The heart of our mission at VoyageLA is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our city. In recent weeks we’ve had the privilege to connect with some of West 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 The Valley’s rising stars below.
Anastasia Love
Creating my own hair extensions course wasn’t a spontaneous idea. It was something that had been quietly growing inside me for years. After 22 years of working with my clients, thousands of clients, countless trials and mistakes, and plenty of “aha” moments, I finally decided it was time to share it all. I poured every lesson, every trick, every signature method I’ve discovered into one powerful program. A course that’s practical, honest, and deeply rooted in real-life experience. The kind of course I wish I had at the beginning of my journey. Read more>>
Colton Tran
I’m a film director & editor based in Los Angles. I decided to make the move from Utah to LA 13 years ago with my producing partner Laura Young and never looked back. That move was crucial for my growth as a filmmaker and creative in this industry. I’ve now lived in LA for over a decade working as a professional director, actor, producer and editor. Read more>>
Ja’Net Wyatt
I have been a creative person my whole life including writing short stories and poems, creating comics strips, crafting, and drawing all before my teen years. I’m originally from Northern California and came to Los Angeles in hopes to pursue film directing. I got my degree in cinema and television arts and landed a job ION Media Networks (formerly PAX TV) as an assistant to sales account executives. It was fun in the beginning, but then it seems that I was not going anywhere. There was nothing creative about the job, just booking airtime for infomercials to our 20+ stations nationwide Read more>>
Talisha Cowin
put to a task for another you stand a chance of their disapproval. I rarely run into this problem any more because communication is key. Even if I must ask a silly question, it could be the difference of hours of work in the future. Read more>>
Samantha N. Garcia
We curated a special survivor candle, The 2nd Chance Candle, and shared it with cancer and stroke survivors we met and connected with on Instagram at no cost to them. Our followers aka Dovies, supported us by purchasing this candle and asking us to gift it to survivors in need of a little extra love. I personalized the candle with the survivor’s first name to make it extra special. I received an outpour of beautiful heartfelt messages from survivors letting us know how special this gesture meant to them. We have since shared The 2nd Chance Candle in over 13 states. Read more>>
Anna Santiago
My original idea for a name years prior had my maiden name instead, since everyone called me Rimer in culinary school and it would also pay as an homage to my father´s name since he had all girls and would likely not have his name carried down. I decided on my marriage name because it represented the person I have become throughout my culinary journey over the years. Since then, I have been diligently building my own brand and trying to create my own identity within the company I started. It has not been easy, but like any garden, hard work comes first and the harvest will eventually come. I truly have a passion for what I do, and this has been an amazing creative outlet for me! Read more>>
Angel
Becoming a father at a young age required me to work multiple jobs while still going to barber school to obtain my license. Working 7 days a week added a lot of stress and led to a life of a working alcoholic. Decided to get sober in 2015 and a year later I was able to open my business. Read more>>
Colin Bressler
In high school I feel in love with filmmaking. I attended school of visual arts in NYC. There i feel in love with the art of cinematography. I worked on any and every student film I could. My senior year I won the dusty award for best cinematography at school. After leaving school I worked as a production assistant on larger budget projects but also working as an assistant camera on small indy films. I also spent any free time shooting films. Music videos and commercials learning my craft. My career as a cinematographer was launched and I never looked back. I still work professionally as a DP full-time. 14 years ago I felt the pull of directing. I shot a few short films. Then I knew I was ready to direct a feature. Since I have directed 10 feature films. All of my films are on streaming. Read more>>
Arpi Azizyan
The road has been one that is full of twists and turns, potholes and of course scenic views along the way. I think the challenge was mainly at the intersection of motherhood and establishing a career where I had to strike that delicate balance of raising children while simultaneously building a business. I believe that this is a struggle that many women encounter as they seek to navigate their roles as partners, mothers and professionals. While I wanted to build my career, I also knew that it was imperative for me to be the primary caregiver for my children in their formative years. There is always an innate sense of guilt and anxiety around the idea that if we focus on one then it may upset the equilibrium, especially where our children are concerned. Read more>>
David Shorter
Children who are born with special senses and perceptions have challenging lives. I’ve learned this when interviewing psychics and mediums too. Many of them are sheltered by parents or guardians, or constantly told to hide their true selves. So some of the challenges are experienced when quite young. Then there are the decades of second guessing oneself, the double consciousness one develops. Finding mentors can be hard. It’s a bit funny, but what California Franchise Tax Board option do I choose for the business license? It’s not massage. It’s not consulting. It’s not beautician. The hardest challenge, though, is boundaries. Knowing when to protect the time and energy that I also want to give to my family. Read more>>
Jen Ash
Another challenge was learning how to listen — but not too much. You have to filter what you take in. Constructive criticism can help you grow, but not every opinion deserves space in your mind, especially when it comes from people with no real understanding of your vision. I remember someone once told me my music sounded “dated” and that I should try to sound more like what’s popular. Read more>>
Jerin Forgie
Since 2011, I have been building my practice, and have had the opportunity to teach people of all ages and abilities, celebrity clients, and athletes. After years of teaching group classes and private sessions in Los Angeles, my business has progressed into a thriving private Pilates practice, predominantly built on word of mouth. One thing remains true for everyone I’ve worked with: Pilates is effective and a wonderful compliment to your life. Read more>>
Todd Haberkorn
So I was adopting animals and eating an animal friendly diet and that was helpful for a while and continues to be, however, I felt I could do more – especially with my online platform that I’ve thankfully cultivated through my work in the entertainment world. If there was a way I could help people strengthen their compassion muscles and make sustainable changes to their mindsets and lives regarding animals and this planet we share with them, that could be a win! Read more>>
Vince Cacho
I immediately tuned him out. Not because I wanted to, but because I always end up in conversations about design or artwork that go nowhere. He’s describing how he wants the back of his shirt designed, and all I’m thinking is, “I wonder what they’re serving for lunch?” hahaha!. I’m nodding along, pretending to listen. He finishes his pitch, we fist bump, and get back to work. Read more>>
Adrian Renes
It was most definitely not a smooth road there was a ton of bumps along the way. Me running a vintage reselling business for 4 years & having to end it after financial struggles was a huge one for me. It did teach me a lot about myself & what I’m capable of though. I’m grateful for my lessons. Read more>>
Chocolate Girl Eats
Now I run a cosplay mukbang channel where I have the best of both worlds. I get to dress up as different pop culture icons & eat some tasty food while doing it! I’m a one-woman show handling everything from filming to editing to promoting—and I love it. It hasn’t always been easy, But over time, I found my voice and my audience—my Chocoholics—who remind me every day that being original and thinking outside-the-box is what sets me apart! I’ve built a brand that’s real, funny, and all me and I’m just getting started. Read more>>
David Weisberg
I was handed divorce papers and was given %50 child custody which to this day has been the saddest thing I’ve have delt with.. Also while dealing with all the effects that the Corona Virus brought to running a small business, I was diagnosed with Chrones disease and a small skin cancer spot on my back. I do deal with some anxiety and depression but I have built up a good mental outlook on life which gives me strength to persevere through all things. Read more>>
Tri Nohbi
Fast forward to the year 2017, I released a song and put it on SoundCloud. Something I had done for years at that point. A few weeks later, I get a DM from Dion “NoID” Wilson saying he loves the music and wants to hear more. He flys me out to LA, I play him some music, I sign a deal a few months later. That’s when I started living in LA. The deal eventually falls through and in 2020 we have a pandemic. After the deal, I decided that I love music too much to stop, so I change my stage name to Tri Nohbi and began dropping music again in 2022 after a 5 year hiatus. During that time, I met, my now producer, Ruckazoid. Now here we are 3 projects later. Getting ready to release my 4th. Read more>>
Heidi Wilson
So, upon graduating high school, I made a bold decision: I left my hometown of San Antonio, Texas, and moved to New York to attend one of the world’s top culinary schools—The Culinary Institute of America. Over the course of a year and a half, I immersed myself in the art of baking and pastry, training in classic and modern techniques from industry professionals. My journey even took me to Los Angeles for an externship, where I found a deep love for this city. Read more>>
Damani Patmon
Growing up and seeing your mother cry because she can’t pay bills wasn’t a fun sight to see. So I decided to stop playing sports and work. I continued to work all throughout high school and once I graduated I joined the military. I’m a Marine Corps veteran. Served four years in California. After I retired from the military back in 2023, is when I decided to follow my second dream of being an actor. I’ve been attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Los Angeles since February 2024 for my BFA in on-camera acting. I have two beautiful sons that I continue to work hard for everyday. They are what keep me pushing, they are what motivates me. Read more>>
Angelina Velardes
It has never been a smooth road. It still is rocky at times, but the thing that keeps me going is the people i have around me who hold me up when i’m doubtful. In a career like this one it’s not easy to get into. Especially as a woman, there isn’t many in the industry. The hardest thing to get over was the realization of that. Seeing so little women offered the opportunities i was striving for was very discouraging. But then i found more and more women represented in the industry later one, who i now look up too. Read more>>
Nikki Rodriguez
I started my tattoo journey back in 2019 with an apprenticeship at Clandestine Rabbit Tattoo Studio in Tarzana, CA. Since then, it’s been a wild ride—working my way through Hollywood and eventually landing in Northridge, where I now run my own studio, Aesthetic Ink by Nikki Rodriguez. I specialize in tattoos and permanent brow makeup, and I absolutely love what I do. Read more>>
Robin Randolph
I remember being on the East Coast, walking through snow-covered streets in New York City, capturing everything from the changing leaves in Central Park to the first signs of spring and cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. Photography quickly became my way to connect with the world around me. The simple act of freezing a moment in time was a new language I wanted to master. My Instagram became a gallery of my travels, showing off breathtaking skylines, street scenes, and nature’s beauty – but I knew I wanted to take it further. I started investing in better gear, designing my logo, and creating a brand that reflected my artistic vision. Read more>>
Ashley Snyder
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced has honestly been myself. I’ve spent countless nights wrestling with anxious thoughts—stories I tell myself that aren’t based in truth. But then, I’ll have these grounding moments with loved ones or collaborators, where I feel truly seen and valued. It’s a full-body feeling, like a light turns back on. In those moments, I remember my worth, and it helps me push past the noise in my head. I don’t think this inner battle will ever fully disappear, but I’m hopeful it gets easier to manage each time I confront it. Read more>>
Cristina Rose
AHMY AGENCY was founded in 2021, rooted in a passion for entrepreneurship and creativity. My journey began at the age of 17, when I launched my own clothing brand and online store. I was responsible for every aspect of the business—marketing, social media, content creation, and sales. Through this hands-on experience, I quickly discovered a deep passion for the marketing and branding side of the business. Read more>>
Jake Lyle
I’m originally from Minnesota. I moved to LA to work in entertainment. I’ve done pretty much every job in front of and behind the camera, from running and getting meals all the way through to Producing a feature film. Through that work and travel, I slowly fell in love with photography, and being behind the camera, and started doing more and more of it for my own enjoyment. Pretty soon people started paying me for it, and now it’s what I do full time. Read more>>
Wade` Joubert
I’m an Indianapolis-based artist and designer, and my work lives at the intersection of upcycled fashion, furniture design, and sustainability. I’m currently studying at California State University, Northridge, where I’m pursuing a BFA with a focus on furniture design. My practice is rooted in a unique aesthetic and a deep commitment to sustainable creation—something that’s become central to who I am as both an artist and a person. Read more>>
Tammy McCray
I am an only child so growing up I had a lot of time on my hands. My dream was always to go to school and study fashion, but God had other plans for me. The military called me away first, then X-ray school, but never made it to fashion school. Time passed and in 2018 I got married. I had an idea for clothing but it was never taken seriously until I styled myself and started styling my ex husband. The time that we shared came to a an end in 2022. It was a hard time emotionally, but my faith in God and my design and creativity saved me from a deep depression. In 2022 I started Tammy McCray LLC and have been going ever since. Read more>>
Leslie Feliz
I’m originally from Massachusetts but have been blessed enough to experience almost 12 years in California, and those years have been nothing short of transformative. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible companies—Entertainment, Digital Streaming Services,Advertising, and more —which gave me a front-row seat to some exciting, fast-paced environments. But like many people in recent years, the economic shifts and layoffs made me pause and reflect on what truly fuels me. Read more>>
Krizell Sullano
During the pandemic, I started documenting myself cooking and gardening as a way to de-stress from working as a nurse. As I began cooking more Filipino dishes, I noticed that most of the recipes I grew up with didn’t have any measurements. When I asked my mom or other family members, it was always “oh just add a little bit of this” or “just until it tastes right.” I understood what they meant, but I also knew that there needed to be some foundation to work off of. Read more>>
Citlalli Pacheco & Andrea Goytia-Pinzon
The purpose of Amigis is simple but powerful: to create a welcoming space for women to come together, make new friends, and celebrate all the joy that comes with girlhood and womanhood. One thing that sets Amigis apart is its “no boys allowed” rule. While not everyone may agree with that boundary, Citlalli and Andrea feel strongly that women deserve spaces where they can be fully themselves without the pressures or dynamics that often arise in mixed-gender settings. On the rare occasion a man is invited, it’s only after being personally vetted and trusted. Read more>>
Shawn Bumpers
It’s never been a smooth ride—maybe it’s not supposed to be. Choosing a creative life wasn’t really a choice; it was something I couldn’t ignore. But like anything worth doing, it’s come with struggle. Growth has meant facing hard lessons head-on. Like many artists, I’ve wrestled with addiction and had to figure out how to keep creating while still holding my life together. There’s also the challenge of mastering your tools without letting them master you—a necessary lesson every creative must learn. Read more>>
Rocco Leo Gaglioti
Now, I’m back in Los Angeles, continuing to pursue my acting career. I’m represented by the fantastic agent Ian Curbishley at the Arrowheart Talent Agency and my amazing manager Milt Suchin, who’s been in the industry for over 40 years and manages only top talent. I truly feel like I have the best agent and the best manager in the world. They are both amazing individuals that have taken their time to sit with me to carve out my career path. Read more>>
Michelle Kolev Nicole Kolev
With the help of these 3 coaches we were finally able to build our performance in order to present it in front of an audience in November 2018. Since that day we had been presenting our hand to hand act in front of the audience of several European countries as France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Netherlands and we competed in 2 International Circus Festivals which are competitions where artists from all the world come together to compete against one another presenting their performances in the hope of winning Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes along with the opportunity of receiving future work engagements. Read more>>
Chris Yung
My name is Chris Yung. I am a union Stunt Performer/action actor since 2012, specializing in martial arts, wire work, and equestrian arts. Also a Marine Corps Veteran. I got my start doing a commercial and motion capture for the Video game “Call of Duty”: Ghosts. I’m also an avid archer, instructor/clinician and a well accomplished competitive horse archer. I am fascinated with all things film and creativity. I love to learn new things, inspire others and be inspired. I have also trained celebrities in archery as been featured in many Television and commercial sports. Read more>>
Darlene And Ken Tipton
At the Shark Tank auditions, we saw people interviewing those lined up to get their audition wristbands. Initially, my wife and I thought they were prescreening auditionees, but they were actually representatives from private equity firms looking to scoop up business opportunities. After discussing FosterFolks with these people, many wanted to reconnect in Los Angeles, our home. After due diligence, we met with nine of them. Their interest in investing in FosterFolks led to multiple offers, the highest being a $15 million buyout, which was declined after a mentor advised us to secure a professional 409A startup valuation before making any deals. Read more>>
Parich (Richie) Smutkochorn
My story as a concept designer and illustrator began in Bangkok, Thailand, where I was born and raised. Curiosity was always a constant in my childhood, which made me love to travel and explore the world around me. I attended an international school growing up in Thailand, which exposed me to people of varying cultures, backgrounds, and experiences from all around the world. Read more>>
Syar Humayun
We provide exceptional services with complete honesty and transparency like no other company in the industry. Utilizing state-of-the-art reporting technology, we conduct supervisor visits during guard shifts and arrange manager meetings with clients to address any concerns and continuously improve our services. My goal is to elevate Owl Sight Security Services to become one of the top-ranked security guard companies in Los Angeles, recognized for delivering the highest quality of service, creating meaningful relationships with our clients, and expanding our presence throughout California. Read more>>
Braden Lynch
That’s how I started. Today, I can say that in my time as a coach since 2006, I’ve worked with hundreds of actors from newcomers to major stars, helping them connect more honestly to themselves, the material, and the work. I teach classes year-round, run a private studio, and have authored four acting books that reflect my full methodology. My work draws on real-life psychology, layered emotional access, and deep material analysis to give actors not just inspiration, but structure. Read more>>
Nick
Fast forward a bit: now I specialize in weddings, family portraits, events, and headshots. Basically, if you need photos of people looking their best (or pretending not to be awkward in front of a camera), I’m your guy. It’s been an incredible ride. Full of beautiful moments, hilarious mishaps, and some truly questionable dance moves captured on wedding dance floors. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Read more>>
Razmick Ohanian
While I was in college pursuing a degree in Biology with the intention of going to pharmacy school, I also worked in banking. That experience gave me early exposure to finance, sales, and the importance of relationship-building. Although pharmacy initially seemed like my path, life had different plans. I found myself working in equipment financing and leasing, where I deepened my knowledge in business, financial contracts, and portfolio management. Read more>>
Siggie Cohen
One of the most grueling challenges was my doctoral program. It was unlike anything I’d ever done. The demands—emotionally, mentally, and logistically—were overwhelming. There were countless times I wanted to quit. I questioned why I had taken this on, especially at a time in my life when I already had a career and a full plate. There were tears and long stretches where I didn’t know if I’d make it through. And yet, somehow I did. Read more>>
Ris Dorrego
I have been very lucky to get to do work that I’m passionate about and I think that that passion and the love I have for the content I create has really come through in my work. Not long after starting my cosplay journey I amassed a solid following and have been able to make social media my full time career. In truth I’m just a little girl living out her dreams of playing dress up for a living! Moving forward I’m excited to be getting back into acting after taking a few years off and applying the many skills my social media career has taught me in my acting career. Read more>>
Avishay Shabat
My journey began in Israel after completing my army service. I enrolled in a two-year sound engineering program at the Yoav Gera School while working as a sound engineer at the Yellow Submarine in Jerusalem and supporting various live performances. Over time, I transitioned into guitar tech work for several local acts and began doing repair work. It was during this period that I discovered Jacob’s Luthiery School. I enrolled and began crafting my first guitar—a process that instantly sparked a deep passion. Read more>>
Cristina Cerda
I continue to do background and PA work as my main gigs, but I decided to focus a little more on my acting career and have wanted to go back to studying acting. I’m also part of a wonderful organization called Veterans and Media Entertainment that helps veterans within the entertainment industry make connections. Learn from each other they offer workshops and it’s a great community to be a part of. They have helped me so much I owe so much to them. I have also worked as a second A.D. a couple of times.. I’ve also worked with some celebrities that I can’t really mention or I don’t think I can mention due to the NDA‘s that I signed. But my career within this industry has been very rewarding. Read more>>
Rebecca Stevens
During my 3.5 years in grad school, I was lucky to have not one but two babies. I also was forced to face some demons in the form of Postpartum depression, Postpartum anxiety, as well as postpartum struggles with my body. I was a recovered anorexic/bulimic, but found that pregnancy and changes in my body fueled an old eating disorder voice. I worked hard with my therapist, was vocal about my struggle, and am happy to say that I did not succumb to the eating disorder that almost killed me when I was 20. Read more>>
Jason And Missy Improta
Missy was raised in a real estate family and learned early on the value of property ownership and investment. At just 23 years old, she launched her career at Douglas Elliman on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, where she became the youngest agent in the office at the time. After a successful first year in the competitive New York City market, we made the decision to move back to California—where Jason was born and raised—to build both our life and our business together. Read more>>
Ian Kussin-Gika
Starting the band Corporate Bike Culture was an easy move since it was really just a continuation of several folk/bluegrass bands I had been in. The name came from a smokey night in college during a competition of who could come up with the best band name (congratulations to Elena, your winning legacy is through your winning). Once I had moved back to LA from Santa Cruz and the rest of the band from their respective colleges we knew it was time to get serious. Through in a move back up to the Monterey Bay for graduate school, a pandemic, and juggling a teacher’s schedule, and you end up with the closest version of my musical self currently available for streaming on soundcloud, apple music, and spotify. Read more>>
Carissa Zadwarny
I called it a Community Playdate and welcomed anyone with kids to stop by and hang out, grab a coffee and let the kids run around. I partnered with a few key kids’ brands and a local mom influencer to get the word out. Over 200 families showed up to that first playdate and the response was so positive. People kept asking when the next one would be, so I decided to put more focus into building out events that prioritized parents. Our first workshop was a Father’s Day bagel-building class for dads and kids with Pop’s Bagels and it sold out. We’ve been building our community ever since. Read more>>
Jeff Torres
After years of just doing acting with the occasional directing job, During the pandemic I shot/directed/wrote/edited an award winning short film called ONCE. After that I decided to more actively pursue writing and directing – storytelling has become my passion. So today, between acting jobs, I work on producing, writing, and directing. I think what got me into acting was the idea of performing honestly and what has turned me into a filmmaker is my want to tell stories honestly and create authentic characters that reflect the beauty and resilience I have seen throughout my life. Read more>>
Scott “CHIP” Selstad
One of the perks about writing and now producing, was that I could get myself on screen, and as of now I have three screen acting credits in addition to all my writing and producing credits. We are now fully entrenched in the production of season 5 of A Captain’s Log and still going strong! We just recently had our very first In-Studio guest interview, featuring a trio of stunt superstars. You can check that episode out on YouTube when it drops, slated for some time in July as a two-part episode (#s 12 and 13) titled Stunt Superlative. Read more>>
Kapris Aguirre
My journey with movement began around age 6 when I joined cheerleading. Even though I only did it for one season, it sparked something in me. I’ve always loved music and dancing — I would watch TikToks and dance shows and spend hours learning the moves and recording myself. When I was 13, I joined a recreational hip-hop class at a dance studio, and I instantly fell in love with the groove and the energy. Read more>>
Nolan Pugh
Oh, God no. Like most people working in entertainment, I’ve had more lean years than not. I joined the union in 2017 right before a commercial strike. Later I filed an LLC for a production company in February 2020 before the world ended temporarily. And now I’m trying to navigate one of the slowest production periods in industry history. But I’m still moving forward and trying to make awesome stuff happen. Read more>>
Lovensky Jean-Baptiste
Anyways my second year, I got “discovered.” I’m not a big fan of that word but it really felt like I was invisible one day then all of the sudden seen. One of my professors brought in a manager to watch us do monologues. I went straight after him like I was auditioning to be his client. He signed me—no resume, no reel, just raw energy—and somehow, I booked my very first audition. That never happens. Like ever. But there I was: guest-starring on *The Closer*, Kevin Bacon strumming his guitar in video village. I’m 22, thinking, “Damn… this is easy.” Spoiler alert—it wasn’t. But I was hooked. Despite my rep trying to pull me out of school and into the game full-time, I stuck it out and finished my degree, sneaking in a few more guest spots along the way. Read more>>
Shannon Quigley
Our first studio, The Yoga Roots, has been around since 201, it all started in our garage with just a few mats and a whole lot of heart. We’ve grown into a powerful space known for our sweaty, high-vibe classes that combine yoga, strength, and movement in a way that’s fun, empowering, and totally addictive. We specialize in creating experiences that go beyond the workout; our classes are designed to help you get out of your head and into your body, to shake things up, laugh, and leave feeling lit up from the inside out. Read more>>
Kimberly Cole
All tools that I was using in my life to support my own journey. All of these combined, along with my own journey of healing, has brought me to a place where I decided if these have helped me so much on my journey to transform myself and my life, then I want to share them with anyone and everyone that needs the same space to heal. I get to honor myself every time I show up for others. So in moving through my own healing journey and sharing it with others, and supporting them, I heal on levels I never even knew I could. Read more>>
Nana Gyasi Boateng
Photography has been a transformative journey for me, beginning about a decade ago when I enrolled at the University of Ghana. It was during this pivotal time that I met a friend who shared my passion for visual storytelling; he had a camera, and I was eager to learn. I became his apprentice, soaking up all the knowledge and skills I could. A year later, I took the plunge and purchased my first camera, a Nikon D3200, which marked the true beginning of my career. Read more>>
Manal Adam
During my pregnancy, I struggled to maintain the self-care routines I cherished. After giving birth, I faced postpartum depression—a condition that affects 10-20% of women but is rarely discussed openly. I felt lost, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the things I loved. Even simple acts, like brushing my hair after a shower, felt impossible. I wished for a product that could simplify my routine, combining the skincare I needed with the beautiful scents I adored. Read more>>
Andrew Young
I was going by the artist name, Andrew Young back then. Making that EP gave me a sense of confidence to produce and mix music for other artists and bands. I wanted to eventually turn this into a job for myself but I knew I needed some more work on my portfolio/resume as a music producer. So I started offering my recording and mixing services to my friends who were artists and doing it all for free. I was open to recording anyone and anything! Eventually, some people were asking about my rates and even offering money for my services. Read more>>
Yongkang Yu
One of my notable projects is AutoValet, a C-V2X-powered intelligent valet automation system designed for large-scale commercial environments. AutoValet automates both vehicle drop-off and retrieval, offering a complete end-to-end valet experience without the need for human attendants. The system emphasizes ease of use, with an onboarding process that feels smooth, quick, and naturally integrated into users’ expectations. Read more>>
Mike Benj
After graduating from Berklee, I made the move to Los Angeles in 2022 to pursue a career focused on touring, recording sessions, and music production. Not long after settling in, I had the opportunity to connect with the team at Sony Electronics and Sony 360 Reality Audio. Collaborating with the Sony family has been nothing short of incredible, and has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. Read more>>
Tia Jarrett
Taking the road less traveled is never easy—it comes with its own set of challenges, doubts, and moments of uncertainty. There’s no clear blueprint for becoming the entertainer you’ve always dreamed of being, but every step has proven to be worth it. Dance has been my greatest teacher, offering lessons from a young age that I could never have learned elsewhere—discipline, resilience, passion, and the freedom of expression. I’m deeply grateful for the journey so far, and while the future can be intimidating in its unpredictability, there’s something incredibly thrilling about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Read more>>
HeavenNezCree
That early spirit has continued to guide me throughout my journey. I went on to earn a BA in Communications and later moved to New York City, where I stepped deeper into the world of theater and independent film. I performed in smaller productions, joined an ensemble sketch comedy group, and worked on a few film projects — all while teaching dance and running after-school programs to support myself between auditions. Read more>>
Noe Tchouamo
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As an African creative in a TV production program here in the U.S., I often feel like I’m walking a tightrope between two worlds. I carry a different cultural lens, and while that’s a strength, it can also be isolating. There’s an unspoken pressure to conform to a certain narrative or aesthetic that doesn’t always reflect where I come from or what I stand for. Sometimes I’m the only African in the room, and that comes with both pride and weight like having to constantly explain, translate, or prove the value of my perspective. Read more>>
Angie George
I’m from Morgantown, WV. I moved to LA in 1996 and became an esthetician in 1997. I loved skincare and working one on one with people. It was the perfect fit. I have worked all over Los Angeles. I started right out of school in Beverly Hills and then West Hollywood, Toluca Lake, and then Studio City where I stayed for 17 years at the same spa. Eight years until the last 9 it became a medspa. I went out on my own in 2017 and have loved every minute of it. I have clients who have stuck with me through the different locations and met amazing people along the way. I’m truly blessed. Read more>>
Aricka J
Born and raised in Boston, I’ve had a passion for music since childhood. Because of my unwavering passion, despite the ups and downs of being an independent music artist, I have stayed persistent in working to create and release music that resonates with people who enjoy quality. Read More>>
Erick Tran
The life of Erick Tran is an inspiring story of perseverance, passion, and creativity. Born and raised in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Guatemala and Vietnam, Erick showed an early talent for art and a love for cartoons and video games. Despite facing challenges and struggles in his teenage years, he took his passion for animation seriously and pursued it at the age of 17, starting work on the iconic TV show, The Simpsons just two days after graduating from high school. Despite being rejected from all major art schools, Erick rose through the ranks of the animation industry, becoming an assistant director in 2002 and an animation supervisor on The Simpsons Movie in 2006. Read more>>
