Mid Wilshire’s Hidden Gems

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 Mid Wilshire’s gems below.

Kevin Carter

I was really into movies growing up and would consider that my introduction to graphic design. Although I really liked art and design, I went to school for a business degree. My lack of interest was reflected in my grades, and I eventually was asked to leave school. Once back home, I began to really think about what it was that I wanted to do. Read more>>

Makie Dawson

I’m a small-town, Korean-adoptee turned special effects makeup artist. I have always loved theater and film, particularly the art of transformation. I loved watching behind the scenes time-lapses of actors getting their makeup done. It was the original movie magic in my mind. Read more>>

Hilton Wright II

My love for music started in the late 80’s with Michael Jackson and the BAD album era. I sang in the children’s choir at church and played alto saxophone in the school band until I graduated from high school. In the 9th grade, I started rapping and producing my own songs. I joined forces with my cousin Brian in 10th grade to form a production duo and company. Read more>>

Chris Foley

I believe that there’s magic in the world. We see it sometimes in the form of joy. When I’m working on the streets, I can often see some of that magic unfolding. The camera allows me to capture that, which then allows me to share that magic with others. Or sometimes I just pull it out and look at it when I’m in need of a lift. Read more>>

Linda Bradley

Linda Bradley Photography started with a deep love of people and capturing their special moments. LBP is a mother-daughter photography studio based in Los Angeles. We specialize in newborn, headshot, pet, and travel photography. Photography is an art form like no other. Read more>>

Jean-Luc Piriou

My songwriting is very personal, specific, and conversational. My goal is to start a dialogue with the audience. I write songs to express emotions that don’t always have names, to give breath to topics that most music avoids, and to encourage a level of communication that I find energizing. Read more>>