INSPIRING LA OCT 13

Wendy Mccolm

Life is very wild. I really have no clue how I got here today, other than when I was little, I remember wishing to myself that I would travel for work, and that I always had a video camera in my hand. I remember playing The Little Red Hen in first grade, but no clue how I memorized the lines. Cut to now, where this is still what I am doing daily. Perhaps, some things are just meant for you, it’s just our job not to doubt it- ever. Read More>>

Nicolo’ Di Spes

Wilmer is a 40-year-old master pasta maker from El Salvador. With over 15 years of experience working in the best restaurants in LA, he has perfected the art of handmade pasta. When we first met, I was instantly impressed by his dedication and skill. We shared a vision: to bring the authentic taste of fresh Italian pasta to hotels and restaurants across the United States. Read More>>

Priscilla Arreguin

I’ve always been a creative and outgoing person, especially as a child. I’m originally from San Diego, California, but I moved often and spent much of my childhood in the Inland Empire. Growing up, I competed in California’s Coastal pageantry divisions, frequently participating in the talent portions. I was also involved in theatre, dance, acting, and singing. As I grew older, I put some of my artistic passions aside—until the pandemic hit in 2020. During the lockdown, I dedicated time to teaching myself how to paint, reigniting my passion for creating and rediscovering it as an outlet! Read More>>

Dara Pena

I could sit here and talk all day about my journey from where I started up until where I am right now. I want to introduce myself as a creator. When I say creator, I am talking about in all aspects. I think the reason why I grew up to become a creator was my need to be seen and to be understood. Growing up and still to this day at the ripe age of 22, I struggle as a woman, and it’s my mission to create a community for my women. I want to share a space where they can talk and be heard. Read More>>

Camryn Barrett

From there I assisted a few iconic wardrobe stylists such as Wilford Lenov and Lisa Smith Craig. I went on to opening up my own styling services and my very first job going out on my own was styling singer, Inas for the Billboard no.1 event in 2023, which I will forever be grateful for. It takes most people years into their career to land a high pressed cover event like Billboard’s or client like Inas, so for this to be my first made it apparently clear I was meant to be in my career field. Of course I have my mini struggles in my career at times, but following your passion is never a simple walk in the park… and if that makes success more valuable, I’ll take the challenges any day. Read More>>

Monique L Ffrench

I originally started a clothing line in 2019 before COVID, and it was quickly adorned by many, attracting significant attention. However, I decided to elevate and restructure the brand, focusing on making our pieces more affordable and accessible to a broader clientele. Today, Velvet Muze is proudly worn by women of all ages, allowing them to embrace their unique style and femininity. Read More>>

Jiaxi Wu

So, after high school, I pursued formal education in 3D animation at the Academy of Art University(AAU) in San Francisco, where I developed a strong technical foundation such as foundamental art, 2D animation, and the full process of 3D animation using Maya. And I fortunately showcase my work at 2018 Spring Exhibition in AAU. My past work includes 3D TV animation, naked-eye 3D ads for real estate companies, stop-motion animation, and more. Read More>>

Juliet Adoghe Payamps

While managing my e-commerce business, I landed a role as a business analyst, where I honed my skills in strategy and problem-solving. Over time, I expanded into marketing, sales, and social media management, deepening my understanding of how to engage with people and grow brands. Slowly, my life started to come back together—until the pandemic hit in 2020. Like many, I lost my job when companies began shutting down. Read More>>

Sydney Ponce

Growing up my I spent a lot of time at my Oma’s (grandma) & my grandpa had a very nice Cannon DSLR camera. I would use it and photograph plants in the garden or would bring it to my brothers soccer games. I fell in love with it. From then on I started to take photos of people, friends and family. I eventually bought my own camera a Sony. I began getting asked to shoot parties and other small events. Overtime I slowly started to form my small business and continue to grow. I’ve been able to shoot for upcoming brands, fashion magazines and lots of amazing people! Read More>>

Taylor Ros

Although we don’t classify ourselves as a “fight gym”, our head coach is a UFC fighter and all our coaches have 20+ years of experience. We root our standards in teaching real techniques, skills and self defense. A fun way to get fit and learn something. Read More>>

Swaza 6

SWAZA6’s journey has been remarkably fluid, thanks to our fiercely loyal community. Our tight-knit following has allowed us to refine our live show within the sanctuary of our LA home base. Over the past year, we’ve experienced a whirlwind of success, catapulting from intimate local performances to coveted spots at festivals in Maine, Las Vegas’ infamous Bondage Ball, and iconic LA venues like the Belasco Theater. Our grassroots momentum has been bolstered by the city’s vibrant underground scene, granting us the freedom to experiment and hone our craft. Read More>>

Justinah Mcfadden

Once, in a rap song, Jay-Z affectionately referred to NYC as the concrete jungle and it stuck. In business you need grit and determination. Developing and educating myself from a lifelong learning disorder (dyslexia) to completing my Juris Doctor of Law, while launching my own legal mediation- tax mitigation practice has been a miracle & blessing that only God could dream up! Read More>>

Ceehudd Hof

I am a producer as well and started producing in 2019. I have also managed artists and have always wanted my own record label. In summer of 2022 I started working with KOS, and eventually started managing her as we debuted her first EP and Single. Ever since then is when HOF started, just with managing and getting behind her, building a solid foundation with who and what she will be. Also implementing my music, my production and network with it. Now that the foundation is built, we are looking to expand and grow as each. of our careers grow. Read More>>

Usama Douglah

HBB’s DJing journey began in 2016 when I borrowed a mixer from a friend and started experimenting with it. I quickly discovered that I had a natural ear for music, and it felt like a perfect fit. Initially, I played at pregames and after-parties with friends, but as I honed my skills, I began to secure bookings for local shows in Los Angeles. Read More>>

Kayla Wong

I think with any new business there are a lot of learning curves. Back when I was in Hong Kong, I was mostly working on my own so to now have a company with employees, one of the challenges is definitely learning how everyone works differently and to make sure that each persons potential is able to shine through their work. Read More>>

Aidan Flores

It all started in my mom’s garage with nothing more than a home sewing machine and a pile of thrifted garments and scraps I had collected over the years. I found a lot of inspiration in designers who had already explored similar styles, but I wanted to add my own twist and make it unique. That’s when I began crafting one-of-one pieces from whatever I had lying around. Read More>>

Enni Tattoo

The early years were tough. I worked relentlessly, often without a single day off. I spent hours learning new techniques, drawing every day, and improving my skills. I went through long stretches where I didn’t earn any money. There were moments when I could barely afford my basic needs, but I refused to give up. Looking back, those were some of the hardest times of my life, but they shaped who I am as an artist and taught me resilience. Read More>>

Francisco Rivera

I was born in Pomona, CA, but I grew up in Ontario, California. Growing up in Ontario shaped a lot of my experiences and views. It’s a city with a small-town feel but close enough to bigger places like Los Angeles to give a sense of something larger. From a young age, I was always curious and loved learning about different things, which eventually led me to this unique role where I can interact with and help people across a wide range of topics. Read More>>

Massel Bostan

Despite pursuing higher education in Architecture, earning both undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Miami, Massel continued to help his family business. His professional journey includes working for high-end residential architects and major commercial firms, eventually specializing in computational design for complex projects in Los Angeles. Read More>>

Eaj 2323

I am a french mural artist, most of people call me “Eaj”. I borned and raised in Paris neightborhood. I started to draw when I was a kid and I met the hip hop culture when I was teenager. Graffiti is a part of that and gave me the opportunity to learn how to use spray cans and street codes. that tool became my favorite realy fast for many reasons ( fast, clean, realy bright colors, it works on every textures…) .  Read More>>

Sean Michon

After spending a brief amount of time living in Boston I moved to LA with a group of friends with the hopes of taking it even further. I stubbornly shot nothing but skateboarding all the way up until about 2016 or 2017. Around then is when I started a new 9-5 at a respected studio and production rental house in LA where I worked for a year. I learned what all of the gear was, and how to use it. It opened up my mind to shooting something else for once. I started experimenting with fashion photography, and just like with skateboarding I became obsessed with it. Mostly the technical stuff. Read More>>

Carlos Campero

This is why we focus on those 1:1 interactions at our tree adoption events so they understand the importance of getting their tree in the ground and watered consistently. Messaging is also very important. We have to communicate “The Why” effectively. Communicating that to the public as well as to funders is key to successfully impacting climate change and equitable access to canopy cover for all residents of the City of Los Angeles. Read More>>

Stanley Murkland

As someone who grew up around many uncontrollable situations in their home life as a child, strength training was something that felt controllable in world where I otherwise often felt powerless. Ironically, it had nothing to do with getting larger or more muscular or EVEN the weights on the bar, but rather from injecting a sense of self confidence and determination into me. Read More>>

Karina Richardson

Over the years artists have been experimenting with the Risograph, running and re-running prints through them to layer different colored ink on top of each other. The result is a unique object; something between a screenprint and a photocopy with distinctive, vibrant tones. McCartney was inspired by the passion he saw in the burgeoning Riso community and decided to start a new company that focused on nurturing it. Riso Studio Arts is the result: a small group of artist-technicians determined to provide RISO supplies to artists and to spread awareness of this unique, growing art form. Read More>>

Josiah Mendoza

Navigating the industry as a Mexican American actor has been complex. I’ve found myself in rooms where I’m considered “just ethnic enough,” allowed access where others who appear more visibly tied to their heritage might not be. It’s a balancing act—being both American and ethnically diverse—but it highlights a deeper issue about representation. While I’m grateful for these opportunities, I can’t ignore the fact that many others, whose identities might be more forward, are overlooked. It’s a constant reminder of the work still needed to create space for everyone’s story, not just the ones that feel palatable. Read More>>

Luis Emilio

It definitely was not a smooth road to get to where we are today with Waves. Such as life in general, we are both full time students and at times that can get us pretty busy. Especially with Matt and I having jobs and needing to be responsible in all aspects of life especially our education. Read More>>

Daniela Marquez

In fact I was a prisoner in the country I called home. I couldn’t leave, I couldn’t get funding for higher education, I could t work because I didn’t have a social security number I was just stuck. That eventually changed when I was 19 years old. Obama announced the Dream Act which allowed me to apply for a work visa, gain temporary legal status and the ability to get a license. Now at 30 I’ve gained residency and for the first time since I’ve left I’m finally going back to Argentina. Read More>>

Haylee Wood

I started Dj-ing in 2020 for fun because raves were taken away by Covid. I picked it up fast and became really passionate about it. When things went back to normal from Covid, I went seeking gigs at clubs where I lived at the time, ORLANDO FLORIDA. I soon hopped on a lot of gigs in that town and made my way around for about 2 years. I moved back home to MIAMI FLORIDA and continued my DJ career out there. Read More>>

Daniel Ramirez

Before becoming a hairstylist, I worked in the medical field as a medical assistant. Despite the valuable experience, I always felt a need to pursue a more creative path. I decided to switch careers to hairstyling, believing it would be fun and fulfilling. Now, I am thankful I made the right choice, as it has allowed me to express my creativity and find joy in my work. Read More>>

Jason Howard

The Artist Management space led me into starting some platforms of content creation for my clients, focusing on high quality photos and images to start the branding process. This also led to the start of teaming up with some music industry professionals to start the Valuable Information Podcast, starting a number of live performance events and heavily pitching my clients for opportunities worldwide. Read More>>

Joice Cheung

When I was young, I found joy in observing the little things in life. This fascination led me to the University of the Arts London at Chelsea College, where I discovered my passion for creating installations that resonates with my love for nature’s subtleties. Returning to Hong Kong, I immersed myself in the fields of design and floral arrangement, which allowed me to blend creativity with practicality and equipped me a unique perspective on how art can intersect with everyday life. The transition of becoming an artist was a leap of faith. Each piece of work is a reflection of my journey and the myriad experiences that have shaped my artistic vision. Read More>>

Kirill Safin And Emily Perkins

We lived across from the under-construction Metro regional connector for years, watching it be constructed from our window (jack-hammer sounds and all). After it finally opened in summer of 2023, we rode it and started to get around LA almost entirely by Metro. We’re not big fans of the notorious LA traffic, and the new station opened us up to being able to reach Santa Monica, Hollywood, Long Beach, Highland Park, and nearly anywhere we want to go entirely by train. Read More>>

Andrea Nunez-gamboa

Originally from Mexico, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Management and later completed an MA in Arts Administration. Through the support of various foundations and scholarships, including a Fulbright scholarship, I had the privilege of studying at Columbia University in New York City. My primary goal was to deepen my knowledge of fundraising while also acquiring strong finance and management skills. Read More>>

Cody Folkes

Although I personally had no experience or knowledge of the business I was entering, it was clear to me that this was my element; with no clear path to ‘victory’, no one around me doing the same as I, even still, that did not matter. I was doing what I loved, and as long as I enjoyed, it, I did not care about the time, money, or effort contributed, another day alive was another one to strive for greatness and to help others see the same within themselves. Read More>>

Robert Avellanet

After Puerto Rico I lived in Miami, Florida where I also worked as an actor in series, soap operas and theater in Spanish. In 2011 I decided to venture to Los Angeles where I have lived ever since. Since I was a child I dreamed of working in movies in Hollywood, which is what I am truly passionate about. Today, grateful for the growth, I already have a family, a wife, a 10-year-old daughter born in Los Angeles, several films in which I have worked and a skin care company that is growing little by little thanks to a cream called JIBARA. Read More>>

Hoon Kang

School was fun, and for someone like me who had never cooked before, it was a whole new world. I started reading the autobiographies of other great chefs and wanted to see the professional world for myself. Then, by chance, I decided to send an email to Providence to apply for a stage. I simply googled the best restaurants in LA and went from there. Read More>>

Valeria Gutiérrez

Hello, my name is Valeria. I was born in Florida and grew up in Costa Rica with two Colombian parents. I have always been a passionate girl especially when it comes to fashion. When I was 8 years old I had my first bow business at my dance studio, bows that I made from scrap foam we had in the house and ribbon. As I grew up I realized that I was always more and more captivated by the fashion scene and at seventeen years old I moved to Miami to pursue Fashion Design, after some rollercoasters of emotions and realizing maybe I left my house to young I decided to move back home. Read More>>

Demmie

I moved to Los Angeles in 2014 for college. I started modeling in 2015 as my twin sister and I were scouted. Truth is, I didn’t have passions for corporate jobs, I knew from a very young age I wanted to do something in fashion. I was signed to an agency with my twin sister from 2015-2020. During that time I was modeling part time and working a full time job to get by until I could make a full time income through modeling. Then of course the pandemic happened. Read More>>

Inna Puchkova

Pink Clover started back in 2016 from a small shop that looked more like an office than a traditional flower shop. We handled everything ourselves, from buying flowers to delivering them. As the business grew, we moved to a slightly bigger shop on Morose Avenue. Although it was still small, we decorated it and turned it into a local attraction on the street. We stayed there until May 2023, when we moved to our current location in downtown Los Angeles to accommodate our growth. Today, we continue to work from there, focusing on delivering quality flowers and service. Read More>>

Steven Hernandez

Hello, my name is Steven Hernandez. I’m 26 years old, turning 27 on October 11th. I was born in 1997 in Downey, CA, and grew up in West Covina, where I spent most of my life honing my craft. My journey began when I picked up the guitar at the age of 11. I always had a diverse taste in music, thanks to my parents, but learning guitar sparked an extreme passion for music and creation. After attending my first concert at age 13 with my dad, I knew I wanted to be on stage and be part of the industry, collaborating with other creatives. Read More>>

Moses Lawi

My background includes being born in Tanzania and growing up bilingual in English and Swahili, while being raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I pursued my passion for film by studying at Arizona State University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film media production in 2020. Since then, I have been actively involved in various film projects, continuously honing my craft and skills as a filmmaker. Read More>>

Kara(kc) Chaney

From the beginning, my vision extended far beyond t-shirts. I wanted to create fashion that was not only customizable and versatile but also intentional—pieces that could adapt to any occasion and resonate with a diverse audience. I always felt a deep connection to leather, drawn by its boldness and the way it made me feel confident and empowered. For many, leather can be intimidating or underutilized in their wardrobe, but I saw it as a canvas of endless possibilities. Read More>>

Maria Romero ( Artist )

My creative design studio is the result of this ongoing journey, and it continues to evolve. Today, I run a clothing brand, offer consultancy services, and maintain an active artist practice. I’m also diving into an exciting new venture in the world of food with friends, which fills me with so much joy. Everything makes sense Read More>>

Mike Staver

I agreed to do it if I could teach what I wanted and had the same budget as the doctors. She agreed. I decided to teach on, How to Recover from a Broken Relationship. I had just gone through a divorce and thought I might add some hope and perspective. 120 people showed up. A woman came up to me to thank me. She was the president of a PR firm. She told me, “you could do this for a living.” I said, “I can make money speaking?” she said, “yes.” That was the start of it. I began doing engagement’s for the hospital and one day someone asked me what I charged. I laughed and made up a number. Read More>>

Philip Cheong

I started baseball at the age of 10, I fell in love with the game with my childhood friend. From then, my athleticism and love for the game allowed me to exceed rapidly which has led me getting invited to numerus high-profile armature baseball events all over North America. Read More>>

Daja Bailey

Zella Fermani was created in 2011 during my sophomore year of high school. In high school I mainly wore sneakers and hoodies. Zella was my sophisticated alter ego and I wanted to start separating myself from others. We wore uniforms so I would find ways to accessorize my uniform such as wearing blazers and personality glasses to show my unique appearance. After displaying my love for fashion in school and instagram, I was nominated best dressed and won. Read More>>

Ashley Kirkwood

I left a $300,000 partner-track law associate position to build my firm, Speak Your Way to Cash®. I thought being a lawyer was my dream job because I did love the traditional practice of law, but I didn’t love looking around and not seeing women who look like me at the very top. I also didn’t like the feeling that things hadn’t really changed much over a century in the law practice that I was particularly in. I was at a large law firm in Chicago and only 14% of all lawyers get to work at a firm the size of the firm that I was working at. It was not giving me the fulfillment that I now have. So, I’m just really grateful that I was able to start Speak Your Way to Cash®, a sales training firm that specializes in helping experts like me sell services to large companies. Read More>>

Tayelor Kennedy

Building a business is definitely not without its challenges! I always knew that I would work in the fashion or beauty Industry. The biggest challenge I had was deciding which industry to commit my time. Once I decided on skincare and cosmetics, the challenge became finding a skincare and beauty line that aligned with my clean beauty philosophy. Read More>>

Gayatri Roshan

At the age of seven, I watched my stepfather produce one of the first films about climate change, sparking a passion in me that grew to fuel every subsequent step of my life’s journey. I started working in film as a teenager, eventually writing and producing climate-related documentaries, including Harmony, which highlighted the work of King Charles (at that time, the Prince of Wales). Read More>>

Jacqueline Ryashel

When I was 16, I realized that I want to be a singer, because I always had a good voice. I was always interested in american musical industry and artists. I wanted to be like female pop singers and dancing in clips like them. But as I was born and grew up not in the US, I had to find a solution to go there. The first thing I started to do is uploading YouTube videos. But I gone to a college for designers. Read More>>

Elimar Depaula

Ellie actively engages with her community, hosting events and open forums on social media to gather feedback. This close connection led to the creation of two new Diamond Shimmer gloss shades, *Tease* and *Space Party*, after consumers voiced the need for a cool-toned bronze gloss and a clear gloss with sparkles. Read More>>

Ashlee Stokes

My journey into the New York fashion industry involved a mix of interning, assisting, and consulting, mostly focused on design and development for high-end to contemporary New York brands such as The Row and Sanoe among others. Specifically, I served as the Designer and Development Consultant for Sanoë, responsible for advising on everything from concept to production of garments for the brand’s debut collection. Sanoë’s debut collection was featured in major publications such as Vogue, ultimately making it a huge success for the brand. Read More>>

Gauri Goyal

I was an art student in high school, and switching to a full academic college made me realize that I have a penchant and need to work with my hands; I enjoy seeing the tangibility of my work. Mind to Matter. From then on I started reconnecting with the creative side of myself, my daemon so to speak. I fell in love with poetry and writing, and on the same journey of understanding myself and what my future held for me, I found Fashion Design, a field inherently based in the physical world. Fashion Design allows me to breathe life into the ideas, visuals and concepts in my mind and I find that whole process fascinating. Read More>>

Elena Folomeeva

My journey began in the world of restaurant and hospitality management, where I built my career in fine dining, perfecting every detail. But over time, life called for a shift: I became a mother of four, and balancing my career with family responsibilities became impossible. Once my youngest daughter turned one, I realized I wanted to pursue fulfillment not only within my family but also professionally. Read More>>

Carlo Arrechea

My career in the U.S. initially took off in the world of telenovelas, working with Telemundo and Univisión. One of the most memorable roles I had was in Nickelodeon Latin America’s live-action series “Grachi,” which was a huge success. But my big moment in U.S. primetime television came with my debut on CBS’s “S.W.A.T.” as Gio Torres, a role that earned me consideration for a Primetime Emmy nomination. That was a major milestone for me. Read More>>

Yizhun Li

In 2020, I debuted as an artist through ‘’The Coming One‘’ and began my career,This show experience has helped me gain two million followers，releasing band albums and heavily contributing to songwriting and production. Besides writing for my band, I also created songs for various artists, with one of my singles garnering over 3 million likes. In 2024, I was accepted into New York University’s Master’s program in Songwriting, and I currently reside in New York. Read More>>

Nashon Mitchell

Nashon has been a transformative force in the Antelope Valley community since 2016. For over twenty years, she has advocated for those in need and continuously strived to improve the community’s well-being. She works directly with our most vulnerable populations, focusing on enhancing mental health, fostering self-sufficiency, and connecting individuals to careers in high-growth industries. Through her visionary approach and exceptional relationship-building skills, Nashon is able to create long-term solutions that lead to sustained success. Read More>>

Wallace Aroita

In 2006, I moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, to attend high school and pursue my passion for sports and further grow my education This experience further fueled my love for sports, leadership and helped shape my character. After completing my education, I returned home to Rarotonga in 2018 to help with the family business at Avarua Bakery. Read More>>

Prince

I knew it was super competitive and expensive, and at that time, I was kind of all over the place. I even contemplated joining the US Marines for a bit, and because of that, I drifted away from art. When my art teacher found out, she was really disappointed. Then my mom—and basically everyone around me—wasn’t thrilled about the whole military shenanigans. So, I ended up dropping that plan, and Ms. Barbara actually helped me get into SVA for illustration.
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Nneka Okeke

Chinedu was selfless, kind-hearted, and had a captivating spirit. His nickname ‘Funking’ reflected his ability to make everyone laugh and smile. He was truly one of a kind individual! His entrepreneurial drive inspired me to never give up on my goals. Despite Nigeria’s limited job opportunities, he thrived in various businesses and organizations including the Dynamic Minds League Free Health Fair. Read More>>

Nesha Mishlè

In September 2019 I had just turned 30 yrs old and I was battling an all consuming depression. I’d lost my mother to colon cancer when I was 21 yrs old and my father was murdered before I even turned one year old. For some reason the grief of having no living biological parents hit different when I turned 30. The 10 year anniversary of my mother’s death was also soon approaching and that felt spiritually significant somehow.  Read More>>

Paige Harbison

Over the next couple of years I wrote three books with that publisher, Here Lies Bridget, New Girl, and Anything to Have You. I was so young at the time that I felt like opportunities would continue to roll in forever—my first book was optioned, I was asked to ghostwrite, and at one bewildering point, Robert Zemeckis’ team reached out to me about a potential avenue for screenwriting. Read More>>

Ruth Garcia

The desire to enter education came from the guidance and inspiration of remarkable educators I met throughout my journey. My curiosity about special education began early—seeing my peers segregated in school, and supporting a cousin with intellectual disabilities, made me question why some students didn’t have the same opportunities. Later, surrounding myself with my best friends family, particularly his nephew with autism, deepened my interest. Read More>>

Victor Murillo

I am going to start off a 5 years after high school After the tragedies of 9/11, I decided to do what I could for my country at the age of 23. So I enlisted in the United States Marine Corp Reserves. During my time with the Marines, I began to purse working with Law Enforcement. I was not sure if that meant local police, state or government. Just knew I wanted to help make a difference on our streets. Read More>>

Amelia Borja

I left Laramie to attend graduate school in Baltimore MD at the Maryland Institute College of Art where I met my wife. She had spend time moving back and forth between her hometown on the east coast an Los Angeles, navigating coming out in the early 2000’s. She convinced me to try out Los Angeles when we graduated and we have been here ever since. I think both of us appreciate the diversity and acceptance here given our respective backgrounds. Read More>>

Marvin Lee

Nothing worth its salt cruises on a smooth road in my opinion. I’d say one of the challenges I face is being too optimistic and not pivoting or shifting courses soon enough in some business ventures. Perhaps some time lost, but all the experiences both good and bad works in your favor in the bigger picture. I tend to like to take the stairs in life and though that isn’t a bad thing I’m also learning the value of leveraging others and working smarter. Read More>>

Maggie Hayes

I was in my mid-20s and for the first time, it was just me trying to figure out my life. I had always relied on others to tell me what to do, or to check in with them to make sure I was doing the “right thing.” I believe the pressure I felt invoked unresolved trauma from childhood, and I was suddenly experiencing very raw expressions of a freeze response. In the middle of teaching a class, or a conversation, or even like, ordering food at a restaurant – my voice would stop, and I couldn’t speak. My body would tense up.. and while I was panicking inside, I couldn’t move on the outside. Read More>>

Mariko Ladrillono

Becoming a florist wasn’t something I had planned, even though I’ve always had a love for flowers and plants. I worked as a project manager at a creative agency in Tokyo and have designed graphics and websites before that. I had some experience working with flowers, but only in a limited way—primarily through my time as a Tahitian dancer, which occasionally required fresh floral costumes. Beyond that, I never pursued floristry seriously. Read More>>

Hendrick

I’ve always been drawn to creative expression, especially through design. My journey started with an interest in fashion and graphic design, which evolved as I explored various mediums like Sewing, Printmaking, and Graphic design. After working for a luxury brand like Chrome Hearts, I honed my skills and developed a deeper understanding of craftsmanship and the fashion industry. Along the way, I founded my own brand, Roadkill, which combines my passion for streetwear with alternative art mediums and music. Read More>>

Keyshawn Carter

Ongoing Support and Feedback: Our journey doesn’t end when the session concludes. I’m here for ongoing support, answering questions, providing guidance, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. Your feedback is crucial, so we’ll continually tweak our approach based on your progress and comfort levels. Read More>>

Zimri Gutierrez

In 2017 my ex partner and I started dating, he was a florist and I was a sales associate and I also did marketing. One day I saw him make a funeral arrangement and my hustle mind spoke to me and I knew I can sell his work. I created social media accounts for us, and I began to market his work. I was on many platforms such as instagram, Facebook, Offer Up and even Craigslist. From each and every one we began to receive messages and build our clientele.  Read More>>

Zander Holefield

In February 2020, I realized that most solar panel companies that sell and install solar, don’t provide solar panel cleaning services. I also realized that most homeowners that have solar, haven’t had them cleaned in months/years or haven’t had them cleaned at all. Solar panels only function properly when they are clean and that’s where we came in. Read More>>

Jenny Ann Santos

Also was a long way till I was able to join Brazilian television when I was a teenager! I auditioned many times for years, but I never gave up! I called and sent many emails and even went to the production door to apply in person lol I’m lucky enough to have amazing parents that even though they are not involved in this field, they always helped me to accomplish my dreams ! Also was a huge challenge to be accepted on the artistic field in Korea. Read More>>

Britt Warner

I was born in the Valley, grew up near Thousand Oaks on a wild piece of land inhabited by tadpoles and bobcats alike. My first job was at a local hardware store in Malibu when I was 15. Parents had just gone through a messy divorce and it felt empowering to have so many tools at my fingertips at a time when home felt broken. Read More>>

Patricia Hernandez

Flowers and balloons have given me the opportunity to have a decent job and also to see people happy, also to organize my time with my children, to get to know other cities and many places in addition to working in such magical places like Disneyland. It is not easy to be an immigrant and start from scratch in another country, but with effort and dedication you can flourish in the face of adversity. Read More>>

Ashley Miers

I began attending 12-step meetings and pursuing sobriety in 2012, gained my first considerable stretch of sobriety from 2014-2016, and was able to get and stay sober from 2017 through to present day. During this time, I also started practicing Kundalini yoga, which proved to be a powerful tool in my healing experience. In 2017, I completed a Dialectical Behavior Therapy program that also greatly contributed to improving my mental and emotional well-being (and thus the overall quality and functionality of my life). In 2018, I completed Kundalini Yoga teacher training while pregnant with my first son. Read More>>

Ana Gonzalez

Growing up, my parents placed a strong emphasis on documenting me and my siblings. I fondly remember family gatherings where we captured memories with large camcorders, and my mother always had a disposable camera ready for special occasions—those you would drop off at Sav-Ons for developing. I was the child who would eagerly ask to use it, gradually nurturing my love for creativity. When my mom gifted me my first point-and-shoot camera as a teenager, I never imagined that photography would become my career. Read More>>

Leslie Snipes

I’m originally from Sacramento, not LA. I grew up in a single-parent household, and things were pretty tight financially. My mom worked really hard to support me and my siblings, so we didn’t have much for vacations or sports. But she did buy me an old piano, and that’s where my love for music really took off. I taught myself to play by ear, and I was obsessed with film scores. I’d lose myself in movies while my mom was working, which sparked my love for both music and film. Read More>>

Cilo

I started when I was really really young, around 9 or 10, just being a kid who loved music. Me and a friend decided to log on to myspace at the time and record over some beats and post it to our page. That was probably the most exciting thing I could’ve done at the time. After that, I spent all my time writing songs for years. Fast forward and as my writing grew it turned into me learning how to produce to make my songs feel more complete. When the pandemic hit, I moved into a small studio space for like $200 a month, and spent allllll of my time focused on music. In 2022, I dropped a full length project, LOS, which took off for me. Since then I’ve had a few million streams, shows, cool co-signs, etc. Read More>>

Joshua Ojeda

Since I was young I always enjoyed creating art. Inspired by comic books , video games and anime. I always tried to recreate artwork that Interest me. In my teenage years I gravitated towards graffiti and more of underground art forms. As I entered adulthood my friends at the time starting getting large Japanese tattoos and I was instantly attracted to the idea of making tattoos.  Read More>>

Hector Garcia

Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, my journey began with a personal transformation from a life of depression and stress to one of purpose and fulfillment. Inspired by my own healing experiences and a desire to help others, I embarked on a personal healing journey in 2012. Read More>>

Chestina Craig

I am a marine scientist, with a deep love for the ocean and a desire to continue to ask interesting scientific questions and spend my life learning new things through research. Something I think many individuals external to the sciences don’t always realize, is the amount of creativity that is involved in the scientific process. You need to be able to ask novel questions and often come up with unique solutions to problems you encounter in the laboratory or out in the field. I have always also been a creative person, when I was in middle school, I wanted to be a fashion designer, not a biologist. I cannot think of a time in my life where I did not have a creative hobby.  Read More>>

Joanna Marie

In 2020, during the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. Out of boredom and a need to generate extra income, I started fashion blogging on Instagram—posting OOTDs and getting affiliated with the LTK influencer platform (Like to Know It). I earned commissions through affiliate links. As I saw potential for growth, I applied to affiliate programs for Macy’s, Express, Amazon, and a few others, which allowed me to earn small commissions when people made purchases through my links. It wasn’t easy; I had to keep posting regularly to boost visibility and increase my earnings. I also applied at Shein and got denied at first and later on they reached out to me for a collaboration.  Read More>>

Zikriya Ahmed

From the very beginning, we focused on blending traditional weaving techniques with modern designs. This approach not only set us apart but also allowed us to cater to a diverse clientele, both locally and internationally. Our commitment to quality and innovation quickly earned us a reputation in the industry. Read More>>

Amenze Ogbebor

Some of these experiences such as entering the workforce seemed especially rough as had imposter syndrome due to being a woman of color in spaces that were dominated by male and non-women of color. Thus, I opened a therapeutic private practice to provide therapeutic services for women of color experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and struggling with various life transitions. The mission of my practice is to encourage and empower Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) women so they can evolve into the best version of themselves. Read More>>

Monique Hasbun

My name is Monique and I am from Phoenix, Arizona. I was raised in a multicultural home with my dad being Hispanic and my mom Middle Eastern which has really influenced the music I make today. My family has always been part of my musical journey from the beginning – my mom plays the classical Spanish guitar and has always had an excellent musical ear! She taught my brother and I to play guitar and I never stopped learning. Every weekend, at the age of 12, I started to perform cover songs at my family-owned restaurant!  Read More>>

Devon Rae

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would spend hours tracing Pokémon cards and drawing my own versions. My mom would even laminate them to turn them into “cards.” That early love for drawing led me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Illustration at ArtCenter College of Design. The program pushed me mentally and gave me a strong technical foundation, which I knew would be valuable as I transitioned into the tattoo industry. Tattooing had always intrigued me—it was a way to combine my artistic skills with something personal and permanent. Read More>>

Taylor Lamb

After years of graphic design, web design, and marketing roles, I moved to LA for a marketing job and started in the fashion industry with helping launch the premium sleepwear brand, Lunya. I’ve worked for over a decade in the fashion and jewelry ecommerce, branding, and marketing space and have led successful growth strategies for women’s wellness and lifestyle brands. I have led marketing initiatives and strategies for Lunya, Gorjana, Cleobella, and more! Read More>>

Julyanna Roza

From there, things began to snowball. While displaying my jewelry at that first shop, I was invited to share a booth at a craft show with another artist. I spent weeks meticulously preparing and setting up my display table for the event in my living room, perfecting every detail. The effort paid off when the event’s Instagram page featured my work, catching the attention of a larger store. Soon after, I was invited to become a vendor at their new location. This process started to repeat itself and that was the moment I realized my kitchen table craft day had potential to grow into a sustainable business. That’s when I began setting real market goal. Read More>>

Drew Debose

At the age of two years old my family and I went on a trip to visit my godmother in Las Vegas, Nevada in August of 2020. I was sitting on my mother’s lap and began to pat really hard on her chest and my body started to shake. Emergency was called and my body seized for 20mins. Once taken to the hospital, test were ran and I came to after an hour. They told my mom and dad everything appeared fine and sent me home. Read More>>

Rita Luvi

I’m Rita Luvi, an artist and illustrator with a story that spans several countries and artistic disciplines. Born in Estonia and raised in Belarus, I have been drawing since I can remember. Art was my world from an early age, and I pursued it wholeheartedly, winning the *Grand Prix* at the *Bethlehem Star* contest in Moscow while still in art school. I later graduated from the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, where I specialized in traditional crafts, focusing on ceramics. Read More>>

Chelsea Hoey

Being a creative myself I wanted a challenge and a outlet to showcase my work. I did this by starting and finally creating a long time passion of handmade organic candles and cleansing products creating Lucerne Lucinda Candles. This lead me to create Chelsss Creates Lucerne Lucinda, emphasizing on event planning where I find a local business and convert their area into a themed Pop Up Event, brining local vendors and artists to one location for the community to come join and support small businesses. Read More>>

Mindy Kaya

Needless to say this was a deep calling and I was never sure how I was meant to use it. Until I finally left Gather and Grow OC,my previous group practice and opened my business Mindy Kaya. Where I embarked on a deep spiritual expansion, one where I learned to reopen many gifts as a healer to guide and support this community of women and couples going through fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Read More>>

Kamelyta

Truly. One day, after finishing a painting, I had a considerable amount of leftover paint on the plate and not wanting to waste it, I played with it. Using my fingers, I played with the paint, making chicken scratches, mixing the colors, play play play and Oh Emm Gee, I loved it! So there, that’s how I started finger painting. Over the years, my style evolved and my techniques improved and my audience grew! Now, not only my paintings have been displayed in galleries and museums, even at the Ontario International Airport, they are also sold worldwide! Happy to say, I have quite a number of collectors now. Read More>>

Nova Li

“My training with Dr. Pascal Manier has equipped me with advanced skills in bonding, enabling me to perform meticulous and conservative restorative techniques like partial crowns, onlays, inlays, and veneers. These techniques seamlessly combine function with aesthetics.” Read More>>

Amber Gonzales Duong

I grew up watching my mom bake cakes for all of our family parties. We have a pretty big family, and we’re all so close, so there were lots of cakes. I fell in love with both cooking and baking. I went to Cal High specifically for their Culinary Arts Program, and I ended up getting my Bachelors of Science in Culinary Arts. I love creating desserts and especially seeing kids faces when they get to see their dream cake for their birthday. I’m now a part of the Icing smiles community, where I donate cakes to kids dealing with illnesses so they have a chance to get their dream cake. I absolutely love it. Read More>>

Niko D’agnolo

It has been quite the opposite of a smooth road thus far. However, I am grateful for the obstacles that I’ve had to confront along the way. Without many of the issues I’ve had to face, I don’t think I’d be in the creative position that I find myself in now. The obstacle I struggled with most was simply getting out of my own way. For much of my time as an artist, I was plagued by a crippling fear of imperfection. I let much of my own daily insecurities bleed into my artistic sense of self and made little effort to change the pattern of self sabotage I was entwined in. Read More>>

Andrea Pregoni

In addition to my playing career, I was fortunate enough to pursue and acquire a Master’s in Sports Management from the Johan Cruyff Institute. This education has been instrumental in shaping my approach to managing and expanding my academy, allowing me to create meaningful, well-rounded programs for families, schools, and city districts. It has also prepared me to share my knowledge and make a lasting impact on the next generation in the sports industry. Read More>>

Harold Carter

Vicky Keisler the CEO chose this name because of her strong belief in Karma and as a Buddhist living in America she wanted to combine the Christian values found in the Bible to influence her company name “Na’ava” which translates to mean “beautiful” in the Bible. Thus, the fusion of her product line and company name encapsulates the essence of “Beautiful Face”. As a master esthetician, Vicky has been working in the skincare industry for over 20 years and specializes in treating cystic acne, hyperpigmentation, and various other skin concerns. Read More>>

Tess Cao

We had to shut down completely for the pandemic (2020). During that period, we had extra time on our hands so we decided to get a pet, and decided on a ball python. We’ve always talked about how it’ll be cool to do snake yoga one day! We got our second snake a year after, and kept adding on.. we now have 8 pet snakes! Read More>>

Carolina Rubalcava

I work for an incredible company in the music space that is so far ahead in every way. I get to work in design, marketing, photography, content creation and elements of food and beverage (my former food photographer kicks in and it’s just fun). It’s the kind of work I love. I also enjoy working on my personal time in surreal art and makeup! I actually did makeup during college so It’s always fun to paint on my face and express my creativity in different mediums from time to time. Read More>>

Kerrina Sanchez

Like many others, my home and work life merged without notice when COVID 19 shut down most of the United States. I was blessed to work from home without challenge, and when our twin boys were forced into distanced learning. During this time, our priorities shifted abruptly and we decided to make some changes to both our work and home lives. Read More>>

Ahtziri Romero

Now, I have a mobile coffee cart and serve at Corporate, Private, Local Community, and Pop-Up events. I am definitely not stopping here and plan to expand more in the future. The support I have received, is out of this world and I am so happy I put my trust in God and took the leap of faith. Read More>>

Marina Sarkis

I am a 26-year-old Egyptian-American who moved to the U.S. 12 years ago. Currently, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee with a deep passion for crafting. While I have always enjoyed creating custom gifts, I initially kept this passion to myself, experimenting with personalized presents for family and close friends. They often recognized the special touch I brought to my creations. Read More>>

Isaac Huerta Christopher Villaseñor

Since June 2023, our burgers have been served to over a thousand residents in the cities of Whittier, Anaheim, Torrance, Riverside, Redondo Beach, Brea, and many more.. With a strong young team, Isaac, Christopher, and partner Dominick, have become well known names in the Food vendor industry. We believe in the power of simplicity and quality here at Smashed-up.. Our goal is to stand out to our costumers and provide that unique yet unforgettable flavor despite of our younger age. Read More>>

Brandon Hargreaves

I have been valuing real estate properties for the past 20+ years throughout California. I have expanded my career in real estate becoming a licensed real estate agent in 2021 as well as currently real estate investing. I have coached thousands of people on valuing real estate, including zoom calls, in class presentations as well as in person events. Read More>>

Emily Dang

It seems that us rising artists tend to spend much more money on paying for studio time, purchasing beats, hiring a photographer/videographer, paying for performance slots, and investing in paid promotions than you actually profit. Although I am not struggling with operating as an independent artist, it does get overwhelming managing all aspects of your musical journey with no team that you trust to help relieve some responsibilities.  Read More>>

Stephanie Bejarano

I was born in Mexico and moved to Los Angeles at a young age. Growing up as an undocumented immigrant, I faced a lot of obstacles, such as limited access to financial aid and uncertainty about my future. Despite these challenges, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from CSULB. However, due to my immigration status, I was unable to work legally for several years. The Dream Act eventually gave me the opportunity to work, and during that time, I pursued IT certifications to bridge the gap in my career. Read More>>

Kristina Dow

It’s a pleasure to share my story with you and your readers. It was always my dream to be living here in California, and to make a positive difference in the world. Having grown up in Birmingham, England and as a creative artist – singer-songwriter, model/host, actress, and life coach, I’ve been driven to make a difference in other peoples lives. I always enjoyed helping people to achieve their goals and to believe in themselves. That’s what my music is all about, and most importantly for all of us to wake up and live our dream! Life is short and we never know how much longer we have here! Read More>>

Darcie Xia

From Ningbo, China to Irvine, California, I find myself like a transplanted seedling, constantly thinking about how geographic and cultural changes shape the integrity of my identity. Inspired by philosophers Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of “nomadology” I recognize that identity is not static but continuously formed through changes and transformation. Living in two coastal cities, water has become a nostalgic connector for me. More importantly, I realize that water is a natural element without regional attributes. No matter where I live, water exists, and its impact on me remains constant. Read More>>

Christine Luu

My first experience with pottery was during high school in 2006 when I took a ceramics wheel throwing course and I hated it! I got a “B” in the class and the instructor said that I wasn’t trying hard enough, which was both hurtful and defeating. I didn’t touch clay again for 10 years. Then in 2016, during a really difficult time in my life while struggling with depression, I needed something outside of my day job to keep me occupied. This would be the start of what felt like the true beginning of my ceramics journey.  Read More>>

Alvis Pham

From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to photography and videography. I remember borrowing my parents’ old camcorder to make my own “short films” with stuffed animals. In 6th grade, I even started a YouTube channel to showcase my arts and crafts projects. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself as a broke college freshman taking out a small loan to buy camera gear, determined to get serious about photography. It might not have been the most financially sound decision at the time (I had about $2 to my name), but looking back, it was one of the best choices I ever made. Read More>>

Narges Feizabadi

This realization led me to advance my education in functional medicine, a transformative step that allowed me to shift my focus from simply managing diseases to truly understanding and addressing their underlying causes. Now, I find immense fulfillment in empowering my patients to take control of their health, helping them prevent diseases whenever possible, and guiding them toward uncovering the root causes of their conditions when they arise. Read More>>

Liana Brackett

Staying with The Weather Channel, I hosted a weekend weather show briefly on Quibi while also freelancing with FOX 11 LA as a meteorologist, which brought me out to LA (and home for me. I grew up in Temecula). I ended up venturing out of weather and into the entertainment/lifestyle world, which is what I currently do with Allen Media Group. Read More>>

Jocelyn Cruz

My name is Jocelyn Cruz better known as Jglow im a celebrity makeup artist brow artist & spraytan artist located in Santa Ana Orange County, California. I am a single mom of two beautiful girls Azariah Milani (8) Anayah Marina (7). Im the oldest of 3 girls & was raised my a single mom who I owe it all to; Martha Bolaños. I was drawn to the beauty industry at a very young age, 16, During junior high and high school I was the friend that did her own make up for our special events.  Read More>>

Ali Nagy

I’m an award-winning, 15 year agency veteran specializing in strategic planning, media relations and driving domestic and global communications and marketing for healthcare, financial services and consumer tech. I was named one of PRNews’ Top Women in PR in 2022 and have won several PRWeek, SABRE, Bulldog and other industry awards on behalf of clients. Read More>>

Tiril Jackson

During those three years, I had a big learning curve. I learned a lot about living away from home, my own voice and just how to be independent. I also started songwriting more in high school. I did not sing them out loud yet but I was writing a lot back then. Looking back I had a lot of amazing teachers and many of them helped me more than I could understand back then. I took a break from music after high school to see if I would still miss it, I did miss it and decided to do this full time. I am currently in college taking a music production major. Read More>>

Kalia Felse

It would always bring smiles to the other patients and staff. When I finished all of my treatments and found out I was in remission, I wanted to do something that would let me have a creative outlet and bring joy to others. I started my Youtube channel in March of 2021. This outlet has allowed me to talk about my breast cancer journey and to bring awareness to others. I love having this platform to not only have fun and experience amazing events but to also have my story help others who may be going through a similar situation. Read More>>

Heide Mahnke

Broken Timbers opened in May 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Keeping up with the ever changing mandates proved to be the most difficult part. We opened by selling cans to go. At that time, no one had ever tasted Broken Timbers’ beer. The tremendous community support helped us get through the worst part. But, today, we still fill the effects. With rising grocery and gas prices, people do not go out to eat or to drink as often. We are a luxury item and, therefore, people frequent breweries right now less than they might have before the pandemic. Read More>>

Tenelle Bailey

My story has many layers and has greatly evolved over the years as a small business owner. My background is truly in the Fashion sector. I have a master’s degree in Fashion Design and a master’s degree in Fashion Marketing. I have designed clothing for major retailers, taught various fashion study courses at the college level, and then began to focus on being a full-time entrepreneur. In 2011, I launched my first online fashion accessories/jewelry business – Dose of Vitamin F (Fashion) and sold various vendor-made jewelry, handbags, scarves, and shoes at retail on my website.  Read More>>

Fernando Silva

It was a bit of a wild ride at first because we were photographing everything ourselves in our small apartment and fulfilling orders out of our tiny garage. Then came the holidays and we couldn’t believe the number of orders we received. That’s when we knew other people had the same problem as us and that they wanted to create interesting spaces of their own. From there we focused on growing our product offerings and digital presence and at the start of 2024 we were approached with a major opportunity that changed the trajectory of our business. We were asked to create a custom centerpiece lamp for an undescribed event and upon delivery we discovered that it wasn’t just any event, it was the 2024 Grammys. Read More>>

 

Seo Ibarra

Growing up in Mexico was hard, because of the area we lived in but I can’t say that it wasn’t a lot of fun too, Since young I hung around Artist like myself or guys who had similar interests. Being that I was middle class and at times even felt poverty or lack of income I would find my own ways to make money at school selling candy and telling jokes. Read More>>

Josh Schultz

A few months later, I embarked on a new academic pursuit, enrolling in the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program at the University of Pennsylvania, a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Accredited Program. That period was an exhilarating whirlwind of knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities. I was honored to receive several prestigious accolades, including the Stuart Weitzman School of Design Scholarship, the Van Alen Traveling Fellowship, and the Albert F. Schenck-Henry Gillette Woodman Scholarship, which only fueled my passion for design and research further. Read More>>

Jax Tinnin

My story starts in North Carolina, where I spent the first 20 years of my life. In high school, I knew I wanted to be a Producer/DJ making EDM after hearing Skrillex and Deadmau5 for the first time. Towards my last days of high school, I told my mom I wasn’t going to college. She said that was fine as long as I was working or doing something. So immediately after I graduated, I worked anywhere from one to three jobs for two years. When those two years were up, I drove to New Mexico to live with some friends I made on Facebook. Read More>>

Alla Kopp

I was born in a very beautiful town on the Black Sea shore, called Odessa. There I grew up and graduated from the University in Philosophy Major. Unfortunately, I had a vey harsh childhood, filled with physical, emotional and psychological abuse. A lot of pain. A lot of suffering and a lot of struggling. At moments it was so terrifying that it seemed to me I would not survive, but The will to keep on living and keep on fighting in spite of anything was given me by my faith in finding someone, who I had seen in my dreams and visions throughout my whole life, starting very early childhood. Those were the eyes, very similar to my own, but they belonged to a man. Read More>>

Elena Suvari

From there, I got to meet people in the industry who would help me with other things such as social media management, and getting in touch with industry professionals. Elements normally outside my comfort zone became a daily occurrence for me. It’s been a tough uphill battle in a competitive field, but every day I learn new things at every opportunity to further my career. Read More>>

Chasity Ramsey

My journey to yoga, actually started with a career as a professional dancer. From a young age I was accepted (and lived) at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) where I trained rigorously in ballet, pointe, and modern dance. The summer before my first year at ASFA, I trained with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in a summer intensive. That summer I took my very first yoga class at 12 years old. Throughout my middle school and high school years at ASFA and training with ABT, and other rigorous summer dance intensives, yoga was a part of my weekly schedule.  Read More>>

Danielle Yasuda

I believe freedom means different things for different people. Maybe it’s associated with an injury so freedom entails more knowledge of how to strengthen to prevent further damage, or how to heal properly. Or freedom could be more of an emotional state- maybe it’s a time to withdraw from the demands of the world and create a safe space just for you. When I move, I understand that everything else will be okay, and my hope is that my clients leave their sessions with a greater sense of self and a greater sense of safety and freedom. Read More>>

Claire Muniz

I often refer to ourselves as the OG DIYer’s because we had to DIY mostly every home improvement, without the resources of YouTube, Internet or any HGTV. We started with the easiest, most cost effective improvement: paint. We then moved to the exterior to work on more paint the landscpaing. I loved that little 3 bedroom, newport blue and white ranch home. Read More>>

Peter Barrow

I started playing golf when I was 9 years old in Barbados. I thoroughly enjoyed it to the point of representing my country for many years as a junior. It was a great source of pride and introduced me to many friends I still have today. In golf, you get to meet and travel to places that would be rare in another sport or setting. Read More>>

Pinky Lam

The products are mainly specicalize from tea and there are many different types of asian tea cakes that I have. In the beginning it was very slow and I tried to promote myself at Facebook and Instagrams. Luckily, I met these two food bloggers from the Chinese “Little Red Book” app and they helped to promote my cakes and then things started to change. Read More>>

Anita Lam

Five months ago, I finally took the plunge and started sharing my love for food online. It was a dream I’d had for years, but I always hesitated. A recent opportunity to try out a new restaurant menu gave me the push I needed. I arrived expecting a casual meal, but to my surprise, I found myself seated next to a group of popular food influencers. They shared their experiences and insights, and I was captivated by this new world I wasn’t aware of previously. Read More>>

Kyle Reynolds

Our journey started on a Valentine’s Day date when my fiancé and I attended a painting workshop. We had an incredible time, and it sparked something in us. We loved how painting allowed us to connect, relax, and create something special together. That night, we realized we wanted to share that experience with others, and soon after, we decided to start our own painting workshop business. Read More>>

Natalie Kopyan

My journey in the performing arts started with dance, which opened up a world of expressive possibilities for me. The transition into acting, modeling, singing, and now influencing felt like a natural progression, driven by my passion and desire to explore various fields in the entertainment industry. Each discipline complements the others, I believe, and provides me with a unique set of skills needed to bring characters and emotions to life. Read More>>

Brett Emch

In 2020, Nature Meets Nurture was founded as a primarily outdoor Pod experience for children aged four to five years old. It was originally located on a private property in the Mount Washington area of Los Angeles and was created from the ground up (literally) by myself (Mr. Brett) and a group of parents who wanted a safe place for their children during the pandemic, where kids could still be free to be kids and socialize safely. After a successful school year it was determined that the school should continue on in the space so lovingly created by myself and those families.  Read More>>

Olga Severina

I graduated from the State Academy of Arts and Design, in Kharkiv, Ukraine with a Master in Graphic Design and Communications and a Ph.D. in Visual Arts. My school has rich artistic traditions rooted in the early 20th-century avant-garde movement and Ukrainian easel painting. During my studies, I became involved with The 4th Block project – an international poster exhibition, held every three years in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The exhibit takes its name from reactor number 4, which was destroyed in the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. Starting as a volunteer I soon became The 4th Block’s exhibition curator and a selection committee member. In Addition, from 2006-2012, I was lucky to work with The Golden Bee Graphic Design Biennale and Sergey Serov. Read More>>

Sihan Ning

Just like many animators, I spend a lot of time experimenting with my style and how to create movies that are both entertaining and culturally communicative. This is not an easy task, after all, it takes experimentation to make a film appealing to people who don’t know much about Chinese culture and environment. Read More>>

Myra Whittington

Then I went off to college and took a few acting & film classes here and there. After graduation I got the urge to start performing again. I did a play in a small black box theater in Hollywood. After rehearsal one night the director told me he hosted an improv workshop and it was starting in a few minutes. I decided to stick around and see what it was like. That night, I fell in love with improv comedy and I’ve been doing it ever since. Improv is a huge part of my life and I love it so much it’s hard to put it into words. Read More>>

Louise Ponla

I owe it to my late father for showing me the beauty in the world. Every summer for the past 24 years, I was truly grateful to have helped my late father in planning our family vacations yearly. This taught me how to plan trips efficiently, whether it’s finding decent flight prices, best places to sightsee, etc. I owe it all to my late father and his love for the world. Some of my favorite vacations included my family’s trip to Europe in 2017 and Maui in 2021. Read More>>

Andrea Jarquin

At my breaking point, my Christian faith gave me the courage to seek sobriety. Through prayer, I found the strength to believe in a future beyond addiction. My faith helped me reconnect with my body and spirit, and it gave me the discipline to keep moving forward. Both my faith and the practice of yoga taught me how to be still, present, and trust in a greater plan for my life. They helped me find peace amidst the chaos and gave me the tools to heal from within. Read More>>

Gil Gomez

The name ISAMU signifies courage and accomplishment, uniting people of diverse backgrounds. Inspired by Japanese balance and harmony principles, we showcase garments by Japanese designers known for attention to detail and excellence, as well as unique brands from around the globe that align with this focus. Read More>>

Malachi Hopkins

I was involved in a closed adoption when I was 1½ years old and spent majority of my adult life trying to figure out through countless nights who my biological parents were and what were the events that led me to become a ward of the state from the beginning. I must admit as I took the plunge into the journey of discovery it has been quite an adventure through the experience of learning all I have discovered thus far. Read More>>

Mick Silvers

Through sitting with, learning from, and being among those facing homelessness, I realized that love and belonging are holistically ingrained in us. When unmet, they can lead to profound suffering—causing individuals to feel numb, ailing, and disconnected. I observed that the absence of these needs often results in people hurting themselves and others, perpetuating cycles of pain and illness. Read More>>

Melanie Pendergast

Life took an unexpected turn when I met my husband in Phoenix, AZ, and about a year and a half later, we moved abroad to Hong Kong for his job. With his demanding work hours, I found myself with extra time on my hands, which allowed me to explore new interests. I quickly fell in love with the local pastries and the incredible variety of desserts from around the world. The cakes and sweets I encountered were often more focused on flavor than on being overly sweet. At that time, I knew very little about cake decorating—my knowledge was limited to the rustic sheer trend at the time. Read More>>

Lory Nadia

I was looking for a job in high school to support my family. I landed a gig at a local long standing optical shop & fell in love with the world of optics and coined myself a frame-a-holic in no time. The idea of combining the fashion world with the medical field was so intriguing/rewarding for me. From there I ventured off to work here, there, everywhere in optics. From big name chains, to private practices.  Read More>>

Eric Tan

The path has definitely not been all smooth sailing. As with anyone, a slew of major personal issues have come and gone through the years. The single biggest event that I could not be more grateful for was the birth of my daughter. Though I would not trade being a father for anything in the world, being a parent is definitely a challenge. Having to juggle co-parenting, school, homework, extra curricular activities is quite the challenge. Read More>>

Natali Velazquez

Mariachi Herencia Michoacana started in 2017 in the City of Azusa. We noticed that most after-school programs primarily focused on sports or clubs,in which we engage children with their culture and heritage. Our goal and our purpose to this group is too see our members to one day perform or open the shows with famous artists. Read More>>

Samantha Miller

I was raised in Glendora, California, by my single dad, who instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience. I went on to earn my undergraduate degree from the University of La Verne and later completed my master’s at Azusa Pacific University. I gained valuable experience working for large corporations like Target and Macy’s. I also worked for a couple companies doing marketing. While I worked at Macy’s I opened my own wedding company and used all the revenue to pay off my student loans. Read More>>

Kevon Lee

I’ve had a rough childhood, but I could endure and conquer every circumstance. In July 2019, one of my best friends sent me a video from YouTube. After getting done listening to this video, another video popped up. The energy the video lit in me was like no other. I had never heard of this form of speaking, so I asked him what it was, and he said it was motivational speaking. I thought to myself, I went through a hard life like them; people always tell me I’m motivational, and I’ve been shot! I can be a motivational speaker. Read More>>

Ava Dellaira

When my mother died suddenly the summer after I graduated college, I abandoned my PHD applications in favor of poetry, which seemed like the only medium that could give voice to my grief. I was accepted to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where I lived in Kurt Vonnegut’s old farm house and fell ever more deeply in love with language. During my time at Iowa, I also discovered that I wanted to explore the power of words and stories beyond the medium of poetry, to connect with a broader audience, to help others who might be grieving, too.  Read More>>

 

 

Shirin Khalatbari

Art and archaeology have never been separate from each other, and I realized I could use my knowledge of history and archaeology as the foundation for my art practice. This realization led me to move to San Francisco, California, where I received my Master’s in Fine Arts in 2019 from San Francisco State University. Since graduating, I have participated in various solo and group shows throughout the Bay Area and co-founded an art collective called MUZ Collective, dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging artists through curating exhibitions and other art-related projects. Read More>>

Daniel Pinho

Eventually I finished up with the army and transitioned careers, and through the transition I rediscovered songwriting and music production, but this time I was a lot better equipped to figure it out, both intellectually as an adult vs. as a kid but also financially–I invested in learning about professional music production and how to navigate the music industry, and it really opened my eyes to the possibilities. Read More>>

Craig Lowe

My name is Craig Lowe Jr. I am 37 years old, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Although I was raised in Los Angeles, I spent most of my childhood and adult years in Carson, California. I am the eldest sibling to two younger sisters. We are a God-fearing family, who are raised in the church. My father pastors our church home. Although I am a product of a married Christian family, I ended up turning to the streets of Carson. During the era of my gang affiliation, I’ve encountered many things good and bad. I’ve lost a lot of close friends, I’ve done jail time, and I’ve been in situations that could have ended my life. Read More>>

Joshua Hartman

My name is Josh Hartman, and I’m from Brooklyn, New York. I was inspired to start racing bikes at the age of 12 by my cousin Randolph Toussaint, an Olympic cyclist. My journey took a dramatic turn when, at 15, I experienced a near-fatal accident that left me in a coma for weeks. I endured a long and painful year of recovery, including healing from multiple facial fractures. I wasn’t about to give up on my dream but despite everything, there was an unexplainable drive inside me to keep pushing forward, even when the odds were stacked against me and despite everyone’s concerns. Read More>>

Lorriane Anderson

I kind of fell into the world of spirituality. One day on the way to work, I saw a copy of the Secret that my mother had given me years before which I never really read. For some reason, I felt compelled to take it to work with me to read on my lunch break so I grab it. I started it that afternoon and finished it that night. At the time, I was working for a tech incubator in Santa Monica as an operations and logistics manager for a fashion startup.  Read More>>

Marcelo Petrella

I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil. Graduated in Business/Marketing. Moved to LA in 2000. Dove into the “back then – brand new” world of motion graphics. Started directing commercials in 2007. Since 2013 I have been running Fellow with my business partner, Vincent Wauters, working on commercial projects for advertising agencies and brands. Read More>>

Pamela Hayes

After enduring a transaction with another Realtor who had been referred to me to sell a home during a particularly stressful time in my life, I realized clearly that this agent did not have my best interests in mind. I ended up losing a great deal of money on the deal and decided that the best way to overcome this was to find out more about this industry. I received my real estate license in 2005 and 3 years later my brokers license. I went to work for a major real estate firm, where I quickly learned the ropes, was invited to be part of a very successful team, began teaching real estate school and became a real estate coach to new agents. Read More>>

Carissa Wright

Recently, we launched the King Claw Partnership Program, collaborating with restaurants, hotels, and malls to place our machines in their venues. This initiative not only attracts families but also offers local businesses an exciting new revenue stream. We’re thrilled about this next chapter and can’t wait to see how it grows! Read More>>

Robb Smith

It hasn’t been easy at all. Navigating being a single dad,Covid, and demand and exposure for people to utilize us and support local. So very grateful to Long Beach and their support to my family and me. I also take this very personal to help because when we were homeless and I was building this business and raising awareness it was this city that made us thrive. That’s why it’s so important for me to give back because I can’t ever repay what was done for us and continued to be done with the support but also it’s just the right thing to do. Read More>>

Aya Konishi

My grandfather used to own a small pearl business called “Nakanishi Shinju” back in Kobe, Japan. I wanted to learn more about his business as well as pearl cultivation, but I did not have the chance to do so before he passed away. He also donated a portion of his sales to several organizations and that overlapped with my goal as well. So, to carry on his legacy, I borrowed “Nishi” which means West from Nakanishi Shinju and started my business as West Pearl. Read More>>

Matt Edwall

My business partner and I have known each other all our lives, and he’s an absolute stud. Business man though and through, so partnering with him filled in all the gaps that were lacking on my end. I met the queen of MILO Business Consulting, Erin, in a training course and she immediately felt like the sister that was way smarter and better than me at everything, but I’d never tell her :). And Jamison is our lead, the sniper. Eyes on everything, and the books worst nightmare. Read More>>

Amanda Srisathapat

Sacrifice and intellectual curiosity led the ancient Chinese over five millennia ago to understand Qi, the vital energy behind all life forms. This diligent research birthed the oldest codified system of medicine in the world that is the doctrine of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This system has greatly helped me overcome a chronic illness and instilled within me a passionate career quest to understand and share with others. Read More>>

Daniel Crowley

With some success under my belt, two years later it was time to expand and move to a nicer location. I was lucky enough to meet Christine and Jeremiah Lutes and they agreed to partner with me. They are some of the nicest people I have ever met and I will owe them for the rest of my life for all their help and patience. As the business continued to expand, the momentum continued to build. I was able to get Brian Corbitt as another partner, and eventually Casey Chattle as my most recent partner. Each person was an invaluable addition to the business and I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. Read More>>

Jessica Boyer

I literally say this in job interviews because it’s my truth: I’ve had a meta page since it was called “the Facebook” and could only be accessed with a .edu email address. In undergrad, I got the opportunity to be the student homecoming chair and I decided to put the activities on Facebook verses in addition to the traditional pamphlet. Attendance exploded, and something clicked for me at that moment. I realized that social media was going to be a powerful thing, and I wanted to be part of that momentum. Read More>>

Magaly Eyraud

At a young age I’ve always a a passion to draw. I would try to replicate designs which lead to drawing clothes and fell in love with fashion. I bought my first sewing machine at the age of 18 and made myself tops, purses etc. I always knew my heart was in art. Creating things was what I lived for, Ive been a diy gal all my life. My first memory of getting into the wedding industry was when my sister was getting married. I went to all her bridal fittings looking for dresses in her price range and veils everything was overpriced, although I was no dress designer I told her “I think I can make your veil”. Read More>>

Giacomo Martinelli

First time I was totally excited. Can’t forget my first time outside the airport. All things to me were new, cars seems to my eyes so big, streets too. Different food, different habits. But love to start to live the Californian style. I grew up in Italy, Tuscany…differences are many. Struggles…I think language that now is fine for me more or less but I was really frustrated when my mouth wasn’t able to express how my mind was thinking.  Read More>>

Lizette Flores

Growing up in Bell, California, I witnessed my parents struggle financially on a single income. My mom, a stay-at-home mother, worked hard to stretch every dollar, while my dad, a groundskeeper at a cemetery, never missed a day of work and put in countless hours. Despite the challenges, they sacrificed to achieve the American dream of homeownership. Inspired by their perseverance, I realized during college that real estate would be a powerful way to serve my community and make a meaningful impact. Read More>>

Leah Tan

I knew in the back of my mind that I always wanted to start modeling at some point. I was always drawn to the stylistic appeal of fashion, and I especially admired the fresh aesthetic of Asian e-commerce fashion sites as well as the captivating visuals of poster campaigns that I happen to walk by either at the mall or the airport. The way models pose in photos always looks so effortless yet confident, and it made me want to do the same. I didn’t start pursuing modeling until around last year when I asked a friend of mine to take my first set of digitals.  Read More>>

Donna Conklin

I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was young and I just continued on taking classes or teaching myself everything I was interested in. Stained glass, bead weaving, woodwork, jewelry making and so many other things. I also have my Associates degree in Graphic Art. Read More>>

Gloria Gutierrez

There are smooth roads? There are many challenges, both real and others not! Mostly there is fear of failure, but that is overcome with a lot of support from family and friends both of which I had. A more real challenge was getting financed for my “Mobile Pet Spa”. The MPS is a significant piece of the puzzle and not having one is not an option. I had to take out more from my retirement fund than I originally had wanted to, but it also means a lower monthly payment, so again, a challenge that was overcome in short order. Read More>>

Brenda Buenavida

It wasn’t easy. First, I had to study and work at the same time to afford my education. Then, I had to make myself known to attract patients, and in the midst of it all, the pandemic hit. On the positive side, it allowed many of us in the health field to provide virtual consultations, which was not common before. Now, I’m happy to be working remotely with consultants from all over the world. Read More>>

Raven Billberry

Hi y’all! My name is Raven Billberry and I am a nail technician! I’m also a full time mom and wife. I’ve been doing nails since I was a little girl growing up in Austin, TX. I used to watch my mom doing her friends and our neighbors nails at our kitchen table and I think that’s when the seed was planted. I remember pretty definitively around the age of 15 I started wearing acrylics, and my nails have stayed done consistently since then. Read More>>

Erica Martin

While I was in college I picked up a camera to photograph my artwork then began taking pictures of my nieces. I eventually started taking clients for photography to get me thru college. What began as a simple interest soon blossomed into a freelance business. I love exploring experimental styles that blend photography and graphic design, allowing me to push the boundaries of my creativity. Read More>>

Marvin Castelle

Eventually becoming one of Eddie Bravo’s main black belts in the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, is the one who hit the imanari submission that got 12 million views in one night. We met at our headquarters school in downtown and instantly connected. We live and breathe jiu-jitsu, training together twice a day, every day. We wanted to open our own gym in 2020, but the pandemic hit. Fortunately, we opened our school in 2021 and have been sharing our knowledge of jiu-jitsu to the community. Read More>>

Dayton Gilbreath

My journey with lacrosse started back in Washington, where I played at Bainbridge Island High School from 2005 to 2008, serving as Team Captain and earning the honor of Washington State All-American. After graduating in 2008, I joined the Air Force Academy (Division I), where I played all four years and was named Team Captain in 2012. During my time there, I earned 1st Team All League honors each year and was recognized as the league’s rookie of the year in 2009. Every summer, I returned home to Washington to run position-specific clinics, working with up to 100 high school players to help them prepare for the recruiting process. Read More>>

Imari Milsap

I didn’t have access to a computer back then so I improvised, as I started my journey at a young age I soon realized how people could go from good to bad in an instant. It was hard to find support back then because everyone would consider me a weirdo for trying something so big at a young age. My main goal is to portray Miles Morales in a live action adaptation one day. As of right now I do write scripts and make fan films on social media. So far I’ve made an impact and I’m just glad to final see the vision come to life. Read More>>

Tyree Traylor

Born in Gardena, California on July 14th 1998 and raised in Compton and Hawthorne, growing up with a single mother with the total of 3 kids, the beginning was a bit rough. Living from place to place and at some point in a hotel as a child I was a troubled youth but I always continued to want to be better. I started off playing football for the Carson Colts at Scotts Park in Carson and also while being in that area I learned how to skateboard.  Read More>>

Shereve Smith

There have been challenges a long the way, these challenges certainly taught me perseverance . One of the challenges were learning not to give up when faced with obstacles. I learned how to handle financial difficulties when business model struggled with cash flow. Of course when operating a small business these are challenges expected and I have learned and certainly grown in my business strategies to keep consistency even in low business seasons. Read More>>

Richie Petruziello

I joined Equinox in 2010, where my commitment to helping others flourished. I was committed to climbing the ranks to become the top trainer at the Palos Verdes location. In 2014, I earned recognition as the #1 Trainer at the Palos Verdes branch, and by 2015 was ranked one of the Top 100 Trainers within the Equinox network. My training methods reinforce my core values: to seek innovative fitness strategies while making wellness accessible to a broader range of communities. I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs, goals, and capabilities. Read More>>

Marco Sanchez

I’ve been working in the restaurant industry since 1986. I started my culinary journey in high school in my home town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in a school for Hotel and Restaurant administration where my passion for not just cooking but being inside the hustle and bustle restaurants was cultivated. My passion for cooking was passed down to me from my maternal grand mother Mama Tere. I would always help her with making dinner and learned to choose the freshest ingredients for all our family meals. Read More>>

Tony Nguyen

Originally, I attended Cal State Long Beach as an illustration major. As a child I always wanted to grow up to be an inventor but by this point in my life I gave up on being one. This is the result of the lack of a Bachelor of “Inventing” degree. My passions shifted into the arts due to the many similarities between the inventor and the artist. They both create new tangible objects from their experimentations and thoughts.  Read More>>

Amanda Aoun

I started in the hair industry after graduating college hopeless and confused because I was no longer interested in what I was getting my degree in (business-admin and Human Resources). Once I finished my internship and graduated, I quickly saw I did not want to spend my weeks in the office wearing fancy clothes and doing a 9-5. My sister in law who was a big part of my life and my best friend suggested I looked into the hair world because I was creative and drew and painted often.  Read More>>

Rabbit Lionel

Initially I wanted to highlight alternative fashion amongst people of color and my favorite local clothing brands like M.Rage, Kinfold, The Kigu Stop, etc. But my friends are all cosplayers and needed a photographer for their cosplays. And there are a lot of creeps in that scene, so I used it to learn my craft and also protect my friends from weirdos. I mostly shoot editorial now. Read More>>

Kisha Sardin

As a child I grew up in South Central LA, specifically what is now known as Jefferson Park and in Mid City. There were tons of huge beautiful homes in my neighborhood, a mixture of craftsman, traditional and some are even zoned historical homes. In the 1980’s and 90’s kids were outside all day, so we saw a lot and the community was strong. We knew our neighbors and the neighborhood.  Read More>>

Zelda Owusu

I also served on the leadership council for Girls Inc. of Westchester, which fueled my commitment to empowerment and leadership. After graduating high school, I initially pursued a liberal arts major at Westchester Community College but switched to Business Administration in my second semester to better understand leadership, finances, and the business world, all with the goal of becoming my own boss. Read More>>

Yui Ueno

In 2013, I followed my husband’s work to LA. After we purchased our first home in Torrance, it was exciting to see how the property was appreciated. (The real estate market in Japan is totally different.) This fact encouraged me to get a California real estate license myself. Helping others (especially Japanese people & Chinese people who live in LA) build their wealth through buying and selling real estate is a very exciting job for me. Read More>>

Lauren Anne Muller

I began Ms. Nature LA to provide children with a fun, solid base of genuinely enjoying nature so they can develop a care and concern for it in the future. As David Sobel states, “If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.” Read More>>

 

Dr. Nanaefua Afoh-manin

Becoming a physician came with immense rewards but also a heavy burden in the form of six figures of student loan debt, a burden that I knew too many others in my field were facing as well. Black women carries some of the largest debt burdens yet we are leaders across industries and sectors. Our stories are often buried while our grit is exploited. It became clear to me that this debt was not just a personal issue, but a systemic problem limiting the potential of countless professionals who could be solving serious social issues while building generational wealth. Read More>>

Kenia Morales

Publicity was tough, but as a family, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We distributed flyers all over the city and in neighboring towns. Business cards were handed out, conversations were sparked, and slowly but surely, the community began to take notice. Now, after five months of dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of community, we are grateful to say that our pet shop continues to grow. We’re proud to have become a resource for local pet owners and look forward to serving the community for many years Read More>>

Darren Hardwell

We all have ups and downs and that’s just part of the game. THE STU launched in 2017 and was going strong. In Oct. of 2019, wasn’t so smooth. I had to deal with some personal issues with people and tough times with family, and I mean extremely tough. The guys that was a part of the show was also dealing with things and so we took a break, a 3 year break but relaunched in 2023 and still going strong. Read More>>

Alexander-benjamin Moore

With all the experience I have gained so far in the health and business world I have defined myself as a Personal Development Guide, focusing on helping people from the inside out. I operate as a fitness coach, mental health coach, and Kangen water distributor. There are many more details in my life story as you can imagine that I would like to share, but to keep this as summarized as possible, I am thankful for all the hardships I had to endure because they made me strong and brought me so much wisdom and the ability to connect with so many different people. Read More>>

Ellie Garcia

One day, for my mom’s birthday, I decided to make her a fondant cake (since I couldn’t afford to buy one.. they were an arm and a leg!) so I DIY’d it. I baked the cake out of a box, and rolled my fondant like it was play-dough. It was fun and I totally got lost in the process. She loved her cake and encouraged me to keep up this new hobby of mine. I never wanted to stop making cakes after that. Everything about it made me feel good. Read More>>

James Wallace

I’m Just Proud Of The Fact Of How Far I’ve Come In To Be In This Position & To The People That Helped Me Get Here, I Feel Like I Separate Myself From Everyone Because Of The Way I Express Myself & Carrie Myself I Think Outside The Box Visualize Things Before I See It & No Matter The Outcome I Keep Striving. Read More>>

Jacqueline Piza

Being a DACA recipient opened up new opportunities for me. This change sparked my passion for education, leading me to pursue a degree in psychology. I aspire to use my education to uplift my community, especially those facing similar struggles. As a mother of two, I’m deeply committed to creating a better future for my children. This passion drove me to start Piza My Heart Co., where I blend my artistic talent with my desire to connect people through personalized gifts. Each item I create is filled with love and meaning, celebrating the special moments in life. Read More>>

Johnathan Benvenuti

After winning second place on Hell’s kitchen, Jason and I begin working on our current business plan. We opened up Bar Becky in April of this year, paying respect to my mother and the spirit of her hospitality; cooking my Italian American heritage. Focusing on community and local produce with a California forward wine list and craft cocktails that match some of the cities best. I live a dream that most chefs chase their entire career for and I’m so proud to be able to cook the food. I grew up eating and tell stories through our dining experience at Bar Becky. Read More>>

Sienna Lucero

I started my creative expression at age 17 when I found painting. Painting for me started as a way to escape and release the heavy emotions I faced after losing my dad a couple years before. Unable to cope with the loss I found myself in a dark place. Experiencing depression at a young age I found painting to be one of the few things to bring me comfort and allow me to feel everything I had been holding in.  Read More>>

Sherida Harris

My journey in youth development started off in the classroom as a teacher. My time in the classroom cultivated the opportunity to connect with young people on a deeper level, helping them unlock their potential by recognizing their strengths for success. Being an educator has reinforced my belief in the power of education and mentorship to shape not only individual lives, but also the future of our communities. Read More>>

Soleil

In a way, Soleil Brows all started during my graduate program. I felt stifled by academia and I wanted an outlet to express my creativity. I then started working part-time as a makeup artist while also studying through a tattoo apprenticeship. I was spending so much time on creative ventures that did not guarantee long term financial stability. So when I earned my masters in communication studies, I focused on that career instead Read More>>

Rex Woods

My friend and I have always been sports car enthusiasts, deeply passionate about personalizing our vehicles to reflect our individuality. One of the best ways to achieve this, we realized, was through custom car wraps. However, we found that most existing brands lacked the variety and creativity we were looking for. This led us to embark on a new journey—creating our very own vinyl wrap brand, RAXTiFY. Read More>>

Jake Leach

Yes, there is always obstacles especially in the music industry. From getting shows to learning how to produce music, everything is constantly evolving. There is a constant change of trends which myself as an artist to be adaptable and make my own sound. Making a switch temporally from LA to Hawaii was a huge factor in building my brand. It was not easy going to a new state and city where I had no friends and family. Ultimately it shaped my character and grew my brand stronger. I have learned how to be comfortable while being uncomfortable. Read More>>

Daniela Tapia Ortega

TLC Coffee Co. is the realization of a long-time dream shared between my mom, Maria Elena, and I. My barista journey began at Tierra Mia Coffee 11 years ago, where I developed a deep passion for crafting exceptional drinks. After working in K-12 education focused on special education, I found my way back to coffee during the pandemic through an opportunity at Primo Passo Co. in Santa Monica. My last role was at Gnarwhal Coffee Co. in Venice, where I connected with some truly magical humans. These experiences, especially in high-paced coffee shops, helped me refine my craft and build meaningful relationships. Read More>>

Taylor Dunn

So, my journey with photography has been a smooth road. My close family and friends have been supporting my business. However, I would have more clients if I consistently put myself out there. My recent struggle was learning not to be intimidated by other photographers because I am self-taught. We are all creatives on different journeys. Staying in your lane and thriving there is essential despite how things may look. Read More>>

Wendy Merino-olivares

Another struggle I faced was overcoming limiting beliefs as well as the stigma of my religious upbringing and embracing my authentic self, which empowered me to find my path to Reiki, crystals, and healing generational trauma. I had always felt called to these things, but the challenges of motherhood really opened me up to the energies around me. This led me to seek out community engagement, and in 2024 I attended the CEO Goddess Retreat hosted by Lunam Love and the Now Us Foundation. There I found the tools to tap into my inner goddess.  Read More>>

Jay Plush

I’ve stayed dedicated to my craft over the years, working with some of the best producers in L.A. to taylor a sound that’s unique and up lifting. As a part of my Rise and Grind regimen I’m constantly writing new material, going to the studio to record and performing at cyphers, concerts, festivals and local shows. I also wrote a book entitled “It’s Funny How Life…Inspirational Quotes Infused With Wisdom and Wit: Volume 1, available on Amazon.com. I’ll be dropping a new hip-hop project at the beginning of the new year so be on the look out for it. I also have an eyelash and cosmetics company that are in the works. Read More>>

Tre Romero

Years later I would attend school for fashion as I designed, created, & wore my own clothes (which I still do to this day), but someone referred me to intern for a designer/tailor in DTLA, pushing me to decide between the two. In 2016, I chose the internship (which turned into a job), where I gained firsthand experience with working on-set at productions, tailoring for actors & artists, and managing a boutique/sewing studio over the course of over 6 years. Read More>>

Gifted Ali

We have landed our shirts on the shoulders of fashion Icon, Marlo Hampton a cast member of Real Housewives of Atlanta and then to production sets for TV films and even Netflix most recently. Last year was our toughest year as the economy has changed so much and demands are higher with fast options like Amazon. I was very close to closing the company down. I was reminded of my skid row folks and realized I wasn’t done yet, I needed to keep going. We just celebrated our 4 Launch Birthday and I am proud that I didn’t give up. CollectionByGifted doors are OPENNNNN!!! Read More>>

Tanner Duffy

I have the absolute greatest mates to play with and they care so much about my songs, I’m really able to trust them with what they do and it allows is to create a truly unique experience every time we play, often improvising and experimenting live, each song is different from night to night and truly allows the music to breath and fill the space that it exists in no matter the situation. Read More>>

Bradley Kahabka

When I first decided to go to college, I chose to study mechanical engineering at Binghamton University in New York where I am originally from. I studied for about two years and at that time began studying music as well, and at that point decided that engineering wasn’t the path I wanted to follow. Although I enjoy mechanical processes and the inner workings of machines, restoring cars and motorcycles which I still do, at the time my creative desires weren’t being satisfied with what I was doing. I decided to leave NY and come to California with just my bags packed and enrolled in Musician’s Institute in Hollywood for Guitar Performance.  Read More>>

Danielle Clack

I began my spiritual journey towards the end of 2018 and began ancestral work in 2019. I would truly say my spiritual work began once I built my altar and what led me to this was a huge life change which was being laid off in January of that year. Getting laid off put me through an initiation phase as I look back it made me question everything from why was I at a job I was miserable at? Why am I still going into an environment where people don’t treat me well? Do I really need this job to survive? Read More>>

Lance Gardner

Lance Gardner has a passion for the entertainment industry. Lance Gardner has been blessed to work with artist such as Lil Wayne, Hurricane Chris, Rick Ross, and Bobby Valentino, and several other’s while managing local artists. Meeting CEO Derrick Morris of 3rd Cost Radio is where he got his big break into the music industry. The knowledge and experience gained from these ventures has allowed Lance Gardner to make his presence known. Read More>>

 

Zi Ngozi Okachi

My journey as an activist & healer started while I was working in the corporate fashion world around the time George Floyd had passed. Before then, I had started mentoring marginalized groups of people in my company & community to help them increase their pay. It was apparent at that job like many other companies I had worked at before that they cared very little about the livelihood of their employees. Including those who faced homelessness as their pay was far below what was needed to get housing in the city. Read More>>

Tim Barber

I’m a fearless (some might say ‘foolhardy’) entrepreneur and I’ve been extremely lucky. I started life in a trailer park in rural Appalachia; but I was lucky enough to have first-rate schools, athletics, music and art programs, and breathtaking Federal and Greek revival architecture. To get through college, I worked as a radio disc jockey, a house painter, a finish carpenter, a wedding singer, and a railroad.spike driver. I even cut hair in the men’s dorm. Read More>>

Raina Mirchandani

Opening up my very own home kitchen for everyone to join me and cook with me has been the most amazing experience as I get to meet people from all around the world and break bread with them, I feel truly grateful and inspired by them all and it gives me true happiness to teach them, learn from them and watch them bond with their loved ones. I get to be a part of everyone’s celebrations and special days and it’s been an absolute pleasure. Read More>>

Anna Oris

I must admit, despite global challenges and instability, and all the difficulties and tough moments along the way, since my move, I’ve managed to act in over eight films (I just returned from the premiere of one feature film “Karaganda” in New York), two TV series, over 100 commercial and modeling projects, more than three music videos, and even won a beauty pageant. I was also featured on the cover of “Living Brentwood” magazine as a successful woman in the entertainment business. Read More>>

Rami Abdou

After finishing my training, it wasn’t long before I felt first-hand the difficulty in doing my primary duty – taking honest and excellent care of my patients. And it took me years to determine exactly why. The U.S. healthcare system is reactive and faces a true crisis: 100 million Americans lack regular doctor access, billions of our hard-earned dollars are wasted annually, and talented professionals are leaving the industry at high rates. Despite my best and most laborious efforts, I felt nothing ever changed for the better in the clinic. Read More>>

Justin Furtado

After gaining experience and insight, I decided to venture out on my own and founded BTG Basketball. My goal was to create an experience that helps kids grow not only in basketball but also in life. Alongside building BTG, I spent two years coaching at Venice High School as the frosh-soph coach. Currently, I’m the JV boys basketball coach at Pacifica Christian in Santa Monica. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m passionate about continuing to help kids develop both on and off the court. Read More>>

Adeline Sumney Wohlwend

I am deeply interested in people and their stories, which is probably what draws me to portraiture. My sense of and need for beauty and art in life keep me on an ongoing journey. I’m fortunate to have a good intuition for reading people, which helps them feel comfortable in my presence and allows me to capture candid moments. Looking back on my career, I’m proud that I never compromised my style. Read More>>

Michael Cerqueira Da Costa

For like almost 3 years, my schedule was intense, I worked from 8:30 PM to 6 AM, then from 9 AM to 7:30 PM at another job. On my days off from the night shift, I worked with personal clients. I barely slept, averaging only three hours a night. I had no social life and rarely saw my family, as I spent nearly all my time working to fund my move to the U.S. It was one of the toughest times in my life, but I knew it was necessary to achieve my goals. Read More>>

Meg Kawahara D

Looking back now, I can say that my years as an assistant in Japan was the most difficult period of my life. Overtime, I developed an allergy to hair color products, because of excessive shampooing. My fingers would bleed and ooze pus daily. I even collapsed a few times and lost my hearing. Despite having confidence in my physical strength, living on just four hours of sleep each day took a toll on my body. Still, I continued to work without taking a break. Read More>>

Lucie Florio

When it came time for college, I earned an Arts Merit Scholarship for photography and graduated with a BA in Studio Art in 2014. During my junior year, I studied abroad in Rome, working at the Valentino headquarters, which cemented my love for fashion, content, and on-site production. From managing photographers backstage at a Paris couture show to coordinating looks for Cannes, I knew this was where I belonged. Read More>>

Burcu Belen

Throughout my life, I’ve always been passionate about working with needles. I used to spend most of my time doing embroidery and weaving rugs, which I’ve always loved. In fact, it’s been a dream of mine to one day start my own handwoven rug business. While experimenting with different things, my partner, who is a tattoo artist, encouraged me to try tattooing. So I did—and I loved it! I practiced on my partner’s arms, and after some time, I realized that this was exactly what I had been searching for. Tattooing became my safe space—a craft that brings me joy and peace, as I get to create art on human skin. Read More>>

Jeena Raghavan

From that young age, I’ve been captivated by the natural world—flora and fauna. I’ve always been intrigued by the similarities between humans and animals in terms of instinct, intuition, and primal needs. But there’s also something uniquely refined about humans, a contrast I like to explore in my work through vibrant color and textures. Read More>>

Drea Roers

It was then that I had the vision to open my own Pole Studio….I wanted to share that feeling that I had found through pole dancing with others (the movement, energy, dance, while gaining self confidence). Pole dancing fitness was the best gift I had evert given myself, I just couldn’t wait to share it. This passion inspired my husband and I to open The Pole Garage in 2009. As we celebrate our 15th Year, The Pole Garage continues to embrace fitness thru creativity, dance, and a positive supportive community of inspirational women. Read More>>

Matthew Bennett

Back home, I took on various jobs, from valet parking to working at a golf course, all while continuing my education (though I rarely attended virtual classes). Even then, I knew the skills I had couldn’t be taught in a classroom. My real education came from observing my father during our four-hour drives to Atlanta for football training. Listening to him handle business calls taught me how to communicate effectively and navigate different environments. Moving to three different high schools, each with vastly different demographics, also gave me an adaptability that shaped who I am today. Read More>>

Mana Katayama

Luckily, I was one of the opening members and work in an amazing location. so I was able to find and meet customers from scratch, provide them with the skills they wanted, and gain a lot of experience at there. After that, I was able to confidently start my own salon, which had always been my goal, and do it in my own style. I will never forget the joy I felt when I was finally able to offer the menu and services I wanted, and start up in a salon with interior and location that was my own style. Read More>>

Brandon Ja

During the summer of COVID, I found myself in a routine that felt both dull and overwhelming—eating, working out, watching youtube videos, the news and sleeping. As I spent so much time at home, my friends encouraged me to launch my own sunglasses line, a passion of mine since accessories have always been a staple in my outfits. I wasn’t sure of how to even start a business, what I would even name it or how I was going to even afford it. Read More>>

Tamarra Williams

When I was 18, while most of my peers were focused on typical teenage activities, I took my first step into entrepreneurship when a childhood friend introduced me to the business world. After learning the ins and outs, I wanted to get involved, so I decided to start a social scene marketing group, realizing how much potential I could leverage. Without much idea of how far it would go, I began interviewing young women outside my mom’s apartment to form a team that would promote high-society social life. It took off fast. Read More>>

Ashley Spivey

Without hesitation, I made the decision to save up, leave my part-time job, and enroll in esthetician school. To support myself, I worked during the holiday season. I applied for financial aid and was blessed to take my financial aid money to set up a facial space out of my home and that has been the place i started and grew my business from. I enrolled and quickly fell in love with the art of esthetics, and the science of the skin. I prayed for guidance, strength, and dedication to follow this dream, and I truly believe I was led on this journey.  Read More>>

Rafael Maman

This experience definitely convinced me to go down the directing path, which motivated me to apply to USC. From there on, I moved to Los Angeles in 2021 and got an MFA in Film & TV Production at USC, where I perfected my directing, producing and writing skills, independently making over 20 shorts during my studies. I became a professional independent filmmaker as soon as I got out of school in December 2023, and have been directing and producing independent content in fiction and advertisement over the last year. Read More>>

Devon Lawrence

I grew up surrounded by the beautiful redwood trees in Northern California. As a child, I was always singing, writing songs and playing in nature — I had a vivid imagination. As I got older, I began performing as a professionally trained singer/songwriter and earned a full scholarship to USC’s prestigious Popular Music program to pursue my dreams of being an artist. Read More>>

Candace Nelson

It was the middle of the low carb diet craze, but I believed cupcakes were the small daily indulgence people were looking for. Sprinkles grew into an international brand, and after selling the company, I found myself itching to build something new. That’s how Pizzana came to life. Food has always been a way for me to connect with people and create joy, and that’s what drives me every day. We’re now at seven locations and growing, bringing people together over the comfort of great food. Read More>>

David Stone

Growing up in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, I had a somewhat normal southern upbringing. I was taught respect and a strong work ethic. I was your typical, scrawny, awkward kid. When I was 9 years old my mother and I were walking around a Home and Garden Show, which we did every year, and passed by a booth for a TaeKwonDo school. They were giving away a free week of lessons and I pleaded with her to sign up for the give-a-way. To her surprise, we won that free week. I took my first class. And, that changed my life trajectory. I ended up training in taekwondo for over 16 years. Read More>>

Nina Ta

Hi there! My name is Nina, and my journey is a blend of diverse cultures and experiences. I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, but my heritage is Vietnamese. In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my passion for animation, a dream that had been with me since I was young. I attended Santa Monica College and California State University, Northridge, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Art after four transformative years. Read More>>

Tali Leda

I was adopted as a baby by a loving but traditional, non-musical New York family. I suppressed my musical talent for many years until I found my birth mom on my 30th birthday. When I reunited with my birth mom, I discovered I had all these musical genes. My birth mom was a singer, my birth dad (who I have never met) graduated from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music and is a composer and plays the bass and the piano, and my maternal grandfather was a percussionist for the Boston Symphony for more than twenty years. This reunion inspired me to pursue my love of music and do what I secretly longed for later in life. Read More>>

Elias The Infinite

This road has definitely had its obstacles and windy turns. I got close friends I’m no longer buddy’s with. I got peoples noses all in my buisness. As well as haters on the side line talking with the peanut gallery. I STILL HANDLE EVERY SITUATION GRACEFULLY WITH GRATITUDE! Shouts out to GOD for helping me throughout the way! Read More>>

Sharee’ Ford

During the COVID pandemic, many people were being laid off, and it became clear that the nursing field was not only in high demand but also one of the most secure career options. Recognizing the need for flexible education, I created Gifted Hands Nursing Institute to provide accessible online education for those looking for a stable, need-based career. This institute was built with the goal of offering flexible learning options to those who needed them most, ensuring that even during uncertain times, people could pursue a reliable path in the medical field. Read More>>

Anna Astarte

I’m originally from Ukraine and came to the U.S. about 2.5 years ago as a refugee. Before moving, I was already a successful trichologist back home, where I built a thriving business and helped many people restore their hair health. My career was going really well, and I was proud of what I achieved in Ukraine. Moving to the U.S. was a big challenge, but my skills and experience allowed me to continue doing what I love here. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, I found the strength and motivation to rebuild my career in trichology. Read More>>

Andrew Guerrero

I started making beats when I was 17 years old. I made my first song when I was 18. I made several songs using my own beats as I was learning how to rap and finding my voice. I fell in love with the writing process and stopped making beats for good. I continue to write and record till this day. I’m 34 years young. Read More>>

Chantal Trent

All elements of my music have truly grown since that first album and I’m really in love with the work that I’m putting out now. I’ve also branched out into writing and directing film with my latest music video for my single Stupid Love along with the help of the immensely talented Jonah Sachs, who I met in high school, through theater. I just graduated high school this past June and I’m excited to be focusing on music full-time this year and working on my next album! Read More>>

Aayushi Bhargava

While I have always been a big fan of film since childhood, I’ve been intrigued by the business of films. I wanted to do something that mixes creativity with business. After working as an Entertainment Journalist in Mumbai, India, I moved to LA to complete my studies. I wasn’t very familiar with the way Hollywood worked — I was more of an outsider here. So, when I got my first internship at a talent management company, I didn’t know what to expect. I started to enjoy what I was doing and there has been no looking back ever since. Read More>>

Owen Schmit

During that time I continued making art and did a couple of residencies. Eventually I decided to move back to LA in 2008 to go to graduate school at Art Center College of Design, where I got an MFA degree. I started working for artists after I graduated, and then eventually became a prominent artist’s studio director. This was one of the most valuable work experiences I have ever had, because in the process I learned so much about the arts industry as a whole. I worked with some of the best galleries and institutions all over the world and we traveled a lot for exhibitions and research as a result. It was wonderful. Read More>>

Stacy Baker Masand

Life became a lot more interesting when I let myself explore and experiment. With Lunatic Femme, I want to create erotic lingerie that morphs, layers and plays with you so you live a richer, juicier life in every moment. I wanted to challenge the notion of what “sexy” is and help women ignite what’s already in them by being unapologetically curious, playful and complex. I started the brand during the pandemic when many of us were rethinking who we are, what we do and what our purpose is. And I thought, what if the joy is never knowing and simply leaning into the thrill ride of not being put into a box. Read More>>

Terri Lam

As time went on, I began to analyze my work more deeply, searching for answers. I began focusing more closely on the elements I was naturally drawn to in my personal work. That’s when I began noticing patterns—subtle, almost hidden at first. I realized I had a subconscious inclination toward certain colors and styles that consistently appeared in my work. For example, I have a particular fondness for pink, and I’m captivated by geometric shapes and graphic design. These preferences weren’t random; they gradually revealed themselves as integral elements of my unique artistic voice. Read More>>

Agustina Alvarado

Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy, but last September, I landed a role in a horror short film—one of my all-time favorite genres. That experience was everything I’d hoped for and more! Being on set reminded me of the magic of acting, how exhilarating it is to step into someone else’s shoes and bring a character to life in a story that’s so different from my own reality. Read More>>

Nina Shayan Depatie

In high school, I volunteered for Teenline, where we were trained to listen and help teenagers dealing with issues ranging from verbal altercations to self-harm. In college, I volunteered at the courthouse’s Domestic Abuse Self Help (DASH) center. I was tasked with drafting declarations for victims of domestic violence so they could get their story across to the judge. Read More>>

Ben Granas

And finally, any option my wife chose would have meant practicing alone with no community of like-minded therapists to consult with. After seeing so many potential offices we felt hopeless that we would be able to find a nice space for her to start a premium private practice. That’s when we came up with the idea to build our own space and rent out the extra rooms to create a community of providers. Read More>>

Gillian Brown

I am lucky to have parents that have raised me on great cinema. I have carried this from childhood to adulthood. From there, in the marine corps, so many times on deployments, film has saved me more times than I can count. Thankfully to the marine corps I am able to go to film school for free and get to learn. It’s more than I could of ever dreamed, and it’s only going up from here!! Read More>>

Laura Stone

After graduating from college, I moved to Los Angeles and attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising ( FIDM), studying beauty marketing and product development. During and after graduating from FIDM, I interned and worked in fashion public relations and clothing manufacturing, as well as beauty marketing and sales. Currently, I enjoy posting links to fashion lines that I think have “high fashion” content yet have price points at a level comfortable to various incomes.  Read More>>

Megan Wren

In 2015, I moved to Southern California—not specifically to pursue music, but to seek a healthier lifestyle and new experiences outside my one-stop-light hometown. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit in 2020 that a lightbulb went off—I discovered a hidden talent for writing poetry. During that tumultuous time, poetry became my saving grace. Having recently navigated a stressful breakup and struggled to keep my business afloat, it felt like an old friend that understood me and offered the exact advice I needed. Read More>>

Ning Zhang

My story begins at Peking University, where I pursued a dual degree in Finance and Statistics. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for my future career in business and technology. During my time there, I was a founding member of the Capital Markets Association, which ignited my passion for finance and investment. Read More>>

Rohan Das

From a young age, I was captivated by movies. I would immerse myself in my favorite films, reenacting scenes, imagining myself as the lead character, feeling the thrill of each storyline. That passion became a spark, igniting something much deeper as I entered high school. I had a strong desire to explore everything life had to offer—whether it was sports, academics, or creative pursuits. Read More>>

Ellissa Catherine

Today, based in Los Angeles, I channel my artistic vision into works that reflect both my personal journey and the universal quest for meaning. The loss of my father during the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly influenced my perspective, reminding me of the importance of finding light amidst the shadows. Through my art, I aspire to convey the clarity and illumination I have discovered, hoping to inspire others along the way. Each piece I create serves as a testament to resilience and transformation, capturing the beauty in both struggle and healing. Read More>>

Celeste Aguiar

I’ve been a licensed esthetician for six years, but my love for skincare started long before that. It began with the rise of makeup tutorials on YouTube; I became fascinated not just with makeup, but with the health of my skin. Paying so much attention to skincare, it only made sense for me to turn that passion into a career. Coming from a small town in San Bernardino County, esthetics wasn’t very popular. But after doing some research, I realized what it would take to get an esthetician license, and my career path became clear. Read More>>

Lila Paloma

I grew up surrounded by music. My mom and I would have dance parties in our kitchen to Afrobeats, Jazz, R&B, Rai, Cuban, and Brazilian tunes, and that’s where my love for rhythm and global sounds began. I was born in New York City but raised in Cape Cod, MA, with a multicultural background that shaped my identity. In 2019, I moved to Los Angeles and started working with local producers, which introduced me to EDM and helped me find my voice as an artist. Read More>>

Edwin Olivo

I went to HS for art in NYC, so I drew a lot as a kid and that evolved into rapping as I got older and fell in love with hip-hop. I’d memorize my favorite rapper’s songs and then began writing my own rhymes. I started recording at studios as a solo artist and my neighborhood friends saw that and started coming with me, so we formed a crew called S.P.I.K. Clik in Washington Heights, NYC. Read More>>

Peter Roles

Grew up in Hollywood, quit film school for the Mini DV/Final Cut Pro revolution, worked up through the ranks of production then lost it all, returning to the industry during Covid in the department of my dreams. Read More>>

Aurora Mititelu

I grew up in a working-class family in Buzau, a post-industrial town in Romania, during the late 90s and early 2000s. I lived through the rise of computers and the internet, though I still remember life without them. This was a time when Eastern Europe, after the fall of communism, embraced global capitalism, marked by an influx of American ideology and pop culture. I grew up virtually driving around Santa Monica beach in GTA, watching Hannah Montana in her pink American bedroom, and listening to American pop songs preach about Los Angeles, while I experienced poverty, spent time with friends between Soviet block buildings, and felt deeply disillusioned with local culture and its traditional values. Read More>>

Johnny Sotelo Moreno

I began renovating smaller yards and executing small scale projects. Through the years we’ve grown to be able to execute larger scale projects that consist of elaborate backyards including but not limited to pools, spas, concrete, and unique custom elements. Being a small business owner in construction, you become comfortable with failure. You learn lessons every day and you persevere to build another day. Read More>>

Margaret Thomas

I did nails part-time in the evenings Monday – Friday after work and all day on Saturday for 8.5 years before taking a Business Plan class with the SBA to be sure I could support myself in the level I had become accustomed to as an accountant for UCLA. After completing my Business Plan class, I left the corporate world to start my own business as a full time booth renter. Two years later I bought the salon from my landlord/co-worker, Tresa (Dudley) Melcher, when she moved out of state. I learned some of the best customer service practices from her that I still use today. Read More>>

Shawn Nutting

Starting out I had to learn piercing before I could start my tattoo apprenticeship. I had to learn in under a month because the piercer was moving away. Needless to say I wasn’t properly trained and was thrown into being the only piercer in the shop and was terrified before each piercing! Luckily a girl came into the shop 6 months into my piercing career and took over while I focused on my tattoo apprenticeship. Read More>>

Peti Lau

Known for her Eclectic, bespoke and artful interiors, her extensive portfolio features projects across the globe from Los Angeles and New York to the United Kingdom, Koh Samui Thailand, and Mauritius. Her love for art, travel, and lifestyle, results in livable, tailored interiors full of personality. Her unique style has attracted a wide range of clients, including musicians, filmmakers, celebrities and high-profile executives. Read More>>

Maria Leto

We met in college and have stayed close friends despite years living on opposite ends of the country; Shawn Krumholz is an LA-based pediatric speech therapist, and Maria Leto is a Montessori mom of 2 and children’s book author. At the start of the pandemic, while parents were scrambling to find resources to keep their kids engaged, we noticed a gap in high-quality educational content. Leveraging our backgrounds and the talent of Maria’s 8-year-old daughter, Chloe – an artist and published illustrator – we set out to create engaging and effective learning materials for young children. This led to Class with Chloe! Read More>>

Kristin Shim

I often asked my parents for lunch money to buy cafeteria food, worried that my mother’s homemade meals would attract teasing from classmates. During storytime in class, I was self-conscious about my cartoon socks while my peers wore plain white Hanes crew socks, which I thought looked “cooler.” Everything changed in June 2011 when my family moved to Orange County, opening my mind and world to new experiences. I was initially hesitant to speak Korean outside my home, but I found comfort in my Korean friends who communicated in Konglish. Read More>>

Zissy Castillo

The aspects I am most proud of and what I enjoy most in my job is seeing people enjoy our food. Not only in the form of people directly telling us but with the clients who have stuck by our side for years and keep coming back for more. What I think makes us stand out is knowing how to curate unique experiences for my clients, we always take pride in our customer service. We know that every customer is unique Read More>>

Caroline Kirk

Starting from today and working backwards — I am currently a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine practicing in Los Angeles providing holistic healthcare to people of all ages at any stage of their life. I have a keen focus on women’s health, including hormonal irregularities, as well as digestive disorders, stress and anxiety support, and pain management. Read More>>

Charise Sowells

I didn’t see the stories of me or my community on the page, stage, or screen back then. So, after a couple of unforgettable high school teachers taught me that I could change all that by becoming a writer myself, I ran with it and never looked back. Eventually, this led to the creation of my company, Unabashed Productions and our motto, “Don’t just think outside the box, live there.” Read More>>

Jose Muñoz

The story begins with my mother and father. My father arrived to the US during the early 70’s, where he worked the fields throughout California and a few other states. As field work was more seasonal than anything, he was determined on starting a basic gardening service and saved enough money for a mower, edger, and a rusty Ford Ranger. Slowly he expanded the business by word of mouth and his gardening route grew. Read More>>

Olha Aleksandrova

Emigration can be terrifying, but it also offers a unique advantage: the chance to start from scratch. I believe this is a positive aspect, as it opens up new opportunities for personal growth. I began painting because I felt compelled to share my vision with the world; the need to create has always been part of me. Read More>>