We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.
Chris Bredesen
The day starts with a energy filled 4 year old boy waking my wife and I up around 7am. Every. Single. Day. He then helps us wake up our 1 year old girl and we begin the process. After the kids are taken care of I normally begin my day by handling issues that occurred from the night before at all the restaurants. Read more>>
Dr. John Galaska
I am a newly wed at 78. Wow! My wife passed in May of 2019 after 47 years of marriage and my life has burst with new found love. since. Mary and I met dancing and were married in a flash mob pop-up wedding behind the arcade at the poppy fountain in downtown Ojai. It made the papers. Read more>>
Blair Woods
Right now I am honestly busier than I’ve ever been, but I am so grateful. I am in sessions every week, on set every other week, and really just working on building the music up more than ever before. Read more>>
Nick Audy
“What’s a normal day look like for me?” A normal day starts at 6am, when my kids are already wide awake and ready to take on the world one pancake at a time. We all head down for breakfast, and once the chaos settles, I get myself ready for the studio. By 8am, I’m walking the 300 yards down to the studio. Read more>>
haylee wood
As long as I’m not traveling for shows, everyday I am in my studio working on music or music related stuff. I try not to pressure myself to create every single day but I do make myself get up, get dressed and drive to my studio. Even if I’m just filling out paper work at my desk. Read more>>
Denna
Busy. Very busy. Outside of being a brand owner of QOD, I am a personal trainer and work for a marketing firm. My days start early and end late. Read more>>
Karla Roble
My day begins quite early—usually around 5 a.m.—often with a quiet moment of inspiration: a sketchbook open, a fabric swatch in hand, maybe a few notes from a midnight idea I had the night before. Just kidding! Well, except for the early start part. Read more>>
Uday Singh
A normal day for Uday Singh right now is full of giggles, curiosity, and discovery. As a 1-year-old, he starts his mornings with bright eyes and boundless energy. After a warm cuddle session, he enjoys his breakfast and then jumps into playtime—whether it’s flipping through picture books, stacking blocks, or dancing to music (he loves a good beat!). Read more>>
JaiNishia Njie
My typical day changes, but the foundation of my routine remains the same. I wake up, grab the dog head downstairs for breakfast and coffee. Read more>>
Corinne Fry-Rich
So I have the most amazing group of girlfriends and we are known in town and amongst each other as the Good Vibe Tribe. We are a group of women that are not only creative , but we are all silly and quirky in our own way. Read more>>
Thomas Coston
People around me have influenced me the most. My mother’s father was called ‘Chano’ and she had the beautiful maiden name Villagrana. He passed when I was a young boy but in my visits with him he impressed me so much. Read more>>
Johnene Breaux
My relationship with God has most shaped how I see myself. He is my source, my strength, and my constant reminder of who I am—especially in moments of doubt. When the world feels uncertain or when I start to question my path, I always come back to the truth of who I am through Him. Read more>>
Joe Suzuki
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I got to create a special edition ANP (Artist Network Program) with RVCA. Growing up, I was always inspired by how they’d put the artist’s name on the inside tag of their t-shirts. Read more>>
Seth Dunlap
When I was younger, I felt pretty lost. I was homeschooled, and I never really paid much attention to my studies. That left me feeling like I wasn’t smart enough or adequate enough to go to school, and for a while I carried that weight. Things started to change when I got my first job at Chick-fil-A at 17. Read more>>
Justina Biosah
The moment i realised i was talented. I feel like talent is such a powerful gift. You have the ability to make someone feel something, whether that’s through a scene in a movie, TV show or on the stage. Or in a song, dance or some type of movement. Its art and art makes people feel different types of emotions. Read more>>
Christopher Soriano-Palma
I think this is an odd question, at least for my case. My first thought was acting in my high school plays. I was a theater kid and discovered myself singing and acting onstage. I felt the same way when I discovered writing poetry, which led to me choosing a writing career against all other financially reasonable options. Read more>>\
Jen Baron
The minute I discovered the band Hole. Watching Courtney Love was like power through osmosis. Her give no fucks confidence. Her sheer force on stage. Her naming the things I felt but didn’t have names for. She made me want to pick up a guitar and turn my journal entires into songs. Read more>>
Francésca DeCoster
My first memory from a time in my life that I felt powerful was when I was twelve years old in choir and I found the confidence to audition for show choir. Growing up I had zero confidence and I was so anxious but I really wanted to be up front performing and shining on stage. Read more>>
David Michael Celia
I definitely strive to stay humble and not overpower any situation, but I may say… growing up, I spent most of my young musical life playing drums. I remember a time in 6th grade, my brother (he played guitar) and I performed at a school talent show. Being the drummer up on stage and having the auditorium cheer me on, that was a powerful feeling.Read more>>
Gowtham Namasivayam
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I made a birthday video for my mom. I didn’t have fancy tools, just basic editing software and a lot of heart but seeing her reaction when she watched it made me realize how something I created could move someone deeply. Read more>>
Stephanie Nogueras
I vividly remember feeling powerful around the age of eight, when I began my ballet journey. That feeling intensified when I performed on stage, in front of the audience, along with the other young dancers. Looking back at a photo from that time, I can see the pride radiating from me – I felt the most powerful among all those little girls. Read more>>
Khaliel Abdelrahim
One of my earliest projects was an independent web-series called Black Spider-Man. The premise being the world discovers Spider-Man’s secret identity and come to find out, he’s black! I got together with a few friends of mine and worked tirelessly in order to complete the series. Once it was finished, and having that experience under my belt – I felt unstoppable! Read more>>
Vicky Pasion
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was during a talent contest in primary school called “Mufty Day.” Instead of wearing school uniforms, we all got to dress up in our own clothes and everyone brought treats to share. My friends danced, told jokes, and showed off their talents – mine was singing. Read more>>
Dassah Mariee
My earliest memory feeling powerful would have to be the moment I stopped caring what people thought about me. I started wearing wigs at the age of 15. It was a way to express myself. I played with different styles, lengths and colors. A lot of my peers my age didn’t understand, but it wasn’t for them to understand. Read more>>
LINDSAY ANASTASIO
I was barely eighteen, living on Long Island, and completely lost. On the outside, I was doing what teenagers do—partying, attending community college, waitressing. But inside, I was a hot mess with no direction, heading down a really dangerous path. I felt hopeless, like I was drowning in my own life. Read more>>
Gina DeBaca
Dance has always been empowering. I am in control of My Body’s movements. I can create stories with the Dance. Read more>>
ACE BLIZZY
Doing things my way. Read more>>
Mr. Joshua Zatarain
The only thing I will regret not doing is more of what I love. Read more>>
Leah Faust
Investing in health – there are all different levels of what optimizing health can be. The spectrum in my mind goes from biohackers to simple people doing just the basics. There are times I spend more on fun therapies like hyperbaric oxygen, ice baths, red light, weight training classes, etc. Read more>>
Josiah Bruny
The cultural value I protect at all costs is community. For me, community means lifting as we climb, creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported, no matter their background. I grew up understanding what it felt like to be left out or written off, and I promised myself I’d never let the people around me feel that way if I could help it. Read more>>
Bossi
The cultural values I protect at all costs are female autonomy and the arts. Right now, we’re watching society close in on women — threatening the progress of the last fifty years, from bodily autonomy to hard-won advancements in the workplace as DEI initiatives are rolled back. At the same time, we’re also seeing the erosion of value placed on artists. Read more>>
Hamad Ali
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the authenticity of our stories. Working in the film industry, I have seen how the Middle East, Asia, and especially the Arab world have often been portrayed in narrow or stereotypical ways. I work hard to show that our region has so much more to offer. Read more>>
Grayce McCormick
Radical inclusion, with genuine curiosity and compassion. I’ve lived in major cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Scottsdale, and spent time in quiet, spiritual, artistic communities like Fairfield, Iowa, and of course, Topanga, CA. My hometown roots are in Milwaukee. I’ve traveled to nearly all 50 U.S. states and across Europe and South America. Read more>>
Laura Roberts / Nana Oldach
One of the most surprising things we’ve learned about our customers at Hearts at Home is how deeply personal the process of creating a safe, supportive living environment can be. We expected clients to focus primarily on the practical aspects—grab bars, ramps, accessible layouts—but what surprises us time and again is how much emotion is tied to these decisions. Read more>>
Hardy Vibert
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers at PHH Hospitality is how deeply they value genuine, long-term relationships over fleeting experiences. While nightlife is often seen as a fast-paced, transactional industry, I’ve found that clients, especially high-profile ones, crave consistent, personalized service that makes them feel truly valued. Read more>>
Bridgitte Jackson-Buckley
In April of 2020 I made the decision to start pulling back from my career as a musician and dedicate time to helping run Hey Brother Baker. I did my best to continue virtual lessons, and eventually return to the classroom, and it became a struggle to balance the two different areas of my life. Read more>>
Christina Wilson
In April of 2020 I made the decision to start pulling back from my career as a musician and dedicate time to helping run Hey Brother Baker. I did my best to continue virtual lessons, and eventually return to the classroom, and it became a struggle to balance the two different areas of my life. Read more>>
Darryn Harris
The last time I changed my mind about something important was when I decided to leave Washington, D.C. After serving as a Chief of Staff in Congress, I had been at the center of history — from the Affordable Care Act, to two presidential impeachments, the COVID-19 pandemic, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and even an insurrection. Read more>>
Colleen Winfough
In the past three months, I made a commitment to stop making excuses. I’m submitting my best work—nothing less—and making the time to get things done, no matter what. Read more>>
John Swee
At the height of COVID in 2020, my family and I were called to leave everything we knew and relocate across the country. We had lived in Minnesota for the last 15 years and I had just been named one of the top 10 commercial photographers in the Twin Cities for 2021. Read more>>
Brandon Black
The last time I felt true joy was at my son’s 2nd birthday party. Looking at him enjoy his friends, pizza and cupcakes made whatever sacrifices I had to make getting to that moment was all worth it! Read more>>
Nadia Sessen
The Forest calls me, the trees speak, the earth holds my body and soul. My heart soars, and the day transforms into night, where I am lead to the studio. The speakers on either side of the central computer, a microphone awaits, a tapestry under my toes that invokes both sensuality and prayer. Read more>>
Geoff Gallegos
Although I strive to highlight joy on a daily basis, I will share a moment from June of 2025. During a rehearsal for Kamasi Washington’s performance at the new LACMA Geffen Galleries, I was listening to ‘Band 5’ play through the music. Read more>>
Alfonso Martinez
I’m constantly learning from the people and experiences around me. Every shoot teaches me something. Whether it’s something I liked or something I know I’d approach differently next time, I always carry those lessons into the next project so I can keep improving. I also love learning from other photographers. Read more>>
TK Richardson
Right now it’s “self”. This whole journey called life where making mistakes and observing the world around me is where I continue to learn. It’s teaching more about taking control of what is it I want in life and constantly learning how to be the best version of myself. Read more>>
Kyrian Corona
I just received my certification in Google A.I. Essentials on the Coursera platform. Not really a who – more of a what – unless A.I. is becoming human. Read more>>
Joseline Mejia
In this season of my life, I’m learning from my kids. I’m learning to have a balance, hearing them out, seeing them for who they are, cherishing their independence, and the person they are becoming. I’m learning to undo a lot of learned parenting from previous generations and to trust my gut when it comes to guidance and parenting. Read more>>
Nancy Brimhall
My closest friend for decades. She lives back east and had a very successful career as an attorney. Married the love of her life, had a child she adored, a beautiful shimmering life by a golden pond, and life looked pretty magnificent to anyone outside looking in. Read more>>
Tanya Edwards
Who am I learning from right now? Right now, I am learning from me, both the woman I am becoming and the woman I have always been. For years, parts of me were quieted under the weight of being a mother, a wife, an entrepreneur, a coach, and a confidant. Read more>>
Jaclyn Eve
Hola! Como estas? Me llama es Jaclyn Eve. I am a local LA wardrobe stylist with 13 years of experience and a background in fashion design. As some may describe, I play dress up with models and celebrities for any type of advertising usage. I also have an accessory brand. All products are handmade from sustainable luxury fabrications. Read more>>
Yorkson Liu
Yes—I remember it clearly. It was during a time of deep uncertainty, right after I graduated. I had been studying sound design, and I knew I was good at it. I had poured myself into it. As graduation neared, I faced a hard reality: the job market. A few post-production houses were offering me mix tech. Read more>>
Roozbeh Farahanipour
Yes, I have stood up for others, even when it cost me everything. In 1999, I was not only a journalist but also one of the leaders of the student uprising in Tehran. We were demanding freedom, democracy, and dignity for our people. The regime responded with brutality. I was arrested, tortured, and sentenced to execution. Read more>>
Kelly Galindo
As the director and producer of 26 Seconds: ISIS Sex Slaves and the 26 Seconds USA Docu-Series, I’ve made it my mission to spotlight the horrid experiences of those who’ve endured unimaginable trauma. This work hasn’t been easy—there are emotional, financial, and even safety-related costs that come with documenting such sensitive and dangerous subject matter. But I believe amplifying these voices is worth everything. Read more>>
Oguz Kutman
Same things as I am trying to build now. Read more>>
Traci Thomas
My family, my friends, my community, my beliefs, my opinions, and of course myself. I am so much more than my job and my things. I would hate my life if that weren’t true. Read more>>
TINTIN BUI
At Bui Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge, our customers are more than just clients; they are integral members of our extended family. We take pride in sharing the intricate details of our lives, confiding in one another about our deepest secrets, significant achievements, and the challenges we face together. This bond extends beyond beauty services, as we foster a supportive community that celebrates each milestone. Read more>>
Noe Martinez
They’d miss the full experience — not just the churros, but the craft, the conversations, and the connections. They’d miss getting to customize their own churro, joke around with us, ask questions, and hear the stories behind what we do. Read more>>
dery
the nyc air – even though it can be pretty gross, there’s a scent that always feels like home Read more>>
Jessie Santiago
Almost everything. And I don’t say that with bitterness. I just know my work doesn’t fit into a neat category. What I do is hard to explain because most people haven’t seen anything like it before. Like most niche things, it can seem strange to some and deeply resonant to others. Some think I do hair with a spiritual twist. Read more>>
Mikki Nguyen
That it’s “just pet sitting.” That anyone can do it, no training, no emotional labor—just walk some dogs, scoop some litter, and chill. People forget we’re not just looking after animals—we’re stepping into people’s homes, their routines, their families. We’re managing medical care, behavior issues, separation anxiety, and trust—both from the pets and their humans. Another big lie? That passion alone is enough. Read more>>
Marina Lang
A normal day for me is a mix of creativity, discipline, and grounding rituals. I usually start my mornings with spiritual practice — chanting or meditation — which sets the tone for my day. From there, my schedule can shift depending on what I’m working on: some days are filled with writing, producing, or audition prep, while others are about managing collaborations and creative projects. Read more>>
Armin Nasseri
I used to believe that hard work always guaranteed success. I thought that if I just put in the hours, stayed disciplined and pushed through, things would eventually fall into place. But I’ve come to learn that it’s not that simple. Hard work is important. It builds character, skills and perseverance, but it doesn’t shield you from setbacks. Read more>>
Roman Anthony Pantaleion
In the immortal words if Malcom X, ‘If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.’ I wholeheartedly agree. I stand up for people daily. As a double marginalised person I know what it’s like to be treated unfairly or to have less opportunities than others and having to work 100 times harder in order to get half. Read more>>
kaya landingin
As a 31-year-old millennial senior in Studio Art at CSULB, navigating life on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum, I’m currently facing a painful reality: younger Gen Z students have been bullying me mocking my age, my neurodivergence, and the very differences that define who I am. Read more>>
Alexis Chavez
I think people struggle with being real and true to themselves. I think there’s a difference between reading the room and code switching vs straight up being performative and changing up who you are depending on who you’re around. I think people will really show you who they are when you have no power and can’t offer them anything. Read more>>
Dr Sara Safari
I think many people are secretly struggling with the pressure to always look good or have it all together. But the price they end up paying is authenticity, losing touch with their true self. Deep down, most of us just want the freedom to be real without judgment. Read more>>
Mark Vidano
Here’s something I believe that not everyone agrees with: ‘Do whatever lights up your soul.’ This is my wife’s mantra as a life counselor. Put differently ‘You can do whatever you want in life’….Truly. Great as a motivational poster, but hard to actually put into practice because outside influencers will tell you to be realistic, stay in your lane, or wait for permission. Read more>>
Alexis Burgess
It’s ok for kids not to go to school. There are other ways to flourish. Kids need connection, adults who care about them, and access to opportunities for learning and doing. They can be so much wiser than we are about what, when, and how to learn. I don’t think autonomy is a panacea for the ills of traditional schooling. Read more>>
Angelique Myrick
I’m no expert, but I hope people see me as someone who stands by my truths and values. Isn’t that what it’s really about—living them and giving them a voice? My truth is to respect the opinions of others. We’re living in strange and often heavy times, and my heart aches whenever I witness human suffering. Read more>>
Jay Linzy
Since I was young, I was always told that the path to success was simple: go to college, get a good job, climb the corporate ladder, and eventually retire. But every job I had left me unfulfilled. Read more>>
Alexis Kimberly
I’ve felt most loved when those around me see my potential and support me with my goals in life. A lot of creatives face imposter syndrome and self doubt, even when there’s a part of them deep down that believes they’re meant to follow their dream. It’s very easy to get caught up with the negative thoughts that swarm your brain. Read more>>
Jamie Wozny
When it was dark and I was afraid I remember as a child always imagining the other part of the world that had the sun at the moment. In my mind, they were awake, having meals at markets, laughing. I never felt alone knowing that even though it was night or dark for me there was sunny, awake Life happening. Read more>>
Douglas Donehoo
I hope I’m wrong, but I surmise from my sense of the world, that too many smart people are focused on their own wealth accumulation, power, and destiny. I would hope more smart people become less selfish and focus more on the planet, the habitat, and the planet’s health. Read more>>
Waide Riddle
Former Senator John Lewis, former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, James Baldwin, Harvey Milk, Maya Angelou and Jane Elliott. Read more>>
Luis Izaguirre
My fiancée’s. She doesn’t just support me, she challenges me, grounds me, and reminds me why I started this project. Her perspective helps me see beyond my own intensity, and her belief in me is often the reason I keep going when I feel like folding. Her ideas aren’t always loud, but they’re steady. Read more>>
Caroline M Diamond
Of course!! Not only am I professional and great at what I do, I am also very keen on making people feel at ease. I believe we end up with the greatest product when everyone is respected, joyous and meeting their creative potential. I have positive and encouraging energy that helps the space find its highest frequency. Read more>>
Johanna Yukiko Haneda
For a long time, I had forgotten what true joy felt like, especially after losing my beloved Chihuahua. Even before that, joy often felt distant. The loss of my Chihuahua deepened my stress into trauma, which began to take a toll on my body. I experienced weight gain, hair loss, hip pain, and arthritis in my hands. Read more>>
Alina Nastase
If immortality were real, I would build a sanctuary of remembrance — a place where art, music, cinema, and healing come together to remind humanity of who we truly are. I would create timeless films, songs, and experiences that outlive trends and touch the soul across generations. Read more>>
Morvarid Reyes Talebzadeh
There is a truth so deeply woven into the fabric of my being that I rarely feel the need to articulate it—it simply [is]. It stems from my Bahá’í faith: the conviction that “all of humanity is one single race, and that we are all leaves of one tree and drops of one ocean.” Light is the first language. Read more>>
