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.
Liz Donovan
Like so many others, COVID cracked open my perspective on life. After years working in NYC finance, I knew I needed a reset. I left New York, packed a backpack, and spent the next year and a half traveling throughout 23 countries. That journey reminded me what really matters. Time with loved ones, support and belonging. Mom Me Minute was born from that awareness, from lived experiences, and from deep empathy. Most of all, it was born from the belief that every mom deserves more support and space to care for herself. Read more>>
Suely Meira
After many difficulties, challenges and learning, I began to feel the need to learn more, so I started investing in several courses. The first of these was MIDAS soon after The Power of Network and also BEYOND. Read more>>
Marchanna Boyd
I realized I had a love for polishing nails at about 9 years old when my maternal grandmother would sit and do hers every Saturday. I would watch her as she oh so carefully decided on which color would look best with her outfit for the evening. I myself was a nail biter and didn’t grow beautiful nails like my grandma mother and aunts so any chance they let me polish theirs I was so happy! I was fascinated with polishes and always bought me fake nails to put on. My grandma would always fuss and say if you stop biting your nails they will grow and you wouldn’t need fake ones and we would laugh. My first nail salon was a table I set up on my grandparents porch and I practiced on everyone that would let me. Read more>>
Melva Wright
I’ve always been into plus size fashion! I started a YouTube channel called SteppingOutWright in 2020. Discussing plus size clothing, fashion ideas etc. Which futher lead me (God gave me the idea) to posting Fashion Fridays videos every week on all socials with a look of the week. Read more>>
Brenda / Jay Pryce/ Gibbs
Several students who graduated from Carver High School went on to great things . The parade will be historical because it will be the first to ever go through the neighborhoods and hopefully make a positive impact on the kids who will be able to just walk out of their doors and see the parade . We also have supporting events such as a car show and we also have a dance team competition . We will have vendors selling food ,t-shirts, other products and books . This will be a historic day celebrating a very .pivotal time in American history . We look forward to celebrating and sharing important stories about this moment in history. Read more>>
Kyia Rogers
I really want to be a singer, I have wrote a few songs. I’m not a professional yet. No one really knows about it, but maybe some family and a couple friends. I post most of my singing on tik tok and I have a couple of videos on YouTube. Im proud of working and perfecting my craft. The thing that sets me apart is my mindset the way I think. Read more>>
Lashae Sowells
I’m going to keep going and make a sell even if it’s nothing but one plate sold I’m going to get something sold my mind set is to be bigger then where I’m at now there is not many black owned business in the city of Florence South Carolina and I want to be apart of making that a change we deserve better within the black community alot of us have it in us but don’t have the push to put effort into making a change or making it happen I’m trying to break generational curse I want my kids kids to be able to live comfortably with no worries and it all starts with me my business is a located in Florence SC COME CHECK ME OUT . Read more>>
Lori King
Once living in Myrtle Beach I set out to create product and have local businesses carry it. This would allow me freedom and flexibility that I longed for. One of the stores I approached asked if I would teach at their location. After giving it some thought I figured out how I could teach at a given location and fire the glass at home. Read more>>
Cassie Harden Scott
In my early twenties, I ventured through Europe solo, frequently staying with members of the then-popular “Couch Surfing” community. One distinct memory from that experience is the unexpected week I spent with two strangers in Porto, Portugal. Each evening, we would seek out “Fado,” the traditional folk music, often performed in unassuming locations for a deeply attentive audience. This profound musical encounter was transformative. It ignited a desire to actively discover more opportunities for genuine, original artistic expression and performance in every country I visited. Read more>>
Natalie Smith
We specialize in specialty funnel cakes with different twist. We are known for our deep-fried cheesecake and brownies. We are most proud the fact that we have continued to grow to 3 trucks. We are also proud of our 5 star google review ratings. We pride ourselves for having the best custom service a food truck could offer! Read more>>
Sarah Moriarty
From Paris, I relocated to Berlin, Germany, where I earned a Master’s degree in Literature from the Freie Universität Berlin. My time in Berlin marked a shift toward brand marketing, working with several start-ups. Most notably, I worked at Blinkist, a nonfiction book app, where I helped shape its voice and connect readers with compelling ideas. Read more>>
Yolanda Bryant
I established Gullah Roots Historical Foundation due to my deep Gullah roots and ties to the Sea Island of Daufuskie and began planning events to share with the community and created scholarships in honor of those I once knew and loved from the island. I host an annual Black History Ball every February that uses a platform of Living History and integrates elements of Gullah history as well. GullahFEST (in honor of Daufuskie) will take place this July 27th on Hilton Head Island as a rescheduled event from 2023 when Hurricane Idalia deterred our plans. We hope to continue to reach the youth and sustain our preservation efforts. Read more>>
Jason James Mares Ristaino
I’m focused on being a music producer, and a mixing and mastering engineer. I am also an artist with music on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube. I love to record local Faith based artists, create beats for them, and also looking into starting to teach workshops for the youth who want to learn how to use FL Studio for beginners. Music is a great way to express yourself and most importantly glorify God. Read more>>
Erin Collins Kimball
Our retreats offer guests and opportunity to grow their yoga practice, explore new destinations and receive healing through energy work. We keep our retreats small so that each guest receives individualized attention and we can tailor the retreat to meet their needs. Our meals are locally catered with fresh ingredients to nurture the body. I am proud to offer boutique style yoga retreats that bring guests together to make lasting connections and friendships. Read more>>
Darielle Hamlin
In May 2022, I left USC Upstate with just one class left to finish my degree. I felt discouraged but chose to trust God’s timing. That timing brought me to esthetics school in November 2023, and I graduated from Kenneth Shuler in June 2024. Shortly after becoming licensed, I worked at Forever Yung Day Spa in Spartanburg, SC, specializing in Brazilian waxes and facials. I’ve now relocated to Florence, SC, and plan to resume services soon. Read more>>
Brandy Fisher
I started arranging large group cruises through a travel agent when I was 21. I have been organizing groups for years after that so I decided to affiliate with a host travel agency and a marketing company 7 years ago to monetize what I was already doing. I currently book small and large group travel all over the world. I also recruit new business partners and have a team of 192 independent travel advisors. Read more>>
Monica & Wilson Smith
The turning point came with the introduction of The Monogrammed Clogs. These featured embroidered uppers made of suede, wool, or leather, hand-cobbled into clogs and heels in a range of styles, all made in the USA. The product took off. Monica began attending trade shows like Atlanta’s AmericasMart and was ahead of the curve with the launch of www.thepinkmonogram.com, one of the first e-commerce platforms of its kind in the industry. She quickly signed retail partners across the country, eventually reaching over 500 stores. Read more>>
Dawn Sheriff
It took a long time to turn a profit. Because we had borrowed the money to start the business, it was important to get in the black. we ended up selling off some of our real estate to pay off the debt and then things were great! We decided to open a 2nd location and then the pandemic hit! That was tough because we lost 1/3 of our customers. We survived, but it was tough and we ended up closing that second location. We have since tried a 3rd location, but that, too, has been difficult. We have 2 years left on that franchise agreement and we may end up closing that one if things do not dramatically improve at that location. Read more>>
Kelsey Crum
My colleague, Alyson Dixon, and I first met in college as Dance Education majors at the University of South Carolina. Post college I worked for a professional ballet company as their Outreach Director and Alyson went to the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, where she received a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Dance. After much discussion and the desire to see dance outreach expand in the Upstate of SC, I invited Alyson to move in with my husband and I so we can start our venture of making dance an accessible and visible art form for everyone. Therefore, we joined forces to turn this vision into a reality in 2015. Read more>>
Carolina Cole
After long hours of brainstorming, residential cleaning was what made the most sense, this was something that me and my family not only needed but had struggled with tremendously in the past, so I rolled up my sleeves and made this idea my full time job. I have exhaustive training and education from the best in the industry, the best Residential Cleaning Company in the state of NM. v
Oby Kinika
I felt I made a wrong decision because Lagos was a competitive city and I left were I was recognized and I felt nothing was happening anymore. I wanted to go back but I had family and friends tell me not to cause “ Success takes Time”. I left for service and 2023 I got my first music video job in Lagos, July that same year I got my first Movie job in Lagos as well and from then I worked in movies, music videos and commercials. I got my first nomination for AMVCA(African Magic viewers choice award) in 2025 as a movie category and I am still going like working a great music videos, musics, commercials and hoping for more. Read more>>
Justin Smith
And then there’s sustainability. From the start, we’ve built this sanctuary with limited resources—piecing things together with donated materials, second-hand supplies, and a whole lot of determination. Creating something that can sustain not only the animals, but also ourselves as caretakers, has been an ongoing balancing act. We’re constantly learning, adapting, and doing everything we can to make sure this work can continue for years to come. Read more>>
Carolina Hills Sandwich & Sweet Shoppe
We started by putting together a menu of sandwiches we felt would be most wanted. We added a couple that we heard from others that aren’t necessarily our thing but after lots of people ask for a Reuben sandwich, you say yes and learn how to make it. And funny enough that’s what I’ve become most proud of. I went out and tried a couple and worked on the things I thought could make it better to me. So far people seem to love it. On thing that I think sets us apart a little is simplicity. We only have about 15 sandwiches and we make them the best we can. We don’t have so many that it’s hard to keep the quality up. Read more>>
Carrie Nyquist-Walsh
After almost 20 years in education, I was fortunate enough to find myself in a position where I could take a leap and attempt a personal goal, which was culinary school. With the support of my husband and a blessing from my mom after she passed away, I left my career as a school librarian and enrolled in the Culinary Institute of Charleston as a student in the Baking and Pastry program. Read more>>
Melody Stone
It allowed me to create entire worlds from my imagination, worlds that reflected the way I perceived what was around me and gave me purpose, enabling me to express my feelings and become who I am today, and connect with others. That connection is what drove me forward and made me realise that creating is what I wanted to do with my life. Going to College of Charleston as a freshmen in 2022, taking some of my first real and intentional art classes made me realize my potential and love for drawing. Now as a senior I have grown my skills and knowledge as a Studio Art major and Arts Management minor, working on my professional goal of becoming an illustrator. Read more>>
Savanna Reliford
After graduating and taking the time to hone in on my vision and craft, I opened my business with a simple but meaningful goal: to create a space where people could experience both relaxation and results-driven skincare. What makes my studio a little different is that I focus on offering an immersive experience. Clients can choose the mood they want — I project visuals onto the wall, add customizable lighting, and pair it with sound to create a full sensory environment. Whether they want something calming, fun, or energizing, it’s all about making sure they leave feeling cared for both inside and out. Read more>>
Meyer Gray
I’ve visited some cowboy towns that have cute western coffee shops which fueled my dreams even more. I also love all things vintage/antique so I wanted to bring those things together to create my coffee shop. That is where the name Vintage Saddle comes from; I also knew I wanted to create a brand that not only represented the aesthetic I wanted but would stand out on merch. The Upstate has a very diverse coffee scene with shops that are all unique in their own way, I wanted to be a part of that club but also shed some light on the western/horse community we have here in the Carolinas. Our mural which is one of the first things you see when you walk in has all local livestock brands from around the Upstate and lower North Carolina. Read more>>
Bethany Haile
I found my purpose behind the camera, helping others feel more confident and beautiful in their own skin. That passion led to a fulfilling career as a makeup artist and hair colorist. I went on to become the owner of Bethany’s Studio 1 in Clemson, SC, and currently, I run Bethany’s Wildflower Salon in Central, SC. I’m also proud to be a part owner of Upstate College of Cosmetology in Easley, SC, which I’ve co-owned for over ten years. Read more>>
Isaac Ray
We have been friends since middle school and played music for many years with our other musician friends. We’ve gone under many different band names but freydog is just the one we happened to play shows under. Due to spontaneous changes we eventually got to a two piece, (Isaac Ray on drums, Caiden Miller on guitar/vocals), which is similar to how it all started. We want to continue to play shows regionally and give everyone the same experience. Read more>>
Joshua Williamson
I edit visuals, design covers, tweak audio—all from my phone or my laptop—not for the algorithm, but to turn ideas into energy. Read more>>
Selena Cooper
I’m most proud of building a community where my fans feel seen and heard through my music and storytelling. What sets me apart is this authentic mix of music, personality, and visual creativity—I don’t just perform or take photos; I share stories and moments that create a vibe people want to come back to. Read more>>
Heidi Hudson
Definitely not always smooth, but so worth it and I have made sure that it is always “for fun”. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing it all: raising three young kids while building something from the ground up takes an energy, time, and flexibility. There are days where it feels impossible to juggle it all, and imposter syndrome has crept in more times than I’d like to admit. On days like that I press pause and put my family first. Read more>>
Edgar Angel
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, 70 years ago. Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the National Pedagogical University (1976) and Social Communication Journalism from Los Libertadores University 1989. Married to Mariela Amparo Diaz, Bachelor of Modern Languages. Three daughters: Ana Carolina (Social Communicator Journalist), Summerville SC, married three sons: Mateo, Jacob, Lucas. Mariela Andrea (Chemical & Mathematical Engineer) Ottawa Canada, married. Maria Alejandra (International Business) Amsterdam Netherlands Married a daughter of mine. Read more>>
Robert Lange
Over the years, our gallery has grown into a thriving hub representing over 20 incredible artists, and it’s become a cornerstone of the Charleston arts scene. What keeps us going is the sense of community we’ve built—this gallery feels like a family. We’ve expanded our programming, launched a scholarship to support emerging artists, and continually pushed ourselves to evolve. It’s been a journey of artistic passion, mentorship, and community, and we’re excited for what the next chapter holds. Read more>>
Camilla Morton
Our suppliers became overwhelmed with individuals who now faced large tariffs for their supplies from their original suppliers, so they flocked to ours. In the end, it all worked out and we worked through it. Lastly, as a small business who wants to grow as much as possible, we have looked for people to help us along the way and paid many as well for various services. In the long run, we found that most of them were not worth it and just fine tuning our own skills to keep everything “in-house” seems to be the best option for us at the moment. Read more>>
