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.

Eileen Arcilla

Cinema Ballroom began in 2004 when professional ballroom dancer and teacher Eric Hudson and IT professional Eileen Arcilla decided to open a dance studio in the Twin Cities. At the time, Eric was teaching independently and Eileen was one of his students. Together, they dreamed of building a welcoming community of professionals and students who shared their love of dance. Read more>>

Jon Coty

When Jon Coty launched his modern collaborative design workspace in a 7,000-square-foot St. Louis Park locale in 2020, he knew he had a good thing going. Read more>>

Mark Lindstrom

My journey in media and events began early — I discovered my passion for video production in elementary school, the very first time I picked up a camera. That passion grew through junior high and high school, where I immersed myself in classes, projects, and hands-on work. By the time I graduated, I knew this was more than a hobby; it was a calling. Read more>>

Veronica Johnson

I have always enjoyed spatial puzzles, finding a ‘home’ for objects and sorting and organizing. Becoming a professional organizer has been a process that unfolded through many small steps and revelations. I went to school for Human Services, and while I was working in direct care, I became comfortable working one-on-one with people in their homes. Read more>>

Tony Paez

My start in photography was kind of an accident, you could say—although when I look back, I have photos and memories of being curious about it since high school. I had asked my parents for a camera, and they bought me a 110mm film one. After that, years went by until I found a job as a graphic designer. Read more>>

Ian & Kate Hunter

Lakeville Off-Road opened its doors in 2019 with a simple passion: helping people get the most out of their off-road vehicles. What started as a small, hands-on operation quickly grew into a trusted shop serving enthusiasts across Minnesota. We specialize in upgrades, repairs, and custom builds—including several fully custom made Jeeps and Buggies we designed to push limits and showcase what’s possible. Read more>>

Jon Ledeboer

Most of my adult life has revolved around coaching high school sports. I coach High School basketball and baseball at Heritage Christian Academy and am in year 18. I got my RE license in 2018, and can recall upon passing the test praying ‘God, you have 3-5 years to show me what you want me to do with this’. Read more>>

Jason Sawicki

I’ve been a chef in Minneapolis my entire career. I started out as an intern at Restaurant Alma and worked there for about four years, during which I experienced the process of the restaurant winning a James Beard Award. Read more>>

John Pierce

I was a professional opera singer for 20 years. I sang Leading tenor parts around the world. My wife took a position, teaching singing and opera at the University of Minnesota Duluth. As my career was waning, I was looking for things to do in Duluth. Read more>>

Shelby Deitchler

I’ve wanted to be in medicine since I was five years old. My grandpa had rheumatoid arthritis, and I remember thinking—even as a kid—that there had to be more that could be done than relying on biologics and prednisone all the time. That early curiosity sparked a lifelong passion for helping people truly heal, not just manage symptoms. Read more>>

Amy Corr

My journey into the nail industry started with my grandmother, who always had a love for nails. I grew up watching and admiring the way she cared for them, and that early influence never left me. Over time, after experiencing too many damaging services at quick “chop shops,” I decided to start doing my own nails. That’s when I fell in love with the process. Read more>>

Mel Bozzo

Before launching Utopia Borealis, I spent over a decade in the fashion industry — designing my own line Common Cloth and later serving as a Director of PR and Branding in Paris for an American luxury brand. After fashion, I transitioned into hospitality as a Marketing Manager for Soho House, where I curated and hosted events, booked talent, and produced intimate “in conversation” series. Read more>>

Kisha Triplett

I start about 5 years ago being a distributor for a brand that helped client detox their bodies and lose weight. I was in that business about 2 years and had built an amazing rapport with my customers. Read more>>

Boston Doughty

When I was 10 I was caught taking a whoopie pie from a deli in Winslow, Maine. The owner asked why I took it and I said to feed me and my sister because we were very poor due to addictions my mother acquired. Read more>>

Rebecca Larson

While in school, I was fortunate to meet incredible mentors and, through a student club, landed a job assisting with weddings at The Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, WI. In my very first season, when the venue was hosting three weddings each weekend, the Event Coordinator unexpectedly quit mid-season. I saw an opportunity, and—even though I wasn’t fully qualified yet—I confidently asked my boss to give me a chance. He did, and in 2015, before I had even graduated, I became the official Event Coordinator. Read more>>

Dr. Britt Stamer

On a more personal level, I’ve always had a natural inclination to listen to people’s stories. That’s a huge part of who I am. I want my patients to feel safe sharing every aspect of their lives with me: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I believe a lot of healing happens in those in-between spaces, when someone feels heard, deeply cared for, and supported beyond the clinical checklist. That’s what I strive to offer, heart-centered care that doesn’t sacrifice quality or rigor, but instead integrates compassion with high-level, individualized medicine. Read more>>