Portraits of Hollywood

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Hollywood.

Sterling Howard

I was a young rock vocalist playing Hollywood clubs in the late sixties. Finding the right band members was always a challenge. There were no magazines or papers at this time for players to connect with each other. I realized there was a need for a contact service, so I opened an office upstairs in the Whisky a GoGo. The idea was an immediate hit. By distributing flyers on the Sunset Strip and posting musician classifieds in music stores, a large number of musicians and bands soon began connecting at the new referral service. Read more>>

Angie Shriner

After leaving theatre to start a band with my then-husband…and a divorce, I went a bit off-grid in Illinois spending time running, trying my hand at stand up comedy, & loving on my two cattle dogs. I taught acting and dance to kids, and even helped build a haunted house inside an abandoned 1930s funeral home. That experience cemented something for me: the full realm of storytelling—the community around it—has always meant more to me than any kind of accolade or approval. Read more>>

Verity Van Dams

Jim has worked on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show dozens of times and in so many capacities! I was so lucky to interview him when co-hosting the podcast ‘Brian Lally Hollywood Native’. Both Austin and I have been students of Brian Lally’s at LOLAS Acting School in Burbank, where Brian taught me everything I know about the Meisner Technique! His good friend Jim, plays an incredible politician and is a respected acting teacher himself. I am gobsmacked he agreed to do this with us! Read more>>

Anthony Nguyen

I got my start in makeup through filmmaking and photography. Growing up, I’d direct and produce short student films that were primarily horror, and also did fashion & conceptual photography. This is where I picked up doing makeup behind the scenes and loved the balance between beauty and fantasy. I decided to emphasize on one focus, and chose makeup because I was obsessed with the art of transformation. I began working behind the counter in retail cosmetics for years practicing my craft, and simultaneously building my portfolio to branch out into the fashion and commercial world. After over a decade, I ended up becoming a celebrity makeup artist, primarily working with music artists which is my favorite because the music world is such an incredibly creative space. Read more>>

Isaac Gordon

Our unique value lies in our “earlier-stage” talent development approach. We champion developing, breaking, and rising talent long before other agencies, all while providing a highly personalized, hands-on service with unmatched transparency. Our legacy includes being the pioneering agency for artists such as Tank & the Bangas, Benny The Butcher, Harry Mack, Lost Dog Street Band, and Nasser Al Reyess. We are where the next generation of stars is launched onto the global stage. Read more>>

Callie Ryan

Here, amidst a community of incredibly special musicians and artists (see dublab.com), I fell in love with the practice of creating compositions and curations which have helped to provide safe space for folks to acknowledge and process the tender experience of living in a body on this earth. This intention which fuels my creative endeavors is the same one that led me to becoming an acupuncturist and herbalist. Read more>>

Ria Visitacion

Transitioning into business brought its own hurdles: doubt, fear, financial uncertainty, and the constant balancing act of being a mother while chasing a vision bigger than myself. There were nights of tears, prayers, and questioning if I was on the right path. But every obstacle forced me to lean deeper into my faith, sharpen my discipline, and remember why I started. Those struggles didn’t define me—they refined me. Read more>>

Maayan Malka

I arrived without English, without friends or family, here alone. It has now been two and a half years. I am acting in several movies, one of them by Kent Harper (Surveillance, 2008 – his last film was produced by David Lynch). In addition, I am acting in a film written by Robert Hyatt (Every Girl Should Have One, 1978 – Director, Writer) — a masterpiece. A script so classic that it will be a great privilege for me… truly the fulfillment of a dream. He was an actor, writer, and director who left a mark on history, and it is moving to perform a script from old Hollywood… the one he left behind. Read more>>

Ingrid Solano

I spent most of my teens and twenties also in clubs, following bands like Nine Inch Nails and Tool across the country, and collecting and brokering antique absinthe paraphernalia from the 1800s to the local goth community—back when the internet was new and full of beautiful museum worthy things you can barely find in antique stores. I was devastated when I realized I didn’t like anise. My entire goth identity was nearly shattered… until I discovered Chartreuse my freshman year of college. (Yes, that timeline is correct — it was the 90s.) My mom used to bring me a few bottles whenever she visited Bryn Mawr– I have always been that girl. (My favorite cocktail? The Last Word.) Read more>>

Léah Duque

My debut single ‘Makes Sense’ was produced by BLK ODYSSY. I actually wrote and recorded the vocals myself first, then cold-pitched the song to a list of producers I had put together based on the kind of sound I was going for. It was definitely an unconventional approach, especially since BLK ODYSSY is signed to a label—but he really resonated with the track and the intention behind it. He said he appreciated the clarity and determination I brought, and from there, we built it out together. Read more>>

Perry Aston

Fast-forward to today, I run a successful marketing agency, CrowdBoost. I surround myself with a team I trust, which has allowed me to focus on exploring innovative approaches, including AI and emerging technologies, and planning for the future in ways that excite me. Looking back, my story has really been about embracing challenges, being curious, and always pushing myself to grow while staying true to what energizes and motivates me. Read more>>

Fabian Escobar

My favorite part is working with friends or meeting people while I’m shooting. The human connection with the characters I play is very important, how I bring a character to life, how I connect with the testimonies. One day, while filming “Just Keep Practicing,” a short film I starred in, I remember finishing my scene and crying with everyone on set. Because what happened was so beautiful. My most recent work was with Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) where I helped the media department and the film “Mission Street” in which I starred. Now, I am working in the production team for a Shortfilm that follows the life of two Mexican immigrants in the United States. Read more>>

Jai Harris

Our vision is global. We travel from state to state conducting interactive workshops in communities of all sizes. One of our most popular programs is Arts and Athletics; a unique workshop often paired with sports camps to provide siblings, families, and the public with a creative outlet. These events, held in schools across the nation, give students the rare opportunity to learn how to film athletic events while also developing skills in acting, photography, drone operation, camera work, interviewing, and more. Read more>>

Blake Berry

Being entry-level for the first time in years gave me the freedom to soak up knowledge from my more experienced peers and the flexibility to explore the community. The spirit of the “old days” — when buying weed in the back of a stranger’s car was the norm — still shines through in how reputation and community shape this industry. Showing up, getting to know people, coming with no ego, and bringing nothing but good energy is the key to success. I put myself in as many rooms as possible where I could listen and learn until I was ready to take on more. Read more>>

Trisha Lacey

I have always loved music and when I was young I dreamed of being a guitarist in a heavy metal band. My mother was more interested in me being the church pianist though, so she would only let me take piano lessons. Unfortunately I didn’t stick with it, but I still knew I wanted to do something related to music. In high school I was even voted most likely to become a rock star. Read more>>

Gary Private

SAG/AFTRA actor: Appearing in films as a featured, co-star, supporting actor with talents such as: James Spader, Quentin Tarantino, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Tom Berenger, Tom Sizemore, William Forsythe, Michael Biehn, David Proval, Michael Madsen, D.B Sweeney, Tony Lip, Carlo Rota, Nick “Green Book” Vallelonga, Frank Stallone, Francesco Quinn, Timothy Murphy, Stana Katic, Diane Verona, James Russo, Kelly Hu, Jim Belushi, Ron Gilbert, Tommy Tiny Lister, Eric Roberts, Robert Miano, James Cromwell, Tony Denison, Cory Feldman etc.. Gary has done numerous sound tracks and voice overs, commercials (ex: Orbit Gum, Betty Crocker, etc) More credits available upon request. Co-Produced the documentary A.K.A. PRIVATE (2013 release) Read more>>

Luke Stamenkovich

In the early years, I cut my teeth playing in cover bands. Those gigs gave me invaluable experience, teaching me how to adapt to different shows, styles, and audiences. Over time, I became deeply involved in the Perth music scene, performing in just about every setting imaginable and learning the craft by being onstage night after night. A short time studying at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles gave me my first real taste of the LA music scene — and sparked the bigger dream of making the move permanent. Read more>>

Thais Mendonça

Today, I am pursuing my studies in Costume Design in Los Angeles, with the goal of expanding my skills beyond traditional fine arts to create immersive visual experiences that merge illustration, textiles, and design. This academic path is not only a personal dream but also a way to open new professional doors in the global creative industry. My vision is to build a career that blends cultural heritage, sustainability, and human connection — producing art that resonates across borders and generations. Read more>>

Lin Yin

I beat out thousands of applicants to secure a super competitive graduate position in the Australian Government, but I was sitting at a desk from 9-5 every day and the lifestyle really didn’t suit me. I must have spent that entire job in some kind of low-level panic, feeling like I should be spending my life differently but so confused at what that would look like. I eventually quit and ended up on a wild goose chase to discover what I loved, leading to a stint as a journalist, moving abroad to pursue becoming a foreign correspondent, interning at various companies, and working in the VFX team in the remote mountainous regions of China while production shot one of the most expensive films ever made there. Now, somehow, I am a professional actress. Read more>>

Appelusa McGlynn

Since, I have obtained certifications in health and wellness out of necessity for my own healing journey. During the pandemic when I could no longer teach, I started a YouTube channel teaching skating skills from beginner to advanced. I was actually quite sick at this time when doctors couldn’t figure out the cause (and frankly told me it was all in my head). I had already gotten certified in Reiki, Biofield Tuning, and Vibrational Fascia Release Technique to help me heal from chronic pain due to previous car accident injuries. Read more>>

Nathaniel Flatt

I took a sharp turn into co-founding a beauty company which was pretty all encompassing for a few years. It quickly became financially successful but not fulfilling. Both entertainment and beauty focused heavily on appearances while inside I felt a growing pull toward something deeper. After years of therapy, almost on a whim, I enrolled in some graduate courses. I felt out of place the entire time, but I worked hard and somehow made it through. Looking back, I am grateful I didn’t know how difficult it would be because I might not have had the courage to start. Read more>>

David Nixon Jr.

Upon completing my graduate studies from SCAD in the fall of 2021, I moved to Los Angeles, CA, where I was given the opportunity to serve as a Production Assistant at the 94th Annual Academy Awards ceremony the following spring of 2022. Afterwards, I served as an office Production Assistant for the Emmy-winning unscripted production company, Film-45. While there I was given the privilege of working in the Development department as a Jr. Editor cutting sizzles for documentary shows the company pitched to major networks and studios. I was also given the honor of serving as a Post Associate Producer for the HBO Docuseries, “SHAQ” documenting the life, career, and success of Shaquille O’Neal. Read more>>

Tristan Lai

I woke up one morning and my lyric music video for “Space Song” from the album, “Depression Cherry” hit 100K views. I remember being ecstatic, but I had no one to share this victory with but myself. I understood that I was good at something, I couldn’t understand fully then but now, I do. When I hit 18 years old, I got a job at the Bagelry Covina and I invested in my own Sony A7iii and started recording everything. I remember feeling like a fire inside my heart ignited and since then, has become inextinguishable. Read more>>

Davis Neves

I’m from a super small town in South West Georgia, Fort Gaines. No stoplights, no high school. I was lucky to have the opportunity to dance in Dothan, Alabama with Patti Rutland Jazz. Those experiences ignited my love of the arts, travel & performing. My Uncle Donald called me “Hollywood” for dancing down the diving board, I was never shy & loved performing. Read more>>

Arte Delgado

Since its creation in 2016, BipolArte has been shaking up the music scene with its unique and passionate style. Originally from Los Angeles, this singer-songwriter and guitarist has taken their international horror opera to more than 400 shows in 90 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Colombia, captivating audiences with every performance. Read more>>

Marshall Taulbert

I was always a lover of art and fashion, I remember watching the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as a kid and having this intense focus on the characters style from their clothing to their sneakers. I had my first introduction to the high fashion world via watching House of style on MTV. But, having a career in fashion growing up in Oklahoma… just didn’t seem feasible. So, I admired it from a far; until I moved to Los Angeles. Read more>>

Devon Terrell

What sets Detea apart is his selflessness and dedication to others. While continuing to contribute significantly to the music industry, Detea has gone throughout life as an only child has also taken on the responsibility of being the sole caregiver for his mother whom fell ill/disabled in 2009. His work ethic is characterized by long hours and unwavering determination to create opportunities for collaboration within the industry. His compassion and desire to uplift those around him is remarkable. Read more>>

Yaya Aksarapak Bondu

Another struggle was helping people understand the value of Thai clothing. Everything we sell is handmade and one of a kind. The fabrics are old and precious, and they come from Thailand. But sometimes people would compare them to regular clothes and say, “Oh, this is too expensive.” They didn’t see the work and the tradition behind it. That was hard for me, because I wanted them to understand it’s not just fabric—it’s history, it’s culture. Read more>>

Ben Nurhaci Lu

During my years in college, I wandered through the many realms of film production, each offering its unique allure. Amidst this journey, one role captured my soul with an unanticipated intensity. The moment arrived when I filmed with an ARRI SR III camera, and I stood in awe as I witnessed how images could transform the tangible reality of our world into the boundless landscape of our imagination. It was in this profound experience that the seeds of my aspiration to become a cinematographer were sown, laying a foundation as enduring as stone. Read more>>

Steven Fleet

But I guess I suppressed this side of myself somewhat during adolescence and my college years. Maybe it scared me, maybe I was more interested in being social and having fun. But this pull to those deeper things has never gone away, and has become a very large part of my life and how I navigate this world and this journey called life. I think it’s one of the main reasons I’m inspired to create, and these themes show up in my music, poetry, and writing all the time: themes of self transformation, dreams, alchemy, the unknown, the infinite, the other side, etc. Read more>>

Quinn Holmes

I’m originally from Slidell, Louisiana, and acting has been something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember. At 19, I packed up and moved to Los Angeles on my own to really give it everything I had. Since then, I’ve been focused on building my career, from training and booking projects to signing with a modeling agency and growing a presence on social media. Alongside acting, fitness has become a huge part of my life, not just personally but as a way to inspire and connect with people. It hasn’t always been easy starting from scratch out here, but I’ve learned resilience and discipline, and I feel like each year I get closer to the kind of career I’ve always envisioned. Read more>>

Aloha Haekyung Lee

I also know my career isn’t something I built alone. Every opportunity has been shaped by the people who believed in me — the friends who stood by me through uncertainty, the mentors who opened doors, and the collaborators who trusted me with their visions. Their faith is a constant reminder to create work that matters. Read more>>

Ruja Kia

At the same time, Ruja Kia, also a co-owner, brought her own story and experiences into the vision. Growing up, her first international trip as a child was to Greece — a place that left a lasting impression on her and later influenced the theme of Pantheon. Years later, Greece became even more meaningful when she began working with refugees there, an experience that shaped her commitment to creating spaces of welcome, comfort, and belonging. Read more>>

Austin Kwok

I was very young and reckless and often had (as many do) an identity crisis over why I wanted to pursue filmmaking in the first place. Even when I started to get “better” at the technical craft, it was never enough and at a certain point, I felt very empty when looking at my work. It lacked substance in the same way I did when approaching and just living my life in general. It took COVID forcibly stopping the world for me to see where I had been lacking, and it’s what inspired me to be more reflective and approach projects and scripts with a greater level of empathy (which is still something I continue to learn to get better at) rather than just thinking like a technician. Read more>>

Christian

The truck will also be launching Coffee Shop Parties! We will hosting multiple events all over LA to get the ball rolling! This is going to bring our special Cuban Style vibe to new communities that who are looking for alternatives to alcohol. This new trend nationwide has built the popularity of Coffee Shop Parties – with DJS, coffee and Food – Latin music, and mambo dance! Mambo Dance Music. Read more>>

Liudmyla Marchenko

I create content that makes people say “Wait… is she talking about me?” My videos are all about humor but not just any humor. Every single one has an unexpected twist at the end. Over time, my audience developed a funny habit: watching my videos isn’t just watching anymore – it’s a challenge to guess the ending. And when someone actually gets it right, it’s pure joy for them… because it’s almost impossible. And it’s funny Read more>>