We are so inspired by the businesses in our community because of how many of them are committed to helping to make the world better than it is today. Check out some great businesses below and how they are helping others.

Mericia Alcaraz | Metalsmith & Jewelry Maker

Our goal is to design pieces that transition from season to season, that are not part of fast fashion, that are good quality, and can be worn for a lifetime. We are continuously trying to improve in being green, ethical, and thinking about where things come from. From using recycled metals to sourcing ethical stones and repurposing or recycling any leftovers. Reducing waste and lowering our carbon footprint are important professionally and personally. Our package is mostly recycled materials and has very little to no plastic. We truly care about quality and consciousness above all. Not only is it important to us, but it is also important to our customers. Read more>>

Nikki Olmos | Hair Angel & Sound Therapist + other layers

I feel I am in the business of being my best intentional self through any avenue of exchange which in turn reverberates back to the world in a positive light. I am eternally grateful for my many passions and mentors that have helped me fine tune my crafts to the point of income while impacting the lives of many. “You. You are the key.” – Yung Pueblo Read more>>

Tanzania Fair | Business and Life Coach, Author, and Podcast Host

UnLock’N Your Freedom help individuals with their business and personal development. We provide people with transformational experiences that will change their perspectives, actions, and/or thinking about something in a different way. We support and encourage people along their journey. Wet meet people where they are at. All business owners don’t have the necessary knowledge or tools to grow their business. We provide those tools and resources to scale their plan. We build personal relationships with our community. It takes a tribe and we are that tribe for our clients. Read more>>

Sarah Buckley | Hairstylist

A few years ago my mentor and I started doing community outreach offering free haircuts to those down on their luck. We’re fortunate to have a skill that can be performed so easily yet have such an impact on ones life. Most people just want to be heard. As hairstylists this is a huge part of our job. We’ve done haircut pop ups all over the city from Venice to DTLA but most recently shifted our focus to MacArthur Park where we set up once a month. We have our regulars there now, Read more>>

Darryl Smith | Owner of Healthy Greens

I believe my business helps the community because we are giving the people organic fresh fruits and nutrition. We are fueling the community with plants and veggies. Most people want food that is processed or that is a quick grab and go. We want to change that narrative and have people understand what the body actually needs. Fast food is killing our community. Over at Healthy Greens we are trying to restore our community, not destroy it. Read more>>

Natalie Kahn | Owner & Founder of Mina + Pup

When I started my pet accessories business, Mina + Pup, I knew I wanted to make dog and cat parents happy, I knew I wanted to make the fur babies look stylish and be comfortable, but I also knew I wanted to help animals in need. This is why I donate a portion of proceeds monthly to deserving rescue groups and non profits. At the end of every month, I ask my Instagram followers to nominate non profits that they love. I then chose one of the non profits to donate to. Read more>>

Ankur Mehta | Plastic surgeon: An artist in and out of the operating room

As eloquently stated by well-known civil and children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelmen, “You really can change the world if you care enough.” This philosophy has become a driving force in my career as a board-certified plastic surgeon. I chose to go to medical school after studying various sciences in college and gaining intrigue for the interesting and amazing complexities of the human body, from the way systems work together, down to the microscopic level. Medical school truly opened my eyes to the full scope of amazing possibilities and revolutionary innovations in the surgical field of medicine. Read more>>

Sean Williams | Founder/CEO/Author/Philanthropist

The Dad Gang was created to not only change the narrative of black fatherhood and dispel the negative stereotypes about them but also to support and provide all fathers on a global scale with resources that can help them be better fathers. Read more>>

Vanessa Garcia | CEO, Founder of Dreamers2gether Inc

Dreamers2gether Inc. helps the community by providing free resources for DACA recipients and the Undocumented community such as “How To Guides”, and a variety of Social Media platforms. We also give our community the opportunity to ask their questions and receive answers. Dreamers2gether Inc. gives back to the community by donating in the US and also abroad when funds are available. Read more>>

Jennifer Champa | Incense Artisan & Physical Therapist

Magixstyx incense is all-natural, handcrafted, plant medicine. The incense ingredients are sustainably sourced, no chemicals are used, and the packaging is compostable and biodegradable. I make the incense by using ancestral plant knowledge and artisanal techniques. The ancient art of incense-making is used for healing, magic, and for a connection with the natural world. Read more>>

Katty Rakfeldt | Owner / Adrian’s Place Santa Monica

My husband and I have been owners of businesses since 2007. Once you get used to having your own business, making the decisions, deciding the next steps, it really becomes the default method to proceed. Adrian’s Place Santa Monica, which we opened in 2021 in the middle of COVID, is a Social Service Center focused on creating strong peer-to-peer bonds with teenagers and young adults, their families, and caregivers. The inspiration for this comes from our son Adrian who has cerebral Palsy. He is 18 now and over the last 5 years it became obvious that there were few organic opportunities needed for him to make friends outside of school. Read more>>

Ashley Lee | Business Owner & Stylist

A part of being a reseller of vintage clothing is being passionate about sustainability. My business allows me to practice the things I preach, reduce, reuse and recycle! Read more>>