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.
B. Wilson
I attended Minneapolis Public Schools, graduating from Henry High, now called Camden High, before earning my Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2016. By 2020, I had completed my Master of Arts at St. Thomas University and became a licensed special education teacher. In 2022, I co-founded the BIPOC Educators’ Collective alongside Adewale Philip Adenodi, creating a space for BIPOC educators to find community, support, and advocacy. Read more>>
Dj Low
Being a university DJ opened doors for me. What started with DJing house parties quickly led to club gigs and concert opportunities. My first major concert was opening for Eve, Lizzo, and Sophia Eris, and from there, I went on to open for artists like DMX, The Game, 50 Cent, Freddie Gibbs, Maxo Kream, and many others. One of the greatest honors of my career came when I was asked to DJ at First Avenue the day after Prince passed, for the venue’s tribute dance party. To this day, I don’t know who turned down that 1:30–3:30 AM slot, but I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to help Minneapolis mourn and celebrate a legend. Read more>>
Nouci Vang
Over the past six years, I’ve worked in all kinds of environments—from small businesses to big franchises. Each experience taught me something valuable, not just about my craft but about running a business. I saw what worked, what didn’t, and I started to imagine what my own space could look and feel like. Read more>>
Dean Williams
My love of the outdoors started at a very young age growing up on six wooded acres that joins the Mississippi River in Hastings, Minnestoa. I am an avid hunter and fisherman and have walked countless miles in the woods looking for deer antlers, mushrooms, ginseng, and wildlife. For twelve years I worked as a carpenter building houses for my father doing everything from framing to finishing to landscaping. My grandpa was very creative and loved to make bird houses, windmills, wooden bowls, etc. My other grandpa started his small business sharpening blades, knives, chains and other tools. I am fortunate that they all passed on their creative and entrepreneur skills on to me. Read more>>
Rommy Romero
I dreamed of being a model for as long as I can remember . Fashion and all things beauty have always excited me. My mother always dressed me in the cutest outfits everywhere we went. My second grade teacher wrote, ” I know you will become a model one day,” in my yearbook as she knew it was a dream of mine and something I would always talk about at school growing up. In high school I got to be in my first runway show and from there it became a snowball effect. Designers wanted me to be in their shows. Read more>>
Maya Kern
I think it’s important to say that without them there, this business would never have succeeded. Even before Devin joined me full time, they were working with me part time just to fulfill the orders people would place. We kept all our inventory in our apartment (it was very crowded) and while I drew or advertised on social media, Devin was packing orders and taking them to the post office. It doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, but it is a huge amount of work and the more successful you are, the more work it becomes. I was only able to succeed with online sales at all because Devin was there to make sure orders got packaged accurately and within a reasonable amount of time. Read more>>
Stacy Fortier
When I was three, my parents bought a house in the country, where there was enough land for my dad to build his business. Living there was challenging at first: there were no children my age nearby. But without kids to play with, my eyes were opened to nature. I gained an understanding of my environment and a deep connection to the creatures around me. I was especially fond of birds, collecting feathers and bird’s nests. Read more>>
Van Nguyen
My journey into holistic health and wellness began with a deep-rooted passion for helping others find relief and balance in their lives. After earning my master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and becoming certified by the NCCAOM as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, I dedicated myself to understanding the body’s innate ability to heal. I’ve always believed that true health stems from creating the right internal and external environment for the body and mind to thrive. Read more>>
Scott Mills
There’s also the technical challenge of perfecting the product, the manufacturing hurdles, and the sheer amount of work involved in building a brand from scratch. There were countless nights spent troubleshooting, refining, and figuring out how to make Droidcure as user-friendly and reliable as possible. Read more>>
Krystell Theisen Escobar
We are truly building a community around this reimagined resale model that puts sustainability first, but delivers it beautifully in a first-class second-hand boutique experience. The feedback we are getting has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are working diligently to expand awareness and give access to more families with future locations planned across the Twin Cities. I currently operate our first location in West Saint Paul alongside a fabulous team who believes deeply in our mission and delivering sustainability in a way that delights eco-conscious parents. I live in Mendota Heights with my husband Benjamin and my three sons Benjamin (12), Santiago (7) and Jonas (8). Read more>>
Erin White
Finally, about 7 years ago I took the plunge, and I purchased the gallery. It has been an amazing job, I am always busy, my Picture Framing department is crazy, and I have had a blast curating the shop with amazing gifts, lamps and of course Art. I also am an artist and having such a wonderful outlet for my creativity is a gift! It’s turned into a pretty unique shop, I want people to feel transported to a vibrantly colorful, yet calm space – that inspires them to also create. The shop has been around for about 45 years and it’s busier than ever! I feel very blessed. Read more>>
Megan Bull Bear
Megan started Lakota Made as a way to share traditional plant-based remedies while promoting sustainability and Indigenous entrepreneurship. What began as a small, home-based business quickly grew due to her dedication, quality products, and strong community support. By reinvesting in the business and leveraging online sales, Megan expanded operations, moving into a larger retail and manufacturing space in Mankato, Minnesota. Read more>>
Jess Eischens
Our mission is to encourage creative expression, connecting local artists of all ages, and making the arts a real part of the community. We started back in 2012, got official in 2013, and became a non-profit in 2014. Then, in 2015, we did something many art organizations only dream of: we raised money from businesses and donors to buy an old church and turn it into the Hallberg Art Center! Read more>>
Dena Nilsson
Smooth road? Oh no. There is a huge learning curve when teaching yourself a new skill. However, I would say the biggest hurdle has been educating the public about available and locally made custom leather and textile clothing. Each event or show I do, I personally greet each person that enters my booth and share with them that I made everything they see, not imported from some other country or mass produced for cookie cutter sizing and designs. Read more>>
Emmett Ramstad
I was raised in Minneapolis by an artist mom, Josie Winship. Creativity was part of the fabric of life for me, so it felt natural to pursue arts in my life. I believe that art enables makers and audience members to think about life and the world around them in generative ways that are life giving and meaningful. This is why I became an artist, so that I could be able to communicate what I think and feel. This is also why I became an art teacher. I believe that creativity is a vital aspect of a healthful society, it helps support connection and communication, but also can bring huge amounts of joy, empathy and critical dialogue. Read more>>
Kenyada Aryianna Cobbins
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Like any venture, starting a business comes with its fair share of challenges. Along the way, I’ve faced obstacles such as sourcing materials at wholesale prices, securing the proper transportation, managing my time effectively, selecting the right hotel locations, and, most importantly, finding ways to differentiate myself in a competitive industry. Each challenge has been a learning experience, pushing me to grow and refine my approach to The Intimate Experience. Read more>>
Nina Dani
Anxiety has been a huge obstacle for me since high school. As much of a hurdle as it’s been, it also is one of the reasons I dove so deeply into the arts. When my mind is too busy, the best medicine for me is diving into an exciting new project. I think that’s why my paintings are so bright and filled with playful shapes, because when things have felt dark at times, my art practice reminds me that life can be filled with so much joy. Read more>>
Becca Grabinski
I’ve had to unlearn everything I thought I knew about success and rewire myself for something bigger. The real struggle was choosing to evolve when it would have been easier to stay the same. But every challenge brought me deeper into my own mastery, and that’s why I can guide others through it now. Because I’ve lived it. Read More>>
Herhaus
HerHaus is redefining what it means to create spaces for Black women. It offers a haven where women can escape the demands of everyday life and immerse themselves in genuine connections. Through thoughtfully curated experiences, HerHaus encourages Black women to embrace their individuality, foster deep, meaningful relationships, and engage in open, empowering conversations. It’s more than just a space—HerHaus is a celebration of identity, resilience, and community, providing the comfort and confidence to be unapologetically oneself. Read more>>
Natnaree Ezekisoe
Moving here, I didn’t have family or close friends—just my husband as my only support system. But ever since I started sharing my donuts on social media, people have shown up to support in ways I never expected. The love and encouragement from the community have been incredible. I’m so grateful for every business owner who has helped Fluffy Bakery, and for everyone who has spread the word or come to a pop-up. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m excited to keep growing and sharing more flavors from my roots. Read more>>
Emma Hansel
Nothing that is worth it is ever easy. Running a business is hard. Finding time to balance everything is my biggest challenge. When I first started, I worked full time and spent any free time working on orders or creating new ideas which made me miss out on a lot of things with family and friends. Years later, I still struggle with finding balance. I am a wife, a mom, a friend, and a business owner. There is never enough time in the day. Read more>>
Addison Severs
I was able to learn and teach my self so much about the Immersive Entertainment Industry here. After my first semester at UMD, I got an internship at Walt Disney World in the Disney College Program, where I worked and got my foot in the door at Disney in Orlando, FL for 6 months. Once that was over, I came back to Duluth to continue my work as a designer on the Haunted Ship. After 3 years working on the Duluth Haunted Ship, I got a job at Audio Visual Resources and Sound Central here in Duluth where I am now an Audio Visual Technical Designer for events as well as a Lighting Designer while attending UMD. I also have recently started a small leather craft business on the side where I make leather belts, wallets, keychains, and bags with leather made in the USA. Read more>>
Tommy Modec
I got my start in financial services the summer after my sophomore year of college as an intern at Northwestern Mutual. I spent several years there, first as a college financial rep and later as a full-time advisor. While I respected the firm and its products, I often felt more like a salesperson than an actual financial planner. My clients and I wanted real financial advice—not just insurance, mutual funds, and other financial products. Read more>>
Susan Zdon
My husband and I opened Corazon in May of 2005 in an abandoned warehouse space in The North Loop. I had worked in retail and as a sales rep for years, and saw an opportunity for a gift shop to focus on local art and crafts that were approachable – and affordable – for everyone. I soon realized the importance of giving art or a gift that speaks to your heart; the name Corazon stuck. The neighborhood was changing as the strip joints were closing, in a sexy neighborhood we brought a little heart. Read more>>
Suchitra Raghavan
Tanjore painting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Originating from the historic town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, this art form is known for its rich colors, intricate details, and the use of 22ct gold foil and teakwood frames that gives it a distinctive brilliance. Growing up surrounded by this tradition, I was captivated by its beauty and the deep cultural heritage. Read more>>
Racquel B
“I spent countless hours researching and experimenting with different ingredients. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I was determined to create the perfect body butter. The first time I made a successful batch, that help relieve and soothe their eczema I knew I was onto something special Read more>>
Michelle Mazzara
Luvafoodie was started by in 2014. The original idea for the brand was to be a online dating website for single foodies. The ideas was great but after about a year the company changed into a clean eating brand. The brand consists mostly of gourmet spice blends, salt free spice blends. In addition, there are clean drinking all-natural instant cold brew iced teas, spices for dogs and cats and salad dressing dip mixes. The Making of Luvafoodie Brand is a book that I launched in November 2024. The book is available on Amazon and Luvafoodie website. The book is the journey of the past ten years building the brand. Read more>>
Devin Trotter
I didn’t finish high school but I attended school to finish , I had a lot of things getting in the way of graduating. I sat in jail for a couple of days to think about my life and what I wanted to do . Minnesota is a love and hate state and you gotta work your hardest to make it out of here. I had sleepless nights writing lyrics in my phone to rapping them in my head then uploading a beat to BandLab a recording till the sun came up . I lost a close friend last year to gun violence an it’s Been a weight on my shoulders to move. I pray everyday I can turn my dreams into reality, I do this for him a the ones who gave up . Read more>>
Jasmine Powell
Starting over from scratch wasn’t easy, but I took the leap and went to beauty school. While training, I found another passion—lash artistry. Since then, I’ve proudly been in the beauty industry for almost four years, specializing in facials and lash extensions. Being an esthetician allows me to blend everything I love—education, wellness, and customer care—into one career. Now, I get to provide educational beauty treatments, create the best experience for my clients, and truly live my dream. Read more>>
Liz Kamp
In the beginning, we saw our business idea as something similar to the traveling paint and sip options that were available in various communities around Minnesota. We traveled from pub to pub, putting on an evening of mischief and mayhem for ticket purchasers. After hosting these events for a little less than a year, we toyed with the idea of writing our own–I have dabbled with writing fiction novels quite a bit in the past after all and Jason is my sounding board for all my crazy ideas. However, we laughed at the idea and moved on. Read more>>
