After interviewing so many amazing founders, creators and CEO's in Season 2 - I learned 5 things that were common amongst all my guests. If we can take even just 1 lesson and apply it to our lives, careers or business, then we are one step ahead to our goals and dreams. I hope you enjoyed this season and I am looking forward to coming back with more amazing guests next time. Stay tuned. As always, thank you for your love and support on this new endeavor - without you, this would not be alive.
Shushan Darzian was a grade school teacher for 18 years before she decided make Catering her full time career. What started out as a passion for cooking & hosting, turned into a full force production crew hosting weddings & events up to 1000 guests. Shushan leverages her educational background, cultural roots, and creative vision to create memorable experiences for her guests. She is now hired to serve 1000 students, 5 days a week on top of her event catering business. In addition, she has also created her own server ware, Shushan Collection. This is a story about a mother who sacrificed so much to achieve the level of success she has...but I have a feeling, this is only the beginning.
Brothers Greg and Gerr Avetisyan share one clear career goal: success. After exploring a variety of industries, they launched Whata Peach, a smoothie shop that quickly gained momentum. By their second month, the business was already profitable, and by year two, it had generated $1 million in revenue. Today, they operate five thriving locations with ambitious plans to continue expanding.
Their formula for success is rooted in simplicity: serving quality food and drinks, fostering genuine connections with customers, spreading kindness, and maintaining unwavering perseverance. Along the way, they’ve collaborated with celebrities like Kristen Bell and have given back by donating 100% of their proceeds to charity.
Above all, their greatest asset is not just their business acumen, but the bond they share as brothers.
Katy DeGroot started her career in the beauty space in 2014, creating tutorials on YouTube and quickly made a name for herself in the industry. After almost a decade, she transitioned into the next chapter in her career, clothing: Thirty Years, known for its timeless wardrobe fashion. Katy shares her journey on how she made a successful clothing brand by creating pieces that she felt was missing in the market. Influencer created brands may be common, but continued success in the industry has been a challenge to most. Thirty Years has really set a blueprint in what it takes to make it in the industry.
While I received my Masters in Business Administration in 2008 & worked in Finance at Disney; I took a leap of faith and decided to make 'makeup' my career. I worked out of my parents garage for 10 years before I decided it was time to open my own studio/school. In 2013, I launched Lilit's Makeup Studio which I outgrew in 3 years and expanded into a 3000 sq ft location in the heart of Sherman Oaks. During this time, I launched my makeup line, Elcie Cosmetics, where I created classic essential products, anyone can use. I won a Cosmopolitan Award the same year I launched for Foundation of the Year. In 2022 I expanded into skincare and launched Elcientials. All these businesses have made 7 figure numbers in their respective fields and I have learned a lot on the way. Sharing my story, experience, advise and guidance. I hope you take away at least 1 thing that will help you excel in your life or career.
Scott Laporta has led many multi-million dollar industries from food, to fashion, hospitality and now candy. He took over Sugarfina in 2019 and has taken the brand to the next level, growing distribution across multiple channels. Sugarfina not only has delicious candy but has created a gifting culture with its beautiful packaging and concepts. Scott shares his expertise, what he looks for when partnering & what the key points are in scaling the brand.
Armen Aslanian didn't become a private jet broker overnight - he worked his way up in the industry for over 20 years. What started as a career in fueling airplanes, led him to taking mechanics classes in high school & later getting his license in aviation mechanics. Armen gained his experience in the aerospace industry and worked his way up to VP of Operations. Today, he works at Avjet Global Sales, selling private jets to high profile clients all over the world. Armen's accomplishments are truly one to be admired and an inspiration to reach for the sky!
Kirk Cartozian has shifted more careers than your averageperson; started as a teacher, then a mayor, then realtor and now, a restauranteur and tequila brand owner. Kirk is the epitome of the term “entrepreneur.” He takes us on his journey to success, sharing the opportunities, challenges, risks and achievements. Kirk’s story is a true inspiration for anyone listening who is afraid to take chances and shift careers. Tequila Mandala has quickly become one of the top preferred tequilas and it all stemmed from curiosity. It’s one thing to be smart in business, but another to be a likeable and trusted human being – it speaks volumes, especially in business.
Anush Movsesian was a beauty junkie with a popular blog called “It’s not about inner beauty” at 19 years old. She took her love of the beauty world and transcended into a career, focusing on injectables and non-surgical procedures. Anush received her Bachelors in Nursing and Registered Nurse license at the age of 28 and began working in plastic surgery in BeverlyHills. While working, she continued her education and received her Masters in Nursing along with her Family Nurse Practitioner license, all while raising 2 little girls. Anush confidently went off on her own and began to build her own clientele. In 2023, Routine by Anush Movsesian was born and became the #1 Medical Spa in LA. With a growing clientele of over 9000 patients and a 350 current patient waitlist, you can book your appointment next year. While her status has gained her some of the top celebrities in the industry as clients; Anush continues to travel all over the world to stay on top of the industries newest innovations to perfect her craft. Her social media presence exudes honesty and transparency – and this has truly paved the way to her deserved success.
Carlito's Gardel is a family owned Argentine Steakhouse established in 1996. When him and his family moved from Argentina, they brought their food & culture with them into the restaurant business in America. Over 20 years in the business now, this quaint restaurant his made a name for itself with a Michelin recommendation & named celeberties along with being booked almost every night! Gerard is the chef and the brains behind the business and his secret is, putting his heart and soul into his food and serving others. Gerard works 6 days a week, long hours and days; but still makes time for another passion he has...music. Life is, after all, about pursuing your passion isn't it?
Talin Kevoian has worked her way up in the television industry to become the Producer at the #1 daytime cable TV show, Price is Right. She has produced some of the top tv shows you may have heard of including the Emmy nomited lifestyle series "Home & Family" and "Bake Squad". She has worked her way up from assisting positions with one goal in mind - to be a producer. Coming from an immigrant family with no connections and relationships in the industry, she had to prove to her family and the industry that she is a force to be reckoned with. Talin shares her story about the challenges and the accomplishments in becoming one of the top tv show producers in the industry.
Arman Oganesian is one of the owners of a fast casual restaurant chain, Dave's Hot Chicken, focusing on Nashville-style hot chicken. What started in a parking lot in 2017 with 3 friends and only $900, just got acquired for $1Billion! In just 2 years, they formed an agreement with investor, Bill Phelps, former CEO of Wetzel's Pretzel and movie producer John Davis. Later, celebrity investors such as Drake and Samuel L Jackson jumped on board and have currently expanded to 1000 franchises. Dave's Hot Chicken is your modern day American Dream. Arman tells us their story and how they tipped over the bell curve.