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.

Katie Goth

In 2017, my little sister graduated from nursing school, and my mom wanted to order a yard sign to celebrate. At the time, there were no local companies in our area that offered yard sign set-ups. So, we ordered a sign online and tried to do it ourselves. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well—the sign wasn’t weatherproof and couldn’t hold up against the snow. That experience sparked an idea. Read more>>

Willie Cole

I am a multimedia visual artist, better known as a sculptor, who prefers the term “Perceptual Engineer.” I make things out of other things i.e. assemblage. What distinguishes me from other assemblage artists is that my sculptures are made from a single object multiplied. For example, in the airport commission, 12 saxophones equals a bird.. In another example, 30 shoes might equal a bust or mask. You might be tempted to see my work as 3-dimensional op art. My goals are spiritual. I seek to give these objects new life. Reincarnation might be an appropriate term. Read more>>

Jake Daniels

Furthermore, Being on the road away from people I love and care about is really hard. I miss out on things with my fiancé and our family and also things with my kids and grandkids. They say in life that no matter what you do you are always sacrificing something to do something. That to me is true in everything that I do. Read more>>

Gaby Villega

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I feel accomplished and useful in what I do, and there’s a huge sense of purpose that comes with this job. The biggest struggles have been with my mental health. Luckily, there are resources, but I’ve dealt with more anxiety, more paranoia, and for a while, it even made me lose a little hope in humanity. That’s gotten better, but this job really opens your eyes to how dangerous the world can be. It’s made me more vigilant and aware, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Read more>>

Abbie Backes

Located on the town square, in a historic building it is the perfect setting for our brewery and restaurant. Carrollton is centrally located and just about an hour from Kansas City, Columbia, and Sedalia. We brew 9 flagship beers, with the Pre-Prohibition Pilsner and Honey Wheat as customer favorites. We love to create unique pizzas with combinations including Peaches, Bacon, and Honey pizza and Peanut Butter and Jalapeño Jelly Pizza. Our atmosphere and service keeps people returning time and time again! Read more>>

Noyé

When it come to music that’s been something I have ALWAYS been interested in, my Mama would always get me journals and mine were full of songs, it’s been a natural talent of mine for as long as I can remember. My family is full of singers and entertainers, it’s something we always do when we get together. Fashion comes from my love of clothing and art, I’m a visual person I love when things look “interesting” and with all the different body shapes and ways clothes can be worn it became a safe space for me to express myself. It’s a skill I’ve mastered over the years and honestly still mastering. You NEVER stop learning and evolving. In 2021 after extremely changing my lifestyle, I decided I wanted to experience my talents differently, I decided to start trusting my instincts and lean into my natural talents and here I am as Noyé! Read more>>

Jessica Mostaffa

At the same time, I was most shaped as a therapist by the experiences and training I was able to receive from these agencies. I know navigating the mental health realm can be confusing, frustrating, and disparaging for some people, and I wish that were different. I wish folks had less struggles or barriers to receiving mental health services. That is what we hope for all client’s connecting with Wild Hope – that we’ll make the process as easy as possible either getting you connected with one of our therapists on staff or giving you direction for what you’re seeking – we want to help make that burden feel lighter for people. Read more>>

Tammy Puyear

During the time I’ve spent since 2019 working in cannabis in Missouri, I’ve been fortunate to work in so many aspects of the business. My own firm specializes in sourcing of supplies and inputs for the cannabis industry, including packaging and merchandise, as well as cultivation supplies. I was a part of a group of women who founded WeAreJAINE, a women in cannabis organization born in Missouri in 2020 and served as the co-President through 2025. Today, in addition to my own work, I’m the Director of Sales and Marketing for EmmaLeaf, a female-owned manufacturing company in Ashland, Missouri. Read more>>

Tracey Wozny

In 2015, with the guidance of my mentor Misty Lown (founder of More Than Just Great Dancing), we launched a nonprofit organization called *Taking Shape*, a 501(c)(3) with the mission to grow young leaders Here, Near, and Far. As part of that mission, I authored the Star Leadership Curriculum™—a 100-lesson leadership program focused on core values like Trust, Service, Love, Kindness, Growth, and Excellence. Today, that program is used by more than 10,000 children worldwide Read more>>

Amy Hyken-Lande

We are a collective of therapists (play, art, somatic, CBT, ACT and EMDR trained) who work with children (as young as 3) through adolescencence. I personally specialize in working with children and families of divorce, reintegration and co-parenting therapy, trauma, anxiety and adhd. I was raised with the philosophy of “Tikkun Olam” (the Hebrew phrase meaning repair the world), and now that I had a house full of helpers…I wanted to collaborate with the community. In May, we had our first Wellness Fair (which was also a benefit for a local animal rescue). My plan is to continue to work with other healers and charities in the community. Read more>>

Miranda Rohn

I’ve been a fiber artist since I was 4 or 5 years old after I begged my mom to teach me how to knit. Growing up, it gave me a hobby that provided both a creative outlet and a stress outlet, and helped build a strong relationship with my mom and community. My business has slowly developed over the last few years as I’ve discovered that traditional job environments are difficult for me. I’ve tried multiple careers from Civil Engineering to Land Surveying to Emergency Vet Tech to Volunteer Coordinator. They never lived up to the values of sustainability, accessibility, and genuine community that I hold. In the last month I’ve taken the leap to working 2 part time jobs I care about very much as well as focusing on my craft and its place within my home and my community. Read more>>

Jacob Burmood

From a young age, I loved making things. I spent a lot of time outdoors exploring, and would dig up clay, build forts, and make paths through the forest. Before I was ten, I wanted a knife so that I could carve wood, but my parents said I had to wait until I was older, so I carved sticks on the concrete stairs outside my house. I took every art class available to me during high school, and in college I majored in sculpture. I also took a lot of ceramics classes, and eventually went to graduate school and pursued an MFA in ceramics. I began making large-scale work while at the University of Kansas and from there began exhibiting in outdoor sculpture exhibits across the nation. Read more>>

Porshia Mitchell

It has had its challenges. Being in the event industry has its peak times and slow times. Especially, when the weather is not favorable. Also, operating a small business, when you wear many hats means you are pulled in a lot of different directions and it can be a lot. I am so grateful to those who have volunteered their time to help me when I need it. My retired parents have also dedicated their time to build, open doors and many other things. Read more>>

Dr. Gary W. Washington

He currently serves as a Patrol Sergeant and Restorative Juvenile Justice Coordinator with the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools Police Department. His public service career spans decades, including 27 years in the United States Air Force Reserves. He retired in 2013 from the 442nd Security Forces Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where he held the position of Squadron Education and Training Manager. Read more>>

Katie Foster

Come around to 2023 and I could no longer physically work the jobs I had dedicated so much time to. I had applied for disability. I was wrapping my mind around the fact that the girl who was once able to snowboard and move the fastest in the warehouse wasn’t even able to hold a job due to her health. It was a hard thing for me. Then I got a part time job in another local art studio. I absolutely loved it. Read more>>

Celeste Duron

In January of 2020, I was turning 33. I found myself reflecting, as we often do, on where my life and career were heading. What did I really want? What were my financial goals? And what legacy was I building? I decided to “gift” myself the gift of having the courage to open my own business. It was really more than just for me. It was also for my grandfather, who shares a birthday close to mine and who introduced me to the world of massage as a child. So, I opened my own massage practice. Read more>>

Jennifer Nelson

My Nana was also very influential. She was talented artistically and musically. She taught me to sketch, hand sew doll clothes and make paper dolls. My Great Grandmother was a hand quilter. She had a large frame that filled the entire space of a spare room of her house where ladies in her community would gather to quilt. I was absolutely fascinated by this when we would visit her. My love of antique and vintage objects definitely derives from the women in my family. Antiquing with my mom, aunt and Nana are fond childhood memories. My paternal grandmother also nurtured my old object love by accommodating my frequent requests to climb into her stuffy attic and daydream over tucked away family treasures from the past. Read more>>

Via Easter

I gained hands-on experience with editing software, directed and acted in student films, and began to shape my creative voice. After high school, I continued my journey at the University of Central Missouri, collaborating on several short projects and forming lasting connections. Following my sophomore year, I transferred to the University of Missouri–Kansas City to finish my degree in a vibrant city setting. Today, I balance full-time work and school while freelancing in photography, writing creatively, and contributing to film sets as a producer, writer, and assistant director—steadily building the career I’ve envisioned since I was a kid. Read more>>

Brooke Johnson

My journey as an artist started at a very young age. I was always drawing and coloring, but photography came to me later in life. I was attending college in Michigan and working towards a Fine Arts degree. About 2 semesters in, I signed up for a black and white photography course. This was the turning point for me. I learned how to take photographs using a manual Minolta camera that was gifted by a family member. I loved learning to use the camera and how all of its components worked together. Being in the dark room and using enlargers to expose the paper was a thrill. I loved watching my images appear slowly in the developer. It was a graceful process and truly fulfilling. Read more>>

Lauren Wermersen

After cosmetology school I began my journey as a hairstylist. I worked for 2 different Aveda Salons, one being Tangerine (the official salon for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders). During my time as a stylist I’ve got to be involved in many different experiences like fashion weeks etc. After 6 years of working in Dallas I moved to Iowa for my now husband. After almost 5 years there my husband was offered a job in Kansas City which brought me back home. After working for a salon here in Kansas City for 4 years I decided to take a risk and go out on my own! Read more>>

Lenora Leathers

Most salon owners are overworked and overwhelmed, stuck in the grind of managing a business while still doing clients every day. I knew I wanted something different—for myself, and for my team. So I created a space where stylists are hired, trained, and empowered with full-time careers, benefits, structure, and team culture. Since running my business this way, I no longer carry the burden or stress that once came with trying to do everything myself. Read more>>

Kristin Marciniak

That first summer was mostly book clubs. I had two writing classes: one for rising fifth and sixth graders, and one for middle schoolers, plus bi-weekly prompt nights. Since then, the number of writing classes has grown. I mostly offer creative writing classes (because that’s what kids like best), but I also offer college essay writing, five-paragraph essay help, punctuation, and cursive classes. My prompt nights are big favorites, and I have a group that meets every Monday to work on their own projects. Read more>>

Scott Emmons

During my time at JibJab, the Spiridellis brothers developed the StoryBots children’s show, which was picked up by Netflix. I wrote for all seasons of StoryBots, primarily as a lyricist for educational songs. I also got to use my rhyming skills to write a series of short episodes called Super Silly Stories with Bo in collaboration with Henry Dalton, who produced and directed that series. On top of all that, I had the privilege of writing all the StoryBots books for Penguin Random House. Read more>>

Megan Nelson

Definitely not a smooth road, but a meaningful one. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced my share of challenges. In the early days, I had to learn everything on my own, from marketing and SEO to sourcing materials and managing customer service. There was a lot of trial and error, especially as I figured out how to balance quality, pricing, and production. Read more>>

Emily Steele

I’ve been a wedding photographer for over 20 years. I got started in photography when I was a little kid and then after graduating made it into a career and now it’s my full time job. Read more>>

Kylie Brewer

I grew up in Kansas City watching my dad run a high-end remodeling business in the neighborhoods around us. But at the time, I had my sights set elsewhere. Candidly (and surprisingly!) it never even crossed my mind to pursue anything related to the remodeling business as I was growing up. Instead, after spending a year abroad in Switzerland during high school, I pursued a degree in French Literature and eventually married another Kansas City native, my husband John. His music career took us to New Orleans for a brief chapter, where we welcomed our first daughter. Read more>>

Dani Steffen

Growing up I always thought I’d be an engineer or an architect because I was exceptional at math but my dad, a veterinarian, recommended I pursue healthcare. While in undergrad, I shadowed physical therapist, PAs, dentist, and even surgeons, but I did not find something that made the most sense for me. I’m a forward thinker and realizing that there were so many limitations to those providers and their scope of practice gave me second thoughts. It wasn’t until my mom passed away, when I visited back home and had my lifelong chiropractor, treat me. It was then when lightbulbs went off, and I felt like my calling was obvious. Read more>>

Tiayla Maholmes

My first job was in retail , pretty standard for a college freshman, but I quickly noticed how unhappy I was becoming. I would stand behind the counter for hours with a million creative tabs open in my mind, but I was confined to one place, in one box. At the same time, I was studying business, just thinking, “This is a good place to start,” since business had always been part of my home life and something I had a natural interest in. Read more>>

Nellie Sparkman

After college, I landed an internship at the Hilton Belfast in Northern Ireland. That international experience shaped so much of my work ethic and style—from stripping linens off beds in housekeeping to bartending for the Bath Rugby team, I learned the importance of both detail and heart in hospitality. There was no task too small and no role too unglamorous—just the steady rhythm of showing up, solving problems, and creating memorable experiences for guests. Read more>>

Eric Rodricks

We started out of my apartment back in 2018. Picking up any kind of event we could get our hands on. We slowly grew, and then in 2021, we made the jump into going full-time with Culinary Creations. When we made that jump, we ended up renting out a church kitchen for about 2 years. Then we bought a kitchen in Grandview in 2023. We have been here since. We have been doing events from weddings, corporate lunches, food for the MLB, and large charity events. If it needs catering, we are always more than happy to give it a try. Read more>>

Kourtney Leibman

While I photograph most genres, my favorite kind of photoshoot is the one where my client is using the session to express themselves. Whether it’s an emotion, art form, or self love. I call these sessions “Express Yourself” sessions and they can include things like glamour, cosplay, drag, and even boudoir. These are the sessions about sharing who you are and what you love. I love this kind of work because it involves really getting to know and connect with my client, which I think sets me apart. Read more>>

Laura Turley

Has it been a smooth road? Not at all—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Like most journeys, it’s been full of highs, lows, and everything in between. As co-owner of 75th Street Events and now building a second business—Audrey’s Wine + Bourbon, launching in fall 2025—I see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Whether it’s professional or personal, I’m constantly learning how to be a better business owner, a better leader, and a better version of myself. Read more>>