Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

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.

Hope Steinle

Definitely not. From being a stay at home mom for 11 years to starting and running a business was overwhelming. As a business owner, you are wearing all the hats plus still have your family/home life to take care of. Luckily, I have a very supportive, hands on husband so we are able to split up tasks with the business and taking care of our 3 kids. It’s still a challenge but I’ve been leaning into more balance and listening to my body when I need rest. Read more>>

Jacqueline

The introduction of High School Senior sessions in 2020 ignited a particular passion. In 2021, I added studio headshots to my portfolio, even integrating this service into my role at a real estate brokerage until recently. For me, photography is about giving others the timeless gift of captured memories, a process I value from the initial shot to the final edit. There’s a unique satisfaction in hearing a hesitant client – someone who claims to dislike having their photo taken – ultimately express genuine love for their images. Read more>>

OCTAVIO GALICIA

I’d say I’ve lived a relatively smooth life, my family had to work to provide me with the life I have now and that has allowed me to explore my creativity in exciting ways. My parents would always remind my brothers and I of how fortunate we were with regular trips to Mexico to see our culture and how not everyone lives like we do. It’s important to live outside your bubble and realize you have been given an amazing opportunity to find yourself in a way many others are unable to do. That is what gives me the same determination that I see in my family. Read more>>

Ashley Chitwood

Without them, and all the times they pushed me; I wouldn’t be where I am at today. Today I am a full time graphic designer for a company and for fun, I get to see people who are in love, start the rest of their lives together. There is nothing I love more than showing up to a wedding and seeing the bride light up to see me, or hearing all about how they met, watching a bride smile at her ring after seeing herself in her wedding dress, and last but not least; seeing two people surrounded by all of the people that love and support them so much. Seeing the joy and love run through a bride and grooms face on their wedding day is so powerful. Read more>>

Nichole Bockover

But it wasn’t until 2020—after losing my mother to ovarian cancer—that I truly discovered my purpose. During her treatment, I witnessed the toll chemotherapy and radiation can take on the skin and spirit. Wanting to help, I began researching safe skincare solutions for oncology patients and found there was a specialized path for estheticians to become oncology-trained. That discovery lit a fire in me. At the time I was working full time in law enforcement and was ready for a much needed change, so I enrolled in esthetics school. I would go on to earn my esthetics license, became an esthetics educator, and earned my CIDESCO diploma, the highest international certification in skincare. Read more>>

DeVione Branscumb

With AI-driven wardrobe apps, virtual fittings, and personal stylists accessible from your phone, the industry is going digital fast. DeVione believes this opens doors for inclusivity and reach—but also requires a more personal, human-centered touch. Read more>>

Ava Kulkarni

It gave me a sense of direction and courage to accept myself for exactly who I am and to step into my true self to show the world the real me without any fear of judgment or criticism. This very action of self-acceptance and self-love liberated me and helped me understand my self-worth and regain my self-confidence. My life experiences are a testimony of my strength that I not only made it through but now use my experience and lessons to help others through coaching. Read more>>

Meghan Tuttle

There have been some challenges, for sure. I didn’t quite know what kind of therapy I wanted to pursue which led me to some jobs that definitely did not capture me the way I wanted. After many years of working in different types of mental health, I landed in private practice which has been a gift. Read more>>

Cheyenne Moore

I started out in two loving households in Illinois; one home resided on a farm with many animals and family while the other a small town surrounded by the kindest people and the best of friends to grow up with. My creative outlet from a young age was always music and writing. I kept the music with me as I explored various forms of poetry and travel. A wanderlust bug hit me at quite an early age. I was fascinated with other places, history and culture. I traveled quite a bit for a corporate management job that ended around the time I married my husband. At the same time a calling to dive back into my creativity was calling like a pounding on a door. Through the many steps in my health and wellness journey I felt compelled to not only document my findings along the way but to share my experiences and others through my writing and podcast. Read more>>

Alexzis Thomson

To my delight, everything flourished. Behind our vegetable beds emerged a charming cutting garden that caught attention when I shared photos online. People began requesting bouquets, and I discovered profound joy in creating arrangements that brightened people’s days. Beyond the satisfaction of sharing beauty with others, I found unexpected therapy in the garden—connecting with nature became a form of meditation I hadn’t realized I needed. Those quiet moments among the blooms offered a healing presence in my life. Read more>>

Ronnell Jones

We plan to expand to 2 more locations within the next year or 2 . So not only do we give people a career that can be transferred all over the world but we also provide communities with discounted haircuts at $10 dollars and always $6 for our veterans and $6 Wendsdays for our senior citizens. Headlines Barber Academy has graduated over 300 men and women who has become barbers a lot of those graduates has gone on to open their own barber shops, I thank God for giving me the opportunity and ability to be able to help so many people to persuit their dreams . Read more>>

Chris Rhoad

After graduating from Kansas State, I worked in numerous fitness settings including corporate, commercial, private, and physical therapy clinics. This gives me a unique viewpoint and exposure working with diverse populations. I work primarily with the older adult population now but train people of all ages, even high school athletes. I specialize in strength development, weight management, nutritional advisement, and post-rehabilitation training. In order to satisfy my teaching desire I’ve also taught part-time at Pinnacle Career Institute in Lawrence as a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) instructor. I taught several subjects including Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Business Management. Read more>>

Hilary

I am particularly writing this with Mother’s Day right around the corner. My love of fitness was birthed from my love of my mother. She was a typical mother who gave everything of herself and had very little left over for herself. It was through that that I thought how can we love somebody so much yet they don’t have the love reflected back on them. It was a psychology question that I tried to understand how women could give so much but feel so awkward at receiving. I have dedicated my lifetime to understanding the trials and tribulations of what it means to take care of oneself with out guilt shame or feeling like you’re hurting somebody in the process. Read more>>

Justin Roberts

Neighbors will offer paid apprenticeships to those interested in learning: specialty coffee, customer service, shop maintenance, good business practices, and the value of people over profit. Our aim is to build them up and eventually launch them out with a strong foundation. This pathway will include interview guidance, resume building, communication coaching and more. All while creating a safe space for learning, growing, and friendship. Read more>>

Aira Beth Escala

There has been plenty of ups and downs on this path that I have taken. Back in 2021 after the pandemic happened I had to sell my camera to make ends meet. But what hurt the most to me was when the restaurant I was sous-chef of closed down. The main outlet I had for art was no longer an option, so in hopes of at least building a portfolio to gain experience from behind the camera, as well as getting my art serotonin, I began to take on projects for free. Once I found my footing in the industry from behind the camera, I was able to build connections which helped allow me to grow. Read more>>

Diane Pyle

I was the Director of Admissions for Saint Thomas Aquinas High School for twenty years. I spoke to countless families about why they should choose private education for their children over public education. I help with special events and Open Houses each year, involving the entire staff. Due to my influence, I am immensely proud of all students and families who chose to have their child attend Aquinas. Read more>>

Clay Pickle

My journey into the vinyl wrap industry was fueled by a deep-rooted passion for vehicles that started when I was a kid. All through high school, I immersed myself in Auto Mechanics for four straight years—not because I had to, but because I genuinely loved it. Cars weren’t just transportation to me; they were canvases. I was fascinated by the limitless ways you could transform a vehicle’s look and feel. Read more>>

Sydney O’Barto-Eller

Obtaining the license for our newly renovated home was challenging, especially with a tight budget! Purchasing baby gates, child locks, and all the other necessities was no easy feat on a single income, but we made do as best we could. Coordinating appointments with KDHE and the fire marshal and creating a comprehensive business plan while caring for a newborn proved challenging. My family was incredibly supportive during this time. Read more>>

Kenneth Scott

My biological father struggled with incarceration and addiction, but in his later years, he’s made the necessary changes to become a better man. I’m also grateful for my stepfather—who I call “Pops”—who came into my life around age 9 or 10. His presence gave me the stability and father figure I needed, and with him came siblings. I have three stepbrothers and one stepsister, though I’m especially close with two of my brothers who lived with us on and off. I never call them my stepbrothers — they’re just my brothers. They gave me the gift of brotherhood, and I’ll always be thankful for that. Read more>>

Heather Stephens

Beauty Bar Aesthetics was born from a desire to blend the science of medicine with the art of aesthetics. I started small, offering injectables and wellness services, and over time, built a loyal client base through trust, natural results, and personalized care. As demand grew, so did our offerings—expanding into hormone therapy, advanced skin treatments, weight loss programs, and more. Today, Beauty Bar is not just a med spa—it’s a space where clients feel empowered, supported, and seen. I’m proud to lead a team of certified professionals who are equally passionate about delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in a warm, welcoming environment. Read more>>

Amy Cox

Volunteers can go out on the trucks to help pick up donations, sort donations, vacuum furniture, put together dish sets or kitchen kits, work in our sewing/upholstery or woodworking workshops, load moving trucks, pack moving boxes, move furniture within the warehouse, or serve as a host for our guests. For some, this is a great cross-fit workout, for others, it is a relaxing day measuring blankets or sewing comforters. All skill levels are welcome! Read more>>

Zach Keyes

Through the years, the store has evolved and J’adore now offers a wide array of home decor items such as accessories, fabrics, wallpapers, rugs, lighting, seasonal goods and more. Myseld and my husband Cecil Keyes purchased the store in January 2024 and have carried on the traditions that have defined J’adore over the years, while putting our own unique spin on things to make sure it stays a local favorite for classic, colorful, traditional & playful interiors. Read more>>

Shane Edwards

I retired from law enforcement in 2016 after 15 years and by chance got into the automotive industry as a manager of a Sears Auto Center in Savannah GA in which I had no experience in this industry. Sears went out of business and we ended up in Kansas City working for I-70 Auto Service as a service advisor. In 2021 I was promoted to general manager and soon after my wife and I decided that we would start planning to buy the business which we did in 2024. I had no experience in the automotive industry and believe this is all divinely orchestrated to be able to give back. Read more>>

Heather Sears

The road has been pretty bumpy if I’m being honest. Trying to find time to do photo sessions with raising small children and work around my husband’s schedule did not leave much time. There were so many nights that I stayed up till 2 or 3am editing while my family slept. Then turned around and woke up at 6am to be mom. Things smoothed out for a few years and although I was still editing at night, I was able to take on more sessions. Then my husband died in 2020 and that rocked my world. I took on much less photo sessions because I was trying to juggle raising my children alone, care for my house alone, and deal with my own grief. Read more>>

Ken Kendall

Brooke and I have been married for 36 years and have three adult children (30, 28, 21) and three grandchildren. We have been in full-time ministry for 36 years, with most of that time being spent serving churches in Kansas. We moved our family back to Kansas, specifically to Kansas City, in 2010 from the Baltimore-Washington area of Maryland. The reason for the return was a vocational change as we were taking the lead pastoral role of a long-established church in the Kansas City, Kansas area. Read more>>

William Diedrich

Our candle business started from a very personal place. My wife Rachel and I began this journey during a time when we were navigating the emotional and financial challenges of infertility. We were looking for a creative outlet — something we could build together that not only brought in extra income but also brought light (literally and figuratively) into our lives. That’s when we poured our first candle. Read more>>

Charzelle David

It is important to find a supportive way to communicate the value of working with an experienced caterer when customers are choosing what vendor to trust with their special event. With experience comes the ability to accurately estimate prices, serving sizes, and create a bespoke experience that matches your budget. Your special event deserves to be stress-free and that’s what makes Forks N Chill the best choice! Read more>>

Gabriella Baker

I’ve always wanted to be a tattoo artist. Initially, it was a bit hard to answer, but when I thought back on the moments in my life that foreshadowed this path, the fated connections and puzzle pieces that string together a carefully orchestrated fate fueled by the intense desire to change my circumstances— I think it all began with the fact that tattoos are quite common in my family. I’ve always been fascinated by them, and as an artist, I’m naturally drawn to beautiful things. I’ve always wanted to be covered in body art. It’s always been that one thing that I just always have known that I wanted. Read more>>

Cheryl Gilman

I ordered the application to become a Certified Professional Midwife from NARM: North American Registry of Midwife’s. Within a few months I did a birth assistant training with a CNM doing home birth in our area. After doing one home birth as the doula that midwife invited me to start birth assisting and I immediately accepted. The door to becoming a CPM finally opened wide. In 2012 I finished a two year apprenticeship with 2 CNMs and 2 CPMs. Since 2013 I have had a home birth practice in the Kansas City Area. In 2022 Sarah Papabathini, CPM joined Midwife KC. Read more>>

Tiffany Scheffler

From early on, I knew that I was put on this earth to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m proud to say that I have worked in the non-profit sector for 20+ years, mainly with youth serving organizations. This past summer I made the transition to the healthcare related non-profit space as the Executive Director for the National Kidney Foundation serving Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. I am overjoyed to be a part of this incredible organization where I know I am making a real impact! Read more>>

Merrick Henry

I started my journey in graphic design driven by a deep passion for art and communication, which led me to pursue formal education in the field. After gaining experience through various roles at renowned companies like Hallmark, Target, and the NFL, I refined my skills and developed a strong design philosophy. My experience in the industry inspired me to give back through education, leading me to teach at prestigious institutions such as SCAD and the Kansas City Art Institute. Currently, I am proud to be the head of the graphic design department at Park University, where I mentor aspiring designers while running my own studio, Studio Graphics 8, focused on creating impactful visuals that resonate with clients and audiences alike. Read more>>

Bethany Jelinek

Pursuing a career in opera is an experience that is individual to each performer. There is no set path to success and the goal post is constantly moving. I am grateful that my path has been relatively smooth and I am determined to take no opportunity for granted. A unique part of this career is that we are constantly auditioning for the next job, so we don’t experience job security in a traditional sense. Something that I have learned is vital to success in this field is an unwavering belief in yourself and your abilities. You must have something to say as an artist and intrinsic motivation to communicate it. Read more>>