Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

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.

Brye Sebring

My “big break” was a song called “LEMONS” that I produced, wrote and released when I was sixteen. It went viral two weeks before the pandemic hit and it flipped my life upside down. I had always been musically inclined. I was a stereotypical theater kid, I was singing before I could talk, I was always writing. I knew that I wanted to be a musician, I just never anticipated it becoming a full time thing. Thank god it is. Read more>>

Deirdre Colligan

I founded Candy Shop Vintage in the mid 2000s. It started with a collection of whimsical vintage jewelry sourced from estate sales and flea markets and sold at private events and trunk shows. My background in fashion and design enabled me to curate a stream of sought after, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that I sold in Charleston, SC where I was living at the time. I have always found it such a huge source of inspiration in terms of style, color and design.  Read more>>

GODDESS PHOENIX

I am happy to say I am in remission for anorexia and have been through a ton of therapy for my mental issues—still trying to accept my intellectual disabilities—but I am the happiest and healthiest I have ever been. I realize resources for mental health are not that accessible, which is one of the reasons it took me so long to go to therapy—but it’s never too late. Not to toot my own horn but I’m pretty fucking proud of how far I’ve come and no it’s not always easy, but easier…absolutely. I’m also lucky to have pretty accepting family, a bunch of very sweet friends, and a lovely community as a whole. As a genderqueer person and a dancer in the Bible Belt, I’m so lucky to have such love around me that keeps me believing in love and myself. Read more>>

Tori Ruis Brandi Craig

When we first opened we offered classes for students in grades Pre K through eighth grade, and we were able to house our classes at Platinum Dance Studio. We had twenty seven students when we first opened our doors in 2022. Now we are currently in two different facilities serving students in grades Pre K – eleventh grade, and our current enrollment is right under two hundred students. God has done a mighty work through Anchor Academy, and we have managed to maintain our small classrooms, parent partnerships, and faith based instructional opportunities for our students. Read more>>

Abby Bradley

Since then, the company has grown from a partnership between two solopreneurs into a thriving team of talented, creative women. With team members based in both Nashville and along the Gulf Coast, Nova Social Co. proudly serves clients across a wide range of lifestyle-driven industries, including hospitality, food and beverage, DTC product brands, entertainment, and private aviation. Read more>>

Mary McCrary

I grew up facing a lot of trauma, and for a long time I didn’t know how to cope with the pain I was carrying. That led me down a path of addiction and eventually incarceration. But God changed everything! After turning myself into prison, I started college, and I joined the coding program. I also took a trauma healing class and I realized I had purpose and something to give back. Read more>>

Courtney Jackson

Working with various companies and people, I encountered disrespect and dishonesty. Some of my coworkers were two-faced, pretending to be supportive while secretly undermining me. It was tough to stay true to myself in an environment where lies seemed to be the norm. Additionally, companies often had me sign NDAs to conceal their flaws, making it even harder to navigate the industry with integrity. Read more>>

Joseph Brasher

After marrying my wife, Brittany, while pursuing careers in banking and insurance, we began serving as small group leaders. I had the opportunity to speak at various times within the group and on mission trips. One pivotal moment came when I was asked to preach to our entire congregation. The desire to preach and teach God’s Word grew into a conviction that I could not ignore, which led to the affirmation of my vocational calling as a pastor. This calling would lead me to pursue my Master’s in Divinity from Liberty University, followed by my Ph.D. in Education and Organizational Leadership from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Read more>>

Kierra Gray

I expanded my team and hired girls to perform lash extensions and select brow services, I also continue to offer lash and brow service, and I host lash certification courses to an expansive portion of women in Middle TN. To look back and see that girl who had no direction of where she was going, it’s truly inspiring to see now that every stepping stone of life lead me here to be the successful business woman I am today with a successful business that allows me the freedom to work for myself and give employment opportunities to those likeminded individuals who I once saw as myself. Read more>>

Heather Morgan

I’ve always been one to see the glass half full, even when it’s broken and leaking a little. So no, it wasn’t a smooth road, but it was the road I needed. Moving to Nashville alone was one of the hardest and most healing things I’ve ever done. For the first three months, I bounced between Airbnbs every 30 days with nothing but faith, a few suitcases, and my dog. It was wildly uncomfortable, but it taught me how to ground myself without needing a permanent address. Read more>>

Chris Kimmerer

In 2009, with my friends Konrad Snyder and Marc Scibilia, we started The Brown Owl studio.. at the time, we knew we needed experience in the studio if we were going get called to “real” sessions and find success in the recording process. So, we pooled our resources and rented our first studio space.. a small little house in Berry Hill. We initially signed a one year lease- at some old Nashville prices- and justified the whole thing knowing that if nothing came of our time, we’d only have to scrape rent together for a 12 month period. Read more>>

Jaymi Millard

I was a saxophonist for my early years…..found upright bass when I was 12. I played in a Croatian orchestra at 13 and did private parties/bar mitzvahs etc when I was 14. I was listening to a lot of rock and could not make Black Sabbath sound right on the old Kay bass so I rented a nice Precision bass and started to ear train for notes and worked to transpose all my sax notes from treble to bass clef. I went from band to band in high school and junior college. I moved to Tennessee and attended Belmont University for bass and music business. Read more>>

Ana Rodriguez

Absolutely not. In fact, there are days when I ask, “why bother?” And there are days when I feel like I’m living outside of my body, in an actual dream. Our first location almost closed twice in a matter of months, and the third time the possibility of closing arose, it actually happened. But as many blessings happen, it felt like a curse only momentarily. Now, our new space is bigger and brighter with more windows and plants. I thank my mom, my husband and my in laws for helping me with this transition. Read more>>

Erin Coritnez

Every cake we make is crafted with the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years. Our cakes and buttercreams are light, fluffy, and full of flavor—decadent without being heavy. Whether you’re after timeless classics or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered. One of our favorites? The From the Garden collection, featuring all-natural floral and herbal flavors like rose water and lemon basil. Read more>>

Tamika Marshall

My name is Tamika Marshall, and I am a 9½-year uterine cancer survivor. My journey through cancer began September 2015 and it changed my life, From that pain, I found my purpose. I founded Lady T Hope Brigade in 2016 to be a light for others facing what I once faced — fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. I wanted to turn my experience into action by creating a support system that reminds people they don’t have to fight alone. Through monthly dinners, bingo nights, care packages, supplies and heartfelt connections, we lead with compassion, hope, and a heart to serve. Read more>>

Sarah Tuck

No, I can’t say that it’s been a smooth road for me. Honestly, there were times I had struggles, and I had many disappointments along the way. Mostly in people who I thought had my back. This has kept me on my feet though for everything that I’ve had to face. Being who I am with a strong constitutional mind, has given me the steps in being able to deal with the blows and punches that some people has thrown at me along the way. I will always believe that God knew what I could take before he gave me this gift, and in believing in this. This has made me stronger and wiser person that I am today and has prepared me for the road that is coming ahead of me. Read more>>

Lauren Routledge

For me, it is a choice to prioritize my familial relationships no matter where I am working in the world. I have had to miss family birthdays, wedding dress shopping for my sister, funerals, holidays, etc. because my industry’s schedule is potentially a little less lenient. However, my family has shifted with me; celebrating Christmas in the state I was performing in or even simply making a long drive/flight to support me. Quite frankly, I would not be anywhere without my family’s support. They have walked alongside me from the moment I first stepped on stage to where I am now, performing for a living. I have the privilege of having my parents as mentors and my sisters as my best friends. I never want to take that for granted. Read more>>

Kirstin Krulikowski

I am a faith-inspired artist, specializing in creating meaningful and visually compelling artwork that reflects themes from the Bible and my personal spiritual journey. My work is deeply rooted in my connection with God, and I believe my artistic journey began when I started having dreams in which I was painting and sharing my art. I saw this as a divine nudge to pick up my pencil and paintbrush again. Read more>>

Matt Long

As an artist and entertainer, creativity takes on many forms. It’s no longer just about the music; as an independent artist, you need to wear many hats. Without financial backing, I have to get creative not only with my music but also with everything from posters and merch to social media posts. In today’s world, social media allows you to build an audience that connects with you for who you are — quirks and all. Read more>>

Michael Jordan

My engagement with sports has been a constant in my life. However, during college, a back injury sidelined me for what felt like an eternity – over a year. Following an MRI, the diagnosis was spinal stenosis. Surgical intervention was presented as a possibility, though the reported success rates weren’t exactly a cause for celebration, and the potential for lasting negative effects was mentioned. Consequently, I chose to explore non-surgical options. My journey through various alternative therapies was… well, let’s just say the results were varied. Read more>>

Joe Hamm

Like a plant, it was time to be re-potted in order to grow. My Partner Paige and I made the move to Nashville with our two dogs Tidus and Luna in 2024. Our story as a family continues! Moving across the country is a lot more challenging than I thought it would be, and moving two careers adds another layer to that, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. We have a lot of dreams as a family, and I really feel like we’re living out our dreams individually and as a couple every day and I’m so thankful. Read more>>

Morgan Schofield Zach Brickner

Morgan and I first met in 2020, where we worked at the same office in West Nashville. Over the years, Morgan became a repeat top producer of the office and I became the managing broker in charge of the day-to-day operations. Looking back on it all, it makes a little too much sense that we would come to work together. In 2023, we decided to hire some full-time help between us, and this is where Liz Earle came into the picture! Corner of Nashville officially started in 2024 after Morgan and I realized we shared the same passion, beliefs, and goals for what we wanted to accomplish in real estate. Starting 2025, we are pushing forward into year two of the team and year 12 of real estate with the same relentless passion as years before. Read more>>

Nicki Sarra Halford

I started my jewelry brand, The Faint of Heart, in my dorm room! It really started out as a hobby, but I have always been a big dreamer, so I had aspirations from the start of turning it into a real brand. Over the years I have also explored different creative outlets, which led me to start a “sister brand” to The Faint of Heart – my new art print shop called Wildflower Chapel. Read more>>

Mike Gowen Jr

As a college football and track athlete, my life up to that point was dominated by sports. I was aspiring to play football professionally until I had multiple concussions forcing me to stop playing. I was lost for some time after that but found my way through music and have dedicating my life to it ever since. After studying piano composition my last year in college, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. While in New York, I played guitar in multiple bands, including my main band of 7 years, Mother, and worked as a composer independently and with my good friend Scott Dadich – who has been a great inspiration and mentor to me. He’s been kind enough to have me as the music composer on multiple projects over the years, including work for Wired Magazine, Condé Nast, IBM, C3Ai, and OKTA to name a few. Read more>>

Kate Kirven

I created Willa Jean to celebrate my passion for family history and my love of meaningful heirlooms. Inheriting my grandmother’s antique jewelry collection inspired me to create unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry from these well-loved treasures. Just as my jewelry blends the old with the new, the name Willa Jean was inspired by thoughtfully combining something from my past (Willa, a nod to where I grew up), and Jean (my daughter’s middle name) . Read more>>

Justin Koziol

In our production facility, we pre-fabricate building components using cross laminated timber as the basis for our modular structures. Our pre-fabricated building components consist of volumetric bathroom and mechanical pods, and finished wall assemblies up to 25′ long. Our modular assemblies are constructed using high performance building techniques and low carbon emission materials. Our aim is to provide housing that uses 75% less energy than a typical home, lasts for over 50 years without the need for a major renovation and has best in market indoor air quality. Our modular system allows us to achieve these goals while also delivering homes in 45 days or less from foundation to move in ready house. Read more>>

Sophie Stanley

After high school, I moved to Savannah, GA to pursue a BFA at the Savannah College of Art and Design. While there, I discovered a deep love for working on photo and fashion sets. Collaborating with other creatives to bring a vision to life was thrilling, and it sparked my passion for art direction. I started exploring other disciplines — taking courses in sound design, photography, acting, and fashion — to better understand the roles on set and communicate my ideas more clearly. Read more>>

Shannon Stevens

With the help of a few estheticians Feb. 2023-2025, I kept my spa open too!! After traveling around the country, driving 63,000+ miles, and training hundreds of providers, I learned a lot and matured in business and was pulled hard to come home and fuel my passion for helping others in my hometown again. I’m back full time in my own spa, and re-energized to keep it GLOWING. I have had some amazing support from clients who have become friends and friends who have become clients too! With almost 6 years in business, I could not have made it this far without my biggest supporter and partner in life, Doug. He provides strength, encouragement, drive, business experience, support, the calm to my crazy, and so much love! I am forever grateful. Read more>>

Takeshi Kelson

We started back in 2021. I have a son with Cerebral Palsy. The type of cerebral palsy he has is spastic diplegia which cause extreme tension in his hamstrings and ankles. This does not allow him to extend or relax. During Covid, we found that the only time his muscles would relax is in the tub using bath salts or natural bath bombs. Read more>>

Luke Gerzon

Even now, the journey isn’t easy. I’m building a business from the ground up, and every day brings new challenges to overcome. Real estate is a 100% commission-based industry, and that comes with a lot of pressure. You often see the success stories—the agents who’ve made it—but what you don’t see is the 90% who never do. That reality keeps me grounded and motivates me to keep pushing, learning, and staying creative in how I grow. Read more>>

Steven Vallee

I started by running some events for some local game stores, because I saw an opportunity to grow the community. I’ve always been good at organizing information and hosting events. There were a few local game stores that were generous enough to let me help out. I first did it for free and then started getting paid for it. I eventually needed to do my taxes so a friend of mine helped show me how to file for a business and I found an accountant. Read more>>

Anisha Pachisia

I started my account for fun junior year of college, where things were slowly opening up because of COVID restrictions in 2021 and me and my roommates were looking to explore the LA food scene. While I had always been in charge of finding new places to try with my family, I found that I was taking the same initiative with my friends. I like trying new places and making sure there are enough options on the menu to fit everyone’s dietary restrictions and personal preferences, and through doing research, I have been lucky enough to find my go-tos. Personally, I am a vegetarian but I have had the privilege of living in cities that offer such diverse options when it comes to food that I have never felt restricted, but can give my honest opinions on “viral” places since those don’t tend to cater to everyone. Read more>>

Mia Rago

I started singing at a very young age, listening to my dad sing Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin around the house. When I was 13 years old I started playing guitar and exploring songwriting. I continued singing through high school and my love for songwriting grew stronger. I knew I wanted to pursue music as a career, but just wasn’t sure how. I found a music program at Belmont University in Nashville, TN and after one visit, fell in love with the city. I kept cultivating my craft, writing songs, and singing. As I took voice lessons in college, a love for opera started to bloom and I found myself graduating with a classical voice degree. Read more>>

Ian White

Fortunately, the space next to the private studio opened up later that year, and in October, I moved into the larger unit with the goal of building something bigger than myself. That’s when Safe House Tattoo was officially born. From the beginning, the vision was to create a space that felt safe. Not only just for clients, but for the artists working in it. A place where we could learn from each other, push our craft, and grow as people. Read more>>

Ian & Lindsay White

In 2021, we hosted a Body Suit Art Show at the studio, and the turnout was fantastic, further confirming our belief that an event organized by the studio could be a success. Then, in 2022, friends who run a well-regarded tattoo expo in Iowa approached us about collaborating on a show in Nashville. Their event had a strong reputation, and we jumped at the opportunity. The first official Middle Tennessee Tattoo Expo took place in 2024 and was incredibly well received. Read more>>

Emily Sands

In my hometown of Vandalia, Ohio, I took as many art classes as I could, and I was fortunate enough to have two wonderful teachers in highschool, that really encouraged my dreams of becoming a tattoo artist. I was invited to participate in the Marie Walsh Sharpe Summer Seminar, in Colorado Springs, my junior year in highschool, and by senior year, I was introduced to an incredibly eclectic fine artist, Scott Gibbs who helped guide me further in art at his studio in Dayton, Ohio. Read more>>

Sheyla Paz

My career in media flourished as I became deeply involved in journalism and broadcasting. I had the incredible opportunity to travel with President Barack Obama to Cuba in 2016 as part of the White House Press Corps, a historic moment that reinforced my commitment to storytelling and bridging cultures. I also worked on various media projects, including film production, earning recognition as a leading media personality in the Latino community in Tennessee. My dedication to sharing untold stories led to my recognition as a ‘Beacon of Light’ award recipient in 2019. Read more>>

Aaron Stearns

Through the years I grew in my career. I worked as a freelancer for a while, was an art director at a fast growing e-commerce platform, and eventually went on staff at my church as a designer/art director. Each opportunity allowed me to wear several hats and look at projects as wholistic campaigns. Read more>>