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.
Miranda And Zach Lavelle
During this time we began to also finalize our initial offering of furniture that we would offer all the time with the option for clients to customize them to their needs while also continuing to create one off pieces. As our work grew our jobs became bigger for each order and more complicated, never shying away from a challenge that other builders didn’t want to deal with. At this point we are striving to improve each and every day while offering the same services we have always provided while also adding new services like teaching woodworking to those interested in getting started. Read more>>
Scott Nichols
Fast-forward 25 years and Scott is now a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) with extensive training in professional balloon artistry. The CBA practical exam establishes worldwide standards for balloon professionals demanding knowledge of both aesthetic and technical skills and the ability to produce high quality balloon work. There are only about 2500 CBAs worldwide and only 4 in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Scott is also member of the Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN). He has participated in many international balloon conventions, and is a winner of multiple international awards for balloon twisting and sculptures. Scott has also taught at many balloon conventions across the country representing the major balloon brands in the industry. Read more>>.
Tiffany Van Watermulen
I started my business as a way to take my family on yearly trips to Disney world. I got the inspiration while talking to my daughter’s newborn photographer. My first event was the decoy show at the pacc and then it grew from there. The name “The painted turtle” stems from the turtle races in Perham which I paint at regularly. Read more>>
Lauren Hagen
Hi, I’m Lauren, a dog specialist offering boarding, training, pack walks, and a bit of grooming. My journey began at a local dog daycare, where I studied dog behavior and built my love for working with animals. When the pandemic hit, I lost my service industry job but noticed people working from home needed help with their dogs. That’s when I started walking dogs more often, and people began asking if I was a trainer. That sparked my passion for dog training. Read more>>
Cassie Temple
My background and degree are in Marketing. In 2019 I was really missing the creativity so I was helping a few friends with their small business marketing on the side. Mostly for fun, but also for a little extra income. Then 2020 and Covid hit and when the world slowed down I really wanted to help these small and medium sized businesses. I started offering free social media advice to anyone who needed it. The beauty of the insurance industry is that while I was home, my income didn’t completely come to a halt. I decided to put that extra time to use helping businesses for free. Read more>>
Francisco Escobar
I gravitated towards cameras at a young age. I loved using my mom’s film cameras. Even though I would break them sadly. Then in middle school I was gifted my little red canon point and shoot. I used that to capture moments as much as I could. Then high school came around. It was as soon as I took a yearbook class in high school. When I picked up a dslr camera for the first time. That’s when I realized photography, that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. Right out of high school I went to school for photography at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College. I got my first studio with some class mates. Bought equipment I felt like a real photographer. Read more>>
Julia Habermaas
I’ve been afraid of dogs until my husband passed with 42 in 2018. On my walk through the local park right after his passing, I noticed that I felt drawn towards a boxer instead of hiding behind a tree. Dogs normally run off-leash in parks in Germany and I always tried to avoid them. However, not this time. The sensation was so surprising to me, that I will always remember it. During that year, I was laid off work my corporate job and a German friend asked me to join her to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Read more>>
Sandy Agustin
In 1993 I began working with Intermedia Arts, a socially conscious, community based arts center in the Lyn-Lake area of Minneapolis. The mission; we use art as a catalyst to build understanding among people and we did just that. I curated and managed several programs that addressed immigrant issues and status, the addressed civil war and genocide and helped launch the first-ever Arab American film festival, among others. I had great mentors of all ages who helped shape my perspective and collaborative working style. Read more>>
Rachel Lokken
My husband Cory and I first met in January 2014. Over the years, we had talked often about settling onto rural land where we could live out all of our homesteading dreams. A place where we could raise animals, have an apiary to keep honeybees, grow a large bountiful garden and handcraft all sorts of different items. In June 2017, we moved into our first home and this little hobby farm is what inspired me to create ‘Hay Creek Farm’. Read more>>
Dan Levar
Most of my time these days is spent doing client work, coordinating studio events at Neverest with two of the other members of the studio, and the occasional pop up shop where I sell my spirited merchandise and make connections within the community. My journey has been quite the grind, with ups and downs, successes and failures. Every risk has been worth it, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve been blessed with the incredible support of friends, family, colleagues, customers and clients that have made all of my dreams a reality; becoming a full independent artist and doing what I love best. Read more>>
Meghan Doll
I wish I could say it’s been smooth sailing, but I tend to learn by trial and error—so I’ve definitely had my share of hard lessons. One of the biggest was realizing that my happiness in my business matters most. Burnout is real in any profession, but for photographers, it can also take a physical toll. I had to trust that if something wasn’t lighting me up or was wearing me down, it was okay to pivot. I burned out on weddings and came close to burning out on portraits too. But each time, I took a step back, re-evaluated what wasn’t working, and found a way to bring the joy back. Read more>>
Shawna Gilmore
At the same time this was happening, my husband lost his job. It was a pivotal moment, do I push forward with faith that this is what I was meant to do, or do I set it aside out of fear. With my husband’s full support and belief in me, I decided to give my all to my work. The flexibility of my own schedule, meant I was able to be present for the kids after school or if they were home sick. What made this situation the perfect solution for me was that home inspired me, fed into my work and fueled my ideas. I began pumping out work at a frenetic pace as I built up a portfolio, submitting to endless shows, venues, calls for work, juried exhibitions, etc. Read more>>
Kylie Larson
When I look back at some of the most memorable moments as a child, it was without a doubt birthday parties. My vision is to share this with others, so they too can create childhood memories that they can look back on and treasure! I invented a mobile spa bus for children – a bus that pulls right up to your doorstep. It’s very hassle free for parents, and very memorable and unique. I also do in home spas, and teepee sleepovers. I would have never imagined where I would be at today. Each and every event leaves a special place in my heart. It’s so rewarding, and love hearing the feedback. Read more>>
Chris Ahlbrecht
I was born into a blue collar family where my dad started and operated his own masonry company and from as long as I can remember I was either at work helping him or helping my grandpa at his farm. In both professions I learned at young age that hard work and determination comes with a great sense of pride and satisfaction. I also learned that honesty and respecting people is the foundation to long lasting relationships and a hand shake and your word is something that should never be taken lightly. Read more>>
Jessica Burge
With our expansion to two larger locations, we can now care for up to 60 cats at a time, deepening our mission and changing more lives, one cat at a time. What started as a small cafe with just 15-20 cats has now become a two-location community dedicated to rescue and connection. But none of this would be possible without the incredible support of our community—those who choose to spend their time here, to adopt here, sip their coffee here, and be part of our mission. You are the heart of The Cafe Meow, and we couldn’t be more purr-oud to continue this journey with you all. Read more>>
Channy Sdoeung
Soon after sharing my baking accomplishments, a friend asked if he could place an order for macarons to surprise his wife. After I looked into the licensing to sell, I jumped right in. They absolutely loved the batch. Once he shared it, word of mouth spread. It was hard to keep up with the demand as I was still a new mom and a nurse full time, but to hear that so many people loved my products kept me going. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of my fiancé, Reuben. He made jokes about me leaving my family for macarons because I grew to love baking so much. Read more>>
Kristina Thissen
In 2021, at the heels of COVID, I opened Remedy Medical Aesthetics and Wellness with 2 business partners. We started in a one room suite and would rotate seeing patients based on room availability. As the business grew, life happened and two of my business partners moved on. In 2022, I became the sole owner of the company and relocated to Maple Grove where my 1800sq ft clinic is today. I have grown my practice into a multi 7 figure business, hired 3 providers (RN and 2 Nurse Practitioners), an office manager, a patient care coordinator and a marketing professional. Remedy continues to grow and thrive and we will soon be moving into a new 4200sq ft location to expand our services and hire more staff. Read more>>
Zayra Navarrete
When you are doing something as speaking your truth or your lived experience, there can always be obstacles/challenges. A big struggle along the way for me was fear. Fear of not being enough to prove my worth and what I bring to the table. Fear of not being heard and being misunderstood. Fear of public speaking and of not articulating the conversation, how I wanted. Fear of being misjudged. Fear of not receiving the same compassion as others. This struggle was my self-doubt. With fear I overcame this obstacle and did it anyway- Read more>>
Hannah Mae
After a grueling and uninspiring high school experience, I did what it seemed everyone was supposed to do : get out of your hometown and go to college. I got accepted into a state school north of the cities, and moved there for the beginning of my freshman semester. I thought I’d become an art major. In my fantasies I’d paint the days away in a room full of natural light with an endless supply of herbal teas to keep me company. Pretty soon did I connect the dots that I would also need to sell my art to make money, which I was less apt to get behind Read more>>
Katerina Anderson
Determined to deepen my knowledge, I applied to Starmark Academy in Texas and attended in January 2023. After completing the program, I participated in a six-week internship and then worked as a trainer at a facility for a year. In March 2024, I took the leap and founded Black Onyx Dog Training. Since discovering my passion for this field, I have continued to expand my expertise through various continuing education programs and shadowing opportunities. Read more>>
Allison Freiborg
My first memories of baking are from annual Christmas cookie baking at my grandma’s house. When I was really young I would help with the decorating of the cookies and each year I would learn more and more, until eventually I was able to roll and cut out the cookies myself. This was a pretty big day for me, my mom took pictures and everything! My grandma taught me her sour cream cutout recipe, how to make spritz and oatmeal raisin. Not only did she teach me about baking but how to sew and so much more! Read more>>
Tetyana Velgan
I am a state-licensed skincare professional, and my passion is helping women like you feel confident, radiant, and truly SEEN. Whether you’re looking to refresh your glow, turn back the clock, or indulge in self-care, I’m here to help you shine from the inside out. Read more>>
Brittany Barnes
Looking back on most of my life, there has been very little times that I was not working on some form of art or craft. In 2011, I acquired a Cricut Explore Air and began selling custom decals. My husband and I had just gotten married and bought our first home so any additional income was great to help us save for vacations and what the future held. Read more>>
Dr. Kayla Kvell
Additionally, while celebrities and athletes are admired for their remarkable health and youthful appearance, their secret isn’t just about genetics—it’s about the proactive care they choose. Instead of using traditional insurance, they work with cash-based private providers who can address issues well before they become “medically necessary.” This approach allows for a level of care that prioritizes long-term well-being, and it’s exactly the kind of service I offer to all of my clients. Read more>>
Emma Josephine
When I was younger, I was terrified to be on stage in front of people. I’ve overcome my stage fright, but staying confident on stage can still be a challenge. I also find it difficult to balance the business side of being a singer/songwriter. Through lots of learning and experiences I have learned how to navigate the business space a lot better. Read more>>
Teena Arora
I invite you to join me in the Heart of the Home to explore flavorful, healing, and uplifting foods and recipes. I offer corporate team building culinary experiences, cooking classes for both adults + kids, virtual workshops, pop-up dinners, handcrafted small-batch spice, salt, and sugar blends, as well as catering and private chef services. Read more>>
Luis Ventura
I started my business because I always wanted more out of life. I was tired of working a set schedule for a big corporation, where my time and effort benefited someone else’s dream instead of my own. But beyond financial freedom, my biggest goal has always been to make my parents proud and take care of them in the future. I’ve always been very family-oriented, and they instilled in me the values that got me where I am today—hard work from my father and the courage to chase my happiness from my mother. Read more>>
Alana Ludwig
For example, the addition of charms to Glisten was inspired by a customer’s request. When a client asked if they could add a charm to their piece, I immediately researched high-quality options that were both small enough to avoid snagging and durable enough to stand the test of time. This decision became one of the best additions to Glisten, allowing for even more personalization and meaningful connections with customers. Read more>>
Dayanis Garcia
Together, we have successfully built our business from home while raising our two beautiful daughters, Penelope and Miranda. In just 4.5 years, we reached the top 1% of our company and expanded our business internationally. Our passion lies in helping others lead healthier, more active lifestyles and providing opportunities for those seeking additional income or a fulfilling career, just as we did. Read more>>
Cecilia Wallace
I began acting when I was a kid in Stillwater, Minnesota. I acted in school and through Ashland Theater Company. I went to University of Vermont for my first year of college and transferred home to the University of St. Thomas the next year. Once I got home, I decided I really wanted to deep dive back into the arts. I join Caryn Models and took classes. I got involved in theater at St. Thomas. In May I was in the back-to-school campaign for Scheel’s. I have recently been involved in many short films in the Twin Cities and collaborated with photographers for modeling shoots. Read more>>
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>>
