The heart of our mission at VoyageLA is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our city. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some of the LA’s finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with our city’s incredibly deep talent pool. Check out LdoetzerA’s rising stars below.
Pablo Alcorta
The reaction from people was instant and excellent, and this allowed us to explore this same concept in other cities, until the pandemic. During that difficult and complicated time, we had to downsize in order to strengthen ourselves again. We’re keeping our Pasadena and Eagle Rock locations. Luckily, we’re just a few days away from opening another location in downtown LA. We’re very happy and refreshed to face this new phase. Read more>>
Chloe Bean
For as long as I can remember I have been extremely sensitive to the emotions and experiences of others, often noticing what others are feeling without any verbal information. Growing up in a creative family, I always sang, wrote little songs on the piano, and learned to play instruments. During my teen years, I faced many challenges including anxiety and panic attacks. Therapy became my safe place, and I had the privilege of working with a great therapist who helped me navigate my unresolved trauma. Through these formative years, I began to realize how powerful therapy is because it was teaching me to trust myself and start to practice healthy boundaries in relationships. As a teen, I remember wanting to be a “holistic healer” when I grew up, which has come full circle in how I work today! While attending Berklee College of Music for undergrad in Boston, I deepened my studies as a vocalist and composer. Read More>>
Michael Mbakata
We started Molimo in 2020, as two people who really loved jewelry and wanted to express ourselves creatively while addressing the increasing need for sustainability and transparency in the industry. “Molimo” means soul or spirit in Lingala, the main indigenous language of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Mike was born, and a place that has experienced conflict and instability due to the mining of gold, diamonds, and other minerals and resources. Our name honors the rich culture and history of the Congo, embodying the spirit of its people who have persevered through adversity and continue to strive for a better future. Read More>>
Noodle House Music
Since then we’ve thrown warehouse parties, beach parties, and two desert festivals with more on the horizon. We’re partnered with other collectives to bring our DJs and unique energy and offering to their events and festivals. We’ve grown our network of staff, performers, musicians and attendees so that we can continue to diversify our offering and the make-up of our crowds so that Noodle House events continue to be a safe and welcome spaces for all. We’re still just getting started but think we’re onto something. Read more>>
JacEil Duckworth-Howard
I’m a mother of a handsome 15 year old son name Prince Drummond, I’m also an entrepreneur in the hair industry & realty star. I’m from a small town in Mississippi called Gautier. I have 2 older brothers and a younger sister. I started out as a young girl about 8 years old with a passion for hair. I remember taking hair supplies with me to redo my hair on the bus because my mom or grandmother could do hair. By middle school I had several clients I would do their hair in gym class I used to charge $15 to $20 dollars a style. One of my clients still owe my $15 to this day lol. Read more>>
Eric Huelsman
Studio Arts provides training in Computer Animation, Digital Illustration, Digital Set Design, Gen AI for Artists, Graphic Design, Compositing and VFX, Unreal Engine and Virtual Production. Instructional programs are carefully designed to enable students to easily enhance their professional skills in a reasonable amount of time, and successfully bring those skills to bear for advancing their craft in the entertainment industry. Read more>>
Demè “Meech” Justice
I always say, “Meech Justice is the one they know. Demè Just is the one they’ll never forget.” My story began with a deep love for people and purpose — I’ve always had a heart for helping others find their voice, even when I was still learning to use my own. I started off behind the scenes, connecting dots, building bridges, and creating space for authenticity in every room I entered. “Meech Justice” became that trusted presence — a name that meant connection, transparency, and impact. Read more>>
Tsova And Asha
And that’s what LA Empower stands for. It’s not just a community—it’s a movement. A safe space where women can be themselves, by themselves, and for themselves. We want to be that place where women are encouraged to heal, grow, have fun, and try new things—even if it’s just once—because life is beautiful and full of opportunities. Read more>>
Larry Fay
I started my photography and film journey in Chicago as youth at Robeson High school on the city south side. I than moved to Long beach/LA for college, took classes at long beach city and USC. I didn’t finish, but my passion for Photography and film didn’t stop me so I kept going! I even was homeless at one point in time…but I felt it was all part of my story to Overcome and excel. I began to make a passion into a business and keep striving from there. From studio shoot to the red carpet! Read more>>
PENG PENG
Now I have acted on “SpongeBob” and “Warped” on Nickelodeon, “My Perfect Landing” on Netflix and “Overcompensating” on Amazon Prime with A24. I have two released singles, “Pretty Please” and “Money On Me (Gold Over America Tour Mix)”. My debut music video for Pretty Please has now won awards at some film festivals, the most recent was winning the “Indie Short Film Music Video of the Year”, at the Los Angeles international film festival. I am working on an EP and my music journey has been so fun and amazing. Read more>>
Alexis
Witnessing vows, ceremonies and speeches was so fulfilling. I then delivered their gallery and they love it. Telling me how are you not doing this as a living.. where I then thought maybe I can do this. I saw it as fun hobby I enjoyed and never my career. I started with families and engagements, now I’m a full time wedding and lifestyle photographer!! How my world has changed, I get to truly enjoy what I do for a living. Who can say that? Blessed beyond compare and forever grateful! Read more>>
Lindsey Locke
My entry into the music industry was a bit unconventional but entirely organic. My husband is the photographer for the band The Sweet and Tender Hooligans, the Morrissey and Smiths tribute band. I would go to the shows and hang out. It was a very hands-on, ground-level introduction. The band recognized some organizational and interpersonal skills in me that they felt would translate well to tour management. That’s where Stormy Shepherd, the band’s agent of Leave Home Booking, became instrumental. By working alongside her and the band, I essentially learned the touring business on the job. Before long, that led to me to not only tour managing the band, but I also became The Sweet and Tender Hooligans manager. Read more>>
Dora Rousse
It has been quite a road, every day being a challenge in a good way. When we started this project, I thought I was ready to learn the ropes of running a food trailer, but I realized that it is a whole different experience compared to working in a brick-and-mortar kitchen. At the beginning I was scared to drive a pick-up truck hauling a trailer. It took me a couple of months to manage that. Backing up was my worst fear, and even though I have been practicing since the beginning, every time it represents a new adventure. I could make a long list of all the struggles, but I will run out of ink. These are balanced with the satisfaction of overcoming them and watching people eating happily. Read more>>
Antione Gardner
Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats as a singer, worship leader, actor, writer, and even flight attendant and each one taught me something different about discipline, people, and purpose. I eventually made the leap to Los Angeles, and that move really pushed me to bet on myself in a new way. Since being here, I’ve been focused on telling stories that matter. Whether through TV, music, or ministry. Stories that reflect real life, real emotions, and real redemption. Read more>>
Ericke Tan
It’s definitely not a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes it meaningful. It’s been a patchwork path, one that started before I even knew I was building something. Gara began as a personal outlet to share resources, celebrate craftsmanship, and find more intention in how I engaged with fashion. At the time, it was purely creative, something I poured myself into and funded out of pocket because it meant something to me. Read more>>
Enzo Terranova
My journey continued as I hitchhiked across Europe and Asia, relying on the kindness of strangers, stretching my limits physically and mentally. Financially, it wasn’t easy—I started the journey with just €1500 for nine months of travel. Along the way, I encountered incredible generosity, including a French rapper who took me under his wing for ten days, supporting me when things got tough. Read more>>
Vivian Liu
Since its founding, the program has grown to be a successful community of teen tutors and students spanning states and countries. It’s not merely about academic assistance — it’s a support network that encourages girls to believe in themselves and aspire to futures in science, technology, engineering, and math. Our aspiration is to make STEM approachable, welcoming, and intimate, session by session. Read more>>
Sheila Govindarajan
The calling to deepen my practice came after witnessing the failures of the Western medical system in treating a loved one. That experience cracked something open in me. I knew I had to devote myself to a path that honored the whole being—mind, body, and spirit. I then went on to train at the Kerala Ayurveda Academy in Los Angeles and India, study both Ayurveda Polarity Yoga Therapy with Amadea Morningstar in New Mexico and Sacred Windows Ayurvedic Doula program in Colorado, and further, completed my Ayurvedic medical residency and yoga therapy training at the Kerala Ayurveda Hospital in Aluva, Kerala Southern India. Read more>>
Helen Dang
I started dancing “late” at 17, after moving alone to Victoria, Canada, for university. Back home, street dance wasn’t encouraged — my parents saw it as rebellious. But once I was on my own, I followed my curiosity and found my first teachers: Roberta Bierman, Jerome Esplana, and Scott Forsyth. Their passion lit a fire in me, and within a few months, I was already competing — and soon winning. Read more>>
Serap Yıldırım
I grew up in a patriarchal society and always felt the weight of societal expectations. I’ve fought against that pressure throughout my life. I can say I’ve always resisted for the sake of my freedom and fought to claim my independence. Through my own efforts, I got accepted into the interior architecture program in Trabzon and left my hometown. At the time, I didn’t have a clear idea about the field I had chosen, but by chance, I found myself in a discipline I truly loved. Read more>>
Madeleine Tozer
The summer before we moved back to the U.S. from France, my sister signed up to audition for The Little Mermaid at a community theater near our new home in Houston, Texas. Though I had been singing in the choir at school and had done a few shows in France, the thought of auditioning at a new theater in Texas felt overwhelming. Even my sister’s attempt to bribe me with a new Aurora costume couldn’t convince me. Read more>>
Oliver Klein
“Smooth road” is not the phrase I would use to describe my artistic journey. I suppose earlier in my life, when creating art was only a passion and not yet a profession, things were at least simpler. Once I began taking my career in the entertainment industry seriously—starting in high school and even more so in college—things became more complicated. Read more>>
Bear Fiorda
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to work with companies like the Professional Fighters League and Hayabusa Combat who saw what I was trying to build and said, “We believe in you.” Their support has helped us change lives and it means the world to me, because for so long, I felt like no one believed in me. Read more>>
Dae Harris
“I started making music when I was 13, recording on my mom’s laptop with a Guitar Hero mic and teaching myself how to create beats. Over the years, I kept developing my sound, and about a year ago, I moved from Kansas to Los Angeles to really pursue my passion and take my skills to the next level.” Read more>>
Zoe Lu
The road hasn’t always been smooth. As an international student, I’ve had to navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and adapting to new environments — all while building my design skills. Learning how to communicate ideas clearly across different cultures was a big challenge, but it taught me to design with greater empathy and awareness. There were also times of self-doubt, especially when transitioning from industrial to digital design, but every challenge pushed me to be more resilient, flexible, and open-minded. These experiences continue to shape the designer and storyteller I am today. Read more>>
Kelvin
I’m Kelvin Xuna, and for the past thirteen years I’ve poured my heart—and every penny I had—into building Artist Housing DTLA, the city’s most affordable, non‑subsidized home for creators. In 2012, fresh out of Harvard real estate school and fueled by my own struggle to find a decent, budget‑friendly room in downtown Los Angeles, I saw an opportunity: what if we could offer safe, inspiring spaces where painters, writers, filmmakers, musicians—anyone with a passion—could live without drowning in rent? I convinced a small building owner to take a chance on my vision, and with little more than a shoestring budget and a belief that art makes cities thrive, we opened our doors. Read more>>
Venetia Zipporah
I miss this woman dearly. Even though it brought a lot of pain. Dance was always there for me. It’s my therapy, an outlet, it’s made life easier for me to cope with. That’s not all though. The dance industry is cut throat. It’s was kinda always hard for me to fit in so I created my own lane, and started my own movement. Even though there’s been many trail and errors trying to start up a business, that never stopped me. I thank god for dance everyday. It doesn’t identify me, however it is a big part of my journey. Read more>>
Brooklynn Reign
I would say that it’s definitely a journey. I’m still learning as I go. As a black woman and this industry. I think it’s a little bit harder to navigate to be honest. There’s not really like a set list of rules. I think the biggest struggle is not really having a clear path, in this industry, you know it’s not like I could go to school for four years and study this and then boom you’re an actor and you’re successful but I do believe that it’s all about patience and I’m I’m a firm believer of you are where you are for a reason and just wait your turn because it’ll come Especially if I have a calling in this. Read more>>
Ellen Jong
There are many steps involved to accomplish a full life-size impression of myself cast in ink. That the ink can still be used as a pigment, because it is made with organic material and can be rehydrated, makes my ink sculptures time-based and impermanent. This concept of leaving a mark that is meant to complete itself in nature is something I discuss in my book Pees On Earth, and what I call “the existential pee puddle.” I’m still very much concerned with the Asian American female image and my new work in ink invites thought and discussions around topics that explore contemporary feminism, yellowness, belonging and desire. Read more>>
Aja Nikiya Estro
My story really began with a deep ache — the kind you feel when you witness unnecessary suffering and can’t look away. I’ve always been drawn to the margins, to the ones whose pain often goes unseen — whether that’s an abandoned animal in the aftermath of a hurricane, a child in an underserved village, or a family who’s lost everything and has nowhere to turn. Read more>>
Galo Castro Santurio
Later I’ll start reaching galleries or trying to discover how the artworld works. I’ll stumble across an Open Call that ‘Departamento 112’ a Gallery from Buenos Aires was making, and I made it to a group show. After couple months they decided giving me the opportunity of having my first Solo Show in 2023. And I will say that was one of the most important steps into the art scene. After keep on moving, and producing I haded the chance to participate in art faires, and even had another Solo Show, but this time in Los Angeles. Shit art club, a gallery based in DTLA, open the doors for me. Read more>>
Mirlette Palacio
There was even a period where I genuinely hated creating. I got so caught up in the numbers—likes, views, engagement—that I lost the joy in it. It stopped being something I loved and started feeling more like a chore or competition. That mindset took a toll on me, but stepping back and reconnecting with why I started helped me fall in love with it again. Read more>>
Himani
For over a decade, I’ve lived within the world of fashion, beauty, and subtle gestures — a hand model, a muse, a storyteller in still frames. My journey began in the heart of Chicago, among the dark romance and delicate craftsmanship of EGL (Elegant Gothic Lolita) designers. That world opened doors to many others — from the raw edge of streetwear to the elegance of high fashion. As an artist myself, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the creativity of makeup artists and thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with them on shoots. Read more>>
Trey Colvin
Traveling nationwide & internationally to Tulum Mexico & Puerto Rico as a private personal chef as well. I also have a YouTube reality TV show known as The Entourage where I take a group of strangers and travel to another state place everyone in one big house for the weekend and film how we coexist together without knowing one another and letting the drama authenticly unfold. I now have tapped back into my dancing roots and have created my own southern soul trail ride group known as the REAL DEAL KOUNTRY STEPPERZ and we have put our boots in the ground and haven’t stopped stepping since. We’ve had the pleasure of performing with southern soul Death Row recording artist Tonio Armani and we’re currently filming for a new reality show! Read more>>
Ilia Sandhu
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape ilia.S into what it is today. Like any new business, the beginning was filled with uncertainties. One of the biggest challenges was starting a fashion brand in Mauritius, UK & USA that focused on Pakistani clothing — it’s a niche market, and educating customers about the style, quality, and value took time and consistent effort. Read more>>
Adrian Abela
Today I am lucky to have the space and time to work on my practice that ranges from painting , sculpture to video and public art. I feel immensely grateful to sustain a studio practice and hope that one day my studio can support the livelihoods of others. For now, I supplement my practice with freelance architecture and design projects, alongside assisting an established local artist. I believe this is an extraordinary moment to create art, artists have the responsibility of envisioning a better present. What once appeared formulaic either no longer works or reveals itself as illusion. Today, my impulse is to broaden my scope and rethink how my work is shared with the world. Read more>>
Alex Ramirez
I graduated from San Jose State University in 2016 with a degree in Sociology, initially planning to join law enforcement due to my interest in criminology. But like many fresh grads, I took the first job opportunity that came my way, which led me to the Bay Area during the tech boom. I spent several years navigating contract roles, feeling uncertain about my direction, and eventually decided to move back home to Los Angeles for a fresh start. Read more>>
Joseph Disberger
This creative journey quickly evolved into a business. Joseph realized that through these unique creative talents, he could not only express himself but also help others communicate and connect with their audiences in new, impactful ways. His personal challenges, while difficult, led him to discover his true passion: using creativity to build relationships and tell stories in a way that resonated deeply with others. Read more>>
Elisa Randazzo
I moved out to California from New York to play music. After working in the music industry for awhile, I eventually signed my own publishing deal with SONY Music as an artist, but times were a-changing; it was becoming increasingly difficult to get a record deal because record sales dried up! Musicians were also trading traditional label deals to work with indie labels that promised more artistic freedom. I realized I would need a job while navigating all this. I had worked in clothing boutiques while attending college In New York and Paris, so I was familiar with the fashion world, and I soon became excited to try making lingerie. Read more>>
Terezka Fras
I started my journey in makeup around 13 years ago in Kyiv, Ukraine. I completed an intensive three-month course that included sculpting, painting, chemistry, and makeup—it was one of the strongest schools in Ukraine at the time. I began working right away with brides, since it was bridal season, but I always knew I wanted to work in fashion. Within the next year, I was lucky to get involved in creative shoots. Read more>>
Justin Henry Henry
Today, I channel my experiences into uplifting others who face similar challenges. Through drug and alcohol prevention work, I create jobs and training programs for those emerging from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, focusing on housing stability, employment, and financial literacy. My mission is clear: to turn my past struggles into a beacon of hope for others seeking to reclaim their lives. Read more>>
Jaymes White
I originally started as a mindreader which I still do but the seance became so popular that I had to focus on that. Ten years ago I started doing seances and they unexpectedly blew up. It was not something that was planned or anticipated. We started with a small location and now the Jaymes White Seance is the biggest Seance in North America. We started with 12 people coming to each seance and over the years we have accumulated 26 000 people. Every single seance has been sold out because of the popularity. I have done over 1600 seances. Read more>>
Kelub Dunbar
The main struggle in being in business as a Dating Coach, you deal with a lot of Men who have a victim mentality and/or don’t truly believe they deserve the love life they desire. I’m here to say for the thousandth time, “YOU ARE DESERVING,” and it’s easy, let me show you how. Here are productive and unique questions that get a woman and your mind going to make the moment clear, no one knows her because you bring things out of her that she has never been asked. Read more>>
Shangxiao Qiu
Filmmaking became my compass. It gave me language when words weren’t enough—a way to turn emotion into light, memory into movement. It wasn’t just about capturing moments; it was about building worlds. Over the years, I’ve shaped my voice through stories that blur the lines between reality and feeling. Read more>>
Sadie Samet
I grew up during a time of such rapid social change in queer community that the same people who called me slurs in the locker room were praising me just a couple years later for being so unapologetically gay. I’m so grateful that I was able to stay true to myself during the darker times and I want to be a beacon to those who might just be finding themselves now. I’m so grateful to have found my community, it’s completely shaped who I am today. My queerness is so integral to my work and I’m so happy to be at a studio with so many other queer artists, it’s such a beautiful place to be. Read more>>
Mayboll Carrasco
Alongside my development work, I discovered a passion for teaching. I have taught Political Science in Nicaragua and in the United States, educating hundreds of students over the years. Teaching is incredibly personal for me; school changed my life. It gave me the strength to dream bigger than my circumstances and the tools to pursue those dreams. Through my teaching, I strive to empower students to recognize their voices in society and politics, inspiring future generations to believe in their ability to lead change. Read more>>
Kimoy Lee
One of my biggest struggles early on was realizing that just having a “good voice” wasn’t enough. You need real technique, emotional range, stamina, and a deep understanding of the business side too. I also had to get really comfortable with rejection — because in this industry, you hear “no” way more often than “yes,” and you have to find a way to keep going without losing yourself. Read more>>
Samuel Vazquez
I stayed there four years, moved on to Macy’s, and got fired for bad attendance (real talk). That’s when I pivoted—started experimenting with makeup, posting looks online, and picking up freelance gigs. I was broke, depressed, and trying to keep my head above water. Picked up a part-time job at a sunglasses shop, but dipped when I got the chance to work as a personal stylist for a big influencer. That moment? Game-changer. Read more>>
Beth Powell
Your passion will propel you through your journey. And in the end”, the saying is true “you will never feel you worked a day in your life because you are doing what you absolutely love.” Powell understands the purpose of hard work and has graciously reaped the rewards. She stands here today an island girl with nothing, but a dream and has risen to American Airlines First Black Female Pilot Manager and their Third Black Female Captain. She also led American Airlines’ historical all Black Female flight crew on August 8th, 2022. Read more>>
Aullan
It all started with me just getting up one day and doing a google search for a studio near me because I had all these melodies stuck in my head that I had to get out so I gave it a chance and started to make music and it was up from there now I’ve built a fan base had different type of experiences because of music, music has gotten me everything I have today Read more>>
Jakob Black Anthony DieBenedetto
In 2024, a group of Flag football officials came together and said that we needed a place to voice our opinions and views of how flag football was growing and how the officials of the game were growing with it. That group began with 8, and quickly dwindled to two eager individuals who wanted to have the most consistent podcast for flag football. The focus has been primarily on events held within USA Flag, who recently obtained the Guinness Book of World Records record for the Worlds largest flag football tournament. Currently we host a weekly podcast covering all parts of flag throughout the world as well as a focus on what is happening in the United States. Read more>>
Tessa
I played the North Star in my preschool’s nativity pageant and I hadn’t stopped performing since. Growing up, I was always surrounded by music and theater—whether it was writing songs in elementary school, leading choirs, or starring in high school musicals like Cinderella. I even fronted a local punk-rock band for a while, which was such a formative experience for me. Read more>>
Falak Khoja
Without a portfolio ready, I began my college journey at the University of Houston as a graphic design major. I took variety of courses including sculpture, drawing, painting, and design. With a well-rounded portfolio, I applied for design schools in New York City, chasing a long-time dream of living in the big city. I was accepted into the School of Visual Arts and transferred there to complete the final three years of my degree. Read more>>
Halle Pennington
Nothing about being deeply invested in the cannabis industry has been smooth. Notoriously volatile, both before recreational legalization and after, the landscape has remained unpredictable. We have learned to be quick on our feet and to pivot and adapt when things change. At the end of the day for me the struggles are well worth it. I feel lucky to be able to pursue my passion and continue the work of creating stable, reliable genetics for both home growers and large-scale commercial cultivators. Read more>>
Jan Johnson
As an adult, I renewed my passion for writing and took a correspondence course (way back before internet and computers) on Children’s Book Writing. That was a real eye opener. I loved getting my stories back with a lot of red marks, because then I knew what needed to be improved upon. Read more>>
JHAYM
I’m originally from Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela — a city full of contrast, color, and heart. Growing up there taught me to be creative with what I had, to dream big even when circumstances weren’t ideal. From a young age, I felt a deep connection to art in all its forms, but it was music that truly opened up my world. It helped me understand that self-expression can heal, connect, and transform. Read more>>
Xavier Charles
I took it as a challenge to see how we would match up. It ended up being very competitive, and I had a few more matchups with pro players. At that point, I wondered if I could make a pro team. So, in 2018, I tried out for the Los Angeles Aviators and did well; however, my cardio wasn’t where it needed to be, so I didn’t make it. I returned in 2019, knowing what I needed to work on, and made the Aviators! I played with them through the 2021 season. During that season, I started asking the owners about their roles, and it piqued my interest. So, with my stunt driving career doing well, I decided to join the Los Angeles Aviators ownership group in 2022. Read more>>
Isabella Koretz
Being in the plastic surgery industry, we’ve often found ourselves in the background — the women who work behind the scenes to ensure that a surgeon’s results truly shine. What many don’t realize is how critical recovery is to the overall outcome, and that’s where we come in. At Pearl, we focus on a holistic approach to healing, blending advanced post-op care with genuine emotional support, and that’s what sets us apart. Read more>>
Mayra Reyes
Back in 2011, I discovered a practice from India called Laughter Yoga. It instantly intrigued me, and after doing some research, I realized it wasn’t something anyone in my area was doing. I reached out to the only person listed locally on the official Laughter Yoga website, but to this day, I’ve never received a response. That didn’t stop me. Instead, I took a leap of faith and signed up for a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader training in Dallas, Texas. Read more>>
Elysa Quintella
Since then, I’ve worked primarily in beauty, editorial and commercial production. I also have a huge love for musical theater and have worked backstage on several theatrical productions. Most of my jobs are here in Northern California, but I do enjoy when work takes me to LA! I actually spent some time in Burbank when I completed a 3-week long hairstyling course at Makeup Designory back in 2021. I really enjoyed my time there! Read more>>
Juan Avila
One reason was that my mother would walk around the neighborhood shouting my name “Juan Manuel!!!” if I didn’t get home in time for dinner, spoiling my friends “fun.” But, the other reason, and I believe the main reason, is that my friends genuinely wanted me to avoid any activities that would prevent me from achieving my goals. I knew that I needed to represent my community in a totally different way, a positive way. I was even more determined to go to college and become an engineer. What I didn’t realize is that there is more to going to college than just making the decision that you want to go to college. Working one summer in the fields also convinced me that going to college was a good idea. Read more>>
Sebastian Carreño
The journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve sacrificed sleep, pushed through exhaustion, and faced countless obstacles to get where I am today. But every challenge has been worth it. I’ve come to realize that growth is constant — there’s never a day that goes by without learning something new, whether about the world or the fashion industry. This path hasn’t been smooth, and that’s okay. It’s shaped me, strengthened me, and reminded me that passion and persistence will always lead the way. Read more>>
Aria Skye
I’ve been around music my entire life because both of my parents make music. My mom (Miahni) mainly focuses on singing and vocal production, and my dad (Richie Stacks) mainly focuses on beat production and rapping. I feel like growing up in that musically saturated environment, I was really able to hone in and take on both of their talents. I started focusing on producing for myself when I was 15, but I didn’t start getting good and taking it seriously until around 2021-2022. Ever Since then I’ve been producing, writing, and engineering music for myself and others. Read more>>
Rozhina Rajabloo
Despite the intensity of that environment, music remained central in my life. During that time, I also began vocal training, which turned out to be the most challenging part of my musical development. My first vocal lessons were discouraging. I lacked a healthy vocal technique and received constant criticism. I came close to giving up. Instead, I decided to try again with a different coach. At that point, I did not believe in myself as a singer, but through consistent work, I began to build confidence. That was when I first started to imagine a future in music as a vocalist, not just as an instrumentalist. Read more>>
Clair Case
However, the more I was working on this piece and viewing it, I felt the strips weren’t where or how I imagined it. Eventually, I realized I didn’t like the layout and ended up cutting it all up. This left me with a stack of Polaroid transfers; I didn’t know this would be a pivotal moment. This was a turning point where my focus shifted from photography to fiber arts, creating hand-sewn and hand-woven works that challenge societal narratives. Read more>>
Danii Uke
I’m also the host of The Girls That Get It podcast, which bridges the space between sports and beauty—merging my two favorite industries into one. My show taps into the game of glam. We invite badass athletes and change-makers from the expansive world of athletics into the comfort of Danii’s at-home makeup studio, where they can talk sports, beauty, and all the ways women continue to create influence. From players and personalities to sports analysts, reporters, fashion stylists, and consultants—women are showing up in powerful ways across this industry. The list goes on, but the beauty never stops. Read more>>
Trinity Orosco-Moore
She is passionate about history, art, writing, culture, and Ethnic Studies. She has been writing raps since elementary school, and would film freestyle car raps in high-school. I then invested and bought my own recording software, and Logic Pro. She learned to record, and started to post more freestyle music videos. From there she started to go to professional music studios to record music for the best quality because her own mixing and mastering wasn’t that great. From there she started to do shows, and just contained to grow with various opportunities. Read more>>
