We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Maxine Mcnamara | President, Friends of the Ra,mona Library

The most important factor in Friends of the Ramona Library’s success is recognition and support of the Ramona Community. The Friends of the Ramona Library (FORL) is a nonprofit public benefit Corporation formed in 1985 to support the Ramona Community Library. We support the Ramona Community Library in encouraging literacy, lifelong learning, and the love of reading throughout our diverse community. We raise funds at our bookstore, the Open Book, by arranging special events, membership dues, and by grant writing. We contributed 1.2 million dollars towards equipping a new branch building. Read more>>

Jen Tankel | Co-Founder & CMO

The most important factor behind Pegasus’s success has been our unwavering commitment to putting our customers first while bringing Silicon Valley-level innovation to an industry that’s traditionally been underserved by modern technology. When we founded Pegasus, we didn’t just aim to create software that would work; we set out to build a platform that truly transforms the experience for organizers and competitors alike. Read more>>

Kimberly Schaub | PeasOnMoss podcast founder, research chef, senior food scientist, business development director

I have always been the kid who asks both “how” something works and “why” we do something the way we do. In academics, in my military career, and in restaurants, I always wanted to get an idea of the process and procedures followed, because that enables problem-solving. Read more>>

Brandon Vanegas | Award winning Latino Entrepreneur

Allowing God to direct you in your natural gift and blessing.
Meaning whatever you do the best with the least amount of effort, that is your gift; Jesus Lord provided me that mindset and road opening. If you put God first, everything else comes naturally! Read more>>

Lauren N. | Social Media Content Creator behind Instagram account @whippet_in_vegas

The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been putting myself out there and consistently engaging with others in social media marketing and adjacent industries. Building meaningful connections has been a cornerstone of my brand’s growth. In the marketing world, opportunities don’t always come knocking—you often have to open doors for yourself. I’m a strong believer in the power of initiative, especially when it comes to pursuing business opportunities. Reaching out first has opened countless doors for me and my brand. Read more>>

MaKayla Hartter

Staying true to my brand and myself is something I think about going into every show. I’ve been given a lot of amazing opportunities however some aren’t on brand of what I am trying to accomplish and I’ve had to turn some things down. At first I was taking photos of everything to figure out what stuck and I quickly realized it was concerts. Read more>>

Albert Mattheis

I care about what we’re doing. People have a right to not poison themselves with toxic skincare products and I want them to have a widely accessible alternative. “If you wouldn’t eat something, don’t put it on your skin.” When I started making soap it was originally just for myself, friends, and family. I couldn’t find a single healthy soap on the market that didn’t have harmful ingredients. Read more>>

Araiz Cervantes

In my experience, the most crucial factor behind my success has been the community I’ve built around my work. This network of support, collaboration, and shared vision has not only inspired me but has also provided invaluable feedback and resources. By actively engaging with this community, I’ve been able to refine my ideas, adapt to challenges, and ultimately create something that resonates with a broader audience. It’s a reminder that success is often a collective journey, and I’m grateful for the relationships and connections that have fueled my growth. Read more>>