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.
Giselle Batcheller
I’ve studied a variety of disciplines related to wellness (nursing, public health, dentistry, culinary school, natural medicine, yoga, Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine, and more). My unique niche of regenerative health and esthetics modalities was forged over nearly 30 years of study now. I love to learn and I’m passionate about supporting greater vitality in all the tissues I treat. Read more>>
Aaron Downing
I got into barbering as a second career, the first being 20 years in the US Air Force as a weather forecaster. I had developed an interest/hobby over the years with straight razors. First by using them myself to shave with daily, but eventually into restoration of old razors. Read more>>
Cameron Linford
We started Yoked Staff a few years ago after first creating a business that provided bookkeeping and accounting to mostly small businesses through our team of highly skilled accountants that are based in the Philippines. My wife, Julie, is from the Philippines and is an accountant so we have good connections over there. Read more>>
Heather Watkins
After moving to St. George, I was homeschooling, and whenever we saw hot air balloons in the sky, we’d hop in the car to chase them. For our anniversary, my husband surprised me with a balloon ride — I was so nervous but beyond excited. The moment we lifted off, I fell in love with everything about it. Read more>>
William Reel Jr
I came into this work as a natural extension of my role in a local nonprofit that focuses on supporting people in meaningful life and religious transitions. Over time, I noticed that a lot of couples, especially those who aren’t affiliated with a particular religion or had been hurt by one, were looking for wedding ceremonies that still felt intentional, personal, and well done. Read more>>
Terrence Walters
Terrence Walters earned his Ph.D. in the Botanical Sciences from Texas A&M University. He began his career as an instructor and researcher at the University of Guelph in Canada. He later served as Executive Director of a 120-acre, nonprofit, tropical botanical garden in Coral Gables, Florida. In 2005, he joined the U.S. Read more>>
Irene Bradford Gastón
My journey into therapy began in an AP Psychology class in high school, where I immediately fell in love with the study of human behavior. Having navigated my own mental health challenges and complex relationship dynamics, I knew early on that I wanted to help others find the same clarity and healing that therapy brought me. Read more>>
Rebecca Christensen
I’ve always felt most comfortable in the kitchen. As a little girl I dreamt of becoming a wedding cake decorater. I loved the idea of creating beautiful delicious cakes and desserts. Through the years, I’ve improved my skills through trial and error and countless days in the kitchen with my Mother and Grandmothers. I still use their recipes in my bakes. Read more>>
Sunshine Bhatia
I’ve always believed that food has the power to connect, heal, and tell stories. Growing up in India, my happiest memories were made in the kitchen — watching flavors come alive through the dance of spices. When I moved to the United States, I often found myself sharing home-cooked Indian meals with friends and colleagues. Read more>>
Kirk Shull
My name is Kirk Shull, and my wife, Kathy, and I have been blessed with five children: Lana, Andrew, Hannah, Maryanna, and Susanna. Our family has been a vital part of our growth and success in ministry. I have served in teaching and pastoral ministry for 24 years. Read more>>
Crystal Reeves
Hi! I’m Crystal Reeves. I’m a wife, mom to six kids, four dogs, four goats. I live next door to not only my parents but also my twin brother (how cool is that!). I run my business in my backyard. You know how they say “find what you love and figure out a way to get paid for it”? That’s exactly what I did. Read more>>
Michelle Jorgensen
I started out like most dentists—trained in traditional dentistry and proud to help people smile. But about fifteen years in, my own health started to fall apart. I couldn’t sleep, my hands tingled so badly I could barely hold my instruments, and I was in constant pain. Read more>>
Saskia Stallings
I started out as an intuitive healer, speaker, and mentor. I’ve always been deeply connected to the emotional and energetic world, and passionate about helping people come home to themselves. One day while driving, I felt a clear download. It was simple and strong. Go back to school. At that point, I had closed the door on that dream. Read more>>
Allison West
AS degree, 1998 with a Trade School Certificate in Fashion Design. In 1999, enrolled for Fall semester at the U of U to pursue a degree in Business Management. During that summer, I looked for a ‘sewing’ job in the newspaper and saw an ad for ‘stained glass manager wanted, No experience required. Will Train the right applicant’. Read more>>
Kerri Robbins
I woke up on a Friday morning in June of 2022 and got on my treadmill. I’d only been on the treadmill about 20 minutes when I started coughing. Next thing I know, the paramedics are in our house. I was rushed to the hospital, where I had an MRI of my brain. Read more>>
Margie Looney
One day after school, my junior high orchestra director, Mrs. Todd, suggested I start teaching others. With that simple idea, I opened my strings studio at age 15 and have taught over 2,000 students since then. My passion is to teach students lifelong instrumental skills with beautiful technique, while building their confidence through learning in a fun and positive environment. Read more>>
Derek Rodeback
I began my medical career with the intention of specializing in family medicine, drawn by the prospect of building lasting relationships with patients and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to enhance their lives. Read more>>
Brooke Malan
Well I come from a family of entrepreneurs. Both my parents own their own businesses and I have 6 siblings and every one of them (and many of their spouses) all own their own companies as well. Read more>>
Charlotte Peterson
I have had a love of baking ever since I can remember. I would bake foods out of my mom’s Betty Crocker book, experiment with changing recipes and creating new things to eat. The kitchen was my science lab. Read more>>
Jared Reed
I founded DojoTrack in 2024, drawing on decades of martial arts experience, years of teaching at martial arts schools and managing front desk operations, as well as my background as a business owner. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Web and App Development from Utah Valley University and an MBA in IT Management from Western Governors University. Read more>>
Nancy Provolt
I am the owner of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts in Lehi and opened the store in November 2022. I move to Utah in 2019 to be closer to family after living in Texas for many years. While in Texas, I owned a Big Frog Custom T-Shirt store in Austin for nine years. Read more>>
Sheridan St. Claire
I started Symmetry Pilates when I was just 23, but it didn’t begin as a business plan. It began as a form of healing. I was living with two rotator cuff injuries, chronic lower-back pain, and a nervous system that was constantly on edge. Read more>>
Kayelyn Harris
I grew up in a home where we celebrated every holiday and milestone, no matter how big or small. Coming from humble beginnings, I learned early on how to create beautiful, meaningful parties on little to no budget — paying attention to the smallest details and finding creative ways to make every moment feel special. Read more>>
Tracey Gines
I started woodworking roughly 10 years ago, after my spouse and I purchased a new home. We wanted a farmhouse table. We had no power tools, and at that time I was actually scared of power tools that had the potential of cutting off your digits! Ha. Read more>>
Zach Nyborg
The founding story began in Poland where Mitch Mathews and Jesse Itzler were at Wim Hof’s learning about contrast therapy with the crowning event being a hike in negative degree weather wearing shorts, no shirts, with gloves and a beanie. Read more>>
Ron Squire
My journey really begins in 2004. At the age of 19 I suffered a hiking accident while living in Mexico that left me temporarily paralyzed. I had broken my back, a few ribs, and my leg. Read more>>
Shae Gines
received my first camera in 5th grade from my grandfather. It was a little Polaroid, nothing fancy, but it was my heaven. I immediately started posing my siblings and cousins, thinking I was a rock star behind the lens. Over time, I realized how much I loved giving others the gift of seeing themselves through my eyes instead of the mirror. Read more>>
Joi Worwood
I hold a deeply rooted love in my heart and soul for energy work and for the ancestors who practiced before me. On my mother’s side, I am of Japanese descent, born from a lineage of healers (Light) and Samurai (Warrior). From this union, Light Warrior was born. Read more>>
Jordan Joy
While I was in high school I had the opportunity to take an accounting class as one of my elective classes. I had no idea what accounting was or why I decided to take that class, but it completely changed my life. As I continued my accounting education into college I realized just how important the field is for individuals as well as business owners. Read more>>
Gracie Hurst
I graduated massage therapy school in 2022. When I first started working, the idea of owning my own business seemed so far from reality, so instead I focused on improving my technique and client experience. In December of 2023, the spa I was currently working for was making changes that didn’t suit what I wanted long term. Read more>>
