Making It

Making It

Los Angeles is often called the “City of Dreams,” where many people are striving toward their own definition of success. What does it take to “make it” in LA? These intimate, first-person stories are from Southern Californians trying to answer that question for themselves.

Karen reflects on when her online following gave her financial freedom for the first time.

from KCRW Features

Summer is a fine artist and stay-at-home mom who wants to become financially independent by the time her youngest son moves out.

from KCRW Features

For Matt Allen, the artist's life is a constant hustle to diversify your skills. He reflects on his success and finding balance.

‘Making it’ is setting your own schedule: An artist’s story

For Matt Allen, the artist's life is a constant hustle to diversify your skills. He reflects on his success and finding balance.

from KCRW Features

Gregorio Mancilla ganaba menos del salario mínimo como trabajador de costura cuando se fijó la meta de ahorrar suficiente dinero para mandar a su hija a la universidad.

‘Hacerla’ es apoyar a tus hijos: La historia de un trabajador de costura

Gregorio Mancilla ganaba menos del salario mínimo como trabajador de costura cuando se fijó la meta de ahorrar suficiente dinero para mandar a su hija a la universidad.

from KCRW Features

Gregorio Mancilla earned less than minimum wage as a garment worker when he made it his goal to save enough money to send his daughter to college.

‘Making it’ is supporting your kids: A garment worker’s story

Gregorio Mancilla earned less than minimum wage as a garment worker when he made it his goal to save enough money to send his daughter to college.

from KCRW Features

Oliver Goch found financial independence after landing a stable job right out of college. He’s focused on using his income to enjoy life.

‘Making it’ is saving for experiences: A recent grad’s story

Oliver Goch found financial independence after landing a stable job right out of college. He’s focused on using his income to enjoy life.

from KCRW Features

Mary retired early from her Orange County social services job due to health issues. Now she’s learning the limits of her fixed income.

‘Making it’ is covering the basics: A retiree’s story

Mary retired early from her Orange County social services job due to health issues. Now she’s learning the limits of her fixed income.

from KCRW Features

Barret Kruse, who typically works in IT, moved to LA to give his kids a better life. He’s struggling to get a footing following a layoff.

‘Making it’ is not worrying about work: A laid-off father’s story

Barret Kruse, who typically works in IT, moved to LA to give his kids a better life. He’s struggling to get a footing following a layoff.

from KCRW Features

Jessica Wang works in LA’s competitive food industry. A financial scare nearly threw her off the path to opening her own brick-and-mortar shop.

‘Making it’ is creating meaning: An entrepreneur’s story

Jessica Wang works in LA’s competitive food industry. A financial scare nearly threw her off the path to opening her own brick-and-mortar shop.

from KCRW Features

Carlos Navarrette dreams of quitting his day job at a non-profit and making movies full-time.

‘Making it’ is not hating your job: An aspiring filmmaker’s story

Carlos Navarrette dreams of quitting his day job at a non-profit and making movies full-time.

from KCRW Features

Tanya Reyes is an LAUSD teacher who's earning more money than her family did when she was growing up. But still finds herself struggling financially.

‘Making it’ is having each other: An LAUSD teacher’s story

Tanya Reyes is an LAUSD teacher who's earning more money than her family did when she was growing up. But still finds herself struggling financially.

from KCRW Features

Making It was produced by KCRW’s Megan Jamerson, Danielle Chiriguayo, Sonya Geis, and Phil Richards. KCRW's Amy Ta, Evan Solano, Arielle Torrez — and freelancer Chuy Hartman — also contributed to the series.