Through our work we have been constantly amazed at the incredible things people in every neighborhood are working on. What’s even more exciting is that they all have different stories, backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses. That there isn’t a single formula for success means that everyone can take their unique set of strengths and characteristics and turn it into a success story. We recently reached out to some folks we admire and asked them what characteristics they feel are responsible for their success.

Pennie Promise | Stand Up Comedian and Actress

The important factor is believing in myself when no else did/does. Read more>>

Blaine Fuhs | Founder

Shifting your focus away from money; to people as your greatest currency. In this thinking, our primary aim is not to chase wealth but to ensure that individuals feel valued and loved. When we prioritize this, everything else naturally falls into place. In a world that is constantly trying to put ourselves first what i’ve come to realize is when you do the opposite it allows you to stand out in ways unimaginable. Read more>>

Tamara Boyd | Professional Makeup artist

The most important factor behind my success is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In life there’s seasons and seasons are always changing. One day my business may be flourishing and the next day it may be very slow but, because I absolutely love what I do my passion drives me to continue to pour my gift into the world and that is what makes me successful. Read more>>

Imaginerick rodriguez | Imaginerick Art Director

keep pushing forward creating art every day, and show your art everywhere you can so people get to see it. Read more>>

Benjamin Illulian | Luxury & Estates Director

The most important factor behind Illulian Realty’s success is our boutique and tailored approach to real estate – providing each client with a personalized experience. Our full service approach to the process allows for building long-lasting relationships with our clients. We are not just there for the transaction, we are there for our clients through and through. I think this has been the key to my success, creating a sense of community and partnership that fuels our ongoing success. Read more>>

Monique Bryher, MSPH | Realtor to Doctors and Nurses

Most businesses have specialties. My brand “The Doctor’s Daughter” is based on 3 factors: (1) having been raised by a physician-father who was an immigrant (2) spending many weekends as a child going on hospital rounds and house calls (3) earning an MS in Public Health from UCLA and consulting for hospitals, health plans and the CDC for many years. So being in hospitals and around physicians and nurses is a natural for me and as a result, those medical professionals trust me and are comfortable with me. Read more>>

Dyesa May Dadia | Permanent make up artist & Instructor

During my upbringing, I was fortunate to be raised by immigrant parents who made the courageous decision to leave their homeland in pursuit of a better life for my siblings and me. Despite not being wealthy, my mom and dad never allowed me to feel the constraints of their financial limitations. They ensured that I had new clothes every school year, the latest phones, cameras, laptops – you name it. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I truly comprehended the immense effort my mother had to put into her work to provide me with those luxuries. Read more>>

Rae Wilson | Ceramic & Floral Artist

Success is measured differently by everyone based on our goals. To me the most important factor behind success is staying true to myself. I also believe success is not necessarily an end point but a continuous journey, always shifting. This is why I relate to the mediums of clay and flora so intensely. Read more>>

Yeva Poghosyan | Co-owner of ARY D’PO Designer Jewelry

Although there are so many factors that have greatly contributed to our success, I believe that the most important factor is resilience, the power to be able to keep going despite everything in the way. Read more>>

Kristi Chaves | Business & Life Embodiment Coach

I run a business because I love people. I believe that we all need to feel deeply connected to one another and at the root of many of our challenges comes from a disconnect of genuine human connection. Growing up in such a conscious loving family home I was always imprinted on the value of seeing another person for who they really are & expressing your loving belief in them. Read more>>

sandy avila | president of all female car club

That we continue to keep the lowriding culture alive and encourage younger women that they can to indeed build and own lowriders like the men do. Read more>>

Diana Huynh | Cultural Curator

The most important factor behind my success is my resilience and my determination to tap into my will to find my ways. As a creative, we often come up with many “crazy ideas” that don’t seem attainable to the naked eye. Being able to think outside the box by knowing “why” I do things make the “whats” and “hows” less of reasons why NOT to pull it off. Read more>>

Amarachi Ekekwe | Artist | Rapper, Actress, Motivational Speaker

The most important factor behind my success is humility and drive. I have been told in the past that I am way too humble, and I definitely think that this is true, but I think my humility has gotten me very far. I think very highly of myself, but I don’t carry myself in a way where I act like I’m better than anybody or I look down on anybody because of my accomplishments because I believe that I can learn from everybody no matter if they’re ahead of me, behind me, or in the same place as me. Read more>>

Kelsey Lansdowne | Voiceover Actor

The lense through which I view success is that of self-compassion, authenticity, and intentionality. Success means something different to everyone, but if I’m able to experience joy and fluidity in my work, collaborate and connect meaningfully with others, explore my creativity, dive deeper into self-discovery, and have great work-life harmony, then I feel successful knowing I’ve tapped into my purpose. Read more>>

Christian Olvera | Founder & creative director: Chrispy’s Luxury Barber & Shop

The most important factor behind Chrispy’s Luxury Barber & Shop success is that I’m a Master Barber. I can relate to up-and-coming Barber’s. We’re always willing to give prospects looking for a place to call home a chance to better themselves and guide them the right way into professionals in this trade. Read more>>

Sonny Kruger | Writer/Actor/Director/Podcast Host

Staying determined and disciplined along with my Faith and support from loved ones and friends. Read more>>

Luscious. T. | Drag Superstar

One of the most important factors behind my success in entertainment has been perseverance. Life will always throw you curve balls and you won’t always feel like you’re on the right track. But that can be a good thing. Redefining your brand, reevaluating what is important to you and what you want to put out into the universe, is all relative. Some times the curve balls are just the thing that leads us into the future. Read more>>