Playa Vista Magazine January/February

Playa Vista

Welcome to the Team!

I’m thrilled to announce Ryan Woodward has joined the mortgage sales team here at Bank of the West to support the Santa Monica, California market. Ryan, welcome to one of the best teams and organizations in the country!

“I am thrilled to have joined the mortgage sales team here at Bank of the West to support the Santa Monica, California market.”

1733 Ocean Avenue, Suite 110, Santa Monica, CA, 90401 CELL 310-776-0434

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EMAIL:

RYAN.WOODWARD@BANKOFTHEWEST.COM

Bank of the West, member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender ©2018 Bank of the West. Doing businesses in South Dakots as Bank of the West California.

FROM the EDITOR

New Year, New Name

2023 is officially here and I’m excited to announce the debut of our first official issue as Playa Vista Magazine (formerly Playa Vista Direct) with all of you! While our name may be slightly different, we still look forward to sharing the latest and greatest content with you about the vibrant community of neighbors and friends who live and work in this wonderful place.

Featured on the cover of our Jan/Feb issue is local resident and actress, Ciarra Carter, who along with friend and business partner Vivica A. Fox has founded Foxy Breed, a stylish athleisure line that empowers women. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, The Strategic Relationship Consultant Stephanie Mintz shares tips for enjoying a creative and stress-free holiday with your loved one.

For those looking to amplify their health and wellness goals this year, the newly-opened RVIVL offers innovative fitness recovery services to help you look and feel your best. And for those seeking some rest and relaxation, a staycation at Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club makes for the perfect nearby getaway.

Wishing you all a great start to the new year!

Kamala Kirk

Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

EDITOR

Kamala Kirk

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Arman Olivares

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Mortenson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jessica Koslow

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Peter Lymbertos plymbertos@timespublications.com

ASSOCIATE GROUP PUBLISHER

Rebecca Bermudez rbermudez@timespublications.com

CONTACT US

EDITORIAL

christina@timespublications.com

kkirk@timespublications.com

(310) 574-7655

PO Box 1349

South Pasadena, CA 91031

Playa Vista Direct is direct-mailed every other month to homes and businesses in the 90094 area code, with additional distribution to multiple office and retail locations throughout the Playa Vista area.

VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt

PRESIDENT: Steve Strickbine

Photo by Chris Mortenson Design by Arman Olivares

Strategic Relationship Consultant

Playa Vista resident Stephanie Mintz offers a unique alternative to traditional therapy

BY KAMALA KIRK

Strategic Relationship Consulting was born out of a need for the type of help that Stephanie Mintz discovered people had been wanting. While she was going through school and training to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, she realized that her thought process around helping people was completely different than what she

was being taught and what was intuitive to her. After completing her education over a decade ago, starting her private practice and seeing clients, she noticed that her clients wanted quick change in their lives— which ultimately led to her becoming The Strategic Relationship Consultant.

“They wanted more than just to unload and vent,” Mintz says. “After leaving their

therapist’s office, they would just walk back into their lives and not know what to do next. There were good parts of therapy for them, but not everyone was getting what they needed in terms of ‘Now what?’ My brain started creating strategies with actionable step-by-step guidelines. My clients were reaching their goals more quickly and resonating with the type of help that I was offering them to create the relationship or marriage they’re looking for.”

Mintz works with people from all around the world who are going through different situations in life, from singles in the dating world and premarital couples to long-term and married couples. She points out that her consulting differs from traditional therapy, which is more about process and focusing on one’s feelings and what’s happening within.

“Therapists are usually taught to stay away from content, they don’t necessarily want the details of an argument,” she says. “I found that the content was very important for my strategies in order to make quick changes. I’m like a detective, I ask lots of detailed questions about what has occurred and my brain picks out all these nuggets of information and synthesizes them together. I find, at the core, what piece went awry and what caused the ultimate continuation of a problem, so if that piece is adjusted utilizing my strategies then that issue won’t come up again.”

Through Strategic Relationship Consulting, Mintz then comes up with a strategy to address the piece that needs adjustment, and over time she has created a plethora of strategies for different situations, whether it’s a couple that wants to strengthen their good relationship or marriage to make it great, couples considering ending their relationship or marriage, premarital couples, or helping singles find their best match. She also points out that not every relationship can or should be saved, but she provides her clients with

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Playa Vista resident Stephanie Mintz is The Strategic Relationship Consultant who helps people date with success and strengthen their relationships more quickly than traditional therapy. (Photo credit: Carlos Rosas)

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the tools they need in order to reach the conclusion that is best for them.

“My clients love the process,” Mintz says. “They leave our meetings with actionable steps that they focus on throughout the week, and they tend to reach their goals more quickly than with traditional therapy. They become more hopeful because they’re seeing changes and there is decreased intensity and frequency of arguments. It allows people to enjoy each other more and it increases intimacy, so all around they’re feeling better and stronger about their relationship because they’re making actionable changes. I’ve often heard that sometimes after one or two meetings, my clients have had the best week or weeks that they’ve had in a long time. As soon as I worked with my first couple, I fell in love with the process and the energy. I could see how the puzzle pieces were being put together and how my strategies were helping the couple quickly move forward towards their relationship goals and the joy and love that it was bringing.”

Katelyn Balsamo, who has been married for 20 years, says that she and her husband have significantly improved their marriage as a result of working with Mintz.

“While we love each other very much, in the last few years things have been tough, and made even tougher by living and working in close quarters due to the pandemic,” Balsamo says. “We had been having many issues, fighting a lot, and things had gotten pretty dire. While I knew we really needed couples counseling, I was anxious to start due to a not-so-good experience with a previous therapist. Stephanie really put me at ease, she’s easy and friendly to talk to, and her strategies are extremely helpful. Some of the sessions were tough and emotional, but it was 100 percent worth it. Three months later, my husband and I are fighting way less, communicating much better, and we have a happier and more peaceful marriage.”

When it comes to relationships, Mintz

shares that communication is at the core of everything.

“Communication isn’t just key, it is the pillar of a relationship, and if it isn’t as strong as possible, it can affect other areas in a relationship such as finance, family planning and intimacy,” Mintz says. “If you can’t communicate about something, it creates a disconnect. Almost everyone can strengthen their communication. We need to be able to feel comfortable sharing difficult things with our partners and I have a core strategy that really helps with that.”

Mintz meets with her clients virtually and finds that it has been especially helpful for her consulting business.

“I find that it’s really helpful because people feel most comfortable in their home and I’m able to see them in their natural environment,” Mintz says. “It’s also easier to meet with clients because everyone has such different schedules. And instead of traditional therapy, which typically consists of meeting once a week for an hour, I become a partner in the process. I have tracking questionnaires that my clients can fill out and I review those in real time. They help me prepare for the next meeting or I may give some feedback that will help them during the week.”

Mintz’s ultimate goal for her clients is to equip them with the knowledge and strategies they need in order to have success in their life and relationships so that eventually they won’t need to see her as often.

“I’m always here whenever my clients need me, now or in the future,” Mintz says. “I’m incredibly passionate about helping people with relationships, which are such a big part of our lives. My clients know that I’m their biggest cheerleader and I’m down in the trenches with them when it’s difficult. Helping people is my passion and I absolutely love it.”

With Valentine’s Day coming up, Mintz also offers some words of advice.

“There tends to be a lot of pressure around Valentine’s Day and it’s important to look at what the day is really about, which is love and being able to express love,” she says. “From personal finances

to having trouble making reservations or buying presents, it can often come with challenges. My suggestion is to come up with something that will help you connect with your loved one, whether it’s going to a pop-up exhibit, a walk in a new neighborhood, creating your own wine and paint experience at home—find something that you both love or try something you’ve never done so that you’ll have a memorable experience. We want connection through experience and the more you connect, the more the love deepens.”

Mintz, who has lived in Playa Vista for the past five years, says she knew about the area back when it was still being built. Several of her family members are also residents of the community and she fell in love with it when she would visit them.

“I absolutely love Playa Vista and the community feel, which I had never experienced before,” Mintz says. “The people here are amazing and so neighborly, always going out of their way to help each other. We’re close enough to be able to experience all that Los Angeles has to offer while at the same time, separate enough from it all to be able to enjoy such a peaceful and calm experience. I always knew that I wanted to open my practice in Playa Vista so it was a natural progression to eventually move here.”

Stephanie Mintz (310) 400-6516

Mintz’s background as a licensed marriage and family therapist led her to start her new business, Strategic Relationship Consulting, which has actionable and tailormade strategies that she brings to clients nationwide.

(Photo credit: Ira Mintz, MD)

Magical Getaway

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is an idyllic retreat amongst nature

BY KAMALA KIRK

Less than an hour’s drive up the coastline from Playa Vista is Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club, a luxury eco-safe resort in Malibu that includes a private 250-acre ranch along with an exclusive beachfront beach club for guests. From world-class dining options and a luxury spa to being a popular location for corporate retreats, weddings and other special events, Calamigos has something to offer everyone.

Accommodations

From private cottages and bungalows

to estate rooms, Calamigos offers cozy and intimate spaces where guests can enjoy the serene beauty of undisturbed nature. Depending on the type of accommodations, guests enjoy a range of amenities such as outdoor showers or bathtubs, patios, fireplaces, luxurious mattresses and linens, signature bath products and stunning views.

Dining

Calamigos offers room service for those who prefer to dine in the privacy and comfort of their own room with a menu that offers everything from fresh

smoothies and avocado toast to pancakes and steak and eggs, among others.

To start one’s morning or for a quick pick-me-up, a full range of freshly made coffee is available at Saloon Coffee. Guests lounging by the pool can order from the Pool Bar, which serves tasty bites like chips and guacamole, a charcuterie board, hummus and dips, salads and sandwiches.

Ranch Club is open for breakfast and dinner, providing a fine dining experience with local wines, fresh produce and an expertly curated menu.

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Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is a luxury eco-safe resort in Malibu that includes a private 250-acre ranch along with an exclusive beachfront beach club for guests.

(Photo credit: Catherine Dzilenski)

TRAVEL

Continued from page 10

Activities

In addition to exploring and hiking over 250 acres of rugged natural land in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, guests at Calamigos receive exclusive access to the Calamigos Beach Club during their stay.

The Beach Club is located along Pacific Coast Highway and is approximately a 12-minute drive from the Guest Ranch. There, guests can relax on the sand under their own umbrella in a chaise lounge while enjoying the ocean views.

Wellness

Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature while balancing their minds, bodies and souls at Spa Calamigos. The stunning sanctuary offers a wide array of healing and rejuvenating services ranging from anti-aging facials and massages to body treatments and enhancements like cupping and hot stones.

Spa treatments to try include the Malibu Glow Facial to make skin look and feel renewed, while the In the Wild Massage is a 50 or 80-minute outdoor service that awakens one’s senses with a signature massage accompanied by the fresh air and sounds of the beautiful property.

The spa also offers various packages and can host spa parties with larger groups. To book a service, call 818-5759069 or send an email to spacalamigos@ calamigosguestranch.com.

Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club

327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu

818-575-4400

calamigosguestranch.com

Guests at Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club receive exclusive access to the Calamigos Beach Club during their stay.

(Photo credit: Catherine Dzilenski)

Women Empowering

Vivica A. Fox and Ciarra Carter launch ladies’ athleisure line

BY KAMALA KIRK

Originally from Nashville, Ciarra Carter moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She first met Vivica A. Fox in 2015 on the set of “Dead End,” an independent action movie they both co-starred in. They instantly hit it off and became close friends, and since then they have appeared in multiple films together including Lifetime’s “Keeping Up with the Joneses” franchise, among others.

Most recently, the actresses have joined forces for another special project— their own clothing line. Launched in late 2022, Foxy Breed is a women’s athleisure brand that features a variety of stylish and chic pieces that look great, are comfortable to wear, and empower women to feel and look as strong and sexy as they are.

“We are both heavily involved in

(Courtesy photo)

Actresses, friends and fellow fashionistas Vivica A. Fox and Ciarra Carter have joined forces to launch Foxy Breed, a women’s athleisure brand that empowers women to feel and look as strong and sexy as they are.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

COVER STORY

fashion and the brand name is a play off of Vivica’s last name,” Carter says. “It’s provocative, sexy and empowering. Every woman is a little foxy and has a bit of a fox in them.”

“The beauty of us being partners is that Ciarra represents the millennials, and I represent the grown and sexy,” Fox says. “We also feature plus-size models and we want women to know that we think of all ladies from size small up to 2x.”

Foxy Breed’s logo, which was created by Visual Monsters, features a fox with beautiful eyes and long lashes that were inspired by Fox’s eyes.

“Foxy Breed is all about women,” Fox says. “Ciarra and I wanted to make an affordable brand for all women, by women. Our logo creator is also a woman. It’s all about girl power over here.”

Their athleisure line is designed for women of all ages, shapes and sizes and includes luxe tracksuits, which Carter and Fox are both big fans of, in addition to other stylish pieces including vegan leather skinny leggings and jackets, halter dresses and a spandex plunge bodysuit blouse.

“Vivica and I wanted to bring an authentic love from ourselves to our line and create things that we knew other women would enjoy and look amazing in,” Carter says. “Aside from our tracksuits, which are our main focus, we also offer various work and play selections that allow our customers to find what they love and choose.”

Fox adds, “We have interchangeable pieces that go easily from day to night like our gold vegan leather jacket and pants that can be worn separately or together. Our first line of tracksuits that came out were inspired by me because I travel frequently and I’m on so many different sets. People always compliment my tracksuits—I love them because they’re quick and easy, you can dress them up or down with sneakers or heels, and you just zip up the jacket and go.”

Ciarra and Fox enjoy bouncing ideas

off of each other and work closely with a designer who sketches their ideas to bring them to life. They plan to release more styles and collections twice a year, in the fall and spring.

“The entire creative process is amazing and we’re very passionate,” Carter says. “It’s such an honor and pleasure to work with and be in the same space as Vivica, who is an icon, my friend and my daughter’s godmothers. It’s so special.”

“I call Ciarra my protégé, I love her work ethic and that she applies herself,” Fox says. “She’s a beautiful woman but she doesn’t rely on just her looks. She’s very business oriented and focused. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger. We’re very connected. I admire her and I love doing business with her.”

Foxy Breed is available at Matte Argyle in Playa Vista and on their website where they offer free shipping. Carter and Fox also recommend signing up for their email list to stay up to date on new launches and upcoming events.

Six years ago, Carter moved to Playa

Vista and has enjoyed living there ever since.

“I love the vibrancy of the community,” Carter says. “With companies like Google here, it’s geared towards creativity and innovation.”

Foxy Breed also recently hosted a red carpet pop-up with a fashion show in conjunction with Vivica A. Fox Hair Collection at Matte Argyle in Playa Vista on Dec. 17. The event was a big success and gave attendees the chance to view and shop the new line in person. In addition to a step and repeat, there was a purple carpet with balloons, drinks, food and a DJ. They invited many of their close friends, celebrities, and people they’ve worked with in film and TV.

“It’s truly amazing to see our brand out in the world for others to enjoy,” Carter says. “I love working in fashion because there are no rules, we’re free to create whatever moves and inspires us. This is a commitment to excellence—all women

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Foxy Breed is designed for women of all ages, shapes and sizes, and includes luxe tracksuits in addition to other stylish pieces including vegan leather skinny leggings and jackets, halter dresses and a spandex plunge bodysuit blouse.

(Photo courtesy of Foxy Breed)

Fitness Recovery

RVIVL brings innovative wellness services to Playa Vista

BY JESSICA KOSLOW

About three and a half years ago, Ken Silver and Dr. Adam Sands began taking trips to the grocery store to buy 200 pounds of ice to fill up a big plastic garden tub in the parking lot of Sands’ office. When friends they invited to try the tub raved about the experience and wanted to do it all the time, the idea for RVIVL was born.

“This was a clean, natural way to help people feel great, look great, and to meet like-minded individuals,” says Silver, an avid hiker, runner, skier,

weightlifter, tennis player and founder of RVIVL, a fitness recovery studio in Playa Vista that opened in November 2022.

“We were inspired by the rapidlyevolving technology and techniques that professional athletes use to care for their bodies,” Silver says. “In fact, a core component of our mission is to make those ‘professional’ treatments accessible and affordable for anyone who shares our drive to be the best versions of ourselves.”

RVIVL offers a variety of services

focusing on fitness recovery (a term the two have trademarked), including infrared sauna, ice bath, zero-gravity IVs, red light therapy and compression boots.

“A commitment to fitness recovery enables us to enjoy all of those things we love,” Silver says. “It also doesn’t hurt that you look and feel great from our services.”

After looking at dozens of locations across the Westside, they decided on Playa Vista because the residents perfectly embody three major components of their philosophy: commitment to health and fitness, technology forward, and strong community.

Helping this adventurous duo bring their vision to life was local architect Craig Schabel.

“We focused on using natural materials like dark wood, blackened steel and chrome accents to create a soothing yet energizing environment,” Silver says. “Something that was very important to us was providing private treatment areas where our members can be totally relaxed without losing a sense of community and togetherness.”

The partnership between Silver and Sands began nine years ago. After moving from Philadelphia to California, Silver suffered a severe back injury while training at a CrossFit gym.

“Exercise and the outdoors are a big part of my life and all the sudden, I was unable to do any of the things I love,” Silver says. “After working unsuccessfully with a few chiropractors in the area, I eventually found Adam’s practice. As a Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, his approach to my treatment was different. Along with traditional adjustments and soft tissue work, we focused a lot more on mobility, core strength and recovery.”

Over the next few years, the two continued to work together, and they discovered a shared interest in the bio-

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Founded by Dr. Adam Sands and Ken Silver in November 2022, RVIVL offers cuttingedge fitness recovery services in Playa Vista.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)

HEALTH

Continued from page 18

hacking movement.

“Adam was the first person I’d ever heard mention Wim Hof, and we were crazy enough to dive head first (not literally!) into ice baths, infrared sauna and photobiomodulation (light therapy) as natural recovery methods,” Silver says. “Not only did these treatments help repair my body, but I started to find my general stress level going down, my sleep improving, and my body lean out in a way that just doing weight training and cardio never achieved.”

The actual opening of their studio has been a long process, delayed even more due to the pandemic.

RVIVL’s services offer numerous benefits from improved sleep and decreased inflammation to reduced recovery time and detoxification.

“We have fought hard to stay the course, to not compromise on the space and the experience that we dreamt of creating,” Silver says. “Adam and I have found ourselves on many late nights painting walls, grinding concrete, helping out any way we can to aid in the construction process. It has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life.”

RVIVL’s Services:

• Infrared Sauna. Beautiful private infrared sauna suites, each with hand crafted, plaster showers and one with its own cold plunge in suite. Big enough for two people. Saunas use deep penetrating infrared heat to help you sweat out all your toxins and melt away all your stress. RVIVL offers 30- and 60-minute sessions.

RVIVL

• Ice Bath. RVIVL teamed up with Morozko Forge to provide the coldest ice bath on the market. With temperatures as low as 32 degrees, the forge helps your body bring down inflammation, recover faster from exercise, burn fat, and produce a calm, centered mental state. Ice bath is filtered, self-sanitized with ozone, and filled and drained throughout the day. A Revivalist will be right by your side to offer guidance and technique for first-timers. There is a dedicated shower to heat up before and after as desired.

• Zero-Gravity Vitamin Infusion - IV Therapy. IVS with the best quality ingredients and most potent doses to leave you feeling superhuman upon leaving. IVs are formulated by one of LA’s top naturopaths while you relax in zero-gravity recliner. The combination allows you to strengthen your immune system while decompressing your mind, body and soul. RVIVL be offering NAD+ treatments, as well as a special IV for pregnant and recently pregnant moms.

• Red Light Therapy. With regular red and Near Infrared light exposure, you will experience an increase in your skin’s collagen production, you’ll have less inflammation, minor injuries will heal faster, and you’ll get better sleep with a better regulated circadian rhythm. RVIVL offers JOOV Dual Elite, which consists of 18 high-powered red and near infrared light panels to provide you with the most effective dose for your full body in 10 minutes or less. These light wavelengths work at a cellular level to increase cellular metabolism, increasing ATP production, making your body more effective from the cells up.

• Compression Boots. Compression boots use sequential pulsing with distal release massage to decrease recovery time, increase lymphatic drainage, and improve circulation. These are popular with runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes.

{Photo courtesy of RVIVL)

Playa Vista Magazine is the only local magazine mailed directly into every address in 90094. Your advertisement will reach a community with a median income of $121,000! And with so many families staying closer to home, our readers are closely paying attention to each issue.

MARCH/APRIL ISSUE

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Ad Space deadline

Wednesday, March 22

Publishes March 30

please

Continued from page 17

need their reach and creative space. This is nurturing and bringing up the next generation as well as staying in our truth.”

Carter and Fox look forward to hosting more events in the future, both in Playa Vista and across the country, and one of their goals is to have a show at Fashion Week in New York.

“I’d love to see our line in Macy’s, Bloomingdales and other department stores,” Fox says. “We also want to expand Foxy Breed into other products including perfume, shoes and purses. It brings me so much joy when someone sends me a testimony or picture of them wearing Foxy Breed. Our main goal is to be as big as we can in the fashion game. We’re so grateful for our fans who have been so supportive of our brand. Stay tuned, girlfriends, and stay foxy!”

Foxy Breed

foxybreedcollection.com

Fox and Carter also recently hosted a red carpet pop-up with a fashion show in conjunction with Vivica A. Fox Hair Collection at Matte Argyle in Playa Vista on Dec. 17.

(Photo by Chris Mortenson)