Local businesses are the backbone of thriving communities. They drive economic growth, create job opportunities, help build a sense of community identity and character, and make a difference in others’ lives through the services and resources they offer.
For our “Local Leaders in Business” issue, we highlight entrepreneurs in Playa Vista who are making a positive impact in the community. Seda Bolulu was looking for a career transition that would combine her skills in talent acquisition and her passion for animals, which led to the creation of PackHire, the pet industry’s first employment search engine. The platform is free to job seekers looking for employment opportunities ranging from dog training and grooming to rescues and nonprofits, while employers can register and post jobs to find quality candidates with niche backgrounds for their pet businesses.
Modern Animal is a veterinary clinic that is gearing up to introduce a new experience for pets and their owners through better designed spaces, technology, community and a membership that includes unlimited exams. Their goal is to build a better, more sustainable career for veterinary professionals and an improved human experience for clients.
Vanessa Salgueiro’s pandemic project turned into a business inspired by her home country of Brazil. Her line of stylish and comfortable activewear, Vanessa SoCal, is consistently sold out and Salgueiro loves connecting with and helping other women in the community.
We also highlight Playa Vista resident Toni Gold, who suffers from a rare neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia that impacts her vocal cords. To bring awareness and to raise funds for research, she has organized a walk on October 16 in Playa Vista to help others with her condition.
Musician Ron Morrissey performs 100 free shows a year for isolated senior citizens across the Westside, including Playa Vista. He finds it to be an extremely enriching experience and presents an upbeat performance with songs by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and other artists that his audience will recognize.
Whether it’s shopping local to support small business owners or paying it forward by offering assistance to others during the pandemic, we all have the ability to contribute to the community and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Kamala Kirk
Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com
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