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 […]
Riding the Wave: Bonita Salon offers tips on wedding-day hair
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Choosing a hairstyle is one of the hardest parts of preparing for a wedding. Braids, side part, middle part, updo and low bun, what’s one to do? Bridget Lopez with Bonita Salon in Marina del Rey shares the trends she sees in bridal hair. “It’s nice to be part of someone’s big […]
A Timeless Garment: Lace accessories, classic cut gowns are the latest in bridal trends
By Leah Schwartz In a world where fashion trends are constantly evolving, the bridal industry remains a blend of traditional charm and modern innovation. For NLWA Bridal owner Nadia Williamson, details on wedding dresses may shift from year to year, but the base designs endure as “elegant, timeless and classy,” at least in her shop. […]
Creating Space for Color: BIPOC retailers play an important role in preserving fashion history
By Francesca Bermudez Ronnie Blades grew up in Pasadena surrounded by two fashionable female figures with wardrobes that crossed generations. Blades was enamored with the beauty and style of her grandmother, Alberta Price, who was “a bit of a socialite in LA.” Price attended exclusive Black events in Los Angeles that were not segregated. She […]
Creating a Community: Playa Vista residents build platform for startups
By Luke Netzley Los Angeles has become the third-largest startup ecosystem in the United States, according to reports, with a collection of its Westside cities gaining the nickname “Silicon Beach.” Home to companies like Microsoft, Google and YouTube, Playa Vista stands at the heart of this tech-driven, creative explosion. Residents Kenny Lum and Satoshi Miyagawa […]
Cultivating the Future: WealthGarden f.s. helps clients’ finances grow and thrive
By Alison Stanton For as long as Josephti Cruz can remember, she has enjoyed taking care of others. Whether it’s being a trusted “rock” for a friend or doing whatever she can to make life easier for a family member, Cruz finds joy and fulfillment in being a calm and reassuring presence in other people’s […]