Carlos Kandia

Carlos Kandia started his journey when he was just seven years old in Villeta Colombia when his dad put him in after-school programs including theater. From there, he was doing competitions including the well-known X Factor. Kandia made it through all the auditions and competed until he was part of the last 10 finalists.
Continuing Kandia's musical journey, Kandia was doing musical theater, the team was contracted to do their first musical on Broadway which lead to many more Broadway shows one of Kandia's favorite musicals was In The Heights; which spoke about the Latin spirit.
Kandia's inspiration comes from his wife.
Because of her, he kept going with his music career which brought him here to Sacramento.
It was not easy for him to start all over again, when he moved to Sacramento, Kandia worked as a laborer for a painting company while also trying to pursue music. Starting with playing in a band which led him to start his own entertainment company with his wife as the company's manager. They provide entertainment, and decorations for all events, including doing pre-shows for the Sacramento kings. Carlos Kandia has many accomplishments and they are all worth spotlighting. If you’re looking for entertainment for your next event you can find Carlos Kandia's information here to the right of the page.

Motto: “ my daughter, my family” -to show my daughter that nothing is impossible.

Instagram

@Kandiag

Website

kandiamusica.com

Facebook

facebook.com/carlos.kandia

Andre Shaw AKA MAMMXTH

Andre Shaw is the artist known as Mammoth. Shaw's name; Mammoth, comes not from his art, but from a clothing brand he attempted to create. His clothing brand was called Absence Mammoth; unfortunately, it did not succeed but had led him into his art. Later, Shaw began his art career by drawing a caricature, and when he posted his work on social media, he was asked to make custom caricatures Shaw started with markers, then drew on clothing, and then painted. After his grandmother bought him his first professional painting set, Shaw's view of painting changed. In addition to his grandmother's support of his artwork, Shaw states that he is a man of faith. In addition to teaching bible study, he is dedicated to his faith. As part of his mission to inspire the next generation of artists, Shaw is creating a program called Meet The Masters at Empire Oaks Elementary in Folsom. Among the program's goals is to teach young artists how to turn their art into a lucrative business. In order to educate kids in different fields of art, he hopes to recruit local artists to donate their time to the cause.

Shaw's/Mammoth's paintings can be found on his website and at various shows. Follow Mammoth's Instagram for updates, too!

Motto: “ - don’t have one. I want to show my kids how to chase their dreams. “

Instagram

@paint.in.full

Website

paintinfull.com

Kim Goodwin

Kim Goodwin is the founder of Matthew Goodwin Celebration of Life Art Scholarship. Matthew Goodwin is Kim's older brother that passed away in 2007 from suicide.

Goodwin has always wanted to start a scholarship but did not know what for until Goodwin's mother was in the process of moving and found Matthew's artwork. Inspired by his work, she started her scholarship in honor of Matthew.

This process of starting her scholarship has also helped Goodwin heal from Matthew's passing. Goodwin has spoken about how she did not know much about her brother's daily life, primarily as an artist, until they found his work. She was amazed at what a great artist he was. You can see Matthew's art on Matthew Goodwin Scholarship Instagram. Goodwin now wants to help support young artists and provide them with college success kits, and you can also help these young artists by following the Linktree link, donate, or buy a t-shirt for Goodwin's fundraiser!

Kim Goodwin stated that she had found her people in this community of creatives, makers, and doers. "I've always been a hustler, and I have found the avenue to continue to do so as I build my program. I believe in blooming where you're planted. This is something I've always done, and I look forward to evolving, growing, and flourishing. "

Something about Goodwin; she loves music and traveling. Her goal is to travel more, and her first place to travel is Puerta Rico.

Motto: "feel the fear and do it anyway. " - I no longer feel like I have to ask for permission to do something.

Instagram

@mattewgoodwinartscholarship

Link

https://linktr.ee/Mgartscholarship

Katie Blomberg

Katie Blomberg is the owner of Her-Elevated, a fitness studio located in midtown on the corner of S and 28th street. Blomberg started her fitness journey when she was working an office job that required sitting at a desk; wanting to be more active, she started a small stair running group in 2015, motivating her to get certified as a fitness trainer.

After gaining her certification, Blomberg worked in multiple fitness studios; one of these studios is now Her-Elevated. Blomberg had the opportunity to lease the space in late 2018 and opened in January 2019.

The name Her-Elevated came to Blomberg on her Maui trip, where she discovered that she had elevated herself by overcoming her difficulties and becoming a better version of herself. Fitness helped her in that journey, and she also wants to help other women feel the same way.

Blomberg would like people to know that she shares the same struggles even though she may not verbally communicate them. A business can be stressful, but her space is for others to come and have the time for themselves.

Motto: "Yes, you can! Wake up and live"- we often forget to live with more intention.

Instagram

@her_elevated

Website

https://www.herelevated.co/

Location

1900 28th St, Sacramento, CA 95816

Mike Whisten

Mike Whisten is a sucker for dog rescue videos and is passionate about cars, and his passion for cars is also his inspiration for his metalwork. Whisten's first experience in metalwork was from taking auto shop in middle school and continued in High school. However, in college, Whisten studied finance and worked as a marketing graphic designer. He got back into doing metal work when his employer asked him to help make a table. Whisten continued doing metalwork as a side hobby, and in 2006, he started doing it as a full-time profession. Even though he is passionate about his work, Whisten's goal is to find more life and work balance and maybe another trade in project management or interior design. Also, another goal is to find the right dog for him.

Whisten has an excellent reputation, which he is very much proud of. You can find Whisten's work all over Sacramento; for example, you can see his work in Old Soul coffee houses, Temple, and Low Brau. Wisten's favorite piece is a directional sign found at the corner of 17th and R st.

Motto: " everyday, I'm hustling"

Instagram

@mike12m

Website

12mdesign.com

Kim Gardener

Kim Gardner's story is short and straightforward, but I find the inspiration in the simplicity of Gardner's story. Gardener has always had a passion for art ever since he was young. He started sketching and then was introduced to spray painting in elementary school. But towards high school years, Gardener stopped art altogether to focus on his studies. After high school, Gardener worked as a delivery driver for a catering business and worked full time until the pandemic. During the pandemic, inspired by a friend, Gardener decided to start spray painting again. Gardener built a wall to hone his skill as a muralist.

Gardener would like to continue painting murals and being able to bring people's ideas alive. His goal is to be able to open a program for troubled youth, teaching kids to paint and make money from painting.

Gardener's murals are done on private properties, but you can follow him on social media to see his work.

Motto: "Trying isn't cheating. Keep trying"

Instagram

@ersethemuralist

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicAjMxXsZoC_bE9i-cZiNg

Diana Dich

Diana Dich is an artist and runs a family-owned Chinese restaurant, Happy Takeout. Dich started her wire artwork in high school as part of her art class, and Dich continued her wire artwork and made a living off it. Dich's passions always involved art and cooking. Dich's passion for cooking came from dining out with her mother and discussing the ingredients and how the food was cooked. After dissecting their meal, Dich would try to recreate the meal at home.

In 2017, the Dich family bought Happy Takeout, and Diana has since been running the restaurant. Happy Takeout is a to-go restaurant with no dine-in, hence Happy Takeout. Dich would like her customers to know that a lot goes into preparing their food, and every ingredient takes hours to cut and prep. Dich also asks her customers to be kind and patient with them when ordering food. Being kind to people in the customer service industry goes a long way, and customers aren't aware of the workers' stress.

Dich's plan for the future is to have more time to get back to her wire art. You can see more of her wire art on her personal Instagram page (@mothbear),please follow and support her! Also, support Happy Takeout. They make delicious Chinese food, with great portions for the price! Remember to be kind to the workers!

Motto: "It is what it is."

Instagram

@mothbear

@happytakeout

Location

3201 Martin Luther King Jr blvd.

Nick & Alisha Lee | Nudge Eco Store

Nick and Alisha Lee started Nudge in 2018 as a pop-up and opened their store in May of 2020. The name comes from giving people a small nudge at a time in creating a plastic-free world.

Nick And Alisha realized how much plastic was polluting the ocean while they were on their honeymoon in Saint Martin; on a hike, Nick and Alisha stumbled upon an area filled with plastic toys, flip flops, and much more. After that, starting with their home and doing much research, they began to transition to plastic-free options, and then they started Nudge to help and educate other people.

Nick and Alisha are working on making items in their store more accessible and affordable while also trying to educate people on what is plastic-free and a better, safer option. They realized that many people might not have the passion, knowledge, or interest to find plastic-free options, and however, they would always choose the better option if it were brought to them.

For their plans, they want to continue educating people by video and create fun educational workshops on how people can choose better plastic-free options.

At Nudge, you can find many unique plastic-free items made locally or in California. Nick’s favorite item at Nudge is the razors because they are 100% plastic-free, and they take back used razors send them to a company in San Francisco that makes utensils out of the used razors. It is a complete cycle. Alisha’s favorite item is the Elate Cosmetic Natual Makeup that can be used on lips, cheeks, and eyelids. She uses it daily because she loves how light it feels on her face.

You can find this lovely, cozy store on the corner of L and 18th, right next to Strapping. Please go check it out! Moreover, start slowly transitioning your home to plastic-free! Like Nick and Alisha’s favorite quote, “ we do not need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

Instagram

@nudge.eco.store

Website

Nudgeecostore.com

Location

1126 18th Street, Sacramento, CA

Allyson Harvie

Allyson Harvie is the owner/chef of a catering business called Notre Ferme. Harvie was once a pro-golfer. Also, as a nutrition major in college, her love for food led her to a career in culinary arts. Harvie graduated from culinary school in San Fransico in 2007.

She immediately started working in a french brigade-style kitchen. After a few years of working in the hospitality industry, Harvie was exposed to drugs and alcohol, became addicted, and ended up homeless. After a couple of months of homelessness, Harvie moved in with her parents. Feeling depressed, she continued drinking, but fortunately, Harvie decided to ask her mother for help and was then put into a meeting and has been sober since 2014. Harvie believes that the hospitality industry can be demanding, leaving little room for mental health and life balance.

Having gone through the toxic reality of working in the hospitality industry, Harvie decided to make a life change by leaving and starting her business, Notre Ferme.

Harvie started Notre Ferme by providing meals in her neighborhood during Covid lockdowns and quickly grew into a catering business. Harvie stated that she wants to build a community through food and experiences. You can check out her delicious food through her Instagram and book a catered dinner by Allyson Harvie!

Motto: "Be a better human tomorrow than you were today."

Instagram

@notrefermesac

Website

https://www.canva.com/design/DAEy7Y2y9RA/fXFrFRiVCykq76bBe7FKSQ/view?utm_content=DAEy7Y2y9RA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Rafa Garcia

Rafa Garcia, currently running for State Senate in Sacramento, came from humble beginnings. Garcia was initially from Hollister, and his parents worked in construction and seasonal agriculture. Garcia had first-hand experience working in seasonal agriculture before the age of 15 and his first job working at Mcdonald's throughout high school. Garcia was undecided on his education path until his memorable conversation with his father, Garcia's father gave him the option of working with him as a day laborer or going to college. Seeing his father coming home tired and not having much time with his family, Garcia decided on college at San Jose State. After his third year of college, he settled on therapeutic recreation, which led to working in a mental health hospital inside a corrections state prison in Selina Valley. After, Garcia moved to Stockton, worked at a healthcare facility as a recreation therapist, and got more involved in the labor movement. Realizing he could make more changes and help more people through the law, Garcia decided to go to law school, but that came with much hesitation because of student loans. Garcia stated that people should not have to choose between a good education and money. Eventually, Garcia came to Sacramento to attend Lincoln law school and passed the California State Bar in 2019!

Now, his family, education, and career have led him to advocate for the things that matter most to him; workers & labor rights, healthcare & mental health, education, and climate change. 

Workers' & Labor Rights 

• Improve workplace protections, including COVID precautions.

• Advocate for a livable wage

• Improve labor organizations' rights.

Education

• Tuition-free higher education

• Reduce barriers to success.

• Invest in support and resources for K-12 and pre-k.

Healthcare & Mental Health

• Work towards a Single-payer system

• Ensure everyone has access to mental health

• Ensure people have access and the ability to recreate in places such as parks.

Climate Change

• Investing in clean energy, materials, and infrastructure.

• Resiliency in the infrastructure.

• Carbon-Free energy.

COVID Recovery

• Access to materials that are linguistically and culturally competent

• Ensure resources are available for Small/Micro businesses

• Outreach regarding existing programs

Motto: "life's a marathon" - pace yourself. 

Favorite local restaurant: Urban Roots, for their pulled pork sandwich.

Instagram

@rafaforsenate

Website

rafaforstatesenate.com

Trang Le

Trang Le owner of Goth Creamery started her business to raise money for her charity; Live & Nurture. Live & Nurture charity was inspired by Le's memories of her mother; Le wanted to keep her mother's memories alive and show her children how their grandmother would've lived.

Le's first ice cream flavor was Durian and now has expanded to many unique flavors like Earl Grey Lavender, mooncake, and much more. She started her charity in 2018 and Goth Creamery in 2019, and Le is hoping to open a brick-and-mortar one day and continue to fundraise for Live & Nurture, hoping to open an orphanage in Vietnam.

You can find Goth Creamery at pop-ups around town and help donate to Le's charity!

Motto: “ Do whatever makes you happy, and give back along the way.” “Always have an open heart.”

Instagram

@goth_creamery

@liveandnurture

E-mail

Gothcreamery@gmail.com

Liveandnurture@gmail.com

Marion Williams

Marion Williams started photography to explore his surroundings. Williams believes you have to experience life to capture something decent. What began as a hobby for Williams is now his expression of art and the bonus that he gets to make money. You can find Williams out in nature, trying to capture the colors of the moon and the beautifully lit landscapes around him. Williams also does corporate photography, portraits, and weddings. Williams stated that he feels alive when he can be in nature and disconnect. “Once you leave this type of environment and go into the natural environment, your barriers are naturally taken down.” He hopes to share these experiences with his family and experience California landscapes as much as he can. You can visit his Instagram to see his beautiful landscape gallery and purchase his work as well!

Website

Marionthesecond.com

Twitter

https://twitter.com/marionthesecond

Instagram

@marionthesecond

Nami Thompson

Nami Thompson, Tea Cozy owner, decided to open Tea Cozy because she saw that Sacramento had a void of tea shops and her love for tea. Thompson loves the experience surrounding tea because " it slows everything down and brings people together." Her most cherished memories are of her mother and sitting around having tea.

Thompson originally wanted to have a tea room, serving food, and creating a high tea experience. Still, because of her lack of experience in the restaurant industry, she decided to have a tea shop to start.

Thompson is now expanding into serving hot and iced teas and is hoping to open the back area of the Art house. She has also started creating tea boxes for the holidays coming up! You can order one for yourself on Tea Cozy website or go into Thomspon's shop to check it out!

Motto: “sharing the love. Love on others” -sharing what you have. If you’re blessed with something, you need to share that with others.

Website

https://www.teacozy.biz/

Instagram

@teacozy_arthouse

EVELYN ROJAS-GARCIA

Evelyn Rojas-Garcia started Mija in April 2021. Rojas-Garcia was planning a bachelorette party, which gave her the idea of starting her own business in event decor. She loved the idea of being able to hold gatherings and bringing people together. Mija has also allowed her to be more creative than her original carrier plan of becoming a dental hygienist. Rojas-Garcia stated that starting her own business has been liberating and given her more confidence. Her goal is to expand into event planning, production designing, and weddings. Rojas-Garcia is grateful for all the support and interactions that this opportunity has given her.

Motto: “You’re a bad B****!” - “it helps me keeping going on my saddest days.”

Instagram

@mija.aesthetic

E-mail

Mija.aesthetic@gmail.com

MARIO LOPEZ

Mario Lopez is the creator of We Are Sacramento; the purpose of this platform is to give the people of Sacramento a voice.

Lopez is also the part-owner of Tomato Alley Collective and a professional photographer.

He hopes for his future are to be in a position to be able to help more people. Overall, Lopez plans to help the people of Sacramento by hosting events and creating exposure. Also stating that he does not want to use exposure as a form of monetary value because exposure does not necessarily translate to profit in the pockets of the maker or business owner.

Also, something to know about Lopez is that he is a very private person but is reachable. He will make time for people. Lopez stated that he might not look like it, but he is funny, outgoing, and caring.

Motto: “always be great in ordinary things” , a reminder that life is not that serious.

Websites

https://mariolopezphotography.com/

https://tomatoalleycollective.square.site/

Instagram

@wearesacramento916

@mariolopezphotography

@tomatoalleycollective

MILES JOLLY

Miles Jolly is the owner of Jolly Co., co-owner of Tomato Alley Collective, and co-host of We Are Sacramento podcast.

Jolly started his life career in biology, working in a lab for seven years. Deciding to change careers, Jolly began his barbecue sauce and seasoning company because of his family gatherings and grew a collection of recipes. Jolly plans for Jolly. Co is expanding his wholesale and obtaining a commercial kitchen. You can find Jolly. Co in multiple locations in the Sacramento region and at farmer's markets, look for the bottles with a “pirate map” theme! That inspiration came from his love for pirates and his last name, “Jolly Roger is the traditional English name for the flags flown to identify a pirate ship about to attack.”

Motto: “Why not? Doesn’t hurt to try.” Everyday is different, Jolly stated that he is fortunate to be alive and appreciates life everyday, so why not?

Websites

https://jolly-trading-co.square.site/

https://tomatoalleycollective.square.site/

Instagram

@jollytradingco

@tomatoallycollective

MARI PADILLA

Mari Padilla is the creator of BAWS (Boss Ass Women of Sacramento), owner of Xilia Consulting, and co-host of We Are Sacramento Podcast.

Padilla has been an entrepreneur for over eight years, she previously co-owned a business with her family, and after leaving, Padilla created BAWS, a women empowerment organization. They devote time to giving back to the community and providing a platform and space for community members. Padilla stated that if you resonate with BAWS and even if you are a man supporting a BAWS, you are welcomed!

Padilla also decided to start Xilia Consulting; because of being asked by so many for support, Padilla wanted to provide a space where she can help individuals start their businesses.

Motto: “Love conquers all” - when you truly live with love, you love everything more. Love wins.

Websites

Bawswomenofsac.com

XILIAConsulting.com

Instagram

@bawsacramento

@XILIAConsulting

KAYLA CHEW

Kayla Chew is a professional photographer, graphic designer, and creative.

Chew is passionate about art, leading her to multiple businesses as a photographer and creating educational outlets for children. Chew is also inspired by her son. She wants to be able to provide more for him and all children. Chew hopes to take her businesses to where they can be efficiently self-automated with the help of a team so that she can have more time to spend with her son, time to paint, and time to help the community. You can learn more about Chew on her podcast (kaylachew.com/positivelygrowing).

Motto: “Positively grow” - We don’t all have the same start, privileges, or recourses. However, we have a mind, and our mind is our best tool. With an optimistic mindset, courage and determination, there is no limits to what we can achieve.

Life lesson for her son: Be teachable and willing to learn. Be able to accept change. “I want my son to know that there is nothing wrong with falling. Failing helps us grow and teaches us the best lesson. Don't focus on the mistakes focus on how you intend to grow from them”

Websites

https://www.kaylachew.com/

https://www.kaysupasaiyan.com/

https://www.kaylamailin.com/

https://www.kuriouslybrilliant.org/

Instagram

@kaysupasaiyan

@mssupasaiyan_prints

@kaylamailin

JESSE WEN

Writer and photographer for We Are Sacramento highlight blog. I am also the owner of Red Modern Sweets.

I started my baking business because of my passion for being creative. Red Modern Sweets is a combination of my love for art, tea, and flowers. After starting this business for over a year, I want to expand into different avenues, especially in helping others. It is also my reason for joining We Are Sacramento. I am grateful for having this privilege to enter a platform in which the concept is to give back to the community.

I am excited to meet more people of Sacramento and highlight the people who deserve it the most.

Motto: “You can do it!” - you may not feel like you’re good in enough in the thing you want or need to do, but just do it! And you can! It’s just that little push to do something, anything.

Websites

https://redmodernsweets.com/

Instagram

@Redmodernsweets

@Jessewn