Inspiring Stories from the OC

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 Orange County’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 the Orange County’s rising stars below.

Bryce Lam

Anything truly worth working toward in life will come with its challenges—but the reward is always worth the effort once you achieve the goal. One of the biggest hurdles on my journey was finding the perfect location that matched my vision: a space that goes beyond just Porsche repair, and reflects a unique, elevated experience for both the cars and the people who love them. Read more>>

Andrea Colon

That experience inspired me to help others find the same kind of healing. I went on to become a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and opened my own clinic and most recently acquired Wildcraft Medicine, an integrative clinic in Southern California. I now work with patients to address things like hormone health, metabolic disease, fatigue, and inflammation, using a blend of modern science and natural therapies. Read more>>

Kaylyn

Then in 2023, everything changed again—I became a mom. And after working behind the scenes for so many e-commerce brands over the years, I finally felt ready to create something for myself—that’s where Richwife began. My husband and I co-founded it together with the intention of redefining what it means to be “rich.” People often assume it’s about wealth, but for us, it’s about so much more—being rich in love, health, faith, memories, and meaning. And the name? I love that it gets people talking. Every time I wear it, someone stops me to ask about it or compliment it—it’s a conversation starter, and that’s exactly what we wanted. Read more>>

Dalton Nicholas

Looking back, those early jobs were some of the best things that happened to me. Being at the front desk taught me how to connect with people the second they walked into the gym. Sales? That taught me how to talk about price points confidently and how to present the value of what I offer without feeling like I was “selling.” At first, I had a little imposter syndrome—like, “Should I really be charging this much per hour?” But the more conversations I had, the more I realized that my skills and knowledge were worth it. Now, I don’t even blink when it comes to discussing pricing because I know the value I bring. Read more>>

Alisha Freeman

My work as a Producer, Cinematographer, and Director spans music videos, live theater/events, short films, a Netflix film, and now two documentaries. One of those, ‘Orange, A Shade of Black’, premiered in January at The Frida Cinema. It tells the moving story of one of the first African-American families in Orange, CA—a project my Director (Dawn Nguyen Spranger) and I filmed over several years, including through the pandemic. Read more>>

Sanaa Kelley

Eventually, a no-budget film came along, and the studio asked if I wanted to work on it for free. I jumped at the chance. That first job led to more, and I kept going. In 2016, I opened my own company, Reel Foley Sound, and a few years ago I started sharing behind-the-scenes content on TikTok and Instagram to help others learn what took me years to figure out alone. Read more>>

Kurosh Jozavi

During that time, I noticed a great dynamic between myself and two of the regulars, Daniel and Daniel. I pitched the idea of starting a podcast, and soon we were meeting weekly, each bringing nerdy topics to the table — especially focused on video games, we called it The Weekly DLC. We ran that podcast for about seven years, and over time I realized I wanted to take this passion beyond a hobby. I wanted to approach it with real intention and push myself in other ways and outside this podcast. They still have the podcast going and you should check it out. Lots of great memories with those guys. Read more>>

Gavin Raetz

I started focusing on couples and engagement shoots and have worked with more than 5 couples so far. It’s a solo operation, so I’ve learned a lot through hands-on experience and just staying consistent. Over time, I’ve been trying to build my presence on Instagram and connect with more people through my work. Read more>>

Landen Green

Dr. Landen Green was born and raised in North Carolina. His passion for medicine was first triggered by a passion for sports. Now, his passion is making a genuine, personal connection with his patients while creating life-long and generational relationships through providing expectational health care. After working in the traditional healthcare setting both inside and outside of the hospital, he realized he was unable to be the doctor his patients needed while practicing in that model. That lead him to explore other healthcare models and now, through his private practice direct primary care clinic, he brings the old-school family medicine doctor into the modern world. Read more>>

Katelynn

One moment that really stands out was one of my first client shoots where I had to direct a couple during their session. I remember feeling so nervous—I didn’t want to sound unsure or awkward, but inside I was overthinking every instruction. I was afraid they’d pick up on my uncertainty. But once I relaxed a bit and focused on creating a comfortable, fun atmosphere, everything started to flow naturally. That experience taught me that confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from being present, prepared, and willing to learn. Read more>>

Burt Teplitzky

So, I have one comedy special on Tubi TV, “Inside Scars,” another one on Amazon, “Scar Tissue,” and a third on Youtube, “Clips Ahoy.” Currently, I am working on producing a solo show with some of my best bits along with my accordion (which I know how to play, unfortunately), titled, “Accordion To Burt” that is scheduled to premier at Santa Monica Playhouse Complex, Saturday, September 6, at 7:30PM. Personally, I am married (over eight years) for the second time, and my wife, Thao, has been great by allowing me to include material about our marriage as long as there is some money in it…or at least some laughs:) Read more>>

Adam Elhardouzi

I was recruited out of high school to play NCAA Division 1 Rugby at Long Beach State after playing for 4 years at Redondo Union High School where my senior year I captained our team to a SoCal High School Rugby 7’s State Championship Tournament, along with being the captain for Santa Monica U18 Rugby Club and being selected onto one of the most prestigious U18 academy teams in the nation at the time, The Los Angeles Giltinis of the MLR (Major League Rugby.) Read more>>

Sam Lee Herring

Just before the pandemic, my social media presence grew to a couple hundred thousand and a couple million, which gave me opportunites to work as an influencer and grow my personal training brand, even starting my own LLC. I also suffered a pretty big injury, which stalled my action career, but I was inspired me to grind physical therapy and come back even stronger. During this time, I began making specialized training programs online at the behest of my peers and followers: these include a beginner Functional Exercise Program, an intermediate Hybrid Program, and a Tricking Program based on my style of cinematiic martial arts. Read more>>

Haze Baraza

Quite honestly I wouldn’t trade the happy chaos for any other family, because three facts remained true in our household. One, be authentic to who you are, we will love any way. Two, be self sufficient, because one day your life may dependent on it. and you will thank us later. (Which in all fairness, I eventually did). Three, above all else we will always love you and we have each other. To grow up in a household full of diverse personalities, intense love, and interesting conversations, it is no surprise that I am an artist! Read more>>

Mina Choi

Mina Choi is a Korean-born, Los Angeles-based jazz pianist, composer, and conductor whose music uniquely blends jazz, classical, and the rich traditions of her Korean heritage. With years of experience as both a performer and educator in California, Mina’s work reflects her personal journey, characterized by beautiful melodies, intricate rhythms, and colorful harmonies. Each composition tells a story, inviting listeners to experience a deep emotional connection to her music. Read more>>

Eduardo Castrillo

I am a filmmaker who specializes in features. I try to shoot one a year and also teach filmmaking as well. One of my favorite past times as well is attending conventions and speaking on panels.I have been making films since I was eighteen. I went to the Art Institute in San Francisco and I swear by film school for any aspiring filmmaker. I’m very adamant about film school because it connects you with others. I think people should go because you do learn things you wouldn’t learn from a YouTube tutorial. Read more>>

Brandi Bondurant

For many years, I became the go-to friend for planning help and even planned and coordinated friend’s weddings from start to finish. I was excited to help my friends and I also thought that maybe one day this experience would help me if I ever made the career change. What I didn’t realize would happen is that the other vendors involved praised my work so much that they wanted to recommend me to their clients. Wow, this was a huge confidence boost! I still did not jump into planning though because I was still working in education and I had a baby. It still felt scary and intimidating to go for it. Read more>>

Vy Phan

With the opening of Back For Life Pilates, I hope to empower others who suffer from debilitating chronic pain and/or brokenness to fulfillment. I am the embodiment that Pilates can serve as a vital element of one’s ongoing recovery and training. As a forever athlete and having been in the Fitness Training industry since 2012, I commit to learning, as exercise science is ever-evolving and seek guidance from DPTs to support my program. My goal is to teach techniques to function so that we not only survive, but we thrive! Read more>>

Dr. Albert Rovero, DC

After my first year for chiropractic medical school, there were no more plans. They disappeared. However, I was starting to learn different avenues in chiropractic and made new visions with new goals. I discovered The Gonstead System of chiropractic invented by Dr. Clarence Gonstead. I agreed heavily with this technique in chiropractic with high regard as it was very relatable in biomechanics and engineering. Specific Palaption, radiograph diagnostics, and detailed adjustments all made sense to me. However, the school I attended was very “research based”, so this technique was not recognized and so called “illegal” on campus. I was almost expelled a couple of times. Read more>>

Alley Florin

I guess I’ll just start from the very beginning. I grew up as a dancer, starting at the age of 3. I danced competitively with a studio and with my high school dance team. When I turned 16 I started teaching dance to tiny humans and choreographing for competitions. I decided to go to FIDM for college where I began working in the corporate world of fashion. This is when the heavy drinking began which led to me being let go from my job. I then worked in the makeup industry where I was somehow recruited to gogo dance in the Long Beach area (gotta love the makeup industry). Read more>>

Viet-Triet Nguyen

I grew up in Southern California and come from a Vietnamese family. Though there are no other designers in my family, there was much creativity. My hobbies in the arts and performing arts was encouraged by my parents. I eventually discovered graphic design as a high school student and once I was in college, I pursued graphic design as a focus. My path has brought me to many corners of the art/design/marketing industry as well as various cultures and countries around the world. There is still so much more to discover and see. 
 Read more>>

Christine Cimabue

Being in a male-dominated industry while challenging how things have “always been done” created plenty of resistance. I often find myself becoming the interpreter between homeowners who want healthy homes and builders who haven’t been trained to think of the work they perform having an impact (positive or negative) on the health of the family living in the home. Read more>>

Luis Gracia-Alonso

At the time, I really enjoyed learning the piano, however, I never really thought of it as being what I ultimately wanted to do in the future. Growing up, I was always a bit of a quiet kid, usually preferring to listen and observe and everything and everyone around me. I think part of it came down to struggling with transitioning between the English and Spanish languages early on, but I used to be a reserved kid. I also really enjoyed being out in nature and experiencing the natural ambience of the world, and a lot of my musical experiences came from listening to the music that my parents and grandparents played on the radio. Overall, I mostly just listened quietly and took everything in, just enjoying the simple joys of life in the present. Read more>>

Aaron Huynh

I come from humble beginnings. My parents are Vietnamese immigrants who worked tirelessly just to keep food on the table. We grew up low-income, and our house was even robbed by family friends — a moment that shattered my childhood sense of safety. On top of that, money was always a source of stress and tension in our home. I grew up with a lot of insecurity — not just financial, but emotional. I struggled quietly, and at times, turned to unhealthy habits and addictions just to cope with how overwhelmed I felt. Read more>>

Charles & Leo Guinto & Cabal

The idea for The Lounge Booth was born when a friend suggested applying the high-end approach of fashion photography to a traditional photo booth setup, something we felt was often stale and uninspired. We saw a unique opportunity to elevate this concept by transforming the typical photo booth experience into a memorable, editorial-style photoshoot for guests. This vision led to the creation of The Lounge Booth, where we blend editorial photography with an interactive and engaging guest experience. Read more>>

Elijah Lynch

And that’s where I really pushed music my first ever song was with a band mate named uncle Toby. At the time I was struggling with self identification and addiction. When I graduated I dropped my first single called “crusing” with my good friend YNF. Which pushed 100k streams on SoundCloud. After the steady rise of myself I ended up becoming homeless due to an eviction. I was sleeping in parks car’s bathrooms any where warm.and thats where i wrote most of my music in shelters on streets so all my music is really raw. Now I’m still pushing my music and enjoying every day of my life. Read more>>

Kat Mae

Starting my social media journey wasn’t easy and I was the main thing standing in the way. What would my friends think? Would people think that what I’m doing is lame and boring? How do I stand out? Questions like these flooded my head and it wasn’t until I realized I wasn’t posting for people but that I was posting for myself, that I said F it and just did it. Read more>>

Victor

But the journey hasn’t been easy. In the beginning, doubt constantly crept in, making me question if I had what it took. Motivational books and learning to stay consistent helped me push through. Some of the setbacks were brutal — clients not paying, getting robbed at gunpoint (and even hit on the head with the gun). In 2008, the stock market crash almost wiped us out. I had to downsize and offer services at lower rates just to survive. Read more>>

Genesis Rodriguez

That first shake wasn’t just a drink—it was the start of a whole new journey. But here’s the thing… feeling good was just the beginning. Once I had my energy and clarity back, I knew I wanted more. More growth, more impact, and more success—not just for myself, but for my family and the people around me.” Read more>>

Yvonne Lau

Becoming a lactation consultant was difficult. I am not a nurse and was in a co-hort of 20 nurses and one registered dietitian. Our instructor was extremely knowledgeable and professional. She challenged me constantly. Little did l know that my future practice required it! Now that I’m retired, l work remotely helping women breastfeed all over the U.S. Read more>>

Kristina Godfrey

Godfrey Social PR is a Southern California-based full-service public relations, and communications agency focused on consumer goods in the family, lifestyle, technology, fashion, and health and wellness markets. With a deep understanding of media and influencer landscapes, GSPR increases brand awareness by creating campaigns that amplify and expand consumer interaction. The agency offers clients personalized support to optimize their business goals with the right mix of PR, media support, marketing, content strategy, and creativity. Read more>>

Athena LeMay

Now, after 15 years of being a devoted student and a decade of teaching, yoga still brings me home to myself. It’s helped me grow through so many chapters of life, peeling back the layers of who I thought I had to be and guiding me back to who I really am. Today, my work is about helping others do the same. I support people in reconnecting with their bodies, their breath, and that quiet inner wisdom we all carry. Through private yoga sessions, group classes, women’s circles, and sound baths, I create spaces for people to slow down, tune in, and remember that healing isn’t about fixing, it’s about returning to who you truly are. Read more>>

Lucas Vaz

Years went by, and a fire grew inside me. One fueled by two things: my deep desire to give back to my community in Brazil and my frustration with the U.S. soccer system, where the game often feels like a business rather than a true platform for player development. My wife and I knew we had to do something different. So, we packed our bags, moved back to Brazil for six months, and planted the first seeds of Faith & Football. Read more>>

Tay’Laur Ambrene

But my first ever experience with media production was making my first home video. It was a slideshow of pictures from my wild but fun as hell high school creative writing class over music, combined with funny videos from my favorite shows at the time like That 70s Show, Family Guy or Saturday Night Live. And it was all put together on Windows Movie Maker. Damn, that’s crazy to think about now. That’s how long I’ve been doing this; for 14-15 years! I loved making memories, taking videos or pictures of my friends to remember the fun we had and that still hasn’t changed. Read more>>