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.
Logan Miller
That passion never faded. But when I graduated from college and found myself staring at a job market that didn’t quite spark excitement, I turned inward to what had always made me feel alive—design. I started small, creating vision boards, snapping photos of my home, and sharing ideas online. Slowly, what started as a creative outlet turned into something much bigger. With each project, my style evolved, my confidence grew, and my following expanded. Today, I get to do what I love every day—curating beautiful, functional spaces that feel like home. Read more>>
Ashley Trexler, Alessandra
What makes this group special is how the conversations dive so much deeper here than in other settings. Because we’re working to create a genuinely safe space, teens feel comfortable exploring topics that really matter today—conversations they might not have anywhere else. The trust they’ve built allows for honest dialogue about identity, current events, and the challenges they face. Read more>>
Clara Patacini
In my early 20’s I brought home my very own puppy who’s name was Tucker. He was what started my passion to help rescue dogs down the line and find them rescues and permanent homes. Tucker achieved his Canine Good Citizen at a young age and bypassers would compliment on how behaved he was at a young age. Tucker was my soul dog and I was beyond lucky to have been his owner. Read more>>
Amy Everhart
Fast forward to almost 3 years ago when we moved from Pawleys Island to Myrtle Beach and I decided to play a heavy focus on the Myrtle Beach Food Scene. I was going to call it MyrtleBeachFoodBabe but there is a very successful entrepreneur called The Food Babe and I didn’t want anything to cause trouble later on down the road so I went with MyrtleBeachFoodieBabe. That’s when this brand was born. Read more>>
Louise Register
Being able to effectively calm clients down when nervous and thoroughly explain any process for comfort. I think what sets me apart from others is prioritizing client-centered services. I ensure every client feels safe and secure and customize each service to every client. Brand-wise, I am most proud of my professionalism and hospitality. These are essential when serving the public. Common courtesy will take you places where skill can’t. I love incorporating relaxation into all sessions, from waxing to lashes to massages and facials. Almond Lou provides an environment for letting go of the outside turmoils of jobs and family life. Our services are a great way to take a step back from the bustle of everyday life. Come take a break with us at Almond Lou. Read more>>
Luke Depolo
As far as struggles, the biggest thing is understanding how to properly market my art and connect with other artists. I have been making progress here in Charleston involving myself in different guilds and participating in events such as Redux’s annual art auction, as well as their upcoming Spring Art Market at the end of March. This is something that I am learning and only getting better at. I feel as long as I keep putting myself out there it will all fall into place. Read more>>
Julia Chandler
From the start, I knew this wasn’t just about selling houses—it was about helping people achieve the American dream. In just two years, I built a strong reputation, earning a spot in the top 5% of the CHS MLS in 2023. I worked hard, gained a following by being authentic and knowledgeable, and put my whole heart into my clients’ success. Then, when the time was right, I took another big step—I decided to represent myself as an independent agent. Read more>>
Jenny Broe Quinn
Life hasn’t always been smooth – it’s had its fair share of bumps. My world was turned upside down when my mother passed away from terminal brain cancer at 60. I’ve been through a marriage, a divorce, and remarried again. I also experienced the heartbreak of a miscarriage before finally bringing my son Arlo into the world, who is truly my everything. As a business owner in the service industry, the challenges of COVID really hit hard. It hasn’t been all rainbows, but each obstacle has shaped me. Read more>>
Jason Brown
After my release, I still struggled with my environment and the company I kept, but one thing had changed: I was committed to exercise. It became my therapy, my escape, my way of proving to myself that I could be better each day. I even began dragging some of my friends—many of whom were battling drug addiction—to the gym with me, hoping that fitness could help them the way it was helping me. Read more>>
Imani Peterkin
My journey into entrepreneurship started out of necessity and passion. I launched what was originally called Peterkin Consulting & Co. as a way to provide virtual assistance and business operations support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. As a mom, I needed flexibility—something that traditional jobs just didn’t offer. I knew there were other moms and business owners out there struggling to balance it all, and I wanted to create a solution that helped them reclaim their time while running efficient, thriving businesses. Read more>>
Olivia Ballenger
But when it came time for college, I put my camera down and pursued a marketing degree, convinced that creativity alone couldn’t build a career. I still picked it up for friends—shooting grads, engagements—but it always felt like a side hobby, never a viable path. After graduation, I spent a year in ministry, where I found myself behind the lens again, documenting moments that felt meaningful. Still, I told myself photography wasn’t my future. Read more>>
Chaz Holden
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and I don’t take that lightly. I’m relentless when it comes to negotiation, due diligence, and ensuring my clients get the best deal possible. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or someone looking for the perfect vacation home, I’ll be there every step of the way. My goal isn’t just to close deals—it’s to build lifelong relationships and make sure you feel confident and excited about your purchase. Read more>>
Enahoro Omoarukhe
But I always had a bigger vision. I wanted to build something of my own something that would change the way people and businesses manage IT and cybersecurity. That’s how ATAPIC was born. I built ATAPIC to provide AI-driven IT management and Cybersecurity, allowing businesses and individuals to troubleshoot, monitor, and protect their systems in real time. Read more>>
Ben Holton
Growing up I always enjoyed working outside and operating equipment. Growing up in Lexington I was a member of the FFA and was introduced to the horticultural field. I began working for a greenhouse operation and from there began a lawn care company with my best friend, from that we began South Ground offering landscape, hardscape, and concrete work for the Columbia area. After several years of working for various customers helping them transform their property, a chance came about for us to open up a physical location and in September 2024 we opened up South Ground Supply Company. Read more>>
Andrey Boltyansky
My father was a photographer in the USSR – he shot on a Kiev 19 35mm film camera and developed the film in his bathtub. While in college, he traded one of his professors a family photo session in exchange for a passing grade in a class that he was definitely not passing. While he never made photography his career, my father always had a camera around. When I was young, he bought me a small point-and-shoot that started my own love of the art. When I graduated from high school, his gift to me was a Canon Rebel SL1 and that little camera kicked off my journey as a freelance photographer. Read more>>
Kristin Meyer
Our clients want shutters that are both beautiful and functional—whether it’s traditional Colonial shutters that enhance curb appeal or Bahama shutters that provide privacy and shade. What makes me most proud? Our team. We’ve created an environment where people grow, take ownership, and build real skills for the future. We hire high school students through a work-based learning program, offer flexible hours for parents, and provide leadership opportunities for everyone. Read more>>
Shauna Sienkiewicz
There are always trials and errors with doing hair and everything is a learning experience. It takes time and dedication to really perfect your craft and learn what techniques work best. Adapting is key as every client that comes to sit in your chair will have a different hair story. Hair is not a straight and narrow path, there are so many different layers to hair theory and only time and experience can help a stylist better understand this. I am constantly learning how to mix new colors, do different cut styles, and learn new foiling methods as hair trends are ever-changing. Thankfully Silvia Salon and Spa has multiple demonstrations annually through Paul Mitchell and Hanzo to introduce new techniques and styles to us! Read more>>
Sonja Miller
Marketing your product line or your business concept is never an easy thing to accomplish. You can have a great idea but getting it in front of people requires diligence and perseverance and money. There were many a time where I thought to give up as I felt I wasn’t getting anywhere but I kept pushing and through the support and belief from family, I hung in there and eventually came in front of the right people at the right time and launched my business to the next level. Read more>>
Rutledge Godley
I started fishing flood tides shortly after with my friends Danny and Sean. That was something I had never experienced and to this day is my all time favorite type of fishing. I caught my first tailing redfish with a spinning rod and the obsession began. A year later I could my first redfish with a fly rod with my friend Wilds and that’s how I fish for redfish in the floodtides these days. I have spent countless hours in the marsh searching for tailing redfish and I’m just as excited as the first time when I see one. I’ve been a fishing guide/naturalist with Barrier Island Eco Tours for 5 years now but just last year started my very own guide service specializing in fly fishing and light tackle. Read more>>
Amy Robinette
While working for a local restaurant group, we were encouraged to volunteer for a few hours a month. I began volunteering with an incredible philanthropy, The Green Heart Project, teaching Mitchell Elementary School students how to grow food on their schoolyard plot. Soon, I had my very own herb plot that grew into a massive garden. And just like we did as children at Mom-Maw’s house, I was always using herbs, veggies and fruit straight from the garden in all my recipes. Read more>>
Jess Nicoles
Eventually, I came on board and we expanded our line to mostly bags, including totes, backpacks, crossbody bags, and duffles. We’ve been extremely nomadic in our eleven year history, first spending time in two different workshop spaces that were mostly hidden from the public. Eventually, we opened our first retail space on the corner of Coming and Cannon Streets in downtown Charleston. In 2020, when our landlord decided to sell the building, we moved up to King Street and spent five years watching the landscape change on Upper King. at the beginning of this year, we moved up to Park Circle to seek out a neighborhood vibe yet again and have been loving it here ever since! Read more>>
Stephanie Huckins
Of course there are always struggles. building new clientele, keeping up with all the new technology and products. Covid also posed quite a lot of challenges. I have also moved states a few times, so re-building, re-branding and learning the area, the skin challenges with each climate and just putting myself out in the community. I do believe this makes you stronger and able to handle challenges better. I also created a few courses for new Estheticians, so getting that going has been a fun challenge. Read more>>
Briana Edmonds
I’m Briana Edmonds, a celebrity journalist and the founder of Edmonds Media Empire. Storytelling is my passion, and I’ve built my career on uncovering the narratives behind the biggest names in entertainment. Whether I’m conducting in-depth interviews, covering red carpet events, or diving beyond the headlines, my goal is to bring authenticity and depth to celebrity journalism. Read more>>
Melvin Edmonds Jr
Melvin Edmonds Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, recognized for his contributions to the music industry and his role as the CEO and founder of the independent record label, Edmonds Music Inc. Born into a musically gifted family, he is the son of the late Melvin Edmonds Sr., a member of the renowned R&B group After 7, and the nephew of the legendary musician and producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Read more>>
Tessa Fulmer
I’ve been a licensed esthetician for almost 25 years, and I also obtained my licensure in massage therapy. I recently became a certified lymphedema therapist, working with post cancer patients, and those suffering with both lymphedema and lipedema, as well as my certification for post surgical manual lymphatic drainage. My work focuses on the client, as it is very bio individualized, and we both work together to find treatments that nurture the mind, body, and soul. It’s lovely helping clients get away from the hustle and bustle, and bringing some calm to the nervous system with a beauty meets wellness approach. Read more>>
Fredrick Brown
I advised him that I never DJ ’ed before, but since I had radio and sound equipment knowledge, I accepted the opportunity. I brought My CD book, set up my equipment, and the rest was history. I was blessed with more opportunities to learn and grow from other DJs such as DJ Mike Mars, DJ AK, and Big Nick. The more they instilled in my craft, the more it allowed me to develop my own niche and become a more polished DJ. Over the past 15 years, I’ve DJ’ ed numerous events including corporate, birthdays/anniversaries, clubs and now mainly weddings. One of my biggest accomplishments throughout my career has been winning a Southern Entertainment Award in 2021. Read more>>
Jessica Franco
The path towards any goal always has speed bumps along the way. I think my biggest challenges were more my own mindset and bent towards perfectionism than outward roadblocks. We are often our harshest critic. In real estate the pendulum swings often from seasons of lean to seasons of plenty and back again. In the lean seasons it’s so easy to feel “washed up” and my tendency is to feel defeated, or to magnify my insecurities rather than challenge myself to keep running the race set before me. Life, and this career, is a journey not a destination. Read more>>
Kim Hix
I have been a health and fitness enthusiast my entire life, a very active kid and teenager. I graduated Lander College with a BS in Psychology and worked in the mental health field several years, then decided to try something different and got a paralegal degree. During both careers I was always training, the gym is my second home, and friends were always asking fitness advice. Knowing that nutrition and fitness was my passion I decided to get a training certification in 2004, and have been coaching ever since. Read more>>
Madi Scott
Madnetic started as my personal outlet. I wanted a space to create websites, practice SEO, and experiment without boundaries. But turning that passion into a business was an uphill climb. In the beginning, I had to diversify my services just to attract clients—what started as just web design and SEO quickly expanded into branding, social media, event management, and promotion. What was once a necessity has now evolved into branches of the company, each playing a role in shaping and elevating brands in music, entertainment, hospitality, and fashion. Read more>>
Jasmine Campbell
I would help plan the parties for my sorority sister’s kids, I would help coordinate the events for my sorority and even the graphics. I also made personalized wooden crafts and artwork, but when my best of friends starting having kids I really was able to hit the ground running. Everyone always asked at my friends event who did the decor and they would brag about me but, I was shy and didn’t want the recognition. However, after being laid off my job after 7 years, I had no more reasons to be scared. I couldn’t say no because of work lol. This was the pivotal shift where JazzymyCreations would soon bloom. Read more>>
Robin Vassey
It felt like I could pursue the career I had dreamed of as a child, but in a way that allowed me to avoid the stress of managing a full classroom and all the responsibilities that come with being a teacher. Don’t get me wrong, being an SLP in a school setting comes with many responsibilities. However, knowing that there were so many opportunities for me in the speech language pathology field and along with hearing the excitement in the SLP’s voice as she shared her experiences, made my decision to become a speech therapist much easier. Read more>>
Brandon
I specialize in custom 3D Printing solutions. When there is something that needs replacing and you cannot find it. Or you have an original design you would like. My services are a perfect match. I custom design and 3d print them for the customers needs. Read More>>
Elinor Poole
Over the years we have continued to add to the farm to make if a great place to plan a day trip, learn about lavender or get married. In 2021 we opened the wedding venue that can host both small and large weddings. In 2024 we added Permberley Cottage, a 3 bedroom house on the farm for guests to stay and enjoy the farm. In 2025 we are adding a chapel backdrop, greenhouse and tea gardens. We offer tours, distillation demonstrations and tea parties. Read more>>
Pilar G.a.
Around 2015, I started painting with acrylics, and later with oils, but it wasn’t until 2019 that I discovered the world of colored pencils. I had always been fascinated by them as a child, but now I love them more than ever. This medium allowed me to capture everything I wanted to draw without having to get messy or use large canvases. Given my physical condition, this has been very limiting, but with colored pencils, I have no restrictions. Read more>>
Chastity Abney
But each struggle taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow. I learned to be more resilient and adaptable, and I found a supportive community of fellow bakers and entrepreneurs who helped me along the way. Overall, those challenges have shaped my journey and made the successes even more rewarding! Read more>>
Esthela Cuzmar
Since our product is unique, not a lot of people knew you can do this beautiful upgrade to your return air system, so learning how to target homeowners, contractors, builders, interior designers and architects has been a great experience for us. We participated in lots of Home Decor shows to have more exposure and expanded our platforms to sell not only in our website but also in Amazon, Wayfair, Etsy, Facebook and Instagram and now The Home Depot, also we expanded our distributors along the country. Read more>>
Mary Wilson
What am I most proud of? Creating my dream venue, running it successfully, and then transitioning into this next chapter with my incredible team. Selling The Arch was the end of an era, but keeping The A-Team together and continuing to do what we love—wedding planning, event coordination, and floral design—is what makes me the proudest. Read more>>
Vince Grimaldi
It all started with a simple idea—a New York-style hot dog cart and a love for good food. One cart became a food truck, rolling into rallies and festivals, bringing people together over the best chili dogs in town. But the dream didn’t stop there. The journey led to something bigger—a restaurant where the laid-back surf vibe meets bold flavors. That’s how Surf Dawgs Grill was born.. The dream didn’t stop there. With every bite, every happy customer, and every packed event, the vision grew. That food truck paved the way for something bigger. Now, Surf Dawgs Grill has a home—a laid-back, surf-inspired restaurant in Surfside Beach, SC, where everyone is welcome to kick back and enjoy great food. Read more>>
Alex Blake Otto
I’m a photographer based in Charleston, SC, specializing in graduating seniors and brand photography for local businesses. I love creating images that feel authentic, vibrant, and full of personality. Whether it’s hyping up a senior to make them feel incredible in front of the camera or working with a brand to bring their vision to life, I want every shoot to feel fun, effortless, and totally them. Read more>>
