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.
Sharifa Anozie
I came here to pursue my career in entertainment news.. I was previously working at CBS News in New York during the Katie Couric era. Although I had some family here and visited a few times, I never imagined that I would one day call L.A. home. When I moved, I was single, did not have a job lined up, or even a car. I lived with my aunt and uncle in Rancho Cucamonga and traveled back and forth to the city every day. Read more>>
Chauncea Carothers
Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, I have been committed to leadership and creativity for as long as I can remember. I was actively involved in many activities and was the President of several clubs to include The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and our High-school’s Fashion Club so my real journey towards being a leader was officially launched during the pre-teen/adolescent season of my life. Read more>>
Camilla Pizarro
I am an Architect, graduated in a great public University (Universidade Federal Fluminense) from Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Before I graduated, I found out about the world of Set Designing through a teacher at school and loved it so much that I have to dive right into in. That’s when I got an internship at a Set Design company (Folguedo) that created Exhibitions and Events and I was a set designer intern there and after I graduated in 2015 I was a set designer there for while. Read more>>
George X
Ever since I remember, I like drawing cartoon characters. Back in the day, I used to love watching all the cool animated promos on MTV and stop motion music videos of artists like Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. Eventually, I studied graphic design and media technology. As a matter of fact, my broadcasting career started in the art department, when shortly after graduating from high school in Guadalajara Mexico. Read more>>
Brianne Nemiroff and Benjamin Hagerty
We became a couple in 2009 and have always been passionate about travel, both locally and abroad. We were inspired to take a long-term trip in 2017 to explore more of Canada and the U.S. We soon realized that it wasn’t just a lengthy trip, but a new lifestyle choice and business in the making. Read more>>
Suss Cousins and Judy Pokonosky
Co-founded by Suss Cousins and Judy Pokonosky who met in the knit industry over 20 years ago, both having extensive backgrounds in the apparel industry. Suss being a knit expert and author of over seven books about technical knitting-that expertise was brought to blaanks-which produces custom knit throws and pillows specific to the Hospitality and A+D Communities. Read more>>
