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.
Christina Hayes
I have always had a love and passion for cooking. My mother has always been in the restaurant industry as a Cook and a Chef and recently retired as a Chef from the most prestigious hotel & casino in Downtown Las Vegas. Growing up, she cooked for us every day – rarely did we eat out. Read more>>
Justin Smith
I have been an educator for about 15 years now, from being a full time math and physical education teacher to coaching sports like middle school soccer and baseball from Texas to California and back. Back in 2018, my colleagues and I got together and collaborated to start our own private school which we launched our first campus in Tampa, Florida. Read more>>
Cortez Gilliams
My path into filmmaking didn’t start with connections or resources—it started with survival. I grew up in Memphis, and life forced me to mature early, but everything changed after my mother died by suicide following a long battle with depression. I was already struggling mentally myself and losing her reshaped how I saw the world and the stories I felt called to tell. Read more>>
Angie Galyean
I’ve known I wanted to be a therapist since I was in seventh grade. I was always the person friends felt safe coming to, the one they trusted with the hard stuff. At the same time, I was navigating my own mental health challenges, which deepened both my curiosity and my compassion. Read more>>
Chad Allen Barton
I write, direct, and produce films out of Memphis, TN. Along with Shelby Baldock, I started a production company in 2010 called Piano Man Pictures, which operates as an incubator for a dozen local filmmakers and artists. My first feature, Lights Camera Bullshit, was a semi-autobiographical romp through the Memphis filmmaking landscape. Read more>>
David Bensman
When I was in the 7th grade my father brought home one of the first Macintosh computers. My handwriting is really bad and the editing functions of what was then called Macword were a godsend. That was when I fell in love with computers. Since then I attained a master’s degree in English and used computers my entire life. Read more>>
Inaara Panjwani
Inquisitive Mind Tutoring began in 2015 with just one student and a simple goal: to support students in a way that goes beyond grades. What started as independent tutoring quickly grew through word of mouth as families saw not only academic improvement, but increased confidence and motivation. Today, Inquisitive Mind Tutoring operates as an education consultancy serving K–12 students. Read more>>
Mark White
After designing websites for the better part of 25 years I thought it was time to get serious about marketing and expanding my footprint. I’ve worked on sites for non-profits, corporations and everyone in between. I love Memphis and serve on the Shelby County Historical Commission to help ensure our history is preserved. I also have a podcast called Our Memphis History. Read more>>
Chrystal Baker
I started out majoring in Social Work at University of Memphis. My passion was working with the elderly. However, as we all know life can take us many different paths. I was a mom and that was my passion. I did not want to miss a moment of her life. Read more>>
Alisha Wright
The story that led me to design is a little unconventional. I actually started out as a small party planner during my time in Japan. I used to work at a Boys and Girls club as a Program Coordinator, and organizing special events for the kids and their parents was one of my favorite things to do for the center. Read more>>
Sandee Eggleston
MLK to Brother Ray, A woman’s adventure of social transformation, political revolution and personal affirmation, tells the story of Sandra Eggleston. “Sandee” came of age during a time of revolution. Regardless of the challenge, she found her way forward, often guiding those close to her along the way. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Godmother. Colleague. Read more>>
Courtney Barnes
My journey into real estate began with a genuine love for people and a deep belief that a home is far more than a place to live. It is the foundation for life. Read more>>
Jurek Williamson
I started out as a local barber in my small station community. My 12th Christmas holiday celebrated with my mom bought me my first pair of clippers. Read more>>
Richard Vining
We started 7 years ago to serve as a complimentary exhibit to the other cultural and musical attractions that Memphis is so good at. Located 600 feet down the street from Sun Studio, we offer a chronological story of the American sports car that overlaps with the era of music they present. Read more>>
Dr Earnestine Hunt
Our strategy is to hold teas to match women. Some wonderful success stories have followed. I met my very first Soul Sister at her garage sale, which is a story within itself. But our story has expanded to over 23 years. She became my first ministry partner for Soul Sisters. We later changed the name to Soul Sister’s International. Together, we have traveled through many journeys, Read more>>
Tawauna Stafford
As a child, my fairytale story was to just be a mom and wife. I never really thought about having a career. While others shared their desires to become lawyers, teachers, business owners and etc; mine was set on being a great wife and mother of 10. I grew up in a home with my grandmother, uncle, mom, and siblings. I became a mother at the age of 17. After birthing two children I eventually married my childhood sweetheart. It seemed my fairytale life was coming true. I received devastating news from my doctor that I would not be able to successfully birth anymore children. Read more>>
