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.
Ann Alaboud
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and an MBA in HR. However; I have always found herself creating craft work such as scrapbooking, painting and drawing. After traveling to Europe and obtaining my culinary training , I decided to take the leap of faith into my amazing journey and start the business! Read more>>
Paige St John
I began my career with Worthington Liquor Store in 2012 as a part-time retail clerk. In 2018, I transitioned into a full-time role as assistant manager, and in 2023, I stepped into my current position as manager. What initially started as a part-time opportunity quickly grew into a true passion and a long-term career. Read more>>
Dayana Maso-Frelix
I graduated from esthetician school in 2017, but I really found my passion for waxing when I started working in a corporate setting in 2019. That experience helped me build my skills and confidence while working with a wide range of clients. In 2023, I took a leap and opened my own business, True Beauty Skin Studio. Read more>>
Adam Harvey
The MN State EMS LODD Memorial Foundation, also known as MN EMS Memorial, didn’t start with a business plan. It started with time in EMS and a conversation that never really went anywhere. I still volunteer with the Minnesota EMS Honor Guard, a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer group, and have been part of it for over 12 years. Read more>>
Reva Van Vleet
My husband, Matt, and I own Rock City Insurance Agency. We were both born and raised here. Outside of living in Israel as a child for two years and stints away for college, I’ve called Saint Cloud home for my entire life. I earned both my bachelors and masters degree at St. Read more>>
Harmony Carlson
I’ve been working in the mental health field for over two decades, beginning my training in more intensive clinical settings including forensic and high-acuity care. Over time, I felt a strong pull toward more relational, preventative, and deeply human-centered work, especially supporting women and families through some of the most vulnerable seasons of life. That work also became deeply personal for me. Read more>>
Shantel Waytashek
We are Shantel & Kendra, the owners of Macy Mae Designs. We are lovers of design in miniature and life-size forms. We are moms of littles, dreamers and creative souls who love to bring our visions to life! Our journey with Macy Mae started in May of 2023, when we were blessed to be the new owners of the company. Read more>>
Craig Davidson
I grew up in Central Montana the youngest of five children surrounded by the arts—visual, music, and architecture. I imagined being an architect, veterinarian, fireman and cartoonist and living in the mountains when I was an adult. My strengths were visual art, music and literature while I was in school—K-12. Read more>>
Derrick Olson
I started doing everything by hand over 12 years ago. With nothing but a dremel tool, some acrylic, endless ideas, and a vision. Today… I am heading into the 6th year at the MN State Fair, have 2 laser machines that duplicate not only my original art… but can work with ANY business customizing their logo on an endless number of products. Read more>>
Theresa Charpentier
I was going to school for my undergrad and we took our Myers-Briggs. My results showed that I was strong on the right side brain while the rest of my class was strong on the left side. They teased me and I decided to take a stained glass bird class. Read more>>
Amber Carlton
Thank you for having me. Professionally, I’m a Fargo, ND, Moorhead, MN, Lakes Area, MN based REALTOR® and Luxury Collection Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, and I’ve been serving clients since 2012. From the beginning, my focus has never been about transactions, it’s always been about relationships. I truly believe real estate is one of the most personal industries there is. Read more>>
Sharon Abel
My journey into nonprofit work began through volunteering with the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center, a program that operates much like a food shelf for pets and their owners. During my time there, I developed a deeper understanding of compassion, kindness, and community building. I also learned the importance of slowing down—taking the time to truly listen to people and hear their stories. Read more>>
Barry Travis
Beer can collecting was popular when I was a kid. When my parent’s threatened to recycle my childhood collection in the late 1990’s, I intervened, kept a few sentimental items, and renewed the passion and collection. I discovered there were still clubs at the local and national level. The further I dove in, the more I was rewarded. Read more>>
Melodee Smith
We got into yaks in 2012 when we were looking for animals that were unique, multi purpose, potentially profitable, sustainable on a small acreage and most important……….edible. Yaks checked all those boxes and here we are 14 years later still living the dream. Our initial yak herd had 1 bull, 5 cows and 1 calf. Today that number is around 40. Read more>>
Troy Heald
We started out on a journey to grow apples in 2009. I previously worked 25 years as a IT Sales Manager in Minneapolis and Tracy stayed home to raise the family. After the kids were old enough to go to school we decided it was time for a life change…..so we bought 66 acres with no real farming background and took a leap of faith. Read more>>
Mary Faulkner
I’m the Executive Director of the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA). PAVSA is a sexual assault crisis center in downtown Duluth and serving southern Saint Louis County. We provide services to survivors of sexual assault (ages 13 and older). All of our services are free and confidential. Read more>>
Ashley Docken
Marc and Ashley Docken spent 15 years living in several different cities while raising their three kids. One of their favorite family outings during those years was heading out to the local ice cream shop. As the kids got older, Marc and Ashley moved back to their hometown of Hutchinson, MN. They quickly realized their small town was missing one thing: a frozen yogurt shop. Read more>>
Jill Bellefeuille
In 2017, I experienced a moment of profundity that cleanly divided my life into before and after. The experience left me disoriented, overwhelmed, exhilarated, hopeful, and as the sole voyageur on a soul voyage. Read more>>
Carissa Carroll
In March 2013, I sat in a hospital bed, just having given birth to my second son, Jack, by emergency C-section. Little did I know that the unexpected delivery would pale in comparison to the news that would come shortly after, changing our lives forever. While my husband waited alone during my recovery, a nurse abruptly asked, “Are you aware of Trisomy 21? Read more>>
Scott Anderson
Central MN Youth for Christ first came to the St Cloud area in 1978. As part of an international organization YFC reaches teens in every state in the US and has outreach to teenagers in over 100 countries. We are a chartered affiliate of YFC/USA while governed by a local Board of Directors. Read more>>
Cara Mearns-Thompson
The story of The Grief Club of Minnesota began long before the organization itself existed. For its founders, Sarah Kroenke and Cara Mearns-Thompson, the work grew out of deeply personal experiences with the death of significant family members at a young age. Read more>>
Adam Rogers
It all officially kicks off back in 1984 with my grandfather, Joe Norris, a General Motors engineer who started a technical advisory firm called “Reed & Co. Read more>>
Carl Melichar
I have a historical, old farm with four museums on it. One museum is on waterfowl artwork and history, one building is used for Alaska information, photography and pictures. I have a historical log cabin with a lot of history and western art work in it. I also have a historical barn from 1914 with a lot of history to it. Read more>>
Karla Santiago-Rodriguez
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I graduated from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law in 2010. After law school, I worked as a defense attorney for the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, representing the government in both state and federal court. It was intense, meaningful work that sharpened me as a litigator. Read more>>
Matthias Maute
What continues to inspire me most is the connection with Minnesotan audiences who truly value music and culture above everything else. I currently live in Montreal, but through my frequent presence with the Bach Society of Minnesota, I’ve had the chance to really get to know the Twin Cities. Read more>>
Ashley Sievers
Dr. Sievers (my husband) joined Cambridge Orthodontics in 2010 with Dr. Brad Videen. In 2013, we became the sole owners of the practice. It was a pivotal time in our practice when we decided to examine who we really wanted to be and what role we hoped to have in our community. Read more>>
Reona Berry
My Story My knowledge about breast cancer began with my cousin Linda, an airline attendant who was diagnosed at age 27 in 1983. At age 35 I found a breast lump, which was later determined to be a fatty cyst. In June 1989 I noticed a discoloration on my right breast, under my armpit. Read more>>
