Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

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 our latest local gem features below.

Aaron Taylor

Nothing is ever smooth lol. No, it’s been twists and turns, subplots and drama, suspense, action and long pauses lol. You just have to stay focused and dedicated to what you’re doing and staying goal orientated. Don’t get caught up in each success, but do celebrate each win. Each win should be a step toward a larger goal. Read more>>

Harley Wallen

Not at all, it’s always tough when it comes to show business because you have to remember that it id both. The art has to be “worth it” either financially or how important what you want to say needs to be told. It makes me think about our film that id just wrapping up its film festival run “Finding Nicole” a True Story about surviving, overcoming and thriving was a hard subject to tackle but so important and I can’t wait to share it with the world later this year! Read more>>

Ivan Giron

My parents immigrated to this country in the 1980s, fleeing a civil war that had deeply traumatized them with violence and abuse. This background later caused challenges in our home. I was born in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. From an early age, I faced the pressures of life head-on. I was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder called hemophilia, which limited my ability to engage in everyday activities like playing sports and being active. Despite this, I was determined not to let it hold me back, always believing I was destined for greatness. Read more>>

Ethan Mole

After high school, I attended Columbia College Chicago to study acting for real. While I was there I started a band called Friday Pilots Club with a few good friends of mine and we went on to play many concerts throughout our 4 years at Columbia. After college graduation, the band decided to split a part due to conflicting views on where it was headed, and I moved to Los Angeles to take my dreams to the next level. For the last 6 years in Los Angeles I’ve been acting in commercials, feature films, shorts, you name it. I’ve also been playing drums with multiple bands around the city, and having the time of my life doing it. I can’t wait to see what the next 6 years have in store. Read more>>

Jake Arky

Had I not been part of Tisch, I would have never had a chance to connect with several of my closet collaborators to this day, namely Suhashini Krishnan who is now my partner with Tiny Titan Films, and Justin Hudnall, my co-founder at So Say We All, non-profit literary and performing arts organization whose mission is to help people tell their stories, and tell them better, through creating performance opportunities, educational offerings, and accessible media forums. Read more>>

Samantha Drews

I grew accustomed to this routine, and in those early years began to throw myself into filmmaking and storytelling in every avenue I could find. Which included filming short films, learning editing software, writing in prose, screenwriting, dancing, and acting. I was fifteen when I had my first summer internship, teaching film at a summer camp for children. I did this for the following three summers of high school, becoming a teacher and then eventually a manager. In-between summers, during my semesters at school, I was acting in plays, making music videos with my friends, writing a plethora of unpublished books, and inevitably preparing myself for college. Read more>>

Lawrence Grobel

In Conversation with Lawrence Grobel. I was a Contributing Editor for Playboy, Movieline, World (New Zealand), and Trendy (Poland) and was called “A legend among journalists” by Writer’s Digest, and “The Mozart of Interviewers” by Joyce Carol Oates. I created the M.F.A. in Professional Writing for Antioch University; and have taught in the English and Honors Departments at UCLA. Since 2007, I’ve been invited to serve as a jury member at the annual Camerimage Film Festival in Poland. I’ve also appeared in the documentary Salinger and Al Pacino’s docudrama Wilde Salome. Some of my books have been translated into fourteen languages. Read more>>

Tahmina Q.

At this point, I knew there was a need for someone like me in the city, but I hadn’t yet figured out how to package myself to offer a distinctive service menu. During this time, the title of social media manager really took off in the industry, and people began hiring me to manage their social media accounts and create content for their brands. That’s when my agency, The Brand Agents, started to form. I began taking on my own clients and eventually left my day job at the influencer marketing agency once I had enough clients and a full roster of active brands that wanted to work with me. Read more>>

Stacey K. Black

Knowing that I wanted to be the one to tell the stories, I realized I had to become a writer, director, or both. Somehow in my infinite wisdom, I thought telling stories through hair styling was my path. It is not a path that anyone had taken previously, but you can’t keep a dreamer down. So I became a hairstylist and worked on movies and tv shows for about 17 years before I got my first real job directing television on The Closer, thanks to my mentor Michael M. Robin, James Duff, Kyra Sedgwick, Rick Wallace and Greer Shephard watching my two short films, and giving me the chance. Read more>>

Lydia Storie

In 2020, as a new mom navigating a global pandemic, I became acutely aware of care as one of those gaps. With Covid-19 shutdowns and social distancing measures in place, tens of millions of people, including my husband and I, struggled to access child care, aging and disability care. We were trying to balance work and care with no support. When our infant son was diagnosed with developmental delays in March of 2020,the therapy services that could benefit him had been suspended. For me and many others, Covid put into stark relief a lot of dynamics that have existed for a long time, but that can be very easy to overlook until they affect you directly. Read more>>

Jie Deng

The journey has not been easy because I am a very sensitive person. When faced with difficulties, I often feel at a loss and unsure of how to handle the situation. This sensitivity also comes into play when communicating with clients, as I not only have to address project-related issues but also be mindful of their emotional state. At times, this sensitivity puts a lot of pressure on me, as I have to solve practical problems while ensuring smooth communication and avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts. Although it can be exhausting, it has also taught me to observe and respond more carefully, continuously improving my communication skills. Read more>>

Ergel Cadilenia

Name is errrge (urge), I’m a hybrid shooter (shoots photo and video) in socal. Started as a club photographer, then learned how to do video recaps. Currently doing weddings, content for djs and other events. Read more>>

Sheryl Matheu

Casa de Matheu is a non profit childcare offering enriching and affordable childcare to the families of Hollywood. I think what sets us apart from the rest is I have had the same workers for 15 years?! We really are one big family. We do a weekly meditation class and the kids get in touch with their own inner super power. And once a month I stay open until 10pm so the parents can go out and have some alone time. Read more>>

Antonio Robinson

How I arrived at this point on my author’s journey is a tale of twists and turns. In life, everything comes down to choices. From the moment we wake up to the time our heads hit the pillow, we are faced with decisions. Thankfully, most of our daily decision making can be incorporated into a routine, simplifying our lives. Long term decision making, on the other hand, can cause us to lose sleep at night. One of the hardest choices to make is deciding on something in the present moment that significantly impacts your future. Read more>>

Nadine Emrich

The road has not been smooth for me. Struggles along the way would be not really having a network coming into this business. I have had to really dedicate and commit my whole life to creating. I wanted to really just be a creative mind. I think not a day of my life has gone by not writing something or memorizing a lines or at least thinking of my next move. I have also had many blocks from not knowing my worth. Or feeling unworthy at times. I also struggle with fibromyalgia. So I fight pain a lot. But it doesn’t win, I win over my pain. One thing I have learned is to have grit. I am definitely a very strong minded person. Read more>>

Chris Nungary

Growing up I had always loved music and sound. My earliest memories are of me laying on the living room floor with my dad listening to records at full volume. Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath. I remember vividly how excited he got when a bass or drum solo would be coming up. He would turn it up louder and have me listen intentionally to a specific instrument. I’ve held onto that and practiced what would now be called “active listening” ever since. This in turn catapulted me into a love affair with the sonic world. I joined the school marching band and eventually discovered my own lane in grunge, alternative and punk rock. Read more>>

Zachary King

I moved to Los Angeles in January 2023 and started taking classes at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theater, where I still study (off and on). That was my first step when I got here, the next step was trying to land jobs. Since we spoke last I have been lucky enough to have gotten work in some really cool projects in both TV and Film. I have grown very found of LA the more I have been out here, and it’s finally starting to feel like I really live here instead of just here on a visit. Read more>>

Leena Tailor

I worked at the magazine for nearly seven years, covering everything from celebrity interviews and red carpet events to news, health, fashion and human interest features, before moving to L.A. in 2010. It was the tail-end of the recession so finding a job was a lot harder than I expected. After a couple of gigs at photo agencies, I started freelancing while job-hunting, but have been doing it since. I primarily began writing for publications back in New Zealand and it helped that at the time I was one of the few Kiwi journalists in L.A. who could cover press junkets for them. As that fizzled out, I started writing for more American and Canadian outlets, by pitching stories and ideas to as many editors as I could – which I continue to do today. Read more>>

O.J. Pipkin

My introduction to the film industry began in 2020. I started working as 1st AC for my cousin (DP) on some short films. In 2022 I worked on my first feature film as 1st AC. I have worked on 8 feature films total. I am also at Part 107 licensed drone operator. Read More>>

De. Dr. Ariel Orama López

I am a multi-awarded independent filmmaker, producer, composer, actor, and scriptwriter from Puerto Rico that began his career on 2001 (actor and 2010 (director), who is considered and distinguished a Notable Alumnus from New York Film Academy, in Los Angeles. My films are related to climate change, stigma and discrimination, global impact issues (ex: pandemic), and the promotion of a culture of Peace. With a lot of perseverance and passion, I have screened in multiple relevant venues, including Animation in Cannes, The Venice Production Bridge at la Biennale di Venezia, the Academy Screening Room (ASR), and the Grauman’s Theater. It is meaningful to me and to the Puerto Rican’s history of Independent Film in the 21 Century. Read more>>

Catharine Wood

When I arrived in LA in August of 2003, I didn’t have a job and did not know how to make a living in music…yet. In 2004, I discovered the Los Angeles Recording School after working a regular 9-5 job for a year and a half…and saw furthering my education (I already held a BA in Art from Colorado College, with a 5 year career in graphic design already behind me) as my way into the audio industry – and it was. I graduated #1 in my class (and was the only female in my class). I was approached by a Santa Monica studio owner to come work in commercials – at Play Studios – a top, global commercials audio post production mix house. Read more>>

Jenae

As a child, my parents always encouraged me to believe that I could be anything I wanted to be. Every few weeks, my ambitions would shift, and I’d dive headfirst into my latest dream. One week, I transformed my room into a makeshift doctor’s office, complete with a toy stethoscope, embodying the role of a dedicated physician. The next, I’d reinvent my space as a vibrant classroom, complete with a chalkboard, embracing the persona of an enthusiastic teacher. This early exploration of shifting roles and dreams taught me to adapt and reinvent myself with each new aspiration. This childhood curiosity and flexibility have stayed with me, fueling my drive to continually evolve and pursue new goals with the same passion and creativity. Read more>>

Edwin Vasquez

When I moved to California, I asked if it was possible to study art here, and the answer was yes. However, as an immigrant who didn’t speak English and discovered how expensive it was to attend art school, the dream felt unattainable. My priorities shifted to assimilating into my new country and learning English. Once I became fluent, I wrote a quote on a piece of paper that still resonates with me today: “English is like a drug addiction; I struggle with it every day.” Read more>>

Anna Scotti

I’m a mystery writer, specializing in short fiction. A lot of my work appears in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, where I’ve got a series about a librarian on the run in witness protection, as well as occasional stand-alone stories. (A stand-alone is a story not intended to become part of a series.) I also write poetry, although for the past couple of years I’ve concentrated on fiction and creative nonfiction (that’s a genre that’s very much like “memoir” – true stories from life presented with the vivid immediacy of fiction.  Read more>>

Meryl Klemow

I’ve always had a knack for reinvention. I cut my teeth in the music industry, which was an incredible experience.In 2016, I pivoted to podcasting. There’s something magical about connecting with listeners through audio storytelling, and I was hooked. From there, it was a natural leap to radio, where I could blend my love for music with my newfound passion for being on-air. Read more>>

Gérard Maurez

My path isn’t the one of a sprint runner, it is the one of the marathon runner! First, it took me quite some time to find my inner voice. The first half of my life was about initiation: I had to learn american-style screenwriting, I had to perfect my written English language, I traveled a lot to find myself…and I struggled trying to find the right people. The other problem is that I never really felt in tune with French Cinema and its too often “small scope”. I always preferred american cinema, and I had to write this way. I found support and understanding abroad first. But now things are slightly changing. Read more>>

Reneta Jenik

My husband thought I was crazy. He gave me that “Did you lose your mind? We are not rich” look when I told him that I wanted to hire a personal chef to cook for us so we could eat healthier together by the dining table and not need to eat out so often during our busy kid-filled weekdays. Read more>>

Papi Flay

I am a artist and producer. Im known for my style of beats and sampling style. Im also known for my drum patterns. What sets me apart is my individuality. Im not looking to be anybody else but myself. Yes we take inspiration from others but that should merely be a characteristic or a weapon to be used when the time is right. Read more>>

Sharon Cannon

When I graduated high school, I struck out on my own to go to college in South Dakota, Iowa, and eventually finishing in Arizona. While working in Lake Tahoe, I met a guy from Arizona, and he wanted to finish where he had started. We got married and set off for Arizona to go back to college. Toward the end of my time there, I sat for the CPA exam and passed. I could not suffer through the heat and dryness or my marriage. Single again, I decided to move to San Francisco and work in a CPA office to earn my CPA certificate. I had a good ten years there and even became a partner, but ten years was enough. Read more>>

Cindy Nguyen

I really like the diversity in LA. There are so many little cultural ethnoburbs that I get to explore. But with the good comes the bad. I dislike how busy and cutthroat the culture can be sometimes. There is a lot of competition that it sometimes feels hard to breathe. Read more>>

William Luvaas

I was a student activist at UC-Berkeley, then lived for a year in a crude shelter in the Mendocino coast redwoods, near a hippie commune called “The Meadows,” where I met my future wife Lucinda. We drove to Alaska, hoping to homestead, but—perhaps fortunately—they had closed homesteading the week before we arrived. We returned south to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where we made soapstone hash pipes that we sold to head shops in the Bay area and managed to save enough money to live for a year and a half in Europe and Israel. In a white-washed house overlooking the Mediterranean on the Costa Brava in Spain, I began work on my first novel, The Uranian Circus, which was inspired by my time living under the big trees in “The Meadows.” Read more>>

Jiayan He

My name is Jiayan He, most people call me Henry. I was born and raised in Chongqing, China. Around 2011 or 2012 my dad decided to send me to the USA for my academic career. Then I became a little depressed cause I barely had any friends in New Jersey. Somehow I started watching movies day after day just to get rid of boredom. I spent like 6 months like that and I absorbed some positive energy from movies and 5 cats in my host family to end the depression cycle. In the end, I decided to become a filmmaker and now I am one based in LA. Read more>>

AARON MCKENZIE

After graduating college with an English literature degree, I found myself as directionless as ever. So, I did what many rudderless grads did: I headed off to South Korea to teach English. The plan was to do that for a year or two, then come back for grad school, maybe buy a tweed jacket and settle into life as an English professor at some quaint Midwestern college. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans, right? I ended up living in Seoul for a full decade. It’s not a stretch to say that I grew up there, became an adult there. Read more>>

Jazmyne Phillips

As a Black woman from Compton, I am deeply proud to be an author dedicated to encouraging literacy and empowering young minds. Growing up in Compton, I faced the challenge of illiteracy and didn’t learn to read until the fifth grade. This early struggle with reading and writing planted seeds of doubt about my abilities. However, I overcame these obstacles and have since authored five published books, with three more awaiting their debut. Read more>>

MaKayla Mardan Bigi

From the outside looking in at anyone’s situation, it can seem like a smooth road. I was a part of my high schools broadcast television and film programs. I immediately went to college and got my Bachelors in Digital Film/Media Production. Shortly after I received my Masters in Screenwriting. Following that, I moved to LA and have been working out here for the past two years. Along the way I’ve gotten to work on many projects that I’m proud of, but I would be remiss to say there weren’t struggles. Everyone deals with unspoken things in their lives. Family struggles, deep-rooted personal endeavors, whatever it may be. Life moves swiftly and hits ruthlessly. It only matters how we deal with what comes our way. Read more>>

Hugo Mejia

So after graduating from SDSU, I had this cool internship with the Television Academy where I got hands on experience with the production process as well as scriptwriting which I love doing. Eventually I gained the courage to pursue acting, another passion of mine. So I started doing background acting which led to me doing bigger roles and getting an agent, then a manager, and now I work as an actor for various web series, films, and commercials. Read more>>

Daniel Pico

“Oh, movies when they show in a theater are wider than a TV screen.” she informed me, “And when they put them on a VHS tape they have to squeeze the movie into your TV cutting the sides off.” This answer was unsatisfactory to a four year old, “That’s stupid, we should get a bigger TV.” I proclaimed. My mother rolled her eyes and went about her routine. For the first time I began to understand that somewhere in my brain I was becoming aware of composition for cinema and taking my first steps towards filmmaking, or I would be an internet troll of the early 2000’s complaining about the lack of letterboxed editions on VHS tapes, and writing essays about why DiVX was a superior format to DVD. Read more>>

Zhihao Hu

I think the biggest challenge is always another form of the reward: which is exploring what you truly want to leave the world with. Sometime you design a topic during script-writing, but the core value has been shaped continuously during the making of the film. It can be devastating, it can be empowering, all of the experiences and sensation will be one of the puzzles for the final answer. Read more>>

Jackie Sleight

A few years later I was choreographing for television, stage, and some of music’s biggest recording artists. My career took several paths, one of which was teaching, which became my passion. I taught jazz at the respected Dupree Dance Academy, traveled around the world, and eventually started teaching on a dance convention. Several years later, I established L.A. DanceMagic Dance Convention, which recently celebrated its 25th year. Read more>>

Dan Hertzog

Growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in a middle-class family with absolutely no connections to the entertainment industry made gaining knowledge and experience somewhat challenging. Nonetheless, even before I was old enough to work, I found odd jobs to support my addiction to filmmaking, eventually coaxing my parents into making the three-hour drive to New York Camera where I purchased my first Super 8mm movie camera and projector. With the means of creating my own movies now in my possession, I soon came to realize without a worthwhile or engaging story to tell, my early stop-motion film would have been nothing more than an exercise in technique. Read more>>

Corbin Johnson

I’m a Midwest girl, born and raised in the suburban charm of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. I grew up in a loving two-parent household with my mom, Tracii—who always makes sure you spell her name with two i’s!—and my dad, Mark. I’m the second oldest of five siblings, with two sisters, Parey and Harris, and two brothers, Halen and Patterson. We’re known and loved by many as “The Hunters,” and I love my family unconditionally. My family has grown even more special now that I’m married to the most amazing and handsome man in the world, Michael Johnson. Together, we share our home with the feistiest little 7-year-old Pomeranian who keeps us on our toes. Read more>>

Kristin Couture

Naturally, these people inspired me along the way. Eventually, I wanted to try my hand in film but auditions were slow going and I’m not good at sitting around and twiddling my thumbs. I looked at all my talented friends who are writers, directors, cinematographers, etc., and thought, we should just start making stories we love instead of waiting around for people to find us. That’s how I became a producer. That’s how I started Daily Craving Productions in 2019. Read more>>

Robert Dobson

A world pandemic that brought people to their knees and shut down acting studios and sets and stages which meant no work and eventually even no ride-share. Not to mention gas prices went through the roof and by the time I made $50 I had to turn right around and put it back in gas and then if COVID was not enough, the Actors decided to go on a strike and yet my rent not doubled but tripled and I was worse off than when I left DC. After two failed attempts of renting a room with the worst types of people, I decided to move yet again to Las Vegas. I have been in Sin City since 2023 trying to upgrade the shame of hearing my dad tell me I am unsettled and unaccomplished in my head. Read more>>

Francheska Misirlioglu

Something parents could truly trust. It wasn’t always easy, but every step was fueled by love. And today, Earth Angel Apparel stands for exactly what I needed as a new mom: pure, sustainable baby essentials made with intention. Looking back, it’s been such an incredible ride. I’ve had the chance to connect with so many parents who share the same values, and I’m beyond grateful that I get to show up each day as both a mom and a business owner. Knowing that families choose Earth Angel to care for their little ones? It means the world. If this journey has taught me anything, it’s that when you lead with heart and stay true to your purpose, the most amazing things can happen. Read more>>

Lita Elliott

I’m juggling homeschooling, a toddler, 2 school aged kids, an apparel company that is bringing awareness to veterans mental health, taking care of the house and responsibilities that come with being a stay at home mom. I struggle with finding the time to be creative and research new happenings, and family friendly businesses in Santa Clarita. Read more>>

Dualidy _0_0

Dualidy otherwise known as D’Angelo Armon Fulton was born raised in the SoCal area to a father, a man of the community, and a hardworking mother who always instilled the idea of choosing his own destiny. In his mind, he contemplated “ Is there something out there that will allow me to include each gift in my arsenal.” Little did he know the answer has always been right in front of his face. That being music and self expression. At this very moment, Dualidy is studying music entrepreneurship at PCC, while simultaneously working on his singles as well as EP “My Tranquil Delusions” coming later this year. Read more>>

Ash Gordon

I cracked the code and turned it into a science. I even created my own band, The Blah Blah Blahs—a modern mod fever dream of hooky guitars, clever chord progressions, and vocal production that hit different. Oh, and because I’m extra, I crafted a drag persona for myself to elevate the whole vibe with pro photos, music videos, and a legit online presence. It looked stunning. It sounded stunning. Brands like Burt’s Bees, Doritos, and Revlon? They noticed. Read more>>

Yaoyang Liu

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped me into the composer I am today. One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the competitive nature of the film and media industry. Breaking into the field requires not only talent but also building a network and proving your skills in high-pressure environments. As an international artist, adapting to different cultural perspectives and communication styles has also been a learning curve, especially when collaborating with teams from various backgrounds. Read more>>

Kobe Angeles D’Amelio

My favorite childhood memory was when my grandfather retired and drove me, my 2 sisters and grandmother from Pennsylvania to San Diego for a summer road trip Read more>>

Erika Holzhausen

When I was 15, I saw my first episode of Project Runway, a new competition show at the time, where designers vied for $100,000 to launch their own fashion line. I was instantly hooked and became obsessed with the world of high fashion. I’d always been creative – whether it was customizing my own clothes, making jewelry out of bottle caps, or drawing on every bit of paper I came across – but I’d never thought being creative could be a career. Growing up around farmers and “salt of the earth” people, my creativity and big personality often felt out of place, and I found myself hiding parts of who I was to fit in with small-town values. Read more>>

Autumn Davida

Portrait photography, for me, is about more than just taking pictures of people. It’s about connecting with someone on a deeper level, about seeing them in their most authentic and unique form. Each person tells a story, and through my lens, I aim to capture that essence—the little details, the subtle expressions, the emotions that make them who they are. There’s something incredibly powerful about capturing a moment of vulnerability or joy, and I love the challenge of trying to reveal a person’s true self in a single image. Read more>>

AJ Eckstein

At the same time, I was becoming the LinkedIn guy at my company. I built a strong personal brand, created daily content, spoke at events, and even launched LinkedIn Learning courses. Brands started reaching out, asking me to run LinkedIn influencer campaigns. That’s when I saw the opportunity—LinkedIn was an untapped platform for creator marketing. Read more>>

Campbell

This enthusiasm was noticed by my freshman year pre-AP English teacher, who encouraged me to explore our theater department. From there the rest is seemingly history. After falling in love with the performing arts, I attended the University of Texas at Austin and received a BFA in Acting, where I was an inaugural member of their competitive Actor Training Program. Following my graduation, I moved to Los Angeles with dreams of grandeur. 10 years later, I am a screenwriter, director, actress, choreographer, stylist, content creator, and most importantly to me, a follower of Christ. My story is very much still in the making and evolving. I am beyond grateful for my upbringing as it has heavily shaped my journey as an artist. Read more>>

Nick Norton

I was born near the ocean approximately 13.6 billion years after the big bang. Sometime later I started playing guitar, then went to college for music and political philosophy, eventually earning a PhD as a composer. That’s not a lifestyle that western capital finds useful, though, so in order to pay my rent and eat I got into music and sound editing for film and TV. I have done a good bit of live sound too, and mixed a ton of recordings. Read more>>

Sara Garth

My story is all about stories. From a young age I have always spent my time seeking out new stories. I was an avid reader as a child. I remember doing a summer reading challenge where if you read 30 books you got a grand prize which was, of course, a book. I made my mom promise me I could start to watch horror movies when I was 10 and on my 10th birthday watched Halloween and The Nightmare on Elm Street. I grew up in the age of Netflix discs, where you could get DVDs mailed to you 3 at a time and I would watch about 15 movies a week. One day, while watching Life As A House it occurred to me that making movies was a job that I could do and the rest is history. Read more>>

Joelle Sellner

I always wanted to be a writer. Whether I was writing plays for my friends in elementary school, articles for my high school newspaper, or skits for comedy troupe in college, I was passionate about telling stories. But while I dreamed of writing for film and TV, I had no idea how to pursue this as a career. After I moved back home to New York after graduation, I worked as a copywriter in an ad agency. I was excited about being paid to write. Read more>>

Nicole Wright

We have so many precious moments and events recorded and I would enjoy watching them ever since I can remember. For the first several years, there was always a lot of happiness in our household. This ideal childhood came to an abrupt end when I was 11 years old when my parents announced their divorce. It shattered my heart beyond words, so to escape the reality I wasn’t willing to face, I would watch these home videos to transport myself back to the happy times. Sure maybe denial isn’t great, but it was something I could hold on to. I realized how important these videos were to keep the memories of my happy childhood alive. Read more>>

J.C. Hoffman

y circuitous route to becoming an actor and model is a testament to the power of embracing life’s unexpected turns. This journey is fueled by the same drive that propelled me through successful athletic and medical careers. My worldview, shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences, serves as my compass, always guiding me forward. This unique lens allows me to approach challenges with authenticity and depth, bringing a fresh perspective to every character I bring to life that rivals the complexity of the life I live. Read more>>

Abigail Guziewicz

This led to the birth of Velvet Moon. What began as selling secondhand clothes online quickly evolved into a creative endeavor centered on upcycling and transforming vintage textiles into one-of-a-kind wearable art. Velvet Moon became my way of directly responding to the waste and overproduction of the fast fashion industry. Instead of contributing to that cycle, I embraced slow fashion, reimagining discarded materials into something beautiful and purposeful. Today, Velvet Moon continues to grow, with a commitment to sustainability, creativity, and offering a thoughtful alternative to disposable fashion. Read more>>

Douyé Youduba

I am a jazz singer passionate about blending classic jazz with contemporary influences. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft to bring a fresh yet timeless sound to the stage. My work is rooted in jazz traditions, but I also incorporate soul, blues, and R&B elements, creating a unique fusion that speaks to a broad audience. I specialize in creating intimate, meaningful, and heartfelt performances that connect with listeners personally. I’m most proud of the ability to evoke emotion through my voice and the stories I tell through music. My performances are a reflection of my journey and the experiences I’ve had in life. Read more>>

Phillip Gladkov

There have been a few pivotal moments that shaped my journey. In high school, I leaned heavily into art, channeling my teenage angst and the feeling that the world was a dystopian corrupt wasteland—a perspective fueled by watching way too many documentaries. Winning prizes in juried shows fueled my drive, but life took an unexpected turn when my dream college deferred and ultimately rejected me. I thought I’d give up on college altogether, but external pressures led me to Nassau Community College, where I began figuring things out. Read more>>

Sean Nyambayo

Let me take you through my journey. It all started when I was six years old and fell in love with storytelling. I was captivated by the power of words and how they could create entire worlds. By 13, my fascination had only grown. I started writing essays that came naturally to me and ended up created my first animation script-complete with detailed characters and vivid scenes I could imagine in my mind. Read more>>

Carolina Balboa

Today, I lead retreats, trainings, mentorships, and group ceremonies that support individuals in processing emotions, finding clarity, and reconnecting with their authentic selves. My work is rooted in the belief that healing is not only about relaxation—it’s about creating intentional spaces for community, release, restoration, and rediscovery. I’m passionate about fostering deep connections and guiding people toward a path of alignment and empowerment, where they can live from a place of true clarity and purpose. Read more>>

Tiger AJ Ray

At Lamar University, I pursued and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Retail and Merchandising, and I gave fashion & retail management the next ten years of my life. While styling for my good friend and photographer, Latashia “Ms. Ryot” Gordon, she pointed out that I had an eye for what looks good on camera. She challenged me to direct, starting with creative directing her photo shoots, and from there it was a snowball effect. I was inspired to pursue a career in film, and that opened my eyes to create more. Away from the camera, I started diving back into writing. In 2021, I moved to Los Angeles from Houston, TX and started film school. By 2024, I completed my first short film and published my first romance novel. Read more>>

Tatiana Rulin

Not at all! I don’t think any small business owner would say the road has been completely smooth—especially in the beginning. When I first started, I had this deep passion for photography, but running a business? That was a whole new world. There were (and still are) so many moving pieces—marketing, client communication, pricing, workflows, editing, and let’s not forget balancing it all with being a wife and mom. Read more>>

Steph Ng

My gap year after high school was when I found my first job as a web developer. At the same time, I came across a makerspace frequented by an unconventional yet intelligent crowd of engineers and tinkerers. The place was old, cramped, and filled with electronics and unfinished projects. At 16, I was a decade younger than the average person there, and I was eager to learn. I soaked up the engineering culture around me. Even though I looked different from everyone else in the makerspace, which was mostly composed of men in their late twenties, I felt like I belonged there. Read more>>

Malika Yansaneh

What a wonder it is to be able to share your story – to tell it on your terms, through your voice, and in your own words. As a filmmaker, a designer, and a storyteller in the purest form, I want to honor the art form. To share my story, I will start at the beginning. I was born on a late August morning at the turn of the century, only a few months before the new millennium. A few weeks ago, I asked my mom what I was like as a baby. She told me I was focused, attentive, I loved music, and I was always fascinated by colors. I think it’s safe to say that 25 years later – much of what she said is still proven to be true. Read more>>

Kelsey Shaw

Hairdressing is the farthest thing from a smooth road. Starting out as an assistant is exciting but also depends where you work. I remember crying a few times because of how people would treat me and I wondered if it was just part of the “hazing process” of being an assistant and if every salon was like that. I knew in the back of my head when I got to a point in my career when I would need an assistant I was always going to give them grace and be kind. Read more>>

Thalia Gonzalez

Fast forward to now, I know more about myself, I understand the person I used to be, I understand why people are the way they are. I learned about triggers, emotions, trauma, healing, meditation and much more. All has helped me to love myself, to understand others, to feel deeply and have compassion. I’ve learned about conscious living and am now running a spiritual business where I assist others in their own journey to self discovery and inner freedom. I became a woman who trusts in God, who trusts in herself, a woman who fights through darkness and continues to have courage daily. A woman with gratitude and an open heart to what life has to offer. Read more>>

Theresa Bome Kim

During that time I got corporate jobs and was contemplating whether I should continue to pursue being an actor. It was a time when I questioned not only my talent but also whether I had the passion to continue as an actor. While working my corporate jobs I always saved up my vacation days and would use those to go on sets and film or film on weekends when I’m off. Working on these sets reignited my passion for this craft and it made me want to continue to pursue this career even more. I’d say that those times really tested me and made me realize how much I love this industry and everyone that I meet on set. Read more>>

Stefanie Rouse

That season of deep heartbreak became a season of transformation. God didn’t just heal my heart; He rebuilt my identity. He showed me that my worth wasn’t in a relationship status but in being His daughter. He took what was once my greatest pain—broken relationships, rejection, and disappointment—and turned it into the very thing I became most passionate about helping others with. Read more>>

Linda Ternoir

One exception: The professor leading the figure drawing class was an encouraging professor. He was so impressed by my first sketch of a nude woman, that he gasped and left the room. He returned with several other white male art professors. When he pointed me out to them from the doorway, they scoffed and turned away. I have often wondered what they would have done if I had been white. Read more>>

Breyton Croom

I never had a relationship that lasted for more than 3 months and I have been taken advantage of by multiple women, both emotionally and financially. Professionally, it’s hard for me to find and hold down a job. Whenever I vocalized what I need to succeed, my disability and the challenges that come with it, and/or when I stood up for myself, my past and potential employers didn’t respond kindly to that. I have been unemployed for over a year and a half, bouncing around job after job, just for me to survive. Social Security denied me for disability income because it’s not severe enough to them. There were a lot of struggles. There’s more and I’m sure there’s more to come. Read more>>

Elizabeth Su

After achieving success in the ways I thought would bring me happiness like graduating Summa Cum Laude from Tufts University with a B.S. in Quantitative Economics and Community Health and reaching a six-figure salary at a hot Silicon Valley start-up where I could drink #allthekombuchaontap, I realized I was trying to win a game I didn’t even want to play. I struggled with disordered eating, my anxiety was through the roof, I had exactly zero minutes for self-care, and was really tired of leaning in. Read more>>

Mary Leveridge

I got the same feeling from performing that way as I did from riding a horse in the competitive arena. There was a thrill, an adrenaline rush of hitting that flow, of a communion between me and the person I was speaking to. Horses and riders have a similar communion. Both have to be listening to the other and be understood otherwise accidents happen. Onstage, those accidents are drama, conflict, hysterical farce, falling in love, etc. It’s only when we really listen to our scene partner that we can be surprised and be in the moment to resolve the conflicts. One of my most major struggles was learning to let go of the dream of what I thought my life was heading towards and learning to embrace a dream I had hardly dared to hope for in acting. Read more>>

SAYUMI INO

My journey as a dancer began at an early age, fueled by a deep love for performing in front of an audience. A pivotal moment that set me on this career path was watching the Japanese audition TV show ASAYAN when I was nine years old. That particular season featured auditions for the third generation of Morning Musume, a nationally renowned idol group. I was deeply moved by the intense emotions, passionate words, and fierce determination of the contestants, and at that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Linda Duncombe

Changing industries has been more challenging than it should have been. The number of people that continue to tell me, “this is how it has always been done” is ridiculous. “You’re new to this, that wont ever work”. These statements come from a place of fear for new thinking and innovation. Josh Friedman, the writer, director and heart and soul behind the film I am working on is a walking example of a person who has been in the industry for a long time and has taken those learnings and is innovating with how this film will be completed. I love the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Get beyond, get around and whatever it is, don’t let negative thinking ever stop you from fulfilling dreams and living your best life. Read more>>

Lorenzo Zucchi

It all started with a Mexican Riviera vacation. Playa del Carmen and its sky blue water sea. During daylight people were walking barefoot down the main Avenue, so I’ve decided to give it a try and I love it since moment 1. I mean, to walk by feeling the surface that you walk over is just wonderful: it reactivates all of your sleeping senses. I kept walking barefoot, even at night, even entering restaurants, pubs, clubs. It was all more than amazing, just like a vacation in itself out of the main vacation Read more>>

Kimberlea Kressal

I also genuinely love teaching! Whenever my schedule permits, I offer writing classes and workshops that demystify the process of writing and empower the creator. For the past six years, I have been teaching my class TV Writing for the Actor™ to actors, writers, playwrights, novelists, poets and anyone else interested in character-driven storytelling. I also serve on the faculty of Western Colorado University’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing, where I teach TV writing, screenwriting, pitching, and portfolio development. Read more>>

Jen Cassell

I went to college for theater, but it wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles that I realized there were a million different ways to tell stories and entertain. So, I took an internship at an unscripted production company, where my job was to find fascinating people and create show concepts around their lives. And, if I’m being honest, it came pretty naturally to me—see above—and I quickly realized I was pretty good at it. Read more>>

Nicole Garrett

Over they years I participated in several research projects including traumatic brain injuries with our military and department of defense. I opened up multiple hospital based hyperbaric facilities across the country. While honored to bring more of this amazing therapy to centers across the nation, I also grew frustrated that all these new facilities were still restricted with what they were able to treat based on hospital restrictions. This is what urged me to open my own facility, Under Pressure Hyperbarics, where we can offer hospital grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy to a wider variety of indications. Read more>>

Yu Vitor

For example, when I first came to the U.S., I didn’t know anyone, and my English wasn’t great, so I struggled a lot and felt really anxious. But I knew the only way forward was to take action. So, I started going to as many film sets as I could and joined a lot of gatherings with other artists. There were times at parties when I couldn’t keep up with conversations, but I kept putting myself out there. Little by little, people started to know who I was. Read more>>

Ashley Greene

I made the decision to start the business right before the world shut down for a global pandemic, so our business has had its fair share of challenges. Our funding fell through, promises were not delivered, we had supply chain issues, but ultimately I have an unwavering commitment to the brand ethos and believe that our brand has a unique position in the market that has yet to be filled. I continue to be inspired to empower and uplift people and encourage individuals to embrace their inner beauty. Read more>>

Korbin Brown

I think oftentimes people just work on projects without any connection to the project. I feel so proud of this project because everybody in the film knew the underlying themes. They knew the goal I was trying to achieve and they knew the story I was trying to tell. From that point forward, each person was able to execute in their creativity and add something integral to the story’s development. This project is a testament to how well I captivated my cast and crew in development, to help bring this story to life. Read more>>

Abigail Suazo

My path has been a winding journey filled with diverse experiences, a tapestry woven with both challenges and successes. Becoming a Trauma-Informed Hypnotherapist was never something I envisioned for myself, but in 2020, I had a hypnotherapy session that changed my life. It allowed me to witness the traumatic events I had navigated and peel back the layers of my wounds. In that moment, everything clicked, and I felt deeply inspired. Since then, I have earned certifications, worked with people from all walks of life, and had the privilege of witnessing profound healing and breakthroughs. I feel truly blessed to play even a small role in these transformative journeys. Read more>>

Ivy Sunderji

I also offer a private writing workshop called Intuitive Writing. It’s a 5-week class held on zoom that integrates intuitive work into the creative ideation process for students who are writing short screenplays. It’s a really fun class that is very rewarding to teach, and I love getting a chance to combine my three professions like this. It’s been wonderful to write my own rules to my professional life and do meaningful work I actually enjoy. It’s not always easy being in business for yourself the way I am, but I wake up every day proud of myself and the substance of my work. Read more>>

Ethan Jones

I moved to Los Angeles in October of 2019 and the COIVD lockdowns hit about 5 months later. Needless to say, the 2020s have been a tumultuous decade not just for myself but for many of my colleagues and it definitely tested my resilience as a person. I think there’s a saying from Jerry Seinfeld who said, if you can do anything else, just do that instead. I can’t. This has been my obsession for all of my adult life and I can’t do anything else. I do think one of the keys to success is a sense of stubbornness. Everyone who I work with feels the same way. There have been hard times for me, but nothing that brought me close to quitting, I love what I do and I work with like minded people who feel the same way. Read more>>

Francesca Fondevila Lucero

The seeds of Mother Bones were planted long before I had the language for it. I had always been drawn to the intersection of beauty, ritual, and nourishment—whether through cooking, design, or the quiet details that turn everyday moments into something more meaningful. But it wasn’t until I became a mother that these instincts crystallized into something larger than myself. Read more>>

Tanner Kerrins

Ask any actor or writer if their path was smooth, I think we’d all agree there is no smooth road to this line of work. I can think of at least a few occasions where I questioned if this path I was on was the right move. If I’m being fully transparent, I’d say there were also a handful of times I considered quitting. But, in the words of my friend John Nguyen, “I too wanted to quit. But after some time away from it [the film industry], I found myself coming back.” Read more>>

Chris Strait

I found my family’s old comedy albums from the 1960’s and listened to them intently: Bob Newhart, The Smothers Brothers, Bill Cosby, etc. I made my 3rd grade teacher give me the last 5 minutes of the class once a week to put on old sketches. Later on, I got more into the risque comedy, as men like George Carlin, Sam Kinison, Richard Pryor, and others began influencing me. If I’m honest with myself, I probably knew I wanted to be a comedian when I was 7, but didn’t get on stage until I was 24. It was not a practical career, and while my parents were supportive, they didn’t really understand. Read more>>

Aleah Chapin

How do we tell the stories of our lives? Which narrative threads do we follow? It’s like choosing a river. They all lead to the sea. I could share how I would wake up at 4am when I was very young, sit at my little art table drawing, sculpting, making anything, listening to books on tape. And how I never stopped, I just don’t wake up quite so early anymore. I could share about all the support and help I’ve had along the way that made it possible for me to be an artist full time. But the story I want to tell here is how art has helped me through some of the most heartbreaking chapters of my life, and one in particular. Read more>>

Sasha Takahashi

In 2015, I launched an online coaching program called “English Coaching to Enrich Your Life in the U.S.”, where I teach practical and effective study methods tailored specifically for Japanese learners. I also help them understand the differences in perspectives between Japan and the U.S. and develop the right mindset for living in America. Today, I provide lessons to many Japanese people, especially those who are in the U.S. on work assignments. Read more>>

 Cady Hannah Hakim

t all started when I was 13. I tore my meniscus while playing soccer, which led me to take a break from the sport I loved. During that time, I felt really depressed and lonely, spending a lot of time by myself. It was a tough period, but it was also when my self-improvement journey truly began. My mom, seeing my struggle, introduced a new perspective—how could I make the most of this time? This shift in mindset helped me begin looking within and exploring ways to grow. Read more>>

Brandon Thor

It was a wake-up call to just how cutthroat disrupting a multibillion-dollar industry can be. I won’t lie—there were moments when it felt like we might not make it. But I believed in what we were doing. I knew that if we could just stay in the game long enough, land a few key deals, and prove our value, we could survive. And that’s exactly what happened. A few major wins gave us the momentum we needed to turn the tide, and now, we’ve carved out a place in the industry. Read more>>

Chase Lin

What really fueled my drive was seeing firsthand how impactful automation could be—not just for large corporations but for startups and growing businesses too. Early on, I worked on projects that involved everything from email campaign management using tools like Smartlead to building influencer analytics dashboards that could save companies thousands annually. Every success reinforced my belief that automation isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating meaningful, real-world solutions that make life easier for business owners and their teams. Read more>>

Eric Santiestevan

Due to some of these connections, I’ve worked with Indigenous music artists, and had the opportunity to create a soundscape for an exhibit at the Broad Museum featuring sounds and music created by Tongva cultural ambassador Lázaro Arvizú Jr, and by the very landscape of oaks, chapparral, mountains and winds themselves. Work such as this, and working with a diverse group of writers, directors, and narrators at Penguin Random House, began to give me the answer of how to work in the arts and also help out the community at large. Read more>>

Gloria Garcia Cisneros

In my first years working in accounting, I quickly realized that success required more than just showing up and working hard. I had focused on what was in my control—education—but I hadn’t accounted for the social and financial capital that so many around me seemed to have. During that first job out of college, I came face-to-face with something I had overlooked—basic personal finance skills. I didn’t know about credit, budgeting, or 401(k)s. That realization sparked my journey into personal finance. Read more>>

Kendall Stark

I wrote five more before publishing my first novel. Silent Soldiers, a Ream serial, is a story so close to my heart that the first few chapters basically fell out of me. I wrote the first draft of the first few chapters in a week. It’s based heavily on the troubled teen industry and though my experience wasn’t as bad as it is in the book, draws a lot from my own experiences in the mental hospital. It’s probably the work I’m most proud of. As I publish it chapter by chapter, I’m finally living my dream as a full time writer and I love it. Read more>>

Salomon Vertiz

I’m a self-taught writer/artist from Southeast Los Angeles and I express myself through writing, painting, collage. I’ve been published online and in print for Sin Cesar, an anthology journal from South Central Los Angeles. Every time I finish a project, that’s the thing I’m most proud of. Currently that is a series of collage pieces on canvas that blend eroticism, pop culture and cityscapes. Your voice is your currency, only you can tell your story, share your joy, share your pain. Pain is the brand of most tortured artists. Maybe it’s mine too, I don’t know. Some things don’t hurt. Read more>>

Gonzalo Delacruz

Finding color and figure in my lumber is like finding gold in a large piece that most will consider firewood. It’s what makes this fun. Read more>>

George Briseno

The path wasn’t linear, sometimes I’d find myself back where I started, but seeing everything differently. The teachers appeared when I was ready to listen, not when I thought I needed them. The lessons hurt until they didn’t. Patience turned out to be another word for forgiveness, mostly of myself. Read more>>

Mingway Lee

I’ve always wanted to create art that tells a story. As a child, I was drawn to imaginative books and cartoons, completely captivated by the worlds they built. But when I first entered college, I wasn’t sure if I could pursue that path—there was no example around me, no one working in film or the arts. Coming from a family of doctors, it already felt like a miracle that I wasn’t following the science track. Read more>>

Esteban Gutierrez

The road has been beautiful and challenging! I have had to learn constantly and manage the physical aspect of running a restaurant with the complicated behind the scenes. I am old-school, my father’s pizzeria was before the days of Instagram and TikTok and we kept a handwritten log of information for our books. The technology aspect of growing a small business was a learning curve and one I still am working to improve. I try to not only use visuals to promote the pizzeria but also speak to the camera and share the community aspect and the storytelling part of a pizza life that I love so much. Read more>>

Julia Kate

We created my first EP, “just a kid” that we released when I was 17 (2022). Before going into my freshman year of college at Berklee College of Music, I went back into the studio with Nick Rosen and recorded my second EP, “yearbook,” released in September 2023. I am now a student at Berklee studying songwriting and music business, but I am still working with a vocal coach and have been performing in various ensembles. When home from school, I am gigging around Los Angeles at venues like The Hotel Cafe, The Mint, and have an upcoming show scheduled for The Whisky a Go-Go this summer opening for Missing Persons. Read more>>

Debbie Johnson

Angelic Messages began in the year 2000, and serves clients worldwide. Debbie Johnson offers mediumship readings, Angelic guidance, distance reiki, healing music, meditations, and more. Angelic Messages is representative of Debbie’s skill as an Angelic medium. Clients benefit from her unique ability to channel information from loved ones on the other side as well as her healing frequency music. These two abilities set her and Angelic Messages apart from other businesses in the industry. Read more>>

Shane Ashton

By the time that career finished, four years had gone by, yet it felt like a lifetime had been compressed into that relatively short period. Nor did I see the world the same way, because after you thrive, even for a little, in that otherworldly creative space, part of it still lives on in you. Part of you is forever altered and can’t fit back into what it left.I had spent my early career fulfilling myself through the expression of my own emotions, but I quickly accepted that I no longer fit in the world I’d left behind. It was clear to me then that the next chapter would be about giving voice to my own ideas, resuming that creative journey on a new order of magnitude. Read more>>

Marco Lorenzetto

After high school, I moved to Rome, then spent a year studying in Salamanca, Spain. In 2007, after graduating, I went to visit my best friend Elena in Boston, where she was studying at the time. That trip kicked off my American chapter, which took me from Boston to New York. I was 21 years old, and it was during those years that I really started painting, drawing, and turning what had always felt like an inner calling into an actual career. Read more>>

Delanie Fischer

Now, my writing experience includes everything from jokes and short and long-form scripts, to wedding ceremonies, campaign slogans, and marketing copy. Writing a book was always on my bucket list, so I was thrilled when that opportunity presented itself. The book I co-authored, MockTales, just launched! It includes 50+ literary-inspired alcohol-free and plant-based mocktail recipes like Oliver Lemon Twist, Moby Sip, Rubyfruit Jungle Juice, Huckleberry Fizz, Little Women, Big Gimlet, The Brave New World Old Fashioned, Are You There Goblet? It’s Me, Margaret., and much more. Read more>>

Rupam

On top of all of her professional success, she is a mother of two wonderful kids and resides with her husband and children in the San Francisco Bay Area. Growing up in Eastern culture and currently living in California inspired her to create Merakk products as a reflection of her love for integrative medicine and holistic approaches to well-being. She worked very close to the manufacturer in the Research & Development of all the products and with the design team for the packaging and marketing of the same Read more>>

Julian Lindsay

Moreso than the physical, my mental and emotional state grew, and it parlayed into me wanting to carry out a holistic healthier lifestyle. Witnessing sickness and death in regard to health on both sides of my family, was also an encourager to be more mindful of my body and how it works. It wasn’t until after experiencing a detrimental injury (rupturing Achilles Tendon) that I found myself engrossed in kinesiology, physiology and nutrition. Following that sudden mishap, that’s when I dove into Fitness Training and later became a Massage Therapist. Read more>>

Jennifer Silva Redmond

My mom was born to a Mexican mother and an Anglo father, in the part of Mexico now called East LA. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she eventually married and then split from my own Anglo dad in 1968, when I was seven. We all spent a few years in the hippie beach town of Venice, which I still consider my hometown, then Mom took us kids traveling around Europe. That was followed by two years in Northern California and Oregon, then we moved to San Diego. I got into writing very early, which lead me to doing theater as a preteen. I enjoyed doing plays and studying acting, so I moved back to LA at 19 and started auditioning. I lived in Venice, waited tables in Santa Monica, and got (very) small parts in Hollywood. Read more>>

Sean Hurd

Growing up, I found it difficult to see beyond the scope of my hometown, a small city off the central California coast. However, purchasing my first camera really sparked my interest in art and allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone. Taking pictures has led to incredible opportunities and introduced me to countless wonderful places. This inspired me to pursue cinematography as my degree and see where photography and videography take me. Read more>>

Cathrine Ji

But I remember my childhood in Seoul vividly – growing up in a neighborhood of traditional Korean houses, called hanok, nestled on a steep hill, above the Han River. I was a tomboy and lived my childhood climbing trees, playing beside the river, and running up and down that steep hill. We lived in a neighborhood of families, who often gathered in our home to make kimchi and share meals. And when my parents were not home, it was our neighbors who invited me into their homes and fed me warm meals. My own communal and social impulse was born from these meals in the homes of neighbors. Read more>>

Jessica Cure

Another challenge has been building trust and a reputation in a competitive industry. Early on, there were times when I’d second-guess myself, especially when projects didn’t go as planned—like deals falling through or unexpected issues with properties. It’s also tough balancing client expectations, especially when things are out of my control, like market fluctuations or delays in construction. Read more>>

Dr. Jaime G Raygoza

I pursued a PsyD in Human and Organizational Psychology, aiming to help professionals navigate workplace challenges. During my studies, I discovered Laughter Yoga, which became a cornerstone of my coaching approach. This blend of academic expertise and personal experience led me to found Rainbow Career Coaching, where I empower LGBTQ+ professionals and allies to thrive in their careers and personal lives. Today, I continue to grow through ongoing learning and self-reflection, ensuring that my coaching remains innovative and impactful. Read more>>

Leili Sadaghiani

What followed was a transformative journey. I finalized my divorce, earned my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, and transitioned from running a sole proprietorship to building an LLC. More importantly, I reconnected with myself—learning to listen to my needs, set boundaries, and step into my purpose. Today, through InVivo Leadership Strategies, I help leaders do the same—tune into themselves, find their true purpose, and lead with authenticity. Read more>>

Tonatzin Ramírez

One day, this teacher suggested that I design a magazine for the philosophy class, where I would include profiles of famous philosophers and their teachings to the world. I did it, and I loved it. I enjoyed it so much that, at that moment, I decided that design was my thing. I applied for a design degree, convinced that my career would be all about editorial design for the rest of my life. Read more>>

Melody Lee

In September, we expanded by launching on Faire, a wholesale platform for retailers nationwide. We were lucky to receive a surge of orders right away, but that came with its own set of challenges. Balancing wholesale fulfillment with our pop-up sales required careful time management. Wholesale orders had strict delivery timelines, but we also didn’t want to show up at our weekly markets with multiple flavors out of stock.  Read more>>

Christine Sharp

The mindset of simultaneous scarcity and contentment have developed me as a writer, in giving me the ability to work with what I have as well as making me aware of how much I do, in fact, have. The fact that I have carsickness, for one example, has been a huge asset for me as a writer. It forced me, ever since babyhood, to look out the window whenever I’m in a car. I’ve never been able to “do” anything while in the car, or to entertain myself on road trips with anything I could bring with me. But I was never bored. Have you ever realized how much you can see if you take the time to look? No amount of external resources could have given me the same breadth of observation, nor the same time for my imagination to play, as the fact that I was a carsick kid and am a carsick adult. That is quite an asset for developing the mind and imagination of a writer. Read more>>

Emsly Briggs

In early January of 2020 I was asked by a friend If I wanted to take over her Orange County Chapter for Gals That Brunch. A social media group and global platform I was very familiar with and had enjoyed attending and socializing at. So what did I say? Being 3 Months pregnant at the time and craving everything brunch food, of course I gladly accepted the honor! Read more>>

Queen Angel

I’m excited to connect again! For those who may not be familiar with my journey, I’m the founder of Queen Angel Shop, originally launched as a women’s fashion boutique specializing in clothing, shoes, and accessories. Over time, I felt a deeper calling to shift my focus toward hair care, recognizing the need for high-quality, nourishing products that cater to a variety of hair textures and needs. Read more>>

Amanda Scott

In tandem with that query, after taking a good 5 plus years to commit to deep inner healing and spiritual practice, I finally came to a place of feeling complete. Not that I’m done with “inner work” that’s just ridiculous, but I just feel like I don’t need to sit in so many ceremonies or keep searching for deeper meaning. I’m being lead instead to take all the immense work I have done on myself and really let it land in my body on a cellular level. It’s been a few months of training my body to do things it hasn’t done in decades and it has been as rewarding as it is challenging. Besides, I dare you to name a more fun way to embarrass you kids than by saying “look guys, mommy can do the splits on this Lyra!” Read more>>