Cindy Nagamura Chen is the creative force behind BRAMS Beer. Inspired by a chance encounter with a French pilsner, Cindy and her partner Carl embarked on a brewing journey that would soon become their passion.
Lawrence Suarez, a proud native of Los Angeles and first-generation Filipino, has deep roots in California, with cherished memories of growing up in its diverse landscape. Fond of the tradition of dining in Alhambra for dim sum, he embraces the rich cultural tapestry of his community.
Robert Calixto has been a fixture in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) since 1986, where he discovered his passion for entrepreneurship and community building. In 2000, he founded Sunflowers Real Estate and Mortgage, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Over the next decade, he ventured into various industries, including construction with XLS Construction in 2016 and culinary arts with Taste of Manila Restaurant in 2004.
Rocke Sanchez is the creator & owner of SHÄDÖW Sun Covers and a DJ Tech for major music festivals across the US.
Vanessa has settled into her newfound home in Pasadena alongside her husband and business partner, Thomas Kalb, and their beloved pets. Together, the Tilaka Kalbs helm the independent venture Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Old Town Pasadena, serving classic American regional dishes alongside artisan cheeses and provisions. Vanessa is officially Head Cheese, focused on the cheesery offerings that span day to evening, takeaway wines, and overall operations.
Grace Takayama was born to a Korean mother and a Japanese Father. Nearly all her friends and family had traditional roles installed in them, the husband worked and the wife took charge of the household. Most of the men in her family were Bookkeepers, which inspired her to do the same.
Ryan Fletes is a 25-year-old entrepreneur based in San Gabriel, CA. In 2020, he launched his spicy seasoning company driven by his love for hot sauce. Before Ryan co-founded his new company, he worked in advertisement and sales at different companies in Southern California. Today, he applies the knowledge and experience he gained into Camp Scoville.
Nigel Williams’ artistic journey began at the age of nine, selling his watercolors to tourists on the island of St. Maarten where he grew up. With a passion for both art and music, Nigel pursued a degree in Music Education at Berklee College of Music in 1992. During his time at Berklee, his pastel work was showcased in an exhibition featuring musician-artists. Upon returning to St. Maarten in 1997, he studied under prominent local artist Ruby Bute, learning the importance of color in storytelling.
Alvaro Ontiveros is an immigrant from Mexico who first came over to spend time with his friends. During the pandemic in 2020 Alvaro started Birria Master when he lost his job in the tea industry. He started in Ave 26 with his own version of birria tacos and then soon made his way back to Pasadena as a taco truck.
Hugo Garicia was born in LA and grew up in the city of El Monte where he attended school from Cogswell Elementary, Kranz Middle School, El Monte Highschool, and later graduated from East LA College. While in high school and into college Hugo held a variety of different jobs all around the SGV – El Monte, West Covina, Rosemead, City of Industry, Monterey Park, Pasadena. He began his career in fitness in 2010 working for a big box gym in the personal training department in the city of Monterey Park and has now been a self-employed Fitness Trainer since 2013 in the city of Pasadena.
