Often we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to learn something new – we can just ask experts in the field who can draw on their experience to enlighten us. Below, we’ve shared insights insiders from various industries have shared with us.

Terry Jasinto | DJ

When it comes to the music business, outsiders think that artists just get discovered quickly and then it’s off to the races. Though that can happen, the reality is it takes a lot of patience, discipline and being open to creating your own luck and opportunities. Read more>>

Alex McGinness | Branding & Web Designer

As a web designer, I think a lot of people don’t realize the level of specialization associated with the field. For example, there are front-end developers which focus on the way a website looks, UX designers that focus on user journeys and back-end developers that focus on server connections and maintaining the functionality of the site. There are also specializations based on what platform you build on. I personally specialize in Squarespace and Shopify, while someone else might build on WordPress and Webflow. Read more>>

Ashley Martinez | Founder, California Public Relations & Advocacy

California Public Relations & Advocacy assists clients in two industries that generally overlap – public relations and public affairs. While there is a distinction between the two – public relations is a strategic communications process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their public(s); public affairs is a process to influence government actions and decisions – success in both fields has a common factor: relationships. Read more>>

Malinda Dalton-Cook | CEO, Founder of Paige’s Pantry a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Our organization provides support for both individuals with developmental disabilities and families experiencing food insecurity in the San Diego, CA area, while also reducing the environmental burden of excessive food waste. Our community has a lack of meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, we strive to have our volunteers learn valuable life and pre-employment skills such as, safe food handling, organization, time management, meaningful interactions with their peers, and a sense of social
inclusion through giving back to those in need in our community. Read more>>

Najwa & Rodney Fox | Owners & Makers

For those unfamiliar with the practice of burning incense, they may be surprised to learn that incense is used in many spaces around the world for meditation and spiritual ceremonies. Using high quality incense ingredients can dramatically improve your experience and is believed to help clear stagnant energy by promoting calm, grounding spaces. As a bonus, incense also works as a subtle insect deterrent! Read more>>

Logan Lee | Pastor/Nonprofit CEO

One major misperception of faith-based organizations in general is that we exist to serve our “members.” In reality, our goal at Ignite LA Church Group is first and foremost to be an asset, a blessing and a point of connection to our city and our community here in West Los Angeles. The Church is fundamentally the only entity in the world that exists to engage those that are outside of our community. That is what makes our mission, vision, and initiatives unique and relevant in any culture or era. Read more>>

Shea Sadulski Vitti | Photographer

What goes into photography. Many people think that I just take pictures and that how good my photos are solely based on my camera. A client once said “that’s really good, we’ll, you have a good camera” when I showed them the photo I had just taken. A lot of planning goes into my sessions. Of course sometimes spur of the moment things happen, but or the most part it’s all pretty planned out, from lighting, posing, wardobe, location ECT. Read more>>

Chris Lynch | Everyday California Co-Founder

When getting into the business of outdoor recreation, many don’t anticipate the challenges of working with the city government. It may seem as simple as buying the equipment and then offering surf lessons, rentals and tours, but there are actually a lot of challenges involved when it comes to permitting and licensing. Given that the La Jolla Ecological Reserve is part of only 2% of the world’s ocean that is protected by State and Federal law, Read more>>