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.
Josh Webber
In the world of creative agencies, there’s a lot of ‘fluff’—bloated budgets, ambiguous strategies, and processes that feel more like a maze than a roadmap. In 2017, three brothers—Josh, Zach, and Ben Webber—decided there was a better way. They didn’t start in a high-rise office in Manhattan or a tech hub in Silicon Valley. They started in a pool house in Orem, Utah. Read more>>
Cade Woolsey
Cade has been working in mental health since 2015. He started as a floor nurse and worked his way up to charge nurse and then assistant director of nursing. He realized that all too often providers were rushing through their patients and not getting a clear diagnosis or they were too quick to prescribe and not offer other treatment options. Read more>>
Zell Schaal
I started my art business with a simple desire, to bring people closer to nature. When we feel connected to nature everything makes more sense. We feel better and more aligned with ourselves and the natural rhythm of the planet. During my travels in 2010 I encountered a butterfly house in Key West, Florida. Read more>>
Phil Rawlings
I often get asked why I started the Expo. Sometimes it seems they are looking at me like I have rocks in my head and I probably do. I have been involved with and designed parts for a number of companies over the years that have gone to shows like SEMA and the Pomona Off-Road Expo. Read more>>
Azelia Dickson
In 2021 I started Interiors by Design with one goal in mind: Predictable design process, unpredictable designs. As I started IBD, I collaborated with a ton of different builders. I asked for feedback, and used it to craft a process built around unity. When the Interior Designer and Builder are on the same page, and roles are clearly defined, it creates an incredible Client experience. Read more>>
Monica Reed
I started late in life! I had been working in the car business for over 20 years in the accounting department. I’d been feeling unfulfilled for some time, and then Covid happened! Read more>>
Gia Rushton
I first went to school and majored in Interior Design at FIDM in LA. After graduation, I worked in event design and production for (2) years. However, I knew events weren’t my forever career so I went back to school for a bachelors in Interior Design. Read more>>
Sanna Pedersen
I started as an apprentice in an elite nail salon in Salt Lake City. In less than a year, I became a licensed nail technician and a licensed instructor, took on apprentices of my own, and stepped into the role of Salon Director—so I learned early how to move fast, work smart, and keep standards sky-high. Read more>>
Joe and Kayla Flores
Tailored started with a simple idea: create a space where craftsmanship, community, Mastering the craft of Barbering, and integrity actually matter. We opened our first Tailored Barber Co. location in Ogden, Utah in 2016 with a clear vision, a lot of grit, and a deep belief in people. From the beginning, it was never about being the biggest shop; it was about building something meaningful. Read more>>
Emily & Joel Buss
Our story started in a season of uncertainty we never expected. After my husband Joel was laid off, he poured everything into finding a new role. Hundreds of applications, dozens of interviews, even final rounds that went nowhere. As the months stretched on, our savings disappeared and we found ourselves facing a question no parent should have to ask. Read more>>
Jennifer Trinidad
I started out in California working in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. As my experience with insurance companies grew, I became more interested in healing without pharmaceutical company or insurance company influence/interference. When I moved back to Utah in 2016, I worked as a hospitalist at Utah Valley hospital and eventually at Spanish Fork hospital. Read more>>
Daniel Jenney
I started in photography after college. I attended Fordham University and received my Bachelors of Accounting and shortly after graduation landed an accounting job with a large corporate bank… and I hated it. Read more>>
Chelsea Dalton
I began by working in a facility, where I quickly realized that many children require far more than just supervision; they need intentional support and deep, consistent love. Seeing these children navigate their daily lives inspired me to ensure that every child in my care knows they are valued, protected, and truly matter. Read more>>
Anne Hart
I have always loved working with kids. I taught swim lessons as a teenager and throughout college, so I knew I wanted to go into a profession where I could work with kids. Speech therapy turned out to be the perfect fit! Read more>>
Misa Anderson
I began my career in early childhood education as a young teacher at Mamaroneck Community Nursery School in New York. It was there that I discovered how powerful and formative the early years can be, both for children and for educators. My director, Lynda Merchant, played a pivotal role in my journey. Read more>>
Taunya Dressler
It all started with It’s a Small World at Disneyland. Five-year-old me couldn’t get over the costumes, the colors, the kaleidoscope of worlds spinning past. I made my mom take me on it again, and again (my poor mom). I was hooked. Even then, I knew I wanted to explore every corner of that ride, and eventually, every corner of our world. Read more>>
Tracy Wilson
Wilson Carpet Repair started the same way many honest businesses do, out of necessity and pride in doing good work. I’ve spent years working hands on in flooring and carpet repair, learning the trade from the ground up. Read more>>
Dr. Betty DeLass, PT, DPT
I started the practice in Omaha, NE as a mobile business going to people’s homes during Covid. Shortly after we relocated to Salt Lake City and I began mobile as well. Little did I know that we would quickly have a long waiting list and we transitioned to a brick and mortar location. Read more>>
Tiana Luttrell
My story began when I became pregnant with my first child. I didn’t understand much about the birth world. My understanding was the typical what you see on tv (go to the hospital and have the baby). I thought I was well prepared, and even had a birth plan. Read more>>
Josh Bell
I started in banking and realized people struggled a lot more than what appeared externally with money, so I decided to go to school for financial planning and build a practice where people can get free help and resources on their individual and business financial journeys. Read more>>
Mike Guastella (Goose)
I’ve been a fitness expert for over 15 years, helping clients of all body types with all types of goals. From fat loss and supporting mental health to post—rehab and optimizing performance, I’m motivated to help you gain confidence. If your goals lie in improving your health in a safe, professional and structured but fun manner, I’m the fitness professional for you! Read more>>
Katina Stephens
Empire Beauty Studios began with a simple yet powerful mission: to help every client feel like the most confident, radiant version of themselves on their biggest and most memorable days. Founded and led by Katina Burt Stephens, a seasoned makeup artist whose passion for beauty began in high school and blossomed into a professional career in 2013. Read more>>
Stephanie Ratto
Stephanie Ratto Photography began at the intersection of military life and a lifelong love for creativity. When my husband joined the United States Army, we knew that starting a family would come with unique challenges, including frequent moves and an unpredictable schedule. I needed a career that would allow me to contribute to our household while still being flexible enough to support his service. Read more>>
Tracy Holt
I’m a second generation owner of Performance Place in South Jordan Utah it is a automotive shop that shop was started by my father in 1974 it is the the only job I have ever had. I started sweeping the floors as a young man and have worked in every aspect of the business. Read more>>
Stacy Heaps
In college I worked for a company called TKJ inc caring for individuals with disabilities. While working there I was encouraged to get my master’s so I could become a behavior specialist. I did my first internship at my place or work but doing behavior management stuff and I loved it. Read more>>
Matt Peterson
Nature’s Fusions, the parent company behind Nutri Supplements, was founded in 2009 by three brothers—David, CJ, and Matt—inspired by a deeply personal family health journey. Their younger sister faced a thyroid cancer diagnosis at just 18, sparking a quest for transparent, effective natural remedies by starting Nature’s Fusions Essential Oils. A few years later, CJ, suffered from AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Read more>>
Corey Noyes
I didn’t start out with a master plan to build a business. Early in my career, I worked in more traditional financial roles and quickly realized that most people don’t struggle because they aren’t smart or motivated. They struggle because the decisions in front of them feel fragmented and unclear. Read more>>
Sarah Barstow
I moved to Moab from Hartford, Connecticut in the beginning of 1997. I have lived in a lot of beautiful places, but no place as striking as the desert landscapes of Moab. I fell head over heels in love with the desert, but also with the community of people who call Moab home. Read more>>
Braxton Johnson
After working in and transforming the marketing and online for a small business in Utah, I realized that there were many businesses not only in Utah but across the country with the same struggle. Marketing and Online can be confusing for business owners, and they already have so much to think about and do. Read more>>
Carson Kennedy
My high school buddy came up with the idea for our business Aleya Platforms. Since then we have grown to have 100+ influencers on our site and dozens of businesses reaping the benefits. Read more>>
Breelyn Vanleeuwen
I never set out to start a sunscreen company. I am a Physician Assistant and at the time I was working in reconstructive facial plastics where I saw the real cost of skin cancer every day. Utah is the number 1 state in the Nation for Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Read more>>
Heidi Sweat
Bottoms Up Yoga Studio was founded in 2016 by Trish Gavin, whose path to yoga began during a season of profound personal loss. What started as a search for healing gradually became a calling. As her practice deepened, Trish experienced firsthand the transformative power of yoga—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually—and felt compelled to share that healing with others. Read more>>
Michele Chisholm
I grew up with a father who struggled to learn to read. School was very difficult for him, and although he barely graduated from high school, the lasting impact was how often he described himself as “dumb.” Eleven years ago, when my own son began struggling in school, I was determined that his experience with learning to read would be different from my father’s. Read more>>
Brandon Kidd
I worked in a public garden for 6 years taking care of it as needed. While there I met three guys who helped me bring together the idea that we could start a landscaping business with all four of our expertise. Each would take be in charge of their area of expertise on each project but all would help out to get it done. Read more>>
Jared Godfrey
I started Taekwondo as a 9-10 yr old boy and fell in love with it. I continued it until I got up to jr. Black belt.. I took a break after getting injured and didn’t go back until My wife and I were looking for a martial arts experience for our children. Read more>>
Ronald Yeates
Purchased existing restaurant on September 16th, 2008, I had just been laid off from La-z-boy furniture manufacturing in Tremonton where I had work for 28 years. I used my retirement fund to purchase the small diner Ogden called No Frills Diner. I have currently owned and operated the diner for 17 years. Read more>>
Bayleigh Boswell
I originally went to school to be an elementary teacher and spent my early career in the classroom. After having my first baby, I made the decision to stay home and soak in those early years. During that season, photography started as a creative hobby, something that let me document everyday moments and tell stories in a new way. Read more>>
Prenten Frazier
Our Story began generations ago with the beekeeping trade, but we really got going in 2011 when my father retired. We wanted to develop a food security with a large-scale commercial operation. Read more>>
Errin Andrus and Ashley Flowers
Meet Errin & Ashley — The Sisters Behind Sanctuary Holistic Wellness Errin began her journey in 2017, working one-on-one with clients to support deep healing of the mind, body, and spirit. With a unique blend of energy work, parasite and heavy metal cleansing, and nutritional guidance, she quickly became a trusted guide for those seeking true transformation and freedom from chronic issues. Read more>>
Chelsea Beutler
I didn’t start out with the goal of running a flower farm; I started with a love for growing vegetables, hosting wellness workshops, and having a creative outlet. Flowers entered my life after covid when my husband lost his sense of taste and smell…and it never came back. It changed the way our family ate. Read more>>
MELŌ
Mikey Collard: Jordan and I knew each other from college (were pledge brothers in the Sigma Chi fraternity), and then we met Zakkary in 2004 when we all tried out and made it into a band that was being formed around Jonas Persch, a former singer in the boy band LMNT. Read more>>
Awakening Autumn
We’re Awakening Autumn! A band/duo based out of Eagle Mountain, Utah. Our names are McKade Wilde (vocals,) and Joey Stetz (drums). We’ve bounced around different bands and line-ups for years before meeting each other, trying to find members who shared our passion to the projects we were in. Read more>>
Hank Tolman
I got out of the Army in late 2014 and Danica and I decided to move back to Utah. I had a really rough time transitioning into the civilian life and had a hard time making friends or finding things to do. I didn’t leave the house much and I was struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Read more>>
Shay Willis
My mom was a photographer before I was. In high school I borrowed her camera to take pictures of my friends. Then my friends friends wanted pictures and then their friends friends wanted pictures. I did my first wedding in 2018 when I was 17 years old. I quit my full-time job a couple years ago and I haven’t looked back. Read more>>
Michael Todoran
I began my career as a landscape architect, trained to think in systems, long timelines, and human-scale consequences. Over time, I realized that many designers doing meaningful work struggled not because of a lack of quality, but because their ideas were not being clearly communicated or understood. That gap led me to photography, filmmaking, and eventually public relations. Read more>>
Tracy Gossett
My husband, Jon, and I opened Fallen Sky Stone, in November 2021 in historic downtown Tooele. We are a turquoise boutique, with turquoise jewelry, a custom hat bar, boot bar, and women’s western boutique clothing. Read more>>
Shelly Seamons
I bakes with my mom and grandmother from the time I was a little girl. I started my business in 2011 as Ye Ole Cupcake Shoppe in 2018 I changed the name to the Cupcake Shoppe And Bakery. We are a scratch Bakery with all local ingredients. We make cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, and much more. Read more>>
Jonathan Cagnacci
I was born and raised in Italy, where food is part of everyday life and deeply connected to family, and culture, and identity. I began working in the culinary world in 1999 at *Panificio Mario* in Genova, a well known bakery that taught me discipline, hard work, and respect for traditions. Read more>>
Ryan Hofheins
I was an orphan kid who grew up in construction with a minor in alcoholism. In 2018 I got sober and a year later started Disaster Recovery Services, later rebranded as Revival Restoration and Construction. I worked restoration the previous 10 years and really wanted to start my own company with focus on honor, workmanship, and integrity. Read more>>
Jamie Sagebin
Fika Reflexology Bar was born from a life in motion. Over the course of 15 years, I lived in 18 different states. No matter where I landed, one ritual always grounded me: reflexology. It became my constant my reset, my moment of calm in unfamiliar places. With every session, my appreciation deepened, and my curiosity grew. Read more>>
Christoph Dressler
Having been cooped up as a child behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, I always wondered what the world would look like. Would it be like I saw on West Germany commercials? All sunshine? The Wonderlust was strong. Read more>>
Ann Weinand
Gen Chérie was founded on the idea of becoming — the moments in a woman’s life when she steps into something new: a bride, a wife, a mother, and beyond. Founder Ann Weinand came to the United States believing in the modern American fairytale — that with vision, resilience, and hard work, it’s possible to build a life rooted in purpose and beauty. Read more>>
Robert Wheeler
I began my first novel in Alaska around 2010 or so. When it was first published was in 2013. I had done all the work on my own and had not mentor to work with. Shortly after it was published I joined the Panhandle Writer’s Guild in Milton Florida. Read more>>
Rachel Mayor
I have always been interested in design since I was a young girl. I remember watching HGTV with my mom and knowing that I had to have my hand in that. Watching a space completely transform and seeing the glow and joy that it brought to people really sparked something inside me. Read more>>
Bob Ives Bob Taylor
Here are some links that tell about our story: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ElSw7Ka7zfDFo5-f3_hUG1_RJuVk2-imVbcmx9SByD8/edit?tab=t.0 https://www.thefhguide.com/faq.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llvqVLSqyBY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8YpumXjXCM&t=7s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9uz02krCoI Vice President and Executive Director: Bob Ives Bob Ives Bob Ives, Executive Director for the Family History Guide Association, received a Master’s Degree in computerized curriculum design and went to work as the Director of Instructional Technology for the Utah State Office of Education. Read more>>
Samantha Turnbow
My journey into healing didn’t begin as a business idea. It began at a time when my life felt like it was breaking apart in every direction. Read more>>
Amy Bakios
I was inspired to become a Registered Dietitian by my grandmother, who survived cancer multiple times and believed that food can help heal. I knew it was my path to learn more about nutrition and teach preventative health through evidence-based guidelines. Her strength throughout her health journey led me to specialize in nutrition in college. Read more>>
