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.
Nicea Degering
Nothing in life is smooth! My journey has definitely had it’s ups and downs. Amazing interviews and tough ones. Opportunities I was awarded and positions and/or auditions that I didn’t get. Growing up on television and in front of a camera is exciting and daunting. I’ve aged on camera, made mistakes on camera and struggled to find who I was on camera. I started when social media didn’t exist and then has to work through a brand new world of immediate reaction and critique of not just my broadcast skills but what I wear and even how I parent. Read More>>
Nicole Vestal
I started lives for fun, to play in makeup & it grew immensely! Over time I started to have brands reach out & want to collab. My lives became very positive & empowering to others. I got interested in entrepreneurship & I started listening to books. Then I created my online store. The collabs were paying great & I was able to put myself through esthetician school. Now I work for myself doing lashes & waxing, while still having fun creating content. No matter if things so slow down for me. The drive & passion is forever in me! Read More>>
Ignacio Cittadini
I was managing at a steak house downtown and we needed to make a new cocktail menu (we had no bartender) so I jumped behind the bar during service. I have some friends who saw potential and ended up giving me the chance to full on bartend at a fancy Italian restaurant that is not around anymore and then 1, 2 , 3 and now 11 menus later, I have been consulting, bartending and working for private clients, cooking, teaching and serving their families and friends. I also got to work with very high end clients putting together events for their fundraising, weddings and just casual dinners. Read More>>
Candace Thomas
Being a writer can be a rather lonely occupation. You wouldn’t think it, but it is a lot of work in your head and experiences you are having with other characters. How I feel lucky is the community of writers Utah has and the way we band together and root for each other. It is rather unique to not look at other authors as competition but as fellow collaborators. Read More>>
Henry Stutman
As a young student at Weber State, Henry took part in the university’s ROTC program, a decision that instilled discipline, responsibility, and a deep commitment to his community. This commitment found practical expression when he was sworn in as a Deputy Constable with the Ogden City Constable’s Office. In this capacity, he gained invaluable experience in law enforcement and further developed his understanding of the challenges facing both law enforcement professionals and individuals in the justice system. Through these roles, Henry honed his leadership skills, which would later play a crucial role in his ability to navigate complex challenges across various sectors. Read More>>
Amber Strong
As I grew through my teenage years, I went through a lot of struggles, During this time, I developed a love for portraits and tattoos. I started spending a lot of time in tattoo shops and learning how to draw multitudes of different styles from the artists there. I would take photos from friends and try to recreate their image to the best of my ability, It drove me to push myself into styles and mediums I was uncomfortable with, and truly stoked the fire in my heart. My mom has been heavily supportive of my art throughout my life, and was the first person to inspire me to make it into a career. She always pushed me when I was losing faith in myself, both with art and everything else. She’s honestly the only reason I still create anything, and I’m so glad she pushed me as hard as she did growing up. Read More>>
Janci Schofield
Little Purple Pansies was started in 2019, named after the primary song “Little Purple Pansies” that my Great-Grandma loved. She would have all of us grandchildren memorize the song on the piano and sing it for her. My Great-Grandma also loved her flower garden and every summer I would go and help her weed the flowers and keep them beautiful. So Little Purple Pansies is a dedication to her. Read More>>
Dejon Brooks
Yeah, I was super passionate about helping content creators, go viral, but after five years of doing that, my interest started shifting towards other things. The big thing started shifting towards was attending events. I own a Instagram page that showcases upcoming events in Utah, Utah county and manage to grow it to over 100,000 views a month. This was a cool accomplishment, but every time I would go outside of the county or state, I felt like there was a whole world to explore other than just Utah county. Read More>>
Tayler Lacey
I have been playing music for most of my life, and I started playing in bands when I was 16. I started my solo project in 2015 and since then have released multiple albums, EP’s and singles! Growing up I listened to a lot of classic rock and country rock which kind of lead me down the path of folk and Americana music that I make today. Read More>>
Will Gibbons
Some of the most difficult times were when I was new to freelancing and wasn’t able to earn as much as I needed to. When my (then girlfriend, now wife) was accepted into medical school, we moved from California to Pennsylvania. There were months when we were paying rent with her student loan money and we were only able to buy groceries thanks to government assisted food stamps. Read More>>
Katie Liddiard
I was born in Northern Utah in 1984 and have been passionate about art from a young age. After high school, I attended Snow College, initially planning to follow a traditional college path. However, my fascination with classical art education led me to the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. Although financial challenges cut my time in Florence short, I returned to Utah and completed my training at the Masters Academy of Art under Ryan S. Brown. After graduating in 2014 and serving as the Assistant Director of the academy, I left in 2018 to dedicate myself fully to my art. Read More>>
Karisa Kukuchka
At the same time, I’ve always loved technology and creativity in all forms, which led me to pursue a degree in web development. For the past decade, I’ve worked professionally in the field, helping businesses build beautiful, functional websites while also growing my photography business on the side. It’s been the best of both worlds—balancing my love for digital creativity with the art of storytelling through photography. Read More>>
Stephanie Hillman
To better equip myself with the knowledge and skills needed to steer the business forward, I decided to invest in my education and went back to school, participating in various programs focused on business management. The most impactful experience was the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, which gave me invaluable insights into scaling and managing a business. Read More>>
Brxdy
I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made since starting my journey with just a cracked iPhone 7. From humble beginnings to gaining recognition in the industry, especially the chain I designed for Polo G. it’s been an incredible ride. I’m proud to have stayed true to my vision and to have built a loyal following of clients and supporters who appreciate my unique style. Read More>>
Omar Dominguez
I started in the food industry in 1996, my first job was cook in the first Arbys in Veracruza Mexico, my home town, very fast I discovered it was a passionate environment for me, I was surprised about all the controls you have to manage to be successful, to me that was a new science but that ignited a passion inside me. Read More>>
Rachel Kostura
As I learned the in’s and out’s of content creation, and how lucrative of an industry this can be, I knew I had to start my own social media page dedicated to helping other’s grow in the online space. I started a TikTok account @RachtoRiches, and quickly grew to micro-influencer status. I post tips and tricks that Tiktok shares with me directly, as well as fashion and lifestyle finds within the Tiktok shop Marketplace. If you’ve been thinking of getting into the online space, follow me and send me a DM- I’m here to help! Read More>>
Antonio Garcia Lyons
I was born and raised in Santiago de Querétaro, MX. My journey as a musician begins when I was about 7, I took piano lessons for 4 years. I wasn’t particularly interested in pursuing piano mainly because my parents wanted me to play at church and I had no interest in religious music. At about 10 years old I picked up my father’s guitar which was a very organic decision. Read More>>
Tate Langston
A few years ago, after my truck was struck by a drunk driver, I contacted UDOT and the city to determine if any of their cameras had recorded the incident. Unfortunately, I learned that no such footage existed, which left me wishing there had been a centralized source for accident footage. This experience inspired the creation of CollisionCam. We have since installed hundreds of cameras throughout the state that capture vehicle collisions. Our service provides accident footage free of charge to those involved, while insurance companies and attorneys are billed for access. Read More>>
Andra Judd
While my client base grew more rapidly than expected, I have tried to keep that as more of a “part time” hobby and I have focused more on spending time with my family and creating more religious paintings. I love to stay busy! I love having the ability to create things for others that bring them joy; whether it’s beautiful cakes or uplifting artwork! Read More>>
Freddy Centeno
Freddy Centeno, better known by his stage name “DJ MARKANO”. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Markano has a life motto “I came to the world and arrived so as not to lose” a motto that he applies every day, and it has helped him meet his goals, grow and improveFrom an early age I began to have a passion for music, part of my adolescence I began to like the world of being a DJ and music producer,Consistency and discipline have been the fundamental pieces in reaching the level where I am today, it has not been an easy path but we are achieving it Read More>>
Brian Smyer
That’s why I’ve started shifting my focus—not just on creating beautiful images but on sharing what I’ve learned. Through my newsletter, Behind the Lens, I take people beyond the photos—into the stories, the creative process, and the deeper connection that makes photography so powerful. Whether you’re a photographer, a business owner, or just someone looking for inspiration, my goal is to give you something that sticks. A new way to see, create, and connect. Read More>>
Sora Penfold
about a year after I rebranded i was able to find a niche on Twitch with Kingdom Hearts, i finally started to feel like i had a home. and as my community grew i learned new skills like graphic design to make my own overlays for my streams as well as how to continue to grow my audience via other social media. as i learned these skills i figured you know what why not I’ll open an Esty shop (Destiny Island Visuals) and start a Podcast (It All Started With A Crown). Read More>>
Nathan Grebe
I would describe my style as candid and moment-driven. I love capturing small details, movement, and people in their natural environment. While I specialize in weddings and couples, my favorite thing to do is walk around the city, capturing whatever catches my eye. There’s something special about finding beauty in the everyday and turning fleeting moments into lasting images. Read More>>
Tonya Lundgren
I’m a fighter. I’m proud that I have broken the cycle of abuse. I’m proud to be married to an amazing man. I’m proud that I’ve raised 5 kids to be outstanding members of society. Our oldest daughter is married & graduating from BYU in April. Our oldest son is a sophomore at BYU/pre med. Our younger son is serving an LDS mission in Baltimore. Our 17 year old daughter is an honor student. Our 13 year old is also an honor student. Read More>>
Pete Tidwell
But like any journey, mine hasn’t been without challenges. Owning a business, navigating creative burnout, and managing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship took a toll on me. That’s when I discovered breathwork. It became a game-changer—helping me quiet the noise, reconnect with myself, and find clarity in moments of chaos. Now, alongside baking, I’m also passionate about sharing the power of breathwork with others, helping fellow business owners and creatives manage stress and tap into their full potential. Read More>>
Randi Sidman-Moore
In New York, I was fortunate to assist some of the country’s legendary photographers: Alfred “Eisie” Eisenstaedt and Mary Ellen Mark. I also became the photographer for an advertising section of Elle Magazine, for Ocean Drive Magazine in Miami and Cycle America (I biked over 3,000 miles!). From there my career took off and my work has been published in hundreds of advertisements and magazines. worldwide. Read More>>
Pamela Noschang
Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of exploring the world. I loved watching movies and seeing the characters enjoy their vacations while traveling. However, I come from a humble family that could never afford those experiences. Even so, my dreams had no limits. I worked hard to change my reality. I took on odd jobs, saved every penny, and invested in knowledge. I decided to study Information Technology (IT) because I knew it was a promising field. I worked in IT for a few years, but my passion for creativity led me to explore other paths. Read More>>
Melanie Rader
Willow Canyon Outdoor has been around for 30 years, the previous owners built a pillar of community, a place of gathering and safety for people from all walks of life. I frequented Willow Canyon and without this place I would not have the community or the friendships I have now. When the previous owners approached us to purchase the store, it was the opportunity of a lifetime that we had to explore. My partner and I are honored to carry on the legacy of the previous owners, Charlie and Susan. We hope Willow Canyon can serve for generations to come, whether passing through for a cup of coffee or launching off on the adventure of a lifetime! Read More>>
Kelly Brown
As a young girl, I watched my mother’s business flourish, witnessing first hand her meticulous process of custom-blending products for each client. Over time, as demand grew, she launched her own skincare line, ensuring that her transformative solutions were always at hand. The most profound lesson I learned from her, however, was the undeniable impact she made on her clients’ lives through the improvements in their skin. When she began to call it “Corrective Skincare,” it was because she saw her work as a way to correct and enhance her clients’ natural beauty, and the results spoke for themselves. Read More>>
Emerlie Miller
I started decorating cakes in 2010, teaching myself everything I could before working at several bakeries, including the popular cupcake shop One Sweet Slice. When that bakery shut down, I made a completely impulsive decision to move to Canada, where I attended the world-renowned Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts in Toronto. In 2015, I earned my Confectionary Arts Diploma, giving me a formal education in cake design to complement my years of hands-on experience. Read More>>
Emily Merrell
Music emerged as my most accessible medium, and I focused most of my teen years developing those skills before heading to college to major in Jazz Studies. After completing my Master’s Degree, I moved to Utah and began to build a career and community here. Now I’m pleased to make most of my living booking and performing in a wedding band all over the Intermountain West. I also teach at Utah Valley University, and at my private home studio, EM Vocal Studio. It’s a deep honor to be part of the creative development of others. I write and record my own original music (my third album was released late in 2022). And I host an art/creativity podcast called “Artifice” where I interview all sorts of artists about their creative development, art identities, and more. Episode 200 is out this month! Read More>>
McKardy Kelly
However, when I turned 10, I convinced him to let me try again. I competed and won the Mountain Valley Stampede Rodeo Princess title, and from there, the journey took off. I went on to win Miss Utah High School Rodeo in my freshman year and, in 2019, became the National High School Rodeo Queen in my sophomore year. I was the first girl from Utah to win the title in over a decade. After a few years off to attend school at Utah Tech University, I decided to return to the rodeo world. In 2023, I competed for Miss Rodeo Utah, and in my first year, I was blessed to win the pageant. I had the honor of serving as Miss Rodeo Utah for 2024. Read More>>
Elizabeth Jeffrey
In the end, it’s all about building good in the world. I just spoke with a good friend who had a very sad story to tell me, that his wife and friends witnessed a small child lose their life to choking while in a public place. I am determined to bring the Breath of Life to the public so tragedies like this can be prevented and everyone can have a life saving, easy-t0-use, portable choking rescue device on hand, just in case the unthinkable happens. Read More>>
Ashlee Rudert
When you walk away from something you have established to start over again, the reactions are often split into two different groups: some people will think you’re absolutely reckless, and others will admire your assertion of free will, regardless of whether they understand you. The only thing that has ever really mattered to me is whether I can trust my own choices in the face of changes and repeated challenges. I have had many changes happen to me, regardless of the choices I wanted to follow; many times, my occupations, my sense of home, my health, and my relationships shifted beyond my control. At the end of the day, nothing is more reassuring to me than the choices I have made for myself, even when there is adverse pressure to act on them. Read More>>
Kaleigh Gillespie
After i graduated high school in 2021 i attended a small community college in Glendive Montana. I went out there to play softball. i have always loved getting my nails done and when i moved to Glendive, the nearest nail salon was 2 hours away. so i started to do my own nails, and that soon turned into doing my teammates and friends nails. when i graduated college in 2023 i came home and attended nail school at Cameo College of Essential Beauty. I got my salon suite one week into my program. i then graduated in sept of 2023 and opened my studio in oct of 2023. it’s not been a little over a year in business! Read More>>
Genesis Civitico
It all started with an inspiring idea from my cousin, Stephanie. She came up with the concept of a mobile spa in Miami, Florida, designed to create magical, detailed experiences for girls. When I saw how unique and impactful the idea was, I realized there was an opportunity to bring something similar to Utah, where no such mobile spa parties existed—especially not with the thoughtful, personalized details we envisioned. Read More>>
Latifah Henry
My oldest son and my boy/girl twins who were toddlers. I wasn’t used to having so much time where I wasn’t busy with work and school. So to continue to socialize, I created a mom blog and found a community of women and moms to connect with via blogging, as well as beginning to create content for brands. When we moved out of California for the first time to Nebraska, this helped put me through grad school and contribute financially for my family. It was truly the biggest blessing at that time. We got to work with so many great brands, we’re hosted by hotels, and strengthened our family bond. Now that I’m in Utah, I’m a full time mental health therapist and continue to create content on the side. Read More>>
Diego Quiroz
We met one day and he mentioned to me how he’s super busy and needed a lot of help. I quickly applied for a Best Buy credit card and bought my first camera and lens. And it was during the pandemic, so everything shut down, and it was one of the worst times to start a business. But in a pandemic or crisis is where entrepreneurs are born. My mentor and friend Luis continued to take me to weddings out of state and different events until eventually I was able to branch off on my own. The with in a few years I was able to attend my first red carpet for “The kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and also I got the opportunity to film a global super star in his tour titled “Bailemos otra vez” this is of course Chayanne and awesome experience. In addition I got to film an episode of “The download by Justin Laboy” where he interviewed Kevin Durant. I am greatly thankful for these experience and excited for more to come. Read More>>
Nicholas Smith
The Other Side Academy saved my life. It was tough—brutal, even. But it was exactly what I needed. Radical accountability, peer correction, and real honesty helped me face myself for the first time. I embraced it 100%, working my way from entry-level jobs to eventually managing the IT department across multiple businesses. I learned how to lead, how to take responsibility, and most importantly, how to be a father again. Read More>>
Travis Romney
They pushed for a more stable and traditional career. So I took the traditional route, but never stopped drawing. In 2014 at the age of 28, I decided to take a chance and I posted an online comic to facebook. Within the first week I had 1,000 followers, first year 10,000 and as of today I have almost 34,000 followers over three social media accounts. I’m a regularly invited guest at comic conventions and arts festivals, I was invited and proudly accepted membership to the National Cartoonist Society, and my favorite thing is having fans returning each year to pick up the latest editions of my comic and update me as to how things are going for them. Read More>>
Salma Al-Shuqairat
Growing up in Provo, UT as a Muslim-Arab girl is not for the weak. Whether it was my dark, unpredictable curls that attracted unwanted attention or the downturn of my nose that fueled my insecurities, all of my features appeared to be in overwhelming contradiction with those of my peers. In hindsight, I now understand that my lack of confidence in my Arab features was reflected by a deeper uncertainty of my identity. The summers I spent in my home country, Jordan, would further exacerbate this uncertainty, as I was deemed too “Westernized” in Jordan and too “foreign” in Utah. I felt disconnected from both my homes and rejected by both my communities. My sense of alienation was further amplified by the lack of women in the media who shared similar features to mine. This feeling of underrepresentation eventually inspired me to seriously consider the possibility of pursuing a modeling career at 15 years old. Read More>>
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>>
