Portraits of Hollywood

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Hollywood.

Rachel Waifu

Eventually, I became a live-in nanny and a day nanny for other families. I made enough money to afford a car, which I desperately needed to travel to work. Sadly, the live-in nanny job ended because the family moved. I didn’t have enough for an apartment or a down payment, let alone to keep paying monthly apartment prices. I knew I didn’t want to just give up and leave, so I decided to live in my car while working as much as I could to save up for a safer and more permanent living situation. Read More>>

Erick Orellana

Finally after a few apprenticeships in mid range salons, it was not enough for me. I wanted to be only in the best salon in LA. And that was the celebrity frequented John Frieda Salon on Melrose place. I landed a job as an assistant to a celebrity colorist which prepared me for my future as a celebrity colorist myself in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Read More>>

Zhanara Bazar

The road hasn’t always been smooth, but each challenge has been a valuable part of my journey. Transitioning from opera to jazz and pop presented its own set of difficulties. Adapting my classical training to these new genres required a lot of perseverance and flexibility. Plus my immigration to the United States. Leaving behind everything familiar and starting over in a new country was a quite an experience. alone, while trying to establish myself in a new musical landscape, was particularly tough Read More>>

Chad Fishburne

With exciting prospects for the future, I continue to captivate audiences worldwide. As a rising star in the world of combat sports, I currently work with multiple MMA, Boxing, and Muay Thai promotions. I am the official ring announcer for Peak Fighting Championship and Melee Combat Championship (both based in Texas) as well as a regular announcer for Up Next Fighting here in Los Angeles. Read More>>

Maimai Hernandez

No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but instead of going down the list of what’s gone wrong and how hard it’s been, I’d rather focus on the good, and that every struggle and situation has taught me strength, resilience and determination. That’s how I’ve grown and have been able to move forward in life. Read More>>

Arthur Bastos

My grandmother shared her love for cinema with me from a young age. Every weekend, when a new picture would come out, she would take me to the fanciest theater in Rio. We would sit on reclining chairs and order popcorn and pão de queijo. We would eat until we had to unbutton our pants and slowly drag ourselves back to the car. From watching Woody and the gang fight against Lotso the Hugging Bear to Micah and Katie being haunted by a spirit, I immersed myself in the screen regardless. Read More>>

Lore Eckelberry

I also had a solo show in Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station, and I started having exhibitions in Los Angeles 20-30 times a year. Traveling to exhibit my artwork with my family has been amazing. Learning cultures from other countries, and making lots of artist friends, and being inspired by their artwork has been an incredible experience. I love bringing artists to other countries to inspire each other and create a cultural exchange. Spreading love, art, and friendship is my mission. I am so happy. I love my job! Read More>>

Scotty Apex

Nothing has ever been a smooth road, but I’ve found joy in the process and taken each moment as a learning experience towards where I am trying to reach. I’ve dealt with many forms of grief through this journey, and I would say battling those human challenges we all inevitably face has been the biggest struggle for me. Read More>>

Daria Alasmar

The world of acting has been a cornerstone of my life since early childhood. I played my first role at the age of five—Mary Lennox from *The Secret Garden*—during my time in Germany, where I spent much of my early years. Throughout my school days, I was consistently drawn to the stage, participating in acting competitions and securing numerous awards. Even though my parents didn’t foresee me turning this passion into a career, for me, acting was always more than just a pastime—it was my calling. Read More>>

Jd & Jeremy

Jaxx Theatricals was founded in 2006 by Justine Baldwin, Mark Espinosa and Jeremy Lucas after the trio discovered that they enjoyed working together. JesusDavid (JD) TorresMorabito joined the team in 2010. Justine produced through 2012 and Mark continued through early 2018. Jeremy and JD are eternally grateful for the groundwork the co-founders laid in establishing Jaxx as a theatre company and arts education mainstay in Los Angeles.  Read More>>

Ryan Glass

I’d say that the biggest obstacle was not being believed in. A lot of people didn’t believe in me, but I was always good at tuning out the noise and staying focused on my dream. You learn to move past the obstacles and become the best that you can be. It may not be easy, but you can definitely do it. Work hard, never give up, and chase your dreams. Read More>>

Maya Crothers

Many of the products that I had been traditionally using could not stand up to the harsh conditions or felt too heavy or did not feel right when I traveled to more reasonable climates. This led me down a path of discovery, that led to research that led to one product that led to a skincare line. I like to call myself an accidental entrepreneur. I did not plan to be doing this in middle age – most of the entrepreneurs in this space are much younger and begin earlier in life. This is a path I stumbled into as I felt my way along. Read More>>