Edgar Lopez
It all started as an idea. While stationed in Djibouti, Africa on deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006, I had a dream of one day owning my own business and becoming my own boss. I had many ideas but nothing solid. When I came back from deployment in early 2007 I had a welcome home party with a bounce house. Read More>>
Aline Fiuza
When I was a teenager, living in Brazil, I used to suffer from stomach ulcers. After moving to Australia and become a qualified chef, I also went to study Ayurveda Medicine – using food and herbs as medicine. Each person’s diet is modified/personalized to accommodate their specific body, lifestyle and health issues. There is not one single formula that works for everyone. Read More>>
Melody DeSwarte
I was Katherine Heigal in 27 Dresses, “Always a bridesmaid and never a bride”. I guess I can say it started before that because I’ve always loved planning parties and I would always make sure all the details were perfect. By time all my friends started getting engaged, I was a pro at planning everyone’s engagement party, bridal shower, and then baby showers. I’m pretty sure a few of my friends asked me to be their Maid of Honor just so I was the one planning everything. Read More>>
Ivana Smith, MPH
I’ve been passionate about food & hospitality for as long as I can remember! My mother & grandmother executed every planned family gathering or surprise visit from a family friend with extraordinary grace and finesse. It was considered a badge of honor to be able to make others feel loved, welcomed, and comfortable when they’ve taken the time to come visit you, and these principles helped me cultivate interests in hospitality & event planning early in life. Growing up in my Panamanian household filled with love, laughter, & amazing food, food had always fostered connection, fellowship, & happiness in my life. Read More>>
Joseph Sanchez
I’ve been in the service industry for my entire working life. I’ve worked at many restaurants and bars considered to be fine dining and casual in all positions (host, expo, server, bartender). From high volume night club bars to crafted cocktail lounges I’ve learned a lot when it comes to serving guests at a bar. But to this day, I’m still learning and trying new things when it comes to making an experience for a bar guest. Read More>>
Megan Ondercin
I grew up on the east coast where I also went to college to study Apparel Design. That was, and still is, a passion of mine. I’ve always been one who’s opted for the more creative route in every aspect of my life. While in college, I spent a few summers as a server for a catering company. Read More>>
Debra Hart
Our family has always believed in community service, so a few years back we found ourselves taking the President’s position of Rotary and Assistance League, both at the same time. To say the least, there was no down for this husband and wife that year. Always looking for fresh auction items and new experiences, we came up with the idea of an east coast style Clambake right here on our own sunny California beaches. We had no idea it would be met with such enthusiasm. Read More>>
Francesca and Randolph Stern
We opened in April 2010 in a one room studio, with big dreams and no students. Francesca taught ballet, jazz and tap to anyone that walked through the door. Since then, we moved into a 6,000-square foot state of the art facility that Randolph and Francesca designed. Complete with floating floors in all 5 studios, a home work room, teacher’s lounge, dance store, adding 21 of the best teachers and the dream continues to grow… Read More>>
Jeff Palmer
I was overweight my entire life, but at the age of 13, with the fear of high school looming over me, I decided I needed to change. The years of bullying, fighting and sadness had to end. I enlisted the help of a personal trainer and with his help I reached my fit7ness goal. After a year of hard work and dedication, I lost 127lbs. Ever since I lost that weight, I knew fitness was my passion. Read More>>
Felicia St. Denis
I had recently moved to LA and was working as a waitress at a restaurant and I started doing flower arrangements for them. Pretty soon I was making arrangements for other restaurants in my garage. I saw a nearby storefront for available and thought, there’s my spot for my flower shop. So, at 23 and knowing really nothing about flowers or business, I signed a lease! Read More>>
Scott Aicher
I grew up in the 70’s in Redondo Beach during the boom of skateboarding and we lived a few blocks from the beach so surf culture has always been part of my art. My mother, Grandmother and I used to paint together when I was very young. I won three art contests in Manhattan Beach when I was 5 years old. After that I decided art was my path. Read More>>
