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.

Caroline Dilbeck

That’s when I started to really unpack the mental load and why traditional advice just wasn’t cutting it. I didn’t want to build something that added more to already overwhelmed parents. I wanted to build something different, something that would actually lighten the load. To think it all started from my own breaking point, feels full circle and like such a gift. Now, I get to help other parents climb out of burnout, rebuild capacity and show up as the parents, partners, coworkers and humans they were always meant to be. Read more>>

Morgan Sharpe

Hey there! My name is Morgan Sharpe, the face behind Sharpe Edge. I am a “retired” Master Level Medical Social Worker, who specialized in hospice. As much as I loved my career, I craved more time with our children. I transitioned to stay at home mom with our girls, Remi and Reese (and now our newest addition Rory). I’ve worked since the age of 15 and being home full time was an unknown territory for me. Read more>>

Rehaan Adhikary

I began my solo artist career my releasing music on all platforms in the genre of Alternative Pop in 2020. I chose alternative because of my love for all the different styles of Pop that I wanted to encapsulate and I’ve been releasing music since. Not long after my first single, I started my own band and performed gigs all around Boston primarily at venues in Berklee. I never had performed my own music before and after my first show it was then I realized I wanted to differentiate myself from other artists and to create a unique brand that best defines myself as an artist. Read more>>

Jordyn Rax

After spending years in both New York City and Los Angeles, I worked my way through the entertainment industry with the roots of my career beginning as an extra on a cable tv series. As time progressed, I began stepping into producing and acting roles, creating space for myself in an industry that’s been especially tough in recent years. But even through the challenges, I’ve stayed committed to telling meaningful, grounded stories both in front of and behind the camera. Every step has shaped the creative I am today. I recently completed a 125-page feature film script, arguably my most personal and ambitious project to date, which has only deepened my commitment to telling grounded, meaningful stories. Every step (and misstep) has shaped the creative I am today. Read more>>

Melissa Hood

In 2020, I took the leap into being a full-time artist. What began as small commissions has grown into larger works for collectors, interior designers, and public spaces. I’ve been fortunate to show my work at Artclectic, the Harding Art Show, and with the Nashville Artist Collective. At the heart of it all, my work is about storytelling- connecting people to a place, a memory, or a feeling through layers of history and texture. Read more>>

Ashtyn Johnson

I was manipulated and controlled and couldn’t have a job, my own friends, my own life practically.. so now that i have been fully broken out of that relationship for almost 2 years it has truly open so many doors and i view life so much differently now… God continues to bless me in all my work. So currently i freelance as a stylist and model for various brand and country music artists.. i love what i do and cannot wait to grow in my career.. I have been 10 months sober and its been the best 10 month of my life… im healthy and on the path God wants me to be on, I’ve started doing pageant work as well. I am just absolutely grateful to be where i am today. Read more>>

Dana Walker

After that, I decided to teach myself how to become better at baking and decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. The decorating seemed to come naturally, as I had always thrived on arts/crafts in school. In April 2022 I started Delightfully Dana, to offer my baking services and party decorating to the Middle Tennessee area. I’m so thankful for all my friends and family that supported and encouraged me on this adventure. The business grew quickly with several referrals and word of mouth. Most clients have even become family and I throughly enjoy being a small part of the celebrations on their life’s over the last couple years. Read more>>

Laura Franke

Then I got the incredible opportunity to take over the coaching department at the company I was working at. When I was asked to take it over sheer panic ran through my body and I immediately knew that I needed to do it. I knew that this was the fulfillment that I had been seeking. I was going to be able to connect with people, stay at the company and receive stellar coaching training. Read more>>

Trevor Tong

I started building other social media accounts, like Instagram and TikTok, where gaining a following was much easier. Before I knew it, my short-form NASCAR content was attracting millions of views. This caught the attention of large content creators, brands, and NASCAR drivers. Leveraging that platform, I launched a T-shirt company called “Sunday Money” straight out of my garage and have since sold thousands of shirts. It’s just me running the show for now. I get a bit overwhelmed at times and I hope to have a team in the future, but for the moment, I’m a one-man band. Read more>>

David Hatcher

We started demo in June of 2019 which took most of 3 months to complete, then through the help of several local trade companies were able to renovate the downstairs to accommodate two businesses while we worked on renovating the upstairs to the lofts. We didn’t really have a clear picture of how they would do, but were convinced that the Sparta area could support 4 lofts, with state parks, fishing and hiking within 30 miles it made sense to have them as short term rentals. We had many challenges along the way, with installing a new sprinkler system and all mechanical work. The building had such great bones and history we wanted to keep as much as we were able to original. Brick walls, floors, ceilings are all original to the 1910 period. Read more>>

Junior Jean-Jumeau

Anyone can take a photo, but taking a photo that can tell a story spanning 5 minutes to 5 centuries of someone’s life in the fraction of a second a camera shutter takes? Patience, creativity, and empathy. As well as weather, equipment, and positioning. All plays an important role. That’s why I chose to pursue entertainment. It’s a myriad of all the passion and hard painful work people have put themselves through just to provide happiness to others. I will continue to search for these people and assist as best as i can using my skills and the knowledge i have to offer in creating the perfect image. JJumeauMedia is always here to help with entertainment needs. Read more>>

Jeremiah Plunkett

In the early days, you’re working for experience, exposure, and maybe the famous “hot dog and a handshake”. Financial compensation is hard to come by. I think my largest pay out in my first year was $15 for an event. Promoters, especially back then, were notorious about terrible pay. Even if you agreed on a rate beforehand, you would often get the “house was down, brother” and what are you going to do? It’s either quit or learn from it and move on. Read more>>

Ayla Schofield

Growing up I spent countless hours busking, honing my performance skills—no matter the weather, haha. During COVID I doubled down on busking, saved up for my first car, and started traveling and touring across Europe for two and a half. Those experiences were huge life lessons. I learnt how to manage myself, how to plan, produce and promote my own shows. I even founded my own little production company and put on my own shows in collaboration with other European artists: The Queens Of Country. In 2023 I did a collaboration with Oliver Anthony which got 2 mio clicks on YouTube.  Read more>>

Sydney Washington

I started in august 2021 selling my products online and at local vendor markets and fairs recruiting my family to help me at the booths. In December 2021 I graduated from community college in my hometown of Johnson City, TN and transferred to Middle Tennessee State University. In January 2022 once on campus, I began to market my business to fellow students and was grateful to bring my business with me as a side hustle for extra income as a college student. After graduating from MTSU in December of 2024, I began to expand and elevate my business from online sales to stores and have products in 2 stores, one in Johnson City and one in Antioch, TN. Read more>>

Kent Lofley

At the same time, insurance payments were going down, and the response from healthcare organizations was to ask doctors to see more and more patients each day. That kind of pace isn’t just exhausting—it makes it hard to give patients the quality care they deserve. The paperwork alone—charting, billing, managing lab results, and referrals—was overwhelming. I knew there had to be a better way to care for people—one where I could spend more time with each patient and truly focus on their needs. Read more>>

Hannah Brusven

Today, thousands of women from all over the world are discovering an alternative to modern women’s media in something that reflects the goodness, Truth, and beauty of womanhood from a classical perspective. Surprisingly, print magazines are on the rise again and we are proud to be at the forefront. I’m also proud to work with a small team of thoughtful writers who bring depth and joy to each issue. Best of all, I get to support other women, many of them mothers, who contribute to our mission. Read more>>

Joey Waterman

I showed up at my internship every day for six months before I was officially hired on. I started at the bottom and did my best to master any task or project that anyone from the label team threw my way. The label specialized in legacy rock acts, so I cut my teeth in that world while overseeing day to day operations for the developing acts that we had at the time. It was a great first job in the industry. When the company parted ways with the last of the developing acts, the company decided to stick to what they knew best – legacy acts. Read more>>

Ragon Petty

I provide esthetic services including laser hair removal, microneedling, dermaplaning, lash lifts, lash tints, brow tints, brow lamination, waxing, radio frequency, microcurrent, microdermabrasion, customized facials, aquaboost hydro facials, LED facials, and chemical peels. I am known for my calming touch and specialize in microneedling. I am most proud of helping others feel like their best self inside and out. What sets me apart from others is that I have my own custom techniques and keep up with current beauty industry trends. Read more>>

Dr. Nikki Boehman

I grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. I have always gravitated towards animals, especially cats. After high school, I attended Murray State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary studies as well as becoming a certified veterinary technician. I then attended veterinary school at Auburn University, School of Veterinary Medicine (WAR EAGLE!) and graduated in 2009. After graduation, I moved to South Bend, Indiana to practice as a small animal veterinarian for 10 years.  Read more>>

Jennifer Greene

Then in 2018, I began seeing a licensed professional counselor. That work brought another profound layer into my healing: the emotional one. It changed me. It helped me integrate years of experience, emotion, and intuition into something more whole. At one point, my counselor gently suggested that I might be meant to do this work myself. I didn’t listen at first—but the seed had been planted. The year I turned 40, I returned to school to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I’ve never looked back. Read more>>

Jake Troxell

My biggest gift is my ability to open up space for someone to be their true and authentic self. When I work with people I don’t try to fix them, change them or give them my perspective about how they should live their life. I simply listen, be present and help them connect with themselves so they can make healthy choices for themselves. Read more>>

Chris Linscomb

In about 2014 I was voted in as the promotions director of our association; I served for a few years. I now have several clients throughout the USA, from churches to small, medium, and large businesses, along with startups. The new thing I have learned is app design and development, and I have sold several apps. This was not easy; each part of the app, the components to make it work, was trial and error and lots of testing. I would take a break but not give up on more research and testing. I enjoy what I do, and I am very thankful to GOD that my business continues to grow. I do continue to learn and move forward. Whatever you enjoy, learn about it and learn to make it better than before. Read more>>

Stacey Weiss

Right before Christmas my sophomore year, I was suicidal and forced to leave college. I came home, got on medication, thought I was doing great, so went off that medication and decided to buy a hiking backpack, tent, and sleeping bag and buy a one-way ticket to Hawaii. That lasted 3 months before the depression got too bad and had to go back home to start medication again. I lived in NJ for about a year before I decided to move to Las Vegas. I was there for a year and moved back to NJ to be with an ex boyfriend. Lived in NJ around 3 months before I moving back to LV. I was 21 years old at this point. Read more>>

LaVonda Gale

The road has absolutely not been smooth. I could list several challenges, but learning how to start and run a business has probably been the biggest one. I don’t think of any challenge as struggle though. A challenge only becomes a struggle if you resist it. When you embrace each challenge the way I do, challenge becomes strength. As a child of God, I know my frailty and am constantly looking for ways to improve. I will take all the challenges I can get because growth only happens when I am uncomfortable. Read more>>

Kat Goins

About ten years ago, I moved to Nashville from the beautiful mountain town of Tahoe, Nevada. When I arrived, I was shocked to find there were no sugaring hair removal options in the area. Sugaring had become such a beloved part of my own skincare routine, and I couldn’t believe it wasn’t available here. So—despite all the nerves that come with stepping into the unknown—I decided to create something myself. Read more>>

Chris Ricci

That’s when I made a pivot from corporate to mission driven health ventures. I joined forces with Dr. Axe, Jordan Rubin, Evan Tardy, and Colt Morton during their rocketship growth years, then stepped in as a turn around CEO of a food prep and delivery company to help them scale and make healthy food more accessible. Eventually, I became the CEO of Ancestral Supplements, a company based on the same principles that helped my mom thrive; whole food based nutrition and a lifestyle that honors how our ancestors lived and healed. Read more>>

Hunter West

I started my journey in music in 6th grade band. I chose to try percussion and immediately gravitated towards snare drum which led to my interest in playing drum set. In high school, I stopped band but kept honing my craft on drums in my bedroom and during my senior year, I found out that you could go to college for music business/audio. I chose to attend MTSU in 2012 and got my bachelor’s in music business and worked a job on music row (which was the most un-music related job you could find in the industry) for a year until I had heard that home recording had become more popular around town. Read more>>

Marquise Lashawn

I started acting at 14 yrs old . Even then people would tell me I was talented and should take it serious . By 23 , I finally decided to take it more serious with background work for Fox TV and more . In life there will always be a test or road block. In 2022 , I was diagnosed with MS . How could I finally be living my dream , but be going through this . Today , with GOD and the sheer will to press forward , I am still chasing my dreams . I want to inspire someone, and to let them know there is NOTHING you can’t do . Just believe Read more>>

Michael Chassereau

Since then, while I still do plenty of family sessions, I have poured all my focus into growing a wedding photography business. I moved from South Carolina to Tazewell, TN in late 2023. My wife, Shauna, soon became pregnant with our first child and our daughter, Elizabeth, was born in April 2024. These two factors forced me to slow the growth of my business. I no longer had the resources and community I worked to build in SC. I needed to help take care of my pregnant wife. I worked another retail job in order to save money for the incoming baby. My wife asked to help with my business as a second shooter and we are a husband and wife dynamic duo. Now, while I am a stay-at-home dad taking care of our energetic toddler, we am working to grow our business and make new connections. Read more>>

Katie Farrell

Definitely not! Like most meaningful things, the road has had its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest struggles early on was overcoming my own mindset—learning to let go of perfectionism and the pressure to do it all. Healing from disordered eating and finding true balance was a journey in itself. It didn’t happen overnight, and there were many moments of discouragement and setbacks along the way. But over time, I came to understand that real wellness is about so much more than food or appearance—it’s about freedom, peace, and caring for yourself from a place of love. Read more>>

Amy Fisher

’m the owner and licensed aesthetician behind Aesthetics by Amy, located inside Signature Suites. I specialize in result-driven skincare treatments that are also deeply relaxing and restorative. My most popular services include custom facials, back facials, microneedling RF, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and professional teeth whitening. I’m also known for my signature facial experience that combines the science of skincare with the soul-soothing elements of aromatherapy, massage, and personalized care. Read more>>

Lex Carney

I recently graduated this past May from the Mike Curb College of Music and Entertainment, and looking back, the growth of my artistry from beginning to end of this program leaps miles. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn under fantastic music business faculty and hit songwriters, and will forever be thankful for the many tools and lessons I’ll carry with me for life from it. In the last few years, I have formed my “inner circle” of co-writers, producers and great friends who I love being creative with! Now, constantly writing and after spending the last three years playing around Nashville live with my band, I am very excited to announce I will be releasing my first single, HOT on August 8th! Read more>>

Rhea Maladkar

In college at the University of South Alabama, I served as Philanthropy Chair of my sorority and helped raise the most money we had seen in years from a single event. I created a virtual event in 2020, that is now being held in person as an annual event today. I was a social media intern for the Cristian Rivera Foundation, working toward a cure for a rare childhood brain tumor with a devastating 5% survival rate. I also served as a Community Engagement Ambassador, volunteering around Mobile weekly. In grad school at MTSU, I was president of our Society for Human Resource Management, where I also worked on class projects with a local nonprofit, Doors of Hope. Read more>>

Leona Morelock

Late 2024 I started to feel a yearning towards women’s ministry. I’ve hosted women’s faith filled events in the past but this feeling was different. I didn’t just want to plan an event and move on, I wanted to continue filling up other women with love. Read more>>

Terra Braden

I set out to graduate high school at 16 years old and went straight into Cosmetology school that same year and I graduated then at 17 years old and landed my first job apprenticing and working full time at a local salon. That was 22 years ago. Continuing education is my constant goal… simply because hair is my obsession! Read more>>

Jill Boehme

For a few years during the blog’s heyday, I offered editing services to my readers. Recently, I’ve rehung my editing shingle, offering both line editing and copy editing to individual clients and small presses. And in April of this year, I decided to launch my business as a writing coach. Read more>>

Brandon Benge

I have always loved to draw and have ways loved tattoos. My father had 2 from when he was in the Navy and I used to draw on friends with markers to simulate tattoos. I took all the art courses I could while in school, but unfortunately I stopped drawing in my freshman year of high school due to the teacher throwing pieces of mine away because “he didn’t like them”. O did occasionally draw from time to time but ut was not until I joined the Army fighter high school and found my self in Iraq in 2003. Some soldiers I served with would ask me to draw some designs for them to get tattooed once they got back to the states. I still didn’t have any interest in becoming a tattoo artist.  Read more>>

Katrina Bahr

Definitely not smooth—but absolutely worth it. When we purchased Nido two years ago, we were stepping into a failing business with a lot of heart but not much structure. There were so many unknowns—systems to rebuild, trust to earn, and a vision to define. We had to learn quickly, pivot constantly, and stay rooted in why we took this leap in the first place: to create something that truly mattered for families. Read more>>

Catherine Jackson

This all started with a dress… I was shopping for my dress for my oldest daughter’s wedding. Heavier than through both of my pregnancies. Heaviest I had ever been. Post menopausal. Post heart attack. Hashimotos disease. Degenerative bone and joint disease. Doctors discussing total knee replacement. Seeing a podiatrist for pain and swelling in feet and legs. Chiropractor. Accupuncturist. So many prescriptions. Hated shopping for myself. But here I was. Standing in the dressing room in a size 18 full length dress to hide my swollen legs and suffering with my feet in the cutest shoes. I was in pain all the time. Then I found my happy. It changed my life, literally! Read more>>

Brooke

My husband and I had been investing in real estate for a few years, especially in the short-term rental space. After setting up Airbnbs in Destin and Nashville, a few of his investor clients began asking if I’d help furnish their own rental properties. I didn’t want to mislead anyone about my design credentials. I wasn’t trying to market myself as an interior designer, but I did know I could help. I had the creativity, a strong sense of what works, and enough experience to know the obstacles they’d face. If I could help them source beautiful, durable pieces at great prices and pull the vision together, I was in. Read more>>

Kenzie Hammock

I got married a month before my 19th birthday and entered motherhood soon after. At 20, just two months postpartum and two months after losing my dad to brain cancer, I stumbled into the world of insurance. What was supposed to be a temporary role, just answering phones at a local agency became the beginning of a 10-year career. I ended up loving it. I wasn’t passionate about policies or paperwork at first, but I realized I *loved* the people behind those policies. Over the years, I’ve built a strong book of business built almost entirely through referrals and relationships. It taught me early on that when you care deeply and serve people well, the rest follows. Read more>>

Shelby Summar

I think my biggest obstacle has been a lack of confidence in myself. It always kept me from pursuing what I truly desired. Once I got out of my own head, I was able to create a space for me to be successful. I think artists also feel a constant drive to create, but don’t have to time to truly dedicate to it. It can be discouraging to not be a “full time” artist. Most cannot afford that lifestyle. I love my job as an art teacher because it allows me to guide others on their artist journey, but also provides the means for me to create my own art. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that! Read more>>