We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Carisha Davis

Never give up and just keep going. This is not an easy feat; nor is it for the faint at heart. You have to get up every single day and choose to keep your brand going. Read More>> 

Silas Trigg

I know this is probably such a cliché thing to say, but I really pin my success on my clients. I could be the worlds greatest piercer and no one would ever hear about me if it wasn’t for the work that my clients put in to spread the word. I feel lucky that I get to work with so many creative, funny, and caring people. I have been piercing for almost four years at the time of writing this, and I still have a handful of clients who have been seeing me since I was an apprentice. That kind of support really does more than anything I could do on my own to grow my business. Read More>> 

Bilal Alan

Constantly seeking new opportunities and staying persistent, even when success doesn’t come overnight. Read More>>

Polly Hamp

I am my first client.
TDAH! was born from the fire I had to walk through myself. This isn’t just information I studied—this is transformation I lived and live out today.
I didn’t just heal by reading books or getting certified (though I did that too). I healed by doing the messy, painful work I now teach. Every tool, every framework, every mind/body shift I share—I’ve tested it in real life, in real pain, with real results. Read More>> 

Kevin Robinson

The most important factor behind the success of The Pie Dude is consistency, community, and making sure people feel the love. I didn’t start this brand just to sell pies I wanted folks to experience something bigger than dessert. From the first bite, I wanted them to feel the love, the care, and the intention behind every pie. I’ve stayed consistent with quality, stayed true to my roots, and always showed love to the people who supported me early on. Word of mouth, showing up to events, making that one extra delivery. All of that matters. I treat The Pie Dude like more than just a business… it’s a piece of who I am. And people can feel that. Read More>> 

SunShine Tha Goddess

Choosing how I define success, on my terms, has been the most important factor in my journey. Success isn’t follower counts or flashy numbers (though that’s sweet too). It’s about how faithfully I respond to my calling. It’s honoring the story I carry and bringing it into song, ceremony, and community.

As SunShine Tha Goddess, I’m a singer-songwriter, author, and healer. My music isn’t just entertainment, it’s affirmation, testament, and sometimes prayer. Whether I’m performing, leading inner child healing circles, or sharing live sound healing, my voice becomes the bridge for others to find their own. Read More>> 

Fayez Nowar

I think the main reason my food blog has done well is that I’ve always kept it honest. From day one, I told myself I’d only share real opinions on the places I have tried. There’s so much going on online that’s paid for or overly polished, and I think people are just looking for something genuine.

Another big part of my blog’s growth has been the way I connect with different people. Given that I speak Arabic, English, and Spanish, I’ve been able to reach a certain audience. I’ve had conversations with people from all over, and it’s opened my eyes to how powerful food can be. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as a meal can allow me to develop deeper conversations. Read More>> 

Nancy Watson

As a Yoga for Grief facilitator, my two most important assets are my own grief and my love of yoga. Sharing my own grief journey enables me to connect with my participants at a deep and vulnerable level, and encourages them to examine and open up about their grief experiences. And I wouldn’t be doing “yoga for grief” if I didn’t truly love yoga and teaching yoga. I think both of those attributes play a big role in the positive feedback I’ve received from my Yoga for Grief participants. Read More>> 

Shavanta Fowler

Consistency and connection. Sweet Tooth Society didn’t just grow from baking cookies; it grew from showing up. Every pop-up, every reel, every conversation at the table is a chance to make people feel seen, remembered, and craved. I treat this like a relationship, not a transaction. From the red velvet drips to the handwritten thank-yous, I’m building a brand that tastes like love and feels like home. That human connection? That’s the secret ingredient. Read More>> 

Tonedef

It’s all about the people…..Mess with the people that mess with you. You have to always be cordial and open. People have to feel like they know you and with that they will buy from you. Read More>> 

Logan Gali

At the heart of Logan’s Cookie Co. there is one sweet mission: to make dessert the highlight of every occasion. Whether it’s our gooey, unforgettable cookies or our festive seasonal treats, every order is crafted to bring joy, comfort, and a little magic to your day. When you order from us, you’re not just getting dessert—you’re getting peace of mind that the most delicious part of your celebration is covered. Read More>> 

Edgar Ramirez

The most important factor behind the success of Equilibrium Coaching Company has been a deep commitment to purpose-driven service. From the beginning, our mission has been clear: to empower professionals in the field of education to unlock their true potential by fostering a holistic balance between mind, body, and spirit. This clarity of vision has guided every decision and allowed us to build a brand rooted in authenticity, empathy, and meaningful impact. Read More>> 

Tara Phillips

At Book Broken Bow, the key to our success lies in our unwavering commitment to creating stress-free, unforgettable vacations for our guests. We believe that a vacation should be a time to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories, and that starts with providing well-maintained, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Our cabins are more than just places to stay—they are an experience in themselves, carefully curated to provide the perfect blend of luxury, coziness, and nature. Read More>>