We’ve highlighted responses from some of the brightest and most talented artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs in the community below.

Errika Blake

my uncle is my hero. he passed away about a year ago but he was the one who gifted me my camera and is the reason im where im at today. he was an amazing photographer and a great cook. Read more>>

Mike Schmid

Probably the largest-looming music hero in my life is Jon Brion. He’s a great songwriter, guitarist, film composer, artist and plays many many instruments well. I kind of thought the options were: be an expert at one thing or a jack of all trades, but he sort of rebutted the “jack of all trades” thing for me, showing that if you put enough time and passion into it, you can do MANY things at an expert level. Read more>>

Mama Jan” Smith Vocal & Music Producer/Coach”

My hero is my 94-year old mother. While many in my industry idolize a particular artist or some business mogul who turns the trends upside down, I look at a humble woman who has seen more life than most people even fathom, and she still wakes up every day of her life thankful to God for just another day. Read more>>

Travon Conyers

Lady Gaga has been a hero to me for a longtime. I grew up watching her career and it has done nothing but inspire me. One lesson I have learned from her is to never give up. When I first heard her music I had no idea how hard she had to work to become so successful. Her influence dawns on me anytime I feel hopeless . I absolutely admire the way she encourages anyone to love themselves. She is so compassionate and is okay with being vulnerable. This has taught me to remain true to myself no matter what it may cost. Read more>>

Antonio Espino

My hero is my father. He’s an incredible man who has shown me the true meaning of hard work, dedication, and love for family. We come from Mexico, and despite the challenges we faced, my father managed to put his three children through American private schools, run a successful business, and still make time for us after school and on weekends. Read more>>

Jasmine Bonilla

My Hero is my mom (Josie Bonifacio). My mom was a single mother of 4 and struggled most of your young lives, but she she had determination, grind and lots of grit. She dabbled in a couple small business ventures while keeping her full time job as an international accountant in San Francisco. Read more>>

Linda Samuels

My Dad, who is no longer here, is my biggest hero. On the most basic level, he taught me to say “Please and thank you,” ride my bike, drive a stick shift, and thumb wrestle. The learning didn’t stop there. He taught me profound things about humor, creativity, confidence, gratitude, love, and family that have defined me. They continue to guide me in all that I do. Read more>>

Sharon Riche

My heros in life are my loving parents who I adored. My dad was a hidden child during the Holocaust. I learned from a very young age it was a miracle my dad survived and our lives were a gift never to be taken for granted. Despite him losing his childhood my dad went on to live a beautiful life of love and meaning and taught me that even in darkness there is always light. Read more>>

Shannon Herren

When I think of who my hero is, it doesn’t come down to just one person. I’ll start with my mom, my first true hero. I grew up in a single-parent home for most of my childhood. She was tough and worked hard to provide for me and my sisters. She taught me the importance of professionalism & good work ethic. My mom also taught me the importance of self-care. We’ve always bonded through beauty rituals which inspired my love for the beauty industry. Read more>>

Raven Gates

Many of the incredible women in my life are my heroes! I would not be the woman I am without them. My great-grandmother was the first in our family to be an entrepreneur by owning three successful dry cleaners in Compton. My grandmother is the best! She was my first best friend. She would cook and bake for every major holiday for the entire family. Read more>>