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.

Amy Smith

Pet owners all want different things. Some want to provide end of life care in the office with their established veterinarian that they have years of relationship with, while others desire to have it in the comfort of their home. Between local clinics and our small business, we are able to meet the needs of all clients. The name Bentley came from a beloved senior Maltese Ryan and I adopted, even before we were married. Bentley was my companion through vet school, two moves and countless other life experiences. He was truly my heart dog so it felt appropriate to name the business in his honor. Read more>>

Dave Goldberg

After graduation I moved to Manhattan and took a job working in the mailroom and as a Production Assistant for Comedy Central. It was fun to work with comedians and they did have a huge file cabinet filled with Nestle Crunch and Kit Kats, but I quickly realized it would take years before I got a shot producing there. It wasn’t long before Steve moved his company to New York City and I worked for him as his Creative Director, creating and producing unscripted shows for networks including A&E, Animal Planet, Discovery and VH1. Read more>>

Sara Crigger

It took me a little while to figure out that I really wanted to sing classical music. I graduated college in 2009, and the economic conditions meant that I was looking for anything and everything that would make me money. I started teaching voice and cello (my other instrument) lessons, I sat in with bands as a cellist, bass player, and background vocalist. I did session work. I also started taking some classical voice lessons so I could audition for the chorus at Nashville Opera. I didn’t get in the first time I auditioned (or the second), but I was hooked. I went and got my masters in vocal performance and haven’t looked back. Read more>>

Celeste Leon

After moving to Nashville in 2023 from New Jersey, I found myself in a season of transition—new city, new routines and little to none familiar faces outside of my partner. Like many people who move to a new place, I was searching for connection. I wanted to find real friends—people to grow with, learn from, laugh with and share life’s beautiful (and sometimes messy) moments. Read more>>

Alex Reavis

I founded the all3Y3Z brand, stylized as A3Z, one year after graduating from MTSU in 2016 with a degree in Film & Video Production. I’ve since created over 200 music videos, filmed over 20 live concerts, and created nearly 1000 social media clips for artists, entrepreneurs, brands, and small businesses, expanding the brand to offer media campaign management, creative direction, content production, marketing support. Read more>>

Brandi Gartung

I quit my job a few years ago to stay home with my fur babies when my mom mentioned to me that because of my love of baking I should start making my late father’s cheesecakes and start selling them. At first I didn’t want anything to do with it, but eventually I started dabbling in it and the next thing I knew it was an actual busy business. Read more>>

Michael Johnson

Owning a restaurant is a (game of pennies).. Its a business, but its got its unique aspects and challenges. When we renovated our restaurant, it was to bring it up to codes and up to Nashville eatery standards. Read more>>

Lauren Haag

I studied studio art and graphic design in college and always hoped to find a space where I could design digitally while also creating art I could hold in my hands. I’ve always loved the process of seeing something I create on a screen become something tangible. My first job out of college was a graphic design role at a publishing company, and that experience affirmed my love for translating digital design to paper. Read more>>

Ayla Demirci

I’m an actress in the early stages of building my career, with nearly three years of experience and over 28 IMDb credits so far. I’ve had the chance to work on a variety of projects—ranging from comedy and horror to drama and everything in between. Most recently, I played the lead in Freak Off, a drama about a rising pop star whose world unravels after a leaked sex tape threatens her career. It’s now streaming on Prime Video. I also have several new releases coming soon, where I continue to take on both lead and supporting roles as I grow my presence in the industry. Read more>>

Justin Toe

In the past few years I’ve received the “Ones To Watch” accolade for my songs four times by Nashville Songwriters Association, the leading songwriting organization in the country. Another of my songs has been recorded by a Nashville artist and has played on radio stations around the country. I’ve also released several acclaimed music videos that have been viewed by thousands of people, with a new one on the way this summer. I love creating music and sharing it with others and hopefully the journey for me is just beginning. Read more>>

Chelsea Logue

Over the years, I’ve discovered that photographing newborns is where my soul feels most at home. There’s something sacred about those early days — tiny fingers, sleepy snuggles, and the quiet beauty of new life. What makes it even sweeter is seeing Ivy already share that same love and fascination for babies. One day, I hope to have her working beside me. Read more>>

Jaime Spinner

Austin was where I sharpened my marketing chops in the music industry, and in 2014, the path led me to Nashville. There, I immersed myself in working with both major and independent artists. Eventually, my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and I launched my own company focused on helping independent artists with marketing and strategy. Read more>>

Kelci Ashton

I put a lot of importance on numbers and who was in your circle and all of that. Over the past two years I’ve been discouraged, encouraged, satisfied, dissatisfied, and every other emotion in between. I got burnt out and took a bit of a break over the past six months but am happy to be stepping back into my music career and ready to go at it with a different angle. It’s easy as an artist to compare yourself to everyone else around you but I have to remind myself I’m pursuing this career because it’s the thing that fulfills me and means the most to me. I’m working on releasing music and getting back into the swing of things here. I had the pleasure of meeting an artist that I look up very much last year, Kelsea Ballerini and she told me “…just enjoy the journey along the way.” Read more>>

Shane Martinez

What people think is that you are just reading words out loud and though you ARE doing that, what people miss is the acting that is behind what’s being done, the feeling that is behind the words. And in all honesty, I thought with my bit of performance background that it would be a quick and easy gig. I struggled through commercial voiceover for two years before finding the right information about audiobook narration. Which had been my goal all along. Since then, it hasn’t gone as quickly as I’d have liked but it has gone at the rate I needed to help me continually learn and grow as an artist. Read more>>

Kissie Gutiérrez

I had a peaceful pregnancy, but one filled with a lot of fear, nerves, and disconnection for the fear of experiencing a third loss. My soul was just beginning to heal. My beautiful princess Andrea was born, and I decided with absolute certainty that I wanted to dedicate myself to caring for her full-time. There were many challenges when transitioning from being a professional mom to a full-time one (I greatly admire moms who intentionally choose to be full-time moms). Read more>>

Mikaela Lambert

Growing up, I always trusted animals more than people. Well, I still do. My best friends growing up were Lucky and Buddy, my two childhood dogs. I started volunteering at a local animal shelter when I was eight years old. When my husband and I got our first apartment, I immediately started searching the shelters for a dog because, in my eyes, no house is a home without a dog! I went to the animal shelter to meet a dog named Toby, but another dog quickly caught my eye. The volunteers explained that Ace was very hyper, had no manners, and would not be a good fit. He was set to be euthanized that week. I immediately said that he was the one for me! Read more>>

CJ Horton

I had just started working as a wedding photographer in Charlotte when I began selling merch for a band my husband was playing in. The band asked me to try taking photos of their show. Of course, within the first few minutes I realized that this was the most fun it was possible to have at a job! We decided to move to Nashville and I quickly sought out every opportunity for concert photography that I could find. I’m so thrilled I can make a living from photography. I’ve been fortunate enough to see so much of the country, I’ve traveled to 40 states while photographing bands so far! Read more>>

Karme Cannon-Crocker

Fast forward to 2013, I started making jewelry just for fun. In 2017, I began crafting sports-themed bracelets, and that’s when things really took off—Carrie Underwood wore some of my bracelets while cheering on the Nashville Predators during their run for the Stanley Cup! Since then, I’ve expanded from handmade jewelry into custom jackets, hats, shirts, and hoodies. Most people still know me for my natural stone jewelry, but I truly enjoy creating all kinds of pieces in my downtime. Read more>>

Savanna Hill

That class reminded me why I left music in the first place: to help people feel powerful in their bodies and minds, and supported by community. I’m now building Nashville Kettlebell alongside my business partner and dear friend, Karol Hale- a collective dedicated to inclusive, community-driven movement experiences that bring people together in strength, joy and real connection. Over the next year, we’re focused on expanding our reach across the city, partnering with gyms, outdoor spaces, and fellow coaches to create more opportunities for people to move, heal and grow together. Read more>>

Andy King

I moved to University School of Nashville 8 years ago. I found the K-12 experience beneficial, the facilities are notch, and it is a much better culture fit for me. Here I teach a variety of art and art history classed from 5th-12th. I also coordinate the gallery where we have 4-5 exhibits by professional, working artists in the community, nationally, and internationally. The best part of working at USN is that I have a studio space adjacent to my classroom. I was able to rededicate myself to my artistic practices. I believe that teaching is at its best when teachers practice their subject outside of the school as well. Read more>>

Clara O’Donnell

Along the way, I faced some tough challenges. I was diagnosed with a rare brain condition called pseudotumor cerebri, which forced me to step away from the salon for a while and teach cosmetology instead. At the same time, I was struggling with alcoholism, which held me back in more ways than I realized at the time. Read more>>

Marisela Mercado

I was born and raised in Honduras, where I studied to become an elementary school teacher and spent five fulfilling years shaping young minds. In 2000, I made a life-changing move to Los Angeles, California. My first job was in a Mexican food truck, where I discovered a deep love for Mexican cuisine. Cooking had always been close to my heart since childhood, but it was there, in that truck, that my passion truly came alive. Read more>>

Cicely James

I’m a U.S. Air Force veteran, married to a fellow veteran, so I know firsthand the challenges of relocating. Through multiple moves with two young children, I’ve experienced both helpful and not-so-helpful real estate professionals, which inspired me to become someone who truly supports others during what can be a stressful process. After spending several years in commercial construction administration, I became a realtor with luxeSOUTH Realty in March. I’m proud to be part of a team where every client is treated like a luxury client. Read more>>

Donna Wisener

That sparked something I loved. This was the beginning of my art journey. Careerwise, I was investing in rental property in Columbia. I was handling the maintenance and rental process on these properties. In 2012 I started working with a real estate agent. By this time, I was also really getting into painting and loving it. I was showing and selling my artwork. .As I painted more and more, I struggled with how to balance everything and how to best spend my time. I finally realized I had found my passion, and decided to “go for it”. I left those businesses to pursue art full time. That was about seven years ago. Read more>>

Leslie Shores

I believe when you are making a change or chasing any dream there will be a lot of resistance that shows up. This work in general will take you on your own unique journey and spiral of self. I have def. tapped into fears I didn’t realize I had and experienced a bit of imposter syndrome. “Who am I to be doing this?”, kind of thing. Fears of being really seen. But that just comes down to believing in yourself and really knowing yourself on the deepest level. When you have the confidence, are grounded in your body, and are truly passionate about being of service and helping people there isn’t anything or anyone that can stop you, including yourself. Read more>>

Lauren Jones

Having the opportunity to have your work seen in international magazines as a new comer on th3 scene is not an easy feat. Im so very proud to say that I’ve not only accomplished but exceeded those goals. Ill be in this months issue of American Cake Decorating Magazine and its my 10th publication!! I love what I do with all my heart. I offer a wide variety of luxury desserts and seven different types of buttercreams. At Bunny Cakes esthetic and taste are of equal importance. Im a perfectionist and I truly believe one should never be sacrificed for the other in the culinary arts world! Read more>>

Catherine Everetts

Absolutely not. Mindset has been a huge obstacle for me. I tend towards perfectionism, and I like to complete things in one sitting. If I can’t do that—which is often—then I like to sprint towards the goal over a day or four, giving little thought to anything else on my to-do list. Great for completing a last-minute project, I suppose, but I can’t afford to “no-life” it for long. The world just doesn’t work that way! Read more>>

Paul Zorich

Entrepreneurialism is in my blood. I was always an entrepreneur from the time I was a teenager in high school I had owned my own landscaping company, then I built fences and decks, which led me to work with a friend’s concrete company to install wood forms to pour concrete. After working for my friend for a year I figured if I was going to work this hard, I might as well have my own concrete company, so I started Zorich Enterprises and hired a crew, took out a bank loan, purchased a large tuck, trailer and a tractor and started my own concrete company at age 21. Read more>>

Dakota Shanes

My last stop (which I obviously didn’t drive to) was Hawaii. The spent several weeks there and realized that road life had become a form of extravagant escapism. I’ll always be glad I spent that year the way I did, but it was time to find what’s next. Read more>>

Kelsey Woods

I cried…for half a second. Okay, maybe I cried a couple days. Remember, I was in a new town and had just lost my new job. I think my mom was freaking out even more than me. But…if you have ever met me, you know that I am resilient. I had this thought, “I can’t work for anyone, ever again. I REFUSE!” Every job I had, I excelled at, but for some reason, I always ended up getting fired. I have always had the thought process of “I can do that better” or, “Lets do it this way, and it will be better”. Well, that doesn’t work too well when you’re an employee. Read more>>

Jenna Jones

Because of this, I was awarded many wonderful opportunities to bring my career, “pro” with a bidding war between Nickelodeon and Disney. Being immersed in the business, even at such a young age, I witnessed so many unbiblical and unhealthy practices that I knew would not be what God wanted for me. So, after a few meetings and edited contracts, I told my mom that I would not be going down that route with my career and would return back to finish my education and pursue more of a classical dance training career instead. Luckily, she respected my young, but mature decision and agreed. Read more>>

Diana Murray

Nursing myself back to health using a holistic approach sparked something in me. I became passionate about helping others reclaim their wellness too. In 2018, I founded Nature’s Elite, LLC in my hometown of Tullahoma, TN. My goal was to bring premium products and education to the Middle Tennessee area. But that mission kept growing, and in 2021, I became a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and a Dietary Supplement Specialist so I could better support others on their journey. Read more>>

T. Davis

Before we made the leap and moved to Tennessee, I spent many years on the road in North Carolina and the surrounding region performing in bars, breweries, restaurants, backyards and anywhere else they’d have me. But I truly got my start playing in a little honky tonk in the town of Fremont, NC – which is where the last six generations of my father’s family worked, farmed, bled, cried, laughed, lived and died. And most of them are buried in the ground that fed them. Read more>>

Suspended Gravity Circus

We are proud of a lot of things, but our original productions rank very high on the list. Our recurring shows with the Kindling Arts Festival have become a staple of summer entertainment in Nashville and they represent our biggest ideas brought to life (don’t miss our show ALL IN! coming up July 24, 25 and 26). We’ve also done amazing work at OZ Arts with our friends Fable Cry for Halloween, and created a running show in February called High Definition that shows off our spicier side. Read more>>

The Salty Paramedic

I started making funny memes and videos about the job as a firefighter/paramedic in Jan 2024. My social media following blew up within a few months and I was amazed. With this following, I know it’s a tremendous responsibility so since they I have published a book on mental health to help out first responders and their families and also have one about to be published about first responder relationships. This social media thing has helped me start so many new things that I never thought possible: stand up comedy, speaking engagements about my book across the country and collaborations with other great creators.  Read more>>

Kacie Grenon

Definitely not a smooth road. When I moved to Nashville, I was by myself, freshly 18, and had just dropped out of high school to get my GED. It was fun and cool and exciting, but terrifying. It was also mid-pandemic, so the momentum my band had at the time was put on pause, ultimately leading us to part ways. I was basically starting over again in a new city 1000 miles away from home, and simply figuring out who I was as a human. It was a lot of imposter syndrome and redirection, but looking back it led to a lot of growth and I wouldn’t be me! Read more>>

Kaleb Seay

That’s when I started writing again. I needed a way to process, to guide myself back if I ever found my mind in that dark space again. Then one night, everything changed. I was just singing over some chords on the keyboard when someone knocked on my door and asked if I made music. I told him I wrote from time to time. He went and grabbed his mic — and the rest is history. Since then, I’ve opened for Waka Flocka, and I’ve performed in rooms with only three people. I’ve learned that it’s never about the size of the crowd — it’s about the love for the craft, the power of the message. Read more>>

Freedom Angel

I memorized the stories behind how my favorite bands and singers came to make their debut album. I loved the process of making my first single, but it didn’t lead to a record deal. Although I did make connections, one of which would change the arc of my career as a musician forever. I cold called a producer in Nashville after seeing his website and in particular his work mentoring young talent. His name was Bronson Herrmuth. After a conversation about my current songwriting and what my goals were, he told me my story sounded interesting, and he’d like me to send him an email. From then on he would be a mentor, and briefly my manager. He would walk me through the writing and production of my first album out of Nashville in 2006. Read more>>

Jasmine-Isabella Grace

I’ve always been interested in reading and writing ever since I was a little kid. My parents passed when I was 4 and since I didn’t have any remaining family, I was sent into the care of the crown, (I’m originally from the UK…it’s the equivalent of America’s foster care/orphanage). That’s where reading and writing really took off for me. It was a form of escapism for me. A way to take my mind off the loss of my parents and being surrounded by strangers. Eventually I was adopted by a family in the states, New York specifically. Read more>>

Cole Fryar

I started producing and writing music when I was 12 years old. I released a few songs in high school and then was accepted into SongHouse my senior year. There I wrote and sang a song that went fairly viral and now has over 150,000 streams! I moved to Nashville and soon realized that I love production as much as I love being an artist. Every time I was in a write I offered to produce and suddenly my friends and cowriters started asking me to produce for them. One thing led to another and now I’m almost solely focused on production! I still do artistry but I’m building my production business at the moment! Read more>>

Holly Cheshier

In 2010, I had my first feature published in TAPS Paramagazine with a piece on Wolfe Manor, followed by several more publications. At the time, I was traveling across the U.S. for events tied to the show Ghost Hunters (my ex-husband was on the cast), and I brought my camera along for the ride. Being surrounded by such a creative and passionate group reignited something in me. I started experimenting with different styles and approaches, and before long, I was contributing more and more to the magazine. Read more>>

Austin

I have terrible ADHD, so my years since college (in addition to working at Corner to Corner) were filled with taking on random one-off projects, getting burnt out, and then moving on to something completely different. I have too many interests: If I was doing a music video, a fashion vid would be seducing me in my peripheral. Then once I grinded to find a fashion project, a short film idea would fill that peripheral. Safe Trip has been a beautiful tool to help me sift through opportunities and take on things that I want to do. Read more>>

Vicki Myers-Fults

For the most part, it has been a smooth road. However, in the beginning, one of the biggest struggles I faced was not having enough casting credits to my name. Breaking into the industry without a long résumé made it challenging to gain trust and secure new opportunities. But despite the obstacles, I stayed committed to the work and relied on faith to guide my path. God has continued to bless me by opening doors I never expected and. connecting me with incredible filmmakers, casting opportunities, and projects that have helped build my experience and grow my reputation. Each film I’ve worked on has added to my journey, and I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and excited for what’s still ahead. Read more>>

Austin Wells

Smooth only in the sense that so much of any success I’ve had in this business is the result of my mentors and peers taking me under their wing, showing me the ropes early on, and being there to celebrate the wins and encourage me through the setbacks. Any lawyer can tell you how stressful the practice of law can be – and the ups and downs of the music industry only add to that – but I consider myself very fortunate to work with a special team of lawyers and incredibly talented clients. Read more>>

Dr. Chlaine

I originally launched the brand years ago, but life happened—and I had to hit pause. What brought me back was something deeply personal: my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and around the same time, I gave birth to my daughter. The emotional toll was heavy—and it didn’t take long before I was forced to quit my job. I realized I couldn’t keep waiting for the “perfect time” to bet on myself. Read more>>

Zach Roberts

I had been in some incredibly unhealthy relationships and habits. I was a fool, and a very superficial person, hooked on drugs and substances, and everyone was aware of the hole I was digging for myself, except for me. About a quarter to halfway through my year at Lipscomb was when everything fell apart. I had realized just how bad of a spot I was in, but felt like I’d gone too far to stop it or fix it in any capacity. I lost the majority of the relationships and friendships I had, some by pushing them away out of fear, some leaving on their own, and shortly after, I almost died due to an overdose. Read more>>

Jessica Alhindi

My name is Jessica, and I am the breeder behind Hope Lane Kennels located in Redding, CA. I am passionate about my dogs and love what I do! My mission is to produce the happiest, healthiest & most adorable puppy for every family. I specialize in Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Labradoodles. Read more>>

Patrick Damphier

When I was 18, I landed a janitor job at one of the busier studios in town. For the next three years, I used that studio to record mostly metal and punk bands between the hours of midnight and 7 AM. By the time I was 21, I got hired as a staff engineer at that same studio and spent the next couple years doing that until a band I was in got a record deal and toured for the better part of 4 years. Ever since that group split up, I’ve been splitting my time touring with acts as a side musician and producing/writing when I’m home. Read more>>

Kelsey Waggoner

After years of working within broken systems, I took the leap and created Waggoner Wellness & Alchemy; a concierge-style mental health case management / coaching company rooted in clinical expertise, systems thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Through case management, consultation, and strategic collaboration, I support individuals and families who are in high-stress or high-stakes moments of life. I have a specific passion for working with individuals who have eating disorders. The work blends insight with action—alchemy in its truest form. Read more>>

Marcela

About 20 years ago, my oldest son went to a sleepover and brought home an unexpected party favor: head lice. Not long after, my youngest son and I joined the club—itchy, panicked, and very uninvited. I’d never had lice before. Growing up in Mexico City, I went to a Catholic school where the nuns kept our hair braided tight and glued down with gel, like little helmeted warriors against infestation. It worked—until it didn’t. Read more>>

Jay Sanchez

My story in this community began with a simple but urgent desire: to see myself represented in gallery spaces. Even in the most “inclusive” circles, I often felt a lack of genuine interest in amplifying the voices and stories from other communities—particularly here in Nashville. Being involved in conversations wasn’t enough. I wanted to do more. Read more>>

Josh And Christina Dix

It all started over 10 years ago when I photographed my very first destination wedding in Key West, Florida. Not long after, that special day was published—and that’s when I knew wedding photography was what I was meant to do. What started as just a dream has grown into the most beautiful profession, where my husband and I now get to photograph and film weddings together. None of it would’ve been possible without the love and support of my husband, our family and friends, and the amazing couples we’ve had the honor to work with. Read more>>

Naoyuki Ikeda

It’s never a smooth. But actually I enjoyed it. Being a teacher, I had to be right and good as a teacher all the time like 24 hours. Then I changed my career path to be an actor. I couldn’t imagine myself as a successful actor in Japan. And I want to be a better actor, that’s why I chose to come to LA, Hollywood. But I had no experience as an actor, I had no connections, I didn’t know anyone in LA. I had to start everything from zero. Being an actor for 10 years and still had so many obstacles to get the speaking role, so I changed my strategy and started being involved in the film festival. And again, I didn’t know anything about running the film festival, so I had to learn it from Zero. But here I am. Read more>>