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.
Ian Rosales
My partner and I knew we wanted to have our own business. Be our own boss. We knew that this 9-5 , asking for permission from our employer to be present for our kids school activities was not it for us. But we also knew we wanted to make a difference in our community. We wanted to do something that gave us joy doing. During Covid I heard of another similar company that was doing giveaways and I was in love with the idea. And more importantly the impact they were having in our community. We knew nothing about the industry but said, what the heck, if they can do it, so can we! Read More>>
Yarasen Garcia
Nothing in life ever seems to be smooth, and starting a business with absolutely nothing is probably one of the hardest things I can think of, there were many obstacles: having no connections, and many failures, I wasn’t sure I was fully prepared for the challenges ahead, and there were days when I felt like quitting, however I never gave up and understood what it meant to be an entrepreneur and be completely self-reliant, I am very proud of what I have accomplished by doing my absolute best with the opportunities and abilities I have been given. Read More>>
Jerry & Cristina Silva
Well with our story and mission we find it amazing how business and the community get behind us! Only struggle we find as a board is getting the word out to the communities as a whole and to help all because we just can’t as much as we want to. Read More>>
Osdeilis Leal
CURRENTLY, LETIZIA STUDIO INCLUDES A FOCUS ON THE AREA OF ACADEMIA, OFFERING TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT TO OTHER COSMETOLOGISTS AND ESTHETICIANS WHO, SEEKING TO DEVELOP EXPERTISE IN EYEBROW AND LIP MICROPIGMENTATION, ADVANCED EYEBROW DESIGN AND MAKEUP. Read More>>
Ashtara Rose Gold
My journey started a few years before I became a mother. I was on a soul journey of wanting to find the meaning of life and to truly find myself. I was in a lost space and place in my life where the healing world, Energetics and energy healing came onto my path. Since then I’ve been a Student of life learning the ways of ceremony, ritual, spiritual advancement, energy healing modalities, the path of the priestess and discovery of what it means to be alive today. Read More>>
Crystal Griffin
Now, as a full-time real estate agent for over three years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding my clients to reach their homeownership dreams, always mindful of their budgets and unique needs. Beyond real estate transactions, I’m passionate about education and community engagement. I host free workshops at Salt Lake Community College in West Valley, covering topics like credit building, home buying, selling strategies and understanding ITIN’s. Read More>>
Katie Grisley
Opening our first location was a learning curve, and that experience taught us a lot. Utah did not understand the concept of a dedicated swim school, and the Goldfish brand was completely unknown. Opening the South Jordan school and having it achieve success helped lay the groundwork for future schools. But, like in any business, each additional location has brought its own experiences and learning opportunities. Like having a second and third child, you think you know what you are in for, and then discover it wasn’t quite what you expected. You discover that they each bring their own set of challenges and personality to the mix and you can’t imagine life without them. Read More>>
Lisa Pryor
I discovered my passion for working with teens during my internship, which set the foundation for my career. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient hospitals, residential programs, and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). I earned my degree from the University of Phoenix, where I was told I wouldn’t be a “typical” therapist—a sentiment I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. I proudly identify as a Disney Adult, Potter-head, and all-around geek. I’m fluent in video game terminology, Disney song lyrics, and even the meanings behind different light-saber colors. Read More>>
Pablo Bautista
Like anything worth achieving, the journey was filled with challenges. Obtaining my license and certifications in the U.S. was no small feat, but it has proven to be an incredibly rewarding endeavor. Raising three children with special needs added another layer of complexity to the path, but my determination never wavered. I knew that in order to provide my children with the opportunity to live happy, healthy, and respected lives, this was the path we had to take. Read More>>
Sadie Peterson
The short story? My husband lovingly told me I needed a hobby! The longer version–we had just moved to Denver and my husband was a full time Doctor of Physical Therapy student which basically meant we didn’t see each other much. I worked, he went to school, we came home and he studied and I was bored. Photography had also been something that I loved and interested me, so I signed up for a local community photography class. Read More>>
Jen Galaxy
I am a painter, primarily watercolors. I’m passionate about animals, human expression, and nature. I love creating art that inspires joy, beauty, or just a wholesome chuckle. Watching someone walk by my booth and smile, gives me so much happiness. I have a piece that I painted shortly after leaving a hard relationship of 14 years that was one of my favorites. It is an octopus, which symbolize transformation, overcoming challenging situations with creativity, and resourcefulness… It was an inspirational piece for myself at a time I was truly stepping back into myself. Read More>>
Alicia Oakes
I started small, catering private events for local businesses, families, and friends. When it came time to choose a business name and logo, my husband, Chris, suggested “The Barefoot Baker.” It was a playful nod to my years spent “barefoot and pregnant,” raising our four little boys at home. During those years, I fell in love with baking, experimenting with new recipes, and honing my techniques. Read More>>
Sabrina Galuvao
I don’t think the start of any business is smooth, but it’s especially hard when it’s during such a transitory time of life as being new parents and trying to figure out what you want in life. Finding the balance of work, family, and other obligations was definitely a struggle in the beginning (and always, right?), but I can say with confidence that the hard work put in during that time has paved the way to the heights that I have achieved and have set my sight on to achieve in the future. Read More>>
Jimmy Peterson
I moved to Moab in 2010 to pack parachutes and work on a Hot Air Balloon crew. I lived in a tent the first year I lived here. After a few years became a skydive instructor. After thousands of Skydive’s I realized I wouldn’t want to do it forever so I started flying balloons. 2020 I opened the balloon company. Instantly got shut down due to the world closing from Coronavirus Read More>>
Megan Cook
I’ve always had a love for photography but was too shy to put myself out there until I had my baby. As much as I love her, after I had her I felt like I had lost myself. I didn’t have anything that was just mine to bring me joy. I bought a camera and just started practicing and learning as much as I could. I would photograph my baby, my dogs, any family member that would allow me to, until I felt comfortable enough to open it up to clients. I still have so much to learn and am hoping to grow my business more. Read More>>
Noah Mattson
Then, I really started putting time in with the wildlife. I started visiting many different places with dense wildlife: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Southern Utah National Parks, Antelope Island State Park (my favorite local place- a real hidden gem), and other wildlife refuges. I began posting these photos on social media and people started asking for prints. So, I learned how to build a website and built it! Today, I continue to spend lots of time in the great outdoors, visiting the same places, and now I even try to sell some prints to cover the costs! Read More>>
Camille Long
After traveling for a few years for my husband’s job, we ended up back in Utah. At this point I had been a stay at home mom for 2 years while we were traveling and I began brainstorming ideas on getting back into a career. I thought if I was going to be investing my time and energy at times away from my two daughters, I want it to be something I love and am passionate about. So what’s simpler than starting my own business! In reality, it is a lot of work, but I want to instill in my two daughters that they can follow their dreams and do what brings them joy and fulfillment. So here we are with Juniper Bloom Florals! Read More>>
Heather Roxburgh
In January 2006, I took a leap of faith and got my real estate license. At the time, I was working full-time as a Crime Victim Advocate at the Midvale Police Department and raising three daughters. When choosing a brokerage, I wanted to align myself with successful, driven professionals, and RE/MAX was my first choice. Known for its high standards and top-producing agents, RE/MAX typically didn’t hire new agents, but after several meetings and a lot of convincing, I was granted an opportunity to join the company, on one condition. I had until the end of May to quit my job at the police department and fully commit to real estate. It was a huge risk because I had to have a steady paycheck. But I was determined to make it work. Read More>>
