By Jessica Koslow This year marks 19 years since Tami Humphrey began her real estate career in Playa Vista. Over nearly two decades, she has witnessed the community’s tremendous growth firsthand. “I started working in Playa Vista and the surrounding areas when I moved here in 2006,” Humphrey shared. “I love this community so much, […]
Focusing on Well-Being: Eden Garcia-Balis cares for the community
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Eden Garcia-Balis firmly believes everybody deserves quality mental health care, regardless of socio-economic status. After working as a case manager, she wanted to do more, so she decided she needed to earn her master’s degree in counseling. “I’ve always been drawn to community mental health,” she said. “I earned my license and […]
‘Keeping It Real’: Integrity is key to Aileen Smollins’ career
By Jessica Koslow After spending years running her own all-inclusive resort-based travel company, Aileen Smollins discovered a new talent flipping houses — which quickly blossomed into her next career. It’s been an amazing journey, she said. It was her calling. Her first house was a craftsman in the Jefferson Park area of Los Angeles. “I […]
Portrait of a Visionary: Assil Gaur Eye Institute is taking Lasik, eye care to the next level
By Ed Condran When LeBron James returned quickly from a torn tendon in his right foot in 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was asked about his recovery. “I went to the LeBron James of feet,” James replied. Well, when James aimed to improve his vision with Lasik surgery, the future NBA Hall of Famer […]
Ready to Fight: Training has begun at LA’s first Ninja Warrior Academy
By Jessica Koslow Upon entering the Los Angeles Ninja Academy, guests are greeted by the Mega Wall, Triple Salmon Ladder, Pipe Coaster, Spider Wall, and Devil Steps, obstacles that may look familiar from the reality TV show, “American Ninja Warrior.” The 7,000-square-foot facility filled with black and red obstacles on Jefferson Boulevard in the Del […]
Finding Strength in Motherhood: FIT4MOM Westside brings community, wellness to Playa Vista
By Nikki Link For all the joy motherhood can bring, it can also be difficult, isolating and exhausting. However, one Playa Vista workout group is looking to change all that. FIT4MOM Westside is bringing wellness, support and community to the table with its roster of outdoor group workouts made by moms, for moms. Helmed by […]
Helping Finances Bloom: The WealthGarden f.s. helps clients through times of transition
By Alison Stanton As the founding partner and chief compliance officer of the WealthGarden f.s. in El Segundo, Josephti Cruz, CDFA®, gets immense satisfaction from working with all of her clients — no matter where they are in their financial journey. “I love supporting my clients with their financial lives and helping them reach their […]
A Story of Success: Michelle Martino’s finesse brings real estate success
By Playa Vista Direct Staff Michelle Martino is a superstar. In her first career in the creative arts, she amassed numerous awards for her work as a writer, radio and TV commercial producer, and creative director. As a testament to Martino’s status, Jay Chiat of the renowned TBWA\Chiat\Day advertising agency personally held a seat for […]
Finding Inner Strength: LIFT Society’s Dylan Davies talks fitness and business
By Nikki Link The world of strength training can seem daunting, but one trainer is looking to change all that. Enter Dylan Davies — founder and CEO of LIFT Society. Not only is she working to take the intimidation factor out of weightlifting, but she is making it more accessible. “You’d think with as many […]
Knot Too Shabby: FantaSea yachts harbor great parties
BY ALAN DALE An old-school business model that rewards hard work, integrity, and character seems to be alive and well at Marina del Rey. FantaSea Yachts, well into its fifth decade in business continues to provide plenty of opportunities for those who want to hold special events such as weddings, corporate shindigs, mitzvahs and so […]