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.

Andy Sinclair

While I understood the artistic aspects of customizing, I had absolutely no background in watch engineering, so it was a steep learning curve taking apart that first watch. Diving down rabbit holes, watching online videos and chatting with veteran watchmakers, I began to build up the set of skills I needed. With practice, trial and a lot of error, I found myself becoming confident in the tasks that I once doubted. Read more>>

Christine Gengaro

A full-time college teaching job was the dream, so I decided to stay and make LA my permanent home. This was, of course, somewhat distressing to my Italian-American family back in New York, but we’ve made it work through regular visits (me back to NY, mostly) and weekly chats. I lived near LACC in East Hollywood for most of the years I’ve been out here, but moved out to Boyle Heights during the pandemic. Read more>>

Niloofar Faghihi

The fashion industry comes with deep emotional and professional challenges. Whether you’re studying or working in it, there’s a constant pressure to stand out, to conform to certain beauty standards, and to find your place in a highly competitive space. Fashion is personal. your creativity is tied to your identity and putting that into the world makes you vulnerable. There’s often a silent struggle to stay true to your vision while still being accepted by an industry that sometimes values appearance over substance. Read more>>

Meghane Lex

In her acting career, Meghane first appeared in television shows such as Alone Together, where she played the role of a high school drama student. She also appeared on the game show Pictionary, competing on Rebecca Romijn’s team in the “Happy Wife, Happy Life” episode. For her college senior thesis project, Meghane wrote and directed the short film A Simple Life, which was completed in April 2022. Most recently, she played the role of a mean girl in the upcoming film If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell (2025). She has several more film and television projects currently in post-production, set for release in 2025. Read more>>

Kyree Tyree

I’ll never forget the first time I got my first big agency check. OOOOOH I was so excited—but then I realized I had to cover all of my expenses… so I literally didn’t make any money. Reality kicked in real fast. I had to accept that I constantly need to work to get paid. This isn’t like a 9-to-5 job where you get a check every two weeks or twice a month. There are times when I genuinely don’t know when the next check is coming. Read more>>

Jason Sean Weiss

In 2015, I was shooting for a men’s clothing subscription box company doing E-commerce photography. That was my first camera-based job. One day, I was asked to shoot a party up in the Hollywood Hills hosted by Aoki that our brand was sponsoring. I was excited, but nervous, because a wedding was the most similar kind of thing I had photographed up to that point (not very similar), and I was still pretty green at shooting weddings. The party went well, but while I was there, I met a woman who worked for a website, or blog, that offered photography covering events of all kinds. She told me “you should work for me” point-blank after very little small talk—so I did. Read more>>

Calogeno

Right after graduating high school, I took the leap and moved straight to Hollywood with a dream bigger than my pockets. I moved to Chicago, back in the Bay, then back to L.A. always maintaining the vision. Every city gave me something different , new sounds, new energy, new lessons. I’m 27 now, and I feel like I’m just getting started. Im more hungry than ever. The vision’s clearer than ever. This journey’s far from over, and I’m grateful for every step. Read more>>

Nick Wolf

Made the classic (cliche) journey to drive 45 hours across the country to LA. Ballsy. Good for us. Our first show in town was at the House of Blues on Sunset, which was a fantastic venue. We thought we’d made it. Lol. I’ll fast forward a bit… we continued to play the notable LA venues and build our following out here. We finished a full length album call “All These Years”. We signed to a UK label and went on tour in Europe. Amazing time. Time of our lives. We played 27 shows in 30 days, traveled to 10 countries, and covered probably 10,000 miles. Did that a few more times over the years. But bands are hard. Super fuckin’ hard. Keeping everyone together and rowing in the direction feels like a full-time job sometimes. Read more>>

Max, Sasha, Simon De Paula, Brens, Mendoza

We’ve also built an incredible team who share the same values of love, respect, and integrity. We’re all passionate about what we do, and it’s been amazing to watch our company grow. Our team’s diversity is something we truly celebrate. Reflecting the multicultural vibrancy of Los Angeles, we have team members from all walks of life — Asian, Black, Latino, White — working together to create exceptional events that cater to the needs of every client. Diversity is not just part of who we are; it enriches everything we do. Read more>>

Andreas Werner

I specialize in designing any customisable area in motorsport, mostly the driver’s helmets, their suits, the car, or even the entire team branding. Not only in competitive motorsports, but also in racing based movies, such as the Gran Turismo Movie from 2023, or the upcoming new franchise “Lollipop” by “The Fast and the Furious”-creator David Ayer. Read more>>

Jenni Rai

The deeper I got into the field of breast cancer treatment rehab the more I learned how severely it is lacking. While chemo, radiation and surgery are standard of care, what is not standard is the rehab needed to recover from these interventions. Even in a large city like Los Angeles, with phenomenal cancer centers, not all women are receiving this care. As I can’t reorganize our entire health care system, I decided to put my energy into using social media to get the much needed post-treatment info out to as many women as possible. Read more>>

Sparsh Verma

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until high school that I truly embraced it as more than just a hobby. I first started playing the piano when I was five, but like many childhood interests, it faded into the background. Years later, I picked it up again, almost by chance, and found myself completely immersed in learning songs and exploring music theory. That’s when I fell in love with music all over again—this time, with a deeper sense of purpose. Read more>>

Andreas Pita Andreas

My main activity is the wholesale business , but I am getting more and more contract with privates for custom order as a example , I recently create a Tennis ball in pastry for the WTA rebranding , I have partner with an artist to recreate his painting on my pastries , custom pastries for Dior and my next project is a custom cake for Woody Harelson where I will reproduce his logo as a cake by creating a big 3d mold and then create my silicone mold with it Read more>>

Katrin Vankova

I’ve always had an inner drive that has kept me constantly searching for new opportunities and pushing myself to grow—both personally and professionally. I truly believe in the power of nurturing the combination of talent and hard work. Sometimes, you’re lucky enough to be in the right place with the right people—but usually, things don’t just come to you while you sit at home waiting for the next step, no matter how much faith you have. Read more>>

Ebba Ann Pellegrino

While these thoughts haunt me everyday, I am happy but I am also lost because I am not doing the number one thing that truly makes up who I am: singing. I recently just visited my past roommates from AMDA and they inspire me everyday because they are my example to never give up, they give me hope. Being back in LA, even if it was for a few days, made me realize that I want to go back, I want to pursue what I once was pursuing, I want to live my dream again. I know that one day, once I get my diploma and graduate college, I will end up back in my home town, pursuing my dream that I once had ever since I was a little girl. Read more>>

Mitchell Cantrell

Early in my journey, I was invited to join the artistic team at Ergo Styling Tools as an educator. I spent nearly six years traveling across the country—teaching in salons, leading classes at trade shows, and even working in Alaska and Canada. Although I didn’t pursue film, my love for working on set never faded. I eventually transitioned into the editorial world, assisting top hairstylists between Los Angeles and New York. Read more>>

Ariann Murad

Beyond acting, Ariann has taken on the challenge of producing, determined to bring bold and socially relevant stories to the screen. She is currently producing and starring in The Apartment on Grieskai Street, an independent film that delves into post-war trauma, historical memory, and the disturbing rise of Holocaust denial. With this project, she seeks to spark important conversations at a time when antisemitism is once again at the forefront of global discourse. Read more>>

Xanthi Perdikomatis

I would say life is never easy, but it’s definitely what you make it. Nothing about following your dreams and testing your limits is easy, or else everybody would do it! I’d say the biggest struggle for me is giving myself more grace and patience. When you’re a work-a-holic such as myself, sometimes the hardest thing is stopping to smell the roses and appreciating the little things. It’s hard not to be constantly working when part of your job is sharing so much of your life! I’m learning that it’s ok to take breaks, give yourself some appreciation for how far you’ve come in life, and just balancing and embracing all the beautiful things life has to offer. Read more>>

Kaelyn Elliott

But I knew I didn’t want to stop there. I’m currently in school to become a nurse so I can further my practice and eventually offer treatments like Botox and fillers. My long-term vision is to combine my esthetics background with medical aesthetics to provide a full range of results-driven services. Every step of this journey has been about growth, and I’m excited to keep evolving in both beauty and medicine. Read more>>

JENNA

Nothing worth having come easy! It’s been challenging, especially when it has been a male dominated industry. It’s amazing to see how the industry has evolved and how woman are taking over the scene. Countless late nights behind the decks, endless hours practicing and producing music, and missing out on family gatherings during the holidays—it all comes with a price. But through it all, I’ve learned to appreciate both the tough moments and the good ones. Building a solid career as a DJ has truly been a blessing. Read more>>

Nolan Richards

Not at all ahahah! I gotta say the main struggle was and still is the money, especially in Hollywood. For whatever reason, nobody wants to pay musicians in this town, and it makes it even harder of course. Where I’m from in Switzerland, you will get paid for every gig you do, it’s not even a question. So this is why I started to work as a hired gun, so I could set my rate to people. So if you read this interview and want me to be your drummer, please reach out to me and LET’S WORK TOGETHER! Read more>>

Norma Davis

It mattered how the rejections made me feel, but I picked myself up and submitted my screenplays to film festivals or produced short films to get my projects considered for the big screen. It was devastating to know that no one was looking for women serving in the military to tell our stories to. I even called on my friends Harold Perrineau, Kene Holliday, Dominic Marcus, and Jack Knight (Multi-platinum Bad Boy music Producer to attach to my films, but to no avail. After writing my memoir, Surviving the Military, I knew it would help get my story eventually told to the world. When Mr. Tyler Perry brought forth The Six Triple Eight, I felt women now had a chance to tell our stories. Read more>>

Elsian Atienza

From there, things took off. I had the opportunity to open for artists like Jimmy Brown, Car, the Garden, and Janine on their North American tours. In 2024, I signed with 88rising, which was a huge milestone for me. I’ve also performed at major festivals like Capitol Hill Block Party and Seattle Pride, and earlier this year, I sold out my first headline show. Read more>>

Natalie McCarty

I’ve done a lot before starting Gut Instinct Media, but if I’m being real, my life didn’t really begin until this. It’s my company, but it’s also my life, you know? Gut Instinct is definitely this extension of me, but it’s also taken on a life of its own. My co-founder, Stella Violet, and I were laughing the other day because people will say “Thank you, Gut Instinct,” and of course they’re talking to us or our team, but it almost feels like they’re speaking to an actual person. It’s become its own presence. Read more>>

Kayla Cashen

I’m lucky to have had family, friends, and teachers who encouraged me and helped me turn my dream into a reality. But just when I was finishing my senior year musical, I suffered severe vocal damage and was told I might never be able to sing professionally again. I refused to let that stop me. My dad told me, “If you’re serious about this, you need to go all in. If you’re meant to do this, you’ll find a way.” So, even though I couldn’t sing anymore, I thought, “Well, there’s still a whole world of other performance opportunities.” Read more>>

Lilith Grace

I don’t know if there was ever one moment where it all began. My story has always felt more like a slow unfolding than a single spark. Art was never a choice, it was just a part of me, woven into the fabric of my childhood in ways I didn’t even recognize at the time. My dad would sing and play guitar, and I would hum along before I knew what melody even meant. I grew up moving between cultures, languages, and places, which gave me a sense of curiosity about people, identity, and the quiet spaces in between. Read more>>

Ahmed Kai

Following my dream has never been an easy path, especially because I’ve had to give 100% to my craft and constantly step out of my comfort zone in order to grow as an artist. For example, choosing to come to LA and learn how to develop my acting skills while adapting to a new culture was a big step for me. It brought me closer to becoming a great actor and being fully confident in any part of the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Jose Huizar

Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for fashion, I started to gain recognition for my designs. My goal has always been to blend streetwear with a sense of individuality, reflecting my roots and the diverse culture of Los Angeles. Today, I continue to grow Bad Burro, striving to inspire others to embrace their creativity and overcome challenges through fashion. Each piece I create tells a story, and I’m excited to share that journey with the world. Read more>>

Kseniya Shylova

Definitely not always smooth. In the beginning, it was hard to find my voice and build trust as a self-taught artist. Social media played a big role in my growth, but it also brought pressure — constantly comparing myself to others, chasing numbers, and burning out. There were times when I completely lost motivation or struggled with creative blocks, wondering if I’d ever feel inspired again. Read more>>

Jaclyn Clark

As YourFleece grew, the team started to get more and more into cotton quilting fabrics and built up the selection and expertise over time. They then started a second, dedicated business to cotton fabrics, called YourCotton, with the same principles that brought YourFleece to where it is today. YourCotton, like YourFleece is all about affordability, quality, customer dedication and overall goodness. The team continues to be committed to building relationships with our customers, and because of that, our customers are loyal and longstanding. Read more>>

Kayla Harding

In High School, I participated in the connected tech center to get my certificate in multimedia communications and took every possible photo class they had to offer. After that, I went on to complete my associate’s degree in Communications. It was there I began working on sets around Maine when they came through, along with a multitude of short films that would play at festivals. This is where I dipped my toe in still photography and found a new path I could take. Through some local connections, I was put into a discord with other photographers and publications looking for concert photos. Now, for the last just over two years, I’ve been splitting my time between the two while completing my Bachelor’s! Read more>>

Anaya Chris

I still miss the buzz of weekly rehearsals and the adrenaline of weekend performances. That drive to push myself creatively never left. By high school, I was choreographing, writing, and bringing my own artistic visions to life—including an attempt to turn The Princess and The Frog into a full stage production. (By the way, if any producers reading this want to invest in a frog suit and a stage with a trapdoor for quick changes—let’s talk.) Read more>>

Jas Jutley

Absolutely not. I’ve battled with self esteem issues my entire life. I come from a family that music wasn’t looked at as a sustainable way of living. Multiple financial set backs. Some days I didn’t even eat because I was fixated on growing and providing a better life for my family. Moving from Atlanta back to Wisconsin was hard because I felt liked I failed when I couldn’t sustain a healthy life or continue to be successful in my career as a DJ. Also Dealing with aging parents and their health problems from so far away has taken a toll on me since I am family man at the end of the day. Read more>>

Angela Kroeger

In the early years, my husband Michael and I built a small business called Michelangela Design, creating engagement rings and other custom pieces. I was the jeweler and carver, while he developed an interest in stones and began studying gemology through the GIA Institute, all while pursuing his music career. When Mike’s music career took off, everything changed. We spent years touring the world and eventually moved to Maui, where we focused on raising our two kids while I stayed active with my artistic passions—painting and sculpture. Read more>>

Dr. Apollo

Music is never more or less than you are as a person, so creating is really all about traveling, seeing the world, learning from the people around you and bringing it back home. One of my favorite things I’ve learned about is the Renaissance and about the greatest artists that have ever lived. This has led me to discover and develop techniques based on the golden ratio, Fibonacci, and physics. Some of these ideas based on fractals and self similarity were even recently added to Serum 2 by Steve Duda himself as default presets. Personally being added to the very program that I taught myself how to create music with is one of the proudest moments in my career. Read more>>

Jose Ibarra

my name is Jose. I have been making music for almost 20 years but only 5 of those years as a solo artist. The previous years i was part of a few bands in different genres ranging from pop/punk and melodic hardcore. jWondr began in the middle of the pandemic. Influenced by different eras of hip/hop and taking a sample based approach inspired by producers such as Kanye West, J Dilla, 9th Wonder, and Madlib. I look to tell a story using every sound at my disposal. Read more>>

Gabe Maska

Moved to LA from Rio de Janeiro 14 years ago at age 18 to study music at LACM in Pasadena. Worked with many artists and bands since then, even had a residency in Las Vegas in 2021 paying tribute to Kurt Cobain with the 27 show at virgin hotels (never effectively moved out of LA tho). At this point in my life I’m in the process of making a solo acoustic album on which I play all instruments and sing all vocals. During my LA journey I have dealt with a divorce, homelessness and substance abuse issues. I’m 9 months sober now, and very much looking forward to what the future holds for me and my music, which is the main thing that keeps me sane and moving forward. Read more>>

Jessica Lima

I have always been driven by a deep desire to explore the unseen and the unknown. I dreamed of being an archaeologist, I started studying Geology, I lived in an indigenous village in the Amazon, I immersed myself in the world of Permaculture and explored the magic of medicinal plants and herbs, and in the same way, I went to Paris to study Photography and Audiovisual. My paths were never obvious — and I never wanted them to be. Read more>>

Darren Johnson

I started Twism Travel with a vision to offer a luxury transportation service that prioritized reliability, comfort, and exceptional customer care. It began with just me, one vehicle, and a commitment to delivering a top-tier experience. Through word-of-mouth referrals and consistent service, the business grew. I expanded the fleet, built partnerships with corporate clients and event planners, and focused on creating a standout luxury experience. Today, Twism Travel is known for its reliability, professionalism, and personalized service. Read more>>

Mullah Mugzie

I’ve always been a creative since a kid, drawing and keeping myself busy with something artistic. I’ve also always had a lot knowledgable and interest in computers and tech. I picked up a camera about 7 years ago, freelanced videography and photography for about 5/6 years gaining a lot of knowledge of cameras, filming and creating videos. I filmed some commercials for local brands, a lot of music videos and decided to transition into creating my own content about 2 years ago in 2023. I used all the knowledge I gained through the years about cameras and tech to creative content you can learn from. Read more>>

Na’ama Malkah

Kivi Services LLC, started smoother than possible transitioning from Riverside to Los Angeles, California. My employees were more of a help and guide. My customers were great at word of mouth regarding my commercial cleaning services, allowing my brand to build. Read more>>

Gonzalo Olmedo

I started filming back in high school, just capturing memories and making videos for my friends. I didn’t think much of it at the time, I was just having fun, but that was the first time I used editing software to bring a story to life. I’ve always loved watching behind-the-scenes footage of movies, curious about how everything worked. That curiosity stuck with me. Read more>>

Frank Balaguer

It all kicked off when I was a bouncer (a babysitter) at Knight Library, the number one college bar in America back in the day at UCF. Picture me herding drunk undergrads with liquid courage every night until 2am. I was working with Evan Sanza, and this dude Nate McCoole known as the world’s strongest teenager, an actual human tank. Nate had buddies in the festival scene. They put us on, starting us as directors of security operations at EDC Orlando. The world’s strongest teenager left the gig. But before I knew it, we were invited to work at EDC Las Vegas, where Evan and I spent a month living in a tent in the desert, surrounded by glitter, neon, and F-22 fighter jets running simulations so loud that you could feel the concussions stacking up. Read more>>

Princie Patel

Between moving back to Oklahoma after school, struggling to find work, Covid, strikes, working as a CNA, planning on moving to Atlanta, moving back to LA instead, more strikes, etc etc, it has been anything but smooth sailing. This industry has a way of throwing many curveballs at you, but I’m still happy to be doing okay in it. Read more>>

VR Productions

Making movies outside of school when you’re lucky enough to also be a full-time student is incredibly challenging. We are also both complete new-comers to filmmaking as a whole so there have been some very hard nights. But, at the end of the day, we are so lucky to look back and see how far we’ve come. Putting all that hard work in and seeing something real come out of it is everything an artist could ask for and more. Read more>>

Joanna DeLane

After years of building a body of work through short films and passion projects, I was recognized on set for my dedication and work ethic. That recognition led to an amazing opportunity with the production company SLAY5, where I began working on commercials, music videos, and live events. From there, my production career gained momentum, leading to larger projects with multiple production companies. Highlights include producing Shania Twain’s Giddy Up music video, which won a Gold Telly Award for Best Music Video, and a Diljit feat. NLE Choppa music video that was nominated for Best International Music Video at the Hollywood Music Video Awards. I’ve also worked with legendary artists like Paul Anka, BUSH, and Melissa Etheridge. Read more>>

Narumi Ogawa

I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible clients—many of them conscious creators who are deeply committed to their personal and spiritual growth and physical health. Their heartfelt testimonials remind me that I’m walking in alignment with a greater purpose. While it hasn’t felt like a struggle in the traditional sense, one challenge has been communicating my role clearly. I’m not here to heal people—I’m here to gently awaken the parts of them that already know how to heal. I see myself as a guide, a messenger. The real transformation happens when clients step into their own power and trust that the wisdom they seek is already within them. Read more>>

Karen Rosa

The road hasn’t been smooth, but every obstacle has shaped who I am today. Coming from a small town in Brazil, I moved to the U.S. alone, without speaking English or knowing anyone. Being far from my family and building everything from scratch in a new country was a significant challenge. I stayed connected to my passion and kept learning, eventually taking design and styling courses in New York. Read more>>

Kirstie Pike

This led me to producing and hosting She Comes With Baggage, a podcast that amplifies the voices of queer individuals and allies. The podcast is a space for candid conversations about identity, experiences, and the importance of representation, while also exploring the intersections of LGBTQ+ lives with travel, culture, and activism. This platform offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into important topics, sharing stories that not only resonate within the community but also educate and inspire allies. Through these conversations, we’re continuing our mission to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Read more>>

Chen Zhang

I used to spent some time working at an interior design company as a 3D artist, but my fascination with animation and filmmaking never faded. That passion motivated me to continue learning on my own in my free time, gradually immersing myself deeper into the world of CG. While pursuing my MFA, I honed my modeling and visual storytelling skills, working on projects like the animated short Soar. I especially enjoyed my texture, lighting, and modeling classes, where I discovered the satisfaction of crafting detailed assets from the ground up. Eventually, I was fortunate to land an internship as an environment modeler at Blue Sky Studios in 2019. I spent three unforgettable months there, working alongside incredibly talented artists who inspired me every day. That experience solidified my passion for modeling. Read more>>

Mike Garcia

Reliable Trust Income Tax was born out of a vision to revolutionize the way people approach tax preparation, and it’s been an incredible journey to where we are today. Over a decade ago, I noticed a significant shift in how society embraced new ways of doing business. People were becoming more open to innovative concepts—whether it was grabbing coffee from a drive-thru, hopping into a stranger’s car for a ride, or shopping online for virtually anything. These changes signaled a growing acceptance of convenience and flexibility in how services were delivered. Read more>>

Masiyah Imani

Life was definitely not easy. I’ve faced poverty, homelessness, depression, PTSD, anything you can think of. I battled mental illness and suicidal ideation for many years, but I won. I am happy with life now and I’m looking forward to the future. I’m grateful I’m still here. I give all the glory to the Most High God. Read more>>

Alex Wilkie

Jokes aside (maybe)…it’s hard to pinpoint, come and listen to us live and perhaps You will discover surprising things about Yourself! Read more>>

Nya Federoff

hroughout college and after graduation I have done freelance photography, videography, and editing projects with an emphasis in music. I also work with company Gritty In Pink as their head of content; fighting for gender equality and equal pay starting with the music industry! I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Working with artists like Saweetie and companies like Live Nation have been so incredible, and something a girl from a small town in New Jersey had only dreamed of. Read more>>

Isiah Harris

Lately, I’ve been connecting with up-and-coming brands that align with the street culture vibe, and I’m proud to now have work featured in shops along Melrose Ave. Los Angeles has shown me so many different walks of life and I’m thankful for having the opportunity to spend my youth here, I plan to keep growing here until the next chapter of my life taking on New York City. This is just the beginning. I want to change how we view art and remind people that there are no limits to what we can create. If you share that dream-chasing mindset and a love for culture, you’re already part of the vision. Read more>>

Drew Garcia

Then came a huge opportunity when I directed a kids’ feature film (Along with my brother Nate) called “Treasure Trackers” for Warner Bros HBO Max. That experience was exhilarating and humbling, a true milestone. It pushed me creatively and professionally, confirming that storytelling on this scale was exactly where I wanted to be. It was also around this time that I signed with IAG in Beverly Hills as my talent agency, solidifying my connections and presence in LA. Read more>>

Trey G. Riley

So, I committed and began collecting the pieces to become a shooter no one has ever seen. I invested in the gear, the accessories, and started building a visual brand that reflected my vision. When I finally dropped my first video under that brand, it felt like I was building my own Iron Man suit—custom, powerful, and built to elevate me beyond the noise. It became clear, it became real, “The Bounty Hunter of Videography” was born. Read more>>

LIZZART

When I moved to LA, that slow, organic process of making music I was so used to, was no longer. Luckily, I found comfort in joining an incredible funk band. Being part of that band helped me grow so much as an artist and gave me a space to experiment, perform, and collaborate. But when I was no longer in that band, lost my job, and went through a heavy breakup, I had to take a hard look at myself and my artistry. Everything I had built my identity around was shifting, and I had to figure out who I was outside of those attachments. Read more>>

Ty-Leah Hampton

At the time, I was already sharing my training journey on social media, simply documenting my workouts and daily grind. To my surprise, people connected with it. They resonated with my story, my work ethic, and my passion. That connection led me to launch my first fitness brand—an apparel line designed to inspire and support those fighting for their dreams, just as I had been. It was more than a business; it was a movement. A portion of the proceeds went toward helping others, which gave my journey an even deeper purpose. Read more>>

Alexis Schomer

(Fun fact: I’ve tutored most of my life and still tutor my first client.) I was genuinely excited to take ownership of the role — learning how to recruit top talent, create onboarding plans, map and document client processes, and train and manage virtual teams. Given my marketing background, it was only natural that our services evolved. Under my leadership, we introduced a full marketing arm offering influencer management, email marketing, social media, and design. We’ve become a true one-stop shop for everything a modern brand needs — whether it’s building internal systems or generating growth externally. Read more>>

Dee Dee Legette

I created the Core Queen Fitness company in 2020. I have helped 30+ women over the age of 35 lose weight and get in amazing shape through my customized 12-week program. The secret to my successful fitness business is how I integrate my background in Psychology to help get to the root of their weight gain problems. Discovering the real reason for individuals gaining weight is the key that unlocks so much potential. My past struggles also help me relate and connect with my clients on a different level. Read more>>

Julian DeVincentis

After people sometimes confusing me for actors, asking if I was an actor, and even being approached by a big time agent, I decided to try acting in August 2024. I got my headshots done from a friend on August 20th. On August 24th I was on my first set acting out a scene for a Lil Tecca album release trailer promo in front of 30 crew / onlookers , one seasoned actress, and lil Tecca. I loved it from the moment I was on set. Read more>>

Olav Carter

Then, as I went off to college at Carnegie Mellon, I had to rediscover myself as a creator beyond my friend and I’s collaboration (he decided history would be more helpful down the line than Film Studies — how silly). The pandemic only influenced this drive more as being at home I had no excuse but to create crazy stories and rope my family into them. Some of my favorite ideas spawned from this time period, and in my final year and a half of college post-pandemic, I made it a point to create a film each semester — this was where my more sophisticated portfolio truly began ultimately, as well as my freelance videography career. I also began working as a Freelance Production Assistant for studio productions with Netflix, Paramount, and more — a role I still enjoy take on regularly today, even after 5 years. Read more>>

Kerly Vallejo

In my second semester, I had to take an Ensemble class, which meant performing in a group of musicians with different styles. My first one was Brazilian music, and we performed at the end-of-semester concert. It was a beautiful experience, but while I was on stage, I realized something: maybe this wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be. I had always thought I was meant to sing, but suddenly I wasn’t so sure. I felt lost for a while, unsure of what to do next. Read more>>

Parisa Jalalat

Starting my career in southern California came with its own set of challenges. Many colleagues warned me against it due to the high saturation of optometrists, high cost of living, lower-than-average pay, and the burden of student loan debt. On top of that, I didn’t really know anyone in the area. Despite the odds, I hustled to find my first job in Long Beach, which led to meeting incredible people, discovering a like-minded community, meeting my now fiancé, and enjoying beach life. Read more>>

Sade Vialva

The road has not been easy, I have been faced with many challenges, including others and my friends telling me that my dreams “Are never going to happen”. I was bullied at a young age to the point where I hated myself and wanted to give up. I stopped acting, and didn’t join the school play because I thought others would make fun of me. I became someone I wasn’t just so I could fit in, and therefore fell into the wrong crowd. Which caused me to be sexually assaulted by someone I loved deeply. This sent me into a dark place to the point I wanted to end my life. But thank God that I didn’t, it took years of healing, but I got there. And now I walk this road with God. Read more>>