Life & Work with Kris Posavec of Laguna Niguel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Posavec.

Hi Kris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career began in finance, where I worked for many years before deciding to follow my passion for education. I went back to school to earn my teaching credentials because I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of students and families, helping to nurture kind, capable, and compassionate individuals. I started teaching in middle and high school, later moving into coaching and supporting teachers, and ultimately serving as a Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction and Community Schools at the district level. Throughout my career, I was driven by a commitment to equity—ensuring that underrepresented students and families have access to opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. One of my proudest achievements was developing our district’s community schools program, which allowed me to build and develop a team to connect families, schools, resources, and extend the school day beyond the four walls of the classroom to help increase academic success.
After retiring from education this past summer, I wanted to continue giving back and creating spaces that foster connection and creativity. Together with my daughters—Alex, a 4th-grade teacher, and Ashley, a middle school counselor—my sister, Lori, who recently retired from banking, and my friend, Ali, a fellow Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, we brought a shared vision to life.
We’ve always loved working together, being creative, and bringing people together through community events and maker’s markets. Out of that shared passion came the idea for The Social Loft—a space where people can gather, create, relax, and take a break from the stresses of daily life. We wanted to build a place that inspires both creativity and connection—a welcoming environment where individuals and teams can bond, recharge, and grow together.
Recognizing that many organizations still have employees working remotely and may lack a dedicated space to bring their teams together in person, we’ve also designed The Social Loft to fill that need. It’s a collaborative setting where teams can connect, learn, and strengthen relationships in ways that lead to more meaningful and impactful outcomes.
We officially opened The Social Loft in March, and while we’re still new, it’s been amazing to see our vision come to life. It’s a continuation of what’s always guided me: bringing people together and creating opportunities for learning, growth, and community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a learning experience. Our passion and excitement led us to jump in with both feet, and we’ve been navigating the many lessons that come with being new business owners. One of our biggest challenges has been building awareness—getting our name out there and helping people discover what The Social Loft is all about. With so many marketing avenues—from social media and community networking to hosting events in our space—we’ve been learning how to make each effort as meaningful and impactful as possible while reaching the right audience. The feedback we’ve received so far has been incredibly positive; people love the concept and the atmosphere we’ve created. Now, our focus is on continuing to grow our visibility and finding more opportunities to welcome people through our doors to experience it for themselves.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At The Social Loft, we’ve created a welcoming space where people can gather, create, and connect. Our goal is to provide an environment that allows individuals to step away from the stresses of daily life and focus on creativity, collaboration, and community. We host workshops, private events, and team-building experiences designed to inspire relaxation, self-expression, and community. The Social Loft is a unique space that offers something for everyone. We’re a vibrant and dynamic maker space, craft studio, wellness center, and collaborative hub designed to inspire creativity, empower innovation, and foster meaningful connections. We specialize in curating experiences that bring people together—whether that’s through creative workshop sessions, group celebrations, or professional team events. We’re very proud of the feeling people have when they walk through our doors. Guests often tell us that The Social Loft feels warm, peaceful, and inspiring—exactly the kind of atmosphere we hoped to create.
What sets us apart is the heart behind our work. As educators, we’ve spent our careers building communities, supporting growth, and helping others feel seen and valued. That same philosophy guides everything we do at The Social Loft. We’re not just offering a creative space; we’re offering a place to pause, connect, and recharge—something we all need more of.
Through our experiences in education, business, and our partnerships with expert facilitators, we provide opportunities for both individuals and teams to learn, grow, and connect. Our offerings include team-building and leadership workshops, professional development sessions focused on motivation and values, event space, creative workshops such as, macrame, sea glass art, glass etching, wood burning, jewelry making, gel print journaling, floral designing, and Pilates, to name a few. Additionally, we offer parenting and child-centered trainings.
What We Offer:
Maker & Craft Space: Access hands-on workshops, creative tools, and craft stations to explore and express your creativity.

Collaborative Work & Meeting Spaces: Flexible spaces for entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives to brainstorm, plan, and innovate together.

Event & Celebration Rentals: Host birthdays, networking events, or special gatherings in our stylish, comfortable, and versatile venue.

Community & Social Gatherings: Join a welcoming community of makers, artists, and visionaries who share a passion for creativity, connection, and wellness.

We’re most proud that The Social Loft is a women-owned, family-and-friend-run business built on collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. Our goal is to create a space that feels accessible and inviting for everyone—from children to adults of all ages.
Equally important to us is giving back to our community. We regularly host free community events such as clothing, book, and toy swaps, along with themed movie nights. These events not only bring people together but also include opportunities for community donations, ensuring that everyone can participate and feel part of something meaningful. We also hold community maker’s markets which allow individuals to share their talents and goods several times throughout the year.
At its heart, The Social Loft is about connection—creating a space where creativity and community come together to inspire, uplift, and make a difference.

What does success mean to you?
We define success as doing meaningful work that we love, with the people we love, while bringing joy and connection to others. For us, success isn’t measured solely by numbers or growth—it’s about the impact we have on our community and the sense of fulfillment that comes from creating something that truly matters. At The Social Loft, success looks like seeing people walk through our doors, take a deep breath, and feel at ease. It’s hearing laughter during a workshop, watching a team bond through creativity and collaboration, or seeing families connect during one of our community events. Those moments remind us why we started—because collaboration, creativity, and learning have the power to bring people together in meaningful ways.
Ultimately, success for us is about purpose and people: doing what we love, staying true to our values, and creating a space that inspires others to learn, grow, and feel a sense of belonging.

Pricing:

• Workshops range from $30 – $75 per person
• Corporate team building and individualized team trainings vary based on number of people, length of time, sessions and content
• Private event space starting at $100 per hour (3 hour minimum)

Contact Info:

• Website: thesocialloftoc.com
• Instagram: thesocialloft_oc
• Facebook: The Social Loft OC