Inspiring Stories from DTLA

The heart of our mission at VoyageLA is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our city. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some of the LA’s finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with our city’s incredibly deep talent pool.  Check out LdoetzerA’s rising stars below.

Maurico

I’m Maurico—an independent hip-hop artist on a mission to make music that motivates, heals, and inspires. Every song I create comes from real experiences, faith, and the desire to help people become their best selves. Through my Better Music, Better Life movement, I’m building more than a brand—I’m creating a lifestyle. Read more>>

Jeany Kim

My journey into the world of flowers began when I was young, though it wasn’t a straight path. My father didn’t see being a florist as a viable career, so I went on to study Psychology in college. Even so, my curiosity about flowers never really went away — it was always there, quietly pulling at me. Read more>>

Debra Vodhanel

I am an artist, a non-objective intuitive painter. So long ago, I think before I learned how to read, I had an immense curiosity about what I could do with colors and shapes. It began with a simple but powerful desire to understand things, make things better, to change things, to make something worth something. Read more>>

Tanisha Davis

Absolutely. My journey started with a love for storytelling and a desire to amplify voices that often go unheard. What began as a passion for writing evolved into creating platforms and opportunities for others to share their truths. Over time, I’ve grown through experience, resilience, and faith, turning challenges into fuel for my purpose. Read more>>

Farid Yaghoubtil

I didn’t come into law through a traditional path. I grew up helping my parents run a small business, often acting as their translator and problem-solver from a young age. I saw the gaps in the system that left people vulnerable, especially those who didn’t speak the language or know their rights. That experience lit a fire in me. Read more>>

Curtis Stokes

Cool fact: The only job I’ve ever had working for anyone besides myself was back in the 90’s while I was in high school – I worked at Universal Studios, airbrushing t-shirts. Read more>>

Shane Skaar

I started Streignth when I was 18 at UW-La Crosse. What began as a small fitness brand turned into a movement about self-mastery and helping others become the best version of themselves. I went quiet the last few months to write my book Scars to Strength — it’s everything I’ve lived through and learned. Read more>>

James Faulkner

My background is in the entertainment industry, where I worked for 40+ years as a Graphic Designer. Beginning as a print designer, creating album covers and movie one-sheets. In the mid-90s I won 2 Emmys for my work in TV. With the onset of COVID, my TV career ended in 2020. Since 2020, I have been working as a Collage Artist. Read more>>

Ser Baffo

How did I get my start? In 2017, I was given the opportunity by Director Ava DuVernay to provide photography coverage for Jay-Z’s short form video “Family Feud.” After completing the assignment, I received some invaluable advice on how to turn this passion into a full-fledged career and the rest, as they say, is history. Read more>>

Sami EL Khattabi

I started my path as an architect, drawn to the idea of shaping spaces that connect people to their environment. But over time, I began to feel limited by how slow and rigid that world could be. I wanted a more direct, tactile way to explore ideas, so I began making furniture as an outlet. Read more>>

Sherif Rayes

Like A Boss Coffee has been around since 2006. I took over the business after the previous owner, Patrick, retired. I wanted to continue what he had successfully built while also adding my own touch by introducing a few new drinks options and expanding our menu. Read more>>

Kelli Goodman

My journey started a few year ago in 2019 at the Drew League in South Central. I have been involved in sports, specifically basketball my entire life and I’m still around it and play almost every day currently. Read more>>

Adrionna Bland

I was raised in Inglewood, California, where I discovered my passion for dance and entertainment at an early age. Whether dancing, singing, acting, or modeling, I was always drawn to performing. Read more>>

Jen Christo

I can still remember sitting on my childhood bedroom floor surrounded by torn out magazine pages; fashion spreads, celebrity features, catalog clippings, and bits of phrases that I’d turn into collages. Those images felt like portals into another world, and I was fascinated by what might be happening behind the scenes of a photoshoot. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a more critical eye. Read more>>

Devens Klailee

I got started as a fan of Pokémon at a young age and eventually picked up Pokemon Go again when i moved here to Los Angeles and eventually picked back up the Trading Cards and decided to start working in the Pokemon niche with CaliPokeHouse where I would create fun and educational content, my second video i made hit 2 million and i just kept running with it to now having hundreds of millions of views making fun videos about the game i grew up loving. Read more>>

Brandie Cross

Dr. Brandie Makeba Cross, Ph.D. My journey began in science, but it’s always been rooted in culture, curiosity, and liberation. I earned my Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where I studied intracellular calcium signaling in models of lactation and breast cancer. Read more>>

Shelby Williams-González

I’ve spent my entire professional life working in service of others—specifically young people in Los Angeles who deserve access to creativity, safety, and possibility. My career started, quite literally, in the classroom and on the dance floor. Read more>>

Dana Chann & Gary Wong

We are a husband and wife team who started a nutz company by accident during the pandemic in 2021. While Dana was doing Mobile Notary work one day, she took a sample of the honey walnuts that is made by our parents and gave it to a client. Originally, the client states she didn’t want to try it as walnuts are hard for her. Read more>>

Jay Davis

I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people and finding creative ways to tell their meaningful stories. My career began in customer-focused roles, from working as a barista to working in the beauty industry for Lancôme, Sisley and Kiehl’s. Those experiences taught me the value of communication, attention to detail, and creating memorable experiences for others. Read more>>

MIGUEL OSUNA

I became interested in oil painting as a child at the encouragement and teaching of one of my aunts. That was my first ‘formal’ experience in making art and I was probably 10. It took me 40 years to finally make it my full time job. In the between, I drew in school, doodled at home, and in general kept at it when opportunity came. Read more>>

Aaron Chapman

Started out at Ronny Sax blues jams at LA/Orange County area where I met Benton Asbury/ bass player. Benton was already playing with Dr. Toots big band. From there the band 3rd Degree Blues was formed with the purpose of playing traditional blues music. We played at clubs and festivals with different artists in the Southern California area and beyond. Read more>>

Cressada Mayhew

I was born in Boston and was raised there as well as Florida. Once I was old enough, I began to relocate to other cities like New York and Atlanta. Throughout all of my endeavors a few things remained the same… No matter where I went, I was able to shine in any environment. Read more>>

Nathan Kim

Hello, my name is Nathan Kim. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. At the age of 24, I moved to the United States and spent many years in Colorado, adjusting to a completely new environment. While working different jobs and learning English, I happened to design a few T-shirts that received a surprisingly positive response. Read more>>

Teresa Busby

I’m Teresa Busby, and I’m proud to call Sumner, MS, my home. I am a devoted mother of three, though I’ve faced the unimaginable pain of losing my son in a tragic train accident on July 1, 2008. His life was cut short due to circumstances beyond his control, involving the actions of his stepmother’s brother, who was under the influence of drugs. Read more>>

Michael Matsuda

Let me provide some personal info, then I will add the museum’s info from the website: I began the museum in 1999. It was never my dream to start a museum, I simply wanted to preserve history. But like Walt Disney who created Disney because of visiting a run down park with his kids, the Martial Arts History Museum became my dream. Read more>>

Stan Edmondson

I’ve spent my entire life in the visual arts. My father wasLeonard Edmondson, a successful mid-century artist in Los Angeles. I was inspired and mentored by ceramic luminaries such as Peter Voulkos, Ynez Johnston, Paul Soldner, Michael Frimkiss, and John Mason. Ignited by their magnetic work I had the freedom at a young age to pursue a vision that matched my aesthetic interests. Read more>>

Nicole Younesi

My journey at & with Noell began in 2007, before I graduated college at FIDM. My interest in fashion & styling developed even more while taking courses there, & because my parents own Noell I had the privilege of learning more about the industry by working there and being hands-on with sales, & styling. Read more>>

Ian Blackburn

Ian Blackburn, CSW, Educator and Event Producer Ian Blackburn discovered the wine industry while visiting the Napa Valley as a College Student at Cal Poly Pomona. As an organizer, Ian’s involvement with the AIWF (American Institute of Wine and Food) resulted in a special meeting with Margaret and Robert Mondavi. Read more>>

Kofi Dodi

I actually started with photography back in high school. I was the one shooting for the yearbook just capturing classmates, school events, whatever moments felt real. That’s where I first learned how much a single photo could say about a person or a story. Read more>>

Mike Lira

Music has always been a part of me, as I’m sure like with most people, but just listening to it wasn’t enough. I wanted to play and create it from a young age. Wasn’t until I was 14 when a friend taught me the bass one day. My life was forever changed. Read more>>

Danny Whacko

I’m an artist from Lexington, Kentucky. As a teenager I moved to Augusta, Georgia for a bit and thats were I found my love for music. Been making music since 2016 when I was in high school. Me and the homies would freestyle for laughs and giggles. We swore that we were the next OFWGKTA as they were our inspiration. Read more>>

Karine Sho-Time Thornton

Karine “Sho-Time” Thornton began his journey in the DVD era, long before social media became a real platform for exposure. With a camera in hand, he was outside documenting the raw essence of hip-hop culture—battle rap, cyphers, underground showcases, neighborhood legends, and rising talent. He was in the rooms before they became rooms. Read more>>

Victoria Wirsing

I’ve always been naturally organized and found that creating order was not only a stress reliever but also a way to bring more balance and efficiency into everyday life. After spending three years in the corporate world, I realized my true passion was helping others experience that same sense of calm and productivity in their own homes. Read more>>

Ewa Marais

Baltic Sands Inc . started as one of the first development companies in Joshua Tree area 10 years ago . Most of our homes are off grid and environmentally conscious. We provide for luxury Airbnb market and individuals who seek upmarket weekend homes . All our projects are sold turnkey Read more>>

Rachael Venema

My journey as a photographer began with a deep desire to preserve the moments that matter most: the quiet glances, the laughter, the stories that make us who we are. Over the years, my camera became more than a tool for capturing images; it became a way to help people see themselves differently. Read more>>

Dashawn DeBose

I have always been a cinephile and an art enthusiasts from an early age, participating in art clubs and societies from the age of eight with work exhibited in competitions. I developed a strong knack for writing in particular at the age of nine, when the Florida state writing assessment prompted educators to center fourth grade education on writing skills. Read more>>

Lauren Petty

Born and raised in Point Pleasant New Jersey I enjoyed the beach and a small town life as a child. I started modeling and acting at 5 years old and spent countless car trips into NYC where my days were spent mostly with my dad pounding the pavement to bookings and auditions. Read more>>

Roy Vessil

Born and raised in California, I always knew I would end up in the arts, in whatever capacity that may be. There was an overstimulation of art and cultures from both my parents, so naturally when I said that I wanted to go to art school they were excited and supportive. Read more>>

Sukey Camacho

I just believe in myself, and walk through my own big dreams under the Divine Grace of God. Read more>>

Rhea Hu

Ever since I was a child, I have been doodling on any surface within reach. At fifteen, I published my first illustrated book with Shanghai Fine Arts Publishing, a fantasy story about a girl and her imaginary monster friend. It came from the loneliness of moving away from home and the need to invent a world of my own. Read more>>

Patty Lopez

My journey in politics began with a desire to improve my community in San Fernando, where I’ve lived for over 35 years. My initial involvement was through volunteer work and local government roles, which allowed me to connect with my neighbors and better understand their needs. Read more>>

Ashley Monzon

Proud Latina born and raised in Chicago, I moved out to LA when I was 19 years old. I originally moved for fashion school and I did indeed pursue that. After that I continued school at ASU still while hustling and bustling trying to make it in LA working up to 4 jobs at a time until I landed a full time in fashion e-commerce. Read more>>

Shadia Rezk

I started having an interest in the hair industry when I was in 9th-10th grade. I had 2 neighbors that were hairstylists and I would always ask them a ton of questions regarding the business, and watched them at work while they did their client’s hair. I was mesmerized by all of it. Read more>>

Calista Gibbs

I’ve always loved sports and storytelling, so I decided to combine the two. I started Calista Reports Sports as a way to share my passion for covering games, interviewing players and coaches, and capturing the energy of high school athletics — especially at Laguna Hills High School. Read more>>

Nina Crowe

Born and raised in Los Angeles, I’m deeply connected to this vibrant and creative city. My love for dance and performance began when I was introduced to ballet. Though my mom enrolled me in classes for health reasons, neither of us could have predicted the profound impact it would have on my life. From an early age, I discovered the transformative power of the arts. Read more>>

Laurel Smith

When my first baby was born, 10 years ago, I walked away from my career in finance to spend more time with him. At that time I found that it was hard to recognize myself in my new role as a mother. While I struggled through postpartum I found it incredibly therapeutic to seek out the light in my life through my camera. Read more>>

Tiffany Hill

Well, I grew up in Los Angeles with my hard-working single mother. Eventually, we moved to West Hollywood and I was exposed to a diverse population of kids that encouraged me to follow my own form of self-expression. I wanted to study film so I aimed for a liberal arts degree at the start of my undergrad year. Read more>>

Shieya Beth Evans

I was born a foodie, learned to fry chicken when I was 12. I loved to eat and cook but I didn’t see a lot of role models (women like me) in successful culinary careers when I was young. I considered cooking my secret, between me and whatever I was making. It wasn’t that I was being selfish and not wanting to share my talent and my food, everyone knows that sharing is the best part of this community. I just kept it to myself and my family and pursued visual arts. Read more>>

Matt Cash

It all started in the basement of my friends house in the small village of Park Forest, IL. My friends already had a group and were doing pretty well in the music scene. I would go over to their house and help them record, not knowing a thing about engineering. Read more>>

Nima Christensen

My journey began in Denmark, but my drive was forged in New York City. At age 10, my single mother brought my sister and me to the U.S. and set an example of incredible sacrifice, often working 65-75 hours a week just to keep us afloat. Many dinners were canned beans. Resourcefulness became my most valuable skill. Read more>>