Jazzy by Jacqueline Van Der Plaat, $4,190
The Women’s Issue
I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who make my world more dynamic and beautiful. And with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it seemed like an appropriate time to present the annual Women’s Issue of Brentwood City Lifestyle. There is a lot to honor— especially this year. I personally have been completely awestruck, inspired and yes, at times, heartbroken to witness the ways in which the females of this community have rallied together in the wake of the wildfires. Not only have so many of you been responsible for keeping your own families together during such an unimaginable time, but you have also served as pillars of strength for friends and loved ones, many of whom have lost everything, while also finding time to manage your own careers and daily responsibilities and volunteer and give back. It’s a lot! And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to visit those owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role—connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Brentwood’s women. I am so honored to partner with so many incredible female entrepreneurs, from top real estate agents Shelton Wilder, Linda Ferrari and Laura Pozarny (check out her “My Town” picks on page 14) to estate manager Emily Webb Doskow of Webb & Baker to the best in beauty (Vanessa Hernandez of VH Skincare and Victoria Kseniya Simon of Contourology) to stylesetters Nicole Kerwin of Permanent Vacation, Capsule Shop’s Emily Park and stylist Jill Bronstein. There is also of course the inimitable Claudia Kahn, founder of The Help Agency, painter Connie Engel, Sophie Pierce of her namesake Sophie Dance studio and Shiva Khalifian, director of Brentwood Presbyterian Church Preschool. And in this issue, we highlight the work of Dr. Sara Sabokpey of Comfy Dental Studio as well as Julia Grace Kim, who is revolutionizing the postpartum experience with her concierge service Sanhu House. Lastly, we introduce our newest female partners, sisters Maryna Trylevych and Iryna Moser of Svoya Beauty Studio and Alegria Collaborative’s Joy Stevens and Dia Parsons.
We also check in with our friends at Anthony’s Flowers to get a sneak peek at their gorgeous Mother’s Day arrangements (husbands, take note!), step inside a beautiful Brentwood Park home designed by Shannon Wollack and Brittany Zwickl of Studio Life/Style and highlight the gals behind one of the most exciting new Brentwood businesses: Gone Bananas Bread.
I hope these women inspire you as much as they have inspired me.
AMANDA EBERSTEIN, PUBLISHER @BRENTWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Amanda Eberstein | amanda.eberstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Laura SanchezQuan
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Maile Pingel
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shayan Asgharnia, Trish Alison, Nikki Finnin, Sam Frost, Katee Grace, Galdones Photography, Stefanie Keenan via Getty, Bobby Sorich
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
At The Shelton Wilder Group, we believe in lifting women up—both in business and beyond. As an all-women real estate team, we bring expertise, heart, and a collaborative spirit to everything we do. Our mission is not only to help clients find their dream homes but also to create spaces where women thrive. That’s why we founded Wilder Women—a special gathering that brings together female entrepreneurs and influential women over breakfast, celebrating connection, empowerment, and success. Whether you’re buying, selling, or building your network, we’d love to be a part of it!
The
Gorgeous
Sanhu
BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES
BROUGHT TO YOU by
LINDA FERRARI Director, Global Luxury Division At
Thinking of selling your Brentwood luxury home?
Let Linda Ferrari provide a complimentary home evaluation and a strategic action plan to maximize your sale price. Your success starts with the right advisor.
city scene
1: Mother denim co-founders Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding and La DoubleJ founder J.J. Martin at the launch of their Ciao Mamma! collaboration. 2: The partnership was originally meant to celebrate the brands’ neighboring stores in Pacific Palisades, which were about to open when they were lost in the fire. 3: Carolyn Murphy and Marlien Rentmeester wearing pieces from the `70s-inspired collection. 4: Gillian Jacobs and Lake Bell at the lunch, which was held at Alba in West Hollywood. 5: Lizzy Mathis and Meena Harris. 6: Tallulah Willis, Kendall Creedon and Georgia Flores snap a selfie. 7:
Photography by Stefanie Keenan via Getty
Maryam Malakpour and Monét Mazur.
1: Brentwood boutique Permanent Vacation hosted a donation event for clients and friends affected by the LA fires (shown here: Dawn Danjean prepping). 2: Participating brands and retailers included Sea, Curio swimwear, Kittie Kyle, Bell by Alicia Bell, Scarlett Poppies, Del Rainbow, Clementine and Lizzie Fortunato jewelry. 3: Permanent Vacation owner Nicole Kirwan with Lisa Briscoe and Teryl Ciarlo. 4: Actor Jeff Bridges and chef Brooke Williamson were honored at the Los Angeles No Kid Hungry Dinner. 5: Singer Pink presenting at the event, which was held at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. 6: Guests Anthony Goux, Chelina Odbert, Tendo Nagenda, Andrew Kahn, Bailey Higgins and Claudia Kahn of The Help Company. 7: Wendy and Beau Bridges at the special culinary evening, focused on restoring hope after the LA fires.
Photography by Galdones Photography/No Kid Hungry (4-7)
guest at Villa Tigertail, an invitational group show presented by Future Fair at a private residence in Brentwood during Los Angeles Art Week.
Art Week director Emily Counihan speaking to visitors at the exhibition, which featured a revolving program of catered salonstyle events. 3: Nick McPhail 4: Works by Bethany Czarnecki, Da’Shaunae Marisa, Trevor King, Robert Sipchen and Matthew Rosenquist on display. 5: ICA San Diego curator Jordan Karney Chaim. 6: LA-based artist Adam de Boer. 7: For Freedoms co-founder Michelle Woo.
1: A
2:
business monthly
Webb & Baker Brings Luxury Estate Management to Brentwood
Following 12 years managing homes in New York City, East Hampton, London, St. Barts, Aspen and LA, Emily Webb Doskow—a Palisadian now based in Brentwood—founded Webb & Baker, a home and estate management company offering white-glove services on a fractionalized basis. From resolving issues quickly when in residence to ensuring homes are cared for and secure while away, Webb & Baker’s dedicated and experienced team supports clients’ every wish. 310-230-1891; webbandbaker.com
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MNO Architecture: Custom Residential Design
After meeting at Yale School of Architecture 20 years ago and subsequently embarking on their own successful careers, Marc Newman and Brent Martin joined forces to create Martin Newman Office (MNO), a full-service architecture and interior design firm spanning both the east and west coasts. In the wake of the wildfires, MNO is committed to doing whatever it can to help rebuild Los Angeles, employing a group of seasoned veterans with broad experience across the spectrum of residential design. Reach out directly for more information. 628-280-2259; mnoarchitecture.com
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Ospi Opens in Montecito
Ospi—the celebrated Italian restaurant with outposts in Brentwood, Venice and Costa Mesa—is opening its fourth location in Montecito. Situated in a prime spot at buzzy new retail destination The Post (shops include The Great, Merlette, Janessa Léone and Maygel Coronel), the eatery will serve up chef Jackson Kalb’s signature pastas and thin-and-crispy romana tanda-style pizza in a casual yet refined atmosphere that perfectly matches the storybook Santa Barbara destination. 657-866-9446; 1801 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara; ospi.com
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Photography by Trish Alison
Water Techniques: the Pinnacle of Water Treatment Excellence
For over 25 years, Water Techniques has been providing white-glove water treatment installation and service for beautiful homes in Southern California. The company specializes in whole-house filtration and water softening, with additional purification for drinking and cooking water needs. To protect against hard-to-remove contaminants and the increased risks since the recent wildfires, Water Techniques recommends drinking and cooking with re-mineralized reverse osmosis water. Let the experts take the worry out of your water. 714-384-4500; watertechniques.com
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Concierge Care with Alegria Collaborative
Alegria Collaborative offers premium individualized mental health and addiction services designed to meet the diverse needs of clients to recover safely, effectively and with unwavering support. The powerhouse women running Alegria, Joy Stevens (founder and partner) and Dia Parsons, CADC II (CEO and partner), have nearly two decades of experience forming relationships with the best healthcare providers in the field. Services include sober coaching, detailed case management, reliable transport, strategic interventions and more. 855-522-7435; alegriacollaborative.com
Photography by Shayan Asgharnia
MY TOWN: LAURA POZARNY
“When I’m not realtor-ing, I have lots of hobbies like mahjong, skiing and tennis. I go to BusterPro to get cute outfits for the courts.”
11740 San Vicente Blvd. Suite #110; 310-820-6140; busterpro-la.com
“Anthony’s Flowers has such a convenient location and absolutely stunning flowers. They take a lot of pride in their work.”
110 S. Barrington Ave., #B; 310-476-9610; anthonysflowers.com
“Vicente Foods is the last independent grocery store! They make a great tuna salad that is not too mayo-y, sell amazing meats and produce and their signature red striped paper bags are iconic.”
12027 San Vicente; 310-472-5215; vicentefoods.com
Real estate Agent Laura Pozarny. Photography by Katee Grace.
There are few people who know Brentwood better than real estate agent Laura Pozarny. Not only was she born and raised here, but she met her husband, Evan Pozarny of Muselli Commercial Realtors, while playing tennis at Barrington Recreation Center and the two were married at Brentwood Country Club. “Not many people can say that!” says the busy mother-of-two. “I’ve been able to build a life for myself here and feel rooted in the community. That is comforting for me.”
As a landlord and property investor in both residential and commercial investments, Pozarny decided to make the transition to real estate brokerage—a natural option for someone who literally knows every nook and cranny in town. And with recent sales that include a $35-million trophy estate on S. Rockingham, it’s clear that she made the right choice. Here, Pozarny shares some of her favorite local spots. Pozarny Property Group; 310-740-3366; pozarnypropertygroup.com
“I go to Milk & Honey when I want a clean modern experience and of course a great massage.”
11826 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-906-2963; milkandhoneyspa.com
“I trust Peter Norman Jewelers completely with my jewelry for quality in design and repair.” 11640 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-820-8787; peternorman.com
“Reddi-Chick is a classic. This little hut has withstood the test of time at the Brentwood Country Mart. Don’t forget it’s cash only!” 225 26th St.; 310-393-5238; reddichickbbq.com
“I love the breezy aesthetic of Clare V. They have great quality leather bags and the most adorable accessories! It’s a great place for a group gift from friends.”
225 26th St., Suite 19B; 424-252-9217; clarev.com
A Ripe Idea
Gone Bananas Bread brings its signature fun —and delicious
baked goods—to Brentwood
During the pandemic, while stuck at home with way too much time on their hands, LA-based stylist-turned-interior designer Estee Stanley and her high school best friend, wardrobe stylist Leah Smith, decided to join countless others across the country and attempt to bake banana bread. “We both actually hated banana bread,” Stanley recalls, adding that she always found it dry and lacking flavor. “So we decided to have a contest to find the best recipe.” The two blind tastetested endless options until they settled on what they both proclaimed to be the best banana bread they had ever tasted: a chocolate chip version filled with chunky bananas that was mouthwateringly delicious and, perhaps most importantly, perfectly moist. “I can’t share our secrets,” Stanley says of the exact recipe. “Well, at least not yet.”
What could have been nothing more than a COVID-born hobby quickly snowballed into a business. The well-connected duo (Stanley’s design clients include Jessica Biel, Patrick Dempsey and Lea Michele, while Smith has styled music videos for Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne) started selling loaves on social media, offering to donate all funds to frontline workers and Baby2Baby. Friends began buying in droves, and after a very generous $25,000 donation, Stanley and Smith found themselves baking 500 cakes from their home kitchens. “We felt
ARTICLE BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKKI FINNIN
like we had literally gone bananas,” Stanley laughs. And so, Gone Bananas Bread was born.
In the years since, Gone Bananas Bread has become a viral sensation, with backing by Lawrence Longo of Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza LA, a permanent booth at the Original Farmers Market at the Grove, stands at other farmers markets throughout LA (including Brentwood), city-wide delivery on DoorDash and even nationwide on Goldbelly. The recipes have evolved as well, with offerings including the OG chocolate chip, classic banana, blueberry and banana, pecan, a vegan and gluten-free option and a cinnamon coffee cake-like loaf. There is even banana bread ice cream and pudding, heart-shaped cakes and “bananyays,” tiny bite-size pieces of banana bread that are deep-fried and glazed, similar to donuts.
Now, Gone Bananas Bread is opening its first-ever standalone location right here in Brentwood. “I love this community. A lot of my friends live here,” says Stanley, adding that she and Smith lived
The OG chocolate chip banana bread
together here when they first moved to LA. After searching for more than a year for the perfect spot, the two heard from their friend and agent Jay Luchs that beloved local institution A Votre Santé was downsizing and half of the restaurant space by the Brentwood Country Mart was now available. The duo quickly got to work, installing a bright neon sign with their logo on the exterior, catching the attention of anyone passing by. Inside, the 1,000-square-foot-space is a fantastical submersion into the Gone Bananas Bread world. “We kept the design of the store true to our brand colors, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience,” says Smith of the shop, which is done in their signature pink, yellow, burnt orange and chocolate brown palette with white and pink marble and several tables and chairs out front. Merch lines the walls, including
T-shirts and hats emblazoned with cartoon bananas and the brand’s signature slogan, “Crazy Moist,” and in the middle, an impressive bubble-like display counter shows off their wares. In addition to banana bread, the Brentwood location sells pastries, candies, soft drinks and Dreamy Coffee, which Stanley discovered in Sag Harbour, New York. “They have the best self-serve cold brew I’ve ever had,” she explains. “I knew we needed to get it to the west coast.” There will also be limited-edition drops and celebrity collabs—the store opened with Ellen Pompeo’s “Banana Chocolatte” coffee flavor, and they will be launching a boozy glazed version with Chelsea Handler this month.
At the end of the day, Gone Bananas Bread is all about having fun. “We wanted the shop to feel playful, modern and happy,” Stanley explains. “Life seems pretty heavy right now, so we wanted to bring some joy.”
13016 San Vicente Blvd., 310-310-2404 , gonebananasbread.com
Leah Smith and Estee Stanley at their new Brentwood shop
DISCOVER THE ART OF BEAUTY
Nestled in the heart of Brentwood, Svoya Beauty Studio is redefining luxury self-care with a personalized, welcoming touch Family owned and operated, Svoya is more than just a spa - it s a space where beauty, professionalism, and relaxation come together
Advanced Skincare Treatments:
Customized facials, chemical peels, dermaplaning, acne treatments, face massage and more.
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Permanent Makeup by an Award-Winning Artist: Lip blush, powder brows, and eyeliner Body Treatments: Sculpt and tone for a confident you.
BRIGHT Spot
Shannon Wollack and Brittany Zwickl of Studio Life/Style redesign the interiors of a young family’s Brentwood Park home with sunshine in mind
The home's classic exterior
ARTICLE BY MAILE PINGEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM FROST
The living room features a custom sofa, vintage chairs by Hartmut Lohmeyer and paintings by Alex Israel
“The clients wanted a quintessential family home,” says Shannon Wollack of the Brentwood Park project she recently completed with her Studio Life/Style design partner Brittany Zwickl. The homeowners, who work in the charitable and entertainment fields, had been renting in the area, and when this early-2000s home came on the market, its private street and traditional styling proved an irresistible lure. The interiors, however, needed a refresh. To bring everything up to date, the couple hired renowned architect Steve Giannetti, who had designed their rental, and then brought on Studio Life/ Style to add all the charm that would make this house their forever home.
“From the very beginning, the clients were thoughtful about how they would use each space. They’re very practical people,” continues Wollack, herself a Brentwood resident. The couple is community-driven and enjoys hosting events, so they needed rooms that could accommodate large gatherings, but they also wanted an unfussy feel befitting a busy family house. “We talked about making the rooms beautiful yet livable so that their kids could bring friends over. It’s kind of an open-door policy here,” she adds. But it’s not just pancake breakfasts and sports parties, in the days following the Palisades Fire, the home served as a headquarters for the family’s friends.
Key to making the house feel open and energized was letting natural light to filter into the rooms throughout the day. “That was one of their early requests,” explains Wollack. The sunny living room is especially welcoming with its custom curved sofa, vintage lounge chairs by Hartmut Lohmeyer and paintings by Alex Israel. “It’s a good reflection of the clients,” adds Zwickl. “They’re refined, fashion-forward and fun.” Adjoining the living room is a cozy, woodclad bar and a library, which doubles as a game room. “We wanted to give that space a darker palette, so it’s cozy for reading but it was also a chance to have a little fun with color,” says Wollack. After settling on the right shade of blue (in this case, Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue), they “punched it up” with rich, rusty hues for the sofa and for a table commissioned from local furniture maker Anna Warmoth of Bananas & Hammocks.
CONTINUED >
Brittany Zwickl and Shannon Wollack of Studio Life/Style
The library/game room has a dark and cozy color palette
THE DETAILS
The dining room, like the living room, was paneled by Giannetti to bring even greater warmth to the interiors. “Steve has such a beautiful way about his designs that just makes rooms more enjoyable to be in,” says Wollack. Countering the architecture’s straight lines, the designers chose sculptural furnishings, like the reeded table and a set of 1950s Viscount chairs by Dan Johnson. “It feels really luxurious,” adds Zwickl, noting how indoor trees placed throughout the main rooms add a grounding element. Working with Carey Hern of Autumn Child, they chose such specimens as a glossy-leaved ficus to play off the dining room’s polished finishes.
But it’s the family room and kitchen that truly serve as the core of the household. “Both of those spaces were designed to be very indoor-outdoor,” continues Zwickl, who now lives in Ojai. “It’s like a vacation home, where the family spaces are right next to the pool, so we used resistant fabrics. Kids are going to be kids, and things are going to get wet.” (Wollack and Zwickl, who both have young children, founded their firm in 2009 and recently moved their offices into the Town & Country shopping center in Brentwood, right next door to Gray Malin and Sugar Paper). Comfort was a huge consideration, too.
Renovation Architect: Steve Giannetti, Patina Home and Garden, patinahomeandgarden.com
Interior Design: Shannon Wollack and Brittany Zwickl, Studio Life/Style, studio-lifestyle.com
General Contractor: Lattanzi Construction, lattanziconstruction.com
The bright and airy kitchen
The serene primary suite
Mixed materials in the primary bathroom
“This house reflects the cadence of how this family lives. It’s approachable and realistic but they’re also dreamers. It’s LA in every way.”
“The clients didn’t want anything dainty or precious,” she adds. For an easy entertaining flow, the kitchen and breakfast nook connect to the backyard. “It’s a pretty kitchen with the sparkle of the brass hood and it's kept clean because of a separate workstation,” says Wollack. “Islands get cluttered with stuff like homework, so a desk space makes a practical spot to drop stuff, to put chargers—it really helps keep the kitchen looking clean.”
Upstairs, the designers created a sanctuary-like primary suite for the couple using a limited palette of soft grays and creams. “The clients didn’t want a lot of color there, so we added visual interest by layering textures,” Zwickl explains, noting the nubby bed fabrics and smooth ceramic nightstand lamps made by Highland Park artist Meredith Metcalf. The designers also gave equal emphasis to creating retreats for the couple’s children. “So much of this home is built around their kids and we really wanted to give them each a special place,” adds Wollack. And for sleepovers, there’s a bunkroom tucked under the eaves and lined with a striped fabric for a tent-like feel. “It’s playful and a little funky—it’s fun to let the kids have a say,” she says.
“This house reflects the cadence of how this family lives,” adds Zwickl. “It’s approachable and realistic but they’re also dreamers. It’s LA in every way."
A bunkroom lined in striped fabric for a tent-like feel
STRUGGLING WITH WILDFIRE RECOVERY?
Adjuster Won’t Properly Value Your Home?
Need a Contractor’s Estimate to Rebuild?
Can’t Collect Building Code Upgrades?
Need Assistance Vetting a Builder?
Tired of Doing it All Yourself?
We are here to help! Reconstruction Recovery Advisors has over 40 years experience in large-loss reconstruction and insurance claims. We are licensed consulting contractors. We can assist you with your claim, provide a replacement cost valuation and hold your hand through the settlement and rebuilding process. Call us today for a free consultation and claim review.
STARTING THE PROCESS OF RECOVERY
By Kelly Konzelman, CEO Reconstruction & Recovery Advisors Inc.
For the past 43 years, I have been assisting homeowners with their insurance claims as a licensed builder and recovery specialist. Having worked as a preferred contractor for many of the largest insurance companies in the state and having rebuilt or restored hundreds of damaged homes, I have learned much about how the insurance claim and recovery process works. Since 2018, we have worked with over 200 homeowners who have lost their homes in the Tubbs, Thompson, Camp, Woolsey, Dixie and Park wildfires. Over the next six issues of Brentwood City Lifestyle, I hope to provide some helpful guidance and advice that may aid families struggling with recovery to fully understand the valuation and settlement process, how to interact with your adjuster, how to properly value the replacement cost of the home you lost and what documents you need to produce in order to maximize your payout and collect your policy limits.
TIP #1: The Key to Success— Properly Valuing the Home You Lost
Before you can hire a builder, before you can design a new home, before you can commit to rebuilding, you must have an accurate idea of your construction budget. You won’t know that until you settle your claim with your carrier. Unfortunately, your adjuster is not qualified to estimate the real-world cost of replacing the home you lost. A real reconstruction estimate includes the cost of preparing your building site, re-grading your lot, replacing damaged utilities, producing plans and engineering, identifying required building code upgrades
and understanding how your home was constructed and built, including the quality, workmanship and materials used to build and finish your home. Your adjuster is not going to know that. As a result, the estimate provided by your adjuster may undervalue your replacement cost by 50% or more.
You are entitled to receive the fair market value to rebuild the home you lost, as it was constructed and finished on the day of the loss, up to your policy limits. Your carrier is not interested in the house you intend to build. They only care about the value of the house you lost, because that is what they are obligated to pay for. The estimate you provide to your adjuster should include all costs for plans, permits, sitework, rough and finish construction, landscaping, walls, walks, fences and debris removal. It should be written in line-item format. If you are having trouble finding a builder qualified to value the home you lost, call us, we are happy to help.
TIP #2: Don’t Hire a Public Adjuster
Don’t make the mistake of hiring a public adjuster. They will take 10%-15% of your entire claim, even from your personal property proceeds. That could easily exceed $100,000. Public Adjusters cannot recover any more than your policy limits. An educated consumer with a well-crafted estimate should have no problem obtaining policy limits with a little help and professional advice. Hiring a public adjuster only guarantees you will not have enough money to rebuild your home. Questions? Call me for a no-cost consolation. We are here to help!
IN FULL BLOOM
Since opening in 1952, Anthony’s Flowers has been a cornerstone of the Brentwood community, beloved by locals for its small business values and talented staff, and widely considered to be one of the finest florists in all of Los Angeles. Although the original location was on San Vicente, the shop has been housed in a historic service bay by the gas station in Brentwood Village for more than 30 years. “I feel a responsibility to honor that history while also positioning the shop for the future,” says owner Chris Falk, a veteran of the agricultural industry who purchased Anthony’s Flowers in 2019. “We are constantly staying up to date on floral trends and technology to make everything as seamless as possible. However, at the end of the day, it’s still about providing quality flowers and outstanding customer service, as it was 65 years ago.” Of course, Mother’s Day is one of the busiest occasions of the year for the shop, and it is also a time when Anthony’s Flowers’ designers can let their dedication and creativity shine. Here, manager Natalie Monroe presents a selection of Mother’s Day arrangements that are equal parts classic, forward-thinking and of course—beautiful.
110 S. Barrington Ave. #B; 310-476-9610; anthonysflowers.com. Use code “Lifestyle” for 10% of Mother’s Day orders online.
The talented staff at Anthony's Flowers
PRETTY IN PINK
PASTEL PALETTE
Pastel flower arrangements are among the most requested color palette for Mother’s Day. This year, we’ve elevated the classic soft design style by offering the exquisite Pink O’Hara garden roses. Known for their sumptuous, layered petals, delightful fragrance and impressive longevity, these premium blooms add a touch of luxury to this design. Also featured are ranunculus, lavender scabiosa, clematis, premium white hydrangea and a spectacular green cymbidium orchid.
To celebrate Mother’s Day in style, we’ve curated a breathtaking arrangement showcasing spring’s finest seasonal blooms in a chic monochromatic pink palette. This harmonious blend of delicate sweet peas and ranunculus paired with classic, long-lasting roses and exotic orchids—all presented in a perfect blush-colored ceramic vase—exudes a luxurious softness that feels both timeless and modern.
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
ORGANIC NEUTRALS
One of our most requested styles features soft, neutral tones of whites and greens. This year, we decided to create a special arrangement that feels more like a floral art piece, pairing delicate white blossoms such as roses, sprays and hydrangeas with lush greens like hellebores, dianthus, geranium, poke and a striking succulent. It embodies a natural, timeless beauty that appeals to modern tastes with its organic asymmetrical design and stone container.
This flower arrangement is a cheerful and vibrant mix of yellow and pink blooms, brought together by kiwi green hydrangeas and lush greenery. One side features yellow roses, premium daffodils, stock, chamomile, while the other displays pink roses, ranunculus, snapdragons and more. The loose, garden-inspired style adds a relaxed, welcoming feel that appeals to modern trends.
ARTICLE BY AMANDA EBERSTEIN
SANHU HOUSE—A SANTA MONICA-BASED CONCIERGE SERVICE DEVOTED TO POSTPARTUM CARE—IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE AFTER-DELIVERY EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH MOTHER AND CHILD
BRINGING HOME BABY
A doula, newborn and mother at Sanhu House
After struggling through three rounds of IVF and enduring the heartbreak of infertility, Santa Monica resident Julia Grace Kim finally became pregnant. However, the joy of new pregnancy was soon replaced by shock at the lack of postpartum care available in the US—particularly in comparison to the model she grew up witnessing in Korea.
medicine, therapy, couples counseling and more) and relaxation services such as massages, sitz baths, belly binding, sound baths and reflexology.
“In a city where career demands and social pressures often minimize the importance of postpartum recovery, we’re creating a sanctuary where healing is prioritized,” Kim says of
“SANHU HOUSE EXISTS TO PROVIDE A SPACE WHERE NEW MOTHERS AREN’T
JUST
SURVIVING, BUT TRULY HEALING, EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY.”
“My aunt was the director of infant care at one of South Korea’s largest postpartum centers,” recalls Kim, whose husband, Jay Desai, is a longtime entrepreneur in the tech healthcare space and the current CEO of Bamboo Health. “She introduced me to the concept of ‘sanju-jori’—a tradition so ingrained in Korean culture that over 80% of new mothers rely on these care centers for their recovery. In stark contrast, fewer than half of American mothers even attend their post-birth medical checkups. That disparity struck me.”
Determined to make a change, Kim set out to create Sanhu House—Los Angeles’ first luxury postpartum retreat inspired by the global traditions of maternal care. She found an ideal location at the Hotel Oceana— where guests could relax in their own spacious private suites overlooking the ocean in Santa Monica—and compiled an expert crew to provide around-theclock doula care for mother and baby, gourmet nourishing meals, lactation consultation, emotional and mental recovery (Reiki, Chinese herbal
the groundbreaking retreat, which launched in March 2024 and is meant for new moms immediately after delivery or anytime within the first 12 weeks (although most clients visit straight from the hospital, some moms come in after a month or two, when they find themselves in need of a break). “It’s an intentional space and community where the mother herself—not just her baby—is the focus. Sanhu House exists to provide a space where new mothers aren’t just surviving, but truly healing, emotionally and physically.”
Ironically, Kim became Sanhu House’s first patient. “I launched the same week I delivered my daughter, believing I could balance both—giving mothers the rest and care they deserved while running a company designed to provide it,” she recalls. Life had other plans: Kim’s baby was rushed to the NICU, her own recovery was riddled with complications and she sank into postpartum depression. Within days at her own retreat, the transformation was undeniable: specialized massages to reduce swelling,
lactation experts to help feed her baby, nourishing meals to rebuild her strength and doulas to give her the sleep she so desperately needed. “Our flagship retreat at the Oceana became my own sanctuary during my postpartum journey,” she recalls. “What makes it extraordinary isn’t just the physical space—it’s the way the environment enhances healing. The gentle rhythm of the ocean, the fresh coastal air, the quiet luxury—it all creates an atmosphere where mothers can truly exhale, both physically and emotionally.” The experience also solidified her belief that postpartum care is a necessity that every mother deserves.
Now, one year after launching, Kim is expanding Sanhu House to include in-depth at-home care, as well. “We launched our at-home program after recognizing a simple truth: while our Oceana retreat offers an immersive healing environment, the most comfortable place for many mothers is their own home,” says Kim, adding that for some women, cultural traditions center around home recovery, and for others, logistical challenges or siblings make leaving with a newborn impractical. “The decision to expand was driven by our core belief that quality postpartum care should be accessible to every mother, regardless of circumstances or preferences. We want to ensure that mothers don’t have to choose between staying home and receiving professional support.”
The at-home program has thoughtfully translated Sanhu House’s comprehensive care model into a flexible service that adapts to clients’ environments, budgets and preferences. Each session begins
A warm and nourishing welcome
“WHAT MAKES IT EXTRAORDINARY ISN’T
JUST THE PHYSICAL SPACE—IT’S THE WAY THE ENVIRONMENT ENHANCES HEALING.
with an initial consultation to understand one’s space, support system and recovery goals, before putting together a detailed plan. There is also an option to pair on-site and at-home care, ensuring a smooth transition and true continuity.
“What sets our program apart is the seamless coordination,” Kim says. “Instead of fragmented care, where you’re juggling different providers, our team works together, ensuring every aspect of your healing is addressed cohesively.” Sanhu House has also launched “Day of Sanhu,” an eight-hour gifting experience that includes a Sanhu-trained doula care for mom and baby, lactation planning and support and additional postpartum massage add-ons. Think of it as a modern-day meal train for the westside set.
“No matter your desires, our goal is simple,” Kim explains. “To eliminate the stress of postpartum logistics so that you can focus entirely on what matters—your healing, your baby and your transition into motherhood.”
For more information about Sanhu House and its offerings, call 310-421-8335 or visit sanhuhouse.com Use code "BRENTWOOD10" for 10% off your first service.
Kim and Desai with their daughter, Ocean, during their own stay at Sanhu House
Bonding time by the Oceana pool
Solo time in a luxurious suite
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 1ST-MARCH 1ST, 2026
Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Delve into the six-decade career of legendary comic book artist Jack Kirby (1917–1994), known for Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, X-Men, Black Panther, Incredible Hulk and more. This exhibition goes beyond the page, featuring original comic illustrations, fine art and commercial art—many on view for the first time. skirball.org
MAY 10TH
Montana Avenue Annual Sidewalk Sale
Montana Ave., between 6th-17th St., Santa Monica | 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Montana Avenue’s yearly sidewalk sale is the perfect occasion to support local shops and enjoy some great deals along the way. Take in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere, try some of the westside’s most exciting dining destinations and welcome the summer season in style in the beautiful Santa Monica sun. montanaave.com
MAY 10TH
Chanticleer Choral Performance
The BroadStage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica | 7:30 PM
Join Grammy-Award winning ensemble Chanticleer for a jubilant celebration of choral singing. This incredible acapella group masterfully weaves between genres of all kinds, from Renaissance masterworks and Romantic part-songs to contemporary commissions, vocal jazz and everything in between. broadstage.org
MAY 11TH
Mother's Day Brunch at Orla
Regent Santa Monica Beach, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica | 11:30 AM-2:30 PM
Celebrate Mother’s Day by the ocean with brunch at Orla by Michael Mina at the Regent Santa Monica Beach. In addition to a special pre-fix menu, enjoy caviar and shellfish upgrades and an unlimited build-your-own spritz or rosé option. There will also be a pop-up flower shop where guests can assemble their own arrangements to take home and curated gifts at the Seaside Collective Boutique. santamonica.regenthotels.com
MAY 18TH
P.S. Arts in the Park
Tumbleweed Day Camp, 1024 Hanley Ave. | 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Join P.S. Arts—a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to providing arts education to under-resourced schools and neighborhoods—for this free community event to support families affected by the recent wildfires. Enjoy a day of joyful creativity with hands-on activities as guests come together to heal and connect through the arts at beautiful Tumbleweed camp. psarts.org
MAY 25TH
42nd Annual Providence Saint John’s Health Center Brentwood Run
11620 San Vicente Blvd. | 7:00 AM– 10:00 AM
Be part of a beloved Brentwood tradition as the 42nd Annual Brentwood Run returns to San Vicente Boulevard. This historic event is a quick and enjoyable run or walk for participants of all levels, with a 5K, 10K and a dedicated race for kids. A surrounding expo provides ample entertainment, and funds raised support the Brentwood Library and the local community. runsignup.com
Exclusivity in Mental Health You Deserve a Thoughtful Approach 8909 W Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 | 805.409.7203 alegriacollaborative.com | V alegria.collaborative
Alegria Collaborative offers premium concierge mental health and addiction services designed to meet the diverse needs of clients to recover safely, effectively, and with unwavering support. The powerhouse women running Alegria, Joy Stevens (Founder + Partner) and Dia Parsons, CADC II (CEO + Partner), each have nearly two decades of experience forming relationships with the best healthcare providers in the field. Services include sober coaching, detailed case management, safe, reliable transport, strategic interventions.
COMFY DENTAL STUDIO
Lip Service
At Comfy Dental Studio, Dr. Sara Sabokpey is bringing spa-like wellness and a holistic approach to every-day and cosmetic dentistry. The innovative practitioner is also notably embracing natural methodologies that work with the body’s own healing processes. “When these innovative treatments are combined with proper nutrition, hydration and lifestyle practices, patients can achieve comprehensive wellness that extends far beyond oral health,” Dr. Sabokpey explains. Here are five transformative services offered by Comfy Dental Studio that are revolutionizing the dental experience.
1.
ANXIETY REDUCTION THROUGH VIBROACOUSTIC THERAPY
Pre-treatment anxiety can significantly impact the dental experience. Vibroacoustic therapy offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to relaxation by using sound frequencies that resonate through the body, promoting a state of calm before procedures begin. This natural method helps reduce stress hormones and creates a more pleasant experience without medication. I offer this as a special service for all treatments.
2. MINIMALLY INVASIVE CO2 LASER TREATMENTS
The evolution of CO2 laser technology has transformed routine procedures like fillings. These precision instruments can address decay without the need for traditional anesthetics, reducing discomfort and recovery time. Laser snore therapy also offers a minimally invasive solution for palatal snoring, gently reshaping tissues to create clearer airways without the need for surgery.
3. CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANING AND WHITENING
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) offers thorough cleaning and whitening in a single treatment without harsh chemicals. These systems use controlled water pressure and natural sugar alcohol powder to remove plaque and stains, supporting the mouth's natural microbiome while achieving impressive aesthetic results. It is also significantly less abrasive to enamel and soft tissues, preserving the structural integrity of teeth over the long term.
4. PHOTOBIOMODULATION FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT AND HEALING
Red light therapy and photo-acupuncture are emerging as powerful tools in dental care. These techniques stimulate cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation and provide natural pain relief. Additionally, specific light wavelengths offer antimicrobial benefits, creating a healthier oral environment without antibiotics or antiseptics.
5. MICROBIOME SUPPORT THROUGH OZONE AND PROBIOTICS
Modern integrative dentistry recognizes the importance of oral microbiome balance. Ozone disinfection provides powerful antimicrobial benefits without disrupting beneficial bacteria, while oral probiotics help restore and maintain a healthy microbial community. This balanced approach supports natural immunity and resilience against decay and disease.
Newly Built: 13164 Boca De Canon Lane
