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.
Jed Laplant
In the wake of my wife and I getting married and working several jobs to pull off buying my old family home, we came upon a “now or never moment” to choose making music as a lifestyle when my back broke. We were at a bit of a crossroads which helped sparked the decision to start over and do the thing we knew we’d regret not going for. That was back in the winter of 2020/2021 and we’ve been giving this Wild Horses thing our all ever since. Read More>>
Emily Colay
During the course of my first Moondance, an Abuela (grandmother) from CA asked her 13-year-old granddaughter to share details about her recent coming-of-age ceremony. Her vivid description of the elements of this tradition landed so deeply in my heart. I considered how, based on the 5 phases of a woman’s life (birth, menses, motherhood, menopause and death), we are celebrated in each… with the exception of that most important phase: when a girl receives her first menses. Read More>>
Caden Wenzel
These experiences and networking opportunities have really expanded my knowledge and throughout all of these events I have met some amazing people and am grateful for the relationships I have formed. I am currently a senior in high school and plan to major in Marketing or a related field in college. Thank you to all of my amazing followers, partners, family, and friends who have helped me along this journey. Even though in the beginning I didn’t know where exactly I would go, God knew my path and has guided me to follow my passion! Read More>>
Madi Cheever
I attended a TCOYD conference with my dad that same year and saw, for the first time, a room full of people thriving with diabetes. The panelists inspired me to think, If they can thrive, so can I. I left determined to become the kind of resource for others that I wished I’d had—someone who replaces fear with empowerment and isolation with community. Read More>>
Modoh Wanda
My journey is rooted in my rich cultural heritage, and I strive to inspire others through my leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. I started my modeling career at the age of 14 when I signed with Arquette Models in Minneapolis. Initially, I was signed as a “hair model,” but it wasn’t long before I started working in trade hair shows, bridal modeling, and getting published in Southern Minnesota Bridal. I also appeared on WCCO-TV many times. At 18, I moved to New York, where I gained even more opportunities in runway, print, and TV. Read More>>
Joshua Mcgarvey
My journey began with a deep curiosity about art, design, and the materials we often overlook. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts from Ball State University followed by a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota, I spent years exploring various creative disciplines. My work naturally evolved toward upcycling, where I found the intersection of sustainability and artistic expression. This led to the creation of Uselding Fridays, a multidisciplinary brand I founded to explore and push the boundaries of what can be made from discarded materials. Read More>>
Liza Maya
Sylvia and I have been friends for over 15 years . She is an amazing and creative pastry chef and I am a licensed Nutritionist passionate about wellness without sacrificing taste . Our dynamic backgrounds allowed us to bring a product to consumers that we are super proud of ! Read More>>
Corinna Stone
I have recently begun hosting women’s health retreats all over the country and am working on expanding even further. I teach women how to take their power back and how to understand exactly what is going on within their minds, and what they can do about it. The key is accountability, self love, and having the right tools. It is my goal to fulfill my childhood dream and truly assist the world in becoming a better place. I believe that the key to world peace lies in the healing of our hearts and this must come from within. Read More>>
Alajie Jaiteh
I’m always proud of my work cause I understand how much time and effort I put in but I’m also very critical of it as well because I want to continue to grow and do better than the last and raise that bar for myself. What sets me apart is that I m not just satisfied with where I’m at, I want to be better and I’m willing to learn from anyone in the same career path and even outside of it to take the right steps to grow. I also believe I use my inspirations as a strength to be more creative with my drawings, photos or edits and use the skills I’ve picked up over the years and apply it to my art regardless of media. Read More>>
Landry Harris
It had always been a childhood dream of mine to go work on a ranch out West but I just didn’t believe it was in the cards for me. With that being said, after this incident, the head wrangler came over and offered me the position. Without even hesitating I said, 1000% yes. I finished out my vacation, went back home for a little over a week to pack up everything I thought I’d need, booked my flight, and started work. Since then, I’ve learned so many useful skills, become a much better horseman, and spent the next summer at my dream ranch. Read More>>
Peggy Scholberg
I have had no formal training in writing. In fact, when my editor asked me: “Fiction or non-fiction?”, I really wasn’t sure how to answer. Suddenly faced with this enormous project, I knew I needed training. I watched several on-line programs, listened to author interviews, and read books. In the end, it was Stephen King’s book titled, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, which I found most helpful. I listened to it over and over as he most clearly summarized a lot of basic writing concepts. Read More>>
Ann Marie Grocholski
For many of these families the journey has been a difficult one and they are seeking to celebrate the culmination of many years of waiting and even loss by preserving memories of their pregnancy and then the arrival of a long awaited baby. In 2024, over 60% of my families have either gone through IVF, surrogacy, or now have a rainbow baby after losing a precious child or children to miscarriage. These sessions are so much more than a “photo shoot” but an experience which allows families to celebrate, reflect, and sometimes mourn. Read More>>
Sonja Naumann
Farmhouse Music Studio began its journey in 2014 as an independent piano studio nestled near Loretto, MN. Housed in a 150-year-old farmhouse, complete with hand-hewn timbers and a fieldstone foundation, it became a haven for musical exploration. Despite its small size, the farmhouse was filled with music.The studio’s name, “Farmhouse Music Studio,” was a deliberate choice aimed at guiding students to envision the unique setting awaiting them for their first lesson. Read More>>
