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.

Nate And Alli Huff

In 2020, our family began our journey as a foster family. It has been one of the most challenging yet beautiful aspects of life to date. All of our children are an absolutely integral part of our day-to-day life including Honey Dew Naturals. Each one, from the teens to the toddlers, has responsibilities that help the function of our home, homestead, business, etc. Our family, faith, homestead, business, and community involvement are all inseparable and make up our life that we love. Read more>>

Katie Balaicuis

Another of my prominent hobbies I picked up during this time was bookbinding. I’ve always loved to draw, and when I discovered I could make my own sketchbooks to create in, I knew I had to try it. I instantly fell in love with the whole process from folding the papers, sewing them into a book block, customizing the cover, and gluing it all together. I love to crochet, but if you come to markets, asking about my bookbinding will generate more enthusiasm because I view it as one of my more impressive hobbies. Read more>>

Carrie Traylor

I do tattoos and I also do permanent makeup. My favorite thing to do on the permanent makeup side of things is lip blushing. I feel like it brightens up the whole face. It so nice getting text messages and pictures from people that are so happy when it finally blooms and they realize they just woke up with nice color on their lips. Read more>>

Ashley Cochran

I started doing photography as a hobby about 5 years ago, when my oldest was a baby. Pretty quickly, I became obsessed with learning as much as I could about photography and started practicing with other people too. Family, friends, and then friends of friends were asking me to take their photos, so eventually I opened my business in 2021! Read more>>

Susie Kaplar

I had an accident falling off a large horse. Was severely injured and had to have spine fusion surgery. My surgeon suggested I take Pilates classes. Right after we moved to Northern California there were classes at a resort close to home. I started taking classes and 5 years later decided to become an instructor. After being certified as a mat instructor for a few years, I decided to continue my training with the apparatus (reformer, cadillac, chair, etc.). I was certified about 3 years after I took my apparatus training classes (covid interrupted my progress). I have been completely certified for about 4 years. Read more>>

Dawn DiVita

My yogic journey began with a VHS tape in 1998 and the desire for peace and calm amidst a stormy young adult life. After practicing for 5 years, I began to explore a more in-depth understanding to share with others. Over the last 25 years, I have had the pleasure and honor of learning, practicing, and teaching alongside many teachers and students. I love the various pathways and their ability to support different stages of our lives. Today, I consider myself a Yoga & Ayurvedic Radiant Wellness Coach for those desiring to live their best life on and off the yoga mat. Optimal living in radiance and vitality is achievable wherever you are, if you truly desire it. I support people in locating their unique and awesome path! Read more>>

Chris Battle

Battle said our community garden wasn’t enough. He reached out to other pastors in the area who had empty plots and encouraged them to start community gardens. As a result, 4 churches started gardens on their properties. But for Battle, that still wasn’t enough. He reached out to Nourish Knoxville about starting a Farmers Market in the 37915 zip code. Nourish is a Knoxville based non-profit that cultivates healthy communities by supporting relationships between local farmers, producers and the public. It was at this meeting that he became aware of other organizations who were having the same concern: Women in Agriculture, SEEED, and 5 Points Up. These organizations got together and started the Eastside Sunday Market that is open every Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm from July – September at Dr. Walter Hardy Park Read more>>

Sarah Greenway

Oak Park Aesthetics offers tox, fillers, prp micro-needling facials, skincare and chemical peels. I love doing lip filler and because of my anesthesia background, I do anesthetic blocks for lips and that makes it virtually painless. I am the solo injector of Oak Park Aesthetics, so when you come you’ll see me personally. I believe in assessing every patient and recommending products or services that will enhance my client’s God given beauty. My goal is to create a beautiful natural look, not selling you as much filler as I could possibly inject. I’m not a fan of the “over-done” look. I want clients to look refreshed and rejuvenated, like they just came back from a relaxing vacation! Read more>>

Jessica Mishu

After spending over a decade immersed in the yoga world, I saw where I could offer something different. I wanted to create a space that was both grounding and uplifting—a studio that honored tradition while evolving to meet people where they are. With the support of Knoxville and a handful of core students (some of whom are still practicing with us today!), that dream quickly took shape. Blue Ridge Yoga became more than a studio—it became a home. Read more>>

Emily Stewart

My ten year old was diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis when he was 6, and that was life changing for him and our family. He had emergency surgery less than a year after diagnosis that saved his life. My life as an artist was put on hold for quite a bit of time, but it helped me to re-focus on my son, and take somewhat of a forced break. I didnt know it at the time, but I needed that step back. I thank God all the time for that surgery, and how healthy he is now, and I’ve become a stronger mom, now and probably business woman, too. I dont take people for granted, or the opportunities I get to work with people. Read more>>

Jess Curtis

After working in the corporate world of marketing and design, I realized I was craving something more personal, more collaborative, and more human. I had watched so many talented people—artists, service providers, local shops—struggle to navigate the digital side of their business, and I knew I could help. So I left my full-time job, took a leap of faith, and built J-Bird to offer strategic, accessible, and creative digital support. Read more>>

Anna Bucklar

Photography had always been a passion of mine, but I had tucked it away, as so many of us do with the things that feel too big or too risky to pursue. One day, though, something shifted. I realized that staying in a life that didn’t fulfill me was far riskier than walking away from it. So I began saving — not just money, but courage. I studied, practiced, quietly built a portfolio, and after months of internal wrestling, I finally took the leap. I left my job without a backup plan, only a vision: to build a photography business that would allow me to document real human connection in extraordinary places. Read more>>

Jody Hafey

I first visited Fontana Lake as a kid and never forgot how beautiful that area was. Years later, after moving from Germany to Florida with my husband Stephan, we realized Florida summers were just too hot. I remembered that childhood trip and suggested we explore North Carolina. We searched all over for property near water, but when we saw Nantahala Lake, we were instantly hooked. It was peaceful, stunning, and felt like home right away. We bought land in 2008, and that view still takes my breath away. Read more>>

Jonah Hedges

Started playing football in high school, wasn’t very gifted athletically but still was able to continue playing in college. Became fascinated and engrossed in the bio-mechanics of throwing a football. Continued learning and eventually landed at Maryville College after transferring multiple schools. I became an assistant coach in my senior year, helping to work with quarterbacks. Started privately training quarterbacks in Knoxville, east TN, and parts of Ky after graduating. Have now worked with Qbs from middle school up to professional athletes playing overseas, including multiple SEC qbs, and college athletes across all levels. Read more>>

Rylie Combs

I worked in a big salon for over five years but eventually realized I was craving something a little more low-key and personal. So in 2020, I opened Soulful Hair Studio. Since then, I’ve gotten married, had two beautiful babies, and been through all of life’s highs and lows, always coming back to my little salon that feels like home. Read more>>

Quincy Villanueva

I became in love with the idea of being a performer when I was 8, when I watched Janet Jackson on TV in the 90s. It was amazing and something about her made me fantasize how cool it would be to perform in front of people. I was never a shy kid, I remember I would just go up in front of family and friends at parties and just start dancing and performing. That’s when I knew it was my destiny. I loved everything about it. Read more>>

William Ransom

Born in Boston and raised in Nashville, I fell in love with classical music and the piano at an early age. I trained at The Juilliard School in New York and came to Atlanta shortly after to teach at Emory University in addition to continuing to perform around the world as a soloist with orchestras, recitalist, and chamber musician. It’s been very exciting to be a part of the tremendous growth of Music at Emory and throughout Atlanta. Read More>>