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.
Jessica Blanchard
I’ve always believed that food is more than just something we eat — it’s how we connect, how we heal, and how we celebrate. Growing up, I saw firsthand how meals brought my family together, and that passion carried into adulthood. Read more>>
Melissa Goulette
For over three decades, I’ve built my career on a simple belief: the most powerful marketing doesn’t just sell products, it creates connections that matter. My journey from regional marketing executive to entrepreneur has been defined by this philosophy, weaving together brand strategy, community impact, and the pursuit of experiences that bring people together. Read more>>
Erin Wackerhagen
From as early as I can remember, I wanted to be an Educator. I was privileged to attend Clemson University and earn a degree in Secondary Education. I taught high school for nearly 10 years before Covid took me out of the public school environment and into my home as I helped my own children and my neighbor’s children navigate virtual learning. Read more>>
Melinda Knowles
My passion for the law was sparked in high school, during a time when my family faced a challenging civil legal dispute. Our neighbor’s construction project had elevated their property, causing repeated flooding on ours. I watched my parents struggle to navigate the legal system, desperately seeking representation to protect our home and rights. Read more>>
Laura Buxo
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today? I moved to Greenville, SC in 2006 and began searching for a cooperative gallery where I could display my paintings. When I couldn’t find a suitable option, I decided to start one myself. Read more>>
Erica Rutledge
I didn’t grow up saying I wanted to be a therapist. I just grew up being that girl. The one who listened, asked too many questions, and tried to make sense of everyone’s drama. Eventually, I realized there was a whole career for that. Read more>>
Kristi Filkins
I have a background in Human Services, including 40 years of professional work experience in various positions of ‘helping’, like Personnel, Payroll, Benefits Administration as well as professional therapeutic foster care for nearly 8 years in Northern New York. State. I have had personal connections and interactions with many types of personalities in all of my former ‘W2’ positions. Read more>>
Patricia Goron
I got a job driving the Rickshaw in 1987. Charlestons first full time female Rickshaw Drver! I quickly became friends with the Tour Guide‘s driving the carriages. When I wasn’t taking people around on the rickshaw I was able to hang out with the Carriage drivers. We talked mostly about the history of Charleston and I loved it. Read more>>
Jiavanna Medlock
In 2016, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Elon University with the intention of continuing on to graduate school and becoming a psychologist. During my gap year, my desire to serve led me to join AmeriCorps through City Year, an education-focused nonprofit. I spent that year in Orlando, Florida, as an eighth-grade tutor and mentor and that experience completely shifted my path. Read more>>
Kit Sluys
My path to becoming a psychologist wasn’t direct. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of mental illness in my own family, which helped me understand suffering in a profound way very early on. But when it came time to pick a career path, I studied what I was good at: art. Read more>>
Tyler Ryan
I grew up in New England on the water, but up there, it was like 4 months, between ice! I moved to Charlerston in 2002, bought a jet ski, and spent every moment I could tearing up the ICW. After moving to Lexington in 2005, I found Lake Murray and got a boat. Read more>>
Spence Young
My journey began over 30 years ago in the corporate world, where I worked with industry leaders like IBM, United Healthcare, and GE Healthcare as a Network Administrator and in various other roles. Those years provided me with invaluable experience, but I always knew I was meant to forge my own path. Read more>>
NANCY PERRY
My journey started with my passion for travel. A single mother of 3 sons, required that I work a full time job. My goal and dream to own my own travel agency, was put on hold. I was offered an opportunity to retire early from my full time job. Thus, the opportunity to own my own business began. Read more>>
Jazzmyne Pipkins
I’m Jazzmyne Pipkins, founder of the pioneering American Sign Language Studio in Downtown Florence, SC, which has recently become a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce. As someone who grew up with a hearing impairment, I’ve learned to view my condition not as a limitation, but rather as an opportunity to thrive. Read more>>
Shana Middleton
My journey began with simple curiosity. I started researching natural ingredients to soothe my scalp and created a few homemade blends. That sparked a deeper interest, and soon I was exploring products for the skin. Out of that passion, I launched my very first skincare line, Shana’s Natural Creations. Read more>>
Lina Maria Manrique
My name is Lina M. Manrique. I was born and raised in Colombia, where I graduated as a lawyer from Santiago de Cali University. While I was proud of that accomplishment, cooking had always been my passion. From the time I was six years old, I felt drawn to the kitchen. Read more>>
Jason and Jane Willis
Our journey has been shaped by resilience, hard work, and a shared commitment to building something meaningful for our family and our community. Jason spent over 25 years in the hospice field, working his way up to a Vice President role while raising six children and pursuing a double master’s degree. Read more>>
Christopher Morgan
The Story of WeLead Martial Arts: Empowering the Charleston Community Through Karate and Leadership WeLead Martial Arts was founded by Christopher Morgan, a lifelong martial artist with a passion for helping people grow. He started training as a teenager, and what began as a hobby quickly became a life-changing pursuit. Read more>>
Chau Nguyen
I came to the U.S.A in 2001 and started doing nails in 2004. I got my first nail salon when we bought Color Nails on Dorchester Rd. in December 2016. At that time, the salon only had 2 technicians. With the effort and dedication of myself, my loving wife, and our family, the salon grew to 7 technicians and achieved good income. Read more>>
Ashley Barton
From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for serving others and truly listening to their stories. I believe every person has a unique journey, and I’ve long felt called to walk alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges. Read more>>
Max Emory
Max Emory is a Bookkeeping Professional, REI & Financial Coach and Consultant, USMC Veteran, and relentless Real Estate Investor with a growing portfolio of 20 doors and counting. His mission is to help Real Estate Investors and small business owners take control of their finances, gain clarity, and create sustainable growth. Read more>>
Nicola Grate
My name is Nicola Grate, and I’m originally from Columbia, South Carolina. A 1993 graduate of Keenan High School, I pursued my passion for hairstyling, attending Kenneth Schuler School of Cosmetology in 1994 and later graduating from Columbia Beauty College in West Columbia, South Carolina, under the guidance of Miss Jackson. Read more>>
John Chisholm
Was working for another company in the area. went through school and got associates degree in plumbing and hvac. started with no money and a pick up truck. took the back seats out and put tools in and went to work. had no choice but to make it happen. did everything myself from answering the phones, to service to install. Read more>>
Kelly Caldwell
I (Kelly Caldwell) started floating back in 2012 while living in Atlanta. Even after just one float I knew this was something really special. After three floats, I was down right hooked! As a modality of personal development, I was blown away by the peace and calm I attained after just 3 sessions over a two month time period. Read more>>
Brenna Kolumba
As a Child my Grandparents would drive 5 hours from New Jersey with the most amazing birthday cakes for me. I Can remeber sitting in front of then and staring at the details. It made me so happy. I always remebered my birthday cakesz over anything else.. About the age of 12 i wanted to decorate my own birthday cakes. Read more>>
Tish Lee
If I zoom out I feel that my story is one full of pivots after disappointments and failure. It is also saturated and intertwined with my biblical worldview that allows me to interpret these failures and disappointments as opportunity to grow and trust my divine creator. My professional story begins with my college career. Read more>>
Jerimia Wood
I was a military child growing up and spent a majority of my life in Alaska. I lived there for 18 years. One day during high school, I experienced the coldest day of my life. It was -60 degrees, not including the wind chill. It was so cold you are given a break during school to go start your vehicle. I had a ‘96 Kia and when I started the car it was just shaking. I took my pointer finger and pressed it to my review mirror and where the glass connected to the plastic. A chunk of glass broke where the mirror was connected. Read more>>
Jeff Kervin
I had the privilege of learning what the jobs should look completed that would make customers happy with their property. As time passed, customers in our community would asks me if I could remove trees and clean them up. This eventually led me to taking a leap of faith and starting Kervin Brothers Stump & Tree Co. LLC. It is hard to believe at how fast 29 years have went by. This company has blessed my family and I in so many ways, and we love nothing more than serving our community and others. Read more>>
