As I was researching piracy and Swahili cultural identity in East Africa during my last semester at USC, I had the great fortune of running into photographer Eric Lafforgue. There began an apprenticeship that would immerse me in all aspects of visual storytelling around the globe. From shark attacks in Eritrea to voodoo rites in Haiti to bowling in North Korea, my life centered around the exploration of cultures and places that were either hidden from exposure or threatened by globalization. I learned to go beyond the headline, to report with a fresh perspective that honored the people I encountered along the way. After a few years, my wanderlust began to wane. I began applying the same documentary storytelling techniques I had mastered in the field to the business world. The term "market research" conjures images of stodgy powerpoints and endless pages of data. By adding video to their deliverables, my clients discovered that the insights came alive, their findings were more likely to be understood and implemented. Point, the only video production company specializing in market research, was born. We seek to innovate in all visual aspects of market research. We released our own live-streaming platform which pivoted to Mycroft Technologies during the pandemic. This premiere video conferencing platform for market research was acquired in 2023.Somewhere along the way, I helped open The Hive, a healthy cafe based in Santa Monica, CA known far and wide for our açai bowls. Having always had an interest in athletics, health, and wellness, this restaurant was an opportunity to share this passion with my community. Born from a chance encounter at a Vipassana meditation retreat, it has become a small business staple in SM, inspiring progress in the lives of our team members and customers. We have opened our second location in Marina Del Rey and are actively expanding across the country.