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.

Arghaël

I think success starts with your own personal story and the confidence you build up early on. I was lucky to grow up in Paris, surrounded by art. My mother was a sculptor and often took me to the Louvre and the Rodin Museum where we would spend hours gazing at those bronze giants. I was so engrossed by these powerful, towering bodies that in my twenties, I studied anatomy to become a physical therapist. Read More>> 

Bella Ortiz

For me, the most important factor has always been honesty. Whether I’m acting, painting, or building something under my brand EDTHEGOATKILLER, the through-line is truth.

My art isn’t about being palatable or perfect. It’s about being real. Sometimes that means confronting uncomfortable truths. In my ETGK art, it’s like it’s the only place I can be raw or messy and without the need to explain it. Read More>> 

Megan Valdez

The success of Aligned has been shaped by a combination of purpose, support, and lived experience. My vision was to create a space where people could reconnect with their bodies and access deep, restorative healing. That mission became even clearer after my sister was diagnosed with lymphoma at just 22 and went on to beat it. Watching her go through that sparked something in me—it showed me how essential preventative care, especially lymphatic health, can be. It gave me the motivation to build something rooted in intention, not just reaction. Read More>> 

Eve Alas Moran

The key behind my success is absolutely having the team I have. I’ve learned that no artist can succeed alone, and I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who believe in my vision and work tirelessly to help me achieve it.
In the different areas where I have expertise, especially in acting and music, I have incredible teams supporting me. Read More>>

Clarissa Hoffmann

Honestly, the most important factor behind my success has been saying yes to courageous, sometimes messy action—without waiting for everything to be perfect. I decided early on that I’d rather be bold, have fun, and trust the process than sit on the sidelines overthinking. That playful, ‘this or something better’ mindset has carried me through moving from Germany to the US for acting and winning acting awards very soon after, starting my superpower coaching business to empower other female actors, and doing amazing voiceover work for major global brands. Read More>> 

Shannon Kehrer

The most important factor behind Hidey Style’s success is my unwavering commitment to solving a universal pain point for women with a truly innovative and high-quality product.

Before Hidey Style, I personally experienced the frustration of “no-show” socks that constantly slipped. This wasn’t just an annoyance; it was a daily interruption to comfort and confidence. My success stems from truly understanding this unmet need in the market – a frustration shared by countless women – and dedicating myself to creating a definitive solution. Read More>> 

Yixuan (Bella) Yan

For me, the most important factor has been building junior connections — with my students, their families and the broader music community. Technical skills and professional achievements matter, but they are most powerful when paired with trust, empathy, and a shared love for music.
I believe in meeting each student where they are and helping them grow not only as musicians but also as individuals. That means tailoring my approach, celebrating small victories, and creating an environment where curiosity and the creativity can thrive. Read More>>