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

Cindy Goff | Portrait Photographer

I turn each session into a professional photoshoot with professional hair and makeup. I also encourage my clients to be creative. Even if someone is getting branding images for their business, I ask them to bring outfits that reflect who they are. But the most important detail about my brand is the ability to see people. Many of my clients, especially women over 40, don’t feel seen, and they are reluctant to be photographed. I spend time getting to know who they are and how they want to be seen. Read more>>

Virginia Toliver-lyons | Founder

The most important factor behind Love & Logic Skincare’s success lies in our passion for crafting skin-nourishing products that truly elevate daily routines. As we move into 2025, this commitment deepens with our new line of artisan homemade soaps. Each bar is thoughtfully created using pure, natural ingredients, reflecting our love for handcrafted quality and personalized care. And because we believe in giving our customers exactly what they want, we’ll still offer made-to-order bundles for our popular lotions and scrubs, adding a layer of exclusivity and customization to our range. Read more>>

Shonta Bradley | Founder/CEO

The most important factor behind the success of Because, Butterflies R’ Blue is our commitment to God’s vision and the calling he has over my life as it relates to pouring back into the lives of “at risk” girls in my community. We are authentic and genuine in our responsibility of building strong, independent young girls.
My team and I are deeply invested in our mission and have built a reputation that resonates with our girls because we truly believe in our mission and what it our objectives are. Read more>>

Loretta Barsotti | Content Creator & Lifestyle Influencer

For me, the most important factor to my brand is being genuine & honest to my audience. I started LALAINBOCA by sharing my life with my followers, unscripted and just being me. It was never about getting paid or being a job. I really just like sharing things and helping others with my recommendations and my experiences. Read more>>

Natalie Stuart | Elementary School Teacher

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is authenticity and relatability. As a fifth-grade teacher, I believe that connecting with others through genuine, real-life moments has been key to building trust and engagement. By sharing videos of my classroom activities, creative teaching methods, and the incredible work my students do, I make sure to highlight the joy and challenges that come with teaching. This honest, down-to-earth approach resonates with my audience—whether they are fellow educators, parents, or simply people who enjoy seeing the magic of a classroom in action. Read more>>

Dominatrix Mara | LA Based Content Creator ➻ Performer ➻ Brand Influencer ➻ Published Filmmaker

Quality over Quantity and Integrity. I will never compromise having to release a monthly photo set or a weekly Youtube video for the sake of meeting a deadline. I’ll push Myself to meet My desired schedules, but if I find that it will lessen the overall quality of My work, I won’t do it. Of course, I communicate My status to collaborators and fans, so that they are not left hanging. I prefer to be honest with My audience and since it’s rare to push projects back, everyone’s been incredibly understanding about My busy life. I won’t ever release any work that I am not proud of. Anything released to the public is a portfolio piece whether you consider it so. Read more>>

Daria Beloyvan | Fashion stylist

The rapid development of my career and my development as a stylist was facilitated by collaborating with the Fashion House of Vyacheslav Zaitsev, a fashion star of international renown. The fashion designer noticed me as a bright and promising model at one of the shows, and he learned that I take part in the shows not only as a model but also as a stylist; he invited me to join his Fashion House. He became a mentor for me, and in a short time, I gained the support of the maestro and won his absolute trust. Read more>>