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.
Kate Barnett
I’ve had a passion for interior design since I was a child, having made elaborate LEGO houses and meticulously decorating my Barbie Dream House. Around 10years old I started playing The Sims, and again obsessed over making houses. These creative interests also included more fine art skills and knowledge as well. Read more>>
Terri Orth
Lake City Area Arts (LCAA) is a community focused 501c3 art center in beautiful Lake City. Background: Lake City Area Arts started out as a one day street art festival in 2014 under the name Washington Street Arts Festival. In 2015, the name was changed to Lake City Area Arts. We’ve existed for a decade, growing each year. Read more>>
Mark Nesheim
I started in the restaurant business 50 years ago as a dishwasher and began working my way through the kitchen and learning how to cook professionally. I’m originally from Brainerd MN; my first job was at the Brainerd Golf and country club. When I graduated high school, I moved to the twin cities and continued in the business down there. Read more>>
Erin Murray
I’ve had a passion for photography since a child, my Mother was always pointing one our direction. I learned early on how to use cameras and began honing the love of capturing the world around me. In college I started taking photos of friend’s special moments and celebrations. I began an official photography business in 2011 specializing in family portraits and weddings. Read more>>
Jessica Shawley
My mother started what I now call my business about 15 years ago. She built it from the ground up, and her entire business model was structured around taking an alternative approach to technology assistance. Read more>>
Jodi Pinske
I became interested in gowns while watching Miss America and Award Shows. I loved how elegant the women walked and looked in their gowns. I competed in a Junior Miss pageant in High School and was hooked. I then began competing in Miss Minnesota locals, earning a title in 1985. Read more>>
Rick LaCanne
I was born and raised at La Canne Century Farms in Faribault and continue to help there when possible. The continued satisfaction of hands-on work is what drew me into the Electrical program at Dunwoody Institute. After graduating Dunwoody I began my apprenticeship at Cedar View Electric of Lakeville, and then Bobs Electric in Faribault. Read more>>
Katie deRegnier
In February, 2020, I decided to start my own mental health clinic. I was an independent contractor in Lakeville at the time, and the time was right for me to progress forward. I had help from my husband and mother-in-law organizing tasks, and identifying needs in order to own my own business. My first client was online in April 2020. Read more>>
Lizbet Becerra
As long as I can remember I knew I wanted my career to be in the beauty industry. I loved painting my nails, doing my hair and make up. I think this came from watching my mom growing up. She would always make sure her nails were done and you would never catch her leaving the house without her hair and makeup being done. Read more>>
Karl von Rabenau
It is a momentous year for Minnesota ballet as we celebrate our 60th Anniversary. Minnesota Ballet began in December 13, 1965. It was started by a small group of individuals who wanted to give ballet students in the Twin Ports what everyone dancer wishes for, greater opportunity to perform. Read more>>
Tony Peltier
Ask me in the interview Read more>>
Heidi Hesse
When I was growing up, dogs were always part of my life and family. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I settled into a career as a sound engineer for news and documentary productions. Then along came Bailey, my sweet, silly Old English Sheepdog. Bailey and I became a pet therapy team for Therapy Dogs Incorporated, visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Read more>>
Rose Hellat
Growing up in Minneapolis—spending formative years in the culturally rich neighborhoods of Minneapolis—Rose was surrounded by a community shaped by migration, resilience, poverty and reinvention. Her own family’s history mirrored that landscape. Read more>>
Brynn Lee
I spent my years in college taking every opportunity to become a better writer and speaker because I knew what I was being called to do after. I graduated from Bethel University in 2023 with a love for three things: speaking, writing, and people. Read more>>
Sydney Erickson
I started Sundazed because I fell in love with the confidence a great spray tan can give someone — and because deep down, I wanted to build something of my own that made people feel the way I wished I felt during some of my harder chapters. Read more>>
Rob King
I created my own site for digital marketing. We build sites for customers and help improve Google ranking to searches. Read more>>
Sebastian Gholl
I’ve always been someone who juggled a lot at once. Growing up in Minnesota, I spent more than 20 hours a week playing sports, kept up with school, and still found time for friends. So when it came time to choose a career, the idea of a traditional job never really fit. Read more>>
Grissel Hintz
I’ve loved hair since I was a child, starting with braiding my Barbie dolls. After graduating from Regency Beauty Institute in 2013, I worked at a blowout bar doing hair and makeup for brides, special events, and even Santa at the Mall of America. I also have experience as a model and actress, which gave me insight into styling for cameras and live appearances. Read more>>
Eric Funk
I was referred to at the time Lutheran Brotherhood by my pastor and president of my church, East Saint Olaf in Rockdell, MN. I said I would do this until I find the next best thing, still looking 23 years later! Looking back, I prayed for this job, I prayed I wouldn’t have to worry about money. Read more>>
Sam Burch
Well, I was a semi retired minister and retired social worker from Minnesotat living with my wife of 48 years in Florida. I had been in social work for 21 years, and in ministry now for 49 years. Read more>>
Felix Murphy
My name is Felix Murphy and my pronouns are he/they. I grew up in Onalaska, WI and now currently live in La Crosse, WI. For most of my life, I struggled with not feeling like I belonged. I had a hard time making connections that were meaningful and authentic and I’m not close with my family. Read more>>
Cheryl Hamond
I love the nonprofit world and that is where I gave 20 years of my life. My role was the Director of Social Responsibility at a local nonprofit but what I really did was help kids in the community get connected to a mentor to help them take positive steps forward in their life. Read more>>
Kolman & Reeb Gallery
Anita Sue Kolman, Partner, Kolman & Reeb Gallery: My path into the art world was far from linear. In 1977, I completed my formal education, achieving a Ph.D. in Sociology. For the next 24 years, I engaged in multiple activities using my professional skills to conduct research, teach undergraduates, and evaluate mental health, social service, and educational programs. Read more>>
Sam Kuss
Growing up in Cold Spring, MN, I went to Rocori High School and after graduation attended St. Olaf College to get my major in Psychology with a minor in Biomedical studies. After working multiple jobs in the hospitality and corporate grocery industry I decided to go back to school to become a chiropractor. Read more>>
Bridger Hopkins
I tend to think of how we get anywhere in life as a journey. The destination matters, sure, but the route we take usually tells the real story. The “where” is rarely as interesting as the “how.” I grew up as a busy kid. Not athletic, not particularly adventurous in the traditional sense, but endlessly curious. Read more>>
Meredith Moore
I am a sought-after keynote speaker, accomplished author, and entrepreneur. I share my experience helping women advance in corporate America and my shift to entrepreneurship to motivate audiences to take action and positively impact their communities. I am an award-winning corporate speechwriter and a certified executive coach supporting high-achieving C-suite executives. Read more>>
LeAnn Thiner
WCCFS Worthington Christian Church Food Shelf was started by a group of ladies in the early 1980s as a result of the financial disruption of the farm economy. The need for young family farmers to help make ends meet was sought to be met. Read more>>
Bridget Qual
It all started when I would visit my Grandma in Iowa, she desperately needed help with her computer. I saw that the technology was advancing too quickly for her. While I was working in the I.T. Dept for Teen Challenge, I really liked going out in the field to support various staff members. Read more>>
Jeff Swiff
The only thing that looks newish, is that I have a record label to tend to with my musical bruv Christian James, called Nicewon Recordings, which gives us the opportunity to nurture worldwide relationships through the sharing of music. [ours and that of others as well] What a treat, right?! If I’m trying to distill a lifetime of hobbyist LOVE and passion down to a short phrase, the indelible Boo Williams comes to mind when he said; “I’m just trying to pass this thing on”. Read more>>
Mike Eddy
I got my start in multi-media back when “multi” meant two slide projectors and a tape deck. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, I spent a decade working in Christian missions across the U.S., Scandinavia, and Haiti—performing, teaching, directing youth programs, and creating videos with whatever gear we could haul through airports. It was equal parts creativity, chaos, and community. Read more>>
Jean Stelten Beuning
I have loved dogs since I can remember. The evidence was clear and my mother said the first word out of my mouth as an infant was “dog”. I rescued my first 4-legged child when I was age 8 . . . found a little beagle mix in an abandoned truck in a farmer’s field. As a young child I claimed that someday I was going to “save unwanted dogs”. Read more>>
Pa Chia Xiong
During my eight years in Los Angeles, I learned about fashion, wholesale production, and discovered my love for photography—especially beauty and portraits. When I returned home to Minnesota and Wisconsin, I continued building my experience in customer service, management, and eventually opened my own photography studio in St. Paul, MN. Read more>>
Jacquelyn & Matthew Calos
Passport Restaurant was born from a simple love: trying new cuisines and flavors from around the world. For years, exploring food was our favorite adventure — discovering bold spices, unexpected ingredients, and the stories behind every dish. Cooking became our way of reliving those experiences and sharing them with the people we care about. Read more>>
