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.

Jayce Levi

When I realized the corporation I worked for was not paying me a livable wage (despite being one of the top employees in the entire company) and continually gave raises and opportunities to people not based on merit, but on corporate politics I decided I needed to move on and create a better environment for myself Read More>> 

Grecia Malerva Carrillo

Ever since my teenage years, I found myself being a translator, at school, for my family, friends and even acquaintances. At the time I didn’t think much of it, because in my mind I was just being helpful and it felt almost second nature. It wasn’t until I began to encounter deeper cultural and contextual differences that I grasped the significance and distinction between translation and interpretation, the latter requires an understanding of the audience, the setting, and the level of comprehension among many other factors. Read More>>

Ruby Le Wynn

Since I was young , I’ve always wanted to make a difference, and as I grew older, I knew I could only succeed in a career if I was passionate about it.

I knew I wanted to work in the dating and love industry since high school (yes, many thought I was crazy…). I had this natural fire, passion, to help people with love. So, even against my Asian family’s disapproval, I took the steps to do so Read More>>

Nina Cicolo

I have worked for various brands throughout my career, where I had the opportunity to learn a lot about the fashion business. But when I became an entrepreneur, I felt truly complete. I really love the feeling of “I did it on my own.” There is always something new to learn and new goals to achieve, which keeps me constantly motivated and inspired. As a designer, having control over the design, vision, and values of the brand is how my voice is heard. It allows me to bring my creative ideas to life in an authentic way and to build a brand that truly reflects who I am and what I believe in. Read More>>

Cheyenne Zambrano

The concept behind Oside Jewelry is deeply personal and rooted in nostalgia. Growing up in California, I was surrounded by my mother’s 1970s-era jewelry—pieces full of character, thoughtful craftsmanship, and an attention to detail that left a lasting impression on me. She made and sold her own jewelry when I was young, and we often created pieces together. That early hands-on experience, paired with a metalworking class I took in high school, sparked a lifelong love for the craft and ultimately inspired me to launch Oside Jewelry. Read More>>