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.
Brianna Mills
I’ve always had a heart for helping people and a love for staying busy. But it wasn’t until high school that I really started to explore what that could look like as a career. During a pageant, we were asked a simple but loaded question: What do you want to be when you grow up? I’d been asked that before, of course—but this time, I truly thought about it. For weeks, I turned it over in my mind, searching for something that would give me freedom, fulfillment, and a way to serve others. Read more>>
Levi Wright
So this August will mark our 5 year anniversay. And on the heels of that anniversary we will be opening another part of the dream. That dream is having a working art district in Cayce. That artists find community to create and offer their art in the heart of our Art District. Two Story Studios will make available 5 individual art studios on the top story. On the bottom floor will be a fully functional art studio that will offer Open Studio Memberships. Our hope is artists will come and work together and our community will enjoy watching them work, inspire that work, and take art home with them. Read more>>
Kevin Smith
We offer hourly and overnight charters for up to 12 guests in and around the beautiful Charleston harbor, Cooper River and Wando River. Dockside hourly and overnight charters are available upon request. The maximum number of guests overnight is 6 persons. All charters are fully crewed with a Captain, Engineer, and Stewardess. Charter rates include full use of the vessel, crew, docking at the Ashley Marina, fuel, soda, water, and snacks. Our guests know us for 5 star service and the use of Charleston’s best private chefs serving local ingredients. Read more>>
Lawson Builder
I’m a commercial photographer and creative producer with a background in marketing and a passion for storytelling—especially in the outdoor, travel, and food spaces. Over the past decade, I’ve partnered with brands like Under Armour, AFTCO, Southern Tide, Palmetto Bluff, the Four Seasons, Can-Am Off-Road, Topo Chico, and Browning Firearms to create content that resonates with real audiences. Read more>>
Sherri Lackey
Our biggest challenge as was with many others would be during COVID. We had to teach our classes virtually. Some classes had over 100 attendees which we had to check in one by one and get a VOA online. It was a learning experience for us all. We were able to have a very successful year and years to come. We have a steady base of stylists who attend our classes each year. We are always trying to find new and unique ideas to keep,our classes interesting. Read more>>
Phil Korz
Now, let’s clear something up: I’m not headlining a comedy show or hosting a gala. My stage is the sidewalk, the shuttle stop, the check-in tent. My job is to welcome guests the way Disney World welcomes families—with genuine warmth, a touch of showmanship, and the kind of energy that makes you feel like something extraordinary is about to happen. Think of me as the human amuse-bouche. A prelude to the perfect meal. Read more>>
Mario Prezzy
Mario Prezzy is originally from Orangeburg, South Carolina. A proud graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, he furthered his education at South Carolina State University. With a passion for capturing life’s most meaningful moments, Mario has been dedicated to photography for over two decades. His journey began in February 2005 when he landed his first professional gig, and since then, he has committed himself to creating powerful, memorable images. Read more>>
Bukoye Winner
I’m a Versatile Visual and Creative Artist. I’m passionate about exploring diverse mediums. I create portraitures using mediums like pencil and pen,I paint using oil colour as my major medium, I’m also a textile artist, I create Adire batik fabrics,tie and dye fabric using intricate designs on fabric to showcase the uniqueness in our culture,so that when we step out in those colourful and beautiful wears, people see the standard, it’s not just a dress, it’s our heritage, pride and our identity. I’m a sculptor also, I specialize in wood carving,I make sculptural pieces out of wood Read more>>https://southcarolinavoyager.com/interview/check-out-bukoye-winners-story
Jill Dudley
Growing up at the Grand Strand, I’ve always loved the beach, the people, and the hustle and bustle of the vibrant and ever changing city. As a child, I spent most of my time on the soccer field and running track and cross country. My sports were my life but I wanted to try something new during my last year of high school. My love for theatre and music began when I auditioned for Socastee Singers, my high schools show choir, and from there I decided to work on my stage presence and my vocal abilities. As a part of the show choir I fell in love with performing arts and when I started college at Coastal Carolina University, I started to audition and perform at the local theatre in Conway, SC. Read more>>
Kori Dague
When our son was diagnosed with food allergies as a toddler, our world was flipped upside down. Suddenly, everything we knew, everything we fed him felt like it was a potential enemy. The simplest act of staying alive became a constant worry of possible death. We realized we had a choice: to simply survive or thrive. We worked hard to cultivate a family culture of careful not fearful, but over time no matter how diligent we planned, a sense of exclusion still hovered. Read more>>
Devon Bloodsworth
Through networking, word of mouth and supporting other local DJ’s by showing up at their events, I started progressing my DJ Career, eventually becoming a full time DJ in 2017. Since then, I have done hundreds of weddings, parties, private events, mini festivals, clubs, and various other shows throughout South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. Despite not finish my business degree, I currently run my own DJ services full time while being outsourced by 4 other major Entertainment companies in Charleston as well my online eBay store and working during the week at my mom’s moving business. Read more>>
Journey Edward
Being a woman in sports can be challenging due to constant gender biases. I often have to work harder to gain recognition and respect, especially in leadership or media roles traditionally dominated by men. There’s also a constant pressure to prove credibility and capability, while dealing with stereotypes. Despite these challenges, I do believe I have broken barriers and paved someway for others who are like me. Read more>>
Jamie Irby
They take in rescue horses and have high risk kids work with the horses to help heal them. The horses have an amazing bond with them. I attended the Informational Clinic there, learning how they do things. Crystal Peaks. I felt like this was exactly what I was looking for, and came back home and slowly started the non-profit, Blissful Dreams, to help horses that have been rescued or just needed a purpose with individuals of all ages and abilities find their purpose and unconditional love with the horses. Read more>>
Dixie M Benca
My husband (John Benca) and I (Dixie McGee Benca) met and married while attending the University of Georgia. He & I had just graduated (BS in Physics & a BLA – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, respectively). He worked as a Manufacturing Engineer & we moved back to the Upstate of SC so he could attend graduate school at Clemson University. We got settled on my family farm & got jobs in the restaurant industry….he as a bartender & me as a server….to pay basic bills & figure out a plan. Read more>>
Fredrick “Russ” Russell
Then one Sunday, everything changed. I was sitting in church, minding my own business, when I heard a voice—clear as day—say: “Do your show now.” I looked at my wife beside me. She was locked into the sermon, eyes straight ahead, unaware. I glanced around the sanctuary—folks were clapping, shouting “Amen!” and “You preaching!”—but I couldn’t shake it. The voice came again, louder this time: Read more>>
Trent Taylor
We’re also proud to offer one of the most thoughtfully curated wine programs in the region. Our internationally inspired wine list is available almost entirely by the glass—so guests can explore, discover, and enjoy a wide variety of pairings without commitment. In addition, our extensive selection of bourbon, whiskey, and Scotch is second to none, appealing to connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. Read more>>
Richard Starling
I currently am finishing up my PhD. in Organizational leadership and also run a foundation here in town called the Tracy Starling Yates Foundation where we give scholarships to seniors in high school that have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. I started this foundation due to the passing of my sister and saw what a toll it took on the family especially with my nephew being in high school at the time. It put a fire in my that there are so many children that go through more than anyone should in high school when they lose a parent, so how they are going to pay for school should not be one of them. Read more>>
Christen Ruiz
Within a single year, I lost my mother unexpectedly, became the full-time caregiver for my terminally ill father, finalized a painful divorce, navigated becoming a single mother, and watched the business I built from the ground up collapse under the weight of burnout, misalignment, and unrelenting pressure. The day after my father passed, the movers came. I had to leave the dream property I had poured my soul into building, but I wasn’t there to say goodbye. I chose to be by my father’s side instead, knowing I couldn’t do both. Read more>>
Hope Bray
Years later, while studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I took a photography class and finally learned how to shoot in manual and understand the technical side. After having my second child, I hired a family photographer who also taught photography classes. I decided to take one of her classes as a refresher, and after that, I was completely hooked. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a photographer myself. It felt like the perfect way to do something I’ve always loved—and actually make a living from it. Read more>>
Stephanie Detwiler
Second, which I learned later, was to help others and build a community. I had one video go “viral”. I woke up to 20k+ new followers and hundreds of comments of encouragement and questions. Strangers, people I still have never met in person to this day, are still some of the most precious and supportive people I have in my life. Read more>>
Arielle Brown
I started my career 14 years ago in New Jersey. I went to a two year culinary school program and stayed an extra year to get a pastry certificate. While I loved doing desserts, pastry chef jobs are hard to come by because not every restaurant has the budget to hire one so I worked on the savory side of the kitchen for years. I worked my way up from line cook to sous chef and finally executive chef working for some of the best restaurants in NJ. I even competed on two Food Network shows, Chopped and Guys Grocery Games! Read more>>
Kelci Gatling
As I competed for the University of Arkansas, I chose to study Kinesiology and later followed up with a Master’s in Physical Education, I had big ideas of what I could do with those degrees, but wasn’t until I started working at a clinic that specializes in chronic neurological pain disorders that I really got to see my knowledge and background come to play. Every single day, I got to teach people how to move again by going back to the very basics. I retrained individuals how to eliminate poor and compensatory patterns that were developed due to pain and injury. With correct patterns, we were able to eliminate pain and get them functioning again, with hope for return to a more normal life. Read more>>
Klara Dewberry
Working solo has also been a challenge—balancing the creative with the logistical, making every decision, wearing every hat. But in all of it, I am at a place now where i found clarity through hardship, my favourite and strongest suit. I learned to trust that how I see and feel things IS the edge. And that’s what clients come to me for now. Read more>>
Mij Bolyard
Fast forward to four years ago: my husband Michael and I bought half of the historic Armfields building with a dream of creating a space where local artisans could showcase and sell their work. I now spend my days doing what I love—making pottery, soaps, candles, and a variety of crafts. After 38 years in the airline industry, retirement has given me the gift of dedicating myself full-time to this passion. Read more>>
Kate Ledbetter
Ohm Radio is powered by Media Reform SC, a grassroots nonprofit promoting democracy through media. We believe in free speech, public access, and independent media that reflects community—not corporations. Media Reform SC is the fiscal sponsor of Ohm Radio and receives funds on its behalf. Read more>>
Nicole Carter
The journey definitely hasn’t been smooth—it’s taken a lot of trial and error. In the beginning, I made content that honestly felt a little cringy because I was being so real and honest. But I learned that’s exactly what people connected with the most. Sharing the highs, the lows, and all the messy in-between moments of motherhood and life is what built real trust and community. I’ve always been open about every part of my journey, and even though it hasn’t been easy, it’s been so worth it. Every uncomfortable step helped me grow—not just as a creator, but as a person. Read more>>
Kay Thorn
Though music was and will always remain my first love, I discovered how powerful it can be when I was recruited to perform in my first stage musical at the age of 13. Throughout my teen years, I quickly fell in love with theatre and acting, and was hired in my first professional acting job at 17 in the ensemble of the Charleston Stage Company production of Hairspray (2010). Since that production, I have consistently worked throughout the local scene as an actor, accompanist, music director, and teaching artist. Read more>>
Richard King
I’m Dj King Bee also known as Rich Thomas. I’m a rapper, producer and DJ from Newberry, SC. I started deejaying in college at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. I lived in Columbia most of my life, but moved to Newberry with my wife Timmesha King. I love deejaying for family and friends. But I love doing private parties the most. I love entertaining crowds that are not very familiar of my style of deejaying. I can play for older crowds and younger crowds. I prefer private parties because the club scene ain’t what it used to be. I think I will be a DJ until I’m 75. That’s how much I love my craft. Read more>>
Noah Phelps
After I had transferred colleges, I saved up to buy my own controller and DAW software and played everyday while beginning my journey into music production. Then one day I met DJ Corey Young, my sister had hired him for her wedding and he crushed! I asked if I could apprentice under him and he agreed to take me under his wing. He taught me technique as well as skills like reading a crowd, and controlling the energy. I learned all I could until I moved to Charleston. Read more>>
Miranda Santos
Two years ago, my husband and I started our Photo Booth business with a simple goal in mind: to bring in a little extra income for our family while creating lasting memories—not just for us, but for others too. With two young children at home, we wanted a side hustle that could help us afford fun family activities, the occasional vacation, and start building a savings account for our kids’ future. Read more>>
