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.

Jillian Darville

I look back at some of my early paintings and can clearly see how much my skill has improved over 11 years of painting in the wedding industry. I would say the biggest struggle for me was all of the business savvy that you’re required to have as an entrepreneur. I’m an introverted creative and have learned how to create a website, manage business finances, advertise myself, answer regular inquiries and emails with various venues and planners, and even interact with hundreds of wedding guests in one night during a wedding. Those are all muscles I’ve had to really work for, but 11 years in I’m confident and comfortable in those roles. Read more>>

Elisa Buxbaum

In my early 20’s I was living in New York as a modern dancer. It was then that I was first introduced to Pilates. In the early 90’s Pilates was primarily popular with the dance community. I continued to teach dance when my children were young but was also taking Pilates lessons. My love for Pilates grew and I decided to get certified.. I taught at a studio for a few years before it closed and took that as a sign to open my own studio. It’s been 13 years of growing a wonderful community. Read more>>

Baden Jaxen

That was the blessing I needed. When I hung up the phone I went to Facebook market and started to search for a bus. Found one in West Virginia, drove down and bought it on the spot. Took it home and began to paint the outside while decorating the interior. Took me about 2 months to complete. Raleigh is a great market and knew it would be a success, so we choose to have our first location to be there. We are now currently expanding throughout NC and the throughout the country. We are now painting our 2nd bus that will be going in Chapel Hill. Read more>>

Ebony M. Walker

Absolutely. My journey began with a simple yet powerful truth: words have weight. As a young woman, I found solace and strength in writing due to a speech impediment. Because I stuttered horribly, I would simply create ways to share and document my thoughts through journal entries (diaries), poems, stories, and more. All of it was a way to make sense of the world around me. But I never imagined that gift would one day become the foundation of my career and calling. Read more>>

Afrocentric Icon

The journey in music started in 2023 but the dream to be a music producer was there since 2017. I could write a few lines here and there back then but I didn’t really think of it as anything special plus I didn’t have means to get studio equipment at the time, then stars aligned later on and I moved from Rwanda to the US in July 2022, got a job and saved for a home studio. I kept writing lines here and there, in 2023 I started feeling like writing more and taking it serious and that is how I shifted from production to being a rapper going by the name of Afrocentric Icon. Read more>>

Aaron Lee

The partnership was natural: Aaron brought the vision and design expertise, Amanda brought the voice and storytelling. Together, they built a branding and content studio rooted in authenticity and impact. Since then, BRCM has helped clients across industries — but we especially love working in hospitality and healthcare, where we can help brands connect deeply with their communities. Read more>>

Joshelyn Wooten

My journey in the fashion industry began in 2011 as a model in Atlanta, Georgia, represented by Imperative Talent Management. Through experiences in print, runway, and music videos, I immersed myself in the vibrant fashion scene and connected with numerous industry professionals. This exposure ignited a desire to explore beyond modeling. In 2014, driven by a passion for fashion and a vision to create something unique, I founded Countri Apple Apparel. Our brand embodies the motto “Where class and sophistication meet,” offering a curated selection of accessories, clothing, and handbags that empower individuals to express their authentic selves with elegance and confidence. Read more>>

Danielle Webb

“Danielle Webb, better known as DJ Webbie, is a trailblazer redefining what it means to be bold, authentic, and unapologetically original in music and culture. As a Black LGBTQ+ artist from New Orleans, she fuses electrifying performances with a deep passion for representation, creating a robust platform that inspires and elevates every space she enters. Having shared the stage with artists like Big Freedia and collaborated with major brands such as NIKE, she brings an edge and energy that resonates with diverse audiences and communities. Read more>>

Rormina Strickland

My civilian path led me to serve as a School Social Worker, advocating for at-risk students and their families. At forty-four, I entered what seemed to be a promising relationship, only to endure ten years of covert abuse that steadily eroded my self-confidence. Escaping that ordeal awakened my voice, and I chose to amplify it. Writing became both therapy and mission: my memoir, “Love’s Dark Reflection: Surviving a Decade of Covert Narcissism,” transformed private pain into a public roadmap and launched my full-time work as an author, speaker, and domestic-violence advocate. Read more>>

Raven Fuller

avesofBeauty started from my natural love for people, energy, and expression—I’ve always been bubbly, camera-ready, and the type to strike up a conversation with anyone! Since middle school, I fell in love with makeup and fashion, using it as a way to express both confidence and creativity. If you’ve followed my journey on social media, you know I aspire to become a dermatologist and will be applying to medical school within the next year. My biggest motivation is my brother, who was diagnosed with Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Read more>>

Leslie & Sharee McCray

My daughter applied to the African American Cultural Festival (AACF) in NC the following year on a whim and we were overjoyed and surprised to see we were accepted, as we had only been painting for 7 months. We had no idea how to prepare for a festival, let alone ever been to one, so we didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, we have some amazing pour-painting groups on Facebook that shared their tips, experiences, and pictures that helped us prepare.  Read more>>

Idah Alisha

To collaborate, whether it’s a creative project, an event, or something that connects the community, you can always reach out to me through social media or email ([email protected]) And if It so happens that I don’t have the connection you’re looking for, I’ll do my best to help you find it. I truly believe there’s enough room for all of us to win and celebrate each other while at it! Read more>>

Valerie Marston

My body felt like a trap for a long time. From scoliosis surgery at age 13 that led to years of physical therapy, to an 8-year battle with an eating disorder, to a GI condition that took 2 years and countless doctors to identify, to being diagnosed with anxiety following a traumatic loss, and most recently having hip surgery—each challenge forced me to confront discomfort, pain, and vulnerability. And yet, I wouldn’t trade those experiences. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of letting go of what we can’t control. I’ve learned to connect with my body in a new, more compassionate way—and that mindset shift has been a true gift. It’s one I now aim to share with others through coaching. Read more>>

Kion Reddick

Singing can also be a great stress reliever; it releases endorphins and can boost your mood. Connecting with others through music—whether in a choir, a band, or just singing with friends—can foster a sense of community and belonging. Plus, the thrill of mastering a new song or improving your vocal skills can be very rewarding. Ultimately, singing can be a deeply personal and joyful experience that resonates on many levels. What aspects of singing do you enjoy the most? Read more>>

Luiza Barteldes

One day I realized it made sense for me to work with something related to the body, due to my extensive dance background. So I found pilates! I had a good friend who was also a teacher and I asked her to mentor me into the certification program. Her name was Pam Pardi. Turned out she was a well known pilates professional who trained under Roman’a Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates only protege. So I got into the certification program at True Pilates New York, the original pilates studio where Joseph started everything. Read more>>

Jessica “JET” Bolz

I did cross and was pulled back by my sister’s voice. In that time the doctor’s explained that my heart had taken such a beating that it could no longer work on its own. After much resistance I accepted the beautiful gift of life from who I call “Rockette” on December 9 2023. Im 17 months from my transplant date and went back to teaching 3 months ago. The ability to give people relief and motivate them is what helps me to move forward and I hope to continue with this as well as public speaking and coaching others through illness back to wellness Read more>>

Adelena Parker-Lewis

Within a month of finding the studio, I was working front desk for them, and within 3 months of that, I was going through training to be an instructor there. The studio later transitioned to add lagree and pilates classes, and I completed my lagree level 1 certification there. (Later I would travel back to this studio for my level 2 trainings). This studio became my home. The owner Erin, became like a sister, a mom, a mentor and a friend. She would later be a bridesmaid in my wedding. Read more>>

Frannie Ayers

I spent most of my young adult life struggling with anxiety and depression. If it wasn’t for my kids and having them as my motivators to go to work and to attend their functions I could have very easily slipped into being a recluse due to the gripping affects of my fear based anxiety. I never received treatment and in hind sight my depression was pretty severe with days spent in bed doing the bare minimum needed to survive and to take care of my family. Read more>>

Gavin Jocius

That’s when I found Andrew, the founder of Sauna House. His vision aligned with everything I cared about, and I knew I wanted to be involved. I spent five years searching for the right building in Durham—eventually signing a lease, raising the capital and debt, and helping make Sauna House Durham a reality. It’s a space where people can reconnect—with themselves and with others—through the simple but powerful practice of hot, cold, and rest. No phones. No distractions. Just presence. Read more>>

Joshua Vasquez

I graduated from the Body Therapy Institute in Siler City in 2016 and have over a decade of experience working in diverse healthcare environments including top teir medical fitness facilities, physical therapy and chiropractic clinics, spas and wellness centers. I most recently decided to pursue my own path in Massage Therapy opening up my very own offices located in Downtown Raleigh and near Southpoint in Durham. This has allowed met the time and focus to better serve my clients based on their needs. I also can be available for travel and home visits upon request. I bring a variety of skills from other fields prior to graduating from massage school within hospitality, business management and administration, education and childcare. Read more>>

Kristen Thomas

Trauma is pervasive in how it has affected my brain, body and soul. Learning how to show up in the world as healthy as possible has been a huge challenge. There are still so many life skills that I feel far behind my peers on, but I have to remind myself how far I have come and living a beautiful life is a huge win in itself. I am proud of my accomplishments but being in the top .05% of foster youth who receive a Master’s degree took levels of sacrifice and grit that most may never understand. I truly hope the work that we are doing in this community can open further doors and opportunities for the foster youth behind us. Read more>>

Tana Widdows

Today, I’m a Realtor with Compass on the Terra Nova Team, serving buyers and sellers throughout the Triangle. My California real estate license transferred to North Carolina, and I brought with me the lessons I learned selling beautiful homes in Santa Cruz. Great marketing is everything—photos and videos are the first impression, and if a home doesn’t capture the imagination of buyers online, they won’t come see it in person. Beautiful marketing, helping people find their place in the world, being a part of helping people start a new chapter. That’s what drives me. Read more>>

Angaea

In one medium, bookbinding brought together all the creative skills I’ve learned throughout my life—drawing, painting, sculpture, sewing, weaving, writing, and fiber arts. I fell in love with the process and all the possibilities it offered. I started Gaea Bound as a macgyvered “bindery”, but it was more like an old coffee shack filled with a handful of art materials and drying fibers, nestled in the jungle of Hawaii. I didn’t have any of the beautiful, professional, and expensive equipment typically found in a bindery. Still, I was able to reinvent ways to make books and incorporate the natural abundance around me into my process. Read more>>

Renae Johnson

In the world of nonprofits, smooth seasons come and go—but so do the challenges. Right now, one of our biggest hurdles is keeping up with the incredible enthusiasm of our volunteers. I’m truly blessed to have so many dedicated women eager to give back. However, with that passion comes a new challenge: volunteer opportunities fill up almost as quickly as they’re announced. It’s a beautiful problem to have, and one that speaks to the heart of our mission—serving together, even when the pace gets fast. Read more>>

Tonya Peace

I was attending a showcase at the pole dancing studioi was a member of at the time and one of the activities we were doing was candle making. I was super excited about that! I loved candles and home fragrance so this was so much fun for me. I selected peppermint mocha as my candle scent, it smelked really good but not in a fake candy way. After going through the steps with the owner studio who also had a candle business i decided to purchase a candle making kit from a local but a huge candle supply company Candlescience. Read more>>

Destiny Rockett

As a licensed esthetician, I specialize in natural and soft glam makeup that enhances rather than transforms. I take pride in emphasizing my clients’ natural beauty while staying current with today’s makeup trends and ensuring safe, effective application. With nearly 5 years in business, my greatest achievement is my consistency—navigating both wins and losses as a Black woman-owned business. From working with A-list celebrities to loyal childhood friends, each client reminds me why I do what I do. My determination truly sets me apart because, as Young Thug says, “Hustlers don’t stop, they keep going” Read more>>

Coach Fred Foreman Sr.

More recently, I’ve been gaining momentum with my life coaching business, Coach Fred Life Coaching. I’ve intentionally separated it from OBMOU so that the nonprofit can stay focused on community projects and mentoring youth, while Coach Fred centers on helping men and women reach their full potential in life. Whether I’m coaching someone through life transitions or mentoring a teen through football, my mission is the same: to bring clarity, confidence, and purpose to those who feel lost or stuck. Read more>>

Jessica Torres

By high school, I was taking coding classes and fell in love with the idea that I could create something out of nothing—and make my own rules in the process. I started my career in web and mobile development over 20 years ago, including a role in law enforcement where I created custom software applications to help deputies do their jobs more efficiently. Even then, I was focused on real-world impact—using tech to solve problems and improve lives. On the side, I’d design cards and flyers for friends, blending my logical brain with creative curiosity. Read more>>

Beverly Goins

Since college, I have always been fascinated about self-defense tools and searching for ways to protect, not only myself, but others. Self-defense tools have been a common theme as gifts for my family members and friends. Strap Da Pack was created because of my own personal experience of a terrifying moment where I was almost attacked while leaving my clinical practice. I was wearing a normal fanny pack and could not access my self-defense equipment in time. That moment made it clear how critical it is to have self-defense tools that are easily and quickly accessible. Strap Da Pack helped solve that problem, offering a stylish, secure crossbody and waist bag with quick access magnetic buttons so anyone can reach into the bag and pull out their self-defense tools without even fumbling because safety should never be out of reach. Read more>>

Rebecca Fillion

One night, I stumbled across mobile notary services on TikTok and it just made sense. With my attention to detail and background in real estate loan documents, it felt like a natural next step. After spending three years as a post-closer auditing files for errors, I saw an opportunity to become the notary ensuring every signing was executed flawlessly and started Fillion Notary & Apostille Services in March of 2023. Read more>>

Modesta Fogg

Years later, I built a successful career in banking, leading multiple markets and mentoring others along the way. But fashion was always my passion. In 2015, I took a leap of faith and opened The Closet Boutique in Triangle Town Center. It was funded by my late husband, Ricardo, who believed in me even when I doubted myself. He invested in my dream before it was fully formed, and I carry his legacy in every piece I curate and every woman I empower through fashion. Read more>>

Ashlea Barnett

Around that time, I completed certified kids yoga training and began working with Growga, a locally-based company that provided yoga and mindfulness programming for children and families. I had the opportunity to teach and connect with children in a meaningful way—experiences that further shaped my vision and values. My time with Growga, especially during the pre-COVID years, was an important stepping stone in my journey. Read more>>

Tomeria Whitehead

Everything beauty I had it for the girls on campus, later down the line I wanted to rebrand myself and just stick to hair which were more of my popular products selling. I loved it. After graduating I moved to the Raleigh-Durham,NC area to find my way after school applying to Nursing while working and trying to get back to my brand. I found myself loving creating, marketing and coming up with ideas. I then started getting more into creating graphics and creating content. I started up my second brand called Cre8tologist marketing and designs where I provide graphics , filming and edits , as well brand start up. As a creator specialist I thought it would be a perfect touch with the love I have between science and creating. Read more>>

Ariel Evans

Even though nothing went as planned – I was hooked. That same year in the summer, I performed at my first real open mic at a comedy club in Seattle (my hometown). The open mic was at a comedy club in Seattle called Giggles, which later became a strip club called Jiggles, and is now back to being a comedy club. Flash forward a few years and now I’m living in NYC working as a comedian and performing all over the country – I’ve been featured on HBO and am the winner of the 2022 “You Look Like” roast battle in Atlanta. Read more>>

Christopher Romano

The fact that we are all human may be true, but we also need to account for the internal and external stressors in our daily lives that contribute to how we function. In your reading, you will see both played a role in my perception of my place in the world. When coping with a chronic condition, the emotional piece to the disease can often be overshadowed by the physical and un-intentionally ignored, where medical intervention may be an option to consider. With the many challenges, a chronic illness often challenges selfawareness and management of psychological and social pieces. Read more>>

Levi Christopher

Both of us have day jobs and full lives, so we’ve developed Indie Rock Catalog at an easy and controlled pace. This has helped keep things fun and manageable, but has made for a longer process of seeing what works for us. At the beginning of our journey of just trying to act on this idea, we asked each other “what exactly do we do?” several times. We weren’t sure if we were aspiring YouTubers, podcasters, journalists, or record label founders, so we threw a lot of ideas at the wall to discover what we felt best about bringing to an audience. Read more>>

Magaly

The entrepreneurial journey is rarely a straightforward one. Juggling the demands of family life with the all-consuming nature of a startup often requires a constant recalibration of priorities. Yet, despite these challenges, an unwavering energy and a deep-seated desire to create persist. I find that establishing a strong brand presence is particularly complex. While numerous tools and resources exist, the competitive landscape is significant, making the initial stages a demanding yet essential process of learning and growth. Read more>>