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.
Renée Wilson
I grew up on my family’s fourth-generation dairy farm in northern Maryland and developed a passion for connecting families with agriculture. As a ‘Farm Kid’ my childhood was filled with unique experiences. Some of my favorite memories included riding my black and white pony “Little Bit,” taking my cow to a studio for a Turkey Hill Commercial, and exhibiting animals at fairs. Read More>>
Tenaj Moody
Light to Life began with my own survival. I am a biracial Black and Puerto Rican woman and a survivor of domestic violence. Instead of being protected, I was punished for defending myself. At the same time, I was witnessing my mother’s incarceration, which was also rooted in her experience as a survivor. Read More>>
akia grace wade, M.Psy.
My path into this work began early. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, I saw firsthand how relationships and community can change lives. As a teenager, I encouraged my mom and grandparents to become foster parents, and watching children thrive in a stable, loving environment shaped my understanding of care, connection, and chosen family. Read More>>
Flow 9inety
I started making music out of a real love for hip-hop and storytelling. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Benny the Butcher, Common, Q-Tip, J. Cole, and Anderson. Paak really shaped how I think about music from lyrical depth and honesty to groove, soul, and authenticity. Early on, I focused on writing and finding my own voice rather than chasing trends. Read More>>
Recha Bullock
YOLO Health and Wellness was founded on the belief that cleaning and skincare products shouldn’t compromise your health. The average household cleaner has more than 10 toxic chemicals, which means the more we clean our homes, the more we are exposed to toxic ingredients including volatile organic compounds or VOC’s. Ingredients Matter and so does transparency! Read More>>
Sunky OG
Honestly? I just couldn’t sit still. I’ve always been that guy who wanted to know how the whole machine works, not just one gear. I started out just wanting to capture what I saw, so I picked up a camera. That’s where the photography and video obsession began , just trying to freeze a moment or tell a story in a single frame. Read More>>
Javier Folgar
I’ve always lived a very active life. Growing up, I was constantly on the move. Hiking whenever I could, swimming competitively, and eventually pushing myself through sprint triathlons. But no matter how busy or intense life became, there was one ritual that always grounded me: a long, soothing bubble bath. It was my reset. My quiet moment to breathe and recharge. Read More>>
Tyne Mosby
My name is Tyne Mosby, founder of Jamming Jammie LLC. I am a From West Baltimore and lifelong creative. Long before I ever started a business, I was designing Barbie clothes, making my own outfits, and creating handmade bags as a little girl. Creativity has always been a part of me — I just didn’t know it would one day become my livelihood. Read More>>
LaShea Lawson
LaShae Design Company began from a place of purpose, not pressure. Sewing has always been present in my life—not because my mother was a professional seamstress, but because she knew how to sew and used that skill to care for us. Read More>>
Jess Williams
In the spring of 2024, I got laid off from the video game industry. It was one of those moments that knocks the wind out of you. For a little while, I let myself sit in the uncertainty. But underneath the fear, there was also this quiet idea I had been tinkering with for months, SoloQ. SoloQ started as something deeply personal. Read More>>
Sevyn Bevoy
I have been interested in modeling since I was young. Around 2015 I started finding a creative outlet forging art and modeling together. Also as a movement for my self-confidence I have indulged in modeling which has presented me with alot of opportunities like promotional modeling, fashion shows, and competitions. Read More>>
Julia Reynolds
My name is Julia Reynolds, and I’m the owner and baker behind Flour Power Bakery, a local sourdough microbakery serving the Pasadena community. The bakery sold its first loaf a year ago (as of February 4th, 2026), but it began as a personal journey rooted in a love of baking, nourishment, and resilience. Read More>>
Amy Murphy
The inspiration behind creating Wyrd came from a deep desire to connect. After being a lawyer and an at-home parent – as well as relocating several times – I yearned for community. I felt a deep desire to build something aligned with my values and I wanted to create a third place where people could rediscover themselves and each other. Read More>>
Haleigh Rice
Hi Voyage Magazine! Thank you so much for inviting me back to do another interview with you! My name is Haleigh, and I am a small content creator who mostly falls under the the pink, feminine, and whimsy categories of content! Read More>>
Christopher Owens
From a young age, I’ve always had an innate calling toward the arts. As a child, I was naturally expressive, energetic, and outspoken, qualities my mother recognized early on. She encouraged me to explore that creativity, which led me to become a child actor and perform in plays through my church and later in local community theaters. Read More>>
Miriam Moran
I am a blessed self-taught artist with Puerto Rican roots, known for my impactful work in Eastern Shore of Maryland. My artistic journey took a transformative turn after surviving a severe car accident in 2007, using art as a healing mechanism. Read More>>
Tiffany Lewis
Taylor & Jessie® started as a very personal idea rooted in my own need for more grace in how I planned my days. Before entrepreneurship, I spent 15 years in education as a teacher and school leader. I loved the work, but like so many women, I was juggling a lot, career, family, goals, and the constant pressure to do it all without slowing down. Read More>>
Tim Young
My story starts in middle school, not with piano, but with drums. I was that kid in marching band, jazz ensemble, orchestra—you name it. But somewhere around my sophomore year of high school, I started messing around with the piano, playing by ear at first. Once I started formal lessons, I was hooked. Read More>>
Earl Monkou
It began with my mother. When I once asked her to make granola for me, she gently challenged me instead—telling me I could make it myself. That moment planted a seed of independence and creativity that stayed with me. Read More>>
Jillian Walker
I’ve been drawn to the arts for as long as I can remember. Curiosity pushed me beyond a single medium, turning me into a Jil-of-all-trades with a versatile, ever-evolving creative skill set. That range has allowed me to adapt quickly, think holistically, and approach every project from multiple angles. Read More>>
Britnee Scott
I’ve been painting and drawing since I was a child. My journey began when my parents bought me an art kit every Christmas. From the very beginning, I found joy in painting, and that feeling stayed with me. From there, I continued to create and grow as an artist. Read More>>
Jaydee Kabinua
My story isn’t a straight line, it’s a series of awakenings. I learned responsibility early, before I had language for grief or emotional safety. Life asked me to grow up fast, and for a long time I did what so many of us do: I survived, adapted, performed, and pushed through without ever being taught how to process. Read More>>
Shannon King
Hi, everyone! I am Shannon King. I am an upcoming writer and creative from Rockville, Maryland. My passion for writing began in 2017 and shortly after, The Makings of She was created in 2018. Read More>>
Ariane Vera
I always wanted to be successful – and to me, that seemed like I needed to get the perfect job, get into corporate, and climb up the career ladder. I was quite successful in the traditional sense at a young age. Read More>>
Dr. Margaret P Bean
My story really started with two things that have always been a part of me, creativity and service. I spent over 25 years working in government, higher education, and international development, building a strong foundation in leadership and operations. But even while I was doing that work, the artist in me never went away. Read More>>
Anita Riggs
Anita Riggs, known by her moniker Tranquil Ashes, is a Baltimore Native who has distinguished herself as a professional within the fandom/arts community for over a decade. As an Event Producer, Creator, Host, Actress, and makeup artist. Tranquil has had the opportunity to work with or be featured on Disney, Nickelodeon, Afropunk, Oprah Daily, The Phillips Collection, and Mehron, among others. Read More>>
Rona Siskind
I am a local artist, living in Silver Spring, Maryland. I work primarily in oil and charcoal, focusing on figures and portraits, cityscapes, still life, and plein air (landscapes painted outside). I began painting at a young age, studying at an art school in the New York suburbs. Read More>>
Eric Williams jr
My journey primarily started when I was in high school, I wasn’t sure on what I wanted to do post high school into college so it would lead to be just taking a lot of random classes and one of those was TV production. Read More>>
Reginald Gant
My name is Reginald Gant. I’m a native of Baltimore, MD. I was born into a married family, but when I was young my parents divorced so I was primarily raised in a single parent household by my mother for as long as I can remember. My father was present for the every other weekend visitation. Growing up, I struggled with self-esteem and self-worth. Read More>>
Maggie Nolan
Patrick and I didn’t start our business with a grand plan—we started it with a shared love for people, stories, and the moments that matter most. What began as a passion for photography grew into a partnership built on trust, creativity, and a deep respect for marriage, family, and legacy. Read More>>
Warfare J
Warfare J is a dynamic hip-hop artist and self-taught audio engineer whose music seamlessly fuses raw, heartfelt lyricism with technical finesse. His authentic sound and relentless drive have earned him millions of global streams and a growing legion of dedicated fans. Read More>>
Morgan Justis
Of course! Made by Morgan J. is my truly my baby. It started from something so simple, my love for crafting. I’ve always been the kind of girl who sees the beauty in everything, even things most people would consider trash. I began making fun, fabulous crafts for my family and friends using upcycled materials and really whatever I had around me. Read More>>
Suzanne Papiewski
I have supported myself since age 18. I put myself through college and law school, going to law school at night and working full time. I graduated from law school with honors and landed a fantastic job, and have had a very successful career in a male-dominated field – international tax law. Then, a little over three years ago, I accidentally became an artist. Read More>>
Nara Khakurel
Becoming A Lion: The Power of Friendship On October 12, 2020, I joined the Lions Club of Baltimore Nepalese. Being a Lion member for the past five years plus has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. Read More>>
D. Johns
I started as a little girl daydreaming sitting on the steps of her grandparents home singing along to the music in my head. I would sing in church, I joined chorus in school. I would sing until people basically either wanted to hear more or told me to hush up ! Read More>>
Bhavna Naik
Thirteen years ago, I started my journey with a simple dream: to adorn just one bride a week with bridal henna. Today, I am honored to celebrate with 3 to 4 brides every week, serving as the very first vendor they experience as their wedding festivities begin. Read More>>
Theo “Rick Vick” Johnson
I started GetYahGreatness during a season where I had to rebuild myself. I was watching everyone chase success, and one day I told myself, “Go get your greatness.” That wasn’t a slogan — it was a decision. What started as motivation turned into something deeper. I realized people don’t just need hype… they need hope. So I leaned into faith, discipline, and real-life transparency. Read More>>
Dr. Allison G. Daniels
Meet Dr. Allison G. Daniels: My journey began with a deep love for writing and a clear call from God to use my voice to serve others. I’ve been writing for over 35 years, long before I fully understood the magnitude of the assignment on my life. What started as journaling and personal reflection evolved into purposeful writing rooted in faith, resilience, and empowerment. Read More>>
Ashley Winder
FE Salon & Wax started with idea in 2022 as I endured challenges within the corporate world and eager to get back to my passion for the beauty industry. I wanted to combine hair care, full body waxing and skin care making it a one stop shop for my guests. Read More>>
TENYA Eickenberg
Like most people, we come into starting a business from a place of wanting to help others who are in the same place we were. In 2019 I was struggling with high-functioning anxiety and depression. I was dealing with high cortisol levels due to family dysfunction, and I didn’t know what to do. Read More>>
Shannon Irene
I began my career in the beauty industry over 20 years ago as a makeup artist, where I quickly realized that healthy skin is the foundation of flawless makeup. That insight led me to train at an elite skincare school in Los Angeles. Read More>>
vanessa fava
I began my career in my teens at the Limited Corporation which eventually led me to the Assistant Store Director at Henri Bendel in Chicago. From there I went to work for Neiman Marcus and always knew this path would take me to one day owning my own business in fashion. Read More>>
Aaron Butler
BookButler Publishing Company started as a simple summer project with my daughters, Nalani and Leila Butler, when they were in fifth and sixth grade. I challenged them to create something meaningful, and they decided to write a book. Helping them publish that first story pulled me into the publishing world in a very real way. Read More>>
Jaya Viswanathan
I am a neuroscientist from India passionate about understanding the brain and how it works. My interest in neuroscience and brain health began very early. Growing up in India, however, the educational resources available to an aspiring scientist were scarce and I struggled to find resources, mentors, and opportunities to explore my curiosity. Read More>>
Vanessa White
Hi, I’m Vanessa White, a Bronx, NY native of Jamaican descent currently based in Maryland. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Morgan State University in May 2017 and have called Maryland home ever since. From an early age, I’ve always had a deep love for beauty and self-expression. Read More>>
Chris Pittman
I’ve always had a passion for taking pictures. I find that you can tell the best stories through photography. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. When I was in middle school, my parents bought me the Nickelodeon Photo Blaster. It shot these cool mini 35mm film pictures that I would have to take to the store to get developed. Read More>>
Zenobia Dyson
Every journey begins with a choice and thr mist difficult thing is the decision to act. In my journey, there has been a lifelong of curiosity, growth and discovery. My entry into the world started with my first cry, my first words and my first steps symbolizing my independence. Read More>>
Jaysin Horror
It all starts with me seeing the Michael Jackson video for ‘Thriller’, and subsequent ‘Making Of’ documentary that sent me down this life long love affair with horror. Read More>>
Laura Silverman
I’m the founder of Zero Proof Nation, a global non-alcoholic resource hub trusted by thousands of people all around the world. But it’s my ‘why’ that led me to launch the website in 2019. You see, I’ve been booze-free for the past 18 years, having gotten sober at the fresh age of 24. Read More>>
Veronica McCoy
Perfect Finish started with a simple belief: confidence isn’t limited by gender. Every person deserves to feel polished, powerful, and put together—no matter what their day looks like. What began as a love for lip products quickly turned into something bigger. I was mixing shades, testing formulas, and paying attention to how the right lipstick could instantly shift your mood. Read More>>
Teghan Devon
When I was 10 I started guitar lessons. I was really bored learning at first so I started writing songs to make it more fun. Eventually, I learned how to play Blackbird by The Beatles and that’s what made me fall in love with guitar. I kept writing songs and in high school I was privileged to be able to go to multiple songwriting camps. Read More>>
Bryan Jeffrey
I am a native of Philadelphia and have been a proud Baltimore resident since 2005. As a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and creative leader, I am committed to truth-telling through the arts and to creating spaces where original, diverse, and underrepresented voices are seen, heard, and celebrated. Read More>>
Khristena Eulalia
What began as a creative outlet—designing costumes for my own performances—evolved into a full-fledged design house rooted in storytelling, legacy, and empowerment. Eulalia Designs is derived from the first half of my middle name, Khristena Eulalia Reba Jones, a name passed down from my maternal grandmother and great-grandmother. Read More>>
Charmyra Fleming
I began my journey as an author in 2018. At that time, I started my company, Creative Calfuray, LLC, to self-publish my books, as well as, provide creative services such as, makeup, graphic design, and consulting services. Read More>>
