Running a business comes with big challenges. No one knows that better than the local business owners of Los Angeles — who have shown their grit and resilience in the wake of the recent wildfires. As the city rebuilds, we’re proud to spotlight local businesses here in the community. Together, we can empower LA, and the people who make it great.
What would you like the power to do?®
Cactus Foods, a Pasadena-based business founded by Diana Gonzalez, strives to make “better for you” snacks that incorporate a healthful, sustainable — and resilient— star ingredient: nopal (aka cactus). In the wake of having tragically lost her home, Diana says that star ingredient is more fitting than ever. “I’m like the cactus myself; I’m extremely resilient.”
IG: @_cactusfoods
Website: https://cactus-foods.com/
A journey toward healthier living & eating led siblings Ranya and Tarik Batal to found Sibz, a Palisades-based snack company known for its delicious, “junk-free” date bites. After the recent devastating setbacks of losing their homes and much of their inventory, Ranya and Tarik are taking things day by day, ultimately looking ahead toward “starting fresh, with our community behind us.”
IG: @getsibz
Website: https://www.getsibz.com
Altadena-based Tacos Don Pillo is a family-owned restaurant that has become a favorite among locals for its authentic, delicious Mexican food. Forced to temporarily close after the fire, Tacos Don Pillo is back, once again serving delicious bites — and supporting their community.
IG: @tacosdonpillo01
Website: https://www.tacosdonpilloca.com
A fusion of Armenian cultural motifs and luxury aesthetics, Anet’s Collection offers apparel, accessories, home décor, and more. Founder Anet Abnous, a Burbank resident, describes her line as being the intersection of fine art, fashion, and storytelling, and her creations have graced European showrooms, museum shops, and retail outlets.
IG: @anetscollection
Website: Anet’s Collection
Lusanet Collective is creative hub & retail space founded by Lusine Simonyan and Anet Abnous based on a shared vision of connecting local artists, designers, and business owners with opportunities to network, create, and promote their businesses. Having faced firsthand the highs and lows of running a business, Simonyan and Abnous aim to empower others in their community.
Website: https://lusanetcollective.com/
Jennifer Zhang, founder of Rotate Watches, is passionate about sharing the art of DIY watchmaking with everyone, regardless of skill level. Her company sells kits curated with everything you need to build your own watch — with a range options for complete beginners to advanced enthusiasts.
IG: @rotatewatches
Website: https://rotatewatches.com/
Sisters Mei-Lon and Toni Lee Jimenez founded Chica Beauty with a shared vision: a desire to help simplify your beauty routine, with sets designed around your life — so you can focus on what matters most. And because looking good should feel good, too, their products are cruelty-free and eco-friendly.
IG: @chicabeautyusa
Website: https://chicabeauty.com/
For the on-the-go jetsetter, Okera Banks has you covered. The Okera Banks Collection features tastefully designed travel essentials and stylish, interchangeable pieces that can effortlessly take you from day to night. With bold prints and eye-catching designs, the collection is ideal for layering — and staying ready for what’s next.
Website: https://okerabanks.shop
San Pedro Soapworks makes bath, body & haircare products inspired by the sights and scents of sunny Southern California. Made with natural ingredients, including essential oils of plants native to the local area, founder Trisha Hanudel Lopez founded her line to evoke the free spirit, warm heart, and confident soul of Southern California.
The Refill Shoppe, a Ventura-based business, makes it a little easier to be eco-friendly. Founder Michelle Stevens offers over 50 unique bath, body, home & cleaning products in bulk at this “eco-apothecary”, where customers can refill their own bottles (and say no to single-use plastics).
IG: @therefillshoppe
Founder Shahira Marei doesn’t have a “typical” culinary background: before opening Dirty Cookie, Marei previously worked in the aerospace engineering field. Now, her career has taken a sweet turn. Known for their iconic “milk and cookie shots” and their gourmet stuffed cookies, Dirty Cookie bakes up scrumptious treats, as well in meaningful change in the LA community.
