We are so inspired by the businesses in our community because of how many of them are committed to helping to make the world better than it is today. Check out some great businesses below and how they are helping others.

Star Bourgoyne | Artist

As of late I have been in an amazing creative zone! I’ve really been enjoying building my portfolio and experimenting with new elements or new ways of spinning elements I already utilize in my style as an artist. I’ve noticed that my portfolio has gotten a lot more colorful for example. While vivid color has always been a staple in my work, I’ve been VERY mobile the past few months and I’ve just been in awe with the new experiences I’ve been having. I feel like my recent work and how colorful it is, represents how I’ve been feeling and the way I’ve been seeing and enjoying art lately. I’m also very proud of how I’ve been nailing composition lately, and overall how I’ve been flexing my creative eye. The recent evolution of my skill and creativity is something that makes me very proud these days along with my breakthroughs as a creative director. Read more>>

Brian ‘chef Turok’ Menendez | Chef/Owner, Turok’s Cheesecakes

We pride ourselves in giving back as much as possible- even if we don’t always have much ourselves. When I started the business, I was unable to work full-time due to a work-related injury, had eviction threats, and barely had any money to my name. Luckily, the business took off, but I could never forget that feeling of not being able to have my needs covered. So once the opportunity came up to start helping charities to fundraise that help families in need, I immediately went to work. As of now, we have proudly helped various organizations which include: Richstone Family Centers; St. John’s Movable Feast; Project By Project; Altamed; and The Laurel Foundation, to name a few. Read more>>

Arlene Lopez Martinez | CEO of Kidisthenics

My career has been a journey of highs and lows. Although I had a dynamic childhood, detailed in a related SD Voyager article, I believe it prepared me well for the business world. One of my greatest challenges has been learning to run a company without a formal business background, which involved a steep learning curve. A wise person once told me, “With a good lawyer and accountant, you can ease your worries.” Building a strong business team has provided much-needed balance and significantly helped me navigate the technical aspects of entrepreneurship.  Read more>>

Yaila Weddle | Intuitive Teacher & Healer

There are layers to how my business impacts the community and hopefully the world. I’ve come to realize we can’t help the world if we feel lost, broken, or a shell of ourselves. So the first layer of support is at the individual level. Clients come to me when they are ready to clear beliefs and other energies that keep them stuck in various areas of their life. They are able to release physical and emotional memories (trauma) that is stored in their body. Through private or group Heart Radiance and KALI (Kundalini Activation Light Integration) Sessions my clients are able to somatically release this stagnent energy from their body. Read more>>

Justin Hunt | Personal trainer & health and fitness coach

As a personal trainer and health coach my business helps the community and world, by promoting health and wellness. Enhancing mental health, regular physical activity is linked to improved mental health, by reducing aniexty, stress and depression. Building a Community with supportive environment, encouraging social connections and mutual motivation. Education and awareness as well as encouraging an active lifestyle. Preventing Chronic Diseases, By promoting healthier lifestyle it can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, ultimately lowering healthcare costs for the community. Overall, my business contributes significantly to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and fostering a healthier, more vibrant community. Read more>>

Alexia Onyx | Paranormal Dark Romance Author

At the heart of my work is advocacy for disrupting mental health stigma, championing body acceptance, and making space for LGBTQ+ people in romance–all of which are very much interlinked. By centering people like myself who fit into these intersectionalities, other readers who might not usually see themselves as the main character are represented in the stories they love. It’s especially important in a genre like romance, where, in real life, many people who are queer, live in a larger body, or struggle with mental health conditions can face a lot more barriers–both internally and externally–to their own happily ever afters. Feeling seen on such an intimate level can be life-changing for some people; I know it has been for me over the years. Read more>>

Van Ethan Levy | Director of Behavioral Health, Author, Documentary Producer, App developer, Innovator, Activist, Advocate, Educator, CEO, Dually Licensed Psychotherapist, Supervisor, CEPA Provider, Conference Organizer, Cultural Curator

My work is deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice, inclusion, and resilience. As a queer, non binary, trans person of color with dynamic disabilities, I leverage my lived experiences and professional expertise to create transformative change within our communities and beyond. My business endeavors are driven by a passion for advocating for marginalized identities and fostering environments where every individual feels supported and validated. Read more>>