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.
Brandy Ferguson
What sets Nail Excavating apart isn’t just skill; it is service. Brian built his business on showing up, following through, and treating every customer like family. When others ask “why,” he asks “why not?” If he promised a customer something, he’d make it happen, even if it meant working through the night. That mix of grit, optimism, and accountability became the foundation for everything that followed. Read more>>
Amanda Pearce
Midwest Horizons Marketing began humbly on a small nightstand in the corner of my bedroom in North Missouri, with nothing more than \$500 and a big dream. My dad once told me, *“If you can’t start a service company with \$500 or less, you probably shouldn’t start it at all.”* That advice stuck with me, and I set out determined to prove him right. Read more>>
Georgina Montoya
About GinaTakesDetroit I started GinaTakesDetroit back in 2018, when I began taking photos of Detroit and capturing moments from my everyday life. That’s when I realized how much I truly enjoy photography. I wanted to share my photos and give people a glimpse into the city I live in—its streets, its growth, and its unique energy. Read more>>
Mary Galvanek
Forest and Farm is more than just a small family-run farm — it’s part of a local movement to strengthen food security and community resilience across Northern Michigan. Together with my amazing husband, Alan Hubbell, and our beautiful five children, we steward 1.5 acres of vegetable fields and a 70×30 hoop house, growing nutrient-dense, chemical-free produce with care and intention. Read more>>
Jake Jianetti
I’m a rapper, singer, songwriter, influencer and beatboxer! My journey definitely started with music but as I grew a following, brands started reaching out to me for sponsorships as well; it’s shown me I’m a true creative at heart and that I don’t have to limit myself to just music! Read more>>
Dr. Rebecca Kisling
The summer of 2022 was when it all began! My previous office suddenly ceased operations, so it was truly miraculous to have found a second generation dental space and to start a dental practice in such a short time frame. We opened our doors in August of 2022 and haven’t looked back! Read more>>
Erika Moss, PT, DPT
My story begins in my teenage years. I have always enjoyed spending time teaching children and coordinating group activities. My mother was a children’s minister growing up, therefore I was helping out in the baby and 2-3 year old classrooms at church early on. Read more>>
nia givens
How I Got Started in the Hair Industry” My journey in the beauty industry actually started long before hair. I became a licensed nail tech back in 2016. I’ve always loved helping people feel beautiful and confident, but after COVID, I realized I wanted to shift my focus. Read more>>
RENEE EADES
I originally started off as a software engineer (I am a problem solver at heart), however, something was missing. I had talked to a nurse friend who opened her own massage therapy business and asked her about it. Read more>>
Rahma Khuder
I started my journey in the insurance industry back in 2021. At that time, I didn’t have it all figured out- I just knew I wanted more than a typical 9-to-5 job. I was looking for a career that gave me purpose and freedom. I started small, with just a few ideas, and a lot of passion. Read more>>
Lauren McGrath
I’ve always been a creative and artistic person — I used to draw a lot as a kid, and I was constantly cutting my Barbie’s hair. We didn’t go to salons often growing up; my mom did most things on a budget, so when we did get haircuts, it felt like such a treat. Read more>>
Amanda Allison
Countryside Veterinary Clinic has been part of the community for over 40 years serving the needs of our clients and patients both during hours and after hours. Read more>>
Maxine Ho
Since beginning my legal career in 2004, I have built a reputation grounded in tenacity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to my clients. I began my journey at a boutique civil and family law firm, where my dedication quickly earned me the role of associate in charge of all family law matters. Read more>>
Dr. Trennon Roarty, PT, DPT, PCES
From the time I was little, I dreamed of becoming a physician. I always had a deep desire to help people heal and feel better. During my junior year of undergrad, everything changed. I was in a motor vehicle accident that left me with chronic back pain for years, limiting my ability to stay active. Read more>>
James Scrogin
When my family moved back to the Kansas City area in 2017 to prepare for my retirement from the Army, I transformed our unfinished basement into a small home brewery and taproom. That’s where I really began refining my own recipes and entering homebrew competitions across the Midwest. I was fortunate to earn several medals, including a Best of Show award at the KC Biermeisters competition. Read more>>
Cynthia Samsel
Then, in the spring of 2022, a stay at a bed-and-breakfast in Independence, Missouri, rekindled our old dream. Within days, we discovered The Historic Browning—a beautifully preserved 1889 home that had once operated as a B&B—and knew it was meant to be. By October of that year, we opened the doors once again to travelers, restoring the home’s legacy of gracious hospitality. Read more>>
Nicole Hamilton
I am a person that always sets goals for myself and just continually tries to improve myself. I actually write new goals for myself every year and throughout the year I review and revise those goals and try to make sure that I am on track to achieving them. I think what sets me apart is that I really try to listen to patients and give everyone who walks through the door the best experience possible. Read more>>
Jennie Johnson
Jennie Johnson – Chief Executive Officer Over the past 20 years, Jennie has worked as a licensed health care professional providing personal care for those in need of medical attention. Her vast experience includes working in the Family Practice, Pediatric, and Specialty Clinics with an emphasis in, but not limited to Dermatology, Procedures, Urology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, Neurology, Pulmonology, Oncology, Hematology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, and OB/Gyn. Read more>>
Becca Hageman
Originally from a small town in Oklahoma, I pursued my education at the University of Arkansas before making the leap to Kansas City to embark on a corporate career after graduating. It didn’t take long for this vibrant city to capture my heart, and it was here that I met my husband, solidifying Kansas City as our permanent home. Read more>>
Oralee McKinzy
Hello, I’m Oralee McKinzy, Executive Director of Life 360, a nonprofit organization based in Kansas City, MO. At Life 360, we’re dedicated to promoting progressive technologies and methodologies to enhance education and preserve history through digital and virtual programming. Our mission is to honor and remember the rich contributions and history of the diverse communities that built Kansas City. Read more>>
Mitzie Rojas
I got into fitness & nutrition when I started training to compete for a pageant where I grew up in El Paso, TX. I fell in love with the journey so I decided to change my major to Kinesiology while attending the University of Texas-El Paso. Later moved to Manhattan, KS to pursue my Dietetics degree at Kanas State University. Read more>>
Raymond LaPietra
I was a model and entertainer (some in my family were) growing up. I quit my corporate career (after 7+ years) and went into business for myself in 1982, opening my first model and talent agency in the Midwest. With explosive growth, early on and steadily, I at one point owned and operated (5) five model agencies at the same time. Read more>>
Niki Lenz
I have always loved books. One of my earliest memories was of walking to the local library with my mom and being allowed to pick out as many books as I wanted. I always loved writing and and making up stories, too. But I never thought of being an author as a real job that an adult could have. Read more>>
Darrian Tota
Ended up dropping out of college then later on getting fired from my 9 to 5. I didn’t know what I wanted to do or what I was good at. So I started my brand which was something I thought about doing in the past but I was too worried about what other people might think or if I would even be good at it. Read more>>
Tom Marren
My name’s Tom Marren, and I have the privilege of leading First Mate Heating & Cooling, a company that’s been part of the Kansas City community since 1971. Many people still know us by our original name, Sharp-Long 72 Degrees, before we rebranded to First Mate — a name that better represents who we are today while honoring our long-standing commitment to the community. Read more>>
Marnie Schneider
Marnie Schneider’s story is one of inspiration, perseverance, and a deep commitment to giving back, shaped by her family’s legacy and her personal passions. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Marnie grew up in a family steeped in sports, philanthropy, and trailblazing achievements. Read more>>
Danielle Lehman
I started my career working at a boutique marketing agency in Southern California while I went to school part-time at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Read more>>
The Basement Melons
Daniel Buller (Drummer) and Jacob Morgan (Guitar and Vocals) have been playing together for close to 3 years now. After a change from a previous lineup, we stumbled upon Braden Chaffin, our bass player/vocalist. We had to overhaul our entire setlist, and sound after shifting to a 3 piece. Jacob had to switch from rhythm guitar and keys, to being the lone guitarist. Read more>>
Nick Stoppel
In a way, I’ve always been doing what I do now. I grew up playing sports and singing in small town Kansas. Fortunately I’m still able to manage both careers that I love. After college I started personal training fellow singers while auditioning for different groups to make music with. Read more>>
Katherine (Katie) Kopp
About Me: A Life Dedicated to Swimming and Teaching For over 30 years, I have dedicated myself to teaching children how to swim. As a proud mom of four, I understand the importance of water safety and the confidence that comes with being a strong swimmer. Read more>>
MacKenzie Sparks
I actually fell in love with Disney in kind of an unexpected way. My first trip to Walt Disney World was in 2020, and while I absolutely loved it, I left realizing how many things we missed simply because I didn’t know how to plan or prepare properly. Read more>>
Jason Slover
In 1974 two friends, Pete Chapouris and Jim ‘Jake’ Jacobs started Pete and Jake’s Hot Rod Parts in Temple City, CA. later in that year the car Pete built was used in a tv movie on ABC called ‘The California Kid’. The 1934 Ford 3 window coupe used in the movie will forever be known as ‘The California Kid’. Read more>>
Hannah Nigh
My love for the event industry actually started many years ago in 2005, when I worked for a catering company. I had to quit that job after I became a mom and they hours no longer worked for our family. From there I just always enjoyed hosting events and parties, helping friends and family with weddings and decorating. Read more>>
Sophia Albert
I got started in the travel industry in 2019 as a reservations agent for a luxury travel wholesaler. I immediately loved being able to combine two of my favorite things: travel and planning. After more than five years of learning the industry there, I knew it was time to step out on my own. That’s when Essential Romance Travel was born. Read more>>
Emily Wiens
I’ve been in the hair industry for over 16 years, spending my first nine at a corporate salon. As I began diving deeper into my own wellness journey, starting with yoga and expanding into holistic living, I felt called to create a healthier space for both myself and my clients. Read more>>
Emilie James
I was born and raised in KC, specifically the Northland area, then went on to go to Northwest Missouri State for one year. During that year I realized I wasn’t happy with what I was pursuing. I knew in my heart that my true passion was esthetics. Read more>>
Abby Bodenhausen, Nicole Burge co-founders
Abby has been a physical therapist for over 17 years and Nicole for 9 years and over that time we have found a passion in women’s health and athletics. We got burnt out with typical medical model of physical therapy seeing multiple patients at a time and not being able to give patients the care they deserve. Read more>>
Cathy Broski
I never really know where to start. I’ve known I wanted to be an artist since I was a child. But it probably wasn’t until I was in a junior college in a painting class that I realized there just wasn’t enough surface texture for me. At that point, I took a Clay class, and there was no turning back. Read more>>
MERIDETH ROSE
My journey hasn’t been linear; it’s been layered. I am a former foster youth, a teenage mother, a survivor of abuse, homelessness, and the very child welfare system I now help to change. My commitment to healing and justice isn’t theoretical—it’s lived. Over the past 23 years, I’ve worked across nonprofit, government, and federal emergency management sectors, from leading FEMA’s community relations response to Superstorm Sandy, to building school-based mental health systems from the ground up, to now serving as President and CEO of Cornerstones of Care—the first Black woman to hold that role in our 156-year history. Read more>>
Abraham Brown
My newest venture, though, has been with my wife. Together, we opened a firearm accessory store at 7928 Troost, called R&A Accessories. I got into the firearm business by helping a friend who was already in it. I became intrigued, started learning more, and along the way, I fell in love with it. As I grew in the business, my wife joined me on the journey, and we’ve been building it together ever since. Read more>>
