B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A
COMMUNITY POWERED
FILMMAKER, HEAL DOCUMENTARY
JULY 2018 | FOCUSMAG.US
KELLY NOONAN GORES
ALEX WEHRLEY THE EMPOWERISTA
ALISON MARIE RAGUSA
BOGAVIA BEAUTY OF THE ADRIATIC
DAVENPORT’S RESTAURANT GOOD FAMILY, GOOD FOOD
EMPOWERMENT ISSUE
MARK TESCHNER
9 X EMMY WINNING CASTING DIRECTOR, GENERAL HOSPITAL
ELLEN RAKIETEN
13 X EMMY WINNING PRODUCER
CONTRIBUTORS
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Jezlan Moyet Jezlan Moyet is as an entertainment correspondent based in LA. A Michigan girl at heart, she has brought her MidWestern charm from runways around the world to the red carpet. Her passion is to create and tell unforgettable stories. Jezlan is a Co-Producer/Host of Good Morning LaLa Land.
Tambi Saffran (Stollman) Tambi grew up in NY. She left a producer job at MTV to start a family. Returning to her passion of producing and music, Tambi is currently producing a documentary called She Rocks! about female guitarists. In her spare time she enjoys being a mom, hiking, boxing and live music. instagram.com/just_tambi
Wendy Brokaw Kretchmer Wendy is an editorial producer at CNN but considers her most important job to be raising her 2 girls. Her rare spare time is spent on a multitude of passions including fundraising, cancer awareness, fitness, and her guilty pleasure – Pinterest. instagram.com/wendbrokaw
Suzan Brittan A Southern California resident, but forever native New Yorker, started in Los Angeles as a singer/songwriter/ actress. However, to pay for luxuries like rent, a car and food, she climbed many corporate ladders and climbed right back down. She finally found her niche and outlet as a creative and non-fiction writer. imdb.com/name/nm1483913
Janet Gunn a Texas gal, born and raised, currently soaking up the sun in Southern California and day dreaming of life in Italy. I love jazz, scarves, Diane Keaton movies, fitness, flowers and creating in my kitchen. gratefulgardenia.com
Michelle Gillette Certified Martha Beck Life Coach Owner of Thrive + Fly Coaching Over 10 years experience in personal growth, health & wellness. thriveandfly.com
Melissa Meyers As a tastemaker and lifestyle blogger, Melissa’s passion is to share her best-kept beauty, style and wellness secrets with other women to enhance and simplify their lives. Through her experience as Founder of AskMelissa, PageDaily and now her personal blog Melissa Meyers Glow Girl, Melissa has spent over 15 years sharing valuable tips and product picks to help women with everything from selecting the best skincare lines to chic activewear, street style and healthy eats. melissameyers.net
Dina Manzo Dina Manzo is an artist first and foremost...an artist, a curator of all things beauty. You may have seen a glimpse of her passionate spiritual force on Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise or HGTV’s Dina’s Party. Wherever you have seen her, it’s only a small window into her world of inspired living. Consider her your guide on your personal path to beauty, wellness, health and joy. “The simplest ritual of beauty can elevate and transform...” instagram.com/dinamanzo
Shirin Yadegar Shirin Yadegar is the Founder of LA Mom Magazine. The mission of the magazine is to empower moms to feel self-confident about the decisions they make for their families. lamommagazine.com aims to help thousands of moms find the products and services they need to make motherhood easy and fun. lamommagazine.com
Community powered. Editor in Chief Andrew Waldman andy@focusmag.us Managing Editor Jezlan Moyet Assistant Editor + Designer Ava Mauriello Focus TV Editor/Hosts Tambi Saffran Alex Wehrley Janet Gunn Tanya Memme Michelle Gillette Wendy Brokaw Kretchmer Staff Writers Felicia Waldman Suzan Brittan Photographers Gerald Lerner Dalen Muster Ben Shani Dana Adams Videographers Dalen Muster Racquel Levin Ben Shani Focus TV Production Victoria Simone Gee Gina Moreno Evan Waldman Sally Colón Winston Moore Publisher + Creative Director Mark Castellino Copyright 2018 by Focus Media Agency. Focus (ISSN 2328-1359) is published 4 times per year. Please do not to reproduce any of the content without permission. Subscription and distribution inquiries: promo@focusmag.us
EDITOR’S LETTER
Dear Readers, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you? Through Focus, we feature strong and influential people who inspire us to live our best lives and to pursue our passions. We are most impressed when these people are speaking their truths and living life on their own terms, following their hearts and dreams. Their common denominator is usually that of an empowered individual, someone who teaches us by example, to take responsibility for our actions and to live a life that is honest and strong. Usually, someone with intense determination to do the things they are passionate about. It is our absolute joy to share their stories with you, so that you too may be inspired and begin to follow your passions. In pursuit of our mission to inspire and entertain, in this issue we bring you some amazing stories of Empowerment. Our cover feature could not be a more fitting choice. We are thrilled to bring you the story of Kelly Noonan Gores, Filmmaker and creator of the acclaimed documentary Heal. Her goal in making this life-changing film was to empower people to take control of their own health, and to live their strongest and healthiest lives. She illustrates the power of our minds and the ways we can heal and nurture our bodies and souls. You can empower yourself to change; heal from within and alter the direction of your life. We also had the honor of sitting down to chat with two superstars in entertainment. Mark Teschner, most known as the casting director of General Hospital for the past 28 years, shares his journey and discusses his midas touch for casting some of the best roles on TV. And talk about empowerment, Ellen Rakieten is a powerhouse in the industry as the co-creator and producer of the Oprah Winfrey show for 23 years. We loved hearing her story, her steady climb to the top – this creative and determined business gal doesn’t stop. MUCH more inside, from how to go through a divorce and start your new life with ease, to a behind-the-scenes taste of a chic, cozy and new, family-owned restaurant with a lot of heart, Davenport’s. Here’s to living our truths, and following our passions! The Focus Team
ISSUE 28
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“At the end of the day, I don’t want you to just sound good singing, I want you to feel good singing,” Arden Kaywin
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Arden Kaywin From Mindset to Music: Changing your thinking so that you can change your singing. WRITTEN BY JEZLAN MOYET FOCUS TV INTERVIEW BY LILIAN GARCIA
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rden Kaywin is a singer, songwriter and vocal coach based in Los Angeles, CA. She is known for her thoughtful, witty songwriting and her powerful voice. Arden’s calling is to bring out the best voice in other singers, like Lilian Garcia, Award winning singer, host, and FOCUS TV correspondent who sat down with Arden at the FOCUS studio in West Hollywood to learn more about Arden and how she truly changes your thinking so that you can change your singing.
Why is it important to take lessons, (even if you already know how to sing)?
Arden grew up in Miami, FL, made her way to New York City for several years after college, got a Master’s degree in vocal performance, sang opera professionally, and then released two indie-pop albums. Now, she has been an Angelino for over a decade on a journey to discover how to use a healthy classical technique in service of non classical music.
Number 2: There are so many ways that singing might sound good but doesn’t feel good. The way that I work and the way that I teach, I want singers to know that if doesn’t feel good, what is the point? You are doing something that is a creative, artistic expression of yourself…
After she started coaching, Arden realized that her service was something that singers need. This led her to the path she is on now, high level technical training along with mindfulness practices.
It is just like any other physical thing that you do with your body. You need to train in a certain way to make sure that you are doing it healthily. You don’t want to make mistakes that will cost you in the long run, especially if you are someone who uses your voice as your career. You need your voice whether you are singing or you are talking. And if you are doing something inefficient that you don’t realize, it can cost you the longevity of your career. That is Number 1: BE HEALTHY!
At the end of the day you are sharing your energy with the world when you sing. Voice is sound and sound is energy. It is a form of energy that we are bringing from our body and are giving to the rest of the world. And when we are scared or worried that you are going to do something that is going to hurt, we brace ourselves. And that act of bracing yourself, because you are scared of hurting yourself, actually impedes the sound energy that you are trying to share. And it actually probably doesn’t sound as good as you think it does.
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What is your motto? If it doesn’t feel good, it probably doesn’t sound so good either. It is your body telling you that you are probably not doing something right. At the end of the day, I don’t want you to just sound good singing, I want you to feel good singing. How is your approach different from traditional voice lessons? For me, it is an entire mind, body connection. Again, your body can not do what your mind is sabotaging. It is like I said, we are using our bodies to create our art. When your body is your instrument, just like any other athlete,
Olympian, pro athlete who figured out a long time ago, the mental game is just as important as the physical game. Yes, you are working on the technique of singing, just like a pro baseball player works on the technique of the pitch. When you do that, you are training your body over and over again for a desired outcome. And we as singers are no different, we are training the technique of our body, our breath support, our resonance, to do the same thing over and over again for the desired outcome. But if our brain sabotages our body, that is not going to happen the way we want it to in its most full potential…. The difference is so huge when you get out of your head and into your body. So the way I teach different from other teachers is addressing the thing that is going on in your head that is causing the physical tension that is actually preventing the physical use of your technique.
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Tell us about your 4 month intensive. It operates on the principle that I have come to learn, when you change your thinking, you change your singing. For a lot of singers who are really dedicated to their craft, either professionals or aspiring professionals … singers who are really talented and have wonderful voices, you reach a point with your voice where you feel like ‘I know there is another level in there. I have heard it in bits and pieces, in a lesson here or performance there, but I can’t access it consistently…’ The 4 month intensive is about unpacking the stories that you have been telling yourself, unpacking the beliefs that don’t serve you anymore that cause the tensions that you are
holding in your body. We all understand that we physicalize our feelings, we physicalize our emotions…. The 4 month intensive is designed to help singers change their thinking so that they can change their singing. It is through guided meditations, through thought exercises and bringing the new awarenesses into the studio. My studio is an inspiring place full of incredible resources and ideas for singers from the purely technical to the psychological and emotional that can help you breakthrough to new levels of singing by changing how you think about use your voice, seriously! http://www.ardenkaywin.com/ Facebook: @ardenkaywinvocalstudio
Practical Goal Setting Technique with Greg Simms It is the journey, not the destination. BY JEZLAN MOYET FOCUS TV INTERVIEW BY LILIAN GARCIA
Greg’s mission is to help awaken the reality that the only way to truly move toward your Goals/Callings, is to fall in love with action for the sake of action…
Lilian Garcia, correspondent of FOCUS TV, has been training with Greg and the PGST technique. She had the opportunity to discuss her journey and PGST in an interview with Greg at the FOCUS studio in West Hollywood. Through the technique, Lilian has discovered things that were seemingly so buried in her past that were keeping her from accomplishing present goals.
“M
ove confidently in the direction of your dreams,” Thoreau. Greg Sims is a goal setting coach for not only entertainers, but also people from all walks of life. After more than 10 years, he has developed the Practical Goal Setting Technique, uncovering the unconscious fears or old beliefs that are preventing his clients from moving towards what they have been called to do.
Greg tells FOCUS that without being fully conscious of it, people are actually worshipping their goals instead of moving towards them. That was the case for Greg when he claims he hit rock bottom. He was ‘obsessed’ with being an actor and an undefined level of success. At war with himself emotionally, he says he often compared himself to Forest Gump, having had to build braces for himself because he felt he was so crippled and neurotic by his emotional and physiological energies. According to Greg, the idea of hitting bottom was the result of thinking that the glory was what the future could give him. But that glory is only something he found he could give himself by engaging with his reality, actually and actively as it was.
Recovering from addiction to drugs and alcohol brought “Practical Goal Setting Technique (PGST) is a coaching a new philosophy to Greg’s creative life. He started his technique of practical goal setting to master the idea of system that allows individuals to transform their Big action in the daily minutia of his daily life. And then, to Dreams and Deep Callings into very well articulated, no surprise, his life actually began to change. He started grounded and empowering goals, giving them the booking more acting work and then he made the cross ability to break those goals down into a series of daily country move to Los Angeles where he started his coaching.
and do-able bite-sized actions, allowing, in a practical and actual manner, the uncovering and facing of the buried fears that have been blocking them from making any real movement towards that which they are truly called to do,” (pgstcoach.com)
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“If we focus on what we have power over, we lead happy, meaningful lives,” Greg states. “There are only two things we have power over as human beings which is that what we are currently moving towards and our attitude.
Greg tells FOCUS, “It’s the journey not the destination. That is what my work is about, or at least what I am hoping my work awakens in people. It’s interesting because I find that the great truths in life are like cat posters… What is silly about the cat poster is that it is presenting it as something that is so simple when it is not. And we often hear something like that and we think that our pride and our ego says, yeah I got that. Now get out of my way and let me get what I need to get.” Greg expresses that it has been an honor to witness his clients, like Lilian, find a way to fall in love with the action for the sake of action and understand the true callings of our heart, even the imperfect iterations of it. Greg often reminds clients, it is either ‘wreckage or rising,’ and it is all-good. And that calling never actually has to happen; we just have to move towards it. And as Lilian has discovered, sometimes it does happen in ways that we can’t imagine. Lilian credits Greg for the ability to now enjoy the journey to achieving her goals, “What has happened, is that all of these amazing opportunities are coming my way, opportunities that I always seek. The ones that I actually want to come my way, and I have really gone for it. And now it’s like proof, the doors are opening. It is incredible.” PGST is empowering people to move towards their goals or callings and discover our own unique path. Then we can become to get guided and discover creativity in a whole new way. Unlike many other “life coaching” or “self-help” systems, PGST is grounded in practical reality, not fantasy/wishing but Believing/Creating. Greg coaches the individual in the skills of actually moving toward their goals and learning to literally practice well-defined and ever expanding Principles/Virtues (pgstcoach.com)
Greg’s mission is to help awaken the reality that the only way to truly move toward your Goals/Callings, is to fall in love with action for the sake of action, and thereby entering a life of creative adventure and revelation. PGST is empowering people to move towards their goals or callings and discover our own unique path. Then we can become to get guided and discover creativity in a whole new way. Unlike many other “life coaching” or “self-help” systems, PGST is grounded in practical reality, not fantasy/wishing but Believing/Creating. Greg coaches the individual in the skills of actually moving toward their goals and learning to literally practice well-defined and ever expanding Principles/Virtues (pgstcoach.com) Greg’s mission is to help awaken the reality that the only way to truly move toward your Goals/Callings, is to fall in love with action for the sake of action, and thereby entering a life of creative adventure and revelation.
practicalgoalsettingtechnique.com
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Think Your Way to Success
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3 daily actions that will help you think your way to the top. BY SAMARA ZELNIKER
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o you think it is possible to achieve your goals by changing the way you think? It absolutely is, and I am going to tell you how. You grow up believing anything is possible. As a little kid, when your parents, aunts, uncles and elders ask what you want to be when you grow up, the most elaborate answers are welcome: I want to be the first person to walk on Mars! I want to be the president of my country! I want to create time-space travel! “Go get em’ kid,” they answer, full of hope and possibility. Several years later, that is likely not what you are doing. Perhaps, you find yourself in a mediocre job, getting mediocre pay, constantly counting down the days until Friday and then having to do it all over again. What happened? When did this change occur? When did we stop believing in what we thought was possible for ourselves and accept what was given? When did the gap between that little kid’s dreams become so big (distant) from our adult reality? It all boils down to one thing: our minds. The daily thoughts that pingpong back and forth throughout the day, weeks, months and years. These thoughts become so habitual that they become our patterns, which then manifest into the daily actions that create our reality. This statement is both a source of strength and discomfort. It is powerful because it means that we can choose our thoughts. You can choose “I’m not good enough, smart, enough, skinny enough...” or you can choose“ I can do whatever I put my mind to...”
Our brains want to form these neural pathways as they become the most efficient way to execute a task. Meaning that we will generally do something the way we have always done it because it takes less mental capacity. So let’s put this into practice in your everyday life. Let’s say you always have something sweet after dinner, chances are you will continue to reach for that snack since that is what you have always done. Let’s say that you believe that you are not worthy of love, you will continue to screw up all of your relationships. Let’s say you wake up believing that your dreams are out of reach and that you are not deserving of the life you have always dreamed off, then yes, you will continue to live a mediocre life. So how do we break this cycle? By taking our power back! By getting clear on our vision! By believing that we CAN and WILL reach those goals and then take small daily steps towards achieving those goals every single day. In order to become a brain ninja (seems fitting right?) you need to make sure that both your body and mind are at optimal capacity. This means getting enough sleep EVERY single night. Why is sleep so important? Because brain training is no joke and similar to muscles tearing and rebuilding stronger when we work out, our brains need adequate time to rest and repair when forming and solidifying new neural pathways. Sleep is (actually) defined as a natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli.
Generally, being awake is catabolic (breaks you down) and sleep is anabolic (builds you up). Sleep is actually an elevated anabolic The challenge lies in the process of change. You see our minds state, heightening the growth and rejuvenation of the immune, and bodies are very efficient. We never have to remind it to sweat skeletal, and muscular systems. Basically, sleep rebuilds you and when we are overheating or shiver when we are cold. We don’t keeps you youthful. have to remind our stomachs to grumble when we are hungry or digest our food after we have eaten. We don’t have to remind Sleep is (actually) defined as a natural periodic state of rest our lungs to expand as we inhale or contract as we exhale. Our for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and minds work in a similar fashion. As a result of repeated thought, consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a grooves called neural pathways are formed in the brain. decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli. Remembering things like your commute to work, your phone number, or words to your favorite song from 10 years ago Generally, being awake is catabolic (breaks you down) and sleep become automatic as a result of repeated action. is anabolic (builds you up). Sleep is actually an elevated anabolic
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Focusing on gratitude also increases social connection - you will feel more satisfied with friends, family, school, community and yourself. It also increases empathy and compassion meaning that we are kinder towards others, which helps the people that you are in contact with feel better and more grateful creating a ripple effect amongst your community. Focusing on gratitude reduces feelings of anxiety and depression and increases resilience. So by shifting your thought patterns to positivity, it strengthens the neuropathways in your brain, reducing negative thought patterns, boosting your mood and reducing anxiety. It also helps you bounce back from stressful more quickly.
state, heightening the growth and rejuvenation of the immune, skeletal, and muscular systems. Basically, sleep rebuilds you and keeps you youthful. High quality sleep fortifies your immune system, balances your hormones, boosts your metabolism, increases physical energy, and improves the function of your brain. Creating a ritual around bedtime will help you consistently get a restful sleep perpetuating a healthy body and mind. The next thing to develop is a gratitude practice. I know that you have heard it A MILLION times but that is because IT ACTUALLY works and here is why. Gratitude lights up the brain’s reward pathway. Think about someone who did something nice for you recently. Notice how that made you feel. This simple thought floods the brain with positive chemicals and sparks brain activity critical to sleep, orgasms, mood regulation and metabolism. Focusing on gratitude also improves physical health – it strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces symptoms of illness and makes us less bothered by aches and pains.
Focusing on gratitude is good for your heart because it lowers levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the body related to cardiac health. It increases coherence of body functions leading to higher cognitive functions, creating greater states of emotional stability. As a result of developing a daily gratitude, we are much more likely to live the life we know we deserve. The easiest way to practice gratitude is by writing down three things daily that you are grateful for. Lastly, it is so important to surround yourself with positive people. When it comes to relationships, we are greatly influenced by those closest to us. The company we keep affects our way of thinking, our self-esteem, and our decisions. If you are constantly around people who put you down, or who complain about their lives, you too will embody a lack mentality in your own life. However, when you surround yourself with positive people who inspire you, you will continue to improve, see the good in things and become the best version of yourself. So there you have it, 3 simple steps that you can put into place immediately that will help bridge the gap between your current reality and what is possible for you. Be kind to yourself as you aspire to create positive change in your life. That dream that you always believed was possible is closer than you think.
Samara Zelniker is dedicated to creating a platform for leaders to reach their infinite potential. With over a decade of experience in yoga, meditation and mindfulness, her focus lies in applying these age old concepts to modern day life. Samara works with individuals and businesses, highlighting their innate talents, guiding them with ease to the practical application of their strengths. She focuses on health (diet and exercise) relationships, career and mindset. Samara is a native of Montreal, Canada and has an infectious curiosity about life. She can never be found too far from a beach, an inspiring conversation or her next adventure. Samara has been featured as a leadership expert in Forbes and Business Insider.
Instagram: @mindfulnessmatters www.mindfulnessmatters.ca
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Ellen Rakieten Inform. Enlighten. Uplift. Entertain.
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Ellen Rakieten’s journey to becoming one of the most powerful people in reality television BY JEZLAN MOYET HOST, GOOD MORNING LALA LAND
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hirteen-time Emmy Award-winning producer, Ellen Rakieten, co-created and produced The Oprah Winfrey Show for 23 years. Ellen was one of Harpo Productions’ longest-serving producers and she was largely responsible for creating the most dominant and influential show in television history. FOCUS TV’s new morning show – Good Morning LaLa Land – had the opportunity to speak with the iconic producer about her journey to becoming one of the most powerful people in reality television. Ellen was raised in Chicago, IL. In the fifth grade, her family moved to a conservative town in Minneapolis, where for the first time she faced anti-semitism. Case in point: Ellen’s high school boyfriend wasn’t allowed to take her to the prom because of her religion. Despite those obstacles, her brother’s girlfriend at the time, found Ellen an opportunity in entertainment. Shortly thereafter, she introduced Ellen to the world of production and Ellen was hired as an intern for a local Minneapolis/ St.Paul show called Good Company. Moving from intern to producer, Ellen discovered her passion. At the same time, HARPO Productions was staffing up The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was based in Chicago. In an effort to find experienced and eager staff, the Oprah team called several local talk shows. Ellen was one of the select few candidates chosen to fly into Chicago to interview for a position. Dressed to impress – as always – Oprah told Ellen that she ‘looked like a Kennedy’ and took her for a drink after the interview. Reminiscing on that day, Ellen says she knew the names of only two cocktails from watching MTV’s Spring Break specials: a ‘Long Island Iced Tea’ and a ‘Sea Breeze.’ She ordered the Sea Breeze. Apparently, that sealed the deal because Oprah’s preferred cocktail at the time, coincidentally, was also a Sea Breeze. 16 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
To this day, Ellen Rakieten attributes that moment to solidifying her ever-growing connection and relationship to the soon-to-be talk show goddess, now simply known as ‘Oprah.’ The first national episode ever aired of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was produced by a small team of four, including Ellen, was ‘How to Get a Man to Marry You.’ Auspiciously enough, that episode received higher ratings than previously established national television shows. “There was no infrastructure. We weren’t even able to book a guest,” Ellen humorously recounts. “We could call celebrities and invite them to appear on the show and the typical response was, what is an Oprah?” The early episodes, according to Rakieten, were actually inspired by the production team’s own life – their personal trials and triumphs; their daily frustrations; their unresolved
childhood issues; overt racism and discrimination; persistent weight and body issues; unhappy relationships, and so on.
Ellen does, indeed, have a huge heart. What’s more, her energy is contagious... and seemingly endless.
She says: “It was authentic and organic. There was no plan.”
Ellen Rakieten is a visionary. RelativityREAL’s Tom Forman says of her:
Unaware of the profoundly transformative effect she was “Ellen is the complete package: a talented having on people around the world, Ellen says she didn’t even producer, a gifted storyteller and a savvy realize the show was having any real effect, let alone that she was changing lives. Thirteen Emmy Awards and years later, entrepreneur.” Ellen is finally able to reflect on her role in creating the legacy Currently in production on two top-secret projects – one that became The Oprah Winfrey Show. involving Jada Pinkett-Smith and her daughter Willow, and She tells FOCUS, “I feel like, for whatever reason, I was born another with her long time dear friend, Eva Longoria, on dating and relationships – Ellen continues to create, produce to do what I was doing.” and deliver increasingly dynamic, ever-evolving, meaningful, transformative content and entertainment, the kind that is Of course, Ellen’s success and influence didn’t stop with changing the conversation... and the game. The Oprah Winfrey Show; it only continued to grow and evolve. She went on to co-create both The Dr. Phil Show and Ellen’s mission is still the same one she followed for two The Dr. Oz Show, and she was deeply instrumental in the decades with Oprah: Inform. Enlighten. Uplift. Entertain. launch of The Rachael Ray Show. Her television credits also include hit shows like The Marriage Ref With Jerry Seinfeld, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, Losing It With Jillian Michaels and Undateable, a show based of the hilarious book she co-wrote with best friend Anne Coyle. Many people wonder what Ellen’s secret to success is, what is it that keeps this mother of two at the top of the game, what is her secret sauce. According to Ellen, she says it’s simple: “I thrive under pressure. I thrive under deadlines. I don’t get easily rattled,” she says. “It all comes with years of doing a daily television show under the world’s eye.” Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen’s Co-Producer of The Marriage Ref, describes her work ethic: “She is superhuman” (www. broadcastingcable.com). Ellen is known to be a serial multi-tasker. It is no wonder, then, that after simultaneously creating hundreds of television makeovers, she teamed up with Anne Coyle and Nate Berkus to conduct an incredible renovation of her Chicago home, which was featured in ELLE DECOR. In true Ellen Rakieten form and style, she later re-created that home renovation magic in her West Hollywood home. That makeover – and her home – ended up gracing the ELLE DECOR pages once again, and the living room was voted one of the best rooms in Los Angeles. Rob Mack, host of Good Morning LaLa Land, says of Ellen: “She’s an extraordinary woman in every possible way. She’s smart, savvy, successful, beautiful, and deeply gifted. What’s more, she’s a phenomenal friend, an exceptional mom to two strapping young men and just a good person. Most of all, her heart is huge. I speak for all of us when I say that we all love Ellen.”
http://ellenrakietenentertainment.com @ElleRakieten Full interview available: focustvnetwork.com/goodmorninglalaland
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Changing the Face of Divorce BY ELIZABETH WINKLER
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aura Wasser has recently launched a revolutionary and necessary platform, It’s Over Easy, for uncontested divorce. It is online, affordable, comprehensive, and easy to navigate. Wasser says, “Divorce is hard. The legal process shouldn’t be.” It’s Over Easy eliminates costs and quickens the process so that you can start the next chapter of your life empowered.
ENLIGHTENED PARENTS, ENLIGHTENED CHILDREN
This tenet applies to people with kids, but they are an important community to address. I have found that the most powerful guidance for couples with children is this next bit of information. Children of divorce are at risk for developing certain emotional issues triggered by the traumatic stress a divorce can ignite. How well their parents get along during the divorce process and post-divorce can mitigate this risk. Once parents realize this, I have seen them magically move from battling with lawyers to recognizing that with mediation and therapy they have the power to preserve and grow a healthy and happy longI see the emotional turmoil in adults and children going term relationship for ALL parties. You can build a strong and abundant bridge that your children will gleefully run back and through divorce. Half of marriages end in divorce, forth on, or one that feels similar to the insecure, rickety bridge and the time is NOW to change how we deal with this over troubled waters in Indiana Jones.
reality. What if we could create more love in the world through the process of breakups, separations, and divorce? This is what I call “Mindful Untethering.” I have created five tenets to follow and come back to as guides for the internal “divorce” that is necessary for individuals to find peace, empowerment, and ultimately the abundant love that lies within each one of us.
“There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way” - Thich Nhat Hanh
It’s Over Easy provides many useful tools for parents to use to build a strong, stable bridge, and to become effective co-parents, including calendars that both parents can use, with scheduling preferences, and tools to help parents work out custody issues. The platform also provides a chat feature so that everything is in one place. When parents use the in-platform chat feature, there is a record of your conversations if you need to reference or download them for important information. This clarity is a gift for everyone involved because less is lost between two homes.
I tell clients that their focus needs to be on the health of the whole family, including your ex who has now become your “coparent.” Even though your family will now be in two homes, you will forever be tied together through your children. You have THE PATH OF HAPPINESS IS INSIDE the opportunity to grow more happiness and love by letting go Our world is over-saturated with contested divorces where both of your own agenda (ego) and focusing on the whole. Remind parties are intertwined in a long, arduous road full of legal battles. yourself that the parents’ enlightened decisions provide the This leaves people in a state of fight or flight where decisionbridge that the children will cross toward each of you on their making is unclear and fear based. Now divorcing couples have a way to independence and adulthood. Enlightened decisions choice to take a different path with It’s Over Easy. Many people create an environment in both homes that will stabilize and divorce externally on paper but they never divorce internally. protect the children that you both love. People uncouple because they are unhappy, but in my experience, that unhappiness will follow you if you don’t do the inner work WHO IS AT THE WHEEL? of Mindful Untethering. The choice is yours to either make this a growth experience, or a tragic event that guides your life forever. In divorces, there are so many broken pieces and messy situations I like to start with, “Do you want to be happy?” Many clients will that clients feel overwhelmed. In order to give them back to themselves, they need to become aware of their power. It’s Over react with, “how can I be happy, I am getting a divorce?” Easy helps divorcing couples become the masters of their own destiny. Think of the self like a car and there are many passengers When we have all of these unhappy feelings inside, choosing to inside. We can see that we let different drivers guide us on the be happy can feel impossible. However, this is exactly why we road of life and often we do this without awareness. We often need to untether ourselves internally from this pain so we can unconsciously let the insecure, scared, and fearful passengers let it go. If you don’t, you will never be “divorced” and never be take over simply because their voices are often much louder and truly happy. So, if you answered “Yes, I want to be happy” and more distracting. We have the opportunity to be more aware and you realize you have the power to choose this path inside, then awake here. The dialogue begins with, who is driving inside? we can move to the next step, which tells you how to get there. focusmag.us 19
Often, I find FEAR to be the biggest culprit, which leads to more fear, resentment and sometimes hate. If you want happiness, you cannot let fear be your guide. Would you be willing to let someone else take the driver’s seat so that you can have more clarity, peace, and ultimately happiness? Expansion of our internal awareness of the inner voices we hear allows one to no longer identify from a place of negative fearful thinking. Through this awareness, one can experience inner freedom. Through techniques such as mindfulness and meditation, the client can become highly aware of the inner voice that can create chaos or calm.
longer cohabitating so it is less triggered in their life. The harder those challenging aspects of the ex are simply direct the client back to more untethering of the relationship internally and more emotional releases. For newly divorced co-parents, finding that balance of each parent’s strengths for the family and focusing on those strengths, helps to create a peaceful and centered family.
CELEBRATING YOUR UNIQUE EVOLUTION
There are often many areas of “weaknesses” clients have identified in the other as well as within themselves. Clients work with these weaknesses (limiting beliefs) as things to let go of internally (often more pain to release) and see the blessing of physical distance to certain behaviors (e.g. cheating). Clients find it easier to work through their own limiting beliefs because they are no longer cohabitating so it is less triggered in their life. The harder those challenging aspects of the ex are simply direct the client The therapeutic guidance takes the client back to letting the back to more untethering of the relationship internally and more highly aware “Self ” drive down this road ahead. At times, there emotional releases. For newly divorced co-parents, finding that could be a lot of traffic, unexpected weather, accidents, and other balance of each parent’s strengths for the family and focusing on reckless drivers on the road, but if your car is driven by someone those strengths, helps to create a peaceful and centered family. who is aware and centered, then the results will be much better than if the car were being driven by a reactive, fearful being. “…if you are willing to look at another person’s This doesn’t mean you are cold and without emotion, you are just better equipped to handle any situation that passes before behavior toward you as a reflection of the state you. The work done here is all about letting go of pain in the of their relationship with themselves rather than heart, a.k.a. “the files” from this relationship (and often others), a statement about you as a person, then you will, and starting to recognize the noise of the chattering mind as a over a period of time cease to react at all…” reaction to that pain. When clients can see their strength beyond the mind and heart, stabilization can occur.
FOCUS ON WHAT WORKS, STRENGTHS What we focus on grows. When focused on your ex-partner’s strengths it is much easier to build a working, healthy, and often happy relationship. This clarity helps with dealing with your expartner. I love what Yogi Bhajan said, which helps give clarity to people who are struggling with their ex-partners behaviors: There are often many areas of “weaknesses” clients have identified in the other as well as within themselves. Clients work with these weaknesses (limiting beliefs) as things to let go of internally (often more pain to release) and see the blessing of physical distance to certain behaviors (e.g. cheating). Clients find it easier to work through their own limiting beliefs because they are no
Elizabeth D. Winkler is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has provided therapy on Bravo and OWN. She is a featured blogger for Laura Wasser’s divorce platform, It’s Over Easy, which allows her to help individuals, couples and families mindfully untether from marriages. Elizabeth integrates mindfulness into the therapeutic process, and calls mindfulness the bullet train to freedom. The effectiveness of mindfulness has motivated her to teach children with the vision of a happier and healthier planet. Her core objective is to equip each client with the tools to garner self-awareness, ensuring maximum personal growth. http://wcmfamilylaw.com/attorneys/laura-wasser 20 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
The Lisa Torres Show on Focus TV Network Transformational Life-Spiritual Coach and Fitness Expert, Lisa Torres, focuses on awakening and inspiring you to high vibrational living in all areas
22 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
Mind:
Conscious speaking to reality, meditation, mindfulness, positive outlook and energy
Body:
Fueling it, feeding it, exercise and self-care
Heart:
Compassion, expression, inner knowing, love
Soul:
The essence, connection to universe, the divine and each other
H
igh vibrational living is living intentionally with kindness, gratitude, passion, joy, love, abundance, enlightenment, appreciation and empathy. It is a shift in energy to experience more universal flow. Guests on the show include chefs, healers, fitness experts, meditation leaders, light workers, nutritionists and other inspirational people living in this energy zone, impacting their lives as well as the lives of others. Each episode features a “change your frequency, change your life” segment where Lisa and her guests share coaching tips and tools to shift your energy to these higher states. This spring we launch with three impactful episodes and guests. Brett Hoebel Intuitive to the stars, author of Intuitive Being, creator and founder of IM Meditation Kits and the IM Community shares her wisdom on intuition, meditation and what color and types of food to eat to strengthen your gut instincts. Jill Willard Intuitive to the stars, author of Intuitive Being, creator and founder of IM Meditation Kits and the IM Community shares her wisdom on intuition, meditation and what color and types of food to eat to strengthen your gut instincts. Peter Oppermann Expert meditation teacher, coach and creator of Future Self Method shares with us his immobilizing fear to pursue what he deeply knew was his calling and how the universe gave him an unexpected push in the right direction.
Lisa Torres is a TV host, intuitive transformational life and spirituality coach, barre fitness expert, meditation teacher and model. She worked with an orthopedic sports surgeon to innovatively create Barre Physique® and Just A Thought Meditations, featured on American Airlines (available on iTunes). She healed and dramatically transformed herself, shedding 6 sizes with her holistic wellness philosophy. As a fitness personality and trainer, along with her keen sense, she has helped A-list celebrities, super models, professional athletes, CEO’s and countless individuals to attain their goals and change their lives. Based in Los Angeles, Lisa works privately with clients to develop personalized transformational programs with emphasis on aligning the mind, body, heart and soul. In addition, she continues inspirational speaking engagements and workshops along with being a barre fitness trainer at Exhale Spa in Santa Monica. www.lisatorres.net/contact @lisatorresxo focusmag.us 23
B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A
COMMUNITY POWERED B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A
COMMUNITY POWERED
COMMUNITY POWERED
EXECUTIVE CHEF CRAIG’S LA
KURSTEN KIZER
GIRLTALK NETWORK
SARAH PENDRICK
SPOTLIGHT
WHIMSICAL BARTON G.
FOCUS TRAVEL EDITOR
WENDY BROKAW KRETCHMER
SIMPLY STYLIST
SARAH BOYD MUSIC EDITOR/HOST
EXECUTIVE CHEF, BALTAIRE
TAMBI SAFFRAN
JANUARY 2016 | FOCUSMAG.US
TRAVIS STRICKLAND
AUTHOR AND PHILANTHROPIST
JULIE STEINES AND NORBERT JANUARY 2017 | FOCUSMAG.US
FOOD ISSUE
INSPIRATION ISSUE
BEAUTY PIONEER, FACE BAR FOUNDER
AMAZING RACE WINNER
TRICIA DIKES
LAURA PIERSON
HOST | FEARLESS FEMALES
FOUNDERS | CEREMONY MEDITATION
JANET GUNN
ROXY GHORAISHY, TRAVIS MAJICK
STYLE
Shop
A shop-by-shop guide to South Barrington Place 14
See
Music and Theater performances this month 16
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
ART
MAY 2014 focusmag.us
INTERVIEW
MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
ONE YEAR ON
DO THE HUSTLE AN INSIDER VIEW OF THE MOVIE AWARDS SCENE
ISSUE
Do
Box, climb, Cobra pose - have fun and get fit for Spring. 22
PERFORMANCE
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
5 TH ANNIVERSARY Eat
Sandwiches come of age. 26
FOCUS
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
PERFORMANCE
ART
APRIL 2014 focusmag.us
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
SPRING ISSUE: 1 April 2013
Insights into your neighborhood.
Explore
Serene Places
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
EDEN SASSOON
ODEEVA TV
Eat
Burgers for carnivores and vegans alike 26
Shop Antiques and Home furnishings 12
See
The creations of celebrated architect A. Quincy Jones 14
Insights into your neighborhood.
FUND YOUR CONCEPT
JULY 2017 | FOCUSMAG.US
Zen
Yoga on the beach 18
ALLI WEBB
INTERVIEWS
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF DRYBAR
MELISSA MEYERS
Eat
Ice cream, yogurt and shaved ice. 26
FITNESS
PERFORMANCE
ART
DECEMBER 2013 focusmag.us
HANGING OUT WITH ACTRESS NICOLE CANNON
GLOW GIRL
Do
Ideas for daring experiences 16
DINING
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
THE GLEN CENTER See
Fashion photographer Helmut Newton 12
FOCUS
BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR AND A MOTHER
MOTHER OF AN IDEA
STYLE
FOCUS BEL AIR
ISSUE 2: May/June 2013
MOMPRENEURS
#sassoonway
TANYA MEMME
Do
It’s Bike month – dust off your cycling gear. 22
FOCUS
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
PERFORMANCE
A GOOD GUY
EX ‘SOPRANOS’ LOUIS LOMBARDI HITS A HIGH NOTE
A HAPPY PLACE THE SENSORY WONDERLAND THAT IS HAVEN & Co.
ART
NOVEMBER 2013 focusmag.us
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
Things to see and do in your neighborhood.
BRENTWOOD
ISSUE 3: June/July 2013
See
Hammer Time – What’s going on at the museum? 12
Books
Frederick Forsyth in conversation. 13
Free
Outdoor movies. Talks. Yoga. All Free 25
Eat
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
PERFORMANCE
ART
August has a lot of sweet celebrations. 26
FOCUS
FINANCE
FEBRUARY 2014 focusmag.us
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
ISSUE
LOVE your neighborhood
BRENTWOOD
E*TRADE
ISSUE 4: August 2013
THE VALUE TRADE
Mobile Dating
Efrem Harkham
Realty Mogul
The Art of Giving
LUXE HOTEL FOUNDER
REAL ESTATE CROWDFUNDING
FUNDING WORTHY CAUSES
INTERVIEW
Best of *
BRENT WOOD *Our Pick of THE Best Places in Brentwood
1
MINUTE YOGA
WHERE TO SHOP
FASHION ISSUE MEN & WOMEN’S CLOTHING
PHILANTHROPISTS
FOUNDER | PŪRLISSE BEAUTY
JENNIFER YEN
KELLY STONE, EDEN ALPERT
B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A
COMMUNITY POWERED
COMMUNITY POWERED
EXECUTIVE CHEF CRAIG’S LA
KURSTEN KIZER
GIRLTALK NETWORK
SARAH PENDRICK
SPOTLIGHT
WHIMSICAL BARTON G.
FOCUS TRAVEL EDITOR
WENDY BROKAW KRETCHMER
SIMPLY STYLIST
SARAH BOYD MUSIC EDITOR/HOST
EXECUTIVE CHEF, BALTAIRE
JANUARY 2016 | FOCUSMAG.US
JULIE STEINES AND NORBERT JANUARY 2017 | FOCUSMAG.US
TAMBI SAFFRAN
TRAVIS STRICKLAND
AUTHOR AND PHILANTHROPIST
INSPIRATION
FOOD ISSUE
ISSUE
HOST | FEARLESS FEMALES
FOUNDERS | CEREMONY MEDITATION
JANET GUNN
ROXY GHORAISHY, TRAVIS MAJICK
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
CO MMUNI TY POWER ED
PERFORMANCE
ART
MAY 2014 focusmag.us
BEAUTY PIONEER, FACE BAR FOUNDER
AMAZING RACE WINNER
TRICIA DIKES
LAURA PIERSON
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
PERFORMANCE
ART
APRIL 2014 focusmag.us
COMMUNITY POWERED
INTERVIEW
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
ONE YEAR ON
MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
DO THE HUSTLE
EDEN SASSOON
MOMPRENEURS
#sassoonway
BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR AND A MOTHER
AN INSIDER VIEW OF THE MOVIE AWARDS SCENE
MOTHER OF AN IDEA FUND YOUR CONCEPT
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
PERFORMANCE
ART
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
PERFORMANCE
ART
STYLE
DINING
FITNESS
INTERVIEWS
PERFORMANCE
ART
See
Hammer Time – What’s going on at the museum? 12
DECEMBER 2013 focusmag.us
COMMUNITY POW ERED
NOVEMBER 2013 focusmag.us
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
FEBRUARY 2014 focusmag.us
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
Books
Frederick Forsyth in conversation. 13
Free
Outdoor movies. Talks. Yoga. All Free 25
Eat
August has a lot of sweet celebrations. 26
FOCUS LOVE your neighborhood
BRENTWOOD Mobile Dating
HANGING OUT WITH ACTRESS NICOLE CANNON
Best of *
BRENT WOOD
FINANCE
*Our Pick of THE Best Places in Brentwood
ISSUE
ALLI WEBB
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF DRYBAR
A GOOD GUY
EX ‘SOPRANOS’ LOUIS LOMBARDI HITS A HIGH NOTE
A HAPPY PLACE THE SENSORY WONDERLAND THAT IS HAVEN & Co.
E*TRADE THE VALUE TRADE
1
Efrem Harkham
Realty Mogul
The Art of Giving
LUXE HOTEL FOUNDER
REAL ESTATE CROWDFUNDING
FUNDING WORTHY CAUSES
INTERVIEW
MINUTE YOGA
ADVERTISE@FOCUSMAG.US
WHERE TO SHOP
FASHION ISSUE MEN & WOMEN’S CLOTHING
ISSUE 4: August 2013
focusmag.us 25
Alex Wehrley, Founder
26 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
focusmag.us 27
28 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
focusmag.us 29
CLOSE UP
Not All Heroes Wear Capes! BY ARNOLD BRYANT
W
hen you get to know Sally Colón-Petree, you get a sense that every morning she wakes up, the injustices and evil of the world say, “oh crap she’s up!” This marvelous woman has made such strides in raising awareness for those who are unable to or are too scared to speak for themselves. Colón-Petree draws inspiration from her late mother: Carmen Alicea, who for many years worked as a social worker to special needs children. For the past few years, she has worked on a documentary that sheds light on the cruel practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) throughout countries in Africa. The movie also examines the tragic acts of human trafficking and the few organizations that come out to help in the fight against it. Colón-Petree along with a small film crew and a group of some notable women award winning writer and philanthropist, Linda Rendleman and such as E! News Weekend co-anchor Catt Sadler, traveled to several tribes and schools to interview young women who have been a victims of the putrid acts of FGM. Over the several weeks of their journey, they would meet young girls full of desire and yearning for a better future. Although these young women and children live in a place where being a female, one is treated as property or excluded from vital things such as education, they still have hope, and aspire to be more then their circumstance. The project continues by educating viewers on the horrid acts of human trafficking and teen suicide right here in Los Angeles. Colón-Petree enlisted the help of famous actors and actresses such as Sherri Shepherd (who was a victim of domestic violence herself), to talk about their story. The documentary brings in key organizations such as The Los Angeles Dream Center, founded by Matthew and Caroline Barnett, to help families and individuals who are going through tough times. Colón-Petree, who was also a victim of trafficking at an early age, will in the near future conduct another full length feature solely delving into this
30 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
atrocious operation and organizations that combat it. For their efforts, Women Like Us was an official selection at the 2017 Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival. Recently, Colón-Petree headed back to her native country of Puerto Rico to compose another documentary on the effects of “Hurricane Maria” that hit late last year. She exposes the subpar living conditions that the people have endured. For one week she shot the experiences of people sleeping on the dirty floor on a twin sized mattress, living without running water and power. Some people have lost everything! The film is set to release at the one-year anniversary of Women Like Us. Her original plan was to shoot, but her giving heart could not stand to see so many in need of help. By the end of the trip she would adopt five families where she would personally make sure they were well taken care of. Her efforts continued when she came back, where she raised funds to help more in need and is planning a fundraiser in Hollywood on Sunday, January 21st. Colón-Petree will travel back to Puerto Rico to film more with the former Miss Puerto Rico, Joyce Giraud by her side at the end of January. Her most recent project was starting her very own small business called MantraSox. Along with a friend, she started this company to empower herself after her divorce. There is so much we will see from Sally Colón-Petree, she is the true definition of a good person, and her efforts has created impact all over the world, and will continue to grow from right here in the Santa Clarita Valley, where she resides, because sometimes the strongest women are the ones who love beyond all faults, cry behind closed doors and fights battles that nobody knows about.
Republished from the article which originally appeared in élite Magazine.
focusmag.us 31
Living Strong with
Powerful & Life-Changing Supplements You Need Right Now! BY GREG MACPHERSON, CEO MITO-Q
Mitochondria are tiny organelles in almost all our cells responsible for generating the energy our cells need to function. Like tiny power plants, they combine the food we eat with the air we breathe, to make the energy our cells need to operate. When we are young and healthy our mitochondria are working at 100%, delivering all the energy our cells need. We are growing, full of energy and we bounce back from illness and injury quickly. As we get older, our mitochondria naturally start to decline in function. We start to have less energy, we don’t recover from illness or injury as quickly, and our immune systems decline, increasing the risk of serious health issues. What we are experiencing is the aging process. Mitochondria are responsible for 90-95% of the free radicals in our cells; damaging by-products from the energy generation process like exhaust from an engine. For this reason, mitochondria are literally stacked with antioxidants to protect themselves. As we age, these antioxidant levels decline, and free radicals start to damage the mitochondria resulting in less and less energy being available to our cells. Free radicals then start to leak out into the cell and attack vital cell components with significant consequences for our health.
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www.mitoq.com focusmag.us 33
KIM VO
No matter what celebrity hair colorist Kim Vo is doing, he always goes back to his roots BY LINDSLEY LOWELL
K
im Vo is just like any other stylist. Most days, he is seen at the salon working on his clients who have trusted him for years to make them the perfect blond, stunning redhead, sultry brunette or any other color of the rainbow. Every day, Kim looks in the mirror and sees a hair colorist from humble beginnings. However, there are some things that set him apart from most. For one, his namesake salons just happen to be based in the very exclusive Montage Hotels in Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach. Kim just happens to be the Global Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional, one of the largest hair color brands 34 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
in the world. Also, Kim just happens to be the new Mentor on “THE LOOK: ALL STARS,” a new reality competition TV show airing in June on the CW Network, and Kim’s clients just happen to be some of the most well-known heads in Hollywood (confidentiality agreements keep him from mentioning names but you might have heard of past clients like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Britney Spears, Reese Witherspoon, Kylie Jenner). All of this has been achieved by sticking to Kim’s golden rule - never forget your roots! For most stylists, the mention of “roots” makes them cringe. It’s the enemy. However, it also means forever clients like the majority of Kim’s who
always want to look like a “natural” blonde. Roots for Kim mean always remembering how hard he has worked to get where he is today and to constantly strive to achieve and grow more personally and professionally. . As an immigrant from Vietnam arriving with his mother as a boy and neither knowing English, being a quick learner became second nature to Kim. “How can I ever forget where I come from when my mother still doesn’t speak English?!” says Kim. “She make me laugh when she tries to pronounce some things.” As his ultimate muse, Kim’s mother has ingrained in him that hard work is admirable. He watched her as she worked as a maid and at nail salons to create a better life for them. Thanks to his mother’s example, hard work has definitely paid off for Kim.
“Roots for Kim mean always remembering how hard he has worked to get where he is today and to constantly strive to achieve and grow more personally and professionally.” As he goes into his 10th year being based at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, Kim likes to reflect on past achievements and what lies ahead. “About every ten years, I take a personal inventory,” says Kim. I sit down by myself and write down what I like, what I don’t like, what I want and my dream scenario. Then I step back and edit my life from there. There is always room for improvement.” Even though Kim’s schedule is extremely packed - when he’s not at the salon, he’s on the phone for business or traveling for business or on set for the new TV show - he does take time to daydream and reflect. “It’s the ADD form of meditation,” laughs Kim. Because Kim is in his salon most of the time, many people don’t know about all of his passions and projects.
Professionally, he is looking to expand and diversify (that’s all he would divulge). He continues to travel and teach and share his knowledge with other stylists. With “THE LOOK: ALL STARS,” Kim gets to meet new stylists from all across the globe and collaborate and inspire. “I loved being a judge on BRAVO’s “Shear Genius,”” says Kim. “Now I really get to advise stylists and help them do complete transformations and that is everything to me.” Personally, he just completed renovating his 1930s Spanish Revival home. Interior design and architecture feed his soul and he not only paints clients’ hair, he also paints himself with oils and acrylics. Some of his personal works hang in his home. He also loves cooking and entertaining (although he is an early to bed, early to rise kind of guy). Kim also, along with all of his success, reminds himself of his failures and that through the failures, you learn and grow. “It’s important to know that bad times will pass and you will make it through, and to celebrate the good times, because, unfortunately, they will pass too.” One of the things Kim constantly reminds himself is how lucky he is to live in Los Angeles. “It’s amazing what good weather helps you do,” says Kim. “You are constantly motivated and energized and doing things. Sometimes you need the sun to have a sunny disposition.”
www.kimvo.com @mrkimvo focusmag.us 35
Louis Lombardi Southern California Real Estate Expert Serving Beverly Hills to Long Beach and Beyond. T: 424 256-8430
http://louislombardi.kw.com
36 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
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focusmag.us 37
Social Media Revealed with Emily Raiber, Founder of Emily Raiber Media BY NICHOLAS FISTANIC PHOTOS BY MAKINA SAYLOR
Raiber also appreciates the intimacy that her new role allows: she takes on clients that she can make a profound impact on, and who often impact her in return. Over seaweed snacks and kale juice, Raiber remarks on how thoroughly her clients have reshaped her outlook on fitness, health, parenthood, and West Coast lifestyle—she’s an unrecognizably changed woman after just nine years living here. You’d never know that Raiber wasn’t always LA-based. Like her clientele, she is bicoastal—born, raised, and educated in New York, she is a loud and proud graduate of Colgate University, where she was first launched into the world of media.
I
f you think social media is all rainbows and latte art, then you’ve been looking through a rosecolored Instagram filter.
Gritty and uncompromising, there’s around-theclock work that goes into account management… and on behalf of many more moving parts than you’d reckon—very rarely are your favorite accounts going at it alone. Behind their tidy veneer are bustling teams of brand consultants, data analysts, and marketing strategists.
What endures today is Raiber’s no-nonsense, New York work ethic—a reputation that seems to precede her. She built Emily Raiber Media entirely upon referrals from her first client, and continues to acquire all business through recommendations from others that followed. It seems that business owners are increasingly realizing the need to incorporate social media into their marketing mix, in a much larger capacity. Instagram is the new résumé, after all.
“Emily has helped me build my Instagram, website, and overall online presence in the last two months,” says client @ dr.organicmommy, “I have seen significant increases in numbers and quality engagement of my Emily Raiber, who heads LA-based Emily Raiber Media, is no audience, and I’ve been stranger to the urgency and responsibility that the role calls able to collaborate with for, which she likens to that of a newsroom. And she should influencers and some of know: she’s had over a decade of experience producing TV my favorite brands. She programming and content in both news and entertainment. truly is the best to work After having done award-winning work with NBC, CNN, with and such an amazing and FOX, Raiber made the career change to social media and person.” brand consulting. Curious as it may seem, she would argue that this jump is actually an intuitive one. Outsourcing to industry experts is decidedly the “Production for social media is still production,” Raiber way to go when looking to maximize scale, efficiency, and offers, pointing to explicit similarities between the two, “but ROI. Sometimes these are extensive networks of sponsors, now I’m able to operate on my own terms.” agents, influencer “pods,” engagement groups, and the like. 38 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
“Everything changed in 2018,” Emily Raiber revealed, and she let us in on the top five insights she has gleaned from the field.
5 INSIGHTS FROM THE FIELD 1. The new algorithmic goal for getting your post to the top of your followers’ feeds is raking in comments, not likes. The more interactive the content, the better! Create a conversation you want, or in which you need to take part. 2. To do away with the bulk of listing hashtags, users have opted to conceal them in the post’s comment section. This is no longer viable, the hashtags must now live upfront in the caption in order to be discoverable.
Emily Raiber Media provides resources for businesses to grow their overall online presence. It is not just social media they specialize in, but are also skilled in web designs and search engine optimization in order for clients to reach their full potentia. Raiber makes it a responsibility to stay on top of the constantly shifting media landscape by attending seminars in order to learn and relearn industry trends. A hot topic of discussion amongst media professionals is updates to the “algorithm,” or the set of qualifications established by social platforms that determine a post’s visibility and viral potential. Raiber employs all platforms for clients on an as-needed basis, but Instagram seems to be the big-hitter in recent years—mastering its algorithm is essential.
3. Use location tags and hashtags on your Instagram stories – it gives you a chance to be featured in your location’s public story. If you are worried about making your whereabouts traceable, just post with some delay! 4. You should be constantly direct messaging other accounts. Reach out and connect just as you would in any other networking circumstance. 5. Don’t worry if you don’t have the following of big time influencers. Sponsors are now recognizing that “micro-influencers”, with a more devoted following, make for more effective ambassadors. Even Instagram recognizes loyal engagement over a massive following when handing out verification status.
EmilyRaiberMedia.com Instagram @EmilyRaiberMedia
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“I wanted to wake up the individual, empower the individual so they can start taking responsibility for their health. Asking questions, getting second opinions, realizing that these alternative therapies do work even if you use them in conjunction with your western treatment. I feel that if the demand changes, then the system changes.� Kelly Noonan Gores
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Kelly Noonan Gores: Her Journey to Heal Empowering the individual so they can take responsibility for their health and start to heal. BY JEZLAN MOYET
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elly Noonan Gores is best known as the writer, producer, and director of the acclaimed documentary, HEAL. Kelly grew up in front of the camera, as an actress in over 50 TV shows, commercials and films. With an intention to create conscious media that informs, inspires, and empowers, in 2012, Kelly created the production company Elevative Entertainment. Now, true to form, her life imitates her art.
In an interview with Focus TV, Kelly describes her journey to Heal. There was no ah ha moment, or wellness crossroads in her life. But a culmination of little events, health threats, and challenges sparked her interest in exploring what it meant to heal. In high school, a battle with swollen glands triggered a series of non effective antibiotics, and painful biopsies. Traditional Western medical practitioners were not able to give her a conclusive diagnosis, prognosis, or solution. It was her mother’s chiropractor that offered an all natural treatment, rice vinegar to be exact, that helped her body to actually heal. This was the beginning of Kelly’s ‘awakening.’ Kelly tells FOCUS, “In our medical system right now, as you can see with healthcare, there are a lot of issues and problems that need to evolve and grow. As Michael Beckwith, (Founder of Agape International Spiritual Center), says, ‘we have a sick care system not a health care system.’ So in that movement to wellness, a lot of behemoth, massive changes need to occur. But for me, I wanted to wake up the individual, empower the individual so they can start taking responsibility for their health. Asking questions, getting second opinions, realizing that these alternative therapies do work, even if you use them in conjunction with your western treatment. I feel that if the demand changes, then the system changes. I want to wake up and empower the individual.” According to the National Health Council, over 40 percent of Americans are suffering from a chronic illness. “Unfortunately, in today’s world, the stresses are 24/7, 365 days a year. The net result is illness and disease,” Bruce
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HEAL
CHANGE YOUR MIND. CHANGE YOUR BODY. CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
D E E PA K C H O P R A M.D.
BRUCE L I P TO N P h.D.
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
Dr. M I C H A E L BECKWITH
GREGG BRADEN
ANTHONY WILLIAM
Lipton, Ph.D. Stem Cell Biologist, Author, and Heal Contributor. The documentary film explores some of these traumatic and inspiring stories through patients with lupus, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and stage 4 cancer. These diagnoses are beyond a text book explanation of a medical condition, it has the power to alter the well being of a persons’ mental, emotional, and physical state. It can become an identity, as one patient testifies, “I don’t know who I am without being sick.” Heal features some of the most prominent figures in health and wellness, including renowned alternative medicine advocate, Deepak Chopra, who reminds us, “Don’t believe the prognosis.” “One of the big messages in the film, is go to your doctor and get a diagnosis,” says Kelly. “Get a second opinion. And then don’t accept the prognosis. Don’t let any other person, doctor or otherwise tell you what is possible in your life. You can do it. Basically, the film is showing people how incredible the body is and how we are designed to heal. And how big of an impact our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions have on our physical body. If you want to heal physically, you really must bring in the emotional and mental factors.” In discussing the power of the mind, Kelly reiterates, “We see it in the placebo effect, how what you believe affects your bio chemistry and your physiology. Belief in the mind body connection is very powerful. So it is meant to inspire
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and empower and make people aware of their mental and emotional state.” Fellow Heal experts share how belief itself can actually alter biology, Dr. Joe Dispenza, New York Times Bestselling Author, “The intelligence that is giving us life is the greatest healer in the world, all we have to do is get out of the way.” Through her documentary, Kelly is fostering a true awakening in all those who experience Heal.
“That is ultimately what it is. You are self-healing. You may seek outside for the answers or support and all of these things that are going to help you, but ultimately it is coming from within. I just ask God, and then I get out of the way. The ultimate spiritual lesson… Jesus healed because he saw beyond the illusion of what was going on with the physical. He already knew that your spirit is whole. You are healthy. So that is the silence – your true nature is always there just like the sun is always there above the clouds. It might be raining… but you are already healed.” To give audiences, followers, and believers something tangible to seek lessons and guidance, she is now working on the Heal book. Kelly is continuing the conversation on social media and Facebook Live, providing constant support, strength and inspiration as her life imitates her art in sharing the power to Heal.
You are healthy. So that is the silence – your true nature is always there just like the sun is always there above the clouds. It might be raining… but you are already healed.”
http://www.healdocumentary.com @kellygores
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SPOTLIGHT
Mark Teschner
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ark Teschner, has been an independent casting director for 28 years. Since 1989, he has been responsible for casting ABC Television’s General Hospital. Mark is a nine time Emmy winner for “Outstanding Achievement in Casting” and he has received an additional seven nominations. He is a former vice president of the Casting Society of America and is currently serving on the Board of Governors for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. His credits and reputation certainly to be very natural and organic. “From the first day, I knew I found my calling. Literally from day one, I loved what I did. precede him.
TV Guide claims Mark has an “unparalleled track record for finding top new talent,” so FOCUS TV wanted to discover more about the man who is casting icons and making many actor’s dreams a reality in the fictitious city of Port Charles, on the legendary show of General Hospital. General Hospital, commonly referred to as ‘GH,’ is the longest-running American soap opera of all time. GH was listed as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Best TV Shows of All Time.” For many, tuning into this ABC classic is a ritual. It was the first television show I ever remember watching with my mother. She would tell me stories of ‘Luke and Laura,’ two of the show’s most memorable affairs, and I would dream of the day I would find the love ‘Sonny’ had for ‘Brenda.’ So as I walked the halls of GH at Prospect Studios, the little girl dreams in me were literally becoming a reality. And then I had the honor of meeting the man responsible for casting the characters that played crucial parts in my memories, and an unforgettable ensemble of daytime talent. A native New Yorker, Mark was introduced to the arts at an early age. “I had cultured parents that exposed me to this world. I was very fortunate to be born and raised where I was. Clearly, I was able to use that love of the arts, the craft, the theatre and find a way to make a living.” Although Mark launched his entertainment career as an actor, he soon learned that it wasn’t the lifestyle he wanted. So he made the transition to casting in a way he claimed 48 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
And I didn’t make any money for it for years. But it didn’t matter because I was doing what I loved.”
“Everything I did, led me to where I am. I always feel in life, for anyone, every experience you have, even if it’s not something you feel really fits into your plans of where you are now, it did. Everything a human being experiences is something that adds to their new experiences. Every day each of us has a path… I was convinced that I was going to go down this path… That is the beauty about life and this profession.”
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According to Mark, the challenge of the casting profession is to find the special people that will make an audience watch day in, day out, year in, year out. He gratefully accepts that responsibility and has mastered the art of it. ”Rolling Stone” touts Mark as a “an actor’s casting director.” As an actor, he can speak the actor’s language in a way that resonates with them as an artist, so that they the can bring the scene to life. And when that magic happens… dreams can become a reality.
“I love what I do. I want to continue on this journey. I love casting. I love changing actors lives. And I want actors to feel, that when they leave here, that they have been treated well. That they have been acknowledged. That they have been with a casting director who is very present to them and has created an environment that they can do good work. That they leave with their dignity and talent. It may be an actor’s only audition that they ever get, just by the nature of how As was the true story of casting GH’s ‘Ms. Brenda Barrett;’ hard it is to get work. And I want them to feel like that was played by Vanessa Marcil. really fun. That was a great experience. I didn’t get a lot of auditions maybe, but the ones did, I feel really good about. Vanessa tells FOCUS, “The day I met Mark I had shown up It was a great experience. for my audition in jeans, no shoes and no make up. It was It is such a tough business for actors, I don’t want to make the second audition I had ever been to. I am a 5’2 Mexican it tougher when they get in the room. I want to make it easier girl who grew up in poverty and violence. As I looked around for them to do good work… I try to live each day powerfully, the room I noticed I was surrounded by beautifully put authentically. I always tell actors, act because you love to together models. I got up and left, and as the elevator opened, act. Don’t act to make it, to become a star. Act because you I stepped in to leave and Mark called my name. We locked love the craft of acting. Because all of those other things are eyes. I walked into his office. I sat on top of his desk instead of in a chair. I started the scene without him asking and crawled outside of your control.” across the desk directly into his face. I left and thought I’d never see him again. He took a real chance with me. He gave me one of the greatest female roles ever written. He didn’t realize it at the time, but he also saved my life. His love for me changed the entire direction of my life. Because of Mark’s belief in me, every single one of my dreams came true, including breaking the chain of my Hispanic family history. My son is the first to go to private school, get straight A’s and go to college to follow his dreams. He’s currently in the show Chicago and this summer will be The Genie in Aladdin. He works with children in Compton and in our domestic violence shelter. Mark follows his heart and his gut against all odds…Thank you Mark.” “It is really exciting when someone walks in and you see something that you know on a gut level will resonate with the audience,” Mark states. The bottom line is that he is always looking for that je ne sais crois. “Talent is first and foremost. Even if they are raw. If they have potential, they have an instinct, they have something about them, they will develop as an artist. I’m looking for charisma, presence, sex appeal, the ‘it’ factor. Something you know when you see it.” Surrounded by awards and accolades, Mark says, “For me the real reward is watching the show every day and feeling like I had such a part of shaping it. And being part of such an iconic show. That is really the reward… the best part of my job is seeing it on screen.” www.markteschner.com Instagram: @markteschner
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As part of our commitment to #communitypowered stories, FOCUS puts the spotlight on Mark Teschner, who is creating a casting legacy in Hollywood and cultivating a community where dreams do come true.
FOCUS TV NETWORK
AMERICA'S FIRST STREAMING VIDEO TALK NETWORK
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Davenport’s
A Los Angeles dining experience that feels like home on Ventura Blvd. BY JEZLAN MOYET HOST, GOOD MORNING LALA LAND
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ocated just off the 405 on Ventura Blvd, Davenport’s is a new American steak and seafood restaurant in Encino that is sure to be a timeless classic. A rare, family owned and operated concept, the Davenports have opened their doors to provide the community of Los Angeles a dining experience that feels like home, with good food and good friends.
Undoubtedly, stepping into Davenports evokes a feeling of innovation, creativity, and heart. Carl Davenport, the patriarch of the family, warmly welcomed FOCUS TV into his establishment, holding the door open as eager guests and familiar faces arrived for an early dinner.
In the kitchen, it is hot, it is smoky, and it is fun. Mesquite grills are radiating high temperatures; the cooks are busy The ambiance is elegant searing signature entrees. FOCUS had the opportunity to join Chef Nigel on the line. “There are no secrets back here. A and casual with a splithandful of cooks prep over 300 meals on a Friday or Saturday level dining room. The luxurious black booths, night…. Attention to detail is important.” Chef describes his donned in white linens, kitchen as disciplined, detailed, and quality focused. “I’m are filled with celebrities only as good as my weakest link, and I don’t have any weak and locals, couples, and links, from my brigade to my dishwashers. I have a wonderful families. The twin white crew that walks around here with a smile on their face. Like I marble bars are bustling said, this is fun and we are having a blast.” with a cool crowd drinking sexy cocktails. The menu is a reflection of Chef Nigel’s twenty five years in hospitality. He got his start in service as a bartender, so Original art, painted it was important to him to offer a selection of unique and by Chris Davenport, classic cocktails. Modeled off a venue in Napa Valley, the brightens the space. wine list is approachable and extensive. The appetizers are The Davenports have a variety of traditional American favorites like the Spinach created a space that is Kale & Artichoke dip, served with house made tortilla chips. warm and friendly and Signature Lobster Bites are butter soaked lobster topped with their entire staff reflects parmesan havarti crust, baked in a cast iron aebleskver pan. that culture. The raw bar offers East and West Coast oysters and fresh, Executive Chef, Nigel Davenport, tells FOCUS, “It is a fun hand rolled sushi and sashimi. These talented chefs are quick place. It is a fun business. We are blessed. My managers are to craft something special for guests nightly. two of my life long friends who I met in this industry. And they aren’t here because they are my best friends; they are Lunch and dinner entrees include a variety of sandwiches here because they are the best at what they do… My staff is – an Herb Roasted Half Chicken with mashed potatoes and amazing. They helped make this dream come true. For that, I English peas, a Cioppino with shrimp, clams, lobster, crab, will always be indebted to them.” halibut, mussels, and scallops. And, true to his steak house 56 FOCUS | J U N E 2 0 1 8
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roots, Chef Nigel offers a USDA Prime New York and Filet Mignon, along with Baby Back Ribs. Chef Nigel intentionally crafted this menu to also serve the conscious diner, vegetarian, and vegan. In fact, his sister’s favorite dish is the Vegan Chili. And now Davenport’s is also serving the infamous Impossible Burger. Chef says, “It has a strong resemblance to meat, and it doesn’t stop there. After it’s cooked, it continues to take on the quality and characteristics of a regular cheeseburger… It will actually resemble the nature of a burger when you cut into it and the juice runs out.” At the end of the meal, the Davenports offer an inspired take on family favorites. The dessert menu includes a Brownie Sunday and Banana Cream Pie with Biscoff Crust, in honor of Grandma Davenport’s ‘nanner puddin.’ The Davenports share with FOCUS TV what has been most rewarding about this new family business: Executive Chef Nigel Davenport: “The overwhelming positive response. I have been in the community a while and I had certain expectations. Those expectations have been exceeded. I’ve always prided myself on being an operator that is hands on as a chef, who comes out to talk to everyone and engages everyone. And to have everyone so pleased and so happy and enjoying the place… That is always the gratification of the restaurant.” Carl Davenport: “The most important part to me, is working with my son, Nigel, and seeing our guests enjoying themselves and having a great experience. We have a lot of fun doing this. Our guests have fun. Our crew has fun.” Chris Davenport: “Seeing my brother’s and father’s dream come true. They allowed me to use my skills – the marketing, the website, some artwork – and I’m a part of their dream. They are so successful; I’m just so proud of them and honored to be a part of it.” The neighborhood is beyond grateful to the Davenports for this welcome addition to Encino. According to one local supporter, “In all of LA, this feels like home, and that is so hard to find here. I’m so grateful. Thank you for this experience.”
davenportsrestaurant.com @davenportsrestaurant
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Locations 109 North La Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310 855-1059
2924 Beverly Glen Circle Los Angeles, CA 90077 424 832 3056
Nighthawk Breakfast Bar & Restaurant by Jeremy Fall
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Breakfast Themed Late Night Spot in Venice BY TAMBI SAFFRAN FOCUS FOOD EDITOR
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estaurateur and hospitality industry entrepreneur, Jeremy Fall, is a creative genius who doesn’t seem to ever rest in between all of his unique concept establishments and projects that keep popping up all around LA. His latest original creation, Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar in Venice, serves unique breakfast-themed food and beverage items...for dinner! Now, that’s a good reason to stay up late. Not only that, but you can order spiked cereal milk or alcoholic coffee to wash down your Drunken French Toast with a side of Tapatio Candied Bacon. Are you salivating yet? Stop here for dinner, or as an awesome alternative to IHOP and Mel’s diner for your late-night post-night-out treat. The spectacularly appetizing fare and libations are sure to satisfy your late-night cravings. It’s no wonder Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar has garnered a lot of media attention, including landing on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and made Eater’s recent list of “Hottest Restaurants in America”. Fall is only 27 years old and he currently owns five restaurants, with plans to open two more this year. Like his restaurant’s name, Fall is a nighthawk and doesn’t sleep much. He’s been named by the LA Times as “busiest man in Los Angeles” so I was very lucky he found some time to chat with me…
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Where did you grow up? Los Angeles, CA.
Tell me about the other restaurants you own and where they are located. Currently, I own Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar here in Venice, When did you know you wanted to become a Restaurateur? CA. It’s my pride and joy and a concept I’d been thinking I started working in hospitality as a kid. My mother and I about for a while before launching it. I mean, who wouldn’t lived on top of a French cafe that she owned in Downtown, love elevated breakfast fare for dinner? The success of Los Angeles, in the early 2000s. When I say on top, I literally Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar led to the opening of Nighthawk: mean that the front door to our home connected directly AM, located in Chicago, which is a casual take on this venue. into the restaurant, and we used the same kitchen to cook It’s also all-day breakfast, but in a more casual environment. our meals at home. I did the typical whole nine yards – from I also have Tinfoil: Liquor and Grocery located in Highland busser to server and eventually as a manager years later – and Park which is a liquor store in the front serving rare beers, subconsciously picked up a lot of basic hospitality knowledge high-end liquor and more, with a secret “speakeasy” deli in that I use today. Fast forward to a few years down the line, the back. Here in Los Angeles, I also have two more projects and I interned at the Avalon in Hollywood in their marketing in the works. Easy’s, a modern and upscale take on the classic and promotions department, where I learned about the American diner, will be opening in the newly-renovated nightlife space and the craziness of balancing sanity and Beverly Center this Spring, and another confidential project adrenaline when serving thousands of customers in a span of that I can’t wait to share details about. a few hours. To say working in hospitality builds character at a young What inspired you to open Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar, and age is definitely an understatement. Working in different why breakfast? facets of the industry really gave me the tools that led to the I really wanted to do something that hasn’t been done before. opening of my first concept. Fast forward a few more years. I love breakfast and haven’t met anyone who doesn’t, so After working for more groups and coming to a crossroads serving breakfast for dinner seemed like a fun and creative in my life, I soon realized that I couldn’t see myself doing new idea to bring to the city. anything else for the rest of my life, so I decided to open my first bar and from there, create a hospitality group. Ok, I just I was also inspired by the late-night rock ‘n’ roll breakfast in made it sound really easy... so take that aspect with a grain of Los Angeles where musicians in the 80’s and 90’s would go salt. It definitely was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. to eat in diners after ending their shows on the Sunset Strip. I wanted to create an experience at Nighthawk where guests How long have you been a Restaurateur? come in, are shocked and pleased by the menu items, and I’m 27 years old now and got my start professionally in high leave telling their friends how great their breakfast for dinner school when I worked at Avalon, here in Hollywood. I helped was. with special events, certain menu items and size. I wanted my hand in all of the pots, so I could learn the ins-and-outs Does this mean breakfast is the most important meal of the day? of running a venue of this size. I actually attended college but Absolutely. dropped out shortly after, to pursue my dream of opening restaurants. Everyone thought I was crazy, but who’s laughing Why did you decide to open Nighthawk in Venice? now? Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar was originally located in Hollywood, but I really wanted it to be in the quintessential After your experience at Avalon you hit the ground running…. “chill” part of LA, which is Venice. Also, growing up in Yes. As mentioned previously, I got my professional start LA, you see the massive melting pot of cultures, which working at Avalon, Hollywood. I was doing everything from helped inspire the menu items. Since LA is a huge tourist bussing to crafting signature cocktails. It definitely taught destination, I want my restaurants to offer visitors a taste of me a lot. I then launched the innovative pop-up, Genesis, in the melting pot that is Los Angeles, in a location that is easily Hollywood. It was a five-week stint where I bridged the gap accessible to tourists but which also fits with my vibe. That’s between a bar and a nightclub. I found that this city (LA) has definitely Venice. bars, it has nightclubs, but it didn’t really have a venue that catered to the crowds looking for both. That’s where Genesis What is the most ordered item on the menu? came in. I developed the entire menu, food and drinks, from Definitely the Benedict Fries and the Drunken French Toast. start to finish. The great thing about pop-ups is that you If we’re talking drinks, the Spiked Cereal Milk is also a mustcan learn a lot in the brief time they are open – what menu have. It’s the best part of cereal, only made for adults. items work, what doesn’t, who the clientele is, etc. Following Genesis, I launched J.Fall Group, and Nighthawk: Breakfast What is your favorite item on the menu? Bar, Nighthawk: AM, Tinfoil and more were born. The Bahn Mi Bowl and Biscuit Bao. I love Asian food. I could
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eat Japanese and Korean food all day, every day if I had the option. I love visiting the different neighborhoods in LA, (Koreatown, Chinatown, etc), and trying their take on classic foods. This inspired these dishes. What are your signature dishes? Anything breakfast. I love taking classic dishes and throwing my own spin on them. I think this is reflective in my menu options, especially the Benedict Fries, (which turns french fries into a breakfast item), and the Drunken French Toast which is infused with brandy. Alcohol makes any dish better.
What do you like to eat when you’re not at the restaurant? Asian food, specifically Japanese and Korean. My favorite neighborhood is Koreatown because the food is always amazing. I love sushi. I love how creative you can get with it. I also love Korean BBQ. This also helped inspire a few of my own dishes. If you had a last meal request what would it be? Sushi and Spiked Cereal Milk.
How often do you change the menu and what inspires you to come up with new dishes? We actually just added five new dishes to the menu. I like to keep the menu fresh and in-tune with the season. We buy local so we have to make sure our menu items reflect what’s in season. My inspiration comes from the local farmers markets and also local restaurants. If I have a killer dish somewhere in Koreatown in the back of my mind, I’m always thinking, “How can I turn this into a delicious breakfast?” What do you think is the key to being a successful entrepreneur? You have to love what you do and be obsessed with it. If you don’t care, your staff won’t care. You have to put your blood and tears into it and believe in your food from the start. Also, never follow a food trend. Trends come and go. Instead, create items you love, be authentic, and listen to customer feedback. What is your most memorable moment about being a restaurateur? It’s definitely very tough to narrow it down. To me, the most interesting thing that I’ve seen, in the last few years especially, is the speed at which restaurants turned from being an activity that people did for pleasure and primarily survival, (we all got to eat), to becoming this mainstream entertainment-centric obsession. Most of the lines and crowds of people you see nowadays aren’t at concerts or for album releases, but for different food concepts. People are willing to wait in line for three hours to eat a ten-dollar donut, but they won’t click to pay less than a dollar for a song. Working in hospitality used to be something you did when you didn’t have a degree and didn’t have a choice, and now it’s become a target of obsession for the masses, and an industry that even established celebrities are fighting to be in. Viral food porn has become the new TRL. What are your hobbies? Hobbies? What are those? I don’t have time for hobbies. I’m constantly working and developing new restaurant concepts. However, I do have a life, so I would say dining at new restaurants and sampling as much food as possible. I love figuring out the chef ’s inspiration for the dish.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? I’m a huge fan of classic rock stars. This is also reflective of the decor in Nighthawk’s restrooms. The wallpaper is all rock stars eating breakfast. If I had to choose I would say Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix. Where do you see yourself 5 and 10 years from now? I will be opening at least four more restaurants. Three more here in Los Angeles and one in Texas. But first, let’s get through Easy’s opening. Do you have any advice for young people who want to be restaurateurs? As mentioned, just be authentic. Don’t follow trends since they fade. Don’t create a concept just because you think other people will like it, even though you’re not in love with it. Customers know when a venue is being authentic and not just trying to cater to the masses. Develop a concept that you love, because then it won’t seem like work.
nighthawkrestaurants.com @nighthawkrestaurants
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gmla.tv
So Much Wine, So Little Time... Expert advice on navigating EATALY’s extensive wine boutique BY TAMBI SAFFRAN FOCUS FOOD EDITOR
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ataly, the authentic Italian marketplace with tasting rooms, opened its first West Coast location in Los Angeles on November 3, 2017, in Century City. Los Angeles is the Italian based company’s fifth U.S. location and thirty-ninth location worldwide.
Il Vino, the wine shop located within the 60,000 square foot store, is the first Eataly wine shop to offer wines not only from Italy.
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One of Eataly’s core values is to highlight locally sourced products, which is why Il Vino features products from local California wineries that share Eataly’s passion for quality, and a philosophy for wine that is good, clean and fair. Eataly also believes it is important to celebrate the California region. Il Vino carries more than 1,400 different wines and is constantly expanding. As of now, 15% of offerings are Californian while all 20 regions of Italy are also represented. Il Vino does provide daily complimentary tastings too at the tasting bar to showcase their wines and allow you to try before you buy. This premier wine boutique inside of LA’s Eataly includes a deeply curated selection of specialty and affordably priced Italian wines, as well as an extensive selection of grappe and amari. Wine enthusiasts take note that the Riserva Room at Il Vino stores old and collectible wines. It’s definitely worth a visit if you are a wine lover or want to learn more. Salute!
HOW TO BUY WINE WITHOUT TASTING IT 4 tips from EATALY General Manager, Marino Monferrato.
Selecting a wine is a very personal decision. It depends on your taste, what occasion you’re celebrating, what food are you pairing it with, how much you want to spend, etc.
correctly expresses the “terroir” or environment it is from. It’s important to mention though, that the DOC and DOCG tags are not a guarantee of quality.
There are few things you can do and check before buying a bottle of wine, to make a more educated decision.
Turn to the back of the label. Most wines have a short description of the vineyard or producer, and few tasting notes.
1) Pay attention to the cap Usually, wines with a screw cap are younger, and meant to be enjoyed shortly after purchased. The screw cap ensures the wines freshness, but it’s not a guarantee of quality. In contrast, wines with a cork cap are more suitable for aging, as the cork allows for micro parts of oxygen to slowly aerate the bottle, allowing the wine to better withstand time. Cork caps are also not a guarantee of quality. 2) Examine the label For Italian wines, the appellations (DOC and DOCG tags) give you a good amount of information regarding the winemaking process. It guarantees that the wine is produced according to specific and strict regulations to ensure the wine
3) Do some research There are apps out there that allow you to read reviews and tasting notes. Research the producer to learn about their winemaking philosophy and awards. At Eataly L.A., you can skip the research process and ask our wine experts to help you find the right wine for you. 4) Drink it Although these steps will help you make a good decision about the wine you want to buy, the best way to learn about wines and differences between varieties and regions is to taste them.
www.eataly.com focusmag.us 71
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IN TEXAS, THE TAXES ARE AS ENTICING AS THE VIEWS.
#1 Ranked Golf Course in Texas Hill Country by Dallas Morning News
Imagine waking up to a view so stunning, you can’t help but feel in awe. Then imagine seven resort-style clubs where you can spend your “off” time, like our Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course – ranked at the top of Texas courses; and six other experiences in which you can indulge. And with the lower property taxes in Texas and no state income tax, you can actually relax, while you take in the 25-mile vistas from our four multi-level pools and awardwinning clubhouse. Life at Cordillera Ranch... now this is living.
Custom Texas Hill Country Estates from the $600’s to $3 million+
CordilleraRanch.com | 888-66-RANCH
Golf Club | River Club | Social Club | Spa & Athletic Club | Tennis & Swim Club | Rod & Gun Club | Equestrian Club
Jetsmarter: Making Private Jet Travel Accessible To The Masses An interview with CEO, Sergey Petrossov
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How did JetSmarter get started and what is the company’s mission? In 2009 when I began flying private, I quickly came to realize that the private jet industry was very archaic; its brick and mortar process of picking up the phone, waiting hours and speaking to numerous different people in order to charter a jet was outdated and inconvenient. In 2012, I spoke to the carriers I had established relationships with and discussed how large of an impact an app to charter a private plane would have on the industry. In August 2012, I made it a reality and created the beta version of JetSmarter, sharing it with an exclusive group of industry experts and frequent private jet users. In March 2013, JetSmarter launched globally. JetSmarter’s goal is to make private jet travel accessible to the masses, and more than just the privileged .01%. Why does this model work in today’s world? We offer a unique business model unlike any other private jet venture. JetSmarter is the only private travel service company to operate by way of an innovative app technology. Through the Mobile App members can book private jets in a matter of minutes, right from the palm of their hand. The aim of the Mobile App is to make travel fun, easy and convenient for our members. With JetSmarter, you’ll no longer have to go through the TSA lines with unreasonable wait times, or have to deal with uncomfortable airplane seats – we’ll get you to your destination with comfort and ease. Additionally, the mass affluent are looking for experiences tailored to the lifestyle they want to live. We just launched within the app, an events and experiences section that allows members to book curated point-to-point experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. We offer travel experience packages, ranging from experiences with luxury brands like Dom Pérignon, to exclusive access to VIP events. We think about three pillars: how you get there, who you meet and where you go. Mass affluent want a one-
stop-shop for all three, and that’s what we strive to offer. This tailored approach seems to be working. What are some of the most popular destinations people are looking for these days? Why do you think that is? JetSmarter is a global company and members are able to charter instantly through the app to any destination, worldwide. With the JetShuttle option some of the most
popular routes members book in the U.S. include New York to South Florida, Los Angeles to New York, and Los Angeles to Las Vegas. What does it mean to be a JetSmarter member? Yesterday’s flyers settled for expensive brokers, inefficient jet cards, and crowded airport terminals. JetSmarter created a fresh alternative by introducing the sharing economy
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to private aviation. Being a JetSmarter member means having the flexibility to create flights on your own time or find seats on flights created by fellow members – all with the year-round reliability, efficiency, and service that are synonymous with flying private. Our 14,000+ global member community includes leaders in business, sports, entertainment, and culture, as well as savvy travelers who refuse to settle. JetSmarter has essentially redefined the entire industry with one, clear mission: to reimagine aviation as it was meant to be.
As our product continues to evolve, it can be challenging to explain to potential new members that through our services, they really can now fly private at the entry level price they’re buying into. Now people are able to network with other like-minded people on our jets, make business deals, and fly to places more often than before utilizing our JetShuttles.
Tell us about the Shared Charter option – how does it work and what are the benefits? Shared charter provides members with the flexibility to fly where they want and when they want, while yielding vast savings compared to traditional private charter options. After a member books their charter flight, leftover seats from these personalized flights will become available for other members to view and purchase. Once the seats are booked, the flight creators will be reimbursed in flight credit to use on future flights with JetSmarter. Essentially, this service makes it possible for JetSmarter members to be reimbursed in flight credit for up to 100% of their charter cost. What is your biggest achievement so far? Starting out, I was unsure of how we could infiltrate our target market and how accessible we could make this service.
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https://jetsmarter.com
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A Chic Lakeside Boutique Hotel in the Desert! BY WENDY KRETCHMER FOCUS TRAVEL EDITOR
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A
s a native of LA, I grew up spending many weekends heading to the Palm Springs area where my family had a second home. Although we don’t have that home anymore, I still love going to the desert, and I know it like the back of my hand, or so I thought. Who knew that the Coachella Valley had a secret oasis! I recently made a new discovery in the adorable town of La Quinta, known for its world famous golf courses and resort-style living! I didn’t know that this desert vacationland had a beautiful lake until I came across a very charming waterfront boutique hotel, The Chateau at Lake La Quinta. The hotel’s original 11-room building served as a bed n’ breakfast called The Lake La Quinta Inn, but was reimagined in 2015 into a 24room French Chateau, serving as a quaint yet luxurious boutique hotel.
Even with their mini expansion, you can’t help but feel at home from the minute you check in because the hotel’s staff is so warm and welcoming. All of the rooms are beautifully appointed and tastefully designed with stunning lake views. Every spacious room has a king sized bed (and no adjoining rooms), making this the perfect getaway for couples who want a peaceful place to unwind. This is exactly what hubby and I desperately needed, so we ditched the kids for the weekend. It happened to be a chilly weekend so we fully took advantage of the fireplace
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in our room. I could have easily stayed tucked under the covers in our yummy bedding, hibernating all weekend! The Chateau is so homey that when you’re ready to eat, you can just roll out of bed. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served a few steps from your room in the hotel’s popular Melange Restaurant. This relaxed restaurant, with mostly outdoor seating, features farm-to-table classic cuisine. We ate all of our meals here because the food was simply too delicious, and combined with the insane lake view, we had no desire to leave the property. If you choose to relax like we did, great, no worries! You will have the choice of lounging lakeside on one of the covered outdoor daybeds, or taking a dip in the pool and jacuzzi in a more secluded area. On the other hand, if you are looking for something more active to do, one of the highest rated hikes in state of California is 10 minutes away in the La Quinta Cove area. Or, if you came to La
Quinta for it’s world famous golf scene, there are dozens of amazing public golf courses to enjoy. And finally, don’t miss exploring the adorable downtown square which is filled with charming shops and eateries. If you are looking for a quiet weekend away, book early because there are only 52 weekends a year and only 24 rooms that book up quickly, even in the summer. And, although this hotel caters mainly to couples, that changes a few times a year when the entire property is reserved for special events like weddings, and it gets especially wild there during the Coachella Music Festival when one of their sponsors typically takes it over.
http://www.thechateaulakelaquinta.com focusmag.us 83
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Happenings 45th ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS April 29, 2018 - Pasadena Civic Center The nominees and winners were honored at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. It was an epic week of glamour and giving back, red carpets and conscious conversations. FOCUS TV’s Dr. Erin Fall Haskell, Jezlan Moyet and Rob Mack attended the events, and are honored to collaborate with KNEKT TV and P&L Media. focustvnetwork.com/emmy
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Happenings LEANNE TESSA March 24, 2018 - Starwest Studios, Burbank Leanne Tessa – 17 year old singer, dancer, and actor who recently joined Disney’s Club Mickey Mouse, as one of the next gen Mouseketeers – celebrated the release of her debut single Runnin’ and premiered her music video. Nail + Bone, a nail polish with a purpose, was there to sponsor and support the event with fab socially conscious manicures. FOCUS TV hosts Jezlan Moyet and Rob Mack hosted the red carpet for the star studded event. www.leannetessa.com | nailandbone.com
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Happenings ALL STAR CHEF’S CLASSIC, LA LIVE March 9, 2018 This lively, walk around tasting event featured some of the emerging and established stars of Middle Eastern cooking alongside some of LA’s best chefs dishing up their takes of this delicious and revitalized cuisine. Presented by Melissa‘s Produce, the evening included unlimited tastings from 18 renowned chefs. Focus Food Editor, Tambi Saffran attended. allstarchefclassic.com
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Happenings THE 3RD ANNUAL CITY GALA March 4, 2018 - Universal Studios, Globe Theater The third annual City Gala was the culmination of City Summit’s business accelerator conference and was held on Oscar night at Universal Studio’s Globe Theater. The City Gala’s vision is to advance community through humanitarian activities. This year‘s event honored actor Matthew McConaughey. citygala.org
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Happenings PPLA FOOD FARE March 2, 2018 - Barker Hangar, Santa Monica This year, PPLA’s Food Fare event brought together more than 2,000 supporters to enjoy hundreds of gourmet food and drink samples from over 150 of Southern California’s best restaurants, caterers and libation purveyors, all in support of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA). The Food Fare’s Chef of the Year was Chris Phelps of Salt’s and Breakfast by Salt’s Cure. Focus Magazine’s Food Editor, Tambi Saffran, attended the event. plannedparenthood.org
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Happenings LUPUS RESEARCH ALLIANCE April 14, 2018 - Rose Bowl, Pasadena The Lupus Research Alliance Leadership in Lupus reception was the kick off to their upcoming Lupus Walk happening April 14 at the Rose Bowl. Board member, Louis Lucido hosted the event. The Lupus Research Alliance is the world’s leading private funder of lupus research. Their goal is to improve treatments while advancing lupus research toward a cure. Lupusresearch.org Photos: Blackwell Photography
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Happenings MISS SANTA MONICA April 22, 2018 - Jovani, Robertson Blvd. Miss Santa Monica, founded by Kristen Bradford (owner of Crown Diva), offers a venue where young women in the local community can grow personally in poise, confidence, goal setting, public speaking/communication skills, physical fitness and self-discipline. The ladies competed for the crown at Jovani, a title that will provide career and educational opportunities for all of the lovely young women who participated. Congratulations to the winner of Miss Santa Monica USA, Samantha Ramos, and Miss Teen Santa Monica, Natalie Swartout. FOCUS TV host Laura Odegard (Millennial Life) competed in the pageant; and Jezlan Moyet & Dr. Erin Fall Haskell (Good Morning LaLa Land) hosted the red carpet.
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focusmag.us/getfocus Focus TV Studios 9020 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood Ceremony Meditation 417 Rose Ave, Venice The Hall Center 406 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica Crown Diva Boutique 1247 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica Banc Of California 2635 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica Cure Spa 2247 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Base Color Bar 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood Banc of California 2528 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood Marck’s Newsstand 11737 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood One West Bank 2932 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel Air LIVV TV Studios & Boutique 9020 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood Vibrato Grill & Jazz 2930 Beverly Glen Cir, Bel Air Alchemy 43 440 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills Lash Beverly Hills 421 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills
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Who, What, B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A
COMMUNITY POWERED EXECUTIVE CHEF CRAIG’S LA
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COMMUNITY POWERED B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A B E V E R LY H I L L S | B R E N T W O O D | M A L I B U | W E S T H O L LY W O O D | S A N T A M O N I C A
COMMUNITY POWERED
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Shop
A shop-by-shop guide to South Barrington Place 14
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Music and Theater performances this month 16
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MAY 2014 focusmag.us
INTERVIEW
MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
ONE YEAR ON
DO THE HUSTLE AN INSIDER VIEW OF THE MOVIE AWARDS SCENE
ISSUE
Do
Box, climb, Cobra pose - have fun and get fit for Spring. 22
PERFORMANCE
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
5 TH ANNIVERSARY Eat
Sandwiches come of age. 26
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SPRING ISSUE: 1 April 2013
Insights into your neighborhood.
Explore
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
EDEN SASSOON
ODEEVA TV
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Burgers for carnivores and vegans alike 26
Shop Antiques and Home furnishings 12
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It’s Bike month – dust off your cycling gear. 22
Do
Ideas for daring experiences 16
Zen
Yoga on the beach 18
Ice cream, yogurt and shaved ice. 26
INTERVIEWS
ALLI WEBB
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF DRYBAR
MELISSA MEYERS
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DECEMBER 2013 focusmag.us
HANGING OUT WITH ACTRESS NICOLE CANNON
GLOW GIRL
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BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR AND A MOTHER
FUND YOUR CONCEPT
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EX ‘SOPRANOS’ LOUIS LOMBARDI HITS A HIGH NOTE
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NOVEMBER 2013 focusmag.us
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
Things to see and do in your neighborhood.
BRENTWOOD
ISSUE 3: June/July 2013
See
Hammer Time – What’s going on at the museum? 12
Books
Frederick Forsyth in conversation. 13
Free
Outdoor movies. Talks. Yoga. All Free 25
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August has a lot of sweet celebrations. 26
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FEBRUARY 2014 focusmag.us
CO M M U N I T Y P OW E R E D
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LOVE your neighborhood
BRENTWOOD
E*TRADE
ISSUE 4: August 2013
THE VALUE TRADE
Mobile Dating
Efrem Harkham
Realty Mogul
The Art of Giving
LUXE HOTEL FOUNDER
REAL ESTATE CROWDFUNDING
FUNDING WORTHY CAUSES
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Best of *
BRENT WOOD *Our Pick of THE Best Places in Brentwood
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WHERE TO SHOP
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MEGHAN MARKLE/ANDREA SCHRODER/MARK STEINES/KIT HOOVER/EDEN SASSOON APRIL BEYER/DR DREW/TRACY O’CONNOR/LAURIE DAVID/HEATHER BILYEU KELLY RUTHERFORD/ALLI WEB/CATT SADLER/SANDRA TAYLOR... NICHE DEMOGRAPHIC, AVERAGE INCOME $113,000, AVERAGE HOME $1 MILLION. MEDIA KIT AT FOCUSMAG.US/ADVERTISE OR EMAIL:
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Video coverage of the preview party for Partners Trust to reveal a new construction property for sale. Video coverage/photo gallery focusmag.us/tv/hamptonsinla
HERITAGE WINES STORE OPENING 9400 S Santa Monica Blvd
Coverage of a wine store opening in Beverly Hills. Video coverage/interviewer/photo gallery focusmag.us/tv/heritagewines
CHARITY EVENTS A NIGHT TO INSPIRE Beverly Hills
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It’s our craveable food that keeps our regulars coming back for more. From simple, but always satisfying, smashed avocado toast to delicate roasted branzino, The Henry menu has something tempting for every palate. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s always a good time to drop by and discover a new favorite.
THE HENRY 120 North Robertson Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048 thehenryrestaurant.com
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