Maurice Harris describes himself as an artist who uses flowers as a medium, and if you visit his flower shop Bloom & Plume you’ll agree. Bloom & Plume’s approach is optimistic, sprightly and takes an artisanal approach to flowers. Bloom & Plume uses flowers, objects, and environments to make this a lovelier world to live in. Bonus: Head next door for a latte at Bloom & Plume Coffee.

Maurice and Martin Harris run Bloom & Plume Coffee as a place to uplift people through aesthetics, a community oriented brand, and a slice of luxury available to everybody. The menu is beautifully simple, with tasty toasts, waffles, and, of course, coffee. When you order a latte you’ll find that Maurice and his staff’s artistry extends to foam art as well. Bonus: Pop next door to check out Maurice’s flower shop by the same name.

The multitalented Stoney Michelli Love is a graphic designer, actor, photographer, as well as the founder, owner, head of design, and art director of Stuzo Clothing. Stoney’s goal is to create a space in the fashion world where all are welcome without judgement. She did so with Stuzo, the gender-free clothing company designed to invoke thought and emotion. Stoney is inspired by love, people, and life to create clothes and accessories for the bold and non-conforming.

Felix Navarro left his successful corporate career to follow his passion of creating sustainable succulent arrangements by hand. With that passion he created The Juicy Leaf, a place where anyone can visit and instantly be transported to a lush, green paradise in the middle of the city. Felix and his team sell succulent arrangements, designer terrariums, manzanita sculpture, vintage furniture, and fine art.

Pony Lee opened Folklore Salon & Barber, an openly queer-owned shop to service the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Pony and his team understand the technical side of hair as beauty professionals, and also the importance of identity as queer people. Folkore’s pricing is not gendered, each haircut is priced on length and complexity, while traditional barber cuts and beard trims have set prices.

Jesse Woodward and Dana Gleim expanded their San Francisco gay bar, Hi Tops, to Los Angeles in 2018. The bar features sports on multiple televisions, occasionally topless male bartenders, trivia night, and more themed celebrations. The quality bar food ranges from blackened ahi tuna burgers to warm, soft pretzels and house-made corn dogs.

Mark Phillips and Martin Anguiano opened Spellbound Sky as a shop where the individual can meet the metaphysical. The couple’s shop has a wide array of crystals and minerals, but they also offer essential oils, ritual candles, and herbs. Mark and Martin strive to offer their community the tools needed to unlock their unlimited potential and turn their dreams into reality.

In 1991 David Cooley invested in a small, discreet space in West Hollywood he renovated into a coffee shop called The Abbey. Now, The Abbey is a well known gay bar that regularly gives back to the LGBTQ+ community by raising money, hosting events, and banning anti-gay state legislators from the business. There's no better place to hang out with old friends, make new ones, enjoy a 10-ounce martini, and eat a delicious meal.

In 2021, wives and chefs Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama opened n/soto along with their business partner Erin Wade. Both chefs bring their experience and history with Japanese cuisine to their new Ekiben bento series. Their first bento box was called "A Taste of Home." The chefs said they hoped the tastes and textures of this bento will unfold a deeper understanding of the Nikkei experience and the evolution of Japanese food when it leaves Japan and comes to America.