We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Kat Messing

One of the biggest things that’s helped me grow as an indie animator is learning to separate my self-worth as an artist and storyteller from my career path. When I was just starting out, I really wanted to be seen as one of the best animators in the biz. I built my reel to impress big studios, made shorts designed to show off how clever I was, and took it pretty hard when things didn’t move as fast as I wanted. I had my sights set on working at Disney, DreamWorks, Pixar, Cartoon Network (anywhere making the kinds of stories that moved me). Read More>>

Julia Zonshine

The most important factor behind the success of my brand? Adaptability—hands down.

Real estate moves quickly. Markets shift. Clients’ needs evolve. Emotions run high. No two transactions are ever the same. I’ve built House of Zonshine around the idea that success in this industry doesn’t come from rigid formulas—it comes from being present, responsive, and open to change. Read More>>

Kathryn Davis

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is happy brides/clients. I consider my brand and business as successful due to the 10 years of happy couples. Many of whom I am happy to say I have long standing friendships with after being hired for their wedding. Money is our societies idea of success and while financial success is great, nothing compares to the feeling of a long term happy clients. Read More>>

Talbot Kuper

Always stay direct with guests. I will always deliver quality service with integrity while staying in gratitude. This keeps the relationship with every guest healthy, positive and lasting. Our guests are the pulse of our business. Read More>>

Mynor Guzman

Our company was founded out of garage in Alhambra, Ca. Our success is directly attributed to our small group of clients we had at the time, the business grew from these satisfied group of artist, gallerists, and collectors. We aimed to provide the best quality of frames at the best prices possible. With less than a handful of people the word spread around town that Carlos was making frames from his home. Fast forward 25 years later, we now have clients at a global scale. We owe our success to that small group of loyal clientele that has stuck with us, and continue to recommend our work to other industry peers. Read More>> 

Daniel Norwood

I wasn’t born with rhythm in my bones or some god-given gift for movement. What I had was a growing dissatisfaction. A gnawing restlessness. I got tired of being afraid, tired of letting insecurity dictate the terms of my life like some passive observer behind glass. Read More>>

Michelle Vigueras

Being strong minded and diligent. Believing to the fullest in my brand . Read More>>

Dina Renée

To me, success is being able to live in your truth and create from a place that’s honest. It’s waking up every day knowing you didn’t give up on yourself—even when it was hard. Success isn’t just numbers or followers; it’s impact. If something I create helps someone feel seen, less alone, or inspired to keep going—that’s success to me. Read More>>

Ray Lac

i truly believe that hard work lays the foundation for any success, but over time, i’ve learned that power of working smarter, not just harder. as a creative artist behind the chair, im also a business owner just like any others businesses , responsible for delivering exceptional service every single day. what has made the biggest difference in my success and brand growth is staying “Authentic and honest” in an industry full of trends and pressure to fit in, being genuine builds trust, loyalty, and lasting relationships. i believe that honesty take you further-wile shortcuts and dishonesty may offer quick gains, they never lead to sustainable success. Read More>>

Bryant Sparrow

Working with youth ages 10-17, pouring into them by teaching them several trades, paying them as they learn, teaching them what having a career looks like, visiting their school checking on there grades, My model is paint a clear picture to give them a great vision. you dont fail to give up, your failing should mature you to aim higher next time Read More>>

Abdiana Garcia

The most important factor behind my success — and the brand’s — has been resilience. There were moments where things didn’t go as planned, when setbacks felt overwhelming, and the easiest option would have been to give up. But resilience kept me moving forward. It taught me to view challenges as lessons, not failures. Every obstacle became a chance to adapt, grow stronger, and sharpen our vision. Success didn’t come from avoiding hardship — it came from pushing through it, staying focused on the bigger picture, and never letting temporary setbacks define the outcome. Read More>>