One of the most rewarding things about getting to know so many entrepreneurs is seeing first-hand how many of them are focused on so much more than just financial results. So many of the folks we connect with are focused on having a positive social impact on their community or the world at large. Check out some of these amazing folks below.

Lourdes P. Estrada | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I am blessed to be in this field. As a licensed marriage and family therapist we work with members of the community who are seeking to better themselves. I am in a place, where I get to see them at their worst and see them flourish and peak to thier highest potential. The work of a mental health provider helps individuals find a balance between their struggles and their strengths. Read more>>

Zach Brooks | General Manager, Smorgasburg LA

The thing I am most proud of is how Smorgasburg LA has grown from a weekly “event”, into a incubator at the center of the Los Angeles food scene. This is not just evident in the dozens and dozens of businesses who have gone on to open permanent locations of their business to great acclaim all over the city, but also the community that exists every single Sunday between the vendors that manifests itself in all sorts of ways, from food collabs to fund raising to the sharing of resources and knowledge. Read more>>

Olivia Jane | Visual artist, writer, traveler

My art is deeply connected to a broader mission of societal and personal liberation. At its core, I believe art can be a powerful tool for reclaiming and reshaping narratives—especially those that have been suppressed or distorted over time. Through my work, I aim to challenge cultural taboos around the feminine form and the natural world, promoting a more empowered and authentic expression of our bodies and our identities. By focusing on themes like therianthropy, sensuality without sexualization, and the cycles of life and death, I’m creating space for conversations that need to happen. These are conversations about body autonomy, the reclamation of feminine power, and a return to reverence for life’s mysteries—issues that have been buried under centuries of patriarchal structures. Read more>>

Hannah A. West | Paranormal Enthusiast & Content Creator

The Paranormal Lounge was created to be a unique space where people from all walks of life can explore, discuss, and learn about the paranormal as well as cool events. In a world where topics like ghosts, the supernatural, and unexplained phenomena are often misunderstood or dismissed, I wanted to build a community to share events, stories, and experiences in the world of spooky culture. Read more>>

Esmeralda Ginez | Permanent Makeup Artist

My beauty business helps the community by empowering individuals through permanent makeup and other beauty services that boost confidence and self-esteem, positively impacting their daily lives. We provide a warm, welcoming space where clients can relax, focus on self-care, and leave feeling rejuvenated. Our doors are open to everyone, embracing people of all backgrounds to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Read more>>

Teresa Brown | Small Business Owner | LEISURE & JOIE

I’m so grateful for the chance to catch up with the Shoutout LA team again! Thank you for allowing me to return to your platform and share a little more about myself and my small business with your community. Okay – so let’s get to it! Yes, I am only one person but I believe that shouldn’t limit me from doing what I can to ensure, my platform (online shop, LEISURE & JOIE) gives back and makes a difference in our community. Small actions add up and collectively can make a big difference! Read more>>

Mary Grace Brant | Dance Instructor

First off dance is very important for many reasons; it teaches you life skills like confidence, discipline, and leadership but it also produces serotonin and is a HUGE form of therapy for many. I knew what dance meant for me (it saved me from a dark place in life) but it wasn’t until I opened Gravity and heard back from my students that I realized just how much of a positive impact we have on the community. I have always prided Gravity off of being comfortable and judgement-free; all are welcome no matter what skill level! We have amazing industry-led studios here in Los Angeles that can feel daunting to someone who is just starting out or doesn’t feel confident enough in their skill level to step into that kind of space. Read more>>

Marisella Bodrero | Podcaster & Chief People Officer

The podcast facilitates valuable discussions about society, celebrities, influencers, and social media trends we encounter daily. I believe that having a platform comes with the responsibility to educate about inequality, socioeconomic disparities, and racial injustices—while still providing entertaining pop culture commentary. We can all relate to the stories we see online, and it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the societal questions that arise when consuming reality TV or celebrity news. Read more>>

Michael Alvarez | Founder of Perfitness Personal Training Los Angeles and Las Vegas

At PERFITNESS, our mission goes beyond personal training; we aim to create a positive social impact on our community and the world by promoting health, wellness, and personal empowerment. Here’s how we contribute:  Empowering Individuals and Families: We provide tailored fitness programs for people of all ages, including busy executives, parents, and even children. By helping clients improve their physical and mental health, we empower them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. When individuals feel strong and confident, they can positively impact their families, workplaces, and communities. Read more>>

Dionna Mcdowell | Holistic Healing Practitioner and Rest Advocate

My work is rooted in creating healing spaces where women, especially women of color, can feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through yoga, sound baths, and astrology, I help people reconnect with themselves and find rest in a world that often feels overwhelming. These practices offer another layer of healing, complementing therapy or other methods they might currently be exploring or have tried before. I believe that when we nurture ourselves holistically, we ripple that care outward to our families, communities, and beyond. By making these practices accessible and inclusive, I’m helping to plant seeds of rest, resilience, and transformation that can grow far beyond the mat or meditation circle. Read more>>

Yessenia Guerra | Cake Artist

My journey into starting my own business was driven by a personal passion for baking, which was initially sparked by watching Cake Boss. Inspired by the show, I decided to try baking, and my very first cake—a three-tiered birthday cake for my sister-in-law (Glendy)—was both a challenge and a labor of love. That experience ignited a genuine passion for the craft. Over time, I made cakes for my family, and eventually a friend took a chance on me (Nayeli). From there, word of mouth within my community helped my business grow. Read more>>