Celebrating the stories behind SoCal’s local gems.
We started SoCal Spotlight to give back and share the real stories of the businesses that keep our communities moving. Because behind every storefront is a person, a passion, and a purpose.
How it started
SoCal Spotlight was created to fill a gap. Too often, directories list businesses without telling the real story — why they started, what they stand for, and the impact they make in the community. We wanted to change that by curating the best of the best, nominated by the people who love them most.
Powered by Beetle & Frog Design founder Zachary Guerrero, SoCal Spotlight is rooted in a desire to give back to local communities by celebrating the businesses that deserve recognition.
Our values keep us grounded
Community-first, always
Community over Competition
We believe local businesses rise higher when they lift each other up. By spotlighting stories together, we create a ripple effect of support.
Trust is Everything
We earn trust by telling authentic stories, not paid ads. Businesses are featured because their community believes in them, not because they wrote a check.
This isn’t about us. It’s about you.
“Behind every great local business is a story worth telling; and worth sharing.”
We’re not another faceless directory. We’re a community-first platform built to connect people with the businesses they already love — and to introduce them to new favorites they might not have found yet.
Where we’re headed
We’re just getting started. Our dream is to grow SoCal Spotlight into a trusted hub where every county, every neighborhood, and every favorite spot is recognized for the difference it makes. For now, it’s story by story, nomination by nomination.
Know a local gem that deserves the spotlight?
Help them shine by nominating them today. It’s free, fast, and community-powered.