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.

Evelyn-claire Smith

There are always struggles; the cost of living has never been higher and making a living on telling stories can leave one with a pretty dry bank account. That’s life, though. Beside the monetary setbacks, I think learning to be the most authentic version of yourself is where the good stuff happens, but that comes with facing some pretty devastating realities. This industry is quite cruel, as is the world, and I struggle with that. Facing it is the hardest part for me. It’s easy to block out the things that hurt, and but there’s something really beautiful to me about learning to marry the horrors with the wonders. There is always pain where there is beauty and vise versa. That’s where good art is made, right in the intersection between the two. Read More>>

Raye Hollitt

I am highly esteemed in the bodybuilding arena. I paved the way for the innovative athletic reality show AG. I also have an extended resume doing tv shows and movies (google my resume). I’m still a personal trainer, massage therapist and also teach snowboarding in Tahoe, which is where I reside. Read More>>

Micaela Milagros Vetri

Acting to be part of life and interpret and empathize with other agreed experiences, is an internal path that is externalized, that is my art. I like to be versatile, that is why I also took a Stunt course, I also train physically, I am preparing to enter a lifeguard course, and I have also trained as a dancer, I competed in a crew that achieved first place, as a girl I also competed in basketball and we were national runners-up, I even received special recognition for my participation, at 14 I learned to surf, another new skill, I am always learning, and adding, I am interested in being that guy like Angelina Jolie or Tom Cruise who knows everything and gives it their all. Read More>>

Yi-lun Chien

I stepped into the world of costume design through my first job, working as a costumer on a film about a baseball team set in 1930s Taiwan. It was a really tough one. Worked long hours, freezing during rainy scenes in cold waves, and sweating under the scorching sun while rushing to add dirt to the actors’ pants for continuity. I questioned myself a lot about whether this was really what I wanted to do. But I guess I’m obsessed with the feeling of fulfillment when I see all the hard work come together on the big screen. Read More>>

Brian Stefan

When I left government service, I turned toward a different kind of crisis intervention—one where the adversary wasn’t external, but internal. I worked in suicide prevention, then became a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in grief, traumatic loss, and post-traumatic growth. In those rooms, sitting with people in their darkest hours, I saw what the field of mental health so often overlooked. Grief didn’t need to be treated—it needed to be witnessed. People weren’t just searching for words; they needed movement, expression, something beyond the polite confines of a therapy session. They needed space to feel, to embody their sorrow, to let it rise and pass like a storm instead of swallowing it whole. Read More>>

Chris Salay

Remodeling is never a smooth road, as anyone who has remodeled will tell you. There are always (frequently expensive) unknowns, and the process is never straightforward. It is challenging updating homes for modernity while preserving the character and intent of the original design. Luckily, my architecture background allows me to evaluate the original architectural intent, so even when updated a home will have the same look and feel as was originally intended. Read More>>

Maria Freeman

My journey began in Moscow, Russia, and started from my own mess. In my life, I’ve overcome significant challenges—emotional, physical, and financial abuse, domestic violence, CPTSD, PTSD, depression, addiction, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, self-harm, and a long list of limiting beliefs, traumas, and subconscious blockages. This is a bouquet of issues that would make any therapist ask, “How did you even survive?” Read More>>

Brooklyn Wilde

Through this process, I’ve learned the importance of authenticity, the power of persistence, and that success doesn’t come in a straight line. It’s about evolving, pushing through setbacks, and staying true to your vision. Today, I’m focused on telling stories that challenge the status quo and give voice to those who’ve been overlooked or misunderstood. It’s been a challenging journey, but each step has brought me closer to being the storyteller I’ve always aspired to be. Read More>>

Geo Louis

My journey into the world of bar and beverage design was a natural evolution of my background in events and hospitality. Before launching Bartelier, I spent years coordinating events, curating experiences, and developing a deep appreciation for how a well-crafted cocktail can elevate a gathering. I was always drawn to the intersection of design, hospitality, and storytelling, and I saw an opportunity to merge those worlds in a way that went beyond just serving drinks. Read More>>

Jr Lagade

Of course we can’t rehearse and take class all the time. And as they say if you see a dancer, a DJ is not far behind. From college events, clubs, concerts, to music festivals, you would see my silly buns on the dance floor. Much like a dancer physically “beat manipulates” the music, the DJ/MC auditorily orchestrates the music. And if there is good synergy between dancers and the DJ(s), you’ll have a pretty damn good event. I always admired from afar, sweaty from all the dancing, how DJs were able to control the crowds’ energy, movements and anticipation – just like dancers can control the audience’s eyes. So I danced, enjoyed shows and followed my favorite artists. But never did I think I would become a paid DJ. Read More>>

Amaiya Branigan

Considering my background, I had to remain close to the arts in my career choices because it’s what makes me happy. Later I studied broadcast journalism at Indiana University, Bloomington. There, I quickly learned that hard news was not the space I wanted to stay in. However, I also gathered enough knowledge and experience about entertainment production, to know that was the direction I would go in in order to get my foot in Hollywood’s door. Read More>>

Carmen Julia Galindo De Flores

Connecting with others comes naturally to me, even when we have nothing in common. I love making people laugh, smile, or simply feel—whether it’s through my characters, my comedy, or just being myself. My heart and my talent are deeply intertwined. And when it comes to work ethic? That’s all thanks to my Mamí, who was known as a force of nature—an absolute workhorse. I’m more than ready to dive into a sitcom, a series, or a movie—I’m ready to hit the ground running! Read More>>

Spencer Crossland

My experience has been a winding path of steps, leaps, and unexpected side quests. I grew up in a tiny town nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, where towering mountains, rolling orchards, and shifting light shaped my early understanding of space, depth and texture. Today, I live and create in one of the most vibrant cities in the world where concrete and color collide. I do believe that creativity, kindness, and embracing the process have been my guiding forces on my creative journey as an artist. Read More>>

Cady Jean Walls

From an early age, my parents supported my creative ambitions, even transitioning me to online schooling in sixth grade so I could fully pursue acting. After a few months of training, I signed with an agent and landed roles in Bizaardvark (Disney Channel), Monarch (FOX), and The Naturals (Coyle Street Productions). Alongside acting, I performed with Quality Rated, started writing my own music, and trained in ukulele and percussion with Jen Hodges at Notes 4 Notes. I also taught myself guitar and piano, and am constantly exploring new ways to express myself musically. Read More>>

Rafaela Sá

Building a career is not easy. I employ people when they make an effort and get opportunities. But a career is about being recognized for what you do best and that takes years of construction. And this journey is not easy, people want to diminish you, they want to go over you, even more so as a woman. But resilience is something we always have to have. Read More>>

Shamekka Marty

Shamekka Marty is a passionate advocate for health equity, patient empowerment, equality and caregiving. Her life has been shaped by a deep commitment to serving others, beginning at just 10 years old she I cared for family members with severe health conditions. From supporting her grandmother during her battle with rheumatoid arthritis to caring for my mother with Lupus and my uncle living with HIV, caregiving has been at the heart of her journey. Read More>>

Niraj Pancholi

When you don’t have a friend or a mentor or a connection in the film industry, the hardest thing to do is to get started. Should you be making a short film? Or should you be making a feature? How much does a short film cost? How would you find the cast and the crew? Will this be a SAG film or a non-union?—There are a gazillion questions like these, and there are no real answers for them. If you have a friend or a mentor, they could guide you. But if you don’t, which in my case I didn’t, then you just have to get started into doing something and figure things out along the way. Read More>>

Eric Estrada

By incorporating a diverse range of musical influences, I’m able to craft a narrative that is uniquely my own, taking the listener on a transformative and introspective journey. I’m currently working on several projects for other artists with my team and brother, Jimi Estrada. I was asked last year to help write with and become a member of the artist, Conejo’s, band. After being invited to work with, Rick One, of the 3013 Music Group from Los Angeles I was fortunate enough to be a contributing writer on, Conejo’s, new album dropping this year. Everything we do is in house. I’m also managed by my brother, Jimi Estrada, with, 10 West Management. Read More>>

Marina Zoreva

I set my eye to Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre. I attended acting studio led by a well-known director Sergei Afanasyev back home in order to prepare myself. Read More>>

Marcela Alonso

I started two different podcast in 2021 and now have produced over 200 episode between them both. Sunday Funday with Marcela Alonso features various stand up comedians and then I have Get Schooled with Marcela Alonso which has been very successful. In 2023 I open my production company Latina Production. But my big success is I just finished producing my first short On the Air with Ariel which I wrote and excuctive produce Read More>>

Josmar Martinez-palmerini

Being gay, latino and an immigrant is a combo that has so many challenges these days, and it definitely takes a mental toll on anyone, but I think the most difficult part has been navigating the cultural challenge that comes with moving to a different country. After a decade living here, there’s still a feeling of not belonging here because “you’re too latino” nor there because “you’re too americanized”. It’s a constant struggle but I take it easy and try not to think about it much. Read More>>

Juliette Tworsey

After a few years in West Hollywood we moved east to Silverlake. We played quite a few shows in and around Hollywood ,Silverlake, Echo Park and Downtown L.A. After living in Silverlake for a few years, we took a big leap and moved across the country to New Orleans where we emerged ourselves in the rich musical culture there. During our time in New Orleans, we performed many shows and festivals. Currently we live in the HI-Desert near Joshua Tree National Park working with a producer on our next album. Read More>>

Jamie Brown

Let’s just say, at 9 months old when we made roots in our new town, I was already well adjusted to the boom of speakers and the joy brought on by an evening of music. We were a vibrant crew – each of us dancers, singers, and artists of one pursuit or another. Well tended in our love for the arts by the 12×5 mile island where we found ourselves, performing most evenings and at local occasions for over a decade. For the first few years of my life, I was surrounded by entertainment: arts & crafts, music, dance, theater, and film. It was baked into my every day and it’s seen me through some remarkable things. Read More>>

Audra Milos

I got started just doing basic, local, entry-level beginner stuff; modeling for local photographer’s portfolios on Instagram pages, doing 5-minute-long open-mic comedy club gigs, doing background acting for Apple TV+ shows, Tubi movies, Hulu movies, stuff like that. Just anything to get my foot in the door in Hollywood. Read More>>

Sugich

It hasn’t been a smooth road, being an independent musician and filmmaker comes with its ups and downs. Despite the challenges, I truly enjoy creating music and filming and everything that surrounds a release. That’s why I deeply appreciate every moment when one of my songs or videos connects with someone. Read More>>

Noris Chavarria

When I started school, I was that kid. The one who got 100s on all the tests, the perfect speller, the main character in our school’s play, and the science nerd who won the science fair prizes. Once, I even made it to the county finals—my mom was so proud of me. All this to say, I knew early on that education would be my ticket out of where we were. It’s not that we were poor, but we definitely understood the difference between needing something and wanting something. My mom always made it look easy. I always had what I needed and what I wanted. Read More>>

Adam Randall

After doing hair for 14 years, I’m sure most people at some point question whether or not doing the same thing as a career is what will continue to make us happy. And what I’ve realized is that I’ll never stop doing hair, but I will add more forms of art in my tool belt. I’ll be starting the process of becoming a tattoo artist as well, as a passion project. Read More>>

Teal Druda

Since then, my career has been an adventure—collaborating with A-list celebrities, working on high-end commercial projects, traveling the world, and even living abroad. But my love for beauty has never been one-dimensional. I’ve always been drawn to design in all its forms, from interior and landscape design to creative direction and consulting. If there’s a way to make something more beautiful and more meaningful, I’m in. Read More>>

Violet Grae

I slowly started working with other musicians and vocalists along the way, and something clicked: I loved helping others grow just as much as I loved performing. After giving out countless pieces of free advice to artists and bandmates, I had a realization—I could turn this passion into a career. I wasn’t just making music; I was shaping careers, inspiring confidence, and giving artists the tools they needed to succeed. Read More>>

Punkmetender

I am Punkmetender, a fine and pop artist known for my immersive, large-scale artworks centered around butterflies, symbolizing transformation, freedom, and beauty. My work began in the underground street art scene, where I created graffiti and billboards under the cover of night. Over time, I evolved my craft into fine art and mural installations, pioneering 3D butterfly murals that invite interaction and create a deep emotional connection. Read More>>

Apoorva Choudhary

For me, success is about being able to create work that I’m proud of while staying true to my passion for storytelling. It’s not just about big achievements or accolades—it’s about the small wins along the way, like nailing the perfect set design, collaborating with a talented team, or overcoming a challenge on a project. Read More>>

Alexa Van

For years, every day felt like a struggle. I often felt out of place on this planet, at times so frozen that I couldn’t create. I questioned my motivations. Yet, slowly—very slowly—I began to come alive again. I found my voice, formed a band, and returned to the stage. Still, my past haunted me. There was so much left unsaid, and societal pressures squeezed me to the point of suffocation. Read More>>