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.

Macy Rupp

I started reaching out to local companies and landed a design internship a few months later with X-Laser USA, a locally owned laser manufacturer. I was especially interested in lighting design, and lasers—in a very simplified explanation—were big, fat, (kind of dangerous) lights. Under close supervision, I learned to operate and eventually design laser shows set to music. Much to the dismay of my very pious academic environment, I applied to the California Institute of the Arts for their lighting design program and was accepted with a scholarship. Read more>>

Aleksandra Turlure Rola Titizian

I started working as an Endermologie technician back in 2002 while working in a small boutique spa in Brooklyn, NY. At that time I was pursuing career in Corporate medical compliance and being an Endermologie tech was a college job, and not something I thought would end up being my calling. After brief exposure to the corporate dynamic, as I was hired as an administrative assistant, I’ve realized that this isn’t my path, it was like a slow mental death. I realized this isn’t for me. Read more>>

Lina Leikam

Originally I’m from Germany, lived 3 years in Cleveland Ohio and now in Los Angeles, The beauty industry in Germany is just not the same as in the US, the USA is the place where lots of creators, entrepreneurs and visionaries come together, dare to be bold and support each other like I’ve never experienced somewhere else. I’ve graduated from a barber school, worked as a hairdresser in the German capital, Berlin and had a fun time but always knew that’s not what I want for the rest of my life – there must be more thrill! Read more>>

Max Hauser

I didn’t come from a family with many resources, and we lived deep in rural Wisconsin. Still, my mom managed to find opportunities for me to act using our dial-up internet connection. This meant responding to Craigslist ads, which led to an agency—and before I knew it, I was missing over 100 school days a year, traveling to shoots while my mom nervously tried to navigate an industry she knew nothing about. Read more>>

Nicole Flynn

Things didn’t unfold exactly how I imagined. I worked for several years as a makeup artist in Hollywood—a creative path that ended up leading me back to the mental health field in an unexpected way. Eventually, the pull toward psychology returned with more clarity. I went back to school, became a licensed clinical social worker, and worked in community mental health and advocacy, supporting people with complex trauma and long-standing survival strategies. Read more>>

Calvin Romance

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Honestly, I started this journey with no connections, and right as the strikes were hitting. I had to figure out how to navigate this unfamiliar territory. I also wrestled a lot with what people might think of me, or whether I should just take the safe and steady corporate route. I had done that life before, and while I had success, it wasn’t for me. I didn’t want to spend my life chasing comfort. I wanted to pursue work that had meaning and purpose. That was the real challenge; learning to walk by faith, even when the path wasn’t clear. Read more>>

Shaun Fabos

Breaking into this industry is tough. It’s very much about who you know, and we were the new kids trying to earn our spot. We had to build trust, prove ourselves, and deal with a lot of trial and error when it came to finding the right team. It took time, patience, and a lot of persistence. But all of that taught us how to stay focused on the bigger vision and keep pushing forward no matter what. Read more>>

Tyler Roark

When I was in community college in 2012, I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to major in. Many of the options didn’t interest me and I really didn’t want to commit to something I wasn’t going to enjoy. My brother told me about his friend who was doing “Foley” for a school project at Cal state Dominguez. He told me Foley is recording sounds in sync with picture for a film. He took me to check it out and when we got there, They were working on a Gargoyle movie. They were dragging shower drains across the floor and pitching them down to create the sound for large chains carried by the gargoyle. Read more>>

Trapti Agarwal

I actually grew up in a small city in Northern India called Bareilly. We were a typical Indian middle-class family — my dad worked as a data operator and accountant in a reputed bank. My mom was a homemaker and devoted her life towards enriching our lives and sacrificing her needs and wants over ours. We didn’t have a lot, but my parents had really big dreams for us. They always wanted us to become professionals — doctors, engineers — and live a life of dignity, comfort, and purpose. Read more>>

Jessica Silvetti

I had the opportunity to direct my award winning play, LAURA, which made its premiere at the Santa Monica Playhouse. I co-created and co-wrote a graphic novel, SHOCKHEADED PETER, with my husband and creative partner, E.B. Kogan. And I wrote, directed and produced my latest short film, INSIDE, which had a festival run of about a year and a half and recently got distribution with 7 Palms Entertainment. Currently, I’m attached to direct a feature and I’m developing a few other projects for film and television. Read more>>

George Christopher

Feather Hearts began as a love letter to rebellion. Launched in Los Angeles in 2011, by Abigail Hedine and George Christopher. The brand started with cut and sew graphic tops, each one a little loud, a little raw, and a lot unapologetic. What started as a side project quickly caught fire, landing in major retailers. From there, Feather Hearts became more than just a label, it became a movement. Read more>>

Natalie

Hi, I’m Natalie, also known as Talia, and I come from Yakutsk — the coldest city on Earth. Growing up in such a remote and intense environment shaped my sensitivity to mood, silence, and subtle beauty. I later moved to Prague, where I lived and studied for eight years before settling in Los Angeles in 2018. Read more>>

Steven Borzachillo

Absolutely not, haha. It’s been a road full of speed bumps, traffic jams, and runaway ramps. But what views along the way. I used to resent the struggle, but now it oddly feels like the sweet is just that much sweeter. I’m very lucky and privileged in a lot of ways, but I’m also really proud of everything I’ve overcome to become who I am and get to where I am today. Read more>>

Chrys Montezuma

My POV is to “try what people say are the BEST restaurants in LA.” So, if there’s a menu item that’s not to my liking, rather than simply saying “it’s trash – don’t go!!” I ensure that I give thoughtful and informative feedback, with constructive criticism — just like I did my Yelp reviews. Because at the end of the day, I don’t want to hurt these small businesses (or the feelings of the people behind them) — I want to uplift them, and offer feedback that they can implement to improve their dishes — all while still providing honest food reviews so that customers can feel informed when they spend their hard earned money to patronize these businesses. Read more>>

CJ Holland

I’ve always been passionate about music, but at 18, I took a different path and joined the Navy, where I served for eight years. During that time, I was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and that chapter became a turning point in my life. Being in Japan was an isolated but transformative period it gave me the space to really reflect on my purpose and what I wanted to create in this world. I realized I had outgrown the military and had much more to offer as a creative. Read more>>

Day

Becoming my own boss was another journey. At first, I didn’t want to admit it. I just wanted to be another worker, you know? I dint want to say “boss” but eventually, I had to embrace the mindset and responsibilities it comes with. I had to develop a lot of self discipline. For me , this isn’t just about making money, I could make money doing other things. Barbering fulfills me. It challenges me mentally, physically, and spiritually. Every obstacle I’ve faced has prepared me for the next challenge. Every time I overcome something I gain experience and grow stronger. Read more>>

Nanci Cascio

One of my proudest moments came early in my TV career, when I won a Hollywood Guild Award for my work on Carnivàle (HBO, Season 1, Episode 5). I was also honored with an Emmy nomination the following year. These recognitions were deeply affirming—but they came after many long hours, often 90+ hour workweeks, and personal sacrifices. My social life was nearly nonexistent for a while. Work was everything. And I was okay with that.

But the journey also taught me resilience. When the industry was brought to a standstill by overlapping pandemics and strikes, I had to pivot. And I did. Read more>>

Varsha Kumar

In parallel, my academic background in psychology and dance movement therapy has shaped how I see dance—not just as performance, but as healing. My dissertation focused on the role of dance in emotional and cultural healing. Today, I teach private lessons, lead workshops, and choreograph weddings and creative projects, all while continuing to learn and grow. I am proud of where I am now, but I’m also excited to see where this journey continues to take me—because I know, deep down, that there’s still so much more ahead. Read more>>

Rakim Alnur

The road has been super challenging but it comes with the rewarding moments that keep you working and motivated, just enough haha. I’ve dealt with things like self-doubt, feeling like an imposter, and even being afraid of what others will say or think if the music isn’t hitting as hard as I think. I’ve dealt with the other sides such as bad contracts, people taking advantage of you not having knowledge of the business, and even people stealing ideas. Sometimes things like this get discouraging but if you remember that no one can re-create your story you just charge it to the game. Read more>>

Nitin Warrier

I tried my hand at a lot of other things, career-wise. Including, but not limited to, a short stint in one of the best business schools in France. But I spent most of my time in jam sessions and gigs, completely ignoring my academics at the time. I spent the tail-end of my time in Europe backpacking and busking for a few months. Those few months solidified my decision to move to LA and try my hand at the American Dream. Read more>>

Melissa Ann Pollack

From small-town beauty queen to aesthetic RN, my journey has been anything but conventional. I began in pageantry, where I first discovered the power of presence and confidence. That path led me into nursing, where I specialized in aesthetics—blending science with beauty to help others feel empowered in their own skin. With years of dedication, I’ve since graced the covers of magazines in Los Angeles, stepped into the spotlight as an actress, and moved behind the scenes as a producer. Every step has been driven by passion, resilience, and the belief that beauty and strength are ageless. Read more>>

Murry Wade

The journey of Murry Wade in the music industry has been marked by significant milestones that have shaped his career. He began honing his craft at a young age, participating in local music scenes while developing a loyal fanbase. His recent efforts culminated in the release multiple hit singles, which is garnering critical acclaim and is setting the stage for further exploration of his musical potential. With each release, Murry Wade has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his artistic vision, continually pushing the boundaries of his creativity. Read more>>

Matthew Barrett

Xavier did put me in contact with his friend Norka that was I think at the time Cole running a boutique agency and so she would help me along the way as well before my official signing with EMG MODELS then ever since being signed I’ve been working as a model and also being coached by my dear friend Xavier now I am looking to venture in design and so this is an exciting year for me because I have a lot in store. Read more>>

Caroline Brehman

That changed during my first year of college. While wandering through the organization fair, I stopped by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) table. There, I met a professor who was a former full-time photojournalist. I attended the group’s first meeting out of curiosity, not even realizing that photojournalism was an actual career path. After that, I found myself lingering after meetings, eager to learn more and ask questions. My old love for photography had been reignited, but it would still take a few more years before I fully recognized that this passion could evolve into a lifelong career. Read more>>

Heidi Michelle Quiroga Rojas

While living in The Woodlands, I was very young in school and I needed to express creatively somehow. At this time, musically was a new thing so my very first friend in the United States, Orianis, helped me open up an account and that led to something so big I could’ve never imagined. I started gaining an audience and I got the opportunity to live so many amazing experiences because of it. I am forever grateful to have had the chance to live those experiences while I did what I loved at the time. As I got older those passions shifted and with covid being a really weird time (for everyone) I was forced to reflect on my life, who I really was and what it was that actually moved me. Read more>>

Roy Altaras

The first project I designed and executed in my early twenties was through a friend’s referral to a known composer and a famous actress who needed to spruce up their property for a PR event. I presented them with my ideas for their yard with so much passion and enthusiasm that they decided to pull the trigger on a project that was way off of what they had in mind. Then came the need to provide an invoice and a corporation number. So, to skip that hurdle, not really wanting to miss out on the opportunity nor for it to be an obstacle for my creative vision, I went on and started the business. Read more>>

Glenn Ratcliffe

The road has been very uneven. I come from an orphanage so I had a lot of problems with relationships had several tragedies in my life. When I had the death experience everything changed my soul went into the quantum field of all knowing and I camr back with the wisdom knowing that everyone you meet is God in disguise and we’re all interconnected And the whole purpose here is to share and give Love and Realize that dysfunction of the ego and the illusion of Maya, and to realize we’re been systematically put in a societal matrix being lead in a hypnotic stupor into one world order Read more>>

Petar Fox

Building a fashion label that operates in two cities, especially ones as fast-paced and demanding as LA and New York, comes with its own challenges. Coordinating production, maintaining consistency across teams, and staying hands-on with clients in both markets has stretched me in ways I never anticipated. There were also personal obstacles — self-doubt, financial pressures, and navigating a highly competitive industry without an existing network. I had to learn everything from branding and sourcing to pricing and negotiation on my own terms, with trial and error as my teachers. And throughout, I’ve worked hard to maintain authenticity and never compromise on my standards, even when it would’ve been easier to cut corners. Read more>>