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 East 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 East LA’s rising stars below.
Romina Manolio
Over time, I found my voice not only as a designer but as a leader. I began overseeing our creative direction, expanding our design and fabrication offerings, and ultimately stepping into the role of Head Designer and CEO. Now, years later, I lead a team of incredibly talented creatives who bring bold, sophisticated ideas and designs to life—from opulent weddings and A-list premieres to immersive brand launches and private celebrations. It’s been quite the journey! Read more>>
Stephen Davalos
Discipline has never been my strong suit so pushing to stay consistent with the amounts I make and the events and markets I do can be exhausting., as much as I do love them. I go through periods throughout the year where I’m not making as much as I’d like, but I am fortunate to have a full time job that I’m passionate about and do not have to rely on being a machine and produce ceramics constantly. Read more>>
Ashley Staiger
When we moved back to the mainland, I took a leap and launched A Fetchin’ Good Time. I started networking before we even landed in California and built a client base from the ground up. This business was more than a career move it became my freedom and a place where I could rebuild a life aligned with the values I was just beginning to rediscover: connection, regulation, resilience, and community. Read more>>
Jeremy Tefft
When your passion is your profession it creates a synergy that translates easily into cultivating relationships with loyal clientele. Our expertise in this field allows us to always have a pulse on the classic car market in every economy. When choosing to buy a special car you should select an enthusiast/specialist that will satisfy your particular needs and desires. If you have an opportunity to obtain that special car make sure you work with someone who can navigate the landscape and provide the service you deserve. Knowledge and trust should be at the top.” Read more>>
Justine Wollman
Owning a business is a leap of faith. There’s no stability, no set paycheck, and none of the perks that come with being traditionally employed. Of course I’ve envied designers who clock in, do solid but low-lift work, and still bring in a steady income with benefits. But I also know that what I’m doing is different and special. Running my own studio means I have freedom, creative ownership, and the ability to shape the kind of work I want to do. That kind of growth and self-direction is something I wouldn’t trade. Read more>>
Maru Tatu
I began tattooing in my hometown of Monterrey,Mexico,at just 14 years old practicing on my neighborhood friends who believed in me before i had any formal training. By 2000,i was tattooing professionally and in 2004,I moved to Los Angeles drawn by the depth,Tattoo culture diversity and black and grey “Chicano” tattoo style that had inspired me since I first learned about it. Read more>>
Jessica Ruby
Definitely not a smooth road — but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Owning a salon in LA, especially one that’s as creative and community-focused as The Flamingo Lounge, comes with unique challenges. I’ve dealt with everything from staffing struggles and financial stress to balancing motherhood, neurodivergent kids, and running a business full-time. There were times when I felt like I was barely holding it together. Read more>>
Monica Viera
It has not been a smooth road. I still struggle with trusting people and loving myself. But I have developed much better coping mechanisms and regard myself with a lot more compassion and self-love than I have done before. I have completely overcome self-harm and suicidal ideation. It’s also difficult being honest about this because BPD is still very stigmatized and I’ve dealt with lack of compassion/judgment while trying to receive help in the mental health field. Read more>>
Ana Bohr
we also hit a few fabric snags and faced unexpected delays that pushed our launch timeline more than once. there were moments, especially in the slower winter months, when i felt disconnected from the process and the passion wavered. but this journey has taught me the value of commitment—of sticking with something through the highs and lows because you believe in the vision. and honestly, that’s been a life lesson far beyond just building a brand. Read more>>
Bill Cormalis Jr
I am a lifelong art enthusiast. My mother claims Ive been drawing, or at least entertaining myself artistically since I was 2. When I was 9, I decided to become a skater, and immersed myself into that culture. Art was a mainstay during those years by painting on my shoes, skateboard grip tape, drawing logos, and making pictures for friends. Though, Im not trying to progress as a skater any longer, I continue to ride and will always be influenced and follow the skateboard culture. Read more>>
Damon Stokes
Growing my platform hasn’t always been easy. There were times when I felt like I was putting in so much effort without seeing results—questioning if my content was good enough or if anyone was really paying attention. It’s easy to compare yourself to others online, especially in such a fast-paced space like fashion and lifestyle. I’ve had to learn patience, stay true to my voice, and remind myself why I started. Balancing consistency, creativity, and my own well-being has been one of the biggest challenges, but it’s also what’s helped me grow not just as a creator, but as a person. Read more>>
Marlena Martinez
I took about another four years to come back to Velvet Penny & when I did I had found Wolf Kroeger and Shachar Boussani who helped me to actualize the music I had locked away during that break from Velvet Penny. It was with their help that I saw into the world of professionals in music and was able to create ‘All the Flowers.’ Before I met them, I hadn’t had any exposure to the world of full time musicians, and it was through their synthesis I made the decision within myself to fully go after my ambition as an artist. Read more>>
Los Feliz Music And Art Conservatory
Louder LA was established in 2021 and began with offering one on one, in person or online lessons for students of all ages. In November of 2024, we opened our first brick and mortar location for our school in Los Feliz, Los Angeles – the Los Feliz Music and Art Conservatory, a space for group classes in music, art, and languages, as well as a studio space for private lessons. We aim to open the door for meaningful connections between our students and our instructors who are highly qualified, experienced, and passionate about bringing a personalized and enjoyable approach. Read more>>
Amy Jimenez
I specialize in drawing live caricatures at events, as well as creating commissioned pieces. I wouldn’t say I’m proud in the traditional sense, but I truly enjoy being part of people’s special moments. Over the years, many clients have invited me back—sometimes yearly, sometimes every few years—to draw them or their loved ones again. There’s something meaningful about helping create a memory that lasts, whether it’s a keepsake from a celebration or a playful drawing that ends up framed in someone’s home. Read more>>
Fabian Debora
It reminded me then, as it still does now in 2025, that we are living cycles—different times, but the same heartbeat. Against the current, I found something that would save me: Art. It became my language when words failed me, my anchor through both the wounds and the wonder. Each time I created, it sparked something inside—igniting my spirit and reminding me I was still here, still breathing, still becoming. That’s how I came to know the healing power of art. I held onto it not just as a tool, but as a lifeline—a way to feel my own existence in a world that often tried to erase it. Read more>>
Jaewoo Cho
My family immigrated to America when I was 13. I grew up in San Bernardino County, under two hard working parents, who dedicated their careers as high school teachers in Korea. My Mom retired early and immigrated over to America for my little brother and me, who each wanted to be an aerospace engineer and a dentist. My father would stay behind for a few more years to provide a stable income for the family while keeping next to nothing for himself. Read more>>
