Category: Entrepreneur

Navigating the Busy Business Startup World of LA

Image credit: Unsplash

Los Angeles is one of the most populated cities in the entire US. The City of Angels is an object of much admiration, adoration, and ambition, inspiring countless people over the centuries to dream big and attempt to turn their dreams into reality. Because of this, the city has become a thriving business destination, especially for newcomers. According to a recent report, in addition to having one of the largest populations of any American city, LA is also now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the US. Trailing only San Francisco and New York City, LA has become home to several global startup incubators and accelerators, including Amplify Partners and StartEngine.

With so many people making the migration to LA every year, attempting to achieve their goals, you must plan ahead if you hope to be one of the lucky ones who truly make it. In order to take full advantage of what LA has to offer, however, it’s important to future-proof your business. Because of the sheer popularity of the city, LA is home to a dense concentration of entrepreneurs and investors, which means there’s a lot of competition. If you’re hoping to cut through such an oversaturated market with a new business venture, it will undoubtedly be an uphill battle, but it’s one that you can overcome. You should plan accordingly and continually evolve in terms of technology, services, and marketing strategies to maintain an edge.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Los Angeles also has a highly diverse and trend-sensitive population, and consumer preferences often shift rapidly. Whether due to social media trends, new entertainment offerings, or simply cultural changes, LA businesses need to stay in tune with these fluctuations. To do so, they must focus on long-term market research and future-proof their operations.

If you’re an entrepreneur entering the competitive LA market, the above are just two examples of how you can be future-proof, but there are many more. Here are some of the most crucial ways you should be future-proofing your new company, ensuring you reap all the rewards of LA’s startup ecosystem and none of the inevitable cons.

Start With Insurance

One of the most important things you need to have in place is insurance. In a city like Los Angeles, where natural disasters and legal disputes are significant risks, having comprehensive insurance can ensure your business is financially protected, regardless of what challenges arise. You need to look no further than the tragic recent fires that have plagued the city and its surrounding areas for proof of how incredibly important it is to have proper insurance in the event of the unthinkable happening.

If you operate from a physical location, look into property insurance quotes. In addition, make sure you have general liability, cybersecurity insurance, and product liability insurance to protect against employee or customer accidents, faulty or lost products, and any financial loss accrued through a cyberattack.

Invest in Sustainable Practices

Investing in sustainable and eco-friendly practices is another effective way to future-proof your business in LA. Environmental consciousness is a growing trend, especially in California, and consumers are increasingly drawn to businesses that prioritize green living. Because of this, ensuring that your business utilizes eco-friendly and sustainable practices will not only benefit it in the long term but also earn you a larger portion of California’s ardent and avid customer base.

Whether that means using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, or switching to energy-efficient processes, the important thing is that you adopt sustainable practices and are transparent about them. This ensures your customers know exactly how you’re helping the cause and positions you as a leader in the eco-friendly space.

Build an Online Presence that Lasts

As a result of LA’s diversity, the digital marketplace is ever-growing, with many people from various backgrounds to market to. If you want to continue to be successful in your marketing strategies over the coming years, you must ensure your business is future-proof by investing in a strong online presence. This includes optimizing your website for mobile users, utilizing the most popular social media platforms, and exploring all e-commerce channels available. An effective digital strategy will not only increase visibility but also position your business to reach these wider, more diverse audiences that LA is known for.

Utilize LA’s Hub

Lastly, Los Angeles is a hub for a wide range of talent, and this means the job market is heavily competitive. To get potential employees interested and retain loyal employees to boost your reputation, it is crucial that you create an inclusive and flexible work environment. Offering remote work opportunities or employee benefits like wellness programs can make the difference when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. By doing so, you’re not only boosting that reputation, but you’re building a resilient workforce that knows LA and can adapt to its changing market conditions, working to navigate any future challenges.

January 29, 2025
Ideal Living Donates Air Purifiers to Those Affected By Wildfire

Image credit: Unsplash

Amid the worst fires in Los Angeles history, AirDoctor donated over 500 commercial air purifiers to needy families. The parent company of AirDoctor, Ideal Living, donated air purifiers worth over $325,000 to those affected by the wildfires that have ravaged communities in the Los Angeles Area.

Helping Those in the Affected Area

The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area are the most disastrous in Los Angeles history. Though many communities within the city’s vast area have been affected, Palisades and Altadena were nearly completely destroyed. At least 25 people have died in the fires, with that number expected to grow. Over 35,000 acres have burned, 10,000 structures have been destroyed, and at least 180,000 residents were evacuated from their homes.

“Ideal Living, the parent company of AirDoctor and AquaTru, is heartbroken by the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. As an LA-based health and wellness company, we are committed to supporting our community during this unprecedented crisis. We are proud to announce our donation of more than $325,000 worth of AirDoctor air purifiers to support people affected by wildfires in Los Angeles, reaffirming our mission to provide clean, safe air for all–especially in times of need,” a press release from the company says.

Ideal Living is a company that “believes in providing everyone access to pure water, clean air, and a solid foundation for wellness.” The company focuses on wellness solutions and develops products that support its mission. It offers advanced water and air purification systems suitable for all environments, from home to work.

Air Quality and Harmful Pollutants

Due to the wildfires, the air quality in Los Angeles is filled with harmful pollutants. Not only has vegetation and structures burned, but everything in the path of the fire, from cars to outdoor decor, releases toxic particles and gases. These pollutants penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks.

Dr Daniel Croft, a pulmonologist and researcher at the University of Rochester, noted, “Wildfire smoke is one of the most complex aerosol exposures that exists. The particles such as PM 2.5, and gasses such as NO2 have well-established risks to respiratory disease like COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] and asthma and cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.”

The AirDoctor air purifiers have advanced HEPA filtration technology. They capture the harmful pollutants from wildfire smoke to improve indoor air quality. These include Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), which are fine particles released from wildfires, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that are a component of smog and can increase the risk of cancer.

Offering a Helping Hand

Having personally witnessed the devastation of the Eaton Fire in “real-time,” the Ideal Living team worked together to create a donation event to aid families despite many of them facing evacuation orders. They spent time identifying and preparing to help those affected by the Eaton Fire.

Ideal Living and Pedal Spin Studio, another local business, partnered to make the event successful. Employees loaded and unloaded trucks and worked “tirelessly” to deliver air purifiers to those who needed them. Ideal Living and its employees showed their commitment to providing meaningful support to those in crisis by helping improve the quality of the air people breathe.

Peter Spiegel, founder and co-CEO of Ideal Living, said, “Having lived in Los Angeles since 1985, I care deeply about our city which has contributed so much to the happiness, fulfillment, and wonderful memories in my life. I am deeply troubled by the destruction of entire communities and the trauma and hardship this has brought to so many. I am glad that our company, Ideal Living, has been able to make a contribution to reducing the stress of some of our struggling neighbors and I am very proud of the Ideal Living team who volunteered their time to make this happen.”

January 18, 2025
Faraday Future to Deliver FF 91 2.0 to Luke Hans in January

Image credit: Pexels

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIE), a California-based global leader in intelligent electric mobility, will deliver its FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance to prominent entrepreneur and community leader Luke Hans next month. The delivery ceremony will take place in Los Angeles in January 2025, and Hans will join Faraday Future executives to celebrate this milestone.

This event marks the first delivery of an FF 91 2.0 in 2025, further advancing Faraday Future’s vision of transforming the electric vehicle (EV) market via cutting-edge technology and luxury design.

A Dynamic Partnership with Luke Hans

Luke Hans, Faraday Future’s newly signed Developer Co-Creation Officer, will play a pivotal role in the company’s growth. Hans is a successful serial entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, car rentals, oil, pharmaceuticals, and film production. He brings significant expertise and influence across China, Canada, and the United States.

Known for his ability to bridge international markets, Hans is a leader in the Los Angeles Chinese community. Experts expect his partnership with Faraday Future to bolster the company’s outreach efforts. Hans will use his extensive network to support the company’s business development, product sales, and collaborative innovation initiatives.

“Luke Hans exemplifies the kind of innovative and forward-thinking leadership we value at Faraday Future,” the company said in a statement. “His involvement will amplify our mission and connect us with key markets.”

About the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance

The FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance represents Faraday Future’s commitment to redefining the luxury EV market. Positioned in the “Ultimate AI TechLuxury” segment, the FF 91 2.0 offers a seamless blend of advanced technology and high-end design. As a result, it has disrupted the traditional luxury automotive space dominated by brands such as Ferrari and Maybach.

Faraday Future highlights the FF 91 2.0’s AI-driven features as a game-changer in the ultra-luxury car segment. Its proprietary technology elevates the user experience by integrating intelligent systems that prioritize personalization and convenience. Thanks to its spacious design, cutting-edge software, and inventive hardware, the vehicle embodies the future of intelligent electric mobility.

Expanding the Vision of Intelligent Mobility

Faraday Future is more than an EV manufacturer. It is a software-driven company aiming to revolutionize transportation through a shared intelligent mobility ecosystem. The company envisions a future where users benefit from AI-driven technologies that meet—and anticipate—their needs.

“Our mission goes beyond building electric vehicles,” the company states. “We aim to deliver a mobility ecosystem that seamlessly integrates with users’ lives, driven by intelligence and collaboration.”

Strategic Growth with Developer Co-Creation Officers

The Developer Co-Creation Officer program is paramount to Faraday Future’s growth strategy. By partnering with influential leaders like Hans, the company taps into networks that drive product innovation and market expansion. The goal of these partnerships? To create a stronger connection between Faraday Future’s advanced technologies and the communities it serves.

Experts expect Hans’s role to deepen engagement with influential groups—particularly in and around the Los Angeles area. His leadership is a bridge to key international markets, thereby enhancing Faraday Future’s reach and influence.

A Look Ahead to the Future of the EV Market

As Faraday Future advances its vision for the EV market, the delivery of the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance to Luke Hans signifies a critical step in the company’s journey. The collaboration underscores the company’s dedication to fostering innovation and connecting with communities on a global scale.

Faraday Future looks forward to celebrating this milestone in January 2025. It will mark another chapter in the company’s mission to redefine the electric vehicle landscape.

January 6, 2025
Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Whiskey CEO, Has the Key to a $1 Billion Startup

Image credit: Unsplash

The business sector is booming as more and more small companies emerge around the United States (US). As trends continue to come and go nationwide, an increasing number of Americans strive to run a business of their own but lack a clear direction on how to get started. Fortunately, 48-year-old CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Fawn Weaver, discusses her secrets to the success of securing and running a $1 billion startup. “I hire the best, and I get out of their way,” she nonchalantly explains.

Meet Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Whiskey

Many business owners and bosses like to hover over their workers, often conspicuously eavesdropping to ensure that all tasks and responsibilities are carried out properly. However, Fawn Weaver is not one of those figureheads. At 48 years old, Weaver became a self-established millionaire after founding Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in 2016.

The bright and bold business runner spearheads her company in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Over the last few years, the startup has become the fastest-developing American whiskey brand in US history. According to the International Wine and Spirits Record and Forbes, Uncle Nearest has already achieved a $1.1 billion valuation as of May 2024.

Weaver isn’t just an exceptional entrepreneur; she’s also a New York Times best-selling author. As a writer, she expectedly cultivates a passion for storytelling, with the niche belief that the tale behind American whiskey’s commencement is an especially magnetic genre.

With all her successes, Weaver states that her business’s growth didn’t come with micromanaging. “I have two things that everyone in the company knows,” she declared. The first thing is called HBU, or “highest and best use of time. So, if it is not my highest and best use of time, it usually will not bubble up to me.” The second thing she shared was in the form of a policy. “If someone else can do it, then someone else should do it.”

Keeping these two simple components in mind, Weaver runs her business to the top of the whiskey pyramid.

Uncle Nearest: A Brief History

If you’re familiar with Jack Daniel’s, you have Nathan Green, nicknamed “Nearest,” to thank. Born around 1820, Green worked as an enslaved Black man on a Tennessee farm. He passed on his expertise to Jack Daniel in the 1850s, using his West African charcoal filtering technique to make whiskey.

After the Civil War, Green became the first master distiller at the Jack Daniel Distillery. Unfortunately, his whiskey-brewing innovations went widely unnoticed until Fawn Weaver founded the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand in 2016.

Today, Uncle Nearest’s whiskey-making method remains a staple in Lincoln County Process of Tennessee, using sugar maple charcoal to filter the bourbon.

How Weaver Wins in the Whiskey Industry

Understandably, Weaver spends more time remaining busy with high-level company duties instead of physically supervising her employees several times throughout the day. She finds no need to tyrannize workers’ completion of daily assignments.

“Micromanaging does not work,” she plainly said. “I have built this entire company on ‘intrapreneurs.’” This terminology allows employees to “own their jobs” and job descriptions, leaving Weaver out of their way to do what they do best.

Why Fawn Weaver Is Right About Micromanagement

73% of employees find micromanagement a serious red flag in businesses, both big and small. According to a job platform survey conducted in August 2023, many workers say that micromanaging contributes to sentiments of anxiety and negativity. 46% stated that they ultimately left their occupation due to constant micromanagement.

Unfortunately, some businesses will still have micromanaging bosses who can’t break the habit. For employees dealing with extremely controlling managers, it could help to over-communicate. If you anticipate your boss’s questions and concerns before they raise them independently, you may save yourself the headache as the day, week, or even month progresses.

Fawn Weaver realized this sooner rather than later, leading to the fastest-growing whiskey business nationwide.

Fawn Weaver Makes Worthy Whiskey with Uncle Nearest

The Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey business currently bustles beneath the leadership of a 48-year-old Black woman. Looking ahead, Weaver also reflects on the hardships that outline her achievements. She notes that running the whiskey brand is akin to “slaying dragons.” However, she believes the key to being a great boss lies in staying in the lane made just for you.

As Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey grows, Fawn Weaver makes sure everyone knows who Nathan “Nearest” Green is, immortalizing his whiskey-distilling legacy for future generations.

December 25, 2024
Medicare Beneficiaries Try eHealth’s LiveAdvise Service to Select Coverage

Image credit: Unsplash

This past spring, many senior citizens in a focus group explained how difficult it can be to trust anonymous algorithms when these tools are used to aid their physical health and financial well-being. Whether they’re discussing their plans with a licensed agent over the phone or communicating via online chat services, seniors often struggle to calm their concerns about being misled.

Launching LiveAdvise

This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period experienced a trust deficit among senior citizens. In hopes of effectively addressing this issue, eHealth, a health insurance and Medicare coverage company, launched its latest service—LiveAdvise. This novel option will allow beneficiaries to consult with a live agent in a face-to-face video call online while analyzing and assessing their coverage choices together.

LiveAdvise is a new eHealth feature that enables Medicare beneficiaries to communicate with a licensed agent via video to navigate the process of shopping for enrollment. The service, previously dubbed “Advisor in the Room,” aims to cultivate confidence and trust among seniors as they maneuver the plan selection process. Seniors can better relate to their selected live agent, easing their worries as they make enrollment decisions by using a video call tool. Beneficiaries have shared that being able to see a live agent reduced the stress of choosing coverage plans.

Although video calls aren’t a novel invention, creating a tool to specifically serve the Medicare population presents unique considerations and obstacles. eHealth noticed that no other entities within the healthcare coverage industry have efficiently tackled these complications.

Helping Seniors Leverage Today’s Technology

LiveAdvise was designed to meet beneficiaries where they are in today’s tech. While many may speak in lighthearted jest about the aging generation’s ability to “stay in the know,” it’s much harder in the present to find seniors lagging behind the digital curve. Americans over 50 are as likely to own and use a mobile phone as younger adults. Moreover, eHealth reported that nearly 50% of Medicare beneficiaries will now spend three or more hours online daily.

The overarching problem is not due to a lack of comfort with society’s technological advancements. In fact, eHealth’s Medicare clients consistently leverage the company’s online tools and resources when searching for available plans in their area, identifying plans that offer care from their preferred doctors, and covering prescription drugs at the lowest costs. Despite many beneficiaries proficiently utilizing these online tools, many still require supplemental guidance and advice when making decisions.

After gathering research about the positive effects of working face-to-face with a licensed agent, eHealth identified higher levels of coverage satisfaction for Medicare beneficiaries.

Uniting In-Person and Online Communications

While the concepts of “online” and “in-person” seem to be at odds, eHealth approaches things differently. The Medicare coverage company believes in utilizing technology to support and cultivate meaningful relationships with its customers. Since its founding in 1997, eHealth has aimed to narrow the gap between the in-person and online enrollment shopping experiences.

The company began by providing access to licensed agents via phone, offering personal assistance and advice to Medicare customers. Later, eHealth pioneered live agent chats across various platforms, with optional collaborative browsing to allow employees and customers to leverage screen-sharing features as they reviewed the plan selection and enrollment process together. While these services helped long-term, Medicare beneficiaries still desired additional aid from eHealth’s offerings.

Seniors Can Cultivate Real Relationships with LiveAdvise

LiveAdvise would ultimately become the answer to eHealth’s problem. By providing Medicare beneficiaries with the option to navigate the enrollment and shopping process face-to-face with an agent, the coverage company garnered trust and reassurance in selecting a plan.

Upon testing the LiveAdvise feature last spring, eHealth received positive feedback from its Medicare beneficiaries. Many customers told the company, “Seeing the licensed agent and being able to relate on a personal level makes a real difference.”

These sentiments are exactly why eHealth prioritizes using technology to serve its beneficiaries. As this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period closes, eHealth maintains its goal of easing the coverage selection process for seniors with LiveAdvise in the future.

December 18, 2024
SeaCliff Dental: Where Excellence Meets Compassionate Care

Image credit: Unsplash

Dr. Jason Cellars’ journey into dentistry was fueled by a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives through meticulous, compassionate care. From the beginning, his mission has been clear: to create a dental practice that not only provides top-notch clinical care but also fosters a welcoming, supportive environment for every patient. At SeaCliff Dental, this vision has become a reality. The practice has quickly become synonymous with excellence, offering a comprehensive range of services that cater to the diverse needs of patients. “Whatever you need, this is the first place to go,” says Dr. Cellars, confident in the practice’s ability to address all dental concerns, from routine checkups to specialized treatments.

One of the hallmarks of SeaCliff Dental is its unwavering commitment to patient comfort, particularly for those who experience dental anxiety. Dr. Cellars and his team go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment where patients feel at ease. “We offer headphones, TV, blankets, pillows, nitrous sedation—things like that,” he explains, highlighting the importance of a personalized approach to care. “Putting the patient’s comfort first and taking as much time as needed with each patient is what makes the biggest difference.” This focus on comfort and individualized care has made SeaCliff Dental a trusted name in the community, particularly among patients who have previously struggled with fear or discomfort during dental visits.

The practice’s approach to patient care is rooted in a deep understanding of the fears and anxieties that many people associate with dental visits. Dr. Cellars believes that by creating a comfortable and reassuring environment, patients are more likely to have positive experiences that encourage them to maintain their oral health. “We always try to find ways to go out of our way to make an experience better,” he says, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in his approach to patient care. This philosophy not only helps to alleviate patient anxiety but also fosters long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

The practice’s dedication to patient well-being extends beyond the clinic walls. Dr. Cellars is deeply involved in promoting oral health awareness through the Smile Foundation, a charity he founded to provide education and comprehensive dental care to those in need. “We currently host two to three fundraisers a year,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community and helping those facing difficult circumstances. Through these initiatives, SeaCliff Dental not only improves the oral health of its patients but also makes a positive impact on the broader community. The Smile Foundation works tirelessly to ensure that even those without access to regular dental care can receive the treatments they need to maintain a healthy smile.

For Dr. Cellars, dentistry is not just a profession—it’s a calling. His dedication to his craft is matched only by his commitment to his patients and community. “I aspire to be remembered as someone who was the best at their craft, yet remained humble, helpful, and committed to supporting and elevating those around me,” he reflects. This commitment to excellence and compassion is what makes SeaCliff Dental a trusted name in the community. Dr. Cellars’ vision for the future of SeaCliff Dental is not only about advancing in cosmetic dentistry but also about continuing to provide the highest level of care to every patient, regardless of their needs or circumstances.

Through his work at SeaCliff Dental and his involvement in the Smile Foundation, Dr. Jason Cellars demonstrates that excellence in dentistry is not just about technical skill, but also about the care, empathy, and dedication that drive him to make a positive impact on his patients’ lives. His work is a testament to the belief that true success in healthcare comes from a blend of expertise and genuine compassion, a combination that has made SeaCliff Dental a beacon of hope and healing in the community.

Written in partnership with Tom White.

October 16, 2024
California’s Small Business Regulations Hurt Skid Row Community Efforts

Image credit: Unsplash

Our City and State’s Most Vulnerable Communities and Small Businesses are Being Hurt by a Lack of Sensible, Balanced Regulations – Our Elected Leaders Need to Do More to Fix the Problem

I know what it means to be saddled with endless and redundant laws and regulations that can only hurt the most vulnerable. Recently, my organization, Creating Justice LA, decided to purchase the Skid Row People’s Market to expand our reach into the food systems in the Skid Row community. The Market serves as a reliable place for healthy, affordable food options and community in an area with no grocery stores where many are food insecure. The Market keeps jobs in the community, creating a holistic approach to health and healing. As the new owners of this LA institution, we are working hard to effectively serve the surrounding community–but may not be able to get it done due to burdensome regulations that are not designed to help those that need it the most. To help our community, we need to take hold of our future. At Creating Justice LA, that has meant cooperating with community leaders and finding sensible solutions to the difficult challenges of our time.

The Market will allow us to better serve Skid Row, but California’s small business regulations have made it a challenge to stay afloat while meeting the needs of our community. When it comes to support, the State Legislature and the Governor seem to be focused on massive companies that do not represent the state’s working population.

I am proud to lead the Creating Justice Peace and Healing Center, a community-led space on Los Angeles’ Skid Row where service, acceptance and inclusion are our core values. The center focuses on ensuring that members of our community have strong advocates for what is sensible and right when it comes to issues of the environment, economic injustice, and social healing.

Our member-led co-ops thrive because we work collaboratively with local agencies and community activists. In our own way, we have created powerful methods to help our community, which has included finding compromises with local leaders to help those in need. We believe that the focus we put on making sensible, thoughtful decisions that benefit our community will help to provide equal opportunity and economic justice to all Californians. Two examples of this are The Hip Hop Smoothie Shop and Skid Row Coffee, which we created to serve as employment and entrepreneurship incubators that also provide residents with affordable, nutritious food and drink options in a community where those options are both hard to find and much needed.

Larger companies with more ample resources are better positioned to either absorb the impact of policies that raise costs or even change the rules on a dime. If they can’t, they simply move operations outside the state. While there is a need for regulations to protect employees, consumers, and the environment, they must be well thought-out, reasonable, and helpful to small businesses rather than hurtful.

For example, the Los Angeles City Council is eyeing a potential ban of plastic water bottles which could exacerbate existing water quality and safety issues in the city. Working on Skid Row, I can tell you that plastic water bottles are a safe, accessible, consistent source of water that is essential for serving the unhoused. A ban like this could make clean water much more expensive and much less accessible for the thousands of folks that we serve.

At the state level, SB 54, or the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, aims to reduce California’s annual waste by requiring that all single-use packaging must be recyclable or compostable by 2032. Nearly every business in California is likely to be impacted directly or indirectly by SB 54. Whether the impact on small businesses is negative or positive will depend on how it’s implemented—meaning that state and local policymakers have an opportunity and responsibility to work in community with small business owners to be sure they achieve SB 54’s environmental objectives without harming the small business environment or the communities that rely on them.

Business regulations in California are well-intentioned but misguided, and they have drastic consequences for small businesses and their surrounding communities. California’s small businesses need smart, balanced policy solutions to continue as forces of economic and social development.

Pastor Stephen “Cue” Jn-Marie is a prominent community and faith leader in Los Angeles. Cue is the Pastor and founder of The Row LA – “The Church Without Walls” founded in 2006, in Downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row community. Pastor Cue is also a faith-rooted organizer with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), since 2015 and is co-lead organizer of the Black Jewish Justice Alliance (BJJA) as well as Co-convener of the Black and Brown Clergy and Community coalition. He has been featured in several publications, including the Los Angeles Times, PBS SoCal, Downtown Los Angeles Weekly, and ABC7.

Written in partnership with Pastor Stephen “Cue” Jn-Marie.

September 27, 2024
Felix Huettenbach: The 30-Day Journey to Becoming a Pilot

Image credit: Unsplash

Felix Huettenbach is accustomed to facing difficulties. Felix has continuously challenged himself to discover new opportunities, from starting profitable businesses to changing the world as a philanthropist.

His most recent project? Obtaining a pilot’s license. Felix provides an intimate glimpse into his preparation in his most recent YouTube video. He will accomplish this challenging objective by chronicling the 30-day trip leading up to his pilot’s exam.

Learning to Fly: The 30-Day Countdown

More than merely picking up a new ability, Felix views learning to fly as accepting a challenge that will push him beyond his comfort zone. He begins rigorous training immediately, with just 30 days remaining until his pilot’s test. In his video, he navigates the complexities of flying, learning how to use airplane controls and comprehend aviation laws.

Felix discusses the highs and lows of his training throughout the film. Sometimes, the difficulty of the work seems too much to handle, and doubt sets in. On the other hand, he works diligently to hone his abilities and gain the confidence to pass his test, demonstrating his dedication to the process.

Balancing Life and Flight Training

Balance is one of Felix’s journey’s main concepts. He shows that even the busiest schedules can accept new challenges by making time for flying instruction despite his hectic existence as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Felix’s worldview is based on his commitment to self-improvement, which allows him to push limits while staying focused on his larger objectives.

Felix’s journey aims to inspire others and foster personal development. By sharing his experiences, he encourages people to pursue their big dreams, no matter how difficult they may appear. He has gone from being broke and living off an intern visa to starting four businesses. Felix highlights that although hard work and devotion can yield excellent results, success is rarely a straight line.

The Broader Impact: Inspiration Beyond the Cockpit

Felix wants to become a certified pilot shortly, but his path will influence him outside the air. His film serves as a helpful reminder that accepting new difficulties may be a significant catalyst for inspiration and personal development. Felix’s philosophy of life, which views every new ability or accomplishment as a chance to grow and motivate others, strikes a deep chord with his audience.

Felix is dedicated to sharing his journey because he thinks learning lessons along the road is as essential to success as arriving at the objective. Felix has the same attitude toward every task, whether learning to fly or launching a new business: a commitment to development, education, and having a good influence.

Toward the Future: The Last Countdown

Felix is still goal-oriented despite the little time remaining until his pilot’s exam. His journey’s penultimate leg is occupied with last-minute planning, honing his abilities, and ensuring he’s prepared for the task. Felix’s journey is already a success in and of itself, regardless of the conclusion, an encouraging tale of tenacity, development, and the quest for new challenges.

Written in partnership with Shannon Sparks.

August 26, 2024
From Hollywood Glitz to a Backyard Shed: A Fast-Track Career

Image credit: Unsplash

Hair stylist Sallie Ciganovich once lived the Hollywood dream. It has since turned into a nightmare. She has over two decades of experience and her resume includes styling the hair of actors on “Star Wars,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Ahsoka.” Her work even earned her four Primetime Emmy nominations. Today, instead of working on big productions, Sallie is cutting and coloring hair in a small shed by her pool just to make ends meet.

The eight-by-ten-foot space, affectionately referred to as “the shack in the back,” wasn’t intended to be a source of income. Instead, it was supposed to be a place where her friends would come over and she could give them haircuts. However, with her bank account dwindling and work in Hollywood drying up, the shack has become a financial lifeline for her family.

Paying her Dues

Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, Sallie found her passion for hairdressing at an early age. After beauty school, she worked as a colorist in Chicago, where she got her first taste of the entertainment world by doing makeovers for Jenny Jones at NBC. However, driven by ambition and a desire to chase bigger dreams, she moved to Los Angeles to make her mark.

Like many with large dreams but small connections, her early days in Hollywood were tough. Sallie finally got her break working on the film “Wonderland,” which helped her join the IATSE hair and makeup union. Work was slow at first, but eventually, she landed jobs on shows like “Monk” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” where she stayed for 12 seasons. Sallie remembers the show with great fondness, recalling the creativity, quick changes, and family atmosphere.

Over the years, as Sallie’s reputation grew, so did her career. She worked on shows like “Glee,” “Bones,” and “The Orville.” Most notably, her work on “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka” earned her more Emmy nominations. But despite her success, the last few years have been the hardest of her career.

COVID Hits and Packs a Wallup

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent 2023 strikes brought Hollywood to a standstill, curtailing Sallie’s work like never before. Productions shut down, and opportunities for veteran workers dried up. What’s more, there was a production exodus from Los Angeles to Great Britain, Ireland, New Mexico, and Atlanta.

Producers who she once depended on for work retired or left the industry and Sallie was forced to rebuild her network from scratch. Confronted with starting over, her savings depleted, and her health care insurance in jeopardy, Sallie used the “shack in the back” to generate extra income.

Do or Die

With financial pressures mounting, by the summer of 2023, Sallie started taking in clients in her backyard shed, charging $60 for a men’s haircut and $100 for an all-over color. Most of her clients are friends or former colleagues from the industry. However, even with the extra income, it has been tough for her to make ends meet.

What’s next? Sallie is currently considering more drastic measures to secure her future. One option may be relocating to Kentucky, where her mother mentioned that 32 movies have recently been greenlit. Another potential idea is transforming an old church near her family’s farm in Indiana into a day spa. She is researching this opportunity through an online business course. Whether either of these choices comes to fruition, at the end of the day would require that Sallie relinquish the dream and career which took her decades to build.

The Only Certainty is Uncertainty

Sallie’s story is a wake-up call for how much the entertainment industry has changed. The future is uncertain. Careers that once seemed secure are now in jeopardy. Sallie is in limbo, questioning what comes next and whether her passion for Hollywood and her career can see her through these difficult times.

August 23, 2024
L.A. Small Business Owner Receives $10,000 Grant from Verizon and Rams

Image credit: Unsplash

In a remarkable display of community support and collaboration, Lupe Tlatenchi, owner of Los Angeles small business GTLA Apparel, experienced an unexpected moment of generosity. The Los Angeles Rams, a professional American football team, in partnership with telecommunications giant Verizon, organized a networking event and panel discussion with a surprise for Tlatenchi. The event was aimed at enlightening representatives from over 35 Certified #RamsHouses on the advantages of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the abundant resources that are available to bolster their enterprises.

Amidst the gathering, Lupe Tlatenchi was met with a delightful shock. She was granted an impressive $10,000 to fuel her small business, courtesy of the Verizon Digital Ready program. This grant stands as a reflection of her commitment to advancing sustainability and equity within the fabric of Los Angeles manufacturing through her innovative apparel brand. It is a significant step to bring a sustainable change in the fashion industry.

Justin Watson, a Super Bowl XXXIV Champion with the Rams and an accomplished entrepreneur, was present at the event. He lent his expertise to moderate a panel discussion and Q&A session. Here, Tlatenchi, alongside representatives from other local Certified #RamsHouse small businesses, shared insights and experiences of their entrepreneurial journey. Shanita Nicholas, co-owner of Sip & Sonder, and Gustavo Chavez, proprietor of Carnitas El Artista, also offered valuable perspectives at the event. Their voices served to highlight the transformative impact of Verizon’s Digital Ready program on their respective ventures.

Daniel Butler, senior manager of Verizon’s corporate social responsibility strategy, emphasized the significance of empowering small businesses, particularly those lacking in advantages and opportunities. Expressing his happiness about the partnership between Verizon and the Rams, Butler’s words at the event reflected a shared commitment to reaching and supporting one million small businesses by 2030.

For Tlatenchi, the journey toward sustainable and ethical business practices began in 2017 when she established her fashion factory. She recounted feeling isolated initially until she joined Verizon’s program. According to her, the program provided her with a supportive network of like-minded individuals and invaluable resources to grow her venture.

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has emerged as a guiding light for small businesses navigating the digital landscape. This program offers a comprehensive suite of online courses, mentorship opportunities, peer networking, and expert coaching to help local businesses thrive. Notably, engaged users who complete at least two courses on the platform become eligible to apply for the coveted $10,000 grant. The grant provides a lifeline for selected small businesses annually.

Simultaneously, the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse program, launched in 2020, has galvanized support for local businesses across the Los Angeles region. With a focus on Season Ticket Member businesses, enterprises in Inglewood, and Black-owned and Latino-owned establishments citywide, the program has transformed into an initiative for fostering a sense of community pride and solidarity. Since its inception, over 75 local businesses and 40 small enterprises in Inglewood have benefited from the program’s unwavering support.

As the small business landscape in Los Angeles continues to evolve, initiatives like the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and the Rams’ Certified #RamsHouse programs are becoming small businesses’ fuel for growth. This empowers them to thrive amidst challenges and build a roadmap to sustainable prosperity.

February 13, 2024
Mansion Bonus: Bag a Bentley When You Buy a Hollywood Estate in LA’s New Mansion Tax Era

Image credit: Unsplash

Luxury homes in Los Angeles are up for grabs, with mansion owners getting extremely creative with their sales tactics. Picture this: a majestic manor plus a gratis luxury vehicle to cruise the glitzy boulevards.

As the clock ticks toward the enactment of Measure ULA on April Fools’ Day, purveyors of LA’s swankiest dwellings scramble to entice buyers with irresistible markdowns and closing boons. Dubbed the “mansion tax,” the measure aims to bankroll affordable housing by imposing heftier levies on home sales exceeding $5 million. Property sales exceeding $5 million and homes over $10 million will attract a 4% transfer tax and a 5.5% tax, respectively.

Los Angeles City’s homeless situation has recently worsened, with people building tents in parks, sidewalks, and under freeways. Following a rigorous campaign by housing advocates and labor unions to get Measure ULA on the ballot, it was approved with 57% of the vote in November 2022. The tax’s backers previously projected that it could raise $1.1 billion for affordable housing projects, but last week, the city reduced that forecast to $672 million.

Desperate to beat the taxman’s deadline, real estate impresarios are devising all manner of inventive inducements. In one instance, an exquisite Bentley dangles like a shimmering carrot to beguile potential buyers. Since the seller must pay the tax, individuals with houses on the market use all possible measures to encourage quick closing.

Josh Altman, celebrity realtor and CEO of Altman Brothers Real Estate, explains that these extravagant enticements are, in fact, prudent cost-saving maneuvers once the ULA tax kicks in, offloading these lavish residences will prove even costlier than dispensing decadent perks. “We gave out a one million dollar perk to every realtor who brought a buyer to our properties if we closed the deal by April 1,” he said.

The ULA supporters perceive that the money collected from the levy would fund affordable housing initiatives and lower the city’s homeless population. The money will also help low-income seniors and increase housing affordability.

However, many top brokers and realtors oppose the new regulation and believe there may be more effective ways to fund low-income housing efforts. They claimed the tax is ill-advised and has caused a sudden sell-off among the city’s wealthiest homeowners. According to them, there are many available funding programs and more options to get the money than taxing individuals. “Are the programs operating properly? Are they being managed most effectively?” one of the agents asked.

Another argument against the tax from the opponents is that since it will be applied to all real estate transfers, including those of commercial and multifamily properties, it might have the unpremeditated consequence of encouraging developers to build homes outside the city limits. “The housing market is in trouble. And we’re discouraging housing developers from building. Therefore, it makes no sense to me at all,” added Mr. McKillen, a luxury agency broker.

LA’s quest for supplementary tax revenue to combat homelessness is not new. In 2016, the city greenlit a $1.2 billion bond proposal, “Proposition HHH,” earmarked for constructing thousands of affordable housing units. Regrettably, progress has been sluggish. Merely a third of the projected 12,000 units have materialized, while construction costs have skyrocketed. A 2022 audit revealed some units’ expenses surpassing a staggering $800,000.

Since Proposition HHH’s approval, LA’s homeless population has swelled by a disheartening 45%. As the mansion tax looms, it remains to be seen whether this novel strategy will succeed in its mission to alleviate homelessness or become another well-intentioned but ultimately faltering effort in the City of Angels.

September 12, 2023