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.
Faiza Nur
My journey hasn’t always been smooth, especially when it comes to balancing taking on creative projects with working full-time behind the chair. The biggest challenge has been managing my time and avoiding burnout after long, demanding weeks. Over time, I’ve learned to shift my mindset—focusing on the work that brings me joy rather than just seeing it as a job. This shift has helped me better manage my schedule, allowing me to say yes to more meaningful projects while prioritizing my well-being. Read more>>
Maggie Barrett
I will never forget the moment I was leaving my Global Fashion Economics class on the day we had watched the documentary The True Cost, walking out of that classroom is where I felt something ignite in me. The industry that I loved and wanted to devote my love to was not only dark, but it went against everything that I believed in morally. That is when I knew that I was going to use my passions to bring lightness, awareness, and solutions to revolutionizing the fashion industry. Read more>>
Alyssa Thompson
Looking back, the signs were always there. Since first grade, I’ve loved making videos and casting my friends and family as the stars. That passion carried into high school, where I dreamed of becoming a movie director — until I took my first Photoshop class junior year. I fell in love with graphic design and started making graphics for my soccer team. That’s when I shifted gears and set my sights on sports design. I was recruited to play soccer at Bemidji State University, where I found the perfect combo of strong business and design programs. Read more>>
Sharon Bittner
I’ve always been creative and wanted a meaningful outlet for that creativity. I’ve especially enjoyed sewing and working with different textiles, so I began creating items that brought me joy. The journey hasn’t been easy—rebuilding my life while launching a new business came with its fair share of challenges. But the obstacles I’ve overcome have also brought me strength, growth, and a deep sense of purpose. Read more>>
Jacob Schlichter
I suppose it’s been a lifelong journey. I’ve always been intrigued by entrepreneurship and community-oriented activities. At a young age, I chatted with my mothers about designing/ inventing things, played violin for fun for residents of various nursing homes, and spent way too much time on Runescape. By the time I was in high school, I was selling clothing on Roblox and creating various servers in Minecraft. In the winters, if I weren’t busy, you’d catch me snowmobiling around the state with my dad. I also spent time competing in the science olympiad for my high school, amongst many other extracurriculars. Read more>>
Maddie Gravdal
Starting a business at that age, while still juggling high school and doctor’s appointments, was overwhelming. There were nights I cried from frustration, feeling like I wasn’t doing enough—or wouldn’t be enough. I didn’t have the resources other photographers had: no high-end gear, no paid marketing, no mentors showing me the ropes. Everything I’ve learned—posing, editing, building a brand, gaining clients—I taught myself through trial and error. Read more>>
Ashley
Shortly after, we made the decision to make a huge change in our life because we knew that anything could change in an instant. At the end of the 2022 school year, we found our dream property, and I left the teaching profession to stay home and start our farm. We jumped right into life here getting some goats and rescue donkeys and more chickens…and we started converting an old garage building into a studio. I got my 200-hour yoga certification and started Sunshine Linings Studio in the spring of 2024! That’s how we got to where we are now! Read more>>
Ali Ashton
In high school, when I had the chance to choose an elective, I signed up for a photography class. It was my first experience learning the technical side of photography, and I loved it. After the class, the teacher encouraged us to join Yearbook if we enjoyed photography, so I did. I was accepted my junior year, and that birthday, I upgraded to a Canon Rebel T6. I had so much fun in Yearbook; it quickly became my favorite class. I loved telling stories from all areas of our school and getting to know new people through the lens of my camera. Read more>>
Angela Lutz
In 2014, I opened Angela Lutz Aesthetics, and by 2015 it was bustling enough that I was able to purchase a brick-and-mortar space in Eden Prairie. That period also marked the beginning of Arch Addicts® — a movement launched to empower artists, salons, and spas across the country through education, support, and cruelty-free products. Arch Addicts® started with a single product in 2015 and today proudly retails 31 Arch Addicts® Beauty products. Read more>>
Emily Barsness
I started practicing yoga in 2019, and my practice really took off during covid. I completed my 200hr YTT and became certified in vinyasa, Buti Yoga, and yin in 2020. I started teaching at two local studios, which have both since closed, and made the decision to start my own practice in late 2023, after having my second daughter. I now own and operate a mostly virtual yoga studio. I am able to offer affordable, accessible, and attainable classes online, which allows for a wider population to be able to attend classes. I also do a variety of yoga pop-ups in the community. Read more>>
Madison Larsen
Rustic romance started with my own wedding journey. As a current wedding planner I also am planning my own wedding and started to look into wedding planners. I quickly realized this is something that’s way out of a lot of people’s budget and I decided to at start my business as an affordable wedding planner with a goal to offer it across all the US! Read more>>
Caroline Yares
Along the way, we faced our share of challenges—one of the biggest being the decision to open our first brick-and-mortar location during the pandemic, all while I was newly postpartum. On top of that, I was learning how to lead a team for the first time. I was lucky to have an incredible group of people around me, but stepping into a leadership role was completely new territory. I had to grow quickly, both personally and professionally. Read more>>
Denver Boser
I became interested in massage therapy after working at a nursing home as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I loved helping the residents relax at the end of the day with a foot massages and one evening a resident told me that I should do it for a career. Shortly after I signed up for the massage therapy program at Duluth Business University and graduated in 2008. I also have my bachelors degree in social work from the College of St. Scholastica. Currently, I am in the dual Masters Degree Program at St. Catherine’s University for Holistic Health and Clinical Social work and will graduate in 2027. Read more>>
Tara Svare
When I started beauty school, it was peoples stories that sat in my chair that was intriguing to me and I just happened to be good at hair & loved seeing people’s reactions when I was finished! after that, I knew this was for me. I worked in a corporate salon for 9 years, managed it and one day woke up, decided to bet on myself & open up my business in two weeks! I had no idea what I was doing, but looking back, building it from the ground up is definitely part of my success story! I’m heading into the 5th year as a business owner, grew my business and helping other stylists build their dreams now! I get to give back to my community & give my time to those less fortunate that make me grateful for every step of this journey so far, Read more>>
Molly Maher
My role has expanded greatly over the past 15 years to guitar/string tech for a spell with Trampled By Turtles and being on call for local venues , as a concert series curator for festivals like Lakeside Guitar festival, Lutsong Music Festival and the award winning “Real-Phonic Radio Hour” series to manager/agent for the icon , Tina Schlieske. All while still making music, collaborating with other artists. As of recent working with Todd Clouser on our non profit “Music Mission’ supporting the Americas through music. Read more>>
Jake Robbins
We release music on a first come/first serve basis, and listen to every single submission. Even if someone submits a song and its a no, we always respond to the artist to let them know our decision, which is something foreign in this space for the most part. We release all genres of music, but are predominantly known for heavy bass music. We put on live events showcasing artists that have released on our label, and plan to expand on this part further in the future so it’s at a more frequent rate. Read more>>
Trayontae Jones
At just 16, I caught the entrepreneurial spark. At first, I thought fashion might be my lane, but after some digging, it didn’t ignite the fire I needed. Then it hit me: hair. I had always been complimented on my long, luscious hair, and suddenly it made perfect sense. So I made a bold decision—I started selling hair out of my trunk. One hairstyle turned into a movement. Week after week, I sold out. I was hustling, grinding, and watching my dreams start to take shape. Read more>>
Xia Thao
After thorough research and exploration, I decided to pursue baking French macarons. Despite many early failures and countless hours spent perfecting my technique, I eventually built the confidence to start selling them. In June 2019, I obtained my Cottage Food Producer License through the Minnesota Department of Health, and by July, I made my very first sale. I was thrilled and deeply grateful for the support of my first customer—it marked the beginning of something meaningful. Read more>>
Ploy Kittipadungkul
I launched my business during the pandemic when indoor plants became popular. At the time I was living in Thailand. As I grew an indoor garden, I came across the idea of “planting with no pot” or “planting in a moss ball”, which are the translations of Kokedama. Read more>>
Heather Meek
For a long time, as my husband and I raised small kids, the gym life worked. But as our kids became more independent and I entered my mid-40s – with my own body changing – I knew what women needed was more than what the gym walls could offer. So by the end of 2019, I stepped away and built my own thing. On January 1, 2020, thebestYOU was born. My mission has been clear ever since: help women feel strong, calm, healthy, and fully themselves at every age — and show them how to stay that way for life. Read more>>
Jeff Achen
Over my career, I’ve worked in television as a news reporter, a print and digital journalist, a digital marketing strategist, and as an executive director. Today, I channel my creative energies and expertise into two businesses: Callsign51, a video production company that helps people and organizations grow their revenue through photos and video storytelling and advertising. The second business is a new venture into the world of professional speaking. I specialize in the topics of rebuilding public trust in the media, media literacy and critical thinking. Read more>>
Keith Spennewyn
Since 2006, ReVibe Fitness and Wellness has been a family-owned personal training and wellness studio located in Burnsville, Minnesota. We pride ourselves on running a studio exemplifying the next generation of world-class wellness studios focused on pain management, adaptive exercise and weight loss. ReVibe specializes in whole body vibration, a world-class system that recruits more muscle and reduces the time needed to achieve your goals. Since many begin with chronic pain, we specialize in reducing that pain and returning the client to activity as quickly as possible; and we do it for about half the cost of regular personal training. With over 40 years of experience in health, fitness and wellness, we help those that need the extra motivation to achieve their goals. Read more>>
Holly Bozaich
I attended NIACC, a community college in Mason City, Iowa, where I had my first experience with pottery. Later, I moved to Cedar Falls to attend the University of Northern Iowa, and eventually relocated to Chicago in 1995. There, I completed my degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art at North Park University. Read more>>
Trolane Moore
Well I’ve always liked events and the idea of people coming together to connect, interact, and celebrate. I would say out of my friend group I’m the one who likes to bring everyone together. I was out in New York in October last year and I went out to a brunch event and saw one of these photobooths there and I thought it was really cool. My next thought was I never really seen this in Minnesota before. Read more>>
Kallie Rollenhagen
I currently wear several hats: My day job is as the director of design and user experience at Carleton College, which I came to after about a decade of nonprofit marketing and communications and always being the one to pick up the design work. To support my love of design — I started out as an architecture major — I’m currently a student at MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design), getting my MA in graphic and web design. Read more>>
Eric Faust
Eric’s love for coffee connected him to wonderful people across the world. He focuses on roasting single origin coffees to pay homage to the origin and processing of coffee. Eric & crew continue to travel to origin to build relationships with farmers and coffee cooperatives. Recent trips have connected them to farmers in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Papua New Guinea and more. These origin trips have been fundamental in creating direct relationships with farmers to ensure top quality coffee and processing. Read more>>
Angela Hansen
What started as lending a hand at a rescue grew into something deeper. As I continued caring for animals, I realized how powerful that connection could be—not just for the pets, but for the people who love them. That passion led me to help friends and neighbors with their own pets, offering check-ins, walks, and overnights. One client turned into a few, and soon I had built a network of families who trusted me not just as a sitter, but as someone who would care for their pets as if they were my own. Read more>>
Patti Johnson
My name is Patti Johnson. I am a mixed media artist born and raised in Two Harbors, MN along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Creativity has always been my second nature, but my real passion for art started in my twenties. And my love for fluid art and teaching fluid art started in 2020. I love creating one of a kind original hand made art pieces. I draw inspiration from nature and its beautiful colors and serenity. Read more>>
Daric Sitzman
I had a passion for photography, so I decided I would try that, but I had to wait a year so I figured I would take the Massage Therapy course while I waited. I figured, we as guys need all the brownie points we can get. So I went for Massage Therapy and absolutely fell in love with the course and never went back for Photography, I still do it as a hobby. I learned that massage was a great way to handle my ADHD, it was a way for my hands to be always doing something, if I’m not doing something for more than 5 minutes my hands get fidgety. With massage I get help and heal people while using my hands. For me nothing is better than that. Read more>>
Laeti Golden
I was in high school when out church group was going on a trip to Wisconsin Dells and I wanted to take photos. I didn’t own a camera at the time however, my Grandfather ( who tooks photos as of me and my family as a hobby ) bought a new camera every 2 – 3 years. At the time, he was no longer using one of his camera’s ( Kodak 110 camera ) and I asked him if I could borrow it. He told me I could have the camera so, I saved up a little money and bought a few rolls of film and took photos at Wisconsin Dells. The photos were not very good however, it didn’t stop me from continuing to take photos. Read more>>
Kara Quist
Many families have met their deductible since having a new little one. I am private pay only but try to keep my fee closer to what the family might have as a co pay. I am coming to them so less time taken off work, ideal time for baby is the goal and siblings are always welcome in the session as this is “real life”. I try to work with families within their financial abilities. I am supportive and available via text or email at all times for questions in between sessions. Read more>>
