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.
Narmeen Abojamoos
My journey with House of Pizza Clinton has been one of faith, resilience, and community. What started as a small family dream became a true local landmark — a place where families, students, and friends gather to share good food and even better memories. But our story hasn’t been easy. In 2024, a devastating fire destroyed everything we had built. Read more>>
Kevin Boyd
I started my career in IT through a paid externship that turned into a full-time role, and I spent over five years developing strong technical and problem-solving skills. When COVID shifted everything to remote work, it gave me time to reflect, and I realized I wanted to build something of my own—something rooted in service, trust, and real connection. Read more>>
Jasmin Lynch
My journey began at a young age with a deep love for dance, cheer, and working with youth. Growing up in a large, hardworking family, I learned early on the value of perseverance, dedication, and community. I started working at fifteen as a student tutor, where I discovered how much I enjoyed helping children grow — not just academically, but personally. Read more>>
Gloria Anderson
Trendy Twist Boutique currently located at 182 W. Evan Street, Florence, South Carolina (Downtown Florence)was created by mother and daughter duo Gloria D. Anderson and Shereca R. Anderson. For eleven years the pair have dreamed about opening a boutique that exemplify classy and timeless fashions for every woman. Shereca(daughter) and Gloria (mother) are passionate about their love for fashion and sharing it with others. Read more>>
Connor White
My passion for baking started when I was six years old in my great aunt’s kitchen. She babysat me often, and some of my favorite childhood memories come from standing beside her as she made pancakes. Read more>>
Ashley Corso
In 2017 I had a 6 month old and was working in television in Charlotte. I loved my job but I desperately wanted to spend more time with my son. My husband and I knew we wanted to be closer to family here in Easley so we jokingly threw out the idea “what if we quit our jobs & opened a craft beer taproom”.. Read more>>
Alinna Leeve
My passion for real Estate began in my late 20s after moving to NYC from Israel. Chasing the American dream as a starving artist, After working the nightlife industry , Plying music in bars, surviving, I needed a change. Read more>>
Jack Hanus
I have been building with LEGO since I was 7 years old. I grew up in Arizona, but in 2022, I moved to South Carolina to help start this store, Bricks & Minifigs Greenville, and I had worked as a manager there since it opened. As of September 1st, 2025, my dad and I purchased the store. Read more>>
Heather Lancaster
I moved to Anderson in 2014. After working for a software company for almost 15 years, I took a leap of faith to start Glory Fire Productions. My goal was to help small businesses, authors, and non-profits get their message out to the world. Read more>>
LaShonda Battle
My journey into the insurance industry began after spending more than 20 years working in healthcare. During that time, I noticed a common issue — so many individuals didn’t truly understand their insurance coverage. They had questions, confusion, and frustration, yet as much as I wanted to help, I was limited by time and circumstance. Read more>>
Tara Buckley
When I look back at my career with Edward Jones, I see a story defined by steady growth, opportunity, and a belief that meaningful work can start from the most modest beginnings. My journey didn’t begin with licenses or a long-term plan. It began in 2008, with a simple part-time position – and a willingness to learn. Read more>>
Lisa Lutz
Six and a half years ago, I was a brand-new mom navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood. With a degree in Exercise & Health Promotion from Virginia Tech and years in the fitness world, I’d always been passionate about helping women feel strong and confident. I had dabbled in photography too—families, seniors, engagements, newborns—but boudoir wasn’t even on my radar yet. Read more>>
William Widman
I’ve been a professional photographer for 15 years working in a variety of photography genres. I started as a high-end, location portrait photographer, then fine-art, landscape, & wildlife, and now architectural & commercial photography. I am mostly self-taught as a photographer. Certainly, I’ve attended Youtube university and done a workshop here and there. Read more>>
Jo Marie Brown
I’ve always been the historian in my family. You know, the one who always has the camera and waits until everyone eats lunch and then says, ‘let’s go outside for some pictures’. Everyone moaned and groaned but life happens and family dynamics can change by the day with losing loved ones or welcoming new ones into the world. Read more>>
Octavia Porterfield
I usually tell people that my journey didn’t start in a salon—it started in my grandmother’s living room in Swansea, South Carolina. I was raised by my grandparents, and my grandmother did everyone’s hair: nieces, cousins, neighbors, whoever needed it. I sat and watched her for years, soaking up every little detail without even realizing it. Read more>>
Sabrina Vogel
Growing up, my dad owned a construction business, and we built every home we lived in during my childhood. Some of my earliest memories are of sketching floor plans in crayon including my childhood home and my grandparent’s house, drawings I still keep today. Read more>>
Rachuel Pittman
I started Jade Hair Salon shortly after having my oldest daughter. Becoming a mother completely reshaped the way I saw myself and my future. It pushed me to show up for my own dreams, not just for me, but to model what confidence, courage, and self-belief look like. Read more>>
Terri Lalonde
Artistic Edge Art Studio started 3.5 years ago. We operated as a mobile studio, offering only our resin pour workshop. A year later we added in some of our beach glass workshops and continued to grow from there. On November 1, 2025 we opened our first brick and mortar in Greenville, SC. Read more>>
Gary Flynn
I began my career in retail at the age of 18, working part-time at Nordstrom while attending college. I didn’t know at the time that it could become a lifelong career, but I was immediately drawn to the pace, energy and people. I stayed with Nordstrom for 27 years, growing through different roles and learning every part of the business. Read more>>
Jason Blumer
Jason M. Blumer, CPA is the CEO of Blumer & Associates, CPAs. The firm was one of the first to move from a traditional office to a virtual environment in 2012, where they serve as an advisory firm for the entrepreneurs. Read more>>
Stacey Bailey
My journey began in Charleston in 2004, where I moved to attend the College of Charleston (CofC). Beyond earning a degree in Arts Management, I made lifelong connections while helping to launch the first iteration of the women’s ultimate frisbee team—a foundation that taught me about teamwork and building something from the ground up. Read more>>
Adrian Dorman
Our seafood restaurant, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, is located in Murrells Inlet, SC and has been in our family for 77 years- it was started in 1948 by my great grandparents. Since then it has been passed down through the generations and this year (2025) my parents retired and my sister Ashton DuBose and I took it over. Read more>>
Lisa Van Bergen
The Lowcountry Pastoral Counseling Center (LPCC) is a non-profit, faith-based counseling organization serving the Charleston, South Carolina region (the “Lowcountry”). It offers individual, couples, family, and adolescent counseling, integrating both recognized therapeutic methods and clients’ spiritual or faith perspectives. Lowcountry Pastoral Counseling Center (LPCC) was developed by the James Island Presbyterian Foundation in 2000 to respond to community needs for affordable, faith-inclusive counseling services. Read more>>
Kimberly McLeod
Photography has always been a hobby of mine, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I realized that my hobby, and my background in early childhood education made for a knack in children’s photography. I became a full time family and children photographer in 2018, and added engagement and wedding photography to my list of passions. Read more>>
Don Chapman
My story starts a long way from where it ended up. I was born in Yokosuka, Japan in 1966, the youngest of five children to Bill and Lorraine Chapman. Being the last of five meant I learned early how to listen, how to adapt, and how to appreciate the chaos and love of a big family. Read more>>
Tammie Price
My journey has been marked by unexpected twists and turns, but it’s in those biggest challenges and some great hurts that I’ve found the greatest opportunities for growth and service. As a young woman, I faced challenges that I never thought I’d overcome. I got pregnant out of wedlock, navigated a difficult divorce, and became a single mom. Read more>>
Sola Salons Greenville Downtown
In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with 750 locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 21,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Read more>>
Natalie Wienert
I never planned on owning a salon — in fact, I had absolutely no background in cosmetology, beauty, or the salon world. But sometimes the biggest blessings in life arrive in the most unexpected ways. A very good friend of mine previously owned the Salon at South Poinsett. Read more>>
Giacomo Campus
I was born and raised in Milan, Italy. Tennis took me around the world for many years, and eventually I decided to continue my journey in the United States. After spending a couple of years in Florida, I chose to pursue a college degree in Professional Biology. Alongside academics, I always carried a deep passion for hospitality and real estate. Read more>>
Arlyn Ruddy
My passion for music began in childhood. I grew up feeling like the black sheep of my family, and with emotionally unavailable parents, music became the force that raised me. It was my language, my emotional outlet, and my first teacher. Read more>>
Matthew Douty
Owners Chris and Matt have known each other since grade school, growing up near the beach in New Jersey. They’ve shared many entrepreneurial endeavors over that time and ultimately found ‘home’ for the first time since leaving their hometown in Charleston. All of which culminating with their passion for seafood and curated experiences with Holy Shuckers. Read more>>
Daniel Hunnicutt
I came to Horry County out of law school to work for a firm in Myrtle Beach. A couple of years later, I moved to Conway and started my own firm. Read more>>
Matt Dingledine
About me, Matt Dingledine: I am a music educator, advocate for the arts, guitarist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist in Greenville, South Carolina. I am Professor of Jazz Guitar and Director of Jazz Combos at Furman University since 2019, and I am the owner of Music on Mitchell where I have been teaching lessons for guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, lap steel, and music theory since 2006. Read more>>
