Daria Artem, 32 Owner, Lady Fortunes As the founder of specialty baking company Lady Fortunes, Daria Artem has turned confectionary treats into a business that generated $4.5 million in revenue last year. Artem’s Canoga Park-based company sells its goodies, including a signature oversized fortune cookie, to retail clients such as Neiman Marcus and Westfield Group. “Knowing that my factory makes it possible for 27 people to live their version of the American Dream — that makes it worthwhile,” Artem, 32, said. “We are not only making the world a sweeter place one cookie at a time, we are giving meaningful employment to people who deserve it.” Artem, who was a PR executive before making the leap into entrepreneurship, says her energetic and positive attitude has taken her to the top of the heap. She has captured media attention from the likes of The Food Network and CNN, and gives back to the community by helping charities including The Children’s Hunger Fund, the Mario Batali Foundation, Safe Harbors and others. Citing Martha Stewart as her role model, Artem says the lifestyle guru’s combination of creativity and business acumen is an inspiration. “I have had her books since I was a little kid,” Artem said. “I think she is a Renaissance woman — she does so many things. She’s creative and she is a great business woman.” But success takes more than talent, she notes. It takes confidence and drive. “Don’t wait for opportunity to knock at your door,” Artem says. “Open that door and walk out. Life is waiting for you… You have to be brave and believe in yourself. Go do it, but be prepared to go in 100 percent. There is no room for self-doubt or reservations.”
