Playa Vista Direct — April/May 2021

D I R E C T

APRIL - MAY 2021

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

Sender One’s first bouldering-only facility is coming to Playa Vista

FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY GUIDE

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Contents EDITOR’S NOTE

PEOPLE

6 Spring Forward

8 Sheena Tahilramani turned her passion for candles into a business

D I R E C T

APRIL - MAY 2021

BUSINESS FOOD

12 Deutsch LA’s free brand building program helps Black businesses bloom

26 Urban Plates launches new app PET ADOPTION

FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY 14

30 Meet Heidi, a young pup who is smart and sweet

Orangetheory Fitness helps people achieve fitness goals with coach-led classes that combine science and technology

18 Beauty Beach Lounge highlights the season’s hottest beauty trends

Sender One’s first bouldering-only facility is coming to Playa Vista

CALENDAR

16 Sender One to open new indoor rock climbing location in Playa Vista

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

28 Check out fun local events including the Silicon Beach Family Hike, group meditation at the beach, and more

FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY GUIDE

On the cover: Sender One’s first bouldering-only facility is coming to Playa Vista.

Photo by Matthew Becker Design by Arman Olivares

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J E S S E WE INB E RG

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IN ESCROW

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SOLD

Paraiso- 5831 Seawalk Dr. #241 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,202 Sq. Ft. $1,281,000

FOR SALE

Chatelaine - 5721 S. Crescent Park #204 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath + Den | 2,845 Sq. Ft. $1,699,000 Chatelaine204.com

PENTHOUSE

13700 Marina Pointe Dr. #1915, Marina Del Rey 2 Bed | 2 Bath |1,724 Sq.Ft. $2,195,000 Azzurra1915.com

SOLD

201 Waterview, Playa Del Rey 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,775 Sq. Ft. $2,450,000

SOLD

Seabluff - 6030 Seabluff Dr. #413 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,281 Sq.Ft. $1,125,000

JUST LISTED

Coronado - 7100 Playa Vista Dr. #403 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath + Den | 1,892 Sq.Ft. $1,325,000 Coronado403.com

COMING SOON

Catalina - 12963 Runway Rd. #214 2 Bed | 2 Bath | 986 Sq. Ft. $815,000

JUST SOLD

7301 Vista Del Mar #44, Playa Del Rey 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1,640 Sq.Ft. $2,200,000

JUST LEASED

Skylar - 5698 Goldeneye Dr. #3 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,026 Sq.Ft. $7,700/Month

JUST LISTED

Coronado - 7100 Playa Vista Dr. #121 2 Bed | 2 Bath + Den | 1,510Sq.Ft. $985,000 Coronado121.com

FOR LEASE

Primera Terra - 12920 Runway Rd. #310 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,500 Sq. Ft. $5,400/Month

SOLD

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JUST LEASED

Skylar - 12452 Osprey Ln. #1 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,638 Sq. Ft. $7,300/Month

JESSE WEINBERG AND ASSOCIATES DRE #01435805 This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker/agent. Based on information from the CLAW MLS as of February 11, 2020. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Spring Forward

N

ow that spring is in full swing, many of us are ready to get off the couch and spend more time outdoors enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather. Whether it’s going to the beach, hitting the gym or dining at your favorite restaurant – there’s no shortage of fun things to do now that businesses and public spaces have started to reopen.

In our “Fitness, Health & Beauty” issue, we offer a sneak peek at Sender One’s new 7,000-square-foot bouldering-only facility that is slated to open in Playa Vista this summer. Founder Alice Kao shares her inspiring story of how climbing changed her life, which ultimately led her to create a premier destination for world-class indoor rock climbing, yoga and fitness.

For those of you (myself included) that are eager to freshen up your look for the new season, celebrity hairstylist and Beauty Beach Lounge owner Jennifer Nairn highlights the hottest beauty trends for spring.

From beach waves to curtain bangs à la Brigitte Bardot, you’ll be looking and feeling your best while that quarantine hair will be a thing of the past.

Orangetheory Fitness recently started offering classes again at its Playa Vista location and is looking forward to welcoming everyone back while following state, local and national guidelines to keep members and staff safe and healthy. Their heart-based HIIT total-body group workouts combine science, coaching and technology to guarantee maximum results so that participants can achieve personal health and fitness goals.

And with Mother’s Day around the corner, Banter & Bliss Candle Co. will offer outdoor candle making and flower/succulent arranging classes for the first time ever at RUNWAY Playa Vista, the perfect activity to enjoy with loved ones while creating a handmade gift for the special lady in your life.

The past year has certainly been a crazy one, but as we all start to venture out into the world, things are starting to feel normal once again.

And even though we’ll still have our masks on for the time being, there will be more smiles underneath them.

Kamala Kirk Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com

6 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski EDITOR Kamala Kirk GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Arman Olivares Kate Doll CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Luis Chavez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sara Edwards Bridgette Redman INTERN Katie Lulla ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Denine Gentilella ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rebecca Bermudez

CONTACT US EDITORIAL christina@timespublicaions.com ADVERTISING Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

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PEOPLE

CREATIVE PURSUIT

Sheena Tahilramani turned her passion for candle making into a business STORY KAMALA KIRK | PHOTOS COURTESY BANTER & BLISS CANDLE CO.

Sheena Tahilramani is a former publicist who started making candles as gifts for clients and eventually turned her idea into a business.

W

hen Sheena Tahilramani ran a public relations firm, she yearned to send her clients unique holiday gifts that they could enjoy. She decided to start making custom labeled candles, which became an instant hit.

“I didn’t want to send people more candy or chocolates,” Tahilramani says.

“Everybody loves candles and I’ve always been crafty, so I learned how to make candles and sent those as gifts. I had a lot of fun making candles as a hobby and eventually left my career to pursue it full time. With my background in public relations and marketing, I figured out how to eventually sell and market them.”

In 2014, Tahilramani started Banter & Bliss Candle Co., which offers handmade candles and candle-making workshops. All of the candles are made at her studio in San Pedro, a World War II warehouse that includes a retail store and workshop space, and Tahilramani has a retail-only location at RUNWAY Playa Vista as well.

“I really like the area,” Tahilramani says. “The community in Playa Vista 8 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 8 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

is very family-oriented and our store is in a great location. I love the creativity and challenge of creating and marketing a product. It’s always fun to see the products come together from beginning to end.”

One of the aspects that customers love most about Banter & Bliss candles are its creative scents that include pineapple cardamom and verbena basil. The popular scents include tabac and amber, a combination of bergamot, golden amber, grapefruit, warm tabac, guaiacwood, clove leaf, veiled musk and oud; and santal muguet, which contains sublet notes of oudwood, sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, washed birch and musk.

The candles are infused with essential oils and made from all-natural coconut soy wax, which offers a cleaner burn than a lot of waxes that are used in the mass candle market, in addition to being free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates.

“People like our minimalistic branding and sophisticated fragrances,” Tahilramani says. “We also maintain reasonable price points because I wanted our products to be accessible to everyone.

We ship across the United States and are working on selling wholesale as well.”

Tahilramani is planning to add at least seven new spring and summer fragrances to her collection soon. Tahilramani and her employees always choose the scents together.

“I love every single person that works for me,” Tahilramani says. “They’re all super motivated and hard workers. They’re amazing people that make my life so much easier because they know what needs to get done, especially when I’m super focused on certain tasks.”

In addition to candles, Banter & Bliss also sells reed diffusers, wax melts, room and linen sprays, match bottles, and various other gift and home décor items. As for the name, Tahilramani says that she wanted it to reflect the fun and relaxing vibe of her company.

“Home fragrance products are relaxing to have in your home, and our classes and workshops are where the fun comes in,” Tahilramani says. “We’re not just a candle company, the experience is such a big part of what we do. We offer a lot of group workshops and a candle bar at the studio, and we bring our mobile cart to private events like weddings and bachelorettes.”

During the workshops, Tahilramani leads participants through a scent blending exercise where they get to blend their own fragrance. They also learn about wax, wicks and the candle making process.

The candle bar is a more casual activity that is ideal for those that want to come in with someone or on their own to make a candle in an intimate setting.

“It’s a fun activity whether you’re looking for a one-off thing to do with a friend or a date night,” Tahilramani says.

“We get a lot of people coming in that are interested in starting candle com(Continued on page 10)

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PEOPLE

(Continued from page 8)

panies. During the pandemic, a lot of people turned to candle making for fun and to supplement their income.”

When in-person workshops were put on hold due to the pandemic, Banter & Bliss pivoted to virtual events and workshops, which were a huge success.

“I had always wanted to create a candle making kit and pre-COVID we had put them together, then once the pandemic hit, we were ready to start shipping the kits out,” Tahilramani says.

“Even though we lost out on weddings and in-person workshops, we picked up a lot of corporate events because companies were looking for things to do that would keep their teams together. Some of our events had between 100 and 200 participants, and we would walk them through the candle making process on Zoom.”

Recently, Tahilramani started offering in-person workshops again at the studio, although reservations are required, and tables are spaced apart for social distancing. For Mother’s Day weekend, Banter & Bliss will host its first events in

10 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

Banter & Bliss Candle Co. offers handmade candles in a variety of unique and sophisticated scents, in addition to candle making workshops.

Playa Vista in partnership with Rooted Harmony, which include candle making and flower or succulent arranging. The cost is between $85 to $110 per person depending on the event and gift boxes are available as add-ons.

“We’ll be offering the workshops outdoors and participants will get to make a candle with me, then while the candle is solidifying, they’ll make a beautiful flower or succulent arrangement,”

Tahilramani says. “Everyone will leave with a candle, flower arrangement and a gift box. I’m looking forward to bringing more events to Playa Vista in the future.”

Soon, Tahilramani hopes to further enhance customers’ experience by serving them a glass of wine or beer when they come in for a workshop. Prior to the pandemic, she approached Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell about introducing AB-376, a bill that would allow an exemption for arts and crafts workshops to serve limited amounts of alcohol. O’Donnell introduced the bill in February and it is in legislation.

“I think that will bring a new element of fun to the candle making workshops,” Tahilramani says. “I’m always thinking of news ways to make our clients’ experience with us even better.”

Banter & Bliss Candle Co. 12775 Millennium Drive, B-1, Playa Vista 202-340-5536, banterandbliss.com

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BUSINESS

HELPING BUSINESSES BLOOM Deutsch LA launches free brand building program for Black entrepreneurs STORY BY KAMALA KIRK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEN MORRIS/DEUTSCH LA

P

Blackness in Full Bloom was founded by former and current Deutsch LA executives Gurbani Chadha, Justin Brown and Maya Thompson.

12 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 12 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

laya Vista-based advertising agency Deutsch LA recently announced the public launch of Blackness in Full Bloom, a free fourweek virtual brand building program designed to assist and amplify Blackowned businesses in Los Angeles.

“Blackness in Full Bloom was first introduced in February 2020 as a Black History Month initiative,” says Ayn Howze, EVP, head of advocacy and communications at Deutsch LA. “The program was inspired to give local Black entrepreneurs the marketing tools and branding strategies to help their businesses bloom.”

The program was founded by former and current Deutsch LA executives Justin Brown, Gurbani Chadha and Maya Thompson, and provides access to world-class marketing expertise and resources.

“After launching this initiative during Black History Month last year, we quickly realized the importance of making this an ongoing program to continually uplift and support Black businesses in LA,” says Kim Getty, CEO of Deutsch LA. “As an agency, we draw inspiration from LA, while also finding ways to contribute to and magnify its cultural richness in all that we do. Blackness in Full Bloom helps us achieve this in a unique way by assisting Black entrepreneurs thrive in a city we all call home.”

The program consists of weekly, two-hour virtual workshops that cover different facets of marketing such as branding, design, paid and earned media, and content production. During the first week, participants will learn about marketing in social the way the big brands do, the role their brand and how (Continued on page 24)

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©2020 Highland Premiere and Society. All rights reserved. DRE License #01967160/#02014153. All material presented here in is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omission, changes or withdrawal without notice. If your property is currently listed with another real estate broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. |

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT APRIL - MAY 2021 13

F I T N E S S , H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Orangetheory Fitness offers a heart-based HIIT total-body group workout that combines science, coaching and technology to guarantee maximum results.

14 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

F I T N E S S , H E A L T H & BP EE AOUPTL YE

BACK IN MOTION

Orangetheory Fitness helps people achieve fitness and health goals STORY BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ORANGETHEORY FITNESS

F

or many people who have spent the pandemic on their couch, it’s time to get moving again.

A survey by the American Psychological Association, reported by CNBC, said that 42% of adults gained weight they didn’t want during the pandemic with the average increase being 29 pounds.

The folks at Orangetheory Fitness in Playa Vista are prepared to help. They reopened their studio on April 8 and are already filling their limited-capacity classes. As a health and fitness organization, the employees are committed to a safe reopening, something the corporate-level staff has been working on for all locations throughout the year.

Jeff Miller, senior vice president of marketing for Orangetheory Fitness, says they are following all the state, local and national guidelines because they want their members and staff to be healthy.

“Health and safety are our No. 1 concerns, even taking out the world of COVID,” Miller says. “We want members to focus on it. Physical and mental health is essential and vital.”

To make the studio a safe place, the classes have limited capacity. Everyone wears masks, even during workouts. All staff wear goggles and there is extended time between classes so that they can engage in cleaning and sanitation activities. Members undergo a symptom check when they arrive, and they exercise on every other piece of equipment to maintain social distancing.

“We’re listening to our members, playing by the rules, and doing what is needed for the health and safety of our members and team members,” Miller says.

Miller describes himself as a

Miller says. “That will be part of everyone’s membership moving forward.”

They also tried to stay in communication with their members, whether it was through social media or emails.

Orangetheory provided its members with digital tools and free online workouts throughout the whole pandemic.

However, Miller says, members miss the in-person experience and the fitness community that they become a part of.

He says group fitness really helps people meet their goals.

“There is a little bit of a competition element, energy, music and the endorphins within group fitness,” Miller says.

“That’s what our members are telling us they miss. They miss the community.

They miss the coaches. We offer coachOrangetheory’s Playa Vista location led classes, and we have technology so recently started offering group that your heart rate is being tracked.” fitness classes again while following That’s part of what they are offerstate, local and national guidelines. ing people who return to the Playa The company wants its members and Vista studio as well as Orangetheory’s staff to be healthy and safe. other locations, including Marina del Rey. Members will get the community “COVID-19 baby” as he came on with and group benefits even while there are Orangetheory in May 2020 and has been restrictions against high fives and hugs. part of the team that has helped prepare Orangetheory is there for when people each studio for reopening and planned are ready to return. digital offerings. It’s been tricky because “It’s not business as usual, but you every county has had different guidelines, can still get the same or better results,” and some studios around the state and Miller says. “Anything is better than dothroughout the country had starts and ing nothing. It’s scary how many people stops through the pandemic’s rollerdid not do a lot of health and fitness coaster year. activities over the year, so anything is As a way of helping members through great.” the pandemic, Orangetheory froze memberships whenever the studios were closed so members wouldn’t lose the time Orangetheory Fitness for which they paid. They developed live, 12746 W. Jefferson Boulevard small group-led digital classes that they Building 3, Playa Vista plan to continue.

213-279-2006 “It takes the simplicity of Zoom, but orangetheory.com makes it 100 times better for fitness,” PLAYA PLAYAVISTA VISTADIRECT DIRECT ||APRIL APRIL- -MAY MAY2021 2021 15 15

F I T N E S S , H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Sender One to open first bouldering-only facility in Playa Vista STORY BY SARA EDWARDS | PHOTO BY MATTHEW BECKER

Sender One is Southern California’s only world-class indoor rock climbing, yoga and fitness facility that offers an opportunity for self-discovery and connecting with others.

A

lice Kao first got into rock climbing 12 years ago after going through a break-up. She had just moved to London when it was too cold to exercise outside and didn’t have any friends there.

When Kao went to a climbing gym and completed her first climb, she realized that she had found her community. She felt invigorated and refreshed during her first climb and wanted others to be able to feel that same feeling of rejuvenation she experienced when climbing.

Kao was also blown away by how welcoming and inviting the climbing community had been to her. When she first started climbing, no one was judging her for being inexperienced or made her feel unwelcome.

“It changed my life and helped me get better,” Kao says. “When I climb, it reminds me of a time that made me happy 16 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 16 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

or reminded me that this thing is healed.”

In 2001, Kao founded Sender One with Wes Shih and Wes Chu with the shared philosophy of self-discovery and connecting with a community through climbing. Sender One is Southern California’s only world-class indoor rock climbing, yoga and fitness facility.

“We’ve all been through something terrible and have survived grief,” Kao says.

“We wanted to share climbing with others and have climbing help them the way climbing has helped us.”

In Summer 2021, Sender One is opening a new 7,000-square-foot facility in Playa Vista. It will include bouldering rock walls designed by Walltopia, a Bulgarian climbing wall manufacturer.

Kao says the new location’s interior will reflect the Playa Vista neighborhood and surrounding communities with bouldering walls that reflect the ocean and California sun colors.

“This is our third location, which will be a bouldering-only location,” Kao says.

“It’s not going to have the big tall walls because we’re going into a shopping mall right next to Starbucks.”

As a bouldering-only location, Kao says it will be a perfect site for people interested in climbing to dip their toes into the sport while also appealing to people looking for a creative place to hold a birthday party or get kids back into physical activities.

“Kids have been sitting online for the past year so they need to get back into some kind of activities,” Kao says. “We will definitely have some sort of familyoriented programming coming up as well.”

Currently, Sender One has two locations – one in Santa Ana and another that is just a five-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport. The Santa Ana location offers bouldering and 50-foot rope climbing walls, including the iconic

“Ice Cream Cone” feature. It also has two yoga studios, space for an aerial silks program and an expanded fitness area.

The LAX location includes a twostory bouldering area, top rope and lead climbing, yoga and fitness. It is also the tallest rope climbing facility in Southern California with an iconic centerpiece nicknamed “The Torch” that stands at 6 feet tall with 40 degrees of overhanging terrain.

Kao says the climbing community is one that is still heavily dominated by the white male population. A lot of times when people, especially women, are looking for a new sport, Kao says they are intimidated by the strong, muscular men portrayed in the media or by the equipment that is required. But because climbing has a low-barrier of entry, Kao hopes that more women and families look into the sport.

“A lot of women get into climbing and that’s because climbing is a very womanfriendly community,” Kao says. “You’re not lifting heavy barbells or weights, you’re lifting your own body weight and the competition is only with yourself.”

Sender One Playa Vista will offer the same monthly membership fees for access to the facility, as well as the other three locations in LA. A fourth location in Westwood Village is also currently in the works and slated to open in 2022, in addition to a Sender One Training Center in the same complex as the Santa Ana location. The training center will open sometime in 2021 and will be a space that focuses on dedicated trainers and competition climbers.

Sender One Playa Vista 12775 Millennium Dr. Playa Vista senderoneclimbing.com

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F I T N E S S , H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

SPRING BEAUTY Beauty Beach Lounge highlights the season’s most coveted trends STORY BY KAMALA KIRK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEAUTY BEACH LOUNGE

Curtain bangs are super versatile, perfectly frame the face and look good on everyone.

A

s we step into a new season and leave winter behind, change is upon us. With salons reopening, many are ready to update their looks and bring forward the best version of themselves.

“Spring is a sense of renewal,” says Jennifer Nairn, hairstylist and owner of Beauty Beach Lounge in Playa Vista.

“The weather becomes sunny and beautiful. Like when a snake sheds its skin, people are ready for something fresh, new and uplifting when it comes to their look.”

Nairn opened Beauty Beach Lounge five years ago with fellow hairstylist Shay Merchav. Beauty Beach Lounge offers a full range of hair services and high-end beauty products, providing an exceptional experience for guests while capturing inspiration from the latest trends in hair, art and fashion.

Nairn and Merchav previously worked at the prestigious Jose Eber Atelier in Beverly Hills. Merchav was trained by top stylist Patrick Jagaille and has worked with many A-list celebrities, in addition to being one of LA’s top hair extension specialists. Nairn learned her craft from renowned stylist Maxime Salvador and worked on “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette” and ESPN, as well as at Cannes and the Venice Film Festival.

“Since we reopened, we’ve been fixing a lot of clients’ COVID hair,” Nairn says.

“A lot of people want haircuts and easy hair. They want to look good but after what everyone has experienced over the past year, they want a style that is easy to take care of and maintain on their own.”

From brow lamination to curtain bangs, Nairn highlights the hottest spring beauty trends that offer universal appeal and will look good on everyone.

(Continued on page 20)

18 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT || APRIL - MAY 2021 18 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT APRIL - MAY 2021

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PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 19

F I T N E S S , H E A LT H & B E AU T Y Beach waves This popular hairstyle looks good on everyone — tousled, natural-looking waves with lots of texture and dimension.

“Since we’re located by the beach, we do a lot of beachy hair for our clients,” Nairn says. “When I’m at the beach and go in the ocean, the saltwater gets in my hair and air dries differently than when I shampoo my hair and let it dry on its own.

It’s such a pretty, natural and sexy look.”

Nairn blow dries her clients’ hair then uses a curling iron to create the perfect beach waves in the salon. For those looking to replicate the look at home, Nairn’s favorite trick is to take a shower before bed, then apply a little bit of curling cream to hair. Separate hair into three sections and create three French braids — one down the middle and one on each side. In the morning, take out the braids and use a flat iron to straighten the ends of hair for an unfinished-yet-cool style.

“For clients with balayage or highlights, beach waves make hair look especially dimensional and sun-kissed,” Nairn says.

Curtain bangs Many celebrities including Camila Cabello and Gigi Hadid have been seen rocking curtain bangs, which are extremely versatile and enhance hair’s natural texture. They’re also flattering on any face shape and hair length.

To achieve curtain bangs, hair is parted in the middle and long bangs are cut and feathered out on each side to create face-framing fringe. Nairn uses a razor and texturizing shears to create the look for her clients, although curtain bangs can be achieved in different ways and each hairstylist has their own method.

“My best reference for this look would be Brigitte Bardot during her younger years,” Nairn says. “Curtain bangs are great because you’re not as committed to them as you are with regular bangs. They fall into your face nicely when hair is worn up or down, they can be pinned back when you want them out of your face, and they can be easily grown out when you don’t want them anymore.”

Brow lamination For those with unruly or sparse brows, eyebrow lamination is a fairly new procedure that makes brows appear fuller with 20 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT || APRIL - MAY 2021 20 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT APRIL - MAY 2021

(Continued from page 18)

recommended to avoid washing one’s face or getting eyebrows wet for 24 hours.

“On the weekends when I wear less makeup, I just fill in my brows and apply mascara and I’m good to go,” Nairn says.

“This service has been a huge hit with our clients, who tell me how much more confident they are with fuller brows.”

Soft, tousled beach waves create a natural and beautiful look with lots of texture and volume.

a desirable set shape, similar to a perm.

It’s a less invasive method than microblading, which involves making cuts into skin in the eyebrow area then implanting pigment into the cuts with tiny, fine-point needles.

Beauty Beach Lounge has an eyebrow bar that offers lamination services, in addition to brow waxing and tinting.

“Brow lamination is the most amazing thing I’ve discovered,” Nairn says.

“I’m Mexican-Italian and grew up with thick eyebrows, but years ago when I was getting waxed, I got burned really bad. It killed the hair follicles, and the hairs never grew back, so now I have thin eyebrows.

Brow laminating straightens and stretches out the eyebrow hairs to make it look like you have thicker and fuller brows, and it makes it easier to fill them in.”

First, a cream is applied to brows to lift, straighten and soften the hairs, which are then brushed upward, trimmed and can be manipulated in any direction.

Afterward, a neutralizer is applied to seal the brows in place, and add-on services, including tinting for color enhancement and waxing to create a desired arch, are also available.

A brow lamination service can take between 30 and 40 minutes, with results lasting any anywhere from four to eight weeks. Anyone is a candidate for brow lamination and after a treatment, it is

Extensions If you have short or thinning hair, hair extensions are a great way to add instant length, volume and body. They can be used for a variety of things such as adding color, filling in sparse areas, making hair appear thicker or longer, and creating more versatility in styling.

Beauty Beach Lounge offers Beauty Beach Rows, a special technique created

by Nairn and Merchav. The Beauty Beach Row technique helps protect and keep the natural hair healthy while encouraging growth. It also includes a detailed consultation so that the client’s hair color, type and length is exactly what they desire.

After the consultation, it takes 10 business days for the extensions to be made, and it typically takes an hour and a half to two hours to install the extensions.

“For a client with fine hair that wants to go blonde or have highlights, I’ll add in extensions because I don’t want to overbleach or damage her hair,” Nairn explains. “Our Beauty Beach Rows are patented sew-in weft extensions that are made from top-quality hair. They can also be reused when the clients return every six to eight weeks to get them taken out and reinstalled as their hair grows. Extensions are super-hot right now and we work with each client to assess what their needs and goals are in order to create the perfect look for them.”

Updos Updos are versatile and can be worn for special occasions as well as in your day-to-day life. It’s a fun way to add some casual glam to your look while keeping your hair out of your face.

Whether it’s a formal, professional or casual event, updos can be customized according to the occasion. They’re also great for when you want to enhance your look for those countless Zoom events and meetings.

(Continued on page 22)

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F I T N E S S , H E A LT H & B E AU T Y “I love doing updos,” Nairn says. “I used to do a lot of hair for weddings and we’ve been getting a lot of requests for updos recently. From messy buns to braids, there are endless styles to choose from.”

One of the most popular updo options is the low chignon, which is a simple yet chic style that is created by twisting hair from the nape of the neck to the ends and coiling it into a bun shape, then securing with several bobby pins.

The sleek topknot, which has been seen on celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Zendaya, involves pulling hair back into a high ponytail then winding it around the base of the ponytail and keeping it in place with bobby pins.

Another fun updo style is the Dutch crown braid, which consists of a Dutch braid that wraps around the head like a flower crown.

Complete any updo by adding different accessories like headbands, barrettes and hair pins for the perfect finishing touch.

22 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

(Continued from page 20)

Edgy mullets The mullet, an iconic hairstyle that was at the peak of its popularity in the 1980s, is making a comeback. This time, however, it’s a more modified and edgy version that is quite flattering and suits a variety of face shapes.

To achieve this look, the hair has to have some initial length to work with.

Nairn uses a razor and texturizing shears to create the style for male clients, and it has a less abrupt transition from the shorter front section to the longer back section, and is more graduated and soft.

“For a lot of guys coming out of quarantine with long hair, this is an opportunity for them to have some fun and do something cool with their look,” Nairn says. “Not your traditional mullet, it’s almost faux-hawkish but a little thicker on the bottom. Some guys even go as far as getting highlights in their hair to add extra dimension. This cut looks especially great if your fashion style is more on the edgy side.”

For more information, visit beautybeachlounge.com

Beauty Beach Lounge offers a full range of hair services and high-end beauty products in an inviting beachstyle atmosphere.

PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 23

BUSINESS

(Continued from page 12)

to create consistency in the chaos of the Internet.

The second week covers paid and earned media and content distribution including how to invest in one’s business by amplifying their messages in social and search, tagging them to know what’s working, and learning how to use public relations and press to put a multiplier on a business’s reach.

Design and visual ID is the focus of the third week, which discusses how design plays a major role in overall brand development and audience engagement.

Participants also learn how to visually stand out in a crowded marketplace.

During the fourth and final week, participants learn about creating content for social, and how to cheaply and efficiently produce higher-quality assets for all their business and marketing needs.

“We typically try to group companies for each cohort that are within the same business category such as retail, restaurants, health and wellness, and technology,” Howze says. “It’s not always that easy, and because it’s an ongoing program, we will manage a database of interested companies to include in future cohorts.”

In February, the program’s first cohort was hosted in person at Deutsch LA’s offices with natural haircare brand Cazza; Behind the Sneaker, a platform that highlights creatives and culture; and Nappily Natural Apothecary, a health and beauty story.

Due to the pandemic, Blackness in Full Bloom’s next iteration was hosted virtually in December with wine distributor O&M Wines and The Plant Plug LA, an organic gardening company. Its next iteration in April/May 2021 will also be held virtually.

“Like the rest of the world, we adjusted to our new normal and made a few adjustments, but nothing major,” Howze says. “So while the virtual setting limits hands-on instruction for the production side of the workshop, I believe the other aspects translate easily in a virtual environment.”

To date, Blackness in Full Bloom has assisted eight companies, including three that are currently in the program.

Deutsch LA’s goal is to host at least three programs per year. For the first time, Deutsch LA is expanding the 24 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 24 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

Blackness in Full Bloom is a free four-week brand building program designed to assist and amplify Black-owned businesses in Los Angeles.

program by accepting applicants via online registration. Interested participants can apply by visiting the website and the next program will start in July or August.

“Blackness in Full Bloom provided me with impressive resources and tools that I’ve been able to implement immediately,” says Ozborne Williams, who participated in the December program and is co-owner of O&M Wines. “It was super valuable to work hands-on with Deutsch LA team members and understand how simple marketing techniques can better my brand and attract new social media followers that we easily converted into customers. I’m still in

disbelief that this was a free program!”

Howze adds, “The response has been great. There is a need for this type of program so there’s no shortage of companies looking for assistance. The goal has been to work with two to three companies for each cohort; we’ve hit that target for the last two cohorts we hosted in 2020. We are currently hosting our third cohort now and are excited to be working with three Black womenowned businesses. We are excited to get the word out about this program and continue to uplift and support Black businesses in LA.” deutschla.com/blackness-in-fullbloom

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FOOD

GOOD IS SERVED Urban Plates makes social distancing easy with app STORY BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI | PHOTO COURTESY URBAN PLATES

U

rban Plates considers itself to be innovative with the forethought to serve creative dishes that please the palate. So, when the staff was developing an app in early 2020 to allow for ordering at the table, it had no idea what would come.

“We were in the process of developing an app when COVID hit last year,” says Steve Greer, Urban Plates’ chief marketing officer.

“We had to suddenly pivot when the pandemic happened. We designed the app with different needs of the guests in mind, and in reaction to the pandemic as well.”

The Urban Plates app was launched in the fall, but the new functionality was unveiled once dining rooms started to open in March. Prior to the lifting of restrictions, ordering at a table wasn’t a priority.

Available on IOS and Android devices, the Urban Plates app gives guests a variety of ways to order and skip the line.

When guest arrive at the restaurant for dine-in, they can sit at a sanitized table of their choice (indoor or outdoor) and use the Urban Plates app to order and pay for their meal.

The app is linked to its respective table and tells the Urban Plates’ team where the guests are seated, so they know where to deliver the food when ready. Diners remain seated at their table where their food will be delivered by an Urban Plates team member.

“Now, as guests are returning, there are people who don’t want to wait in line,” Greer says. “They don’t want to be close to other people, or they don’t want the bother of ordering from the register. In essence, the app acts as your server.”

Staff will still take in-person orders, but Urban Plates encourages guests to use the app for ordering dine-in, takeout and delivery.

“They still love all the things they love

26 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 26 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

Urban Plates’ new app gives guests a variety of ways to order and skip the line.

about Urban Plates,” Greer says. “How they were going to access food materially shifted. We wanted to help guests navigate and get food from us on their terms.”

The Urban Plates’ app also allows guests to sort the menu by dietary preference and/or dietary restrictions, allowing guests to easily toggle between common dietary preferences, such as keto or paleo, as well as eliminate menu items with common allergens, such as nuts, gluten and soy.

“Urban Plates is dedicated to making our food safety and accommodating our guests however we can. Our new, innovative service model is a testament to that,” says Urban Plates co-founder and CEO Saad Nadhir.

“As a company, we are deeply mindful of the programs we introduce to our guests. Urban Plates is creating a safer experience for guests and staff, while making our wholesome, affordable cuisine even more accessible, which is our part of our core mission.”

Nadhir founded Urban Plates in 2011 with a single restaurant in Del Mar. The chef-driven restaurant has since expanded to San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Northern California and Washington, D.C. The Playa Vista location sits at 127463 Jefferson Boulevard.

The Encinitas-based restaurants have an expansive menu of items made fresh in-house, from scratch, every day. Chefs feature clean, organic ingredients when possible.

Recipes feature exclusively GMO-, antibiotic-, and hormone-free, grass-fed and finished steak; line-caught tuna; sustainably sourced seafood; and humanely raised and sourced, cage-free, hormonefree chicken.

The group works exclusively with farmers and ranchers who meet its ethical and environmental standards. With menus that include gluten-free, plantbased, dairy-free, pescatarian, low-carb or any combination of that.

Greer says Urban Plates’ signature dish is hard to nail. He enjoys the steak.

Recently, dishes were added like sustainable salmon, cobb salad and the chicken club sandwich with Duroc bacon.

“It’s such a great sandwich,” he says about the chicken club. “Really, the thing is, a lot of people don’t realize we make everything from scratch, except the bread.

“We make our own mayo. That’s how serious we are about scratch cooking. The food tastes better when it’s made from scratch, and when it’s offered at a price that won’t break the bank.”

Greeg explains the Urban Plates’ staff, cooks, servers and hosts want to guests to enjoy craveable, wholesome food that’s accessible to everyone. “There’s a lot of really healthy food out there that people aren’t that wild about. The food has to taste great.

“If you can make it wholesome and clean, it’s a win-win for everybody.”

Urban Plates 12746-3 Jefferson Boulevard, Playa Vista 424-256-7274, urbanplates.com

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PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021 27

EVENTS

Saturday, April 24

Live music featuring Dylan Galvin, 5 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy a live musical performance at RUNWAY Playa Vista by pop-folk songwriter Dylan Galvin, who was chosen

by Paul Simon for a private songwriting session in Boston.

Galvin has raked up numerous awards for his music including “IMEA Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year”, “Phoenix Radio Best Guitarist”, “ISC Honorable Mention” and “Berklee Songwriting Competition Winner.” He is an introverted storyteller at heart, weaving words into his intricate acoustic finger-style guitar playing, looking at the world with careful discernment and trying to balance his inner optimist and pessimist.

For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com and dylangalvin.com

Tuesday, April 27

Burton Chase Park Walking Club, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Need some fresh air and relaxation? Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Burton Chase Walking Club walks along the beautiful Marina. The club is free to join, but please observe COVID-19 restrictions.

For more information, visit visitmarinadelrey.com Movement Runners Meet-Up, 7 to 8 p.m.

— Compiled by Katie Lulla

Meet Movement Runners, a local runners group that meets up at RUNWAY Playa Vista and covers three miles every Tuesday.

If you’re looking for a crew to join to get your move on, lace up those kicks and check them out!

For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com

Wednesday, April 28

“Diversity Awareness Picnic,” 8 p.m.

This virtual play follows six employees of a university’s telefundraising department facing tension, anger, true love and candid speaking when they’re forced to participate in a diversity awareness activity. Written by Leah Nanako Winkler and directed by Daphnie Sicre at Loyola Marymount University.

Additional showings on April 29 & 30, and May 1.

For more information and to register, visit cal.lmu.edu

Thursday, April 29

Animal Matters: “Zhùr” and Other Frozen Fossils from Canada’s Yukon, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Klondike goldfields have been a goldmine for amazing fossils in Canada’s Yukon territory. Palaeontologists Dr. Meachen and Dr. Zazula will host the online talk which will discuss the frozen fossils which range from woolly mammoths, arctic camels to 5-foot-tall beavers. The starring fossil is the COURTESYANNENBERG PETSPACE

On May 16, Annenberg PetSpace is hosting Mutt Manners: Loose Leash Walking, a training session that helps dogs behave while having fun.

28 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

COURTESY MOVEMENT RUNNERS

CALENDAR

Every Tuesday, Movement Runners meets at RUNWAY Playa Vista and covers three miles.

most complete preserved ice age wolf pup named Zhùr.

To register, visit annebergpetspace.org

Saturday, May 1

Story Time at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 2 to 2:30 p.m.

Every Saturday in the Dorothy Green Room, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will have a fun story hour based on sea life. Before you go, you can pet the sea urchins or visit the arts and crafts section for a marine-based craft! $3-12 per person.

For more information, visit smchamber.com

Saturday, May 8

Group Meditation After Quarantine, 7 to 8:00 p.m.

Join the Human Social Movement for a relaxing meditation session at the beach that will leave you feeling positive, relaxed and excited! The session starts with a short inspirational speech then dives into reflective and spiritual meditation. Bring a positive attitude and clearly defined goals. Please follow COVID-19 guidelines.

1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. To RSVP, visit evenbrite. com/e/group-meditation-afterquarantine-tickets-102132898248

Saturday, May 15

Playa Vista Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Want some fresh produce

from local farms? On Millennium Drive between Village Drive and McConnell, the Playa Vista Farmers Market will be selling fresh produce and handmade foods!

For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com

Sunday, May 16

Mutt Manners: Loose Leash Walking, 10 to 11 a.m.

Is your puppy ready to become more independent on walks?

Well, it’s time to teach them how! This dog training session is one of many hosted by Anneberg PetSpace to help your dog learn how to behave while still having fun. Cost is $35 for the session.

To sign up, visit annenbergpetspace.org

Sunday, May 23

Silicon Beach Family Hike Silicon Beach Parents Group, 8:30 a.m.

Want to take a fun family hike with other families that have kids of all ages? Director Gabrielle D’Addario will be leading this stroller-friendly hike with volunteer parents. Join members of the Silicon Beach Parents Group for a free community hike. Participants should meet at Cafe Ruisseau between 8:30 and 9 a.m. Don’t forget sunscreen and follow COVID-19 guidelines.

For more information, visit siliconbeachparents.com

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PET ADOPTION

Adoptable Pets

FROM ANNENBERG PETSPACE The coolest buddies in Playa Vista are waiting for their new forever homes

HEIDI

TRACY

HANK

Hi there, I’m Heidi! I’m a young gal who is a bit shy to start, but once I know I can trust in you, it’s playtime! I am quite smart and sweet and full of energy.

Let’s become friends so I can show off all my great qualities!

Hey, I’m Tracy! I’m a young girl with a bit of cat-itude and plenty of personality. I’m looking for a warm, loving home where I can be all yours.

Hey, I’m Hank! I’m an adult pup who’s cute as a button.

I’m working on building up my confidence so that I can become your reliable pal. I’m looking for an experienced pet parent and a home with no kids so I can comfortably thrive and become your good dog.

Tips from the Trainer

bring our pets along. If you need to prepare them for time spent with a trusted pet sitter while you’re out of town, start now.

Spend time with your dog at the sitter’s home before traveling. Regular visits to this new household that include playtime, training and mealtimes with the other pet sitter will help your dog see this home as

Preparing for a Pet Sitter Katie McGuire, CPDT-KA Planning to travel as places open back up? We can’t always

an extension of their own home and family. Create positive associations by having the sitter give treats and practice basic training with the dog. Drop the dog off for the day with them occasionally, or even for a full weekend.

That will reinforce that the pet parent will come back after leaving for a while!

To learn more about pet adoption, or to see other available pets, visit annenbergpetspace.org 30 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021

Adoptions & Programs for Pet Lovers Annenberg PetSpace is celebrating the human-animal bond by offering socially-distanced tours, pet adoptions, classes, and programs for all ages.

Schedule an appointment to visit today!

annenbergpetspace.org

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Trust Your Eyes to Assil Eye Institute

Please see what we are doing to comply with CDC recommendations to keep our facilities clean and safe for our staff and patients at www.assileye.com Our world-class LASIK, cataract, & retinal surgeons provide compassionate care, and cutting edge procedures in ophthalmology, including these conditions:

ABOUT DR. AVNEET K. SODHI GAUR

Dr. John May, Dr. Avneet K. Sodhi Gaur, Dr. Kerry Assil, Dr. Lindsay Harris

ABOUT THE ASSIL EYE INSTITUTE • The Assil Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care, its commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology and its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of not just its patients, but also of their community.

• Dr. Assil’s life-long commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology is evident in his body of work developing new surgical techniques and advances in laser surgery.

• Dr. Assil lectures internationally and has taught state-of-the art surgical skills to well over 10,000 thousand ophthalmologists worldwide.

• The Assil Eye Institute has participated in dozens of FDA clinical trials, either as lead investigator or as a member of a multi-center team, testing new ophthalmological devices and surgical techniques.

• Local resident of Playa Vista with her husband and two boys • She is the Director of Glaucoma at Assil Eye Institute and a Board Certified, Fellowship trained Cataract, LASIK, and Glaucoma Specialist, with training and experience developed at nationally renowned ophthalmic institutions • She has performed thousands of surgeries including EAGLE vision LASIK, PRK, ICL as well as Laser-Assisted Cataract surgery.

• She has extensive experience in glaucoma surgical procedures as well as the latest advancements such as iStent, iStent inject, Hydrus, endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP), OMNI 360 , Xen gel stent • Voted Top Doctor 2020 in LA Magazine and was named 2019 Power Player in Angeleno

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32 PLAYA VISTA DIRECT | APRIL - MAY 2021