We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Jordan Jimenez | Photographer

With the success of my small company, I have found that the most important factor behind it all is family and community. I have always been a person of “right here and right now,” but with owning a business that mindset can be expectedson things make longer than expected. I started by myself with now workamera and a dream and since then I now work alongside my amazing friends and fiance who have backed me through out it all. We now have a company that is working throughout Los Angeles to the Inland empire. Read more>>

Shyla Day | Award Winning Music Artist, Mega-Influencer & Best Selling Author

Un-relentlessly being myself is the single most important factor behind everything I do today. If you continue to pursue your passions regardless of what others might judge you for, you will find your version success. I am considered a multi-hyphenate. This means I have several professions and skills, which all began as eclectic passions- each were nurtured and it created this one really big, beautiful platform. If I had feared or let others opinions of me get in the way of actually doing what my heart wanted to, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. Instead, I led with my authentic self and here we are! Read more>>

Lindsay Teske | Founder and Director of Carnival of Oddities

This going to sound cheesy, but my answer to this is self-belief. I truly believe it’s everyone’s best resource, and I certainly found it to be mine. Carnival of Oddities was my first full-time job out of grad school. Anywhere else I had worked prior was a side gig, an internship, or as a freelancer. I knew this component, combined with my age, could stack cards against me in some people’s eyes. I also started the business in the UK (I’m originally from the US), and coronavirus lockdowns meant that I hadn’t had a chance to really grow my network over there yet. Read more>>