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.
Ariel Thompson
I was lucky to be raised in what my generation of millennials would call ‘The Golden Era of Disney Channel’, and it shaped my childhood entirely. I knew almost every line word for word in Hannah Montana and rehearsed the Cheetah Girls with my best friend while in basketball tryouts and during recess. Read more>>
Gracie Smith
Growing up, what I excelled most at was giving things up. I was fortunate enough to have the freedom to choose any extracurricular my little heart desired. However, that little heart couldn’t make up its mind. Wildly curious but easily bored, I made my way through a myriad of hobbies and sports. Read more>>
Joel Lava
After being raised with a super-8 and Star Wars stop-motion movies, I went to film school at Northwestern (with a double major in Anthropology) and then worked film crew in the Chicago production scene. Along the way, I picked up a Mac and learned gobs of graphics. Read more>>
Michelle
I was born and raised in South Los Angeles. It was a tough environment to grow up in, but I found solace through creative outlets and Nature. I spent a lot of time drawing, painting, and designing fashion accessories for myself. I was raised by a single mom. Read more>>
Mohammed Hossain
I started Cali Car Buyers by realizing the automobile industry lacks transparency but more importantly, the headaches behind selling a car. I’ve sold numerous amount of cars and all of my cars were kept in great shape, even as a daily driven vehicle. Read more>>
John Clinebell
I’m an independent producer/songwriter who works at Death Star Studios in Koreatown, Los Angeles. I moved to L.A. from Arizona in 2005. Originally I moved here to pursue a singer/songwriter career, recorded albums, was on the roster of a start-up record label. Read more>>
Tuyaymya Osuna
There hasn’t been one eye-opening, defining moment that led me on this path. Originally from the San Diego, Tijuana border I studied at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) thinking I’d end up becoming a doctor. Towards the end of my last year at UCSD I took a part-time job. Read more>>
Rasheda Crockett
I started acting when I was nine years old. A talent agent for kids came to my church’s annual kid’s event, and that was how I got my first talent rep! My dad was a single parent at the time. After taking me on a few auditions he sat me down and said, “Sheda, when I go to work every day it’s guaranteed. Read more>>
Irena Dimova
I was born and raised in Bulgaria. My parents always wanted the best for me so coming from a small town was just the beginning. I have never imagined myself (even as a teenager) staying and living in Bulgaria but I’ve also never imagined myself living in the US. Read more>>
