Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Jerome Leblanc | Maverick from Top Gun Impersonator

When I began impersonating Maverick from Top Gun, it was a very unexpected journey. I was being represented by agents and managers. My wife and I began to be more curious about the administrative side of the entertainment world. We decided to create California Tom Cruise LLC. It was nice to think this could become a family business. And it did. Read more>>

Dylan Pham | Photographer & Student

I see images as a powerful medium for storytelling, and this realization paved the way for my photography business: dphamphotography. As a photographer, my mission is to capture endless smiles and memories that people can cherish as they look back on their lives. My passion for photography ignited at the age of 12 when my uncle entrusted me with what seemed like a giant DSLR camera. Read more>>

Jennifer Huang | Founder of the Association of Designers and Artists

Being high school artists ourselves, we noticed a scarcity of creative outlets available for aspiring student artists. In response to this, we established the Association of Designers and Artists. The main objective of our organization is to offer various opportunities such as commissions, gallery showcases, fairs, volunteering opportunities, and more, allowing artists to both pursue their passions while contributing to their community. Read more>>

Stephen Scirrotto | Owner of SJS Studios

As far back as I can remember, I was always interested in design and architecture. As a child, I spent my time drawing plans of my future dream home, watching any television program that had to do with architectural design or construction, and looking forward to my next trip to nearby Philadelphia to explore the old and new built environment. Read more>>

Ted Yoo | Physicist and Science Communicator

I was heavily involved in science communication back during grad school. I started off as part of the writing team for The Loh Down on Science, which is a NPR syndicated radio show. I also helped run an Orange County Meetup called Brews and Brains. Plus, I have a podcast about scientists that have or are pursuing their own graduate studies, called This Grad Life. Read more>>

Hala Helstien | Pet Boutique Owner

Ever since I was a child, I have always loved animals. I wanted to be a vet when I grew up. I got my first job at a family owned pet store taking care of the fish, reptiles, and small animals and I loved it! Then I started working at a pet boutique in Fashion Island, Newport Beach. I loved helping clients with their dogs and cats. Read more>>

Andre Nelson | Massage Therapist, Body work Specialist and Healer

From the moment that I started at Massage Therapy School I knew I’d want to work for myself and build a brand. I’ve worked for someone else since I was a teenager, I’ve never had full autonomy to make my own decisions that impacted a business the way I envisioned it, and so when I got the opportunity to do so I couldn’t jump at it any quicker. My clients are my business, and so to have full control of how I manage their time and needs is very important to me. Read more>>

Darren Chaney | Vocals for Unprovoked

Well, in this case, we didn’t really look at it as a business at first we were just teenagers, that had the same musical taste. We bonded worked hard and came up with a full set and got ready to unleash Unprovoked. Read more>>