Alaine Fulton

It’s great to be back! I’m Alaine Fulton, Founder and CEO of Safe Haven Solutions (SHS), an IT consulting and managed services firm that has been supporting businesses with cloud, cybersecurity, and network solutions since 2005.

What sets SHS apart is our strategic approach—we don’t just implement technology, we align IT with business goals to drive efficiency, security, and growth. Our team is known for white-glove service, deep industry expertise, and a commitment to long-term client success. Read More>>

Allie Guillerm Tichenor

I’m the owner/CEO of Pilates Punx, a woman-owned business in Los Angeles.
Pilates Punx is a Pilates Studio offering private and group sessions for the community. We strive to be a welcoming studio that makes anyone and everyone feel comfortable – taking any intimidation out of boutique fitness. Our mission is to help clients alleviate pain and gain strength through proper Pilates instruction, with an emphasis on the how and the why. We cater to the “other,” the counter-culture, the folks who don’t feel like they fit in at the average studio. Read More>>

Amanda Chase

I’m Amanda Chase, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Substance—a creative consultancy and platform designed for visionary women who want to create a life and business of more. Substance isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement. A space where female founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs come to refine their vision, elevate their presence, and build with both strategy and soul. Read More>>

Amber Wegner

Thank you so much for having me back! It is always an honor when I am asked to share my story, because we all have one, right? I moved to LA from Maui 20 years ago to pursue acting. I spent three years pounding the pavement and I was not really getting anywhere. What I realized later was that I was competing with the Olympic level athlete’s of acting. If I was going to even attempt to be in the same league, I needed to study, learn my craft, and also figure out a way to create my own content. Read More>>

Angelique Myrick

Hello, beautiful people!
I’m Angelique—born and raised in the Netherlands, where my love for beauty and self-care took root. In 2003, I packed my dreams (and probably way too many hair products) and made my grand entrance into the United States. Since then, Los Angeles has become my home, my inspiration, and the heart of my brand—Los Angelique. Catchy, right? Maybe even a little genius? No? Well, at least it rolls off the tongue! Read More>>

Angel Yang

My name is Angel Yang. I am Korean American and grew up in Colorado. I received a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in college. However, I didn’t have a definite plan after graduation and felt lost. I decided to move to Korea to teach English and reconnect with my Korean heritage. That’s where I started taking painting classes with an art therapist. Read More>>

Anna Thane

Hi! My name is Anna Thane. I’m a Montana native who spent 15 sunny years in California before moving back to the last best place. I definitely consider my 10 years in Los Angeles to be my formative years. I really developed my own style and figured out the direction I want my artwork to go. I work mainly with oil paint on canvas but also do what I call digital finger painting. I paint what I refer to as People Wearing Animals. Read More>>

Art Of Nothing Press

Hello! We are Art of Nothing Press, a radical nonprofit collective that publishes annual art and writing issues and hosts art, music, and poetry events around SoCal! We first established ourselves in Feb 2021 and evolved from there. We haven’t stopped evolving. We are made up of five members: Victoria Oshun Hurtado, Cait Johnson, Cameron Capanash, Jessi Jarrin, and Sam Rivas. Read More>>

Arto Sivonen

I had a long career in creative agencies all over the world, until I quit because I was ashamed of how agencies would do anything for money, against my own values. Professionally, it wasn’t interesting either, because I wanted to make a real impact on the world, not just by doing marketing and advertising or traditional design. Read More>>

Barbara Levin

Hello! My name is Barbara Levin and I am the owner and lead designer of Athena Designs. We are a national wholesale jewelry company, and we also sell direct to consumers through our website.

Though I have never had formal ‘design’ training, I have always been a lover of the arts and jewelry. Athena Designs is the 3rd company I have ‘founded’ and the one that I have personally enjoyed the most. With and through this company, it has been my objective to offer ‘value priced’ jewelry that follows the trends but also extends beyond the trend. We pay attention to how the jewelry ‘fits’ as well as making sure that we have sourced the best components available. Read More>>

Bella Baskin

My name is Bella Baskin,
I am the CEO & Founder of Bless It Bag, Inc
We are a non-profit that makes hygiene kits for the homeless. We make human and pet hygiene kits. They are sold online and meant to be a more helpful alternative to money for the buyer to give directly to those in need. Read More>>

Betsy Rosenfeld Vargas

My name is Betsy Rosenfeld Vargas, and I wear a lot of hats—mom, wife, daughter, communications coach, dog rescuer, podcaster, and writer—but at the heart of it all, I’m a connector.

I help businesses and individuals express themselves with clarity and confidence so they can reach their goals. But my work isn’t limited to coaching—I also host a podcast about dogs (Dear Dog), write a blog about Lima, Peru, (OhlaLima.com) and consult on communications strategy for companies and individuals. Read More>>

Betty Hernandez-tupta

Greetings! I’m Dr. Betty, the owner of Back Benders, BB Wellness Collective, and The Auric Fields. I’ve practiced chiropractic for over 20 years and crystal and sound healing for over eight. Back Benders is nestled in the beautiful Eagle Rock neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles. My three-step method is what makes my practice stand out from other wellness practitioners. Read More>>

Bri Seeley

As a Success & Entrepreneur Coach, I specialize in helping ambitious individuals defy reality and turn their boldest dreams into tangible success. My work is rooted in the belief that limits are illusions, and with the right mindset, strategy, and execution, anything is possible. Through personalized coaching, transformational programs, and high-impact mentorship, I’ve guided countless entrepreneurs, executives, and visionaries to break through barriers and achieve extraordinary results. Read More>>

Carly Williams

My name is Carly and I am the owner and founder of Carly Rae Weddings. My team and I specialize in luxury custom weddings throughout Southern California and worldwide destinations. We’ve been in business since 2012 and have been blessed with incredible clients throughout the last decade. Read More>>

Cat Sherwin

Hi, I’m Cat Sherwin, I’m an English Australian Makeup Artist, Hairstylist and Groomer working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. With over 20 years experience in my craft, I have worked consistently on advertising & commercials, publicity junkets, promos, red carpet events, television, corporate events & conferences, music videos, infomercials, editorial and e-commerce for much of my career. Read More>>

Charissa Saverio

Hey there! It’s great to be connecting again. For those who might not know me yet, I’m DJ Rap—producer, artist, and founder of Propa Talent, celebrating 30 years in the game! My journey has been a wild ride, from being one of the first female pioneers in drum & bass to evolving as an artist, running my own label, and constantly pushing boundaries in music. Read More>>

Danielle W Carter

I’m Dani (Danielle W Carter), a multicultural independent singer-songwriter and producer who loves writing meaningful soul, funk and R&B music. My vibe is smooth, sultry music—like the sounds of Sade, Alicia Keys, India Arie, Corinne Bailey Rae, Masego and Syd.

When not writing and recording, I design custom ear cuffs for the ONYX xoxo Jewelry line and style wardrobe for photoshoots and indie projects. Read More>>

Dina Braverman

My name is Dina Braverman and I am the owner/founder of Organizing Concepts and Designs aka OCD. We are Professional Organizers and we specialize in Residential Organizing, Office Organizing, Move Management, Estate Sales and Estate Clearing. We are a one-stop shop. We coordinate and facilitate all aspects of all of the above services.

We have a 5 star rating across every Social Media Platform and we have a stellar reputation. Read More>>

Divine Dawson

Hello World! once again it is I! Divine Dawson! President and CEO of DMTM Inc. designer for DivineWear and now creature, organizer and director for AVFW (Antelope Valley Fashion Week) Read More>>

Douglas Donehoo

I started 4-RTH about 15 years ago to forge a new path forward for the manufacture and distribution of apparel.

We started with some simple track pants and shorts, but over they years have become a full-fledged athleisure lifestlye brand with more of a focus on Men’s Yoga and athletic wear. An emphasis is placed on design & fit as well — to really emphasize our dedication to Men’s sustainable activewear. Read More>>

Eddie Grigorian

Classic21 Bartending Services is run and owned by Eddie Grigorian. What sets us apart is the importance of building client relationships and attention to every detail. It is never about one event, far more valuable in creating a lifetime connection by meeting all aspects requested. The first question I will always ask, “what is your vision for your bar?”. Once I am able grasp what the client is looking for; I can then guide them in creating a signature menu and the bar they want for their event. Read More>>

Ellie Laks

I am the Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. I am an animal communicator, powerful speaker, celebrated animal welfare advocate, humane educator, and the author of “My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal and children learn to hope,” and “Cow Hug Therapy: How the animals at The Gentle Barn taught me about life, death, and everything in between.” Read More>>

Emre Sonmez

Hello again, Shoutout LA! It’s great to reconnect and share what’s been happening since our last chat. I’m Emre Sonmez, and it’s been an exciting journey navigating the ups and downs with my brands, SOFI and FabricLA.

About My Brands: At SOFI, we continue to excel as a trusted wholesale fabric importer and distributor, connecting designers and retailers with top-quality fabrics from mills in Turkey, China, and Taiwan. We’re all about providing a vast selection, from knits and wovens to special novelties, and we take pride in our custom printing services.  Read More>>

Eugene Huffman

Hello. I am Eugene Huffman, a Queer, HIV-Positive (Undetectable) Visual Artist – Abstract Expressionist – Curator, Advocate and Graphic Designer. I am a co-founder of the Virtual Art Gallery Kunsthaus RoZig with Partner/Photographer Connie Kurtew. Read More>>

Haley Ringo Price

I’m Haley Ringo Price (formerly Haley Ringo— I sold my soul and got married), and I’m an actor and screenwriter living in Nashville, TN. Entertaining people has been a huge part of my life, manifesting in many creative careers. For the past 13 years, I’ve been a photographer, and from 2018 to 2021, I produced and hosted LAnded Late Night on YouTube, where I forced LA’s finest to hang out with me on camera. Read More>>

Hilary Baker

As a visual artist, and primarily a painter, moving my home and studio from Los Angeles to rural Ojai completely changed my approach to landscape. For the past ten years I have been working on a series of paintings of the wildlife that hide among us in our urban, suburban and rural environments. I’m excited that this series of paintings, Predators, has been exhibited in California in Los Angeles, Ventura and at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature. The Predators are currently on view at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon through April 7th. Read More>>

Holly Sigafoos

I’m Holly, the photographer behind Holly Sigafoos Photo, where I specialize in capturing relaxed, wedding and portrait photography. Based in a little beach town in Southern California, my approach is all about creating a stress-free experience so couples and families can actually enjoy the moment while I document it beautifully. Read More>>

Jackie Mena

I believe fashion photography,which is what I do. Is all about story telling I want to bring a vision to life, so I collaborate with designers, model, HMUA to create images that showcase fashion at it’s best light. I love to do editorial style shoots, I love styling wardrobe and taking control of my images and what I want to present. I believe art shouldnt come with borders. Playing with art is what makes it fun, what makes it your style. There are no wrong or rights, just creative freedom. I also dabble a little with AI, blending real work photography images and digital art and exploring what it means to step out of the box. Read More>>

Jack Nunn

My name is Jack Nunn and I was featured twice in voyage and shoutout LA as a fitness professional who owns an indoor rowing studio called Roworx Fitness in Long Beach, Ca. We offer fitness classes on the rowing machine that overlooks marine stadium in Long Beach, site of the 1932 LA Olympic Games Rowing Venue and future site of the 2028 LA Olympics rowing venue. Read More>>

James T. Bartlett

The formal story goes: Originally from London, I have been living in Los Angeles since 2004. As a travel/lifestyle journalist and historian, I have written for the Los Angeles Times, National Geographic Traveler, AARP Magazine, BBC, Los Angeles Daily News, Westways, Los Angeles Magazine, ALTA Journal, High Life, Thrillist, Hemispheres, Frommers, American Way, Atlas Obscura, The Guardian, Variety and History Ireland, among others. Read More>>

Janine Davis

Hello! I’m Janine, an Executive Coach and Facilitator with a special passion for bringing leaders into nature with animals (more on that later). I’m a Managing Partner with Evolution, a group of about 75 global coaches providing executive coaching, offsite facilitation, leadership development /management training programs and culture creation support. Some of our clients include Slack, Notion, Glassdoor, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Planned Parenthood and Microsoft.  Read More>>

Janine Forte

Five Star Hippie® began in Los Angeles as a passion project, crafting yoga-inspired malas and crystal jewelry infused with intention. Over the years, the brand has expanded to New York and Miami, but my journey has evolved as well. While I continue to honor Five Star Hippie’s mission, my heart is now fully devoted to teaching—guiding others on their path to mindfulness, movement, and self-discovery. Read More>>

Jarred Fixler

My name is Jarred Fixler and I am the owner of Motorsport Exotica. We specialize in high performance motorcycle applications including race preparations, custom projects, dynamometer tuning, suspension and trackside support along with having a full 3000 sqft retail experiance center.

We have been in open to the public for 10 years this year and have recently relocated from our Hollywood facility to our new 11,000 sqft experience center in Burbank CA. Our new shop incorporates not only Motorsport Exotica but also Confidential Motorsports LA as well as working with Top Condition Detailing. Read More>>

Jeanine Centuori

I founded UrbanRock Design with my partner, Russell Rock when we moved to Los Angeles and set up a studio at the Brewery Arts Complex. We wanted to do “public” art – art that was intermixed with architecture, environments, and design. At the time of our founding in the year 2000, public art was something of a new frontier. It was just getting its footing as a legitimate art form. We found this both challenging and exciting. Read More>>

Jesse Cilio

I’ve been a menace my whole life, using art as an escape—whether it’s painting, writing, or making movies—to make my words and actions align. I think it started when I was a kid, telling my mother I was bored, and she told me to find some curiosity. I’ve been in that pursuit ever since—the only way out is deeper in. I’m just a rusted lock you will never find the key for. Read More>>

Jesse Felsot

Yeah sure. This one will be a bit more in depth than the previous one as that was a few years back and a lot has transpired for me since then especially with what I am doing now, but to summarize what you asked, I am a producer in feature films, commercials and music videos especially with a niche in urban music driven crime/action/drama type films, that I acquire and/or produce and distribute on multiple VOD platforms such as Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple TV, and Youtube Movies to name a few. Read More>>

Joey Munoz

I’m Joey “Kaos” Muñoz, founder of Santino Bros. Wrestling Academy, Southern California’s premier professional wrestling school. At Santino Bros., we’re dedicated to training, developing, and mentoring the next generation of pro wrestlers, focusing on discipline, hard work, and respect for the craft.

My journey in wrestling started over 3 decades ago. I’ve wrestled all over the world with, competed in major promotions, and learned from the best, which inspired me to give back to the industry by opening Santino Bros. in 2008. Read More>>

Johannes Ahonen

I am a 31 year old filmmaker, video producer and a rap-artist from Helsinki, Finland. I run a B2B video production company named Mungo.fi. My main focus is building a career as a writer, director and colorist. Being self-taught, and having a lot of obstacles and challenging life experiences along the past 8 years, has given me valuable lessons and insights that I can use to my advantage in many areas. It’s been a long way and there is still work to be done to be where I want to be (working on fictional drama and documentaries internationally), but I’m heading to the right direction! Read More>>

Julie Bayer Salzman

Hello, again, Shoutout Community! I’m a Venice-based independent filmmaker and mindfulness educator, with two teenage boys, a hubby and a dog we affectionately call Chunks, as in Chunks of Love (his real name is Thelonious). I am surrounded by testosterone! It can be a bit much at times, but I digress…

I graduated college with a degree in Cultural Anthropology because what interested me more than anything was learning about people from other parts of the globe, and what life looks like for them. Read More>>

Justin Campbell

I’m Justin Campbell, owner of Firefly which is a food truck and trailer manufacturing company. Firefly has been producing world class food trailers for close to a decade with an eye towards reliability and repairability. My path as an owner of Firefly started out in the shop with a mindset of a technician. It took me some time to be able to transition into the role of owner. Read More>>

Katie Kirk

I’m an artist based in Los Angeles. My work explores materiality, gesture, and the physicality of the body. I create abstract paintings and ceramic sculptures that reflect movement, transformation, and impermanence. My paintings are built through a layered process of transferring acrylic paint skins, pouring, and collaging, while my ceramic sculptures take on organic, bodily forms that reference postures like twisting, leaning, or folding. Read More>>

Khalia Taylor

Hello Voyage! Thank you for keeping up with me, I love you guys lol. But anywhooooo – life has been …. exciting. I’ve moved out of Los Angeles, and I am now residing in Boston – my home city. I moved back because the cannabis brand I work with, Rapper Weed – is currently under construction as we have been building our cultivation farm here in Massachusetts. I am still a brand manager, and a wardrobe styling here and there when a friend or very important person needs those services. With my move back to the East Coast, I am currently finding my footing and plotting on my future. Read More>>

Kim Sill

I am Kim Sill and I run a non profit dog shelter called Shelter Hope in Thousand Oaks California. Shelter Hope has been saving dogs for almost 15 years and what sets us apart is that we use our community to sustain our model. Our goal at Shelter Hope is to provide our adopters with resources to help them give their new companion the best life ever! Dog advocates know that regular vetting is important to sustain a healthy and happy life for your dog. Grooming is a big part of wellness for your pet. Read More>>

Kris Crews

My name is Kris Crews, and I’m a writer originally from Columbus, OH, now based in Los Angeles, CA. I am the author of You Owe It to Yourself (2021), a self-reflection journal filled with quotes, prompts, and space for personal processing. Designed to support those on a journey of self-discovery, the journal encourages healing, self-awareness, and prioritizing mental well-being—reminding readers they are never alone in their growth. Read More>>

Laurel Harris

Sure thing! I’ve been a working actor-producer for decades and super thankful to have enjoyed some amazing experiences along the way; like performing on all of the major networks and alongside some of the top names in the industry. Even though it can sound trite, I’m deeply humbled and grateful for it all; not taking any of it for granted. I’ve felt compelled to follow this dream for as long as I can remember, and can’t imagine anything I’d rather do! Read More>>

London Alexander

My name is London Alexander, I’m proudly and unapologetically queer as f*ck. I’m on an adventure roadtripping all around the U.S. checking out queer areas in each city, documenting it on my YouTube channel, Queer Across America. I want to show that no matter where you are, there’s a queer community for you. Read More>>

Mariluz Gonzalez

My name is Mariluz Gonzalez, founder of Vesper Public Relations & Marketing. After earning my undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies from UCLA, I began my career in public relations working with established record labels. Driven by my passion for multiculturalism and an entrepreneurial spirit, I took a leap of faith and launched Vesper Public Relations & Marketing in 2008. Read More>>

Mario Orazio Ruvio

Hello my name is Mario Orazio Ruvio born in Rome the 25th of October 1993. I am an actor and a rapper. Even though I am Italian I act and rap in English which is what sets me apart from others. I have been studying English since the age of 5. After attending Aberystwyth University in Whales UK, where I studied Acting & Directing for Theatre and Film, I was accepted at The American Academy Of Dramatic Arts, in Hollywood, Los Angeles as an actor. Nowadays I am a working actor and dubber. I also obtained my dubber certificate. Read More>>

Michael John Benzaia

Thank you so much for taking the time Voyage LA! My name is Michael John Benzaia, I have my foot in two careers I adore. I get to work in the medical field but also play a physician on TV. I ventured into healthcare to act as my mom’s advocate in her cancer journey. I knew radiology would be the perfect fit, that it would allow me to utilize both sides of my brain. Today, I get to show my empathy for others while working in a fast-paced environment, where each day presents new challenges to tackle.  Read More>>

Michael Tullberg

I’m one of the longest-running electronic music photographers in the country. Beginning in the mid-90s, I helped define the visual style for rave photojournalism in America. Besides writing and shooting for most of the electronic music magazines of the day, I also shot album covers for several world-famous DJs, such as Carl Cox, Ferry Corsten, DJ Dan and many more. Read More>>

Natalie Vartanian

My name is Natalie Vartanian. I am a multi-passionate in that I co-run two non-profit businesses, in addition to running my own. I am a certified coach, specializing in intimacy and relationships – I work one on one with individuals and for couples, those sessions I conduct with my husband, who is a somatic based practitioner. What sets me apart is my drive, my passion, my vision and unstoppable nature. Read More>>

Nekaya Carter

I’m Nekaya Carter, a Real Estate and Mortgage Broker, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder with over 18 years of experience in the industry. As the President of the Long Beach Realtist Association and the owner of Carter and Carter Inc., one of the few Black woman-owned real estate and mortgage brokerages in California, I am committed to expanding homeownership opportunities and empowering professionals in the industry. Read More>>

Nick Martini

My name is Nick Martini and I am film maker and entrepreneur living in Los Angeles. I have founded a few businesses in the advertising and production space; Stept Studios, Lockt Editorial, and Vault Rentals. Read More>>

Paula Chiocchi

Since 1998, I’ve made a name for myself as an award-winning B2B marketing innovator – and the driving force behind the world’s largest small-to-midsize business (SMB) database. My company, Outward Media, Inc. (OMI), is a business built around data. We mine it, manage it, and invest in it by keeping it fresh and continuously cleansing it. We then license and sell it to businesses – mostly Fortune 2000 firms – segmenting and customizing it to enable them to reach the right prospects for their products and services at the right time in their buying journey. Read More>>

Russell Nohelty

I’m a USA Today bestselling author, publisher, and speaker. I run a small publishing company called Wannabe Press that publishes fantasy, sci-fi, and horror comics and novels. I’m probably best known for my work at my publication, The Author Stack, that helps writers navigate the intersection of craft and commerce. I’ve written dozens of books, both fiction and non-fiction, that I think some people like, or at least tell me they like. Read More>>

Shakira Reedus

Allow me to reintroduce myself – I’m SHAKIRA, SHAKIRA *cues music*, but I’m best known as the Actresspreneur! I create opportunities for myself and others through creative avenues and business ventures. My journey began with acting, which opened up countless paths of discovery, not just within myself, but also in others and the world around me. In 2015, I began creating content as a way to transition smoothly from theater to on-screen acting. Read More>>

Steven Kean

My name is Steven Kean, an artist working primarily in the woodcut method of relief printmaking. I am a Pennsylvania native, based on the North Shore of Oahu (HI) since 2008. I acquired a degree in Art Education from Temple University in 2004. Over the years, I have held a variety of art teaching positions at the high school and elementary levels. Currently, I work full-time as a professional artist and am on the teaching artist roster with the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts where I implement art residencies a couple of times a year in schools that otherwise, would not have art programs. Read More>>

Tara R. Nesbitt

Greeting Good People, I am a returning “Shout Out” interviewee who has continued to maintain, motivate, and maneuver through this thing that we call life. I currently reside in Kansas City, MO and still travel back to California from time to time. In brink of all the many different world events which have caused me to relocate, I continue to be open and willing to share my progress with Voyage! As an educator and entrepreneur, I purposely revised and re emerge my brand based on trends, needs, and skill set. The world is forever changing and I must do so also. My desire and purpose to serve others is unconditional and based on the needs of others. Read More>>

Tina Hogan Grant

I found my passion for writing later in life and published my first book in 2018. Since that magical day, I have written 16 more books and enjoying every moment.

I came to the United States from England in 1979, chasing the American Dream, but instead, I lived a nightmare because of my terrible choices and many mistakes. I was young when I moved here, and the first ten years were a struggle but extremely challenging. It was these life lessons that led me to my writing career. Twenty years later after spending the next ten years on the Pacific Ocean making a living as a commercial fisherwoman, I decided to write my story which ended up being an award-winning trilogy. Read More>>

Tonya Kay

Living the dream. Arts and Entertainment saved my life. I started in professional dance, performing in NYC concert dance, Las Vegas showrooms, Los Angeles film and tv and touring in STOMP, with Panic at the Disco – even toured with Kenny Rogers (RIP). Who knew what journey career dance would take me on – and it’s been magnificent. Since, I’ve made my living acting across from A-listers and in independents, hosting on Travel Channel and on theatre tours, producing stage extravaganzas like Pinup Pole Show and Xtreme Rhythm Theatre and directing on-camera for Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! and my own work including The Ascension of Ava Delaine and High Heels. Read More>>

Tracy Griffiths

’m Tracy Griffiths, and my life’s work is a fusion of the healing arts, movement, and aromatherapy. As the founder of Aroma Yoga®, I guide people in integrating essential oils with yoga, breathwork, and energy healing to support deep, holistic well-being. My practice also includes Polarity Therapy, Cranial Sacral Unwinding, and Trauma Release Exercise (TRE®), all of which help regulate the nervous system, release stored tension, and foster lasting transformation. Read More>>

Wayne Gurnick

It has certainly been a while since our last meeting in February 2017! So much in our world has remained the same, even more has changed. First, I am still that “party planner” or should I say special event planner, designer, coordinator, advisor, confidant and all around concerned individual that makes exceptional memories happen for exceptional clients. Read More>>

Will Lim

My name is Will, I am an animator based in Southern California. I work as a facial motion capture animator. I’ve been working as an animator since 2010 and I’ve worked in video games and movies. I used to work at Disneyland as a face painter and now I am a lead animator working at a software company. Read More>>

Janet Margot

I was lucky in that my business idea formed organically out of years working within the publishing and technology space. Being an Amazon employee with a background in publishing, I met many authors along the way who needed help navigating the Amazon platform and, more specifically, Amazon’s book ads space. When I thought about leaving the company, authors were already asking for my one-to-one help. Read More>>

Cody Montgomery

When I first had the idea for Totally Blown I was living off the grid in an old chicken coop from the 1890’s called the Danger Shack on my family’s tree farm in rural Iowa. Not exactly the kind of place to be looking for a fashion idea, but when a mouse chewed all these little holes in one of my t-shirts I started loving the randomness of the effect and began experimenting with different ways to replicate it.  Read More>>

KiQue

I find the indicator to “keep going” or to persevere in a certain field, is dependent on your relationship with the field itself. If what you’re striving for is not what you would be doing with your life regardless of recognition then I think a reassessment is necessary. So I guess my answer to this question would be to “keep going” if what you’re doing, is what you do. Read More>>

Joshua Wera

I know it sounds cliche but every time you feel stuck, and start hearing those voices in your head telling you to give up, all you have to do is remember why you had taken that challenge in the first place. In my journey there have been lots of challenges and when I almost gave up, I reminded myself of why I had started that journey. It puts a lot of things into perspective and makes whatever the hardship endurable. And even if in the end results don’t entirely go the way I had hoped, I am not disappointed. I feel proud that I did my part. I believe that if you really want something, giving up when faced with obstacles should not be an option. Instead, be open to learn, adapt, and keep on moving. Read More>>

Jason And Missy Improta

We believe the most important thing we’ve done as parents is to lead by example—showing our daughter what it means to work hard, never give up, and face challenges head-on. We’ve made it a priority to embrace obstacles and use failures as opportunities to grow, both individually and as a family. More than anything, we’ve tried to demonstrate the importance of being good people—treating others with kindness, respect, and integrity. Through our actions, we hope we’ve instilled in her not just a strong work ethic and resilience, but also a deep sense of compassion and character. Read More>>

Riley Boschma

The majority of the world doesnt know how their food is raised or grown and processed and because of this most people do not understand how important it is to know more about the American agriculture industry. If you are alive they you are apart of the industry as a consumer. Whether you are a meat eater or a vegan, agriculture is what sustains you.  Read More>>

Richard Fairgray

I’ve always tried to write stories about people or ideas that weren’t being explored enough. When I wrote kids books I wrote the things I wish I’d had to read growing up. Now that I write/draw for adults, I’m telling stories for and about the people I want to spend my time with. Messy, complicated people who say the wrong things but mean the right ones. I describe my publishing line as ‘grown-up comics for dirtbags, gays and ladies,’ which is mostly shorthand for ‘anyone at a convention who doesn’t think there’s a book here for them.’ I don’t know what this means, but I have had 5 people now tell me they have left unhappy marriages after reading my first memoir. Read More>>

Willy Laszlo

An upbringing in the Midwest provided a blue collar standard of work ethic ingrained into what I now perceive as an involuntary act. Thanks mom and dad. Treating others with dignity and respect never hurt anybody’s feelings, either.

Perseverance is the heartbeat of motivation. You don’t truly understand motivation until you’ve failed at something and found the inner drive to try again and again. My drive became a passion for making short comedy films. After college, I taught myself camera and editing skills to create them. For the past 20 years, I’ve sustained a living as a camera operator, but it’s my formal Chicago improvisational training that has been instrumental to my success in production today. Read More>>

Chioma Chi-CHI! Amaechi

Be flexible, have fun and make a difference. Life is short and we spend too much time trying to separate ourselves from others then we do understanding our commonalities. People are not going to be or do as we need or expect. So, staying flexible is key to maintaining my sanity and happiness. Hence, I don’t typically do things that I’m not proud of or that won’t make me happy. If I find myself doing so, it’s unlikely to persist longterm. Finally, while I’m here on this planet I’m going to make a difference. Otherwise, I’m wasting my time and I’m not one to waste time Read More>>

Naomi Okada

I don’t believe in “Plan B” career paths, especially for creatives. This might sound entitled or delusional, but I merely see it as what Keke Palmer would call a “reframe.” If you have a Plan A career path, I believe you do everything you can—within reason—to make that work for you. But for your Plan A journey to be sustainable, there are so many investments to make, such as finding your tribe of like-minded artists, collaborators, training, exposure, and connections to the industry, as well as side hustles and survival jobs to stay financially afloat, etc. Read More>>

Zeyu Liu

By the end of my career, I aspire to be the founder of a platform that integrates research, design, and implementation to foster genuine, human-centered innovation for aging populations. My ultimate aim is to enhance how older adults experience health, home, and community—not merely through one product or service but by developing a scalable system of care, dignity, and support. Read More>>

Lilith Grace

I can’t say there’s one definitive answer for my life as a whole, but in both the music and film/TV industries, the toughest decisions often revolve around whether or not to take on a project, especially when it means turning down potentially career-changing opportunities because they don’t align with my values. Read More>>

Ashwath Ram

Switching from a probably stable career of engineering to a soul filling but volatile profession of acting will probably be one of the biggest decisions that I would make in this lifetime of mine. It was during the period of covid, the time of due stress and a lot of mental congestion that people were collectively experiencing, that I ironically found a certain clarity on what path I should take. Read More>>

Heather Tyson

Just one?!? It’s tough to narrow it down to just one! Hmmm… one lesson I think I’m always learning is the importance of being adaptable, embracing the unknown, and letting go of expectations. We never really know what’s going to happen in the act of creating. When we’re in it, we have to be willing to follow what’s stirring us, what’s moving us, rather than trying to control the outcome. It’s important to set intentions, certainly, and to have an idea of where we hope to go, but if we fixate on outcome alone, then we might miss something magical. We limit what is possible. Read More>>

Anthony

Dawn and I have been a magic team for 21 years now. In the beginning, it was so much fun when the phone would ring and we would take a booking. Dawn originally told me that she would promote the Magic, and it was like building an ice sculpture. We would chip away and chip away, and one day, it would be a beautiful swan. There are so many ways to perform magic, and we have tried each and every single one of them from school assemblies, to theatres, corporate shows, birthday parties, fairs, libraries, and cruise ships. Read More>>

Linda And Bryan Behan

At the beginning it was easy for us to get into a flow. But now, we’re first time parents and it has been HARD. Haha. Having to work around nap times and feedings, it all has to be very strategic. But, we’re slowly finding the balance and making sure we’re present with our 1 year old and keeping up with deadlines. I don’t think we’d be able to do that with a regular 9-5 and feel pretty lucky for that. Plus, we get to take our daughter to estate sales and thrifting so, it’s fun! Read More>>