Inspiring South Bay Stories

The heart of our mission at VoyageLA is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our city. In the recent weeks we’ve had the privilege to connect with some of South Bay’s finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rebel rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with our city’s incredibly deep talent pool.  Check out the area’s rising stars below.

Manuel Brito

I was having time. so I got a lawyer which helped alot. I ended up wt felonies and all job opportunities went out the door. no one wanted to hire a felon. doors started closing real fast . I couldn’t get a job any where not even low paying ware house jobs as I couldn’t pass the back ground check. one day getting a cut after being told I could get a job due to my back wound the barber could tell some thing was wrong. I told him my story he told me a barber can be anyone with any back history . weeks later I was in barber school. the same barber hired me once I finished barber shcool.. now I own my own shop and give the same chances back to the community Read more>>

Shiré Wortham

I was born to a teen mom and raised by my paternal grandmother from the age of four. I’m the oldest of four siblings but the only child between my parents. Because of the big age gap, I grew up feeling like an only child—often lonely, carrying emotions I didn’t have the language for at the time. I now know I was in what’s called hidden foster care. My grandmother stepped up, and I’ll always be grateful for her, but that experience came with a lot of internalized anger, pain, and confusion I’ve had to work through over time. Read more>>

Steven Battaglia

I worked all kinds of jobs in the food industry — bussing, serving, bartending — honestly, anywhere that gave me a meal and a paycheck so I could save. Now I’m bartending at LAX, and I use my tips to fund my brand, materials, and promotions. That grind taught me a lot. I’ve faced a ton of challenges, including ongoing battles with depression, but the struggle gave me purpose. It made me hungry to build something real. Read more>>

Joseph Pelillo

Was born and raised in Worcester, MA. Moved to Tracy, California when I was 10 years Old with my family. Growing up, all I ever really cared about was baseball. After graduating high school in 2008, I really had no clue what I wanted to do. I followed some friends up to Chico, CA for my freshman year of college and absolutely hated it. Took the next year off and moved out to New York and started my first real restaurant job. Started as dish, then shortly moved to runner, then bussing tables, and then to expo. All within a quick 6 months.  Read more>>

Thomas Bunn

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of companies, including HBO, BET, 94.7 The Wave, Mark Burnett Productions, and 51 Minds. I’ve covered some of the most acclaimed and high-profile events in the world—from Super Bowl LVI, WrestleMania, and NBA All-Star Weekend, to Battle of the Bands, Rolling Loud LA, the Taylor Swift and Beyoncé concerts, and events tied to the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games. I’m currently producing branded content for Activision. Read more>>

Joyce Flood

I was visiting Los Angeles in 1987 and was given an opportunity by a local design build firm to work for him. After a decade working for him, I ventured on my own. I have my architect’s license by then and he encouraged my solo practice. I knew some local developers and started doing work for them. Twenty eight years later, through word of mouth, hard work, and people seeing my design work, my practice is still thriving. I have kept my practice small so I can have a more personal interaction with my clients. Read more>>

Mariano Velazquez

In 1994, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with Magna Cum Laude honors from Cal State Dominguez Hills. He then spent four years in management at a national retailer, where he leveraged computers to develop and implement efficient information management systems. Thriving in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment proved to be excellent training for his future in construction. Read more>>

Simone Maryah

I’m a Brazilian Woman entrepreneur. I work as a hairstylist since I was 23 Years old. I got the chance to start and in a very renowned Salon in Brazil called Studio W cabeleireiros, I confessed I felt very blessed for that, because working with also celebrities taught me a lot. I moved from Brazil to Los Angeles in 2015 to Learn English first. Then in 2018 I got into the Toni & Guy Cosmetology School. My goal was getting more knowledge, and to pass in the State board of California. After I got my Cosmetology license I started looking to work at someone’s Salon. Read more>>

Steve Walker

I am especially trained to support my clients overcome traumas with the use of EMDR therapy. (Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing). EMDR has given me the ability to treat phobias, chronic nightmares, sudden death of loved ones, childhood traumas, and violence. My experience in treating trauma was honed while support first responders and military veterans in a South Bay treatment center. Read more>>

Allen Lavarias

After a year of struggling in school, Some of the other students would comment that I was really good at explaining and teaching the information. It made me feel good that I was able to help people understand that knowledge. As time went by, I started to realize that the best way that I learned was actually by teaching it. So I became a tutor for my university to help other students but also by helping me solidify my foundation of nursing knowledge. In that time, majority of the students I helped, would tell me how good of a tutor I was and that I would be a really great professor. Read more>>

Erica Valdez

Today, I proudly run two businesses: Chic Event Designs and Valdez Homes. I also serve on the Board of directors for NAHREP Los Angeles. Chic Event Designs is approaching its 12-year anniversary, we’ve weathered challenges, including a pandemic, and continue to thrive in an industry where Latinas only make up of 16.5% in the Us. In real estate, I’ve had the honor of helping many families achieve their goals, and this year I closed the largest transaction of my career: a $5.75 million deal. Every chapter of this journey has been driven by faith, family, and the belief that no dream is too big when you lead with purpose and perseverance. Read more>>

Jessica Rivello

In spring of 2021, Tiny Paws Torrance started with two friends and a love for animals. Me (Jessica) and my rescue partner Viviana worked together at Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital as a dog groomer and kennel attendant. There was never a shortage of cute little stray kittens that clients would bring into the hospital and we could never say no to taking one or two home to foster. After doing it a couple of times we both had the common interest to start a rescue since there are so many animals in need of rehabilitation. Over the last few years we have been able to rescue and adopt out almost 100 cats and counting. We have met so many new friends and amazing fosters who help us on our mission to rescue animals Read more>>