Words and photos were provided by the individuals profiled in this story.

Elizabeth’s Art Studio
Elizabeth Preston
In 1995, as public schools phased out art education, I founded Elizabeth’s Art Studio to bring the transformative power of art to children and adults. Starting a small business was risky, but thanks to dedication and community support, we’ve thrived for 29 years, enduring the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, I launched the Claremont Creative Connection (CCC), a network of women-owned businesses focused on resilience. By sharing ideas, referrals, and support, we strengthened each other through challenging times. Today, we’re still going strong and welcome new members to join the CCC.
Teaching art is my passion, whether it’s for self-expression or guiding students toward careers in the visual arts. I’m proud to see former students succeed professionally. I also use art in support groups for individuals battling cancer, post-COVID conditions, and other illnesses, utilizing the Creative Journal Expressive Arts method to help manage stress and anxiety.
At Elizabeth’s Art Studio, eco-friendliness is key. We use non-toxic, water-soluble “oil” paints and repurpose materials, embracing my mother’s wisdom: “Show me what you need, and I’ll show you how to get along without it.”
Email: empreston6@gmail.com
Online: elizabethsartstudio.com
Instagram: @elizabethprestonfineart
In-person: 226 W. Foothill Blvd. Claremont, CA

Photo/by Rob Preston

Parenting From Inside Out
Ting Valdez
I am a mom to an amazing and very talented 22-year-old. I am also a certified parenting coach and the founder of Parenting from Inside Out. I am dedicated to guiding, mentoring, and supporting parents in creating deep connections and healthy relationships with their children. I teach tools and strategies that are grounded in the foundations of brain development science, emotional intelligence, non-violent communication, and the neuroplasticity work of Dr. Bruce Lipton. These strategies allow parents to successfully shift out of the dominant (power over/under) paradigm of parenting, which creates disconnection, resentment, and rebellion, to the relational, empowered paradigm of parenting, which restores connection, trust, and mutual respect. I understand how hard it is to ask for help as a parent. This is why when you contact me, you will be met with understanding, a non-judgmental openness, and a supportive, personalized, effective plan that I will personally guide you through every step of the way.
Online: parentingfrominsideout.com
Instagram: @parentingfrominsideout
In-person: 226 W. Foothill Blvd. Claremont, CA

Photo/by Aimee Wallenda

Wildflower.Wellness.Claremont
Jen Krause
From a young age, I’ve been passionate about helping others. As a child, I loved visiting nursing homes with my mother, often singing and dancing for the seniors. This early experience inspired me to co-own three senior care homes, which we successfully ran for over 10 years. During that time, I saw many seniors struggling with chronic pain, limited mobility, and emotional stress that traditional care couldn’t fully address. It was heartbreaking.
Determined to find a better solution, I explored holistic therapies and discovered the transformative benefits of massage. I became a licensed massage therapist, combining my background in senior care with a holistic massage approach. This journey led me to create my own wellness practice, where I provide personalized care for clients at every stage of life. I offer specialized therapies, including lymphatic massage and craniosacral therapy, to address the unique needs of my clients.
Instagram: @Wildflower.Wellness.Claremont

Photo/by Lily Krause

Neat Freak So Cal
Kristina Marler
I’m a former corporate event planner from New York City who discovered the importance of staying organized when I started my family. Managing clutter and creating efficient systems became essential for both my sanity and my family’s success.
It’s surprising how clutter can impact our mental well-being and productivity. Many people feel overwhelmed by the thought of getting organized, which is why I’m passionate about helping. What might seem challenging to one person can be simple for another, and every project is unique.
Do you crave a calmer environment? Whether it’s a pantry, closet, office, garage, or playroom, I can help transform these spaces to save you time and reduce stress. My clients range from busy professionals to families and retirees.
I believe anyone can learn to stay organized, and that’s where I come in. My mission is to guide you through the process and create systems that fit your lifestyle.
Online: neatfreaksocal.com
Instagram: @neatfreaksocal

Photo/by Lara Jenkins

Route Vintage Collective
Sandra Mendoza
Route Vintage Collective has always been a dream of mine — a space where curated vintage and circular fashion come together. With over 20 years in the vintage business, I first launched Debutante Clothing and later opened a brick and mortar shop in downtown Pomona. However, working in isolation became a challenge, and I longed for a collaborative space where multiple entrepreneurs could showcase their collections. I believe that community and shared spaces are the future of retail.
I’m driven by a passion for fashion history, style, and fostering community.
Route offers a unique boutique environment featuring a mix of curated vintage, vintage-inspired, secondhand, and artisan-made products, all in a shared retail space.
Online: routevintagecollective.com
Instagram: @routevintagecollective
In-person: 228 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA

Image/courtesy of Route Vintage Collective

Ayurveda
Yael Steinfeld MSN, RNP
In January 2007, while working as a nurse practitioner at Kaiser Fontana, I discovered Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old natural medicine from India, and felt an immediate connection. This led me to enroll in a two-year Ayurvedic certificate program at AUCM while continuing part-time work as a wound specialist. My first trip to India was inspiring, deepening my understanding of Ayurvedic practices.
In 2011, I opened Claremont Ayurvedic Clinic, integrating western and eastern medicine, including personalized diets, herbal remedies, and oil treatments. Ayurveda addresses a wide range of conditions, such as skin issues, digestive disorders, arthritis, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and autoimmune diseases.
Motivated by my clients, I completed the first Ayurvedic doctor program in the U.S. in 2019. I regularly give lectures on Ayurveda at my clinic.
Online: ayurvedichealing.life
In-person: 226 W. Foothill Blvd., Suite I, Claremont, CA

Photo/courtesy of Yael Steinfeld

Pomona Valley Art Association
Kathleen McCall
The Pomona Valley Art Association is a nonprofit. Our board of directors is responsible for its governance and oversees its operation by setting goals, ensuring compliance, maintaining financial stability, representing the organization, and improving public standing and building relationships with the community.
I discovered in childhood that art gave me a sense of expression, freedom, and permission to play “outside the box.” I always had art supplies, although I occasionally used found supplies. One of my early attempts of playing outside the box was creating a colorful art piece for my grandmother. I painted her toilet seat with her finest nail polishes; it was my first negative critique.
I have been a member of PVAA for 16 years, serving as board president for five years, and board member for seven. Over those years I have supported PVAA as an organization dedicated to the stimulation of creative interest, arts education, and the enjoyment of art in all its forms. I am running for PVAA president in 2025.
What motivates me is the opportunity to be creative, the challenges in creating different artwork, and to problem solve and create new solutions.
My art is a result of things and events I have experienced and absorbed in my life. I create art that has beauty, that is uniquely different. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Online: pvaa.net
Instagram: @new_pomona_valley_art_assoc
In-person: 317 W. First Street, Claremont, CA

Photo/by Reine Bouret

Bluebird Arts Studio
Carmen Lindsay
As an art director for a small manufacturing business in California for over 20 years, I honed my skills in design, product development, and production management. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the talented team I worked with. However, when the COVID pandemic forced the company to close, I found myself with unexpected free time.
Driven by a passion for creativity, I embarked on a self-taught journey into silversmithing, combining my love for art, nature, and design. This passion led to the birth of Bluebird Arts Studio, where I craft unique, handmade silver pieces inspired by the natural world. Each item is meticulously designed using 99% silver, gemstones, leather, and precious stone beads.
I’m honored to be part of the Claremont Creative Connection, a vibrant community where artistic collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit come together. This collective empowers creatives to thrive, fostering personal and professional growth.
Discover my work on Etsy, where each piece reflects a blend of craftsmanship and nature’s beauty.
Online: bluebirdarts.studio

Photo/courtesy of Carmen Lindsay

DG Creative Services
Micaela Desiree Gonzalez
DG Creative Services was born out of a passion for creativity, organization, and helping others. With a background in customer service, makeup artistry, and event management, Micaela recognized her skills could empower small businesses to thrive. Starting from scratch with just a laptop, Canva, and WiFi, she took a leap of faith, turning her dream into reality. Each challenge along the way has only fueled her determination to grow her business into a trusted partner for entrepreneurs.
Driven by the belief that small businesses can achieve greatness with the right support, Micaela’s mission is to simplify life for her clients by handling behind the scenes tasks, allowing them to focus on their passions.
DG Creative Services offers personalized graphic design and virtual assistant services, using tools like Canva and Mailchimp to create vibrant content tailored to each client’s brand. Micaela’s customer service and event management expertise ensure a professional yet creative approach to every project.
Instagram: @desiree_gonzalez_va

Image/courtesy of DG Creative Services

RD Photo Services
Robin Driscoll
Robin Driscoll’s journey as an artist reflects resilience and adaptability, especially as she navigates vision changes. An international award-winning photographer, Robin has always seen the world in vibrant colors. This perspective led her to explore alcohol ink painting, where the fluidity and brilliance of the medium allow her to express joy through bold, spontaneous patterns. Her work with alcohol ink also inspired her to create jewelry, embedding colorful “gems” from her paintings into necklaces, bracelets, and keychains, each adorned with a bee charm. The bee symbolizes perseverance, a personal reminder for Robin to keep moving forward despite challenges, including her traumatic brain injury.
Robin’s artistic roots trace back to her childhood in Philadelphia and later Milan, Italy, where she was deeply influenced by her parents’ love of art and photography. After studying at the Cleveland Art School in Ohio and serving as a U.S. Navy photographer, she continued her passion for visual storytelling. Her work in sports photography earned accolades, leading to the creation of RD Photo Services. Though COVID-19 shifted her focus from photography to painting, Robin continues to explore new mediums, finding joy in every brushstroke and photograph. Her art invites others to see the world through her vibrant, resilient lens.
Online: rdphotoservices.com

Photo/by Jannel De La Cruz

Amway Global ‘Health Is Wealth’
Stephanie Shepard, LMFT, LPCC, IBO
Stephanie Shepard’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a personal search for financial freedom and a deeper purpose. After earning degrees in psychology and marriage and family therapy, she spent over a decade in mental health, helping individuals transform their lives. However, she felt there was more she could do. In 2021, a chance LinkedIn connection introduced her to the world of e-commerce, and she embarked on a transformative entrepreneurial path with Amway.
Now, Stephanie is building a community of entrepreneurs in California, teaching others how to take control of their finances and create a life they love through mentorship, personal development, and leadership. Her motivation stems from her family’s struggles and her desire to create a legacy of success and giving back. With a focus on high-quality, plant-based health and wellness products, she is dedicated to helping people not only improve their health but also build their own businesses.
Her mission extends beyond business; she dreams of starting foundations for schizophrenia and homelessness, causes close to her heart. Stephanie’s business approach emphasizes integrity, community, and empowering others to achieve financial independence and change lives.
Online: amway.com/en_US/myshop/ShepardStephanie
Instagram: @steph_shep.lilsheppy

Photo/by Kayla Williams Route