The Valley 7.3.2017

Joseph Wright

I’m a husband and Dad. My second boy is due next week! My mom moved me and my older sister to Santa Clarita from The Valley when I was in the 4th grade. I come from a family of artists.My grandfather played violin in Lawrence Welk’s orchestra and also worked with Spade Cooley. Read More>>

Tara Garner

I come from a multi-generational Iron worker family. At a young age, my father was involved in the Local Union politics of his trade. From there our family worked together to support my father’s political career. We worked picnic, rallies, elections. Read More>>

ESTA BERNSTEIN

Born in Connecticut, horse-crazy child, Esta Bernstein, began her love affair with horses before she could walk. Her parents owned a few Thoroughbred racehorses and she remembers fondly visiting them at the track and farms as a small child. Though her parents were not affluent, she was blessed to have riding lessons at a day camp during her early elementary school years.  Read More>>

Dan Natarelli

When I was 21, I became a professional bowler. I had taken it up at 12 years old and really loved the sport. I was on and off the pro tour for the next 3 years. I incurred a wrist injury and while in rehab, I bought a PC out of the PennySaver to follow my friends on the PBA tour using a dial up modem and Prodigy. Read More>>

Kathy Copsey

Kathy started working at Musician’s Depot back in 2003 for the original owner of the store who started the business from scratch back in 1993. Kathy started working part-time, but moved to full time to managing the business within a few months. Kathy has a musical background including starting flute 30 years ago at 7 years old to learning multiple other instruments over the years, as well as repairing instruments for over 24 years. Read More>>

Becca Brassfield

I started out as a freelance makeup artist and esthetician, working around LA in various salons and studios. I realized that being my own boss was essential to my happiness as an artist and an entrepreneur so I decided to open up my own space where I could control the quality of services being provided to my clients. I love instant gratification, so hair removal, spray tanning and makeup were always a great outlet for me with creativity and the services I could offer. Read More>>

Yvonne Randolph

I started decorating and styling as soon as I could! Growing up with very limited resources and means meant that I had to be really creative if I wanted to have a “cool” room or outfit. I remember splatter painting my lined notebook paper and wallpapering every surface of my room when I was 12, hanging stuffed animals from the ceiling and walls with bandanas, and wearing my turtlenecks upside down for a fitted off the shoulder look that was trending at the time. Read More>>

Mark Chambers

I started from a career in the film industry for more than 24 years. Working on some of the biggest films over the last two decades. Add my work and love of film making with my enjoyment of flying RC helicopters, my two passions suddenly evolved into a business with the introduction of the advanced evolution of Drones (UAS’s). Read More>>

Stephanie Schlottman

I grew up in Santa Clarita, but moved to Northern CA for 8 years while my husband was in school and worked. We started our family there, and after my second child, I started feeling low on energy and had bad self-esteem. I tried to start running and exercising on my own but I wasn’t pushing myself or seeing the results I wanted. A friend of mine told me about Kaia. Read More>>

Linda Bailey

I was never very fond of school, but I couldn’t wait for art class. I always got an easy A in that subject! I loved to express myself creatively. When I was 17 I went to the Netherlands for the summer as an exchange student. Thus, began my wanderlust for travel. Read More>>

Amanda Kimble

I had been in an accounting career for several years, and I knew I needed a change for myself and for my family. I was scared for change, but it was time for me to make it happen, to pursue happiness and fulfillment instead of complaining about being stuck. I decided to take my second yoga teacher training, and it was a major challenge, considering I had a demanding job, a toddler and a baby. Read More>>

Lyle Michaud

I don’t remember knowing what a piano was before I started playing it. My parents saw an ad for a free piano, so they took it, hoping that my older siblings would develop an interest. Much to their surprise, little five-year-old me started plucking out tunes by ear. That was it. I was hooked. I taught myself lots of melodies, and began formal piano lessons a few years later. Read More>>

Sherin Abdalla

My profession is in IT, but I’ve been a photographer since I was a kid. I mostly did it as a hobby, shooting vacations, trips, family, etc. I was laid off in 2015 so while looking for my next IT opportunity, I started to contemplate the idea of shooting events in my spare time, until I find my next job. I started out with simple birthday parties, which lead to anniversaries, reunions, quinceañeras, parties, and eventually to headshots, portraits, fashion, real estate, sports, and products. Read More>>

Allison Delaney-Lopez

I grew up loving art classes and photography. After college, I was lucky enough to get a job teaching children’s art classes, and that’s when I learned how much I enjoy helping others make their own art. So many people get frustrated and intimidated by creating. Read More>>

Aaron Drexler

When we were younger, we were always asked the same question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Truth is, many of us have crazy visions, goals, and ideas as to what we wanted to do when we got older but the reality of it is, you just don’t know until you get there. The one mistake most people make along the way is following a path that was given by someone else and not pursuing your own dreams and interests. Read More>>

Helen Gordon

I came out to LA over 20 years ago from New York to pursue a career in acting. A manager who represented kids saw me in a showcase and asked me to coach some of his clients. The very first client I coached for him booked a series regular on a show for NBC. I thought what a great way to make a living without waiting tables while I pursue my dream. Read More>>

Danielle Malconian

Over the 25 years that I’ve had the pleasure of selling Vikki Vi Clothing, I have spoken to countless women about their love of Vikki Vi. There is magic around this product. Whether it’s in the fabric, the fit, or the way it makes you feel – Vikki Vi has a massive following. I can’t tell you the many conversations I’ve had with women who tell me they own over 100 pieces of Vikki Vi and still love and wear each one. Read More>>

Marilou Lekanne Vaquer

We consider ourselves pioneers in the mobile pet grooming industry. When we first started in Miami in 1999, then called Miami Mobile Dog Grooming, we were one of the very first Mobile dog groomers in Miami. My wife, Beatriz was the first to start with the business. Read More>>

Jennifer Barnes

I grew up in Iowa City, IA (in the heartland!) and took my first dance class at the age of 2. I immediately fell in love with dance and performing and went on to dance up until the age of 18 when I went away to college. I graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder in Broadcast Production and worked for FOX Broadcasting in Chicago after graduation.  Read More>>

Sue Lopez

I’ve always been a hopeless romantic. The thought of a career was not on my radar during most of my young years. I wanted to be Cinderella, marry a prince and live happily ever after. My mother filled our home with beautiful classical music that she played on the piano. Read More>>