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.
Sarah Rue
Currently, I’m very proud of on my new portrait series currently in production; On Deck; An SRP Tarot Journey. This series takes fans on a journey through my interpretation of the Major & Minor Arcana from the Tarot using models & locations from around half a dozen states in the Midwest. Read More>>
Erika Cockerham Mulholland
In 2015, in the midst of my umpteenth life crisis, I was completely brokenhearted that my dreams of performing never worked out and couldn’t reconcile the gifts the Lord had given me with the lack of opportunity to use them. But I was done with defining myself and my life by the failure I felt like I was. So I told the Lord…”if you decide to use these gifts someday, I trust you to do that in your perfect time and perfect way and I surrender them all to you…but what are you doing NOW? Because I want to be a part of THAT!” I felt like He impressed upon my heart, “Live a full life, love people extravagantly, and put beauty into the world.” (Let me clarify that to live a full life is NOT to obsess over the things you think you should have but don’t…like a career on the musical stage.) Read More>>
Andrikkah Camp
Meeting new individuals and transforming their appearances is incredibly rewarding. My specialties include lace wigs, and I offer a comprehensive array of services, such as sew-ins, quick weaves, ponytails, and more. I thrive on doing hair; it brings me serenity and is an integral part of my life. As an entrepreneur, you will inevitably encounter ups and downs, but it’s crucial to persevere. My advice to anyone is that you can achieve and become whatever you set your mind to; keep pushing forward and stay motivated. Read More>>
Christie Colvin
From a young age, I was drawn to the art of jewelry making. It all began in 2nd grade with embroidery friendship bracelets, which I sold to local neighborhood children and on the bus before and after school. Starting with simple braids, I gradually honed my skills, creating intricate twists and knots. My first “shop” location was a handmade storefront, set up at the corner of my street block, made out of empty trash cans, a scrap piece of wood, and handmade posters with my 10 cent- 50 cent pricing for things that took me hours to make. Read More>>
Brittany Jauernig
Personally, my biggest challenge with starting this organization has been balancing my work & home life. With a 7 and a 4-year-old at home, it is challenging to put in the work needed to start a business and dedicate enough time to my family. But I want my kids to see how important it is to chase your dreams, and I hope that they grow up knowing that they can do anything they put their mind to! Read More>>
Joslyn Sandifer
Ultimately after becoming a lawyer, my desire to help (and help in my own way) never changed. I did not set out to start a firm, but being able to provide services to people who look like me has been an easy transition. I have had a number of challenges, but have rested in God’s grace and favor. I attribute my success to God and my husband actually (because he basically forced me to start my firm). Read More>>
Jillayna Adamson
I am a psychotherapist with a background in psychology and cultural anthropology. I have always had a big culture-oriented lens within my psychotherapy work, both western-impact focused and cross-culturally. Because of that, I have a bit of a dynamic practice with a few different specialties. So my days can look quite different– which I love! I specialize in trauma, maternal mental health, women’s and LGBTQIA issues, teens and depression as well as cross-cultural mental health. I am certified in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I have a private practice, and some partnerships with different nonprofits and organizations. My office is in Maplewood, but I am often all over St. Louis and St. Charles in different locations. Read More>>
Ebony Lewis
In just 2 and a half years, I have created and hosted up to almost 20 trips with hundreds of travelers and dozens of repeat travelers. We have gone to places including Dubai twice, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Cancun, Zanzibar and more! I even have a trip to Ghana coming this December 2025 that travelers can still join. Today, I simply am wanting to get the point across that life is meant to be lived. And if you are tired of waiting for people you DO know, then you can join with people that you DON’T know and meet your new travel buddies. The world is meant to be seen through your own eyes and not through just dreams via social media. Read More>>
Rolonda Tova
What began as a personal project and a Christmas gift idea soon caught the attention of friends and neighbors. They were drawn not only to the comforting and nostalgic scents but also to the quality and care that went into each candle. Being an individual with sensitive skin and asthma, I wanted to use natural materials to create my products. Encouraged by the positive feedback, I decided to turn my passion into a business, and thus, The Scented Hug was born. Read More>>
Becca Brown And Ellery Patton
in May of 2024, we opened Grow Hair Co., a salon and spa collaborative in the beautiful historic district of Lafayette Square. Since then, we have had the opportunity to support 3 of our dear friends in their own business endeavors. We rent them space in our salon where they can independently grow their own businesses, while still maintaining the community of a full service salon. Since meeting in 2013, we have both gotten married, became parents the same month of 2017, and have added 6 beautiful children between the 2 of us. With Ellery’s home being in west county, and Becca’s being in the metro east, Lafayette square was always our dream location. It is such a beautiful area nestled in the busy city, and it is accessible for the both of us, as well as our widespread clientele. Read More>>
Kimberlyn Renee
It wasn’t until after I graduated from business school in 2019 that I realized that being an artist was the only thing I truly wanted to be. It took a few years to build up the confidence to really give it my all (it’s scary putting work into something that means so much!) but in 2023 I showed a piece of mine for the first time in Soulard Art gallery and since then I have been working towards making my childhood dreams of becoming a full time artist come true! I think it’s because of this that much of the subject matter in my art focuses on childhood nostalgia, because I’m trying to get back to that hopeful way of thinking that I had in my youth where anything is possible. Read More>>
Chris Williams
It’s had its ups and downs. When I really started getting into it, life happened. I lost my grandpa, my first born, my brother was killed. A lot happened in that span of 2 years. My barber and I got into Deejaying around the same time. He kept going with it and honestly seeing how well he had sharpened his skills made me hungry again, so I’ve been back at it. My biggest struggle is self confidence. Being afraid of failure or not performing to a certain standard. No one wants to go out there in front of a crowd and suck. When ignoring that feeling, I’ve performed some of my best work. Read More>>
Dez Niboh
I’m a first generation American and my family is from Cameroon, Africa. Growing up, I remember hearing makossa music around the house all the time. My dad also grew to love American soul music when he came to the States, specifically the 1960s & 1970s Motown era soul, so I remember him ordering CDs and playing that music on car rides. I think those things are part of what’s influenced my taste musically and the sounds I like to pull from in my production. Read More>>
Toni Kersting
The wedding turned out to be a huge success. They loved the photos and I was pleasantly surprised how natural it felt to shoot a wedding day. Which made me realize, “maybe I can do this as a business.” I officially started Toni Lynn Photography in 2021, specializing in Catholic wedding photography. I booked a couple of weddings here and there. Although I had just started my business, I wasn’t 100% ready to go all in. Read More>>
Alexis Austriaco
Looking ahead, Love is Mehndi plans to expand into the beauty industry with the launch of a makeup line under a different name. Initially, Love is Mehndi will serve as the promotional platform, leveraging its established reputation and loyal following to introduce the new venture. Whether for henna, makeup, or other artistic expressions, Love is Mehndi continues to transform beauty into a meaningful and memorable experience. Read More>>
Dead Sure
Creating a special experience, a comfortable environment, and a creative space that fosters our artists’ growth while ensuring our clients feel safe and cared for. Read More>>
Alontiona Robinson
I’ve always had a passion for dentistry, even as a kid, but life took me on a different path for a while. I turned my love for fitness into a business and focused on building that while putting school on hold. Becoming a mom, however, reignited my drive to pursue my true passion—dentistry. Now, as a third-year pre-dental student, I’m balancing motherhood, fitness, and preparing for dental school. My journey is about showcasing how these aspects of my life intersect, inspiring others to chase their dreams, no matter the detours along the way. Read More>>
John Kennedy
I always like to say it’s a calling. I had a vision and an ultimate goal of having a Neo Soul Spa, when I was in High School and in the Marines. It’s something that stuck with me when I got out. I wanted to be a RN and even started University for it but it was too fast paced for where I was at mentally. I started looking into another form of healing which is body work and holistic healing. Massage Therapy. I just graduated Dec. 13 2024 and started my business Jan 15 2025. Now, promoting to achieve new heights. Read More>>
Gabrielle Davis
My introduction into the photography world is slightly unorthodox, honestly. In 2020 I started college as a communications major at Maryville University. The program was great, but something was… missing. I started considering other routes, unsure about all of them. Then, after completing an assignment that required producing a commercial for a product in an advertising class, I recognized my niche in video production & editing. So, with a lot of encouragement from my life coach and after speaking with a couple of professors in the Design & Visual Arts Program, I switched my major to Fine Art with an emphasis in Photography & Video. I also picked up a studio art minor, mainly because I learned I loved painting during COVID. Read More>>
Natalie Hensley
I have always had a passion for art since I can remember. Growing up, I recall always drawing. Whether it be in school, while watching tv, or even at almost every family gathering; I had a pad of paper and some form of writing utensil in hand. I always knew I wanted to be an art teacher (I even dressed as one on career day). Somewhere along the way I heard the term “starving artist” and learned about “job security” and decided I needed a more sustainable path. Read More>>
Kristen Croker
Growing up in Saint Louis everyone always asks, “Where did you go to High School”? I graduated from Marquette High School in Chesterfield and after college, started my professional journey working for publishing and various merchandising companies around the U.S. I married my High School Sweetheart in 2007 and the corporate, “on the road” lifestyle that we both lived eventually started to conflict not only with the everyday stresses in life but also with our family plans. Read More>>
Beth Ducker
I started consulting and then led me to what is now a culmination of all my thirty year experience, All In Good Taste. With over 30 years in the event, interior design, catering, and restaurant industry, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for great food, effortless entertaining, curated personal style, and beautifully crafted holiday looks. My experience as a business owner and planner has allowed me to be client-focused to ensure successful entertaining and styling. My goal now and always is to provide my clients with a personalized, engaging, and enjoyable experience. Read More>>
Emilia Rizzuto
I never set out to become an entrepreneur, but my journey with health challenges led me to create something bigger than I ever imagined. Years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which pushed me to take a closer look at what I was putting into my body. I became passionate about natural remedies and holistic wellness—especially the power of elderberries. What started as making elderberry syrup for my family quickly turned into a business when friends and neighbors kept asking for it. That’s how All Things Elderberry was born. Read More>>
Taylor Cook
Slowly I started backing away from the cheer world altogether, and decided to take my photography business full time at age 20! Fast forward to now – I’m 29 years old living my DREAM. I photograph high school seniors, weddings, engagements, families, & maternity! My husband & I even built our dream home two years ago and we were able to add on my own studio to the back of the house! I absolutely LOVE what I do & would not change that for the world! Read More>>
Steve Springmeyer
Photography adds to my lifelong engagement in creative expression. I have an undergraduate degree in art, with a concentration in drawing. I’ve performed hundreds of stand-up comedy shows, including as an opening act for The Beach Boys. I’ve acted on stage, in feature films, and have done TV and radio spots, industrial films, and voiceover work. Read More>>
Becky Hardin
Along the way, I launched Easy Chicken Recipes (www.easychickenrecipes.com) in 2018 and Easy Dessert Recipes (www.easydessertrecipes.com) in 2020. My mission has always been to inspire people to feel bold and confident in the kitchen. I used to be intimidated by cooking, but now I know anyone can create fun, delicious meals for their family—and sharing those meals can be the best part of the day. It’s been an incredible and fulfilling journey. I have two full-time employees and manage a group of about 12 contractors, all who bring creativity and quality to the websites that I never could have dreamt of. Read More>>
April Robert
I grew up in Arizona and became a Christian in middle school through Awana at a Baptist church. My journey in faith deepened as I met my husband, Denny, at a Christian camp in Northern Arizona. Together, we poured ourselves into leadership with Campus Crusade for Christ (now called Cru), where we served on mission trips and Denny even went on staff for our first year of marriage. We were deeply rooted in a mission of discipleship, leadership, and walking boldly in faith. Read More>>
Leigh Brockman Horowitz
After college, I spent three years as a JV (Jesuit Volunteer) on a reservation in WA State – the Colville Reservation – where I was introduced to Indigenous Art, Dance and Music, while also teaching at the school, K-8th. While in WA, I began dancing, teaching, choreographing, stage managing and performing with a local studio and theater there (Lorrie Fraley Wilson School of Dance and Okanogan Valley Orchestra & Chorus). These years cemented my drive and passion for the entire spectrum of what it is to dance and perform. Read More>>
Jeremy Carr
In my experience, the key to success lies in being reliable, networking with peers, embracing feedback, and continually improving your skills. While seizing opportunities is vital, not all opportunities are created equal. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to be selective, turning down opportunities that don’t align with my goals and pursuing those that challenge me to grow. This approach has served me well, allowing me to meet influential people and build my latest venture, Arch Carts, a transportation and marketing business in STL. Read More>>
Sue Kelly
My journey into the world of real estate is rooted in a background of empathy and understanding from my first career as a private practice therapist. Initially, I dedicated myself to the demanding yet rewarding field of therapy, where I honed my skills in active listening, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. These skills were invaluable as I navigated the complexities of human emotions and relationships. However, the constant demand of being on call 24/7 became increasingly challenging, especially after the arrival of children. This pivotal moment in my life led me to seek a career that would allow you to balance my professional aspirations with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. Read More>>
Imani Robinson
Our non profit decided to build a social enterprise by purchasing LIA health & Wellness. We provide red light therapy, kangen water, pure supplements, and wellness coaching to the Soulard and surrounding area. The first minority own Health & wellness business in Soulard with the FDA registered red light therapy bed miracle 5040. Read More>>
Lexie Johnson
I first taught ukulele and then began to teach voice and guitar soon after. Though I stepped away from music education and pursued my BA in vocal performance, I loved teaching music privately. As I grew as a private music teacher, I decided to start teaching for an online music company. As I expanded my online client base, the company announced its closure. I took the students I had gained from that company and started my own music company, Lexie’s Lessons. I moved to STL in May to pursue my graduate career as a music therapist and brought my business to STL and its surrounding areas. Now, here I am! Read More>>
Tina And Brandon Barth
Getting people out of pain, and seeing the confidence people have walking in a pair of shoes that provides them reliable support is a gift to us. We hope to have lots of opportunities to serve the community with the gift of comfort! Foot Solutions is also able to be generous to those who serve our area so well, military, doctors, nurses, fire department, police officers are always provided products at a discounted rate and we are growing those networks daily so we can continue to make comfort attainable. Read More>>
Jadyn Doty
My social algorithm changed to match the content I was interacting with, and I began to learn more and more about the social issue of fat discrimination. I began learning things I had never heard about. Reading books, listening to podcasts, following blogs, and more. I was making online friends who I connected with over our shared experiences, friends from all across the world! I changed my relationship with my body, it was an incredibly healing journey. Read More>>
Nicci (dominic) Gomez Perez
I also love social media. I’m sharing my bariatric surgery journey, along with my mental health, fitness, and overall lifestyle, on TikTok (where I have a modest 1,042 followers) and Instagram (around 340 and counting). It’s a growing space, and I love building community—though I’ll admit, I feel way more comfortable behind a screen than talking to people face-to-face! Read More>>
John Salozzo
I started doing freelance illustration in the early 1980’s. My business and client list grew. I did illustrations for just about all the popular magazines, record companies, and blue-chip corporations at the time. My business was located in Boston. I was doing a lot of ad work that appeared in magazines like Rolling Stone magazine. I was offered to paint the cover for the rock group Boston’s third album, Third Stage. I was awarded a platinum album for my work on the cover. Through the years I have done illustrations and design work for many advertising, industrial, and high-tech companies. Read More>>
Samia Anya
Fast forward to 2022, I stumbled into the world of content creation. I was scrolling online one day and realized people were getting wigs for free just by reviewing them. I thought, “Hold up, I can do this!” I started posting about wigs, sharing tips, and showing how to finesse installs. It combined everything I loved—hair, creativity, and a little hustle—and the response was wild. That’s how I became a wig influencer and content creator. Read More>>
Abby Erickson
My couples are always my #1 priority—their experience means everything to me. With that focus, I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure they receive photos they will cherish for a lifetime. I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition I’ve received, having been featured in publications like Green Wedding Shoes, Carats and Cake, and St. Louis Bride. I’ve also been honored to be voted #1 wedding photographer in St. Louis twice by A-List St. Louis Magazine (2021 & 2022), and to be named one of the top five wedding photographers in Missouri in 2024 by Wezoree. Read More>>
