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.
Caleb Smith
Nobody talks about the reality of being intimated or scared of your own potential. I feel like a lot of the time I overthink and over criticize everything when it comes to my artistry. I’m just an artist who wants to put out art that causes a shift, that creates a moment in time, and makes people feel inspired which I know I will / can . But I also have to learn to give myself grace, patience, and trust myself with my art and know that what I create is good and as long as someone can feel inspired by it then I’ve done my job. Read more>>
Sophia Olivares
What started as a conversation between friends who shared the love of the game of volleyball continued to evolve into a genuine idea to bring an organized, competitive energy to a community-oriented league. We wanted to create a space where competition is intertwined with social connection. None of the existing beach volleyball leagues aligned with what we believed to be our main goals, so we built our organization to do just that. We immediately became host to Santa Monica’s largest night leagues, and are starting to become one of the most well-known tournament hosts on the West Side, providing inclusive spaces to grow the sport. Read more>>
Daliana Lopez
One of the hardest parts of this journey has been facing the uncertainty that comes with chasing a career in the Arts. I knew moving to Los Angeles was going to be hard, but I wasn’t prepared for the weight of financial struggles, constant rejection, and the moments of self-doubt that threatened to break me. There were days when I felt invisible, when the sacrifices felt too heavy, and when I questioned if all the pain was worth it. I’ve battled injuries, burnout, and the loneliness that comes with building something from the ground up. But through every hardship, dance has been my anchor. No matter how many times I’ve been knocked down, the love I have for my art, my community, and the people I inspire keeps me fighting for this dream. Read more>>
Samantha Aiello
I was so disconnected from my body at the time, my feminine and my needs. I realized the way I was living was completely out of alignment with my body’s natural rhythms – no wonder why I didn’t have a regular period. Not only did this experience motivate me to start to address my hormonal imbalances, but it also forced me to confront past traumas and the lack of self-love that I had at the time. I began educating myself on nutrition, functional medicine, and hormone health, determined to find answers. Paired with a lot of therapy and self-reflection, I began to see how all of my imbalances were interconnected. This realization became the catalyst for my personal transformation. Read more>>
Andrea Pardo
My mom became a single mom when I was 5. My dad was present but my mom had us most of the time. She was a single mom of 3 girls and I watched her really grind daily to keep a roof over our heads. As I look back now I truly don’t know how she did it some days. We moved a lot when we were little and back then I didn’t realize it. But my mom was struggling financially and somehow she always manage to push through. She is literally the strongest person I know. And I owe all of my resilience to her. Read more>>
Gohar Asatryan
I don’t just take photos—I feel them. I’m not chasing perfection; I’m chasing honesty. The raw, unscripted, in-between moments that most people miss—that’s where I live. My strongest side? Connection. Whether it’s with a person, a place, or a fleeting light, I know how to make people feel seen. I don’t force moments—I let them breathe, unfold naturally, and then I capture the truth in them. Read more>>
Sunny Beutler
In 2021 we decided to transition leadership, so my parents joined the Board of Directors, and I became the CEO. My siblings joined the Board as well, one brother became Chief Manufacturing Officer, and one brother works part time as our Chief Medical Advisor while keeping his medical practice. We spent a lot of time as a family discussing this transition and everyone agreed on their different roles and to make me CEO, so it’s been a natural transition. I still call my siblings on a daily basis to get their input and to discuss business. But we always try to have separate family time as well making sure everyone is happy and can help with Sunrider as much as possible. Read more>>
Anthony Martinez
I go by the artist name VEEZUZ — I’m a Dominican and Guatemalan artist born and raised in Los Angeles. Growing up, I experienced life in many different parts of the city, from Koreatown to South Central, and eventually the South Bay. My journey into music began in late 2018, shortly after being let go from my job at the time. What started as a difficult moment turned into a blessing, leading me to discover my passion for creating music. Read more>>
Ryan Hanami
it has been a series of guesses. figuring out how to balance making things I care about while doing work that pays bills, and how to not lose momentum when work isn’t exciting, or when I feel like I’m being pulled in too many directions. I think the hardest part is just keeping faith that its all building toward something, even if i cant see what that is yet. Read more>>
Alison Hess
College was both the most rewarding and the most emotionally difficult period of my life. I was finally in a place where I lived and breathed art- I was learning a lot and growing way more than I could have on my own. It was also a time when I was learning how to be a grown up, though, and the gravity of my responsibilities had me questioning if I’d made the right choice. COVID emerged right around my 3rd year in college, too, which shook up our lives a lot and made that crucial final stretch of school really awkward and difficult. Read more>>
Loren Miles Albento
I attended California State University, Long Beach, where I majored in film with an emphasis on screenwriting. I initially thought I would carve a path as a writer and hoped to create coming-of-age stories with leading characters who were AAPI (Asian American-Pacific Islander). At the time, representation in film and television was not what it is today. While we’ve made significant progress, particularly in AAPI representation, there is still much work to be done to uplift other underrepresented perspectives in the industry. Read more>>
Makayla Phillips
I like to say it started from the womb LOL. My mother, and my mother’s side of the family has a long history with music, and the entertainment industry in general. My grandmother on my mom’s side was a fantastic songwriter, and my grandfather is an amazing musician, my great-grandfather had a jazz album on the Billboard Top 100 in the 1950’s, as well as my mother having a beautiful voice herself. I like to say it runs in my blood! Read more>>
Sari Hoban, PA-C
So, I pivoted into the transformative aspect of breast reconstructive surgery with breast cancer patients. While working with a leading plastic reconstructive surgeon I learned about the power of aesthetic medicine and fell in love. I had found my career path and my passion! This unique niche of medicine combines beauty, science, and attention to detail — all of which could be complemented by having deep relationships with patients. Read more>>
Olena Dorosh
I had been training since autumn — and it wasn’t easy. I had to completely retrain my posture: my knees wouldn’t fully extend, I was noticeably slouched, my arms trembled with tension, and I had no sense of musical rhythm. On top of that, I wasn’t the slimmest girl in the lineup. Watching videos from those first rehearsals now, I see a tremendous difference. Read more>>
Sarah Sanchez
I actually got my start back in 2017 when an old friend of mine reached out about a lash extension class. It was love at first lash for me. I took to it very quickly and was offered a position in a salon after just 4 short months. That led me to beauty school so I could further my knowledge and become fully licensed as an esthetician. After covid, I had a rough time finding my place in the beauty world. But that all changed once I found my dream spot in Palos Verdes. Read more>>
Simon Allo
After that I minored in music while still doing pre-med. For my senior music theory class, our final project was to compose a song to perform at the end of the semester. Inspired by that project, I spent my year off between college and medical school writing my first EP under my legal name and playing open mics and eventually solo acoustic shows. It was my first time in a studio and working with a producer. I loved it so much that I seriously questioned not going to med school to pursue music first to see if I could make it. Read more>>
Bezalel Abera
I started the idea my clothing brand in 2020, released in May 2021 for my 22nd birthday. All is well was something I always thought was super dope because I seen it being used in every way from formal emails, to people in the hood saying it. Growing up where I grew up and the way I grew up it felt like the best of both worlds and fit me perfectly. So after taking my time doing everything the right way I felt my birthday was a great day to release and put it out to the world. Read more>>
Mani Metales
She introduced herself, and I was happy to make a new friend. When we were discussing what sort of activities I was thinking about participating in coming into my freshman year of high school as she was also talking about going into her sophomore year. She suggested that I join the band, and I never thought I would really have what it took to play a musical instrument, though I had wanted to before. I actually kind of put myself down and thought it would be something unattainable . Read more>>
Rei+ Manz
I was born into a creative family in Germany, but in many ways, I always felt like the only one who was truly creative. My father saw it early—he supported and pushed me toward music, art, and painting, and while I didn’t fully understand it at the time, he saw a fire in me. On my mother’s side, my grandfather and great-grandfather were both artists too, so maybe it was just in my blood. Read more>>
Rhuale Ruben
I started small in 2018—working out, taking better care of myself. I was starting to feel stronger, more in control of my body and my mindset It wasn’t about chasing some ideal look. It was about showing up for myself every day, and over time, that built real confidence. I began snapping selfies on Snapchat, then gradually posted more on Instagram. I wasn’t trying to be a model at that point, just trying to feel more confident. Read more>>
Lexy Silverstein
When my school announced a partnership with a fast fashion brand, something didn’t sit right with me. It felt like a missed opportunity, especially in a space meant to shape the future of fashion. So, I took action. I launched a petition on Change.org, calling on the school to reconsider what kind of industry values we were endorsing. I never expected it to take off the way it did, but within days, it had gathered thousands of signatures and started gaining national attention. Read more>>
Eliot Kim
When I was a kid, I drew a lot. Usually, it was some stick figures doing some action pose, but I loved it. My mother, being an artist herself, always pushed me to draw. Consistently signing me up for art lessons and even buying my brothers and me some cheap art supplies. But as a kid, I hated being told what to do and given extra work. Eventually, I stopped drawing altogether because I considered it taking time away from playing outside or video games. Read more>>
Nataliya Stefani
My work can be described as very creative. I started out with absolutely loving makeup in general, to learning how to draw detailed images with makeup, or challenging a product’s limitations or uses. It’s about pushing boundaries and exploring creativity, but not necessarily falling victim to trends. I think of makeup a lot like fashion – not every trend is going to suit everybody, or every face rather. It’s great to stay on top of what’s new and trending, but also knowing what works for you might not work on someone else. Read more>>
Ivanna Danforth
I started dancing when I was 2 years old—it was, and always will be, my first love. I joined my first dance company at the age of 7 and began competing nationally. That same year, I started singing lessons and signed with my first commercial agency based in Texas. My entire childhood was devoted to creating art—every single day. Whether it was a local theatre performance, a dance competition I was training for, or a song I was trying to master, I always had something going on, and I loved it. Read more>>
Andi Campognone
I started my career in the arts as a conceptual photographer. Over time and with the introduction of digital cameras I lost interest in actually making images and became involved in curating. The ideas and concepts in the work were much more interesting to me and I enjoyed pairing other artists works to create layered and more complex themes. As more opportunities arouse for curating project so too did the opportunities for working in communities ripe for development and engagement beyond the traditionally presented exhibitions. As an entrepreneur and small business owner adept at creating meaningful projects I naturally became involved in local government and the advancement of communities through arts and culture. Read more>>
Hunter Phoenix
I launched MyActorGuide.com as a free online resource for aspiring and working actors — especially those who were just starting out and feeling overwhelmed. I wanted to create the kind of guide I wish I’d had when I was beginning. It started with just a few blog posts and tips, but it quickly grew. Now it’s become a trusted hub for actors all over the world looking for real-world advice on building a career in film and television. Read more>>
Nick Tucker
There’s definitely been a slow down since. Many of my core campers have aged out. I’ve been running on word of mouth for about a decade, but that has proved less viable as time goes on. Camp Nick has always been just me. With the exception of a few counselors over the years, I do everything. I do all the administrative work, social media, programming, kid wrangling, game setup, communication… everything! When it comes to marketing, I suck. I definitely struggle in that area. What I’m good at is coming up with new games, developing a summer program, connecting with the kids, and giving parents peace of mind. This will be a decisive summer for Camp Nick. Read more>>
Dané Taylor
Balancing her natural charisma with a business-savvy mind, she cultivated a signature style—soft luxury meets soulful substance. As brands began to notice her ability to drive results with grace, she transitioned from selling other people’s products to curating her own. Dané wasn’t just building a brand—she was building a legacy. One where Black women could lead with softness, mystique, and power—all at once. Read more>>
Scott McClure
Launched in 2015, Scott’s solo project Elevate The Sky is a radiant blend of synthwave, dreamwave, and synthpop. Influenced by the neon nostalgia of Tangerine Dream, Electric Youth, Vangelis, Daft Punk, and Fleetwood Mac, the music captures the magic of youth, wonder, and the stars above. Read more>>
Jared White
I took that energy and turned it into action. People had always complimented my style, so I leaned in. I told a coworker (now one of my closest friends), “Every day at 4 o’clock, you’re taking a photo of my outfit.” This was before curated content was a thing—back when social media was all “post and go.” But I understood, even then, the power of storytelling through curation. That’s how my “Outfit of the Day” series began. Read more>>
Yahli Alron
My fitness journey started as an in person personal trainer, working closely with women to help them build strength, confidence, and healthier habits. But when I became a mom, I realized I needed a way to keep doing what I loved while balancing motherhood. That’s when I transitioned to virtual one-on-one coaching; creating a flexible but powerful system to guide women no matter where they are in the world Read more>>
Luke & Kyle Lucas
Rather than following the typical pizza truck route of popping up at bars, Luke and Kyle made a deliberate choice to focus on parks and family-friendly spaces. They wanted Windsor Hills Pizza to be a place where families could gather, picnic, and connect. Their greatest joy comes from seeing groups of families enjoying a meal together in the park, fostering the kind of community they believe is foundational to a strong society. Read more>>
Emerald Terrell
Learning the basics of photography while also diving into the specialized world of movement stills was definitely a challenge. But during that experience, something clicked. My passion for dance photography took off, and it gave me the freedom to start discovering and shaping my personal vision as a photographer. Read more>>
Mili Ghosh
the ability to remain open without needing to be recognized for it. My work has always lived in subtlety, in the breath before the movement, in the light that falls on the edge of a shoulder, not the center of a stage. I don’t measure my path by visibility or reception, but by how much wonder I’ve preserved, how much integrity I’ve protected, how many moments I’ve held with care even when no one was watching. To the artist walking the quieter road, you must trust the process. Let your stillness speak. Let your work become its own proof. Everything I am, I built in the quiet. And some stories are meant to unfold that way. Read more>>
Carly Pugil
I think it’s important to note that esthetics is always changing and evolving and its so important to continue education. Throughout my time as an esthetician, I’ve taken various courses, whether it be for facials, brows or lashes, and this has really expanded my knowledge and allowed me to create a fully personalized approach at providing services. All of my experiences in the salon environment really helped me to come up with the vision of what I wanted my own salon space to be. In 2024, I opened Salt + Skin, a boutique beauty and skincare studio. Creating my own space has allowed me to share my creativity and passion of beauty with clients, and I could not be happier with how it turned out. Read more>>
Andrea Groussman
Driven to deepen my expertise, I pursued my Gemological Institute of America certification in New York, adding a crucial layer of technical knowledge. Upon returning to Los Angeles, I spent time at an antique center before taking the entrepreneurial leap at 29, opening my own atelier within Lukaro in Beverly Hills. This was the start of building my own vision and cultivating those first cherished client relationships. Read more>>
Shakira Niazi
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is going up against big brands with massive marketing budgets. The chia industry, for example, dominates the market—not because it’s better, but because those companies can spend millions on influencer partnerships and advertising. It’s important to understand that chia seeds aren’t just a health trend—they’re big business. For over 20 years, chia has been protected and promoted by large corporations, big food, and big agriculture. But what many don’t know is that this “superfood” may not be so super after all. Read more>>
Olga Tsoy
The path to this point has been anything but smooth—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve faced cultural barriers, financial hardships, and the constant pressure to prove myself in a system where my background often made me feel like an outsider. But adversity, I’ve learned, has a remarkable way of refining your purpose. Read more>>
Nadine Bedwan
Another adjustment, and I think this is the case for all businesses at the beginning, is that the work I’m passionate about and that I built my business around, trademark law, now makes up a relatively small percentage of everything I do. The rest of my time is devoted to running the actual business: creating systems, optimizing workflows, and marketing. All of these have their own learning curve. Read more>>
Laura Bennett
Perhaps the most persistent challenge over the years has been battling the temptation to conform to industry trends or expand services beyond our core strengths just to compete. I have immense respect for independent creatives running their own businesses—especially women. It’s incredibly challenging, and it can become easy to lose sight of your own vision when surrounded by what others are doing or feeling pressure from the industry to keep up. I’ve found it essential to stay inspired and rooted in truth and community when feeling overwhelmed by the demands of running a design business in Los Angeles. When doors closed or projects fell through, I’ve had to choose to take them in stride and trust that I’m right where I need to be. Read more>>
Velia De Iuliis
My story has always centered around a love for nature and a drive to express it visually. For my thesis in college, I found myself fascinated with the origins of western medicine and what components within medication are derived from flora and fauna. Through my studies, I created a series of paintings depicting species that help heal our ailments. This was the catalyst for my continued exploration of the relationship between art and ecology. Read more>>
Kevin Cuenca
Nope. Right after returning from covering the Super Bowl for KCAL9/CBS2, I was fired for what the station deemed was social media violations. They felt they owned my image and that, even though I was a freelance employee without a contract, health care or dental coverage, I couldn’t utilize social media to promote companies or make money through brand campaigns. Read more>>
latchkey Gen-X’er
In 1987, I founded a small graffiti crew, NSA (Non Stop Action) with some of the same neighborhood friends I was in my first punk band with and we rode the RTD and SM blue bus system and skated all over the city and down to Santa Monica/Venice getting up/tagging along the way. Both music and graffiti profoundly shaped a part of me early on, and the the ’90s would become a time of growth as I leaned deeper into music and other art forms. The two worlds of graff and music overlapped for a while, until music pulled me ahead and took me for a fun ride with my brother and band mates. Read more>>
Jamie Tian
Definitely not a smooth road, but the challenges are what made the journey worth it. When you are trying to build something different, there is always resistance, whether it is from outdated industry mindsets or just the natural fear of change. Building a new brokerage without the backing of a national brand pushed us to lead with value and earn trust, one conversation at a time. There were also the typical challenges that come with any startup: building the right systems, finding the right people, creating brand trust from scratch, and making tough decisions along the way. But each challenge forced us to sharpen our focus, stay true to our mission, and keep improving. Read more>>
Kathryn Chan
At first, I drew simple characters inspired by YouTube artists. Before I knew it, my passion for games collided with my love for art, and I found myself immersed in the concept art world. I watched interviews, read blogs, and studied books about artists who could make a living by creating work for games and animation. I wanted to become an artist who could make inspirational pieces for entertainment media, so I applied to art colleges in Los Angeles. Read more>>
Marco Roca
After university, I embarked on a corporate journey, diving into finance through investment banking, consulting, corporate strategy, and business development. Each role taught me something crucial, but it was business development that truly captured my passion. BD brilliantly integrates finance, strategic consulting, and relationship-building, all aligning perfectly with my genuine curiosity about people and their unique stories. Read more>>
Tarik Bilgiseven
And now, I’m in LA living by myself, a few weeks away from graduating from Otis College of Art and Design with a BFA in entertainment design. sometimes I forget how big of a jump my life has taken on paper. It’s easy to get lost while chasing days, but when I zoom out, I realize how much of a leap this has been. I’m also currently working as an Associate Programmer in the Southeast European Film festival, it is an LA based annual film festival that highlights movies from southeast Europe, mostly independent movies, I got to appreciate Eastern Europeans rich filmmaking history after moving away from home for school, you don’t realize and appreciate the importance of something until you move away. Read more>>
Myah
I graduated from film school in 2018 and moved to LA. My day job is working in the film industry and when I was able to make a little bit of money, I decided to start pursuing music on the side to see if I actually could. I started taking vocal lessons in 2019 and it took me a long time to figure out how to sing better, how to be a songwriter, and how to write melodies. Once I understood those three things, I knew I couldn’t be a bedroom producer, but I knew I could hire someone if I paid them, so I built my network to find producers who would want to collaborate with me. The hard truth is that pursuing music is expensive, and you do need money to be able to make waves or even in a ripple in it. Read more>>
Stephanie Be
Stephanie always found a way to work while traveling: studying abroad, living as an expat overseas, working remote as a digital nomad, founding a venture-backed tech company, and eventually, she became completely location independent. She just moved back to LA! Read more>>
Gabriella Meltz
I was raised in the South African community of San Diego, where values like inclusion, connection, and service were at the center of everyday life. These roots continue to shape who I am as both a person and a therapist. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University, followed by a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Chapman University. I’m certified by ASHA, licensed in California, and have been honored to work with neurotypical and neurodivergent children across schools, private practice, and community-based programs. Read more>>
Angela Barnett Williams
The 100 Healthy Women Summit in Los Angeles was a defining moment, where influencers, visionaries, and everyday women rallied around our mission. It wasn’t just an event, it was a declaration of purpose. We established the 100 Genesis Members, a group of passionate women who guide our community’s growth and uphold our values. Today, 100 Healthy Women is a thriving community that will soon be a DAO with a utility token economy, bridging digital and physical worlds to make holistic wellness accessible for women everywhere. Read more>>
Emily Hartong Slaughter
As a student-athlete, I was honored as a three-time All-American—earning Second Team recognition as a middle blocker in my sophomore year, followed by First Team selections in both my junior and senior seasons in the outside hitter position. I graduated with a degree in Communications and went on to pursue a professional volleyball career overseas, competing in Europe and Asia. Eventually, I returned to California to focus on professional beach volleyball, continuing the path shaped by a lifelong connection to sport and family. Read more>>
Tanya O’Quinn
To date, I’ve written over ten features, and eleven shorts; I’ve also written the pilot for a TV series and created the treatment for another; additionally, I’ve created a slew of original ideas for television and web series. And, due to the supernatural-drama-turned-TV-pilot ‘Keepsake’, I’m an award-winning Director and Writer. Read more>>
Genevieve Riutort
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we help families stay housed. Our mobile markets and pantry partners save families over $300 a month in grocery costs — and sometimes that’s the difference between making rent and facing homelessness. Leading Westside Food Bank isn’t just my job — it’s my calling. I’m grateful every day for the chance to turn my story into something that lifts others up. Read more>>
Rembert Montald
I mean, there was never really another option for me—I was pretty hardcore with guitar, but in a genre I really liked (fusion jazz). In the end I decided to study animation, because with making films I could combine my two passions. With art I only started practicing seriously late in life, around the age of 20. Before that, it was all just doodling trying to create characters but very poorly with no grasp of the fundamentals. I’ve never been a big fan of practicing for the sake of it. Just tell stories, have fun, and draw or paint the things you love. That’s what keeps you motivated. It’s better to draw a lot at a steady pace that your having fun with, then to grind grind fundamentals and get a burn out. Read more>>
Stacie And Dina Cohen
Prior to having kids, Dina was an attorney and Stacie worked in advertising, account management. We met when our children were in nursery school. Both of us love to be creative and entertain which led us to bouncing many different ideas off each other. One of our little ideas was candy trays, which continued to grow until we finally decided to give it a try. Candy Angeles launched in 2022. Read more>>
Josh Olaoluwa
Initially, the need to leave my country or even the continent to access essential knowledge and resources was not sustainable. It often meant sacrificing my savings and livelihood in the early stages of my career, which was very difficult. It’s been much easier lately because I have also been able to directly benefit from these opportunities, and increase my earning power significantly. A lot of other aspiring filmmakers however do not have this luxury, which is a real challenge. Read more>>
Laura Ruiz
I’m most proud of the fact that my journey has not been linear — and that I’ve allowed myself to shift, to begin again, and to create from different places throughout my life. I studied photography in New York, became a chef, raised children, and eventually found clay as a language that could hold it all. Read more>>
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>>
