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.

Sergio Nunez

I recently became an accredited installer for one of the leading ceramic coating companies in the industry, known as Gtechniq. It is a high end product and brand that stays true to deliver the quality it promises. They have recently helped me fortify my brand by sponsoring one of my recent volunteer efforts. Read more>>

Zen Nguyen

Around that time, a friend from Japan introduced me to Japanese Head Spa. I didn’t think much of it. I thought it would just be a nice shampoo. But during that hour, something shifted in me. I felt seen. I felt cared for. For the first time since I was a child, I felt like someone was truly taking care of me. That moment stayed with me. I kept thinking about all the women like me, especially moms, who are always giving but rarely have a space where they can just be. A place where they don’t have to be strong. Where someone simply says, “You deserve rest.” That’s when I knew I had to create it. Read more>>

Nina Luong

It was a season that tested me in every way—but ultimately created meaningful growth. Today, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built: a talented, driven, and personable group of women who truly represent everything EverGlow Aesthetics stands for. What once felt like a setback became the foundation for something stronger, more intentional, and deeply aligned with my vision. The experience reconnected me to my purpose, shifted my mindset, and reminded me of the resilience required to be a strong leader. Read more>>

Jess Feldmann

Apothek offers more than luxury facials, advanced skincare, non-invasive body sculpting, lash and brow artistry, and waxing—it offers an experience rooted in care and empowerment. Designed to feel both elevated and deeply nurturing, every treatment is personalized to help clients feel confident, seen, and restored. Read more>>

Symonejoy Sandy

Out of this calling, I birthed Sacred Birth Haven—a ministry, a safe place, and a movement. We provide spiritual, emotional, and physical support for mamas before, during, and after birth. From personalized birth plans to intercessory prayer during labor, we’re reclaiming birth as holy ground.Today, I offer faith-based doula support, Christian doula training and certification, mentorship, maternal mental health advocacy, and more. I wrote The Transformation—my testimony in book form—and developed a full Christian doula training manual rooted in scripture and compassion. Read more>>

Kat Davis

I honestly don’t believe there are smooth roads in life. No matter what stage you’re at, you will always face some kind of struggle to overcome. For me some of my greatest challenges come in the form of my own mind. I will get constructive criticism on a project only from myself. Others can say how good or valuable my work is, and sometimes it still doesn’t feel enough for me. The biggest challenge is the commitment I make on a daily basis to transform from my bigggest enemy into my own best friend. Read more>>

Krystal

I took a Poetry class in my University and was ridiculed for poems about God and faith. At the time guns, violence, drugs, s*x and defiance were a more popular accepted subject. God was not the only thing I wrote about but I was not afraid to express my faith in God. I went on to write for a ministry called Preach N’ Sing Ministry both poetry and lead of their blog that’s primary goal was to uplift, encourage and inspire others. There were artists who worked with Preach N Sing Ministry who sang some of my poems on an album to encourage others. Read more>>

Pargoal Arab

While I was a student at UCLA, I developed an interest in visiting dessert spots, taking photos, and sharing them on my Instagram story. As my passion grew, I expanded from desserts to brunch places and eventually to restaurants in general. When COVID-19 hit, I had accumulated so many food photos that I decided to create a dedicated Instagram account to document my foodie journey. Through starting this account, I discovered a vibrant foodie community. Read more>>

Grant Madden

The UC San Diego Center for Health Care Cybersecurity is focused on patient care from cybercriminals. Healthcare is a data rich environment and lucrative for cybercriminals – it can also be fatal for patients. Inability to access a patient’s history or medications in a ransomware event can prove fatal. Rural facilities make up the majority of healthcare in the USA, most are underfunded and under resourced. If those facilities can’t stay open and care for patients – how long is the drive to the next location? We don’t have all the answers but we’re trying to find some of the answers to help all healthcare locations. Read more>>

Lauren DeStefano

Part of my training style is being a vessel for my clients to find that change within themselves. I refer to myself as a guide. I create programs for my clients tailored specifically to their needs, but they are the ones who put in the work. I strive to create safer space for people to tap into the power that already exists inside of them, and provide support as they reach their goals. I believe there is always something to learn from ourselves and from others. Fitness is more than just working out, it inspires change, builds character, and promotes self love. And that is what I love most about it! Read more>>

Bradley Toms

Once I moved for college though I had done enough and learned enough to charge a bit more. I studied communications with an emphasis in advertising and minored in film production. I knew that much, but still had no idea what my plan was. So for the time being it was more so a “college job” – I had 4-5 classes during the week and typically only had to “work” Friday or Saturday. So it was perfect. Read more>>

Gabriela Valdez

Not at all. Balancing my full-time job as a Project Director at a high-end retail manufacturing company with running Conejo has been a real challenge. Finding time for designing, testing, and refining my products often feels like a juggling act. I’m still in the process of shaping what Conejo can truly offer the crafting market. It’s a work in progress, but every step—no matter how tough—brings me closer to that vision. Read more>>

Niladri Sarker

But while science shaped my early career, art has always been my true language. Over the years, I transitioned fully into the creative world, exhibiting my work in galleries across North America, Europe, and Asia. Today, I channel that passion into TERVARNA Art Gallery, which I founded as a space to celebrate bold, thought-provoking, and globally inspired artistic voices. Read more>>

Sako Yakinian

From there, I went all in. I committed all of my 20’s to one thing, No Limit. I opened my own place, built a community, and created something people now call their “third place” not home, not work, but the one place where they can focus on themselves and feel seen and supported. That mattered to me because I saw how many people didn’t have anyone to believe in them. I wanted to be that someone. I wanted No Limit to be that place. Read more>>

Elise Frances Garner

I’m Elise Frances Garner, a filmmaker originally from Memphis, Tennessee. My parents are my best friends and I am very grateful for them and their support. I’m the oldest of three girls and a lifelong Girl Scout, so I’ve pretty much always been the director, even before I knew what that meant. As a kid, I was obsessed with building worlds. I’d rope my sisters into little iPad movies, turn my backyard into a set, and treat every homemade film like a blockbuster. Read more>>

Nikki McCutcheon

My name is Nikki, I’m an LA native but moved to orange county for college and never left. Two years ago, I set out to find a career that would give me a better work life balance. Something that would give me more flexibly for the time I become a mom. While searching for my next career, I quickly fell in love with microblading and decided to purse it as a career. I started Glamorama as a weekend side hustle, balancing my craft with a full-time 8–5 job. The pursuit has helped my find my passion for helping people feel bold, beautiful, and confident in their own skin. Read more>>

Kathryn Zdan

So I’ve learned to tell people to expect to talk with me for about an hour; sometimes the interview lasts longer than that, but an hour to an hour and a half usually provides a lot of great info. I also don’t get a response back from everyone I reach out to, which I completely understand, but it took some getting used to. Also, in the very beginning of the project, I was shooting film, but now that I’m using a digital camera, I can shoot in almost any lighting condition and not worry about the results. Read more>>

Erika Breshears-Jurkovic

I’m a tattooer and shop owner of Halo Tattoo in Long Beach, CA and over the years I’ve really focused on building a style that blends classic technique with fine detail and bold, timeless imagery. I love pieces with strong lines and flow something that holds up over time but still feels personal and artistic. I’m most proud of the trust my clients put in me, especially when they’re coming to me for meaningful, custom work. Read more>>

Luzma Ortiz

My father is a world renowned South American harp soloist and composer, (Alfredo Rolando Ortiz,) so I grew up going to concerts and music festivals my entire childhood. I remember watching the hilarious Christopher Guest film A Mighty Wind and thinking “Oh my God! That was my life!” and then laughing hysterically about it in the middle of the movie theatre. As a kid, I took harp lessons from my dad, tried the flute in elementary school and took private piano lessons. My sister was able to pick up the violin very well, even joining the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra at one point.  Read more>>

Mercedese Bantz

I’ve primarily been working on two series. I call these “portraits” of everyday objects rather than still life pieces. The “Shoe Series” was inspired by a pair of green shoes purchased in Italy. I’ve been working my way through my own shoe collection as well as some interesting footwear from family and friends. If I meet you and you’re wearing pair of shoes I’d love to paint, don’t be surprised if I ask if I can photograph them. Please be aware I will need you to take them off! Read more>>

Casey Lomax

I had to reset my life for what seemed like the 17th time and here we are. I wish i could say i decided to capture weddings but the truth is i was forced into it. I suffered from immense depression and lost all my creativity and very close to losing my will to live. I had to figure out what i could film that has a “script” and could pay the bills. I wish i could say its been easy since but life as a human can be rather difficult. So i choose now to try to share as many happy stories as possible. Read more>>

Patrick Warren

This was before the internet, so I had to get a special “blue pages” phone book, which was the business directory phone book. Actually, looking back at it, I was very determined and resourceful as an 8th grader! The one company that wrote me back was LA Gear, which was one of the hottest sneaker brands in the early ’90s. They told me to study industrial design. So, in 8th grade, I already knew that I would get a degree in industrial design and become a professional shoe designer. But I still loved cars as well, and I continued to draw both shoes and cars every day. Read more>>

Anthoni Avila

Fast forward to today and we are finalizing our 2nd and 3rd sponsorship. Likewise, ORC has gained hundreds of new people at run club from all parts of California, and all walks of life sharing one common goal and that is the importance of fitness through community. The memories and relationships formed through ORC are priceless, and is something that we will take with us for the rest of our lives. Our mission at ORC has always remained the same- bringing the community together one step at a time. Read more>>

Tiffany Donnelly

I wasn’t looking to start a business. I was a Mom rediscovering her creativity, simply trying to stay grounded during the uncertainty of the pandemic lockdown. I was (and still am) working as a Pilates Teacher, but when our studio closed for what turned into nearly a year, I found myself with unexpected space. Baking and decorating cookies became my creative outlet and offered a small but meaningful bit of light and sweetness to socially distanced celebrations during such an uncertain time. Read more>>

Sirine Bunkua

But the road wasn’t easy. I was pregnant during the entire build-out, and every step felt like a marathon. City approvals dragged on, construction delays piled up, and there were moments we truly questioned if this dream would come to life. Everything that could go wrong, did. But we didn’t give up. Read more>>

Jen Pizzolo

Overall, my experience with improv and stand-up comedy has been one of the best experiences of my life. I feel like I’ve found my people. They get me! I love everyone I meet, not just other performers but also audience members. At ImprovCity, we have fans who come to see us every week! It’s such a wonderful feeling to be part of this community. And honestly, I simply love making people laugh. If I could do it 24 hours a day, I would! Read more>>

Josh Goldenberg

What are we most proud of? I know the right answer is our beautiful award winning projects, or the plethora (1000+) of happy homeowners we have helped over the years, but the truth is the thing that brings me the most pride, is the atmosphere we have in the company. Its very friendly even familial. I don’t know how it happened but it makes me happy everyday. Read more>>

Amber

La Rosa Noir began with a personal vision—| created my own flower wall for my wedding in 2023 after I couldn’t find the bold, all-black design I had in mind. Local vendors only offered traditional wedding colors, but I wanted something different. So l decided to build it myself. Read more>>

Chameleon Lykes

But my modeling dreams were born in the unlikeliest of places – a Houston city district press event, as a worker in the education field. Initially, I wasn’t even going to attend, but something sparked a last-minute change of heart. And that’s when it happened – a talent scout approached me and asked, ‘Are you a model?’ My response was honest: ‘No, but I’ve always wanted to be.’ We exchanged contacts, and it took off from there. The greatest takeaway from that day was a powerful lesson: show up, and show up looking like your future – polished, poised, and ready for anything. Read more>>

Meg Le Vu

KLV Photography is a wedding photography team serving Southern California. We specialize in natural light mostly; but are very experienced in use with on/off camera lighting. Our style is naturalistic, documentarian and true to color. Read More>>

Tanya Dang

I’ve always been a creator at heart—whether it was filming YouTube videos, arts and crafts, or drawing for hours on end. Art has always been my outlet, the place where I could express myself in ways that felt impossible elsewhere. Drawing was my first love—I was the kid who ignored my teachers in class in favor of doodling in my agenda or any scrap of paper I could find. Read more>>

Sheldon Neal

I grew up on a corn and soybean farm in central Illinois. When I was young, my Dad tended to be over-protective of me. Mom (a nurse), on the other hand, was not. She was determined I would not be coddled or treated differently because of my handicap. I remember one time I was riding my bike (7 or 8 years old) and I hit a high spot on the sidewalk. I went flying over the handlebars and landed on my arms, scraping them up very badly. Dad was immediately saying we are going to get rid of that bike, I don’t want him getting hurt. Mom said no, get back on that bike and ride it up to the house. I learned more from that than I realized at the time. Read more>>