We were fortunate to catch up with some brilliant artists, creatives and entrepreneurs from throughout the Los Angeles area and they share the wisdom with us below.

Roxanne De Guzman | REALTOR

I would define success as the ability to look back on my life one day and know that I took every opportunity that I wanted to take, I exposed myself to unique possibilities, and I did things that I was nervous or scared about. Even if things go wrong and even in moments where I may be unsure about what I want, I know I’ll be happy looking back at the moment just knowing that I tried something new that I might have been curious about. A big part of that is trusting myself enough to know that I will be able to handle scary or difficult new situations when they arise. Success is as much about courage and opportunity as it is about achievement. Read more>>

Blake Bilder | UFC Fighter

Success if the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. You know you’re succeeding and living a good life when you are moving closer towards a life you enjoy. I think it’s defined in 5 pillars which is physical, emotional, relational, mental spiritual. Read more>>

Akina Kitazawa | Broadway Dancer/ Actress/ Instructor

My puppy. He is the cutest! Broadway dancer.
I just love my job! I’m so proud of myself to make my dream come true. It wasn’t easy at all. And it is still hard to survive in this business. We have to keep practicing and growing. And trust myself that I can do this!
All you need is 99 % of practicing and 1% of talent. Read more>>

Zahyr Lauren

The end goal is to build an art rooted philanthropic company that offers sustainable monetary support to movements for justice, while adorning those in the movement, and creating work that brings healing. Professionally, I want to have worked in costume design with luminaries like Ruth Carter. I want to have built outfits to be performed in by the likes of Cecile Mclorin Salvant, and Esperanza Spalding. I want to see my work on the sides of some of the tallest buildings in the world. And in these endeavors, I want to have generated an income that will allow me to support the visionary movement leaders protecting our human rights across the globe. The art must always be attached to, and in support of freedom struggle. Read more>>

Zara Haines | Artist (Singer/Songwriter)

Following a dream. It’s a simple as that. Figuring out what you love in my case as a singer/songwriter and artist is something everyone should strive to do. I was lucky enough to figure it out and have the support to pursue it. You never want to be too scared you don’t give your dream a go because if you never give it a go, you never give yourself the chance to succeed in the first place. Read more>>

Haoyun Wang | GIS Consultant / Data Scientist / Transportation Planner

The most important lesson my career has taught me is the power of adaptability and continuous learning. In an ever-evolving field like data science, especially in areas such as GIS, big data, and transportation modeling, technologies and methodologies are constantly changing. Staying relevant requires not only mastering new tools but also embracing the mindset of lifelong learning. Read more>>