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.
Vivian Rayos
That vision came to life when Susie partnered with her daughter, Vivian, to co-create a wellness space that blended their unique gifts. Susie, a devoted Reiki healer and sound bath practitioner, and Vivian, an experienced yoga and Pilates instructor, came together to offer something truly immersive. What began as Spiritual Eye Studio blossomed into a vibrant community rooted in movement, energy healing, and mindfulness. Read more>>
Celeste Escalera
In 2016, I took a leap of faith and moved to California, from Las Vegas with no job, just determination, a few dollars, and a dream. Coming from a corporate accounting background, I desperately wanted to break into freelance Hollywood accounting. But no one would give me a chance, I faced relentless rejection and gatekeepers who dismissed my experience. Meanwhile, I ran my event business, XperyenceZ, producing high-profile red carpet events for clients like Netflix, Pepsi, Disney, Universal, Grey Goose, and more, all while crying in three-hour freeway traffic each morning to a job that drained me. Read more>>
Jennefer Lawless
I just wanted my own store again. Call me crazy but I opened in Westlake Village white knuckling it all by myself NO partners this time. After a year opening things looking bright, Covid shut me down! With true grit kept this going , moved to a better location in Thousand Oaks and enjoying my beautiful new store. What makes me stand out is my store is relaxing with a cool vibe. What I am known for is redesigning old unwanted jewelry just sitting collecting dust transformed into something fabulous! Weather outdated, from an ex or inherited….I am here to create something you will love. Read more>>
Brandon Lance Garnsey
After 4 years of working in the creator economy for other influencers, I finally began to create content for myself! I’ve always been passionate about pop culture, music, and trends- and my content reflects that! I am a voice to amplify “Stan Culture” and allow mutual fans to find a space to share excitement on pop culture. I talk about artists’ new albums, new singles, tours, appearances, and conspiracy theories on their future artistic plans. I am so thankful to have been able to work with record labels to promote some of my favorite artists through my short form videos. Read more>>
Heidi Taylor
I also worked at The Discovery House in the San Fernando Valley and Managed Med in LA. I have been in private practice for 8 years as a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, depression, grief, LGBTQIA, and family law issues. I see all ages, individuals, couples and families. I ran the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s Ventura County support group for 10 years. I do animal assisted therapy and Emotional Support Animal evaluations. I have been a Ventura County court approved supervised visitation monitor for over 25 years. I recently became certified in reiki and incorporate it into my trauma practice. I am the author of a book on recovery from loss and grief. Lastly, I craft as a hobby and side hustle, making beautiful glassware decoupaged with real dried flowers. Read more>>
Diana H. Briscoe
Chef Diana H. Briscoe’s culinary journey began in her native Colombia, where she was raised among powerful women chefs and mystic shamans who treated food as both nourishment and ritual. From a young age, she was immersed in the traditions of holistic cooking—learning to honor ingredients from farm to table and to cook with intention, love, and cultural reverence. Now a highly regarded culinary artist in Los Angeles, Chef Diana is known for her expertise in holistic wellness cuisine. She has built a stellar career working with some of the city’s most renowned restaurants, including the celebrated Gracias Madre, and has curated menus for Soho House, Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Tender Greens, and others. Read more>>
Robert Mangiardi
Our shop was founded my wife Sommai who was a massuesse and myself about ten years ago. We started very slowly and took years of remodeling, getting the best staff we could but also getting our thumbprint into the Studio City community. Now 90% of our customers our return clients ! We are a small one-up shop but I think our allure, besides now having what I know are some of the best therapists anywhere , is the fact that we know our customers and there is a sense of ease for them when they know they are in a safe place. Cheers everyone! Read more>>
Natalie Linda Martinez
I run NatalieLinda.com, a personal lifestyle brand and blog dedicated to helping you infuse your home with natural beauty in simple yet meaningful ways. I share ideas that elevate the everyday, such as crafting long-lasting succulent bowls, creating citrus simmer pots to freshen your home, and styling herbs to bring both beauty and functionality to your kitchen. Read more>>
Heldin Bonilla
During the pandemic, I was looking to make a career shift but didn’t know where to start. So I picked up my girlfriend’s camera and began taking portraits of cats at a local rescue called Sante D’Or. That’s where I first learned about the basics of photography. Not too long after starting there, an old high school soccer teammate of mine had sent me an Instagram post of a local UPSL team that was looking for a social media intern. Read more>>
Lindsay Garcia
In third grade, my best friend Melissa introduced me to the world of YouTube beauty gurus and I was obsessed! I looked up to OGs like Desi Perkins, Katy, iluvsarahii, and Jaclyn Hill. Fast forward to high school, I was in show choir, and before every performance, there would be a line of girls waiting for me to apply their lashes. I even got a certificate for being the “Lash Queen!” I told myself I’d go to beauty school in New York after graduation until I saw all my friends applying to traditional colleges and started second guessing myself. I convinced myself makeup wasn’t a “real” career and chose a safer path. Read more>>
Deanna Pinckney
What pulled me deeper into this work wasn’t just the babies (though I absolutely adore them)—it was the parents. The brand-new moms and dads learning how to function on little sleep, how to tune into their instincts, and how to trust themselves. I saw firsthand how powerful it is to have someone walk alongside you during that beginning period—someone who’s been there, who can answer questions without judgment, and who understands how layered and emotional those first days can be. Read more>>
Drew Hester
And that goes from the gear being new and in great shape, to having a cable that is wrapped nicely and staff that are knowledgeable and nice. It seems like the typical thing a production company would say, but the tricky part is actually doing that and keeping that the focus every day! As we continue to grow and service our clients and meet new ones, we will do our best to stick to our company values of being a great company to work with. I think at the end of the day I am more interested in being a respectable company that people want to be a part of and have us do their events or installations, than I am about making the most money or being the biggest in the business. Read more>>
Francesca Liguori
But in 2019, everything began to change.I began experiencing physical issues that, in 2020, led to a diagnosis of a chronic illness. It affected my gut and my whole system. Doctors told me I’d likely need to take medication for the rest of my life, and some of the worst-case scenarios were incredibly frightening. The medical path I was offered felt limiting and fear-based: long-term medication with serious side effects and no clear solution. Something in me said no — there had to be another way. Read more>>
Anne Yang
We often hear from customers that wearing one of our pieces is the quickest way to get a compliment, and that’s exactly what I strive for. My designs aren’t the kind you’ll find copies of everywhere. They don’t look mass-produced; they have a touch of imperfection, character, and individuality that gives them soul. Each piece is meant to feel unique and personal, like it was made just for you. I think that’s what truly sets my work apart. It celebrates your style rather than blending into the trends. Read more>>
Jennifer Gay Summers
The Santa Barbara Writers Conference was a wonderful, supportive community where I was given encouragement to publish my first essays. To this day, I value my writing mentors there and friendships I’ve made over the years. I began my career as a journalist, with news briefs for Whole Life Times magazine. From there, I branched into essays, contributing to Chicken Soup for the Soul and Conscious Women, Conscious Mothers anthologies. Read more>>
Aida Ohadi
That changed when my family moved to the U.S., and I finally gave myself permission to pursue art seriously. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Design from Cal State Long Beach, followed by a Master’s in Spatial Experience Design from ArtCenter College of Design. There, I delved into how storytelling, spatial design, and sensory experiences can be harnessed to create powerful, shared moments that bring people together. Read more>>
Michael
My business actually started because I crashed out of corporate America. I have always worked for small businesses, and for the past 12 years, the bulk of that time has been spent in the insurance field as an independent broker. One day corporate America came calling to recruit me, I was curious about it having never been in that world. After a grueling interview process that believe it or not dragged out across years, I got an offer. I decided it was an opportunity that I should at least explore because the company was well known and recognized in the industry and I figured I would at least learn a thing or two in the process. Read more>>
Julio Cesar
The journey was far from smooth. Entering such a competitive and demanding industry while trying to introduce a new perspective came with its own set of challenges. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors and people who believed in me—individuals who gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent when it mattered most. Read more>>
Cheryl Tarnofsky
I never considered owning a business but with the COVID-19 pandemic and finding myself in another toxic work environment, it was the opportune moment to make a change. Since 2021, I’ve hired and mentored over 10 therapists who are working on their hours towards licensure. I currently have a group of 6 associate therapists and administrative assistant on my team. We are located all over California and see our clients via telehealth. It’s the perfect balance for an introvert like myself, I get to hang out with my 3 cats and husband in our Studio City apartment while seeing clients from all over the state. Read more>>
Janet Bayramyan
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s what makes the work so meaningful. Like many therapists, my interest in mental health started with my own challenges—navigating trauma, cultural expectations, and the complexity of finding my voice in environments that didn’t always make space for emotional expression. Becoming a therapist meant doing my own deep healing while learning how to hold space for others. The journey included moments of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the emotional weight of witnessing others’ pain. But those struggles shaped my approach: one that’s rooted in empathy, resilience, and a deep respect for the courage it takes to heal. Every setback has reinforced why I do this work and made me more grounded in my purpose. Read more>>
Gabby Binion
I especially love event photography because it’s real and raw. The emotions people carry in those moments tend to linger—you can feel them through the image. As someone who’s neurodivergent, it’s sometimes hard for me to put into words how I feel about what I’ve experienced. But my camera speaks for me. It tells my story and the stories of the people I’m capturing. Read more>>
Jordan Ver Hoeve
I sit here today having a brain surgery in June of 2024 in hopes of relief, and although better, not as successful as we hoped and still suffer from finding a treatment. Its taught me a lot though and brought me perspective and opportunity I NEEDED. My view of life changed, for the better. Ive learned a lot. This could be a novel if I had the time, and so did the reader. But I sit here today more positive I’ve been in a while, with opportunity, still acting (a better actor after experiencing true trauma), working in financial services as well (a longtime passion of mine and getting to help people find security and peace of mind), and bringing my story to others. Hoping to use my experience, my hindsight, for their foresight. Read more>>
Joseph Silva
I relearned how to sing and now make all of my music and perform/ record all of my own music and release them on streaming platforms. I also recently started doing live performances at venues in LA, such as the Viper Room and The Oaks Tavern. I am now in a place that I feel so blessed to be in, where I can continue to sing and I also get to make the music I sing to. My goal in life is to always be growing and getting better at whatever it is I do. So I take pride in creating music that I want to share and that I know people will enjoy, and I know each song will be better than the last which excites me to see what I will come up with next. Read more>>
April Patterson
There have been challenges—especially health-related ones—that have shaped how I live, work, and care for others. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes during my last year of PT school. It’s an autoimmune disease that requires constant blood sugar monitoring and insulin dosing. It’s invisible but always running in the background. Studies say people with Type 1 make around 180 more health decisions a day than those without it. Read more>>
Edmond Andonian
At the age 20, I was unemployed, attending college and looking for a job. Our good friend hired me with no experience in the mortgage industry during 2001. I worked in mortgages and real estate for many years. The crash of 2007 started and a shift in that field ended it all by 2010/11. With tough times and not being experienced with my financials, I had lost it all from my home to business and much more in 2012. Not sure what to do during the loss of it all, a simple idea at my buddies home made me come up with an idea to open a barbershop in tarzana Ca. Read more>>
Coach Kee
The journey has been enriching, but far from smooth. In the early years, one of the biggest challenges was overcoming limited resources; we didn’t have a dedicated space, equipment, or funding. Yet, we were determined to provide high-quality training for every child who walked through our doors. As our program grew, we faced the challenge of educating families and communities about the importance of whole-child fitness, helping them understand that physical activity, emotional resilience, and social development all go hand in hand. Read more>>
Cathleen Trope
I grew up in a polo barn in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is because my mother used the 1970’s method of selecting a riding instructor for your child and called every barn in the phone book to see which was the cheapest! The winner was the Joy Farm Polo Club, where kids like myself hung on for dear life while elderly ex polo ponies did their very best to yeet us into the rafters. This gave me a lifelong love of polo and polo ponies. I started grooming in high school and could drive an 8 horse trailer, haul horses to the field and work a game by the time I was 18. Later on, I also gave riding lessons and owned a boarding barn in Wisconsin. Read more>>
Lexi Eidsen
In 2013, life led me to Germany, where I worked as an Au Pair and later as an English teacher at a bilingual kindergarten. After about 4 years, I was getting that feeling that it was time to move on from my current job. Not sure what to do as an American in Germany with no applicable degree, my mind started to wander back to my first passion: baking. I started experimenting more creatively in the kitchen and considered making it a career. Maybe I could be a baker in Germany! Unfortunately, becoming a baker in Germany required three additional years of culinary school—something I wasn’t ready to commit to after already doing 5 years of college. Read more>>
Isaac Zeeky Thompson
I’m Isaac Zeeky Thompson, the founder and CEO of StarHill Creatives. After spending considerable time in the creative sector, I took the leap to establish my own production company. The idea truly took shape when I partnered with Reynaldo Salazar, who brings a wealth of experience in technology, and I appointed him as the president of my company. Our vision is to craft stories and projects that resonate with dreamers, aiming to contribute positively to the world. Read more>>
Carolina Diaz
Balancing school, work, and being a mother of six has been one of my biggest challenges. There were times I doubted myself, questioned if I was doing the right thing, or felt completely overwhelmed juggling everything. Starting out solo in the beauty industry without a mentor or a ready-made clientele was intimidating. I had to learn how to market myself, build trust with clients, and grow my business from the ground up. Read more>>
Sharon Y Shaheed
After losing my father to depression, I found myself navigating the heavy fog of grief. That experience deepened my understanding of how vital emotional expression is, especially for children who may not yet have the words for their feelings. Instead of letting the loss swallow me, I turned it into a mission: to create a joyful, healing space where children could process their emotions through music. PPMS became that space. Read more>>
Judy Rosenberg
My specialty is healing childhood wounds, especially from narcissistic abuse. I created a mind map which is my E = MC squared system of healing. The Be The Cause Mind Map System gets to the root cause of psychopathology. The goal is to decode the past and recode the future. It is a journey from childhood wounds and their effects on the psyche through deconstructing them and paradigm shifting people into a new way of being and a new way of seeing. Read more>>
Connor MacIvor
The road’s been anything but smooth—more like a dirt track with potholes, but I’ve always believed challenges forge character. As an LAPD motor cop for 17 years, I faced high-stakes situations daily, from life-threatening calls to the mental toll of constant vigilance. Transitioning to real estate in 1998 while still on the force was grueling—balancing 80-hour weeks with learning the ropes of a competitive industry. Early on, I lost deals due to inexperience, but each failure taught me to listen harder and hustle smarter, building SantaClaritaOpenHouses.com into a trusted name. Read more>>
Wize Crack
My name is Wize Crack I’m an MC from Newark, NJ just like my name I have a whimsical sense of humor. Some would say my style is dark humor with some positive gems sprinkled over boom bap beats. I am a student of the golden era. I have songs with General Steele from Smif N Wesson, El Da Sensei, Thirstin Howl The 3rd, Tragedy Khadafi and others. I currently have an ep with DJ Priority called Letsllhavefun! I also have a video titled Rosalind dedicated to the memory of my mother Rosalind who passed away early this year. Read more>>
Kayla Brown
A mom working a normal 9-5 desk job and with a passion for events. Made the leap this last year and started Harper’s House Events. I focus on charcuterie and grazings tables, parties, weddings. Etc. Harper is my daughters middle name. Read more>>
Cherillyn Olivos
Before BeBalanced, my husband saw a functional medicine provider and learned he had a major gluten allergy which caused his bloating, fatigue, brain fog and other digestive issues. He then avoided certain trigger foods which helped but he still had flare ups occasionally. With BeBalanced, my husband completed a 4-week gut repair program which worked on repair the gut lining and inflammation. This was the missing link and it worked fast! Within weeks, he had a boost in energy, had no more brain fog, bloating, or other digestive issues. His confidence grew which helped our marriage. Read more>>
Joelle ( Peanut ) Logan
Growing up dancing, one of the biggest struggles I faced was constantly feeling like I was in competition with everyone around me. Dance can really affect your mindset! It’s easy to get caught up comparing yourself to others, questioning if you’re good enough, and letting outside opinions define your worth. Over time, I had to learn that the only person I should truly be in competition with is myself. Instead of worrying about what others thought of me, I had to shift my focus inward and work on being better than the dancer I was yesterday. That mindset shift has helped me grow not just in dance, but as a person. Read more>>
Andrea Lazarus
Every weekend, I was welding jewelry for people at different community events. People began to ask if I had a studio. That’s when the seed began to take root and grow. Once I realized how permanent jewelry and metalsmithing could come together, I started looking for a space to call my own. That’s how Love Links Studio came to be. We found our home in a 1,700-square-foot space in Westlake Village and opened the doors to something bigger. Now, we offer daily workshops, permanent jewelry, charm jewelry, and host private events. It’s a creative space that’s rooted in connection and unique experience. Read more>>
Jay Sehmbey
Even if you’re local, there are times sessions go too late or perhaps you party a bit too hard and it’s just safer to utilize our overnight options. Not only does it have the full facilities of a home, it was designed to be aesthetically pleasing which serves greatly for content creation: something many artists have to focus on nowadays. What makes us the most proud is retention. The majority of the people who have booked lengthy stays at the studio have done so again and told us that they don’t want to go to any other studio. Read more>>
Lora Innes
Making a webcomic was a hands-on crash course in storytelling. I had to keep an audience coming back, week in and week out, to read a story two pages at a time. Every update needed to advance the plot enough to be satisfying, while building to a cliffhanger exciting enough to keep a reader hooked for seven more days. The Dreamer fans were so upset by the death of a beloved character that I created a special mini-comic where he returned to say farewell from the afterlife. Read more>>
Sebastian
My wife Kellie shares that same love for food, but for her, it’s always been about people. She grew up in a big, welcoming family where the table was never too full, and hospitality came naturally. She also spent time abroad in underdeveloped communities, where she saw firsthand the impact of malnutrition and the lack of access to clean water. That experience shaped her deeply and gave her a lifelong passion to fight hunger and care for those in need. It also led her to pursue a degree in nutrition, wanting to better understand how food can truly nourish and heal. Read more>>
Andy Danish
To start off… I’m an LA based voice actor and also occasional comedy writer. I’ve been in voiceover for 16 years. As a voice actor, I’ve often felt that what made me unique was my absurd and silly sense of humor. I think that Groucho Marx’s quote “Whatever it is, I’m against it!”, and any Leslie Nielsen quote from the original Naked Gun, sums up a lot of my personality! Read more>>
KRYSTLE HRICZO
Through my offerings, I guide others in reconnecting with their inner wisdom and natural rhythm using powerful tools like sound healing, moon cycle alignment, energy work, breathwork, and intention-based rituals. My approach is intuitive, soulful, and deeply supportive — designed to help people shift from burnout and disconnection to clarity, healing, and wholeness. Read more>>
Anna Maria Folsom
Even as a kid, I was captivated by using the computer, and this fascination combined perfectly with my love for film. My love for photography, particularly understanding composition and visual storytelling, also significantly shaped my passion for video editing. There was just something really fascinating about piecing together visuals and sounds, transforming raw footage into a cohesive and compelling narrative. I honestly had a blast with it, constantly tinkering and trying out different software – starting with Windows Movie Maker and Vegas Pro, then moving on to Final Cut and Premiere Pro. Each new program felt like a new playground for my creativity and technical skills, allowing me to push boundaries and discover new ways to tell stories through moving images. Read more>>
Mireya Milan
My journey into fashion and modeling began through the world of cosplay. I was always drawn to powerful, iconic characters but what really captivated me was the artistry behind the looks. the styling, the silhouettes, the transformation. Cosplay gave me the confidence to experiment with fashion in bold, creative ways! blending fantasy with femininity and structure with sensuality. Over time, I found myself falling in love with the storytelling behind fashion. Whether I’m in a full superhero suit or lingerie with a playful twist, I treat each outfit like a character. what does she feel? Read more>>
Karen
Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time” and redundant enough with the phrase the Direct Sale Industry that cross my path was new to the US, just like me, its made to do as much as 22 kitchen appliances in 1, just like me wearing so many hats… and is the perfect way to entertain, cook to perfection and help to ease the chore and turn it in joy… so redundant as the phrase the opportunity to feed me for a life time… and yes that was music to my ears! The perfect match! Read more>>
CJ Wilson
We take in horses that are coming off the track — sometimes the same day their racing careers end — and we slowly transition them into life as riding horses. That means physical rehabilitation when needed, mental decompression, and careful, individualized training to prepare them for new homes and careers. Some become jumpers or dressage horses, some are happiest as trail partners — and others just want a person to love them. We meet each horse where they are and build a path forward. Read more>>
Kathy Gonzales
This passion ultimately led to the creation of Urban Artist Magazine—a digital publication dedicated to balance and self-expression, now in its second year! My goal is to uplift local artists and understand their creative journeys, exploring the motivations behind their work. After all, creativity fosters a sense of peace, joy, and mindfulness; this is why Urban Artist Magazine’s tagline is “Yoga for the Mind.” The magazine is a quarterly digital publication where I highlight the stories of various artists, including painters, photographers, illustrators, writers, and more. Read more>>
Savannah Van
During the two years he battled cancer, I didn’t touch music. It felt like creating without him would be a betrayal, like I was giving up on him and the band. He was just like another father figure for me. When he unfortunately passed away, everything changed. The music started pouring out of me again. It was a huge release of emotions that I had been holding in for so long. Read more>>
Richa Adhikari
Our journey began with a simple craving for the authentic flavors that we remember enjoying growing up in Nepal. It inspired us to create an unforgettable experience to share with our community right here in the heart of Ventura. Our success is 100% love form our community. They have shown appreciation to our story, and our food and we feel grateful for all the love they’ve supported us with. Read more>>
Genesis Ripley
eye’ve been writing since eye was young—it’s been many decades now—but it was always just for me. eye have a wondrous inner world bloomed from the seed eye had protected, even as eye survived this outer one. eye found myselves more and more drawn to—even compelled in—becoming and living the spaciousness and beauty that eye had protected inside. while also—and with equal potency—honoring the spacious sacredness of others: their lives, their myths, the constellations of who they are, as they are. Read more>>
Amanda Janssen
I’ve always been someone that thrives on creativity and connection in my professional and personal life. Whether I was captivating my friends by telling a funny story at a party, or giving a presentation in class about anything under the sun, the ability to connect with an audience has always felt natural and invigorating. Losing my mom unexpectedly last year reshaped my perspective on everything. It made me realize that life is too short to ignore what makes you feel alive. For me, that’s performing, storytelling, and finding ways to make people feel at least a little better after spending time with me. Read more>>
Colin Chung
Well, I do sometimes. Depends on the vibe. You can definitely see how that influenced my performance style, though. My main goal is magic isn’t to make myself better than you or anything, which is honestly a problem with magicians sometimes. I just want to surprise people with banger magic so that everyone has a fun time. That doesn’t change. I always keep this in mind, and it applies whether I’m performing for kids in line at Disney or for a bunch of corporate guys. Well, working a corporate job in the day helps with that one, but you know. Read more>>
Paulette Lifton
Those early years were scary. I couch-surfed. I sold cosmetics door-to-door even though I was painfully shy. I lied about my age to get jobs (I still lie about it—just in the other direction now!). But a moment that sticks with me is meeting a man at a party who gave me a piece of life-changing advice: “Act as if, and the feelings will follow.” That mindset—faking confidence until it became real—has guided me ever since. Read more>>
Cindy Lainez
I’m so grateful to the people in the industry who took the time to answer my questions or offer a bit of guidance — that support meant (and still means) the world to me. My first space wasn’t anything fancy, and I didn’t have much money to invest, but I was determined to make it work. I didn’t have a big budget or fancy equipment — just a lot of passion and determination. I also had to learn how to be a business owner while still figuring out my own style and confidence as an esthetician. I truly believed in my vision, and even though it was tough, I knew I was building something special. Read more>>
Noam Greenbaum
I knew I wanted to build a startup practice from scratch so it could be 100% authentic me. I wanted to build it close to home too, so that I can treat my own community’s kids. I love being able to see the kids in my practice out and about either at the park or at my daughter’s school for example. It just makes me feel like I’m making a difference in my own community which I really love. When I am not at work, I love staying active by running long distances, hanging with my wife and daughters, and going to the beach. Any opportunity to be on the beach, I am there! Read more>>
Charlotte de Mita
Throughout my life, music has always been a source of comfort, whether I’m singing, songwriting, or simply listening. I’ve always been interested in music’s ability to help us process emotions and feel seen. Beyond performing, I also love watching others perform; there’s something so powerful about seeing others share their truth on stage. That feeling of connection, of building community through music, is what keeps me inspired. Read more>>
Alexis Saray Cabrera
A year into that role, I was introduced to the 0–5 program, and that was truly a turning point. In this role, I now work with children from birth to age five or six and their families, especially after trauma has affected their bond or development. Using the Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) model, we focus on healing through early intervention—strengthening attachment, building trust, and supporting emotional growth. Watching families rebuild their connection and resilience is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Read more>>
Janessa Jacobellis
I never went into this thinking it would turn into anything more than just a fun evening to meet new people. After the first event, word got around and there were so many requests to host another event that I quickly had to navigate logistics on how to do that. Thankfully, I have a great relationship with the event director at Sherwood Country Club (where the events have been hosted at) so having someone to bounce ideas off of has been so helpful! Read more>>
Mallory and Rikki Ladenheim
One of our biggest challenges is navigating this job in the age of social media. Setting and managing realistic expectations, especially in the age of social media. Instagram and Pinterest are great for inspiration, but they often showcase events that are highly curated, heavy edited, or backed by an unlimited budget. That can lead to clients coming in with expectations that may not align with their actual budget or logistical realities. A big part of our job is to educate and guide our clients through what’s possibl and what’s practical. We want to create something beautiful, meaningful, and personal, but also stay true to the financial boundaries we’ve set together. The balance between the dream and reality is where the real challenge sometimes lies . Read more>>
Kaloust Guedel
I am best known for founding the Excessivism movement, which critiques material excess and consumer culture, and for pioneering the use of vinyl as a painting medium. My work merges conceptual depth with visual impact, challenging perceptions and sparking dialogue about contemporary issues. An important milestone in my career was developing the Excessivist Manifesto and curating the inaugural Excessivist Initiative exhibition, which gained international recognition. What sets me apart is my commitment to breaking conventions and creating art that is both visually compelling and intellectually engaging. Read more>>
Darlene Trevino
In 2020, I realized a dream by opening Trevino Law Firm, where I strive to serve and uplift my community. As a mother of three, I understand the importance of family, and it motivates me to give back and connect with others. In my journey, I’ve learned that perseverance and compassion are powerful tools. Balancing my career, family, and community involvement is not always easy. Still, it’s a rewarding endeavor that reminds me that with hard work, hope, and a commitment to helping others, we can turn our trials into triumphs. Read more>>
