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.
Danyel Joseph
I was born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where my roots continue to shape who I am today. Growing up in a close-knit Caribbean community taught me the value of culture, resilience, and service. While my island gave me an incredible foundation, I also witnessed the educational inequities and limited opportunities that many children face. Read more>>
Mercedes Warburton
I started this business during my own spiritual journey. At the time, I was looking for crystals I could wear on my body as intentional reminders—something that would help keep me aligned with the direction I wanted my healing and spiritual path to move in. Read more>>
Nadia Marriott
Ruth’s Grace Inc. was founded in 2017 from a simple belief that learning has the power to transform lives. I’ve always been drawn to the ways history, culture, and storytelling can help people feel seen, inspired, and connected to something greater than themselves. Read more>>
Alicia Starr
Wow… where do I even start? I’ve shared this story so many times, and whenever I tell it, I always say it started with God and my Mom. But sitting down and writing it out hits a little different. It all started on Christmas Day in 2020. My mom gave me a nail kit as a Christmas gift. Read more>>
caedora Benton
My journey began in Monrovia, Liberia, where I was born before immigrating to the United States at seven years old. Entering a completely new world, I held tightly to a determination to make my parents proud. I grew up in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and knew early on that I wanted to attend college out of state to expand my perspective. Read more>>
Becky & Adaleigh Pfennigwerth
Garden Wick started in the simplest way. Adaleigh and I were just looking for something fun and creative to do together as a mother and daughter. We started making candles at home, never imagining it would become anything more than a hobby. Read more>>
Dan Black
I have had a keen interest in the outdoors, the military, firearms, and all adventures between those book ends since I was young. Read more>>
Taylor Varron
I grew up in Cary, North Carolina. Ever since I was little, I always had a passion for art. I took many art classes throughout school, but it wasn’t until college that I truly honed my drawing skills. While studying art abroad in Florence, Italy for a semester, I discovered my love for portraiture. Read more>>
Tracy McKinley
I am a working mom and a proud Johnston County native with a lifelong passion for writing. My love of storytelling began in grade school through poetry, where I received the Golden Poet Award and an Honorable Mention. By the time I reached high school, several of my poems had been published. Read more>>
Sean Planchard
I serve as Chief Executive Officer of The Downsizers, leading the company with a deep commitment to service, integrity, and genuine compassion for families navigating life transitions. Hand-selected by our founder as the next steward of the business, I am dedicated to protecting the heart and culture that define the work. Read more>>
Belynda Chambers
Chambers, a professional chef is a graduate of William-Angliss, Melbourne, Australia. Servsafe certified, she is a Duke Wellness Coach specializing in smart personalized nutrition with a little decadent fun on the side.. She is passionate about fresh, local, organic, and unforgettably beautiful & delicious food. More than a chef, she’s a true life culinarian. She brings a full life experience to her work. Read more>>
Noa Ronen
I have spent my entire career at one intersection: leaders, change, and the space in between of human connection. It started in the Navy, helping officers understand how to lead their people — how to develop and grow them so they trust them in life-and-death moments. Then, as a change management consultant, I helped large companies move from paper to expensive ERP technologies. Read more>>
Cent Jones
I am a visual Artist based in Mount Olive, North Carolina. I have been an artist all of my life. My journey through ART started as young as five years old and carried me through college. I received a commercial Art and Advertising degree and worked in many aspects of the art world. Read more>>
Mark Judson
I’ve observed that there are two types of people in the world – those focused on “Experiences” and those focused on “Goals”. While I have certainly achieved some Goals during my journey through life, I have always been focused on the value of Experiences – the next adventure! To that end, I have endeavored to experience as much as possible during my time here! Read more>>
Don Cimorelli
I am a second generation born Italian American. My grandparents moved to the USA during the great Italian Immigration era from the 1890s – 1920s. I was always very proud of my heritage, traditions, and culture. Following my corporate executive career in Human Resources and the Benefits Outsourcing industry, I decided to join the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America upon retirement. Read more>>
Brittany Jones
16 years ago as a Sophomore at WSSU, I was shopping with my mom at a local craft store, and God literally opened my eyes to focus on a very expensive wreath. This wreath barely had any florals, it mostly looked as if someone tied an oversized bow on it, and then slapped a ridiculous price tag on it. Read more>>
Vitaliy Bezrodnov
From Cultural Ambassador to Connecting the World Some of the most meaningful journeys begin with a single opportunity. I was born and raised in Kazakhstan and later received my musical education in Russia. Music became my passport to the world. As a member of professional folk music and dance ensembles, I toured throughout Europe, learning that every culture has a unique story worth sharing. Read more>>
Kakeso
I’m originally from the Ivory Coast and have lived in the United States for the past 20 years. I’ve always enjoyed traveling and experiencing different cultures, which has influenced my creative perspective. My photography journey began when an artist and mentor from Chapel Hill, Fred Good, bought a camera and invited me to document his art shows. Read more>>
Walter Dozier
It all started my senior year in college at North Carolina Central University. I would always take photos and videos of my friends around campus. I was on the drumline and I remember marching in big games with 10 to 20 thousand plus screaming fans at football games and at different battle of the bands competitions. Read more>>
Lori Beckwith
My story started in 2020 when I lost my mother August 1, 2020, Photography has always been in my family as my dad did photography as I was growing up, but it became a huge part of my life after my mother passed away, she was my rock, my chevron for the accomplishments that I achieved she was my best friend. Read more>>
Ericson Ekeleme
I started making music in 2018, having my own artistic vision I set out to be different from the rest recording my own freestyle videos and marketing them my self after about 1-2 years my fan base grew to include CEO’s , A list celebrities, Other Artist and big name brands like Monster Energy, Rod wave and Oprah Daily. Read more>>
Rhonda Giselle Daniel
I was born and raised in Trinidad and moved to New York in 1999. Like a lot of people chasing a better life, I came with big dreams and learned pretty quickly that building a life takes a lot of resilience. I’ve always loved fitness, but it didn’t become my purpose until I started going through some of my own challenges. Read more>>
Lancelot Watson
Looking back, there were two moments that completely changed the direction of my life. The first was when I had the opportunity to help my aunt on a photography shoot. Watching her take control of the room, direct the session with confidence, and create something meaningful through her camera made me realize that photography was more than just taking pictures, it was storytelling. Read more>>
Chelsea Davis
Hi, I’m Chelsea – known as Chelsea Lynn to friends and family and November Lynn to those who know me through my business. I am a 35 year young, full time entrepreneur of a growing business known as November’s Lane. I am an also a full time employee for one of the largest health care companies in the US. Read more>>
Kita McFadden
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2013 with a simple idea. At the time, bling cell phone cases were becoming very popular, and I wanted one for myself. Read more>>
Claire Roberts
I’m one of those lucky people who genuinely loves what they do. Each day, I get to help men and women feel excited about how they show up in the world — because a thoughtful wardrobe isn’t just about looking good, it’s a powerful tool. I like to say: good clothes open doors. Read more>>
Lola & Yemi Olufolabi
We started Exotique because of our love of the arts and our belief that artisans should be paid fairly for their work. We were living in Chapel Hill at the time, but Yemi works at Duke. We saw a listing for a store for sell downtown. It was the store next door to where Exotique is located. Read more>>
