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 the Valley.
Min Polley
The hardest part of inventory and distribution since access to some of the gifts were hard to find or get in time. To this day, we have a fruitful business in custom gifting for personal and corporate clients which continue to grow. Once live events started back a couple years ago, we went back to our roots with producing live events however, a lot more personal along with corporate clients than the red carpet premieres we both had experience in. The Gifterie has given us a great balance to work for ourselves, build a thriving business, be creative and have fun, while providing the balance we both needed with our families (especially with the demands of our kids – we each have 3 kids). Read more>>
Kendall Alexandria
For years, I struggled. I faced rejection and learned some tough lessons. To make ends meet, I turned to corporate America and thrived in sales, but I always knew my true calling was in acting. Eventually, I began applying the strategies I’d learned in the business world to my acting career—and it worked! I signed with top boutique talent agencies, formed valuable connections, and slowly but surely, started to rise in the industry. Read more>>
Manessa Shaw
That’s when I launched Rooted Integrative Medical Clinic—a Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in Santa Clarita. It’s built on a model that removes insurance middlemen so I can spend more time with my patients, be more accessible, and offer truly personalized, integrative care. We blend traditional medicine, evidence based holistic approaches, and everyday wellness strategies to help people feel empowered, not just managed. Read more>>
Roella Oloro
At 15, she composed her first ever piece for big band ,”Keep Moving,” which was performed at the Cheltenham Jazz festival by the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (GYJO), in Cheltenham Gloucestershire, UK. At 17, another of her big band compositions ” Cruising,” was debuted by GYJO at the Royal Albert Hall at the finals of the national Music For Youth competition (2015). At 18 years old, her first composition for symphonic orchestra entitled, ” Noah’s Zoo,” was debuted at the Birmingham Symphony Hall at the Semi-Finals of the Music For Youth competition in Birmingham, UK (2016). Read more>>
Martin Aripez
Something I’m proud of is my ability to focus in on a project. Also my attention to detail. The detailing aspect can be a blessing and a curse however. Attention to details has always been my focus, it’s always the smallest thing that makes a costume or prop go from good to great. The downside is that most of the time, I notice something is missing or sized slightly off once it’s fully finished. Although others see it as great, I have the urge to either tear it apart to fix it, or start over. Read more>>
Kateryna Mykytiuk
But long before any of that, I was just a kid who loved stories. My earliest memory of falling in love with words was watching my grandmother scribble in her old notebook. Something about the quiet intimacy of writing down your thoughts felt powerful. At eleven, I wrote a short opinion piece about school uniforms that ended up being published in a local newspaper. I still remember hearing it read out loud at school—it was surreal. That was the moment I realized words could travel. And I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since. Read more>>
Alexes Correa
As a stay-at-home mom, I was looking for an outlet to express my interests in celebrity news and hot topics while still being able to focus on my daughter. I knew I wanted to produce short-form content where it was easy for people to quickly watch and gather information about celebrities and hot topics. As a mom, it’s hard to give a lot of time to content that’s over 3 minutes when you’re on the go. I created SitchChick for people to stay in the know on the go. Read more>>
Christina Casas
I felt that I did not have the time to get to know my families and provide compassionate care. Then the pandemic hit and all the things I did not like about insurance- based medicine got infinitely worse. I started looking for an out. That was when I came across the concept of Direct Primary Care: a growing group of physicians taking back medicine. The concept is a low, monthly membership to cover overhead costs, allowing for smaller empanelment sizes and better doctor patient relationships. This also allowed us to negotiate cash prices for our patients, often making their healthcare better, cheaper, and definitely more transparent. So, it was with the support of my husband that I opened up my own practice in September of 2019. Read more>>
Taylor Irving
At that point, I visited Los Angeles for the first time, and it seemed the opportunities I had hoped for were there. Shortly after, I decided to make the move. I ended up returning to Eugene for a few months while trying to find a place in LA. I was lucky enough to meet some former Berklee and Musician Institute students who became my roommates. I owe so much of my start in LA to them. They have really helped me get settled here, and continue to open new doors for me. As I look back, I realize more and more how much my journey has been a collaboration with all these amazing people in my life. Their knowledge, support, and generosity has made a real difference. Thanks to the support of so many, I am very hopeful and excited to see where my musical journey takes me next. Read more>>
Stacy Gunderson
Animal Tracks began in 2002 as a small rescue dedicated to rehabilitating animals impacted by human intervention. In 2008, I took over and transformed it into a sanctuary focused on healing and education. I wanted to create a space where animals that couldn’t return to the wild could be respected as their wild cousins. Our animals live between worlds. They are not wild and they are not cage bound. They are not pets and they certainly are not domesticated. Read more>>
Rachel Ewing
I got into NYU Tisch and spend two years getting my MFA in screenwriting. That time was important because it allowed me to get my ten thousand hours, but also because it helped me find my people. A little gang of us moved to LA together and it made the city seem a little more manageable. I actually still meet with many of them and we have a writers group that meets (almost) every week. I’ve met the most amazing people since moving to LA– Other writers, producers, casting directors, actors, and crew. I belong to a marvelous Women in Film group and I am so thankful for all the support from the people around me. Read more>>
Tanya Tsikanovsky
After October 7th, I felt compelled to commit my advocacy to supporting Israel and combating antisemitism. Aside from having a longstanding history of being an advocate for Israel, having attended graduate school there, leading Birthright trips, and serving as a Hillel Director, what’s happening now in our world and in this country will shape the way my life and the life of my future kids will look like for Jews. And I’m doing everything I can to be visible and outspoken for our people. There is nothing more important than preserving the Israeli/American alliance. We must do that with the way we vote. We have to get anti Israel members of congress and all areas of our government out of office. Read more>>
Khadija Julia Al Amiri
Am sure I was a very driven independent woman who liked the idea of marriage but didn’t want to be married at the time. But my husband was still available for me so it’s meant to be. We are so happy together. Read more>>
Emmy Ham
Witnessing live art is what influenced me to start my dance journey, but it wasn’t until high school that I discovered what dance can truly be. Attending a performing arts magnet high school gave me the opportunity to study and workshop choreography. The teachers I met throughout this program, have heavily influenced the way I look at, and approach choreography. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how powerful the relationship of a teacher to student is. As an educator now, I feel how large my role is even if I only work with a student once a week. I take my job very seriously. Read more>>
Suzanne Daniels
Throughout this journey, my daughter, Emma, has been one of my most significant sources of inspiration. As a blind woman, she has defied expectations and pursued her career in a way that’s nothing short of remarkable. Emma’s courage and determination have been a constant reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of creating a life that aligns with one’s purpose—no matter the obstacles. Watching her navigate her professional life gracefully and determinedly has only strengthened my commitment to empowering others, especially women, to do the same. Read more>>
Angela Wilbers
During the pandemic, I made the life-changing decision to leave my career in Film and TV to pursue my spiritual business full-time. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Helping people realign with themselves and their paths brings me so much fulfillment. Looking back, even in my old career, I was already helping people—whether it was coworkers coming to my office or catching me on my lunch break to ask for advice about their careers, love lives, families, and personal struggles. Read more>>
TRANSCENDENCE
I began learning how to play musical instruments at nine years old. I started as a percussionist and drummer, later learning acoustic guitar and keyboard. Once I reached fourteen, I wanted to expand my vocal ability. I’m not much of a singer, as I have never felt quite comfortable with my voice due to what I now know as dysphoria. At the time, I decided not to let my insecurity keep me from pursuing my purpose. Instead, I took a different approach. I have always had a quick delivery and I wanted to challenge myself. It wasn’t until I volunteered a friend and I to rap at a last-minute talent show that I knew I had the potential. When the winner was announced, I was completely surprised as we were crowned the “winners” of the event. It was in that moment I knew I wanted to pursue rap. Read more>>
Emma Dann
Absolutely not. For a while, I was actually struggling with getting people to say yes to me. I was being ghosted and people were just not interested. As I have a background in corporate marketing, I worked for global companies such as Adidas, eos, and Christian Louboutin, so I was very familiar with the beauty/fashion industry. Once I realized that it wasn’t for me, I shifted to restaurants. Read more>>
Jazmin Guerrero
Shortly after, I founded URGE Magazine, a women’s lifestyle publication that was bold, edgy, and unapologetically forward-thinking. We covered everything from fashion and music to empowerment and electronics. What made URGE truly unique was that we were streaming music videos and audio content before platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Spotify ever entered the scene. We were ahead of our time, creating digital content in a way that hadn’t been seen yet. Though the magazine eventually closed, it taught me the power of innovation and taking creative risks. Read more>>
Kristin Beierle
The road has been anything but smooth. Starting any business comes with its challenges like staff turnover, financing and loans, managing expenses while delivering top notch services… but just as we hit our stride and could consider expanding operations, we also found ourselves just struggling to survive the pandemic closures. Since then, economic changes and trends in health and wellness continue to require constant navigation to stay ahead of the curve. Read more>>
Manny
Losing my brother Chris was a reminder that life is fragile. It’s why I always encourage people to tell their friends and family they love them—you never know how much time you have. That loss, along with other lessons from my family, helped me commit to a path fueled by positivity, growth, and gratitude. No matter what life threw at me, I promised myself I would choose optimism. Read more>>
Rylee Madison
My passion for hair began in childhood, watching my grandma work her magic behind the chair. Her talent and dedication inspired me throughout my life. After graduating high school in the Valley, I attended West Valley Occupational, where I earned my cosmetology license in 2014. For the past 11 years, I’ve been bringing my love for hair to life behind the chair. When I’m not behind the chair doing hair, I also educate for a company called Davines who specializes in sustainable hair care. I absolutely love being able to educate other hair stylists and teach them everything I know. Read more>>
Marques Mallare
I work closely with actors to develop their characters, block scenes, rehearse, and deliver performances that make me cry happy tears. I also collaborate with department heads from pre-production through post-production, making sure that creative decisions align with the overall vision we started with. Beyond directing, you’ll often find me producing narrative projects or working in the camera department. Read more>>
Monica
For the last 12 years I’ve been a professional dancer here in LA. I’ve traveled, toured, & worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment I’m grateful for the career I have had thus far, and the multitudes of things I’ve gotten to learn along the way. I’m most proud of my ability to continue to grow and expand within the entertainment industry, as I’m currently branching into creative directing, movement directing, & choreography. I think what sets me a part from others possibly, is my eagerness to always want more from myself. To challenge myself in a magnitude of ways. I continuously try to outdo myself. Read more>>
Cynny Carlin
I started really singing and writing and discovering my sound in my 20s. I was living with my grandparents and I was just working going to school and hanging out with my them and once they would go to bed, I would go upstairs and sing and write songs in my nanas bathroom for hours. To this day those were some of the best times of my life. Really discovering I had a gift I really felt super blessed like the closest I had even felt to God. Discovering my music abilities really change my faith and outlook on life. Read more>>
Jodi Miller
When I was 24 I was a young actress in New York who ONLY wanted to be an actress. I flew out to Los Angeles to do a week-long intensive where you read monologues to producers, yes it was that long ago. I was doing a comedic monologue and the one producer I was reading for asked me if I ever did comedy and I was like, “I’m 24 I can do anything.” He was like, no like stand-up comedy, you should do it you have really good timing. I asked “what’s timing?” without missing a beat. He said that’s timing… you should take a class. Read more>>
AnDel
Originally, music was never the plan for me. I had grown up doing musical theatre and stage performances as a kid, but I saw myself firmly as an actor. When I moved to LA, I started going on auditions, trying my best to book film without having any professional training or guidance beforehand. Looking back, I’d say my skillset wasn’t good enough to compete in a city as saturated with talent as LA, and as a result, I found the audition room to be particularly nerve-racking. I would look up and see ten other guys that looked exactly like me, all vying for a chance to disappear and conform into a character and a plot that had been constructed by someone else. From my perspective, it felt very reductive, and at the time I didn’t see it as an art form that often rewarded individuality. (I was very young and wrong, but it was how I felt.) Read more>>
Shanie Blais
There is always struggles and road blocks whenever you wanna reach the top of your industry. The smooth part that hold me down through the hard moments was my parents support. They pushed me and believed in me since I put my feet in a dance studio. The biggest struggle in this industry is getting a bunch of Nos and rejections. You learn how to deal with it along the way but it will never feel good. For immigrants, the stressful and hardest part is paperwork to be able to stay in the US. You build a whole life here and every 3 years you might get refused a visa and loose everything. Read more>>
Clinton Svatos
I thought that was a great idea and just before I started making it, I though to myself, why don’t I record this on Tiktok. I had initially thought that fried bologna is a struggle meal for low income families, BUT it is also a comfort food. I immediately searched the internet to see if #poormanscomfortfood existed. It did not, and I knew in that moment that I had a good idea for a video series. I did not have any idea that it would lead to the success I have experienced since. Through the pandemic to now, people have found value in seeing how to make meals on a budget and doing so in a very basic way that viewers can relate to. I tell myself I became a home cook/food creator at the perfect time and that contributed to my success as well. Read more>>
Silva, Arianna And Alexa Derbalian
The story of BTP’s beginnings is a heartwarming one, but we’ll keep it brief. It all started when Mama D began creating weekly flower arrangements for our dad’s dental office. We quickly noticed not only her remarkable talent but also the sense of joy and tranquility she found in making the arrangements. Inspired by this, we saw the potential to turn her hobby into something more. And so, Beyond the Petal was born. With Mama D and Alexa’s design expertise and Arianna’s knack for operations, we have become a powerhouse team eager to bring beauty and creativity to you through flowers. We started out making single arrangements, and are now also focusing on floral design for small events, which is where our creativity truly gets to blossom. Read more>>
Dr. Misha Kouzeh
I’d be happy to! My journey has been anything but linear, but I think that’s what makes it exciting. I started my career in the Netherlands, where I pursued a Bachelor’s in International Business Administration at Erasmus University. Early on, I was fascinated by the intersection of global business, health, and social impact — so I deepened that focus with two master’s degrees: one in Marketing Management from RSM Erasmus, and another in Nutrition & Health from Wageningen University. Read more>>
Jill Froch
Fast forward to when my children reached high school, I began delving into home design and professional organizing. I have always believed that our physical spaces profoundly impact our mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being, and I love creating that sense of order and ease for others in their homes. Read more>>
Adam Drucker
Doctor Dough was created during the pandemic. We couldn’t find dough meant for a regular home kitchen oven at the grocery store. Not wanting to invest in a costly backyard pizza oven, or, “dough forbid,” order takeout, I got busy researching and developing. After 18 months of weekly pizza night “testing,” Doctor Dough was born. Read more>>
Lisa Morgan
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely, not! It is a tough business with a lot of rejection. You have to have a thick skin and be prepared for the competition. It can be a fun job, but not always glamorous. I say that when I am sitting in the desert in 100 degree weather; sweaty and dirty. I would say some of my struggles would be adjusting to the long hours and being a single mother. I juggled being a mother and following my dreams. It wasn’t always ideal, but I made it work. Read more>>
Berile
Im an ex flight attendant who decided to be self employed. I know how to use my fingers, I’m passionate by beauty i don’t even remember how and when I have learned how to braid. I grew up braiding my friends and my siblings hair. I started braiding for money in 2023 after I find out that my desire to become my own boss can be achieved with my braiding skills. I started working in a shop, then i moved on my own space in 2024. Read more>>
Kyle Young
Outside of music, I’m always creating—whether it’s digital art, games, or film projects. I’ve worked on everything from behind-the-scenes content to documentaries like Kemet Gems: Connecticut, which highlights Black history in my home state. My journey hasn’t been traditional, but that’s what makes it unique. Read more>>
Alexander Pleasant
His journey into acting is a unique family story. With both parents passionate about entertainment, they saw Alexander’s birth as the perfect opportunity to introduce him to acting—allowing them to work together as a family while navigating life in Los Angeles without a traditional support system. What started as a passion project quickly turned into an exciting career for Alexander, proving that talent and determination can shine at any age. Read more>>
Vahe Yeremyan
I’ve been passionate about art for as long as I can remember. With a master’s degree in fine art and over 30 years of experience, I’ve developed a style that blends impressionism with contemporary techniques. My focus is on capturing the emotion of landscapes and the beauty of light. Today, I share my work through my online gallery and platforms like Saatchi Art, 1stdibs, connecting directly with collectors around the world. Read more>>
Victor Sotomayor
I started writing poetry and sharing in open mics around L.A. Eventually, I wrote several poems inspired by the characters from The Wizard of Oz by combining Frank L. Baum’s classic novel plus adding pop cultural references and influences. A very good friend surprised me and published The Oz Monologues as well as helped me put a theatrical production in West Hollywood during the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2018. The success of this production took us to direct The Great Goodwin in Saint Petersburg, Russia and another production called The Journey of The Little Prince. Read more>>
Celio Bordin
These personalities and stories create a labyrinth of intricate imagery and symbolism where small flora, fauna, architecture, and a myriad of human faces weave together to create a larger face, creature, or structure. To create these striking visuals I use fountain pens and fountain pen ink on the mediums of canvas, paper, and matte board. I have paired my drawings with fashion brands to create original designs for formal dress ensembles. I also create large interactive installations using recycled metal and other materials. I began my career pioneering framed, three dimensional artworks using plastic, wood, and metal. Read more>>
Nautica Sityar
Yes, of course! Well, I guess it all started back in high school. I was always interested in content creation and growing a page revolving around my interests—fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle, etc. However, I think when I was younger, I was more timid and worried about what other people at school would think. I would try to start pages, but as soon as people I knew would find me, I would delete the account as soon as I started. I gave up on the dream for a while, thinking that putting myself out there and “trying” would be too embarrassing. Read more>>
Sarina Lowe
Eventually COVID hit and teaching online was the new normal. When things were slowly getting back to normal I was able to teach at multiple studios in Los Angeles and made so many new connections with great people. Keeping up with the auditioning, taking classes, and teaching I found my way to the Toledo Show and a part of companies that have dancers for extravagant parties and events. I’m grateful and excited for the new opportunities that dance has brought me this year and know that it is only the beginning. Read more>>
Olha
We are a husband-and-wife team running a video production company based in Los Angeles, originally from Ukraine. What we do goes far beyond simply filming videos — we help brands and entrepreneurs tell powerful, authentic stories that move people and grow businesses. We specialize in full-cycle video production: from concept development and scriptwriting to filming, editing, sound design, and final delivery — all tailored to social media and digital platforms. Read more>>
Dani Margeaux
At the age of 23, a car accident served as the catalyst that changed my life. Shortly after, I began having severe back pain which ultimately lasted 6 years of my life. At the time, I was playing basketball weekly, backpacked often, and ran half marathons. I was the most active in my life, yet I was in the most pain of my life. I would wake up not knowing if I could attend these activities until the day of. Having a shortlist of chiropractors I became dependent on was my saving grace when I would wake up with severe pain on a day I needed to be strong and healthy. Read more>>
Hien Luong
The biggest struggle was trying to find the right niche to fit into and trying to build an audience for it. Car photography and content creation isn’t anything new, but we wanted to do something that stood out. We eventually found our niche in trying to showcase the underground world of cars and car culture combined with the Southern California aesthetic. We wanted our content to invoke the same feelings in viewers that old racing video games and movies used to invoke in us. Read more>>
Sydney Stoutsenberger
Aside from my pictures, I also like to focus on makeup content in my reels! Sometimes, I show the behind the scenes of some of the looks in my posts, which my friends on there tend to enjoy. Because of my serious attention to my content for the past year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to also work with all kinds of brands from contact lenses, to makeup, to skincare, to temporary tattoos, to jewelry! Read more>>
Patrick Walsh
Over my four years I was fortunate enough to have film work become my priority and school work as a hobby. This led me to gain understanding of corporate production while also getting to experiment and learn new techniques in the classroom. Graduation came quickly and hit me like a ton of bricks. I had no plan and no clue where to start. Like many who have been in my position, I took any job that was paying. I created fashion films, music videos, and edited any footage that people had laying around. Read more>>
Lance Rousseau
I spent month after month applying to studios on the West Coast, since Atlanta didn’t have many opportunities. My inbox was filled with rejection letters, which really made me question my decision to follow this dream. At one point, I had a second virtual interview with a studio in LA that promised me a spot if I moved. So, I took the leap and drove me and my girlfriend (now wife) across the country to LA. But right after I arrived, HR called me with a voicemail saying they were pausing the hiring process. Hearing that completely crushed me. I left everything behind and moved just on their word. It was a harsh lesson, to say the least. Read more>>
Tomas Perez
Most of life I grew up without my family and learn how to become strong and work more to feed my self. I started as dishwasher at Xiomara cafe in downtown Pasadena and the I move to prep, line cook and the I move to others restaurants to learn more. I went to Le cordon blue for 2 months and I quit. Didn’t like the class so stick to restaurants and learn as much I can. I worked in French, Italian, Mexican, middle eastern cuisine and of course California fusion. And from there I move to the private chef services. Read more>>
Amanda Loh
Around the pandemic, working remote, I used social media to connect to the rest of the world and make friends through revisiting dance but this time I pursued commercial dance with hip hop, jazz funk, and heels styles. Around April 2021 I was invited out from Seattle to LA to train with the iconic Jojo Gomez and from then on was hooked on creating music videos and choreographing in the commercial dance space. In November 2023 after building a strong base in Seattle choreographing and teaching I moved out to Los Angeles permanently to pursue being a creative directing music videos, some select dancing projects, and teaching dance. Read more>>
Charity Faye (Brown)
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many journeys rooted in purpose and healing, mine has had its share of growing pains. One of the biggest challenges was trusting that what I had to offer was enough—that my knowledge, my voice, and my way of doing things had value, even if it didn’t look like anyone else’s. There were times when resources were limited, when self-doubt crept in, and when I questioned if I could truly turn this passion into something sustainable. Read more>>
Leonardo Cecchi
One project that’s really close to my heart is a short film I wrote, directed, and starred in called Louie’s Emotions, where I played seven different characters. That one earned me a Best Actor award at the LA Top Shorts Film Festival, which meant a lot. Beyond acting, I’ve been diving more into directing and producing—shooting short films on RED cinema cameras and exploring storytelling from every angle. My latest project, The Echo Project, reflects that creative drive. Read more>>
Miranda Hope
After college I wanted to move to nyc and start a line of jewelry. But moving a jewelry studio cross country was daunting, it’s a lot of heavy materials (anvils, hammers, vices, metal sheets, ROCKS) and I was just out of school with very little funds. I decided to move via the train which had a generous policy about luggage, and I showed up to Penn Station three days later with six suitcases full of everything I had brought with me for work and life. Read more>>
Jeff Victor
Every story needs the right entry point—and mine has a few twists. Let’s begin with the core: I thrive at the intersection of performing and mentorship. By day, I’m a talent manager/developer guiding extraordinary performers to be their best. I am also a dance & stretching instructor at Millennium Dance Complex, the world’s largest premier professional studio. My greatest passion? Elevating performers to their peak potential, equipping them to land dream roles on Broadway, in film, and on TV. I have had clients book big feature films, Broadway shows, series regulars, pilots, and everything in between. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone unlock their artistry and step into the spotlight. Read more>>
Joseph (Joe) Castillon
I grew up in the Windy City of Chicago, IL, and growing up in the 80’s/90’s (yes, I’m THAT old) we didn’t have iPads tablets. I grew up using mixed media, from Crayola crayons, (the old ones remember if you had the 64-pack with the sharpener in the back, you were a baller) to paints, markers, charcoals. Art was messy and that’s something I’ll miss because art became a physical mark of your growth. While I did alright in school, most subjects bored me because I’d be the quiet kid sketching, creating stories out of my mind, creating both heroes and villains. I’d give them purpose and reason and a world to fight in, it is something god-like creating life even if it’s on paper. Read more>>
AbdulSamir Hamman
In the music video, I included a scene where a storybook is burning. That book was for that little boy and for every child who lost more than toys or books. It was for every adult who lost memories, for the families torn apart, and even for the animals who couldn’t escape. It was a symbol of everything we loved… disappearing. Read more>>
Elizabeth Mehditach
I don’t think I even fully recovered from those strikes, when we were hit with the worst national disaster in decades; the Palisades and Eton fires. Though, I do not have a brick and mortar, and some would say that that’s fortuitous, the contrary is true. Many of my clients were affected by both the entertainment industry strikes as well as the fires. Which means less private chef work for me. How I’ve managed to (barely) stay a float is 1) the support of my family and 2) constantly pivoting to new ways of offering my services. Being flexible. The ability to pivot, to learn new methods and adapt to the market is the only way I’ve been able to stay open with any amount of hope. Read more>>
Laura Gardner
I started as a singer and naturally found myself moving to acting. I was a folk classical singer but I longed to be an actor so I trained at Boston and Rutgers Universities. I took classes with the reknowned Uta Hagen at HB Studio in NYC and with Carol Rosenfeld, who is still my mentor and dear friend. In my teens I began teaching acting at summer camps which led to and that led to college teaching and referrals when I moved to NYC. I spent the next 20 years balancing acting/teaching and coaching in NYC, regional theatre, and national tours. Read more>>
Alexzandra Stevens
Working for myself has been a rewarding and steady journey. I was fortunate to have loyal clients—some of whom I’ve treated since my very first job eight years ago—continue their skincare journey with me. Through working six days a week, I was able to save $10,000 to invest in my equipment and products, allowing me to launch my business without the need for loans. I dedicated myself early on to building a strong foundation, ensuring long-term financial stability and minimizing future stress. Today, I’m proud to say that most of my clientele comes from referrals, creating a warm, supportive, and peaceful environment throughout my day. Read more>>
Sabeehah Idroos
Hi, my name is Sabeehah. I began my journey in the beauty industry during the early rise of social media, around 2016–2017, while starting my undergraduate studies in Santa Monica as a Pre-Med student. Growing up in a South Asian household, academic achievement was heavily emphasized. For a long time, I believed that academic success was the only path available to me. Read more>>
Charles Westphal
I’m Charles, a composer and producer born and raised outside of San Francisco. As a kid, I wasn’t particularly musical. I took classical piano lessons on and off for a number of years, but really stories were the thing that drove me—I wanted to write and read every chance I could. That was the way, far as I could tell, to think clearer, communicate more easily, and connect to everyone and everything more deeply. By the time I turned 15 that all kind of merged with music. I realized that my favorite film and game moments were accompanied (or driven entirely) by the music. It managed to communicate something with an emotional directness that I still can’t wrap my head around. Read more>>
Karissa Kaneshiro
On top of that, I’ve had moss pieces get damaged during shipping, which meant refunding custom work I had poured hours into. I’ve dealt with supply issues, had to find new vendors, and realized I was spending more than I was making at one point between materials, shipping costs, and trying to run ads. It’s been a constant learning curve. Read more>>
David Logeman
Even though I did not end up as the “official” drummer for the Beach Boys, I did perform shows with Mike, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, and David Marks. Later I also recorded with Beach Boy Carl Wilson. After I left touring with The Beach Boys band, I started the Surf City Allstars in 1999. It was tough to get that off and running. When Jan Berry died in 2004, that was a rough time as well. Ultimately, I made a deal for Dean Torrence to tour with The Surf City Allstars as well as original Beach Boys Al Jardine and David Marks. Read more>>
Payton Brianne
The turning point for the agency came shortly after working on the Super Bowl with Usher. That experience made me realize there was a real gap in the industry, so many incredibly talented people I knew had no idea how to advocate for themselves, legally or professionally. I’ve always loved to argue (in the best way!) and I’ve got a natural instinct for negotiation, so it all kind of clicked. I realized I could use both my industry experience and legal background to genuinely protect and uplift talent. Read more>>
Em Hagen
I was born and raised in the Valley by two middle-class actors. You could say that from the beginning, my life has been full of creativity. Storytelling was the backbone of our household. It was quite literally how my folks put food on the table. I would come home to my mom transforming herself into someone new. If she was not recording lines in our closet, she was digging through a costume box for the perfect outfit for an audition. I got to help her in this transformation by reading lines with her. Some nights, I’d be her boss; others, I’d be the estranged uncle. I learned how to step into the mindset of different characters as I tried my best to make them come alive even if they were for a detergent advertisement. Read more>>
Mary Jaramillo
When passion drives a career change… before launching Mary Jaramillo Design, I spent over a decade in retail construction and project management. It was a fast-paced, detail-oriented world that sharpened my eye for structure, planning, and execution. But even then, I found myself continually drawn to the design side of things—the textures, the flow of a space, the little details that brought everything together. Read more>>
Jeremiah Rushing
I started this business while at Morehouse College, looking for a way to earn my own money. At the same time, I struggled with dry skin and was tired of store-bought lotions that didn’t last. So, I made my own. After plenty of trial and error, I created a rich, deeply moisturizing body butter that worked. Friends started asking for it, and before I knew it, my side hustle turned into something bigger. Read more>>
Jeff Youngblood
I think every story has up’s and down’s. There were quite a few years of figuring out which direction I wanted to go and how to get there. I took jobs in different media capacities, and looking back, they were great stepping stones for where I landed. Media jobs can be a challenge, especially where the market is oversaturated, but competition just makes you want to work harder to achieve your goals. Read more>>
Caitlin Labistour
I am currently a caregiver but my end goal is to be in the medical field. I genuinely enjoy taking care of people because I try to be the change in the world that I would like to see. I’m known for my all rounded content which I post consistently on a daily basis but most importantly I’m known for inspiring girls from back home to show them that you can do anything that you put your mind to and God opens doors that no man can close. Read more>>
Scott Leva
It has not been a smooth road. The industry has a habit of leaving casualties along the road to success. Lost close friends. Rethought my career choices many times. Slow periods have caused major financial stress ,on both me and my family. But, we have persevered. The quote “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”, I can fully attest to. Out of all the losses I have had, losing my dog of 12 1/2 years was one of the hardest. Read more>>
Megan Ricciardi
Once it was illustrated I seemed to meet all the right people at the right time to help me turn it into a book. When I got back to the US I met a man who introduced me to the world of licensing and we now have a company together with a couple other authors and illustrators to help fellow independent authors get their books out into the world. We also help kids become published authors and help them start on their entrepreneurial journeys. Read more>>
Brigitte Park
As the child of immigrants, particularity Asian immigrants, I haven’t had the full support of my family in pursuing my passion. They often still see it as a hobby I shouldn’t focus on as much because it isn’t my full time job. I know they say these things out of concern but not having the full support of those you looked to for approval for so many years does often make it hard to continue and prosper. Read more>>
Chuck Stewart
I started really putting myself out there. I grew my hair out, took more gigs, started producing music for artists, and bought more gear to help enhance my sound. I got my first tour opportunity with Mykal Kilgore in 2021. This to me changed everything and spearheaded my music career. The price started goin up, I was feeling more confident, more people came calling, life was great. People then started to tell me, “Yo, you’d do great in LA. You got everything they want.” I was really hesitant at first, but as of July 2023, that’s when my new adventure truly began. Read more>>
