We had the good fortune of connecting with Wykin Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wykin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business came from a deep desire to build something meaningful where I could share opportunities and success with the people around me. My initial vision was inspired by Rob Dyrdek’s “Fantasy Factory.” He wasn’t just a skateboarder. He is a visionary who brought brands and networks together while creating financial opportunities for himself and his community. I admired his ability to not only grow as an entrepreneur but to also share that journey with others, creating a ripple effect of success. For me, knowledge is power, and once I recognized the importance of being both an artist and a business, I knew I needed to create a foundation that would allow me to grow not just individually but collectively with others.

Turning my passion for photography, videography, and editing into a creative agency brought immense value to what I do. It’s no longer just me. I’ve built a talented team of creative entrepreneurs who collaborate on projects. The strength of our team lies in our combined efforts, and I’ve learned how to step back and let others shine. As a leader, my role is to motivate, inspire, and teach, and I take pride in invoking that entrepreneurial spirit in the people I work with. By working together, we create effortlessly, driven by our shared creative passions and the desire to bring something impactful to the table.

On a personal note, my journey began in the wake of profound grief after losing my father, which shaped me into someone who could build and sustain this legacy. That loss taught me to approach my business with strategy, commitment, and resilience. I’ve grown from a team of one to a team of 20, turning friends’ fleeting creative pursuits into successful careers. I’ve helped people who knew nothing about photography become directors, and through partnerships with nonprofits like Helping Hands, I’ve been able to give back to the community, creating workshops that provide access to financial literacy and creative career development. My mission has always been to build tables and eat with the people around me, and I challenge everyone reading this to do the same. There’s enough in this world for all of us to thrive. it’s not about how much is on your plate, but about how much you’re willing to share with the world around you.

What should our readers know about your business?
Saint Rose Agency was founded from a genuine desire to build opportunities for myself and my community. Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of helping friends transform into creative professionals, and now my goal is to take that a step further. Our focus is on combining the talents of creatives and artists with nonprofit organizations to create impactful workshops and events that inspire, educate, and uplift the community.

One of our recent initiatives, ‘The Heartbeat Community,’ brings together local leaders with a mission to provide business mentorship and support to artists and small businesses. By helping them establish a solid financial foundation, we aim to empower our local community. What sets Saint Rose Agency apart is our evolution from solely being a media production company into a community-driven platform that engages in mentorship and social impact. For me, this is far more valuable because we’re creating equal access to resources and tools, giving back in ways that foster growth and change within our community.

What drives me is a desire to build spaces where people don’t have to fight for a seat at the table. My leadership is centered on empowering others by creating those tables ourselves, where our communities can come together, uplift one another, and heal from shared experiences. Saint Rose is not just about producing content; it’s about building strong foundations of entrepreneurship, business management, and mentorship. Whether you’re an artist, a creative, or a small business owner, we help you understand the principles behind effective marketing strategies and content production.

We’re not here to simply make ads; we’re here to create art that resonates with your audience and stays true to your vision. In a world where content is often created just for the sake of it, I believe it’s important to ask ourselves: is this art, or is this propaganda? By working closely with our local community, I can ensure that what we create is authentic and impactful.

For me, the most meaningful work happens at the local level, where I can see the direct impact of my efforts. By providing high-quality services at an affordable rate, I aim to help local creatives and businesses compete on the same stage as major corporations like Coca-Cola or Nike. That’s the real power, giving people the tools and knowledge to compete, without it costing them everything.

Ultimately, Saint Rose Agency is in the business of working with people, meeting them where they are, and ensuring that they have access to the opportunities they need to succeed. It’s about compassion, fair pricing, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of the communities we serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite spots in the city reflect my love for great food and a strong sense of community. When it comes to burgers, Howie’s Burgers is at the top of my list. They specialize in smashed Wagyu beef burgers made fresh with high-quality ingredients, and the flavors are unmatched. I highly recommend their Western Bacon Cheeseburger, the caramelized onions, the crispy onion ring, and the barbecue sauce come together perfectly. I believe Howie’s could easily become one of LA’s staple burger spots, so if you’re a burger fan, it’s a must-try. @howiesburgers

For those with a sweet tooth, The Pancake Plug is another spot you need to check out. They offer freshly made mini pancakes with an incredible variety of toppings. At a recent event, I tried their mini pancakes with caramel drizzle, chocolate syrup, and cocoa puffs, and it was easily one of the best sweet treats I’ve had in a long time. Whether you’re into candy or fruit toppings, they offer something for everyone, including healthier options. It’s definitely my go-to for dessert. @thepancakeplug

When it comes to nightlife, 4100 Bar in Silver Lake is a special place for me. The community there is incredible, it’s a hub for creatives, artists, and professionals in the industry. I’ve had some of the most engaging and insightful conversations there. The vibe is always warm and welcoming, and it’s rare to find a space that’s so egoless and laid-back. If you’re looking for a spot to connect with interesting people in a relaxed atmosphere, 4100 is it.

Lastly, in Canoga Park, Cavaretta’s Deli is my go-to for sandwiches. This mom-and-pop-owned Italian deli has been around for generations, and their food is just as legendary. I personally love the Italian combo with pepperoncini, pickles, and pepper jack cheese. Pair it with two cannolis and a root beer, and you’re set for the day. The deli is not only a sandwich spot but also a market offering a wide range of high-quality products. It’s affordable, delicious, and they treat you like family. I’ve been going there since I was a kid, and it’s easily one of the best delis in the Valley.

I highly recommend visiting all these spots. they’re my personal favorites and represent the best of LA’s food and community vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my life to have many business mentors, but one person who has made the biggest impact on me recently is Greg Monterrosa. When Greg walks into a room, you immediately feel his presence. The level of encouragement, compassion, and knowledge he shares with the community on a daily basis is truly inspiring. He’s an open well of wisdom, and his mentorship has personally motivated and educated me in ways that have propelled my business forward. I met Greg a year and a half ago while filming events at The Milk Room, an incredible vintage streetwear shop in Woodland Hills, California. At the time, I was just getting started in event coverage and production, and I was blessed with the opportunity to sit down with Greg, get to know him, and exchange ideas. From that first meeting, I knew I wanted to work with him in some capacity. His creative energy is immeasurable, and by the end of our conversation, I was already envisioning myself directing events, creating series, and pursuing various creative endeavors.

Greg was open to all of my ideas and eager to help me get the ball rolling. He gave me some of my first opportunities to engage with the local community, and without his support, many of my current creative pursuits might never have come to life. The Milk Room was a creative hub that brought together an amazing group of talented, inspirational artists. The community support, generosity, and authenticity in that space were unmatched. I’m grateful to have been a part of that era, where we had a safe space to freely express ourselves and connect. Greg’s advocacy for the youth and his ability to recognize the immense talent in the local community have been pivotal. Through The Milk Room alone, he has given countless opportunities to so many people, shaping incredible success stories for many talented individuals. His thoughtfulness, mindfulness, and authenticity when working with both youth and business professionals are truly appreciated. Greg is a beacon in our community, and I owe much of my success to his ability to motivate and inspire everyone around him.

What sets Greg apart as a mentor is that every conversation with him feels intentional and impactful. He doesn’t just offer inspiration—he provides real-world business advice and holds you accountable for your goals. I remember early on, Greg asked me, “Did you buy toilet paper this month?” At first, I didn’t understand, but it made me realize that as artists, we sometimes overlook the practical aspects of life. Greg reminded me that in order to sustain our creative passions, we have to build a financial foundation. His emphasis on sustainability has empowered so many people to chase their dreams while ensuring they have the stability to do so. Greg isn’t just someone with big ideas—he’s a mentor who provides actionable plans, checks in on your progress, and holds you accountable. Every time we speak, I walk away with “homework,” but I know the effort is worth it because the growth I’ve experienced under his guidance has been invaluable. Greg is a phenomenal leader and mentor, and I highly recommend his business mentorship services to anyone looking to elevate their career. He’s a true legend in our community, and I’m endlessly grateful for everything he’s done for me and for the greater good. He’s someone I aspire to be like, and I deeply appreciate everything he continues to do for the world.

Website: https://beacons.ai/saintroseagency

Instagram: SunnysTheGoat

Linkedin: Wykin Harris

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.