed me to come with my hair already prepped. Read more>>
Elienai Rodriguez
Hello, and welcome to Your Family First Insurance ! My name is Eli, I’m the founder and CEO of this organization. Today, I want to share with you the vision behind our company, our roots, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as we expand our franchise network. I started working in the insurance industry when I was 17 years old. Read more>>
Larry Appell
I spent my 30+ year corporate career developing and managing businesses around the world, mostly in Europe and Asia. As a kid from Brooklyn, who thought Manhattan was another universe, I loved getting on planes and seeing places that I had only seen in books and movies. Read more>>
Sebastian Gonzalez
I started my tutoring business, Prep Academy Tutoring, during my senior year of high school as I saw many classmates and sports teammates struggling with their standardized testing. Over time, this passion project developed from helping people at my local high school to those in various other high schools in Florida, to helping students across the country achieve their testing goals. Read more>>
ROBERT HAZARD
My name is Robert Hazard, and I have deep roots in South Florida, having been born and raised in the Miami suburbs and the Florida Keys before establishing my long-term residence in Homestead, FL. From an early age, I demonstrated a strong commitment to both education and professional development. Read more>>
Russ Mercer
I’ve always been interested in mathematics. Growing up I would help fellow students in different math classes by providing clear explanations. People seemed to appreciate that. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Florida Atlantic University. Read more>>
Dr. Steven Davidson
I knew early in life that I wanted to be a psychotherapist. I pursued a bachelors degree, and later a masters degree in social work in my home state of TN. Early in my career I worked in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient mental health clinics. This prepared me to work with people from many demographics and to have familiarity with every diagnosis. Read more>>
Dr. Hailey McQuilken
I began my career path at Penn State, where I earned my undergraduate degree before pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Jefferson in Philadelphia. During my doctoral training, I was selected for highly competitive internships that ultimately led to a position at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. There, I gained invaluable experience working in a fast-paced, world-class medical environment. Read more>>
Milagros Diaz
This initiative started in 2019, we are two bilingual mental health professionals who provide with mental health evaluation for immigration cases to support to latino community. We also work with the Department of transportation to deal with drug violations in job sensitive positions. Read more>>
Jairo Amparo
When Designer, Inventor, and CO- FOUNDER Jairo Nicolas Amparo sketched his children’s names on his iPhone, it looked like it was dripping blood. This served as the inspiration for the Zeusori Vampire Series One. In a way, it was the “vampire bite” that fueled the shoe. This shoe’s black velvet creates an illusion of a medieval night at the Casino Royale. Read more>>
Zoe Grant
When I first started teaching 4 years ago, I was both excited and overwhelmed. I knew I wanted my personality to come through in my classroom and I wanted my students to see that science could be fun, approachable, and relevant to them, even if they didn’t see themselves in traditional science careers. Read more>>
Jonathan Salerno
I started servicing and repairing cars, as a business, when I was around 15 years old. From then I figured I should be working in a shop to gain more experience. I started in a small Mercedes specialty shop, which taught me values and work structure. I lived in Georgia at the time, and it was going great. Read more>>
Ikki Matsumoto
Biography 1935 -Ikki was born in Tokyo, Japan to a well-known cartoonist and children’s book illustrator. 1955 -Came to the United States to study at the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Indiana Where his older brother was a sculpture student. 1957 -Transferred to the Art Academy of Cincinnati to study under the renowned humorous wildlife artist, Charles Harper. Read more>>
Felipe Zambrano
Sure I’d love to. I was born in New York to Colombian parents who taught me the value of entrepreneurship and resilience from an early age. My father is a biochemist and my mother, originally a doctor in Colombia, reinvented herself to build a successful real estate career in Miami for over 20 years. Read more>>
Dr. Jacqueline Blanco
It feels vulnerable to share this, but vulnerability is courageous and builds intimacy, so I’m happy to discuss. Like many psychologists and other individuals in helping professions, I was a parentified child. This means that I faced adult-like responsibilities from an early age, often caring for my family and myself. I naturally gravitated towards a job where I continue to support others. Read more>>
Becky Yager
I grew up around Interior Design watching my family’s interior designer do multiple properties. I graduated Iowa State with a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design. I started working in Chicago on the wholesale side of the industry in the Merchandise Mart. I then moved to New York to work on the national sales level in the D&D building. I returned to Chicago where I transitioned to working in a design firm for Nate Berkus when he started his firm. Read more>>
Jessica Carvalho
Grab and Party started during a very special season in my life. When I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, Ayla, I wanted to find a way to work from home so I could be present for both of my girls, Victoria and Ayla. That’s how the idea was born. Read more>>
Danae Thomas
’m Dr. Danae Thomas psychiatric nurse practitioner, the founder of Empyreal Minds, an integrative psychiatry practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL. My journey here has been shaped by nearly two decades of experience in healthcare, early exposure to cultural barriers, and a deep belief that mental wellness must address the whole person—mind, body, culture, and lifestyle. I started my professional life working in emergency medicine. Read more>>
Marilia Pergola
Lulu was given to me in 2012, when I was living in Bogotá, Colombia. Lulu started developing a skin allergy and after a long journey trying to find out what was causing this condition, we found out she was allergic to ingredients used in processed pet foods. Lulu was my inspiration to start a business for natural and unprocessed pet treats. Read more>>
JAY SAMPLE
I grew up in New Jersey, in a neighborhood where music and DJs were everywhere. From an early age, I fell in love with the atmosphere, the energy, and the sound of dance music. That passion led me to start DJing college parties, and soon after, I began spinning at lounge spots across New York City. Read more>>
Alejandro Holguin
Angelina is the daughter of the original owner. He initially opened a frozen yogurt shop back in 2010. Sales from froyo weren’t enough to sustain the business so he began adding other items to the menu until it became the only true brunch spot in the midtown area. Read more>>
Andrew Guro
My path into the field of mental health really began when I was working as a registered nurse. In those early years, I had the opportunity to care for patients in inpatient and residential settings, many of whom were struggling with both addiction and complex mental health challenges. These experiences were eye-opening and deeply meaningful. Read more>>
Martin Burger
I started when personal training just became a part of gyms late 1980’s. Each gym was trying how to incorporate personal trainers in there business so Each one had a separate policy and fee structure. I didn’t want to split my earnings with the gyms so then Door To Door Fitness was created. Read more>>
Beatrice Deliperi
My story began in 2016, when I moved from Italy to Boston, MA, to work at Amazon. Living in such a dynamic city sparked my curiosity and quickly drew me into the world of IT and artificial intelligence. Read more>>
Tommy Babil
Back in 2008, I launched something a little wild — SEXLETS, the first-ever natural male enhancement chewing gum. To my surprise (and excitement), it went viral. That’s when I realized just how powerful the internet could be when you know how to get attention. Read more>>
sarah couper
Hi, I’m a native Miamian. I went to Pinecrest Elementary and Palmetto Middle and High schools. I graduated from U of M with a BBA, and I worked in sales for five years, but I always wanted to be in the medical field. Read more>>
ALEXANDER SIMONS
We come from a second generation immigrant family and settled in Chicago, Illinois. Started off selling tools to auto repair shops and then saved enough money to go to school. Got my ASE certifications, as many certifications I can get to grow in the auto repair industry. Opened my first shop in south side Chicago known for its crimes and tough cold streets. Read more>>
Roslie Similien
I’ve had a passion for travel for as long as I can remember — honestly, it feels like I was born with it. For me, travel has always been about more than just taking a trip. It’s about the moments, the memories, and the way a new place can leave a mark on your soul. Read more>>
Lars Lundin
I was born in Sweden, where my love for food started early. I trained at culinary school there and spent years working in both restaurants and catering, building a strong foundation in classic techniques and Scandinavian flavors. Eventually, I moved to Madrid, Spain, where I worked as a chef in a luxury hotel and offered catering services to Swedish and other high-end Northern European clients. Read more>>
Kayla Thayer
I’ve always been a curious person who loves to learn, especially about psychology. As an undergraduate at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), I had the opportunity to explore many different facets of psychology and research. At UF, I truly developed a love for clinical psychology which led me to pursue my doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami. Read more>>
Jamie Weiss, PhD, LMFT
I spent over two decades working in the entertainment industry in Chicago and Los Angeles as a makeup department head on tv series, feature films and commercials including: ER, Ferris Buhler’s Day Off, Sears and Farmer’s Insurance. At 50 years old I went to graduate school and earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy in 2011. Read more>>
Shakira Maldonado
Gateway To You Mental Health Counseling began from my personal journey as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. My name is Shakira Maldonado, and I started this practice with a vision to create a safe, compassionate space where adults and families could work through anxiety, depression, and life transitions without stigma or fear of judgment. Read more>>
Angela Posillico
ANGELA POSILLICO – CEO FOR MS. LATINA INTERNATIONAL AND MS. INTERNATIONAL WORLD ORGANIZATION Angela is no stranger to the Talent, Model and Entertainment Industry. Having studied music from age 5, Angela is an accomplished Singer and Dancer. Angela took part in the Readers Digest European Vocal Tour and was named “Female Vocalist of the Year”. Read more>>
Danny Balena
Daniel Balena Aka “ TattooDanny” was born on Long Island N. Y. Danny is an accomplished Tattoo Artist with over 20 years of professional experience. Danny is the owner of Mob Ink™️ Tattoos and established Mob Ink ™️ in 2004. Keeping his inspiration for art through Graffiti, Balena began tattooing in 1998 after a 2-year apprenticeship. Read more>>
richard clement
Born in Paris many years ago, Richard Clement has lived a life defined by exploration, curiosity, and reinvention. He has traveled extensively — across nearly every corner of the globe — and practiced medicine in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and the Pacific. Read more>>
Professor’ Imhotep A. Bholai, The Island Monk
I am Professor’ Imhotep A. Bholai, The Island Monk. I am currently a 7th Degree Black Belt — Master Teacher of Applied Martial Arts & Philosophy in Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu, a Martial Arts Master Hall of Fame recipient, and a Citation honoree from the Mayor of New York City, Eric Lee Adams. Read more>>
Jessica Spill-Chaples
I got my start in the hospitality industry at just 17, working as a hostess. It was supposed to be just a part-time job to make some money before going off to college. But not long after my 18th birthday, everything changed. One hectic night, the restaurant was short-staffed, and I was suddenly thrown onto the floor as a server. Read more>>
Cecilia (C.V. – pen name) Shaw
My story begins with an ambitious dream and a subconscious excitement for challenge. The more difficult—the more I wanted to prove I could accomplish it—for there was nothing to be lost, only to be gained should I succeed, and so forward I went. I’ve always been mystified by the mystical. The mysteries of the Universe always taking precedence in my mind. Read more>>
Meddy 305
I was born in Paris, where beauty is an art form and detail is everything. Hair for me was never just about color — it was about light, movement, and the way it transforms how someone feels when they look in the mirror. When I moved to Miami, I brought that French precision with me, but I let the city’s energy reshape it. Read more>>
Sam Christian
I’ve always been a creator. Growing up, I never went anywhere without my sketchpad. A blank page/slate always excited me. Whether I was sketching doodles or writing a new song, I was drawn to the process of building something out of what some may see as nothing. Read more>>
Petster Team
About Petster AI Petster AI was founded by Dr. Shake, a veterinarian and University of Minnesota graduate; Cristina, a healthcare executive with an MBA from Cornell; and Joseph, a Harvard grad student and developer with a focus on data science. After more than a decade in practice, Shake became the go-to source for pet health questions in his community. Read more>>
Lori Cardona
I worked in the field of Non-Profit/Human Service agencies for more than 20 years, as a Counselor, Educator, and Program Administrator. One day, in 1997, I got a call from a friend who told me about a seminary for Interfaith Studies, which sounded to me as if it fit into the category of ‘spiritual but not religious’ or Mystic Studies. Read more>>
Christopher Plaza
Miami Wedding Week was born out of a dream, and, truthfully, a few cocktails, shared between three passionate wedding professionals who believed Miami deserved its own spotlight in the world of bridal fashion. For me, it started as a vision. As a floral designer turned creative, I often found myself inspired by the magic of Miami’s historic venues. Read more>>
Mayelin Alfonso
I came to the United States in 2015 with nothing but a suitcase and big dreams. During the pandemic, I started arranging flowers from my home as a way to bring beauty and joy into people’s lives. What began as a small project quickly grew into a passion and, eventually, a business. Read more>>
Parmie Dean
My name is Parmie Dean, and I am a founder of FYRE Timing Systems LLC. I was born and raised in Miami and got my high school diploma from Miami’s Mega Magnet, Coral Reef Senior High School. I went off to college in the small town of Staunton, Virginia to participate in the only all-female cadet corps, VWIL (Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership). Read more>>
Jinah Lawrence
I began my journey in real estate with a simple goal: to create a better life for myself and to help others do the same. In the early days, I focused on learning every part of the business — from understanding contracts and negotiations to building trust with clients. Each experience taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of showing up consistently. Read more>>
Matthew Peon
My journey into MCMG Tax was not exactly linear. For over a decade I served as a COO and CEO across multiple industries such as consumer goods, finance, and operations, where I learned firsthand how much of a difference accurate books and smart financial planning make to a business. Read more>>
Luisa Monsalve
I was born and raised in Colombia, and at 17 I emigrated to Aruba, where I lived for 18 years. Those years shaped me deeply, both personally and professionally. Later, life brought me to the United States to continue my studies and specialize in emotional management. Read more>>
Cristian Arevalo
My journey into the coconut business began at the beach. Growing up in Southern California, I was a regular at Redondo Beach. I vividly remember many beach vendors selling popsicles, spicy mangoes, and pineapples. But one day, I thought—why not coconuts? That idea stuck with me. Read more>>
Zoila Hernandez
I was first exposed to the pediatric therapy world as a teenager, and from that moment on, I felt a deep connection to my community and the families I knew I wanted to serve. That summer, I was given the opportunity to shadow an occupational therapist, and I remember walking into each session with a sense of wonder. Read more>>
Emmanuel Blakemore
I actually started my journey right out of college. After playing Division 1 football and graduating from Stetson University, I landed a sales position with a firm in downtown Brickell, which gave me my first taste of the mortgage world. Read more>>
Federica Donato
Absolutely. My journey began in a very different world—I started my career in Brussels working in international communications and European institutions. On the outside, everything looked successful, but on the inside I was struggling with anxiety, disconnection, and the weight of unprocessed emotions. Motherhood was the turning point. Read more>>
Kalanie Petersen
I began my entrepreneurial journey at sixteen, driven by vision and resilience through the highs and lows that come with building businesses. When my first venture collapsed due to financial mismanagement and the complexity of taxes, I made a decision: I would master the very skills that had held me back and use that knowledge to help others succeed. Read more>>
Mimi Kano
I’m most proud of my creativity and my passion for crafting events that are not only beautiful to experience but also deeply inspiring. Each event is designed not just as a competition, but as an unforgettable journey — where every detail, from décor and entertainment to curated partnerships, tells a story and brings people together. Read more>>
Shiloh Speights
It hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been patience—trusting the process even when results aren’t immediate. There are moments where you question whether the effort you’re putting in will connect, or if the doors you’re knocking on will ever open. Read more>>
