Santa Barbara Coast, CA January 2025 by City Lifestyle

Condoleezza Rice

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28,

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Bonnymede Elegance by the Sea

Renewal

I have a secret love for January.

My January is always half fantasy fiction novel and half self-help book. It’s the one month where I like to believe that any dream, goal, or transformation is possible. It allows me to be creative, imaginative, and lofty about all the goals, check-boxes, and milestones I can achieve in the next twelve months.

For years I made lists of 100 things to do and would spend the late December time vortex (where I never know what day or time it is) to go back and review and see how many things I accomplished. For 2024, I took a different approach. I chose a few words to cover the themes that were most important for me and encompassed all that I wanted to accomplish looking 10,000 feet above the ground.

My words were: Simplify. Clarify. Verify. Glorify.

As I set out to write this letter to you I reflected on 2024 to audit how well I lived out those verbs. While 2024 had more twists than any year I can remember, my themes kept me grounded and in my lane of what was most important and what I wanted to accomplish. In every category, I had better mental clarity. I didn’t second-guess; I trusted my intuition more. In the midst of the hardest times I was grateful for what I had.

This year, I’m at it again, choosing words representing themes that will set the stage for how I want to live inside a New Year. In this month of renewal, we are grateful to you, our readers, and our contributors who make each issue of Santa Barbara Coast uplifting, thoughtful, and hopeful.

Cheers to 2025.

MELISSA PEDRAZZINI, PUBLISHER @SANTABARBARACOASTCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2025

PUBLISHER

Melissa Pedrazzini | melissa.pedrazzini@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Samantha Durbin | samantha.durbin@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kylie White | kylie.white@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Sara Stevens | sara.stevens@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Samantha Durbin, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Meaghan Clark Tiernan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Josh Gruetzmacher

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

CUSTOM FURNITURE KEEFRIDER

2025

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Runners begin their journey on historic State Street in the 4th Santa Barbara Half Marathon. 2: Gala attendees celebrating 100 years of Junior League Santa Barbara. 3: Participants enjoy palm tree-lined Cabrillo Blvd on a picture-perfect morning in Santa Barbara. 4: Almost 400 volunteers supported runners from 16 countries and 47 states. 5: Runners turn onto Cabrillo Blvd from State Street over the Mission Creek bridge. 6: October Brew Fest at Mission Creek within the SB Natural History Museum 7: All smiles from JP @nightlizardbrew

STEPHEN LEWIS / SANTA BARBARA HALF

COURTESY OF JLSB

STEPHEN LEWIS / SANTA BARBARA HALF

ARTIST by Nature

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” –Pablo Picasso

The favorite quote of local artist Hilary Brock reflects her deep desire to enliven the lives of others through art.

“My paintings are meant for those that are weary and need rest for their eyes, their minds, and their souls,” shares the Santa Barbara native, who began painting pictures depicting the area’s natural beauty to find relief from her stressful life as a CPA.

An artist by nature, Hilary worked in finance for nearly 2 decades “all the while dreaming about making art” before pursuing her passion.

“In college, I chose the safe path and majored in economics, even though my heart was in art,” she says. “I picked up my paintbrush again out of an inexplicable desire to create. I needed an outlet for my stress. At first it was meant for me, and then I realized it was for others as well.”

The creator of pieces with dreamy names like “Pink Skies and Starry Eyes,” “Freedom on my Mind: Montecito,” and “Miramar Magic Hour” draws inspiration from her hometown.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH GRUETZMACHER

Hilary Brock finds solace in Santa Barbara’s beauty

Hilary and her backyard studio

Her paintings reflecting “the raw natural beauty of Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez”—her favorite things to paint—evoke feelings of peace and calm.

“My favorite pieces are from my current series, ‘Freedom on my Mind: Montecito,’ where I paint floating umbrellas in calm, serene settings. They make me feel unbound by anything, free of worry and stress. They are also playful and fun, which I need more of in my life,” she says.

Despite the challenges of trading in her stable, predictable career to fully invest in her art, Hilary thrives on living the artistic lifestyle.

“I love that no two days or projects are ever the same,” she says. “I’m always exploring and learning something new around every corner, and for a creative, that’s incredibly exciting.”

Among her newest projects is a series of paintings inspired by water and light.

“I’m fascinated by how light illuminates and changes our surroundings,” says Hilary, adding, “I’m having a ‘pink moment’ in my career. I’m very drawn to its soft but also bold quality as a color.”

As she develops her craft, Hilary points to lessons learned over time.

“I am learning to practice patience. The life of an artist is a marathon, not a sprint,” she says, noting her immense gratitude for her local mentors.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting with and learning from some of Santa Barbara’s most prestigious artists who have been so generous with their time and support,” including renowned Central California portraitist Teresa Mattos.

Hilary shares her wisdom with aspiring artists: “Make time to create your art as often as you can. You learn something new with each piece you do. Practice it frequently, and you will grow faster.”

And in art, as in life, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” notes Hilary. “I truly believe each of us has a unique purpose, and life is about finding yours, not someone else’s.”

In-person: Upstairs Pierre Lafond

Stay updated on future shows and her latest paintings on Instagram: @hilarybrock

Contact: info@hilarybrockstudio.com

Shoot location: Sheffield Reservoir

ARTICLE BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEEFRIDER

KEEFRIDER CUSTOM FURNITURE: A LOCAL WORKSHOP LIKE NO OTHER

MASTERPIECES

Jay Keefrider + Tansu Dresser

At age 11, Jay Keefrider had a vision to build a bookshelf for his mom’s National Geographics. “I pitched the project and got the green light,” recalls Jay. “Little did I know it would lead to a lifetime love of woodcraft.”

Sirie’s foray into woodworking is as unique as Keefrider’s creations. A molecular biologist with a PhD from Yale, Sirie followed her heart and traded the ivory tower for the woodshop. “I’ve always been interested in

“WE’RE THE SHOP YOU GO TO WHEN NOBODY

ELSE CAN MAKE

Jay gained an appreciation for perfectionism in craftsmanship as a teen, landing his “dream job” at the workshop of master craftsman and sculptor, Jack Larimore in Philadelphia. Learning the fundamentals of classical furniture design, “I got to watch a master at work,” says Jay, who later studied furniture making and design at the acclaimed Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, graduating with a BFA in 2001.

He established his first workshop, Cotterpin Design, in LA that same year. Today, Jay sharpens his skills daily as a master woodworker at Keefrider Custom Furniture—a workshop like no other—founded in 2015 with wife, Sirie. “We’re the shop you go to when nobody else can make it,” says Sirie. Unlike most furniture workshops, “we consider our pieces works of functional art.”

IT.”

the arts,” she says, enjoying painting, sculpture, and drawing before discovering her fascination for woodworking in the shop with Jay.

Honing their skills through the years, the couple combines their talents to bring clients’ visions to life. “Jay’s skills are the lifeblood of the shop,” says Sirie. “While we both contribute to the aesthetic design of most pieces and build them together, Jay’s ability to design the optimal structure and joinery for the piece is crucial. It’s why our pieces stand the test of time. My specialty is carving and inlay work, which is a real passion for me.”

“Clients come to us when they’re looking for something they can’t find anywhere,” Sirie explains. “Something that exists only in their mind’s eye. Our passion is to make that vision a reality.”

DESIGN IT

Deep diving into the design phase with clients inspires tailor-made pieces that reflect an individual’s style and suits their space. An extensive design phase involves “producing 3-D images and passing them back and forth for comments and revisions until the design is perfect,” says Sirie. “What we want is to have our clients see the finished piece and feel like that’s exactly what they envisioned. Hopefully even better.”

From sorting through piles of hardwoods to hand-picking pieces at sustainably sourced lumber yards to painstakingly crafting tolerances of up to one 64th of an inch, Jay and Sirie thrive on building each piece to the highest standards. “Every piece we make is a new challenge. We love that,” says Sirie. “Our workshop can build almost anything, including all sorts of carving, mechanical pieces, inlays, bent-wood pieces, and more, which means our clients never have to compromise on their vision.”

HANDCRAFTED CREATIONS

KeefriderSB.com showcases examples of their creations, like the Iris Table. A mechanical marvel, the circular table folds out like an iris as it turns, transforming into a larger piece. “It took 2 years of prototypes to get it exactly the way we wanted it,” says Jay. “The original concept was called a Jupe Table and was built in the 1800s. We ran with that initial idea and built on it, resulting in something that is really kind of magical to watch.”

The Iris Table

The Ocean Table

“EVERY

PIECE WE MAKE IS A NEW CHALLENGE.”

The Guitar Desk is another example of their inimitable talent. Custom designed for a musician, a beautiful Indian Rosewood desk is inlaid with a guitar with real strings, frets, and mother of pearl.

The Ocean Table is lit from the bottom, illuminating a swath of blue-marbled “water” and dolphins that seemingly swim with the light.

“Our process starts with an initial meeting with the client, at the workshop or via Zoom, to get a feel for the general concept they are envisioning and provide a ballpark price before moving into the planning and design phase. Then we add the piece to the build schedule,” says Sirie, advising that clients should allow 4 to 10 months for completion. Keefrider delivers locally and ships worldwide.

“We love a challenge. Every client who walks through our door brings something new and exciting. There’s nothing I’d rather do,” says Jay.

www.keefridersb.com

Kraken Dining Table

Campfire Patio Love Seats

Bookmatch Dresser

Healing

for Life

ARTICLE BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN

Santa Barbara Longevity Center offers evidence-based strategies for rejuvenation and detoxification to promote health, boost the immune system, and help clients feel their best.

With the mission to make Santa Barbara the next Blue Zone, Dr. Leslie Valle, MD, MBA, and her team of talented, experienced professionals at Santa Barbara Longevity Center specialize in helping clients revitalize their health.

Taking a holistic approach to medicine, Dr. Valle employs a combination of conventional and Swiss biological medicine to assess each client’s health concerns and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Her expertise in treating chronic immune conditions involves helping patients make healthy lifestyle adjustments to enhance their health.

“The focus is on finding the root of dysregulation and disease. Then we don’t just put a Band-aid on it,” says Dr. Valle, pointing to the often-overlooked impact that nutrition, stress, and sleep have on health.

“I didn’t learn nutrition in medical school, and there is a definite link between nutrition and health,” says Dr. Valle, who studied medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and continued her postgraduate studies in Swiss Biological Medicine with Dr. Thomas Rau, former founder of Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland, before returning home to found the Santa Barbara Longevity Center.

Quality sleep is also key, says Dr. Valle, as “the body regenerates during sleep; we can’t heal if we’re not regenerating.” And stress is another culprit to illness. “We need to manage stress levels, as stress causes acidity and inflammation, a combination that often leads to disease,” she adds.

Focusing on bioenergetic medicine, nutritional science, and lifestyle adjustments, Dr. Valle explores and incorporates non-invasive techniques such as frequency therapies (including biofeedback),

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, proper detoxification methods, and nutritional guidance to give patients the tools to achieve optimal health.

HEALTH EDUCATION

“Santa Barbara Longevity Center is a place for learning while healing,” says Dr. Valle, whose passion for empowering clients to take charge of their health is contagious.

She begins by measuring heart rate and the autonomic nervous system, which reveals information about sleep quality and brain wavelengths, and biofeedback with frequency. The results, says Dr. Valle, are “pieces to the puzzle that provide me with important information about a person’s health.”

After a thorough consultation, Dr. Valle explains the different options available and makes suggestions for a treatment plan.

“WE NEED TO MANAGE STRESS LEVELS, AS STRESS CAUSES ACIDITY AND INFLAMMATION, A COMBINATION THAT OFTEN LEADS TO DISEASE.”

“Improving health is more than a quick fix,” says Dr. Valle. “It often requires people to change their lifestyle” to manage stress, calm the nervous system, and eat healthier to help recover or reverse dysregulation and injury to the body.

She offers free monthly Culinary Medicine Programs to teach about nutrition, including how to reduce unhealthy fats and oils and how to restore gut health and inflammation, as well as how to test cookware for toxic materials. She invites those interested in healthy eating to attend and learn while enjoying delicious organic whole food.

During her quarterly Longevity Retreats, Dr. Valle invites participants to nourish their body and mind by stepping away from their daily routines and fully immerse themselves in four days of health and wellness in a beautiful setting in nature.

“This is a unique experience in understanding the natural rhythms of our bodies, how they can become dysregulated, and how to begin bringing it back into homeostasis through root cause approaches, the nutritional science behind ancestral food, metabolic vitality, the science of structured water, longevity tools, and more,” she says.

For those dealing with cancer or chronic illness, Dr. Valle offers Beyond Cancer retreats to help people navigate their healing journey during an overwhelming stage of life.

The small group retreats include workshops (Root Cause of Illness, Metabolic Health & Wellness, Frequency Medicine, Nutritional Science, Biological Medicine), BioEnergetic Modalities (ONDAMED, H-WAVE, BrainTap, Biomat, FIR Dome), and therapies such as Red Light NIF Sauna Space, lymphatic massage, qi gong, yoga, meditation/sound bath, acupuncture, IV hydration, and more.

“Santa Barbara Longevity Center retreats are designed for anyone with a diagnosis of a chronic disease or anyone interested in avoiding arriving at a diagnosis,” says Dr. Valle. “Our retreats are for those who want to journey through a life of wellness, understanding how to navigate the body’s mechanisms of vitality and health. In our retreats we invite you to let go of the hustle of routine life and settle into a new world.”

EXPANDING ACCESS FOR ALL

In addition to her life-changing work at the Santa Barbara Longevity Center, Dr. Valle provides neurofeedback, frequency medicine, binaural beats, and hyperbaric therapies to people with brain health challenges via her nonprofit, Brainwave Wellness Institute.

Santa Barbara Longevity Center, 211 E Anapamu Street santabarbaralongevitycenter.com

SANTA BARBARA SOLD

2025 Financial Outlook

Montecito Bank & Trust’s Jorge Morales, CFP, shares expertise

Since 1975, the talented team at Montecito Bank & Trust have been committed to making the communities they serve better places to live and work. Here, Jorge Morales CFP, Financial Advisor at MB&T shares his expertise about the best ways to manage your money in the new year and beyond.

What’s new regarding financial planning in 2025?

In 2025, there will likely be updates in tax regulations and retirement account contribution limits, impacting how clients strategize their savings, investments, and estate plan.

What do you foresee as the most important aspect(s) of planning for 2025?

The ultimate focus will be on adapting to inflationary pressures, changes in interest rates, new tax regulations, ensuring that portfolios remain resilient and diversified.

What is your advice for people just starting to formulate a financial plan?

Begin by setting clear financial goals and establishing a budget to understand your income and expenses; this foundation is crucial for effective planning.

The Financial Consultants at MB&T Advisors are Registered Representatives with, and Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Montecito Bank & Trust and MB&T advisors are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using MB&T Advisors and may also be employees of Montecito Bank & Trust. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Montecito Bank & Trust or MB&T Advisors. Securities and insurance offered through LPL,or its affiliates are: Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency , Not Bank Guaranteed, Not Bank Deposits or Obligations, May Lose Value

How often should people meet with their financial advisor to review/adjust their financial plans?

At least annually, but more frequent check-ins are advisable during major life changes or market shifts.

Is there a certain time of year people should take stock of their finances/meet with their advisors?

The start of the year is ideal for annual reviews, but also consider post-tax season to reflect on the previous year’s financial situation.

Any other financial information or advice you’d like to share?

Stay informed about market trends and regulatory changes, and adjust your strategy accordingly to ensure your financial plan remains aligned with your goals.

What do you like about being a financial planner?

I enjoy the process of educating and fostering relationships with clients to help achieve their financial goals.

What is challenging about it?

Staying current with ever-evolving financial regulations and market dynamics can be demanding but is essential for effective advising.

ARTICLE BY JORGE MORALES

Jorge Morales

BY CHRISTIAN LEE

1 | Saving

Aim to save at least 20% of your income; automate your savings to ensure consistency.

2 | Investing

Diversify across asset classes and consider dollar-cost averaging to mitigate market volatility.

3 | Debt

Prioritize high-interest debt repayment while maintaining a manageable level of debt for essential needs.

4 | Gifts/Charitable donations

Consider tax-advantaged gifting strategies, such as donor-advised funds.

Jorge Morales has 23 years of experience in financial planning, specializing in investment strategies and retirement planning. He holds a CFP designation and has a passion for empowering clients to take control of their financial futures.

Jorge’s advice for 2025:

Boost your mood with contrast therapy

Take The Plunge

In 2021, a group of scientists concluded that “cold-water immersion is a well-tolerated therapy that is capable of significantly improving mood in young, fit, and healthy individuals.” But we’re not all 21 and willing to participate in UCSB’s annual “The Plunge,” where participants jump into the icy Pacific Ocean in support of the Marine Conservation Project.

At the risk of sounding luxe, I’d rather get my endorphins in a private and controlled environment. But, a New Year mood boost, improved blood circulation, and reduced muscle inflammation sound fab. Immerse yourself in this wellness trend with these purveyors that give you the experience, sans sand.

ARTICLE BY MEAGHAN CLARK TIERNAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Soul Care Studio

In the heart of downtown, Soul Care Studio’s private plunges are ozone-purified and set to a brisk 45-degrees. “If you’re a firsttimer, getting to one minute is a good goal,” co-owner Ben Reden says. “For people who have [cold plunge] as a routine, they can do 3-4 minutes, but it takes practice.” 15-minute sessions can be booked or bundled with a membership including other treatments (infrared sauna, somadome, and halotherapy).

@soulcaresb | 1101 Anacapa St. #100

Acorn & Oak

It took owner Sean Yeager-Diamond a year to find the ideal space. “This is Santa Barbara,” he says, “I wanted to be outside.” YeagerDiamond’s outdoor garden retreat treats the body and mind, offering both traditional and infrared saunas along with four cold plunges. When you put your body under the kind of stress that happens when alternating heat (a “positive stress”) and cold, which releases dopamine, it can have physical and emotional effects. “You’re overcoming either fear of extreme cold or heat,” Yeager-Diamond adds.

@acornandoaksb | 4404 Hollister Ave. #A

Santa Barbara Ice Bath

A daily dip in an ice chest following a neck injury led Rob Colby to create eye-pleasing, functional plunges for the home. With a studio in West Beach, co-founders Colby and James Newman invite clients to visit and test drive their three designs, each built meticulously. “We thought of every detail to make your experience better,” Newman says. From the dimension and height of each seat to inflows and outflows, they can create “a functional, beautiful centerpiece in your yard.”

@sbicebath | 130 Los Aguajes Ave.

DECEMBER 31ST

Le Bal Cristal En Rouge NYE @rosewoodmiramarbeach

Rosewood Miramar Resort Montecito | 8:30 PM

Rosewood Miramar Beach presents Le Bal Cristal en Rouge. For its third year, reimagine the night with a crimson twist and lose yourself in the magic of Miramar. Under the adorned collection of Baccarat chandeliers, celebrants toast the arrival of a new year with an unforgettable evening of passion, elegance, and electric energy.

JANUARY 2ND

UCSB Women’s Basketball Home Games @ucsbwbb

UCSB Thunderdome

January 2 @7pm vs. University of Hawaii | January 11 @4pm vs. Cal Poly | January 23 @7pm vs. UC San Diego | January 25 @4pm vs. Cal State Fullerton

JANUARY 9TH, 16TH, 18TH, 30TH

UCSB Men’s Basketball Home Games @ucsbmbb

UCSB Thunderdome

January 9 @7pm vs. CSU Bakersfield | January 16 @7pm vs. UC Riverside | January 18 @1pm. vs. UC Davis | January 30 @7pm vs. CSUN

JANUARY 18TH – 19TH

The Mozart Marathon @sbsymphony

The Granada

One weekend, two different concerts, eight masterworks. The exquisite Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. Elegant concertos for piano, oboe, violin, flute, and harp. And one of his great final symphonies, No. 35, the “Haffner.” Saturday, January 18 | 7:30pm; Sunday, January 19 | 3:00pm

JANUARY 18TH

The Canary x Palma Collective Wellness Pop Up

The Canary SB @canaryhotel

The event will feature a wellness market with offerings including sound bath with Foxy Sage, mini Astrology readings with Uranian Approach, mini Oracle Readings with Giuliana Mottin, chair massages, and Ear Seeding. Each treatment and offering will be 20 minutes. Sips and bites provided by Finch & Fork! Saturday, January 18 | 12-4pm

JANUARY 23RD

Exploring Home: The Wines of Santa Barbara County @crushitwinesb

In this class we will hand select 3 bottles that highlight what makes this region so special and demonstrate why this should be everyone’s first choice to visit in California. Class price includes 3 bottles of wine, live virtual class, recording of the class, and handmade class materials. $120

THE gathering

A magical day by magical women

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY STANFIELD

Have you ever gathered with a group of 170 women who supported you before you knew them? You can find these gatherings, and in my experience, they’re called women’s circles. Professional coach and community builder Jess Clark of The Connected Co. created the ultimate women’s circle in our backyard.

Last fall, I attended The Gathering , and it overflowed my cup. It didn’t fill me up in the self-love woo-woo yoga Goddess way, but in the soul-journey life-purpose Queen way.

On a foggy Saturday morning, after grabbing coffee from Village Coffee’s truck parked outside Girls Inc. in Carpinteria, I was greeted by a colorful DIY “Bloom Bar” by Dirt Botanicals and round tables with white tassel umbrellas on a lawn. No one was seated at the tables. I was late, but I had my croissant and coffee and shook it off, excited for a day for myself.

I met up with Melissa, publisher of this publication, and we attended our first workshop with business attorney Natalie Puglisi . After minutes, I wondered, should I turn my writing business into an LLC? Why hadn’t I considered myself worthy of turning my talents into more than a byline?

Next up: parenting coach Dr. Judy Osterhage , early childhood specialist, whose workshop about how to get out the door more efficiently with kids had me taking voracious notes.

Fearless and friendly, Jess Clark appeared before us during lunch, sharing her enthusiasm for connection. Her passion for a deeper participation in life is palpable. It’s her second year throwing The Gathering and her intention is to create an experience where we learn from other driven women how to show up, professionally or personally, often intertwined.

Guest speaker, author, and professional coach Karen Laos leads a confidence-building exercise where we approach fear playfully and encourages us to overcome self-doubt through communication. I’m listening to her while making a bouquet of dahlias. I pause to take in the scene of women strengthening each other.

Dirt Botanicals fall blooms

Professional coach and creator of The Gathering, Jess Clark

After lunch, I attend career coach Shannon Searer’s workshop. A tireless creator, I’m interested in her approach to solving problems with creativity. Shannon taught us a mind-mapping exercise, and I developed a new idea the two women sitting next to me thought was good. Que a confidence boost.

My next boost: a high-dose Vitamin C and B-complex IV infusion from registered nurse Abbie Olson, founder of Flow Mobile IV . We end up talking about our personal lives, and she reassures me that my current lemon can be turned into lemonade. I’m reminded of women’s natural ability to support each other in unexpected situations. Abbie gives me a great hug and a greater sense of peace.

“We know our village will support us, but where do we find a bigger pool that will challenge us to do better?” Jess’s closing remark reminds me that it’s not just about surrounding yourself with “yes” people. Finding people who encourage you to take a chance can be harder to find, and that’s who you could find at The Gathering.

THE GATHERING | @THE_CONNECTED_CO

If you missed The Gathering, you can join a Connected Collab group led by Jess Clark. This supportive space is designed for driven women who want to take their businesses to the next level.

Jillian Cardona from Piece of Mind Planning