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.

Tina Karras | Musician and Vodka Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success and my brand is authenticity. Every part of my story is true and even though it was tough at times, I’m thankful for every experience as it prepared me for the success of my vodka. I grew up in a family owned business and bartended and waitressed while I was in college at UNC-Chapel Hill. Then moving to LA to write music, I worked in hospitality since it gave me enough time and money to pursue music in my free time. Both my music and spirits have intertwined in a way that kept evolving into what I’m doing now: launching my record alongside my Tina’s Vodka. Read more>>

Lily Fassnacht | Photographer

I think there is more than one important factor behind the success of Love, Lily Photo. Staying true to myself, and personality has kept relationships with clients and has even branched out to clients friends and family. I learned many things in the first couple of years running the business that have shaped me to where I am today. Read more>>

Yash Arora | Producer

I never said no. Never in my life have I said no to any kind of work that has come my way, be it big or small. I have always been eager to add value in whatever way possible, to contribute to projects and teams that I believe in. I never worked for money or credit or fame; instead, I did what I did because I love the whole creative process of getting things done. Read more>>

Caroline Pearce | Sports Broadcaster for BT Sport and UFC.

As a sports broadcaster, one of the most important factors behind my success to date has been my willingness to be uncomfortable, to take chances and not be afraid to fail. Putting yourself in front of camera can be a daunting experience and you open yourself up to criticism and failure. However, I feel my growth and biggest learnings have come from this. Read more>>

Peewee Piemonte | DIRECTOR/2nd Unit Director/Stunt Coordinator/

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my company, JMP Productions Inc., is SAFETY! And that comes with strong PREPARATION. Regardless of which hat I’m wearing (and there are often several – Director, 2nd Unit Director or Stunt Coordinator) I have found that nothing is more valuable than preparation. It lends itself to not only safer sets, but it’s more cost efficient for production as well. Read more>>

Sam Birchenough | Founder of BRCHN Design House, a premier product design firm located in Los Angeles. (industrial design, engineering, rendering, prototyping, & manufacturing)

There’s a few things.. most importantly (and most cliché) is never giving up. I’ve had my share of ups and downs over the last seven years BRCHN Design House. If you don’t give up, you can’t fail. Continually learning is important. Early on, I had more time than money. I used that time to learn all aspects of building business. At the time, this afforded me the ability to save a lot of money by doing instead of outsourcing. The long-term value is having a deeper understanding of roles and talent sets that I might now leverage the talent of others for. Read more>>

Jaydene Oconnor | Celebrity Private Chef

The most important factor behind my success is hard work, determination and my passion for what I do. Having a clear vison and setting goals has helped me create my brand over the years, listening to my clients needs and setting my staff up for success. Being able to do what I love has definitely helped my business grow and I am so proud of where I am today. Read more>>

Heidi Hornbacher | Co-founder, Lead Instructor

Community. One of the most important pieces of feedback we get from our workshops is that writers feel they’re part of a community of like-minded creatives. That is gold. We based our company on the UCLA Screenwriting community we started from. We’ve grown it through word of mouth in the communities of the writers who joined us first in Italy and then online. Read more>>

Sheika-Ann (DJ unSHEIKAble) Ambatali | DJ, MC & DJ Instructor

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is simply enjoying what I do which is to provide services as a live DJ and MC. Music makes memories and it also brings people together. I am lucky to be that person that will initiate long lasting memories for my clients just by my professional selection of sounds and seamless transitions. I understand that every event is special and unique. Therefore, I want to make sure that my clients have the event of heir dreams. Read more>>

Harris Choe | Founder and CEO of HYC Physio Physical Therapy & Sports Performance

The most important factor behind my success is my strong community of friends and family. When I first started this business and even today, there are days when I start to question my ability to succeed. There are days when my motivation is at an all-time low and I don’t know which direction to move in. However, without fail, it has been the endless support from my community that has powered me to move forward. I’m thankful to have supportive family members as well as my number one supporter, my wife. They all push me to become the best professional I can be. Read more>>

Marcy Lambert-Pellegrino | Founder & CEO of Marcy’s Pet Kitchen

In my opinion the most important factor behind the Marcy’s Pet Kitchen success is hard work. Yes that means staying up all night and day to accomplish your mini goals to get to your largest goal. It also means listening to people in the industry to help guide you. Not everyone’s wheelhouse is creative branding, logistics or even writing business plans. Listening for that reason alone, is super crucial to getting your company to where you want it to be. I always have said, “Everything is an opportunity.” Read more>>

JoJo | Owner

The most important factor behind the success of The Opening Day, would probably have to be staying true to the brand. The Opening Day was started to show that self-care can be a neutral thing and that people should not be shamed for enjoying to light a candle every once in a while to decompress or lighten the mood sometimes. What has helped continue to be the driving force behind my brand is the amount of support we have received over the past year. Read more>>

E. Bugra Balci | Virtuoso Pianist, Bassist, Composer, Author of The Virtuoso Pianist Books

The most successful musician who are the ones invented the ‘new’ in their field. It can be romantic, baroque, contemporary or jazz or any other place in the history. What I do is that the actual information comes from the Universe/God whoever you want to believe in. I put those informations together in the sense of high artistic merit and the ones who are immortals there is that level of being endless. That’s how I can discuss music and the success together. What I do is that simply putting the best of music from 1600 to today and to future. Read more>>

Cecilia Tripp | Founder and Director of Brand Strategy

For me, the most important factor behind the success of Laurel Canyon Creative has been the humanity behind it, the genuine connections, and the passion for wanting to help others tell their stories. I think that has really helped us stand apart from others in our industry. When you work with LCC you know that you are working with people who genuinely care about you and your organization. Read more>>

Łaszewo | Musician/ Band

I think consistency because we knew at the start how difficult this journey would be but we also knew as long as we worked and got better every single day that eventually success would come. Read more>>