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.

Ethan DaSilva

I started with local shows in Nashville, TN at currently retired venues like “The Muse,” and “The Rutledge,” and I put out my first studio project in 2011. My career really began to soar when I moved to Atlanta, GA in 2013. I gained a ton of notoriety and fan support, so I took my talents on the road for 2 years. After successfully touring through 13 different states, I came back to Nashville, TN to help my friends who also made music. I’ve spent the past 10 years performing my own music as well as recording, mixing, mastering, managing and educating performing artists, and helping elevate my community through artist led activism with Bang 4 Liberation: The Environmental Justice Army. Read more>>

Rich Guzzi

I started as a stand up comedian. Then added Hypnosis to the show and became a comic hypnotist. Then got into the training of hypnotists to be able to do the same thing as me. Which turned into Hypnosis World Dot Com. One of the leading resources for the training and implementation of hypnosis services world wide. Read more>>

Bino Howard

I’ve always had a niche for fixing problems and cutting hair was a spectacular outlet. I admired and still this day admire the genuineness of meeting someone new or old and learning more about them in the time of the service provided. The personable hustling spirit of my late grandfather is what I feel during every cut and journey I experience sculpting the man and barber I am today. Since I’ve started I’ve done giveaways, free grooming events, and more to come as this journey continues. Read more>>

Glen Shelton

As a young singer, I opened for Randy Travis. I have also shared the stage with more than 50 National Acts including Joe Nichols, Jameson Rodgers, Clint Black, John Rich, Richie McDonald, Mark Miller (Sawyer Brown), and many other well-known artists. I have performed at hundreds of events and venues including the Nashville Palace, Civic Centers, State Fairs, Theaters, Festivals, etc. I have performed for as many as 25,000 people. Read more>>

Brittany Taylor

After a conglomeration of major life changing events, I turned a leaf and moved onto a little chunk of land in Ooltewah, Tennessee with my son Jett, and our little dog, Bennie. I started a completely new life without any real plans for what would come next.. With zero experience, I began gardening flowers and vegetables. Next, I left my career in corporate HR and quit working for companies who treat their employees poorly and whose only interest was bottom line profit. Read more>>

Andi Jane

My musical journey started as a dreamer. I grew up in the middle of nowhere Illinois, down a dirt road, with no neighbors. I sang to the sky. I danced for the birds. It was clear at a young age that music–particularly singing–made me feel alive in a way that nothing else did. As a youth, I took piano lessons and sang in school plays and variety shows. I didn’t have much thought of singing as a career at that point, but I always loved to do it. Come life after college and I moved to Chicago and formed a band. Performing as the front person for a band was electric–I knew this was it for me. But I lost my way in the parties and the drugs for a few years. I DJed parties, danced A LOT, and made many friends that probably forgot who I was the next day. Read more>>

Yasmin Dickerson

I’m proof that no matter where you are raised and what your surroundings are you are going to be who you were meant to be. I was raised deep in the woods in a town so tiny it didn’t even have a Walmart. Even though I wasn’t exposed to fashion or the arts I always had a fascination with them. I would check out library books on clothing design and found all the fashion magazines I could. Read more>>

Zachary Kline

I moved to town six years ago after retiring from the Canadian football league. I spent most of college playing in punk bands between football practice and class . We would play for Whiskey and a place to sleep at frat parties and beach sidewalks in California where I’m from. I’ve always played in bands and wrote songs, but I wanted to see if I can stand up my own project and learn that side in Nashville. Read more>>

Tracy Farley

This opportunity inspired me to do more and teach others about Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, raw feeding and limiting all chemicals in and on our pets for the betterment of their health. I later became a veterinary sales rep where I was able to learn for some of the top DVM’s in the US regarding all means of holistic pet care. For almost 20 years I dreamt of opening up a center to educate and bring the best of diets, herbs and therapy to my home town area of the Upper Cumberland. I finally saw that dream become a reality in 2020 and it has exceeded my expectations with the support from the community. Read more>>

Rodney Baldwin

My name is Rodney Baldwin, and I’m from the heart of Lumberton, North Carolina. I was born on September 17, 1993, and today, I have the incredible honor of being the father of four beautiful children: Arabella (10), Kingston (9), Naomi (6), and Nilah (3). They are the pride and joy of my life, and I thank God daily for entrusting them to me. Being their father has shaped me, refined me, and deepened my purpose. Read more>>

Boyd Lee Whitehead II

My wife and I grew up in Dade County just across the Teneessee line in Georgia. We are high school sweethearts and have been together since we were 14. I started working in a restaurant when I was in HIgh School, Chili’s on Brainerd Rd. I enjoyed it, I love people and love food. I worked other jobs but cooking was my passion. I have worked in several restaurants along with my wife until we got married and started a family. We have two kids, Trey and Hailee (25 and 27). Some of the places I worked just to name a few were, Logan’s Road House, Mount Vernon, Acropolis, Mountain City Club and Canyon Grill.  Read more>>

Chelsea LeBlanc

I grew up in a family of eight, so budget-friendly meal planning was just a part of life. My dad was in the life insurance world, so he always emphasized the importance of healthy eating. I always loved food and cooking, but I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do career-wise. When I saw food and nutrition as a major option at the University of Alabama, I thought, “I like food, I like nutrition—why not?” And I totally fell in love with it. Read more>>

Ashley Boss

Transitioning into a completely different industry came with its own steep learning curve. I struggled to figure out how to market my business effectively, how to price jobs fairly (but profitably), and how to attract and keep reliable, quality employees. Even identifying exactly what I wanted my business to focus on—residential vs. commercial, deep cleans vs. recurring maintenance—took time, trial, and error. Read more>>

Rosie Dunn

Each destination presents me with new challenges and obstacles- some which I expect, and some which I do not. Overall, travel is one of my favorite things to do, but by going to new places I know I will also run into challenges. One challenge that I run into the most frequently is finding an accessible bathroom at a hotel where I can use the shower safely and independently. I feel that the setup I need to shower safely and independently is not very elaborate, but even in rooms labeled as accessible (if we can find them at the hotels I’m staying at), the design is not often inclusive or practical. It is very frustrating to need help with this task when I can do it independently at home. Read more>>

Eric Calderone

In 2009, I just finished my degrees – A Bachelor of Music from the University of Tampa and A Master in Orchestration from Berklee College of Music. A lot of us know what happens next, you try and figure out what you’re going to do, ha! This fresh site was getting some attention and my guitar instructor from UT suggested that any musician should upload to it as a live resume to make it easier for places to see what you were all about before booking you for gigs. I also did some arrangements of popular songs for guitar class that a lot of my peers and students would push for me to upload. Read more>>

Jeff Roberts

Hello everyone! My name is Jeff Roberts. My wife Heather and I moved to Nashville TN in March 2023 to be closer to our one and only daughter Jordan who has made Nashville her home for the last 10 years. We immediately fell in love with this wonderful city and the great people here! Read more>>

Sarah Free

I attended Lipscomb University and continued releasing music, graduating with a B.A. in Songwriting. I was originally going to college to become a music teacher, but my professors encouraged me to try the artist thing and now here I am! I now fully produce and write all of my own music. I love collaborating with others and ghostwriting as well. 4 years ago I began writing for sync and just got the news that I placed and sold my first song last week! When I’m able to tell I will all on my socials! I am now in the finial stages of production for my first self-produce album. Read more>>

Carmen Ingerman

After those initial cellar rabbit holes, I sought higher education through WSET and Court of Master Sommeliers. What began as personal development grew into a larger mission after attending a self-important wine event where the host only reinforced the culture of intimidation I was leaving behind. Empowered by my deeper understanding, I was motivated to make the topic more accessible for others. In finding ways to demystify the wine world, I fell in love with its stories. Read more>>

Joseph Bates

I have always loved music. I have always had a passion for it. Being in the music industry was once a dream to me, that I now get to fulfill. After working for years on my craft, I get to chance to showcase them to the world. I have battled many different aspects in life, as everyone does. All you can do is keeping going when an obstacle gets in your way. It has brought me to this place that I am at today. Growing up, I looked up to the musicians whom made it in the music industry from my small town. It inspired me that anything is possible, no matter how big or small the town your from. If you put in the work every single day, you will be rewarded. Read more>>

Martessia Williams

The road has its challenges. Especially starting out. No one knows you. You have no portfolio. But you have to start somewhere right? Getting out there is one thing, but staying out there is another. The most challenging thing for any shooter is to stay booked, and to stay busy. Always remembering you still have to pay rent. When you’re booked, life’s good. But what happens when you’re not booked? I had to learn how to make the best of both busy, and non-busy times. Additionally, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone back and forth between working full-time at a job, and working for myself. All I can say is, I didn’t get it right the first time, and it takes continued effort, resiliency, and creating from confidence. Read more>>

Dustin Sellers

The first single from upcoming album “Dustin Sellers as Sad Bachelor” is called “Hide Your Head.” It is a dialogue between a devoted lover and a heartless soulmate who turned her back on unconditional love without a trace of empathy or accountability. This is one of many stories told on the album coming in 2025, and is a continuation of the storytelling you can find in all of Sellers’ previous works. Explore the themes of heartbreak, loss, resilience, love, and innocence throughout Sellers’ entire discography. Read more>>

Chino Chino

I began producing/doing music when I was 15. I was the kid that read the liner notes/credits to see who was doing what. I rapped a little but decided that producing was what I was passionate about. I began doing beat battles in 2010 after seeing my producer friends participate and figured that I’d try my hand at it. I won the 2011 SoundTrack beat battle and had the opportunity to work with Mims. Read more>>

Megan Jayroe

I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts and went straight into teaching at a public school in Mobile, Al. I instantly had a dance class with high school students staring at me aimlessly, wanting to learn technique (or booty shaking) and then 3-4 students with high needs with ranging abilities- blind, down syndrome, autism, and deaf and/or hard of hearing. Naturally, I focused solely on ensuring my students with disabilities had everything they needed and access to learn as much or more as my other students. Read more>>

Justin Lacy

journey in Nashville started in 2022 after having to relocate from Fort Myers, FL due to Hurricane Ian. Nashville was always a place on the map to visit but never thought it would be home. now 2.5 years later, i call it home. It has been a wonderful experience, never a dull moment i like to tell people. Always something to do from the obvious nights on Broadway, to live music all day every day, concerts, Baseball games in the summer, hockey games in the Winter months. it truly is a city that never sleep. I have meet some may great people along the way that have just added to the experience, making memories that will last a lifetime. Read more>>

Chloey Wilson

When Ryan & I moved to Nashville for my music career, he landed a job in his profession as a ballroom dance instructor. He studied ballroom in WA & UT and it was what he had thought he would spend his life doing in some capacity. I had been in and out of jobs not really finding my footing, I was so unhappy everywhere I turned. While working as a bartender at one place and a barista at another place, I started to dream up my coffee shop on the back of napkins, ordering paper pads and anything else I could find. I knew what I loved from the shops I had worked at and I knew what I didn’t, what I thought I could improve or wanted to do differently. Read more>>

Journey Mitchell

I took a step back and asked myself, ‘Why nursing?’ I realized I wanted to make people feel heard, cared for, loved, and have the chance to brighten someone’s day, even in a small way. Nursing just wasn’t hitting that mark for me. I wanted to create experiences that allowed people to feel good. I’ve always loved all things beauty, so I started exploring that world. The more I learned, the more I realized that being a hairstylist was where I was meant to be. There’s so much freedom in the relationships you build, and I still get to make people feel amazing! Read more>>

Jane Chambers

Before I left for school I got a dream opportunity to play a show as DRKMTTR, which is an all ages nonprofit venue with incredible atmosphere. It is still my favorite place Ive played and I hope I get the opportunity to play there again. Currently I am working on recording new music as I released my song “Judas Lamb” at the end of 2024, and plan to put it on an EP by the end of this year! But for the summer I am focusing on writing and recording some really cool music Im very excited to share. Read more>>

Thomas Reid

Those songs ended up being that ones that really took off for me. From there, I ended up overtime accruing over 200 million streams on spotify and got to hear from people all around the world who appreciated my sad lil tunes. These days I make a variety of sounds, but have settled more back into my roots in folk music. I feel like you can hear how I’ve grown up in my music. I’m really happy with the sound I’ve settled into. It’s been a long ride and I’m probably getting too old to be doing what I’m doing lol but I enjoy it, Read more>>

Kim Bracken

“The transition has been fairly smooth overall. I’m fortunate to have a great supervisor and team who have been incredibly encouraging and supportive, which has made a big difference. That said, after spending over 20 years in my previous role, it was definitely an adjustment — learning new systems, adapting to a different organizational culture, and getting comfortable in a new environment. It took some time to find my rhythm, but I’ve welcomed the challenge, and it’s been a great opportunity for personal and professional growth.” Read more>>

Amy Reid

In 2007, I decided to focus on my love of dogs, and I opened a daycare and kennel west of Nashville, in Pegram, where I handled day-to-day operations and all the branding and marketing for the business. In addition, i keot several freelance design clients. When the business closed in 2010, I joined Parade Magazine as an editorial designer, where I worked for the next seven years. I love magazine & publication design, and have realized it’s definitely where my interest lies as a designer. Music continued to play a huge roll in my personal life, so it was a good balance for me. Read more>>

Juicee Bub

Kickin Country Line Dance premiered the official “Born In The Country” video the day before the release on Thursday April 24th, 2025 at Great American Ranch (Midlothian, VA) which also had a excellent crowd in attendance. “Born In The Country” (featuring Barefoot Joe) was released Friday April 25th, 2025 on all streaming platforms. “Born In The Country” is also gaining radio spins and continuing to gain significant amounts of exposure. Read more>>

Brandi James

My name is Brandi James, and I’m a 29-year-old entrepreneur and the founder of Southern Prepped LLC, a healthy meal prep company I launched in 2019. Inspired by my father’s diabetes diagnosis, I created Southern Prepped to offer flavorful, nutritious meals—especially for those who struggle with eating healthy food that actually tastes good. Over the years, I’ve grown the business with a focus on soul food-inspired dishes that support wellness without sacrificing flavor. As a hands-on CEO, I’ve built a loyal customer base, expanded operations, and balanced entrepreneurship with my passion for helping others live healthier lives through food. Read more>>

Raven Fitts

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, I dreamt of being in the medical field since I was 12 years old so changing that while the world was shutting down was scary. I didn’t know much about trade schools either other than the cost to attend so it was nerve racking figuring everything out. Thankfully, my mom and grandmother were my backbones through this change and pushed me to be where I am today. Read more>>

Rachel Corbin

It has not always been a smooth road. I took a break from creating art after first moving to Nashville. I hit some road bumps while adjusting from a huge life change. I eventually found the spark and time to create again. I was having difficult finding the direction I wanted to take with my art, but I often tried to remind myself that it was important to continually create, no matter what it was. I often found that surrounding myself with art helped me feel that spark again. Whether it was an art show, a mural, or a museum show, I would leave feeling inspired. Read more>>

Rick Johnson

When I’m at networking events, I usually tell people I’m a music creator, educator, and entrepreneur – though honestly, it depends on the day and what I’m most excited about! Beyond my teaching at Belmont, I’ve been focused on growing my DJ Louric brand since early 2024. But my DJ roots go way back to 2001 when I was spinning records as an on-air personality on my radio show ‘The Answer’ at W.H.I.P. 91.3fm during my Temple University days. Read more>>

David Dicks

I moved to Nashville in 2008 to attend audio school at SAE and received my audio technology diploma with honors. I spent a couple years after that in the live sound world interning and freelancing but soon things shifted to more studio focus. I had worked on a couple projects in the studio but I had a couple songs land on some TV shows and I just got lost in all the possibilities with recording. I now have my own recording studio which I never thought would happen. Read more>>

Christin Sofka

I primarily photograph weddings which is such a fun combination of all types of photography. When I was in college, I didn’t think I wanted to photograph weddings, but I did a few here and there and eventually the magic of the industry really drew me in. In 2023, I went full time with my business, and honestly wish I had done it sooner. I genuinely enjoy being able to create art for people with their love at its core. The emotion and beauty that happens on a wedding day is unmatched, and I am incredibly grateful to have a job that provides such value to others. Read more>>

Shelby Knight

A respected industry professional— who at the time was working at The Hermitage Hotel and formerly with the Four Seasons—told me I should be planning weddings full time. With the encouragement of my husband, who’s been one of my biggest supporters, I finally took the leap. Since then, I’ve been planning weddings for a wide range of clients throughout the Southeast—from those with a clear vision and a few personal touches in mind, to those planning a large-scale luxury celebration with every detail inspired. Read more>>

Rev. Michael Alford

Hello, my name is Rev. Michael Alford. I am the Pastor of Mount Pisgah Apostolic Church for all people. I was raised in Mobile, Alabama, I have lived in the Nashville area 25 years. My great great Grandmother Crocker was part of the original Azuza street movement. I have been blessed to work at several churches throughout my career after Bible college. We started our current ministry 17 years ago. Mount Pisgah is currently located in Old Hickory Village, Our progressive ministry hosts several church singings throughout the year. We pride ourselves in our fellowship dinners, and weekly Bible studies. We strive to proclaim the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Read more>>

Justine Sylvie

I always knew I wanted to work in “fashion”. I sketched clothes from an early age and wanted to go to Fashion Design school. When I was 20 I started working in talent agencies where I was exposed to more of the behind the scenes. It gave me great insight into how bookings and castings were handled. Eventually I graduated with a degree in Fashion Design spending many years trying to launch my own line. Around 2010 Nashville was a hot bed of creative energy with likeminded individuals really putting in the work to make this town more fashion forward. Read more>>

Harlequine Clay

I was exposed to the performing arts for the very first time when I was 17 years old. A woman from our church at the time we called her ‘Mama Jones,’ had an arts summer camp called Kansas Academy of Theatrical Arts. She invited me along with my other siblings to participate in her program. I was exposed to dance, art, singing, acting, and more. It was an amazing experience and I had a lot of fun participating in her camp. A seed was planted. I moved to the Middle Tennessee area, (Lebanon) with my family when I was 19 years old and struggled to figure out what my love and passion was and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  Read more>>

Dr. Omaràn Lee

I didn’t always know I’d become a pastor or therapist—but I always knew I was called to care. I began my academic journey at Fisk University, earning a B.A. in English, where I learned the power of words and storytelling. I went on to receive my Master of Divinity from Lipscomb University, then completed a Doctor of Ministry in Clinical Pastoral Therapy from Memphis Theological Seminary. My research focused on the hidden burdens of bi-vocational clergy in the African American church—people who are often expected to pour out without being poured into. Read more>>

J.K. Coltrain

Of course in his teens he had to try his hand in high school dance bands like Fire n’ Ice and The Four Aces but by age 20 he had returned to his first love country music. At that time J. K. helped form a 7 piece country rock group called ‘The Southern Express’. They garnered a great deal of regional success and opened for many popular groups at that time such as Pure Prairie League, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Poco & The Marshall Tucker Band. Read more>>

KerriAnn Brewer

We were closed on the weekends at that time. Monday I opened the restaurant as the new owner at 18 years old. I’ve been here since I was born, so this community watched me grow up. The support was overwhelming in the best way possible. It took off! August of this year will be my two year mark. We offer lunch as well as anything you could think of for any event. Charcuterie boards, party trays with sandwiches, fruit/veggie boards. I’m now almost 21 with plans to open a food truck as well in the future to broaden my customer base! Read more>>

Chad Partee

I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and I moved to Murfreesboro to attend Middle Tennessee State University, where I studied film and video production. While at MTSU, I met some incredibly talented and inspiring people who helped shape my creative path. Because I often needed someone to be on camera for my projects—and didn’t always have access to actors—I ended up acting in a lot of my own work. That hands-on experience sparked my interest in acting, which I’ve continued to pursue ever since. Read more>>

Chase Stetson

After high school, there was no doubt music was what I wanted to do. So, a little over a year ago, I made the jump and moved to Nashville. It certainly hasn’t been easy; I’ve had my share of face plants, but each one has taught me so much, pushing me to grow as a musician and an individual. This city, with its incredible talent, is truly the best place to be humbled and to learn. I feel incredibly blessed by the opportunities that have come my way, particularly the chance to collaborate with my producer, Kent Wells. His mentorship, his constant challenge to push me further, and, most powerfully, his genuine belief in me, it’s something I still find hard to fully grasp. Read more>>

Sam Cross

I spent every second of free time learning, experimenting, and trying to get on every set possible as a P.A. I was usually a little older than other Production Assistants, but that also came with a maturity, work ethic, and perspective that was uncommon. I lived off my teaching salary and used my freelance money to pay off those pesky student loans, as well as acquiring my own production equipment. Five years later, I quit my teaching career to pursue video production as my full time job. Read more>>

Lain Tomlinson

Through it all, prayer and perspective have kept me grounded when it comes to these struggles. I believe that music is a gift from God, and I try to use it to uplift, encourage, and witness to as many people as I can. It doesn’t mean that the struggles disappear, but it does mean that I’m not facing them alone. I’m thankful for that, and also for Emma, my family and friends, and my fans for their support. Realigning my mindset has made all the difference. Read more>>