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.
Jessy Woodke
I was a punk rocker who learned about the PELL grant in my mid-twenties. I used it to try and escape the drunk/punk pipeline. It worked! I took an ecology class early on and became infuriated when I learned what our society has done to the earth. I focused my energy on sustainable agriculture and horticulture degrees. Read more>>
Nikki Knight
I have been sensitive to the otherside since I was very young. I didn’t start using my abilities fully till I was in my early 20s working at an old shop in Pittsburg CA called Eye of Newt. I am a tarot reader and psychic medium. Read more>>
Mark Smith
My wife and I have always been entrepreneurs and have never been afraid of creating something a little different. Over the years, our family has built Sandy River Outdoor Adventures in rural Virginia, including our glamping resort and outdoor adventure experiences. The distillery became another part of that vision—creating something authentically Virginia that people could not only purchase, but actually come and experience. Read more>>
Pauline Cushman
Hope for Life Rescue began in February 2002, after seven years of prayer. During those seven years, I knew God was calling me to do something involving animals, but I didn’t yet know exactly what that would look like. I also felt strongly that if I moved forward before I had His approval, it probably wouldn’t work. Read more>>
Kasey Bentley
Entrepreneurship has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up on a Christmas tree farm that my grandfather started, so I saw firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up. Read more>>
Mary Lee Keeney
I am a photographer and artist who owns Studio 701, in downtown Lynchburg VA. I got started in college, at film school, which led to me owning my first DSLR. After graduation developed chronic health issues, which stopped my creative brain for a while. Inspired by the internet, I started to find power and self expression through self portraits. Read more>>
Sara Stribling
If you had asked me a few years ago what I’d be doing today, I never would have guessed I’d be running a pet care business. I grew up in Virginia on my family’s pick-your-own orchard, where animals, hard work, and being outdoors were just part of everyday life. Read more>>
Kara Ardron
My first exposure to weddings came in college when I picked up a catering job through the deli where I was working for the summer. It was a backyard wedding outside Charlottesville, and I remember thinking, *I want to be a part of this somehow.* There was something about the energy of the day that stuck with me. Read more>>
Ruth Proctor
Ruth is an experienced speaker, mental health advocate, and nonprofit leader with over 20 years in the field. Having navigated the foster care system firsthand, Ruth is dedicated to empowering individuals through lived experiences, trauma-informed care, and personal development. Their expertise spans mental health, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy, making them a sought-after speaker for conferences, workshops, and educational initiatives. Read more>>
Vanessa Espinoza
VÄES was born from a dream, a leap of faith, and a lot of determination. Before opening my first boutique, I spent countless weekends selling at craft fairs, local markets, pop-up events, and anywhere I had the opportunity to showcase my jewelry. Every event helped me build my brand, connect with customers, and believe that my dream could become something much bigger. Read more>>
Danielle Shauger
always been someone who loves creating and connecting with people. After high school, I got my masters in Aesthetics and became a licensed lash artist and eventually opened my own business, The Lash Cove. Read more>>
Dip Raj Magar
The Heart of Yak Cuisine At Himalayan Wild Yak, we take pride in offering authentic Nepalese cuisine, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Himalayas. As a family-owned establishment, we are passionate about promoting Nepalese food and culture through an immersive dining experience. Read more>>
John Hubler and Deanna Richardson
We both grew up in Virginia Beach and were raised by single mothers who taught us the value of hard work, determination, and never giving up. Those lessons have stayed with us throughout our lives and played a big role in getting us where we are today. Read more>>
DANJO X
DANJO started just a few years ago combing the talents of Danny Kensy & Barefoot Joe. Both have had major country music radio success along with award recognition. They are in the studio working on a couple new tunes in hopes of a radio release. Read more>>
John Kuvakas
After a successful career in auto sales, I entered the ministry at 50 as a trainee in 2002. I became Executive Pastor in 2003 and Senior pastor in 2005. Our church was established during a backyard Bible study in 1979 and was formalized in 1984 when we moved into our current location, right in the heart of downtown Warrenton. Read more>>
Sergio Hayes
I was incarcerated for nearly 25 years. After coming home and not being able to find consistent employment, I founded Segue7 LLC; a digital marketing/ AI consulting business. From that I created the Segue Initiative, that focuses on helping returning citizens and justice impacted individuals reintegrate back into society. We provide Peer Recovery Services, Mentorship and Reentry Coaching. Read more>>
BRYAN ‘Harvest Blaque’ HANCOCK
Bryan ‘Harvest Blaque’ Hancock is a Roanoke, Virginia-based independent hip-hop artist, slam poet, writer, actor, and voice-over professional with over 15 years of experience. His sound blends raw, conscious Southern hip-hop, spoken word, and soul, backed by a live band. Read more>>
Maritza Leiva
2007 was the year, I moved to the United States, one of the toughest decisions I ever had to make. With many struggles along the way, including the language barrier, my dreams and hopes remained strong. In my heart, I was determined to do everything in my power to become a better version of me. Read more>>
Cindi Smead
My name is Cindi Smead and I have been a semi-professional artist since I was 9 years old. My parents encouraged my artistic side and I learned everything I could about every medium that interested me. Read more>>
Joleen Wilson
California roots. A love for beauty. And a soft spot for making a bride feel absolutely unforgettable. Weddings have been part of my world for as long as I can remember. Growing up in sunny San Diego with florist parents, I was surrounded by flowers, romance, creativity, and the beautiful chaos that happens behind the scenes of a wedding day. Read more>>
Theresa Lacey
My story begins with my step-father’s tax business, ‘Herb’s Taxes.’ He was a retired Naval Captain who worked as a financial advisor and he started his tax business in the early 1970’s. Fast forward to 2010 when I began working with my parents in the tax business. Read more>>
Patti Durbin
I have always been a creative soul. I grew up making my own clothes as well as pillows, curtains and quilts. However, I did not start creating art until I was in my 60’s and found I still enjoyed the tactile process of cutting things up and putting them back together. Read more>>
Eric Anderson
I worked for 5 years in the bicycle industry as a tech support specialist for a few bicycle brands, and I really enjoyed it. At the time, all of my hobbies, friendships, and time was centered around different forms of cycling in northern Minnesota. Read more>>
Bruna Sandry
I was born and raised in Brazil before moving to the US. Growing up between two cultures has been a meaningful part of who I am and has shaped the way I connect with people and community. My path into this work also has a very personal family connection. My great-aunt taught yoga and Pilates privately to women in Brazil. Read more>>
Allie Motyka
My mom (Kathy!) and I started with the idea way back. We both enjoy finding treasure out in the world, so in 2017, we decided to give it a shot as a business. Agora Downtown Market (now Shops at Agora) opened in June of 2017, housing a handful of small businesses, including ours, Heartworn Vintage. Read more>>
LJ Clements
My journey actually began in front of the camera. For as long as I can remember, I was involved in chorus, performing in musicals, and landed a role in an independent film. I love storytelling in all of its forms, and being able to effectively transform into a character has always been so much fun for me. Read more>>
Kimberly Johnson
I am a registered nurse with my associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing. My journey to becoming an entrepreneur came with me trying to decide what I wanted my master’s degree to be. I thought about getting my master’s degree in nursing or a master’s of science in nursing education. I ultimately decided to obtain my master’s degree in therapeutic herbalism. Read more>>
Danielle Barnes
People often assume I started a fitness business because I’ve always loved exercise. The truth is, fitness was never really the destination. It was the vehicle God used to transform my life. Long before Thrive Fitness RVA existed, I was building a successful career in the financial services industry. By many standards, I had “made it.” The career was stable, respected, and financially rewarding. Read more>>
Nancy Bruns
My brother and I revived our family’s salt business in Malden, WV. My ancestors began producing salt in the Kanawha Valley of Western Virginia in 1817. The business prospered until 1945, when there was a fire. They decided not to rebuild. I saw an opportunity in 2013 to capture the farm to table momentum for locally produced food products by making a naturally made salt. Read more>>
Andrada Florescu
I’ve always been interested in mental health. During my undergraduate studies, I started training as an EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) couples therapist because I was passionate about love and discovering the ingredients that help people stay deeply connected and in love. As I moved forward in my career, my interests shifted toward trauma healing. Read more>>
