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.
Fawn Rueckert
We began the Utah Cut Flower Farm Asociation in May of 2019 with a handful of members and now we have around a 170 members across the state. We hold educational opportunities such as farm tours, an annual Cut flower conference every winter, zoom meetings, and the Utah Flower Day. This year the Utah Flower Day will be celebrated on August 16th with events all over Utah. Read more>>
Jacynthe Kies
I looked and this program and thought “This would be good when my kids are older.” But I kept going back to that program overview and told myself if I was awarded Pell Grant I would do it. By my surprise I qualified and the entire program was paid for. It was literally 3 weeks into the program that I realized Graphic Design was what I wanted to do – my dream job. I’ve done things in the past that were graphic design oriented and didn’t know it. I graduated from Ogden Weber Technical College Spring 2025 and have since then started freelancing my graphic design services. Read more>>
Clarice Paulson
My business began as an extension of my own healing. After struggling with disordered eating throughout high school and undergoing hospitalization and residential treatment for bulimia, I realized how deeply people need support not just with food, but with the thoughts, emotions, and self-worth that surround it. That experience led me to become a certified life and weight coach through The Life Coach School in 2020, and later, a trauma-informed coach through Moving the Human Spirit in 2023. Read more>>
Lorena
We did have up and downs and the downs were the ones who pushed to move have and have a daily plans to move forward , have personal developments training And goals Read more>>
Syd Page
That is when I knew I wanted to dive into this industry and start a business. I thought this would be something I would do on the side, but when life took control, like it always does, I jumped in 100%. The property owner at my salon walked in and told me that they were raising my rent in the space I leased and I knew I couldn’t work the hours that it would take to make up the difference! That is when I took a leap of faith and started Wild Clover Decor Rentals. Read more>>
Dallas LaSalle
I got to where I am now through an inordinate amount of trial and error, a lot of failing, and just a smidge more of not giving up. There was a time when I felt like I was walking in mud up to my neck trying to get anything accomplished with music and the good news is that I now only feel like I’m in mud up to my shins and I’m incredibly excited on my next chapters because I’ve laid a lot of ground work for those chapters to be my best years to date. Read more>>
Aubree Hazard
Right at the time I was graduating with that long sought after degree, I was welcoming my second daughter into the world and my oldest daughter was getting ready to begin kindergarten. It was fascinating for me to watch her, she was so creative, persistent, curious, and passionate. All character traits I longed to have for myself, but had somehow lost through my academic journey. I realized that my daughter may be served much better by protecting & nurturing those vary traits that I had lost. So my journey into alternative education had begun, with a determined pursuit to find something more for my own children. Read more>>
Jaren Blake
I completed my internship and residency at the University of Nevada, Reno in Family Medicine. I served my last year as chief resident and then began my practice in rural Idaho, where I took my first academic position as a Regional Dean for Pacific Northwest University. Wanting to be full-time in academics, I returned to Reno to be on the faculty in early 2012 at UNR. After serving as Vice Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine and as the Program Director for the family medicine residency program, I moved to Idaho Falls in late 2018 to start up a physician teaching program there. Read more>>
Laura Cooper
Twenty years ago, our family’s journey with food restrictions began when my husband went gluten-free and dairy-free for health reasons. As our kids grew, they each developed their own food sensitivities—our middle child had severe allergies to both common and uncommon foods, which led us to create every meal from scratch. Living in Africa at the time, I learned to bake daily. When we returned home, I dedicated myself to developing recipes that could accommodate our family’s needs. My goal was simple: I didn’t want my kids to miss out on anything—whether it was food, social gatherings, or travel—because of food allergies. Read more>>
Brandi Jensen
My husband and I started this business 9 years ago. At that time, we had many years of experience in the automotive industry, which gave us a unique perspective about the used car buying process. We noticed that countless people were buying cars they thought were well maintained and paying top dollar for them. But they found out afterward that their perfect car needed thousands in repairs in order to be a safe and dependable vehicle. So, we established On-Site Inspections to provide unbiased findings and an expert opinion before the purchase of a used vehicle. Read more>>
Ying
I started the business with no background in baking, but a strong vision and a high standard for flavor and presentation. I surrounded myself with the right people, stayed deeply involved in the creative direction, and focused on making sure everything we put out felt special. That’s how Chubby Baker grew — not from a love of baking, but from a love of food and a clear sense of what was missing. Read more>>
Ivan Gonzalez
The goal was to create memories and moments of hope during what would otherwise be difficult times. Our founder grew up in poverty and knows firsthand what it feels like to miss out on the experiences other kids often take for granted. From sporting events, to museum trips, to concerts, those simple joys were often out of reach. Now, as an adult, he’s made it his mission to give back, to make sure that kids facing similar struggles don’t have to miss out on the magic of childhood and the opportunities that can shape a brighter future. Read more>>
Kelly Wareham
In 2022, I decided to channel my experience and passion into something that could really make a difference, so I founded The Ashley Michelle Project. Our nonprofit is dedicated to supporting men and women in recovery by helping them with their basic needs. It’s one thing to overcome addiction, but without the foundational support of things like clothing, hygiene products, furniture, or even just a safe and stable living environment, it can feel like an uphill battle. We are committed to providing that support—helping people get back on their feet, regain their dignity, and build the life they deserve. Read more>>
Michael Maccarrone
I managed record stores by day (1978-2012), briefly working in the real world for 2-3 years, but realizing I belonged in the music industry. In 2012 I moved to Salt Lake City to develop a relationship with Pam (a friend from the punk clubs of the early 1980’s who had moved to Utah in the 1990’s). At some point after moving here an opportunity arose to go back to NY to manage a store very close to my heart, but I didn’t feel NY was the place for me to be. Pam had a gut feeling, and provided the funds to open Sound And Vision Vinyl. Established and opened October 16, 2015. Bonus story: started a New Music Project called That Sound In Your Head – Releasing our third single Friday July 11, 2025 on all streaming platforms. Read more>>
Connie Romero
I worked full-time and put myself through college, earning a degree in aviation management with a business emphasis. I entered the high-pressure world of air traffic control—a field dominated by Type-A personalities, fast decisions, and constant stress. As a young Latina woman, I had to fight to be taken seriously. But I thrived under pressure. I became known not only for my calm under pressure and leadership in crisis, but also for my ability to teach. I trained and certified more new controllers than the facility expected, mentoring rookies with a mix of structure, strategy, and support. I was the one people turned to when things got messy—because I had a reputation for getting things done, solving problems, and somehow keeping it fun. I kept learning, growing, investing, and building wealth. Read more>>
Kelly Weyburn
No details. No medicines. No “how did that make you feel”. Just release. So I began my own journey into being attuned to Reiki in 2018. In 2019, I became a Reiki Master Teacher. It has been my goal to help other survivors release and heal. I also own a home bakery because, sweets!!! Both of my businesses help me with my social anxiety and fear of what others think of me. That has been an ongoing trigger. The thoughts of “will I be good enough”. Even though now, at 48 years old I can finally look myself in the eye and say “I love you”, I still have a few triggers left. Read more>>
Kimmy Hammons
People think you hit record, post, and you’re done but there is so much more that goes into it. From getting proper equipment to hours of research and making something that you are proud of, having an episode, editing the episode, researching the topics, and then putting out a product that you are happy with, that one hour recording is hitting eight hours easy. Plus, since I do an illustration with each episode I find myself pouring a bit more time into each episode. Then there is marketing, getting yourself out in the community and so much more. Read more>>
Chris Almy
It’s been hard because there’s really not a how-to guide (unless you’re willing to fork out the cash, which is was neither willing nor able). It’s taken a lot of searching things out, poking around on the internet, calling insurance companies and the chamber of commerce, etc., just to figure out next steps. Read more>>
Kreigh Carter
It has for sure not been smooth. The film industry is as the stories say, very difficult to get in and frankl,y irresponsibly dangerous at times if you do make it in. I could tell stories for days of 22 hour days back to back to back, Dangerous stunts and situations, filming in strange countries and situations,etc. As far as when we started our marketing business here it had so many of its own difficulties. Just like starting any business having to leave a steady job to head out into the dark unknown, Working with people and businesses all around. Shooting real estate, weddings, commercial, product video, live events, ect. Read more>>
Eduardo Denkers
After coming out, navigating a divorce, and eventually marrying the love of my life, Jordan, I found myself building a new life grounded in authenticity and purpose. That’s when Edenks Photography was born—a name that blends my name and his last names and reflects our vision of creating art with heart. What started as a personal outlet quickly grew into a business, and now I get to work with couples and families to tell their stories with warmth, honesty, and joy. Read more>>
Ashe Foreman
I think risk taking is essential to life and success, I don’t think anyone ever achieved anything by just playing it safe. I’m sure that there are some people who enjoy comfortability and complacency, but for me, that’s never been a option, and I don’t think it has been for anyone successful Read more>>
Jessica Pierce
A few years later I married my husband, Billy, and our wedding photographer ended up becoming my good friend and mentor. She gave me so many tips and we found that we had a lot in common with one another. I was able to upgrade and purchase a used Nikon D90 and that’s been my camera for 13 years now. I’ve loved being able to do photography on the side while also being a full-time mom to my 6 beautiful kids. They’re my favorite subjects to photograph. I love bringing my camera on every road trip and to every family get together. Recently, I’ve really been getting into floral photography. There’s something so mesmerizing about the natural patterns and beautiful imperfections of flowers and plants. I hope to continue my photography and continue to get better and better. Read more>>
Christa Jutras
Everly Grace Beauty was born from my own healing journey. I’ve always been deeply connected to the beauty industry, but it wasn’t until I began to understand the connection between our skin, emotions, energy, and self-worth that my work really transformed. After spending years in the high-end spa world, I realized that so many traditional approaches were missing the soul of beauty — the part that speaks to our inner radiance, our nervous system, and the stories our skin holds. Read more>>
Jessica Ramirez
When I was in 3rd grade I entered into a photography contest at my school. I ended up winning. The picture I used was shot on an iPhone with some very simple editing but it was right then and there I was in love. In 4th grade I started taking pictures of puppies and kept up with that till I got my first camera. I started almost right away with very little knowledge. Over time I got better and that’s led me to where I am today. I am 17 years old with a very successful business before I have even graduated and couldn’t be more thankful! Read more>>
Jack Wiley
Naturally, many people in the ski and snowboard industry also turn to film and production after their careers for the same reasons, which has led me to some fun opportunities as well as some amazing mentorship in comfortable environments. I was gifted my first camera at 12 by my grandfather, a small flip camera from Best Buy, and began to film my friends and I snowboarding every weekend. Soon after, I realized my passion for making videos, which, as I got older, I continued to just get better at what I do and explore new mediums with it. Read more>>
Steven Smith
At eighteen, I began working full-time with my Uncle Frank. Unfortunately, during my time with him, my dad passed away, another uncle decided to leave the industry, and my grandfather sold his business in San Diego. As Frank’s health declined, I stepped up to take on more responsibility, and when he passed, I was the one who stepped in to maintain the business. Despite challenges, I worked hard to retain generational customers, keeping the legacy intact. Read more>>
Matt James
So I came home one summer, and I was like, I need to figure out a way to make some money. So I decided to kind of combine my two favorite things, which was working in Africa with the orphanage that I started, as well as turquoise jewelry. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been obsessed with turquoise. I don’t know why, it just like was in my DNA. I just loved it. So I wanted to learn how to silversmith and sell those rings. Read more>>
