Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Claudia Terrazas

Ever since I was young, I’ve been deeply inspired by the work ethic of my parents and grandparents. Their dedication and drive planted a seed in me early on; I knew I wanted to forge my own path and eventually start a business. That vision began to take shape when I planned my 15th birthday. I fell in love with the creativity, organization, collaboration, and intentionality involved in event planning, and it was then that I realized this was the direction I wanted to pursue both personally and professionally. Read More>>

Karin Breve

Starting Iconic Design was both a personal and professional journey—a fusion of my passion for architecture, my roots in Brazil, and my desire to create spaces that resonate on a deep, emotional level. As someone who grew up in Brazil, I was always surrounded by diverse and vibrant design influences—from the colorful energy of Rio to the modernist architecture of Oscar Niemeyer. This blend of rich cultural influences shaped my perspective on design and pushed me to pursue my dream of creating spaces that go beyond aesthetics. Read More>>

Cassandra Hepburn

Honestly? I’ve always had a slightly allergic reaction to being an employee. Something about clocking in and letting someone else dictate my schedule never quite sat right with me—like wearing shoes a size too small. I knew I was meant to build, create, and lead, not just follow a routine someone else designed. Read More>>

Olivia Bright

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be here with Shoutout LA. I’m an event producer, and almost a year ago, a couple of my clients asked for big shiny mirror balls for their disco-themed birthday celebrations. That first time, the request came too close to the event date, and I couldn’t get them delivered in time from the popular website and Amazon. For the second event, I managed to get a set from local party planner—but unfortunately, balls were scratched and weren’t the quality I had hoped for. Read More>>

Sharon Caruso

My thought process behind starting my own business was deeply influenced by my upbringing. Growing up in a household of entrepreneurs, I was constantly exposed to conversations about innovation, risk-taking, and independence. I saw firsthand how much passion and personal integrity could be poured into a business. That inspired me to envision a future where I could build something of my own—something that not only reflects who I am but also aligns with my values. Read More>>

Diana MacDougall

Hmmm…

For Boudoir Photography: My whole goal behind Boudoir Photography was to bring attention to “everyday” women as to the beauty and power of their bodies. I KNEW I could impact women’s self-image through photography. The process would include make-up and hair and a full high-end “pampering” of the “everyday” woman. I knew there was a need for making a difference in women’s lives. This experience has changed many women’s lives for the better. And the feedback I get from them is life-changing for me, too. Read More>>

Shan Shan Huang

 

Ever since I was a kid in elementary school, I’ve loved planning events. Whether it was organizing a class party, helping with school functions, or coming up with creative ideas to make things fun and memorable, I always felt a sense of excitement and pride in bringing people together. Read More>>

Theresa Farrell

I was a professional ballerina for 17 years, and after a career-ending injury, I had to step away from performing. About a year earlier, I had resigned from American Contemporary Ballet—the professional company I co-founded, built from the ground up over more than a decade, and led as Executive Director. I was deeply disillusioned by the misogyny and abuse I had experienced in the dance world and knew it was time for a change. Read More>>

Asya Miller

My thought process behind starting my business was how can I be a vessel to serve people to be able to encourage them and restore hope when life happens and all we see is nothing but sorrow and disappointment one moment after another.

My faith was a driving force behind starting my business. I had a prayer candle that I used and it came with a prayer and encouraging words. It inspired me. This candle helped me in my darkest moment. I’ve been low before and my faith in Jesus helped me through my prayer time with my candle. It’s something about light and fragrance combined that really change a mood and begin to make you feel better, feel restored. Read More>>

Suren Balaian

I was born into an Armenian family in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). Due to the war between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, we moved to Ukraine, where I lived for over 30 years and came to consider it my home. Because of the war in Ukraine, we later moved to the United States.

My entrepreneurial journey began when I was 13 — back then, I couldn’t understand why everyone didn’t have a business. I started by selling mobile phones and was doing quite well. Today, I’m a serial entrepreneur. Read More>>

Alpha Patron

Honestly, there was no thought process or plan. It was a burning seed that was placed on the inside of me, that couldn’t go away until I started. My passion for people and art were the leading inspirations, and gifts I feel God gave me. Once I started, and built the foundation on my “why” and the motivations behind starting “The Blessed Imagination” all the other things came easy. Read More>>

Tiaira Jones-Hill

Starting my nonprofit was deeply personal and rooted in my own experience with loss. After my dad passed away, I always dreamed of creating something meaningful in his honor—something that would help others heal the way I was trying to. For years, I carried the idea of starting a nonprofit for fatherless daughters, but it wasn’t until 2023 that everything finally aligned and the time felt right. Read More>>

Rob

Starting my own photography business was the result of years of passion and dedication finally aligning with the right timing and support. For eight years, photography was both a creative outlet and a side job that allowed me to grow my skills and build a portfolio. I focus on many different aspects of photography. I shoot anywhere from children’s birthday parties to nightlife and sporting events. In January, I made the leap to go full-time, knowing it came with a lot of uncertainty.  Read More>>

Lori Perea

Honestly, I didn’t have a big plan when I started. I was a new mom just trying to figure things out and stay home with my kids as much as I could. I needed a way to make some income while raising them and then transitioning to homeschooling, so I started looking for something that could work for my life. Read More>>

Dr. Jennifer Suzara- Cheng

I didn’t consciously started a business, I just wanted to write books for my grandson and his generation. I initially thought about just writing and submit my work to publishers but I didn’t like the idea that I will not have a say over the cover design, the drawings and the full message of my books. Thus I decided to go into publishing business. I studied Picture Books Writing at UCLA Extension but never got the time to sit down and write. Read More>>

Jordan Becke

We started Black Rabbit Theatre Company with two distinct goals:
(1) as artists, we sought to create opportunities for ourselves to make challenging, high-quality work without having to wait around for someone else to give it to us; and
(2) as members of marginalized groups, we’re here to build communities for voices who are not as often heard, to tell stories that are not as often told. Read More>>

Mary Franklin

I wanted to start my own business for years before I took the plunge. A lot of the reasons for starting my own business was wanting to do things I wanted to do instead of doing what was being told of me. I have been working with children at daycares, as a nanny, babysitter, camp counselor, site manager, head teacher, etc since I was about 15. I finally landed at what I thought was my dream job- a daycare for families of a high profile movie studio company.  Read More>>

PATRICK POTTER

“Honestly? I got tired of watching the system fail people and then pretend it worked. After decades in the field—intervention, crisis management, working directly with families and addicts—I saw the same pattern over and over: short-term fixes, insurance-driven care, and a total disconnect from what actually produces long-term recovery. Read More>>

Lauren Burhoe

It all started in September 2024, almost by accident. I was scrolling through Instagram, like I do, and saw an ad for a makers market in Ventura. Out of nowhere, this idea popped into my head—“a pop-up bookshop would be fun.” But then another voice quickly chimed in: “You’re not really creating something.” I was worried people would think I was treating the Maker’s Market like a garage sale. Still, something in me wanted to try. I applied for a spot, not expecting anything—and to my huge surprise, I got in. Read More>>

Fredric Norris

My initial thought process behind starting my own business, was to work with our senior communities keeping them healthy and active by Designing and Performing exercising programs to accommodate our seniors needs/and nutrition. Also working with chronicle issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, injuries, cognitive & physical disabilities such as, autism, Down syndrome, etc. Overall helping to prolong life for our senior communities and having them feeling good about themselves again. Read More>>

Sonia Touri

I saw a meme recently that said something like, “one day you just wake up and think ‘this ain’t it’ and rebrand your whole life” and that’s basically what happened. I’ve always had ideas of being a business owner/entrepreneur but I doubted myself so much that I always talked myself out of it. Until one day I took a step, and things started coming together in a way that felt really aligned. That’s how I knew I was on to something good. Read More>>

William Stevenson

About a year ago, my wife and I moved from a condo in Glendale to our new home in Tujunga. At the time, I was deep in the restaurant and hospitality world, working as a general manager at a gastropub. As you can imagine, being surrounded by burgers, beer, and vendors constantly dropping off free samples didn’t exactly make it easy to stay healthy. Read More>>

Tahn Bae Park

During the pandemic from fall 2020 to summer 2021 I had time to reflect on the last 5 years. I went straight through college and graduate school to working full time without stopping. I was burnt out and started writing about my experiences as a trans person of color, Asian American, and what it meant to be an educator without reassurance at that time. I decided to open a small support blog so people didn’t feel alone during the pandemic waiting out until the job market stabilized. Read More>>

ALYNN JUNG

I believe the most important factor behind my success has been my dedication to mastering one specific niche, Korean lash lift. Instead of trying to offer every type of beauty service, I focused entirely on becoming the best at one thing. Read More>>

Naomi Coe

Little Crown Interiors was started back in 2008. At that time, there really weren’t any resources for expecting families on nursery design other than the local baby furniture store and a few catalog companies. It was clear that there was a hole in the market. The nursery has its own set of unique challenges which families needed help navigating. Read More>>

 Oscar Rembao

I saw a gap in the fast casual space for a concept focused on better chicken—fresh, responsibly raised, and full of flavor.

But more than that, I’ve always had a passion for bringing people together through food. I believe meals can create connection, and I wanted to build a place that felt welcoming to all—a spot where families, friends, and strangers could gather around something as simple and satisfying as really good chicken. From that vision, WILDBIRD was born. Every decision, from menu to design, was guided by that purpose. Read More>>

Bridget Purdy

When Nick and I first met, we instantly connected over our shared passion for the entertainment industry and that connection has only grown stronger with time. We saw the impact that positive ambitious people like ourselves could have on this industry. After years of waiting for the “right” projects to come along, we realized why wait when we could create. Read More>>

Elizabeth Weber

The idea for the Content Club came from when Covid hit and brand partnerships became slower. During, Covid I knew I wanted to still be making money so I consulted a few girls on how to grow their social media and was super successful with it. I also realized how much I had always wanted there to be someone guiding the way of this industry for me when I was breaking into it. I always wished someone was looking out for me in the social media space and helping me become more creative and make great moves to further my career. It’s cool that I’ve created this community where I get to be that mentor now for all these aspiring creators. Read More>>

Gloria Hebert

After working in corporate accounting for law firms, I saw firsthand how critical financial clarity and strong systems are—but also how inaccessible they can be for smaller businesses and nonprofits. That experience made me want to offer those same high-level tools and insights to the people who need them most. Read More>>

Daniel Bennett

Starting KDX Creative was driven by a mix of passion, frustration, and opportunity. I’ve always loved short-form content and storytelling on platforms like Vine and TikTok. When I was working a 9-5, I got to see how the advertising world worked from the inside, but as an assistant, my ideas weren’t always heard. So I started sneaking them into decks, and as a result, one of my ideas turned into Gatorade’s biggest TikTok campaign with over 1.1 billion views.  Read More>>

Nick Camacho

I’ve always been someone who finds a passion or hobby and tries to take it as far as I can go with it. I think that with the combination of losing my job during the pandemic and my wife and I having our first child really pushed me to make Lucky Nick’s Pizza happen. Read More>>

Laura U

Starting Sculpted Soul Collective felt like a natural next step. I’ve always worked in operations — leading teams, managing systems, and focusing on outcomes — and I poured a lot of energy into helping other businesses run well. So when I connected with something that felt both purposeful and personal, it made sense to channel that same energy into building something of my own — something that aligned with how I live, move, and care for others. Read More>>

Amanda Sturdy

I’ve always loved throwing parties and making them feel extra special with a little creative flair. When I served as VP of Programming of a local non-profit for moms, I started creating balloon garlands for every event. It became my go-to way to add some fun and whimsy to a space, and soon friends and family were cheering me on to take it further. Their support and encouragement really pushed me to take the leap and turn my passion into a business. Balloons by Mandy was born out of a mix of creativity and love of (and from!) my community Read More>>

Adrion Thomas

The thought process behind me starting BLK Crust Pizza begins with the word freedom. I wanted the autonomy to be and do as I feel at my leisure. I got tired of the corporate grind and decided I wanted to be in control of my own destiny. As opposed to working to accomplish someone else’s dream. Read More>>

Nataliya Rogachkina

After 10+ years in a very corporate high burn career in management consulting & tech I really wanted to try and do something I love for living. I’d gotten really into ceramics and thought — why not turn something I love into an experience I can share with others?

I saw a need for accessible, community-centered creative experiences — something hands-on, local, and personal. My goal wasn’t just to sell a product, but to offer a space where people could reconnect with themselves and others through creating. Read More>>

Irma Montes

While I have my routine job as a truck driver. I got my idea about starting a photo booth side job trying to earn some extra money on the side from watching videos from Instagram and Facebook. Initially I started off by purchasing the Photobooth camera system and printer with backdrop support system. After practicing the camera at home, I got my first client and first paid event. Event went well and after some trial and errors, soon after I started getting more clients. I started to invest more items to add more variety to future clients. After a year of doing special events, Quincerneras and weddings, I know have several bookings for my services throughout the year. Read More>>

Linda Minuti

Our business began from a personal desire to create a natural, nourishing face cream to repair years of sun damage. As I was deep into the research and formulation process, my daughter began struggling with painful cystic acne due to sports and frequent workouts. Watching her go through that discomfort made me even more determined to find a solution. I shifted my focus to developing a product that would truly support and heal the skin – without harsh ingredients that dry it out or cause further irritation. What started as a personal skincare journey became a passion project, and eventually a business rooted in creating gentle, effective solutions that work with the skin, not against it. Read More>>

Kristina G

Ive just always been passionate about organizing events and creating memorable experiences. Starting my own business just allowed me ton turnt that passion into a profession, where I can use my creativity and attention to detail to help people celebrate important moments in their lives. Read More>>

Jasmine Noghrey

Joojeh Joy is more than a company, It’s honestly my heart in a box.

I’m a pediatric occupational therapist, a special ed teacher, and a professor and I’ve worked with kids, teens, and adults in every setting you can think of: hospitals, homes, schools, clinics. What I kept noticing was that so many sensory toys on the market were either too clinical, too chaotic, or just not made with intention. Families were overwhelmed, kids weren’t engaged, and therapists like me were constantly DIY-ing solutions. So I decided to change that. Read More>>

Alex Gil

I was born Stivie Wonder, almoust legally blind @-14 . In late 70’s I had an RK- redial keratotamy surgery in USSR with it’s inventor Dr. Fedorov and became his famoust guinea pig to become first ever corrected with one surgery at this high Rx. So I was born in eyeglasses my first word probably was not “mama” but “presbiopia” So I love glasses. Glasses are my passion. Then I went to art school in USSR. And that, combined with my love with glasses made me a fashion dictator. So now I can help both poor blind people and spoiled Hollywood brats. Read More>>

John Brosio

My first thought was that I didn’t want to do this! I was originally into astronomy, cosmology, herpetology, and film. I pursued all of this to the extent I could, drawing on the side the whole time, and anyone I met always nudged me toward painting and drawing. Read More>>

Skye Ding

I spend much of my time in my office, living room, and kitchen. These are my favorite spaces at home. As someone who loves color, I found myself uninspired by the flatware sets and desk organizers on the market. Everything felt too neutral, nothing that sparked joy or made a statement. Read More>>

Gomolemo Masilo

I knew from a very young age I wanted to pursue entrepreneurship, but little did I know what it takes to start one.

I’ve always had a dream of branding my name and making it a label of difference and good impact to society and that’s how starting the Gomo Masilo brand came about. Read More>>

Natalia Cigliuti

When the entrainment industry shut down during the pandemic, I found myself- like many others- trying to figure out what else I could do for work. I had been a working actor for over 30 years, since I was a teenager.
I’d always dabbled in fashion resale and saw an opportunity that felt surprisingly aligned with my background in television and film. Live selling on the Whatnot app immediately clicked. It blended so much of what I loved- storytelling, Read More>>

Parris Edwards

I don’t like working for people, One thing this journey taught me is that nobody’s obligated to believe in you — that belief has to come from you first. I used to think I had to wait for everything to be perfect or for someone to co-sign what I was building. But life doesn’t reward waiting. Even when I had nothing, I moved like I had everything. Read More>>

Nastaran Halim

I didn’t start a traditional business—I started a mission. As a young Afghan woman who has faced many challenges, I wanted to build something that could create real change for others like me. That’s how the Women Empowerment Association (WEA) began. Read More>>

Justin McCauley

When I was in my early 20’s I was working for a couple of talent agencies and touring internationally frequently. I was signed to quite a few different record labels at the time and producing a ton of music to keep the shows coming in. It was a great and productive time in my life and I was very thankful to be traveling and performing my music globally.  Read More>>