As you may or not know, I’m a frequent contributor to Locale Magazine—a Southern California lifestyle editorial that highlights the best in local retail, dining, and nightlife. One of the reasons why I love writing for this beloved publication is its devotion to promoting small businesses and supporting the local culture.

I’m a journalist at heart—I have a Masters degree, in fact, and once considered a career as a broadcast news reporter. Instead, I became a fashion editor for NBC and ran the entire Boston market of its popular lifestyle site, The Feast, covering all things related to shopping and style. I was invited to sit at fashion shows, interviewed designers like Badgley Mischka, did guest spots discussing style tips for local brands, and curated a roster of contacts from scratch. I was there for the birth of the publication and loved being a part of its growth, until its ultimate and untimely demise. At the time, the platform was very innovative and ahead of its time, seeking to incorporate video clips and interactive social media elements—which were only in their infancy at the time. Twitter reigned supreme as the hottest outlet on the market, already eclipsing Facebook in its bold communication style, and FourSquare was hot to trot. I risk dating myself in admitting that Instagram would not even exist for another year or two. Unfortunately audiences weren’t yet fully comfortable and familiar with social media and our forward-thinking vision, and ultimately didn’t interact with the content in the way that we’d hoped, and the site sadly shuttered.

As much fun as I had in my former fashion life, the death of The Feast is what finally prompted my move to Los Angeles, and sent me in completely new directions professionally. Now, here we are with millions of businesses and countless job titles that revolve around social media. I’m sure if The Feast existed today, it would be dominating on Tik Tok and discovering all the hottest new labels and upcoming designers you’d never find on your own.

That said, one of my favorite parts of the job was interviewing and connecting with creative minds and untapped talent. I’ve loved working with Locale and getting the opportunity to do that again, here in Southern California. I’ve written cover stories and interviewed models, designers, Youtube stars, hoteliers, restauranteurs, and entrepreneurs. I’ve previewed the latest from brands like Serena and Lily, and rated some of the best hotel pools around. I’ve learned about people who do incredible things for the community and work tirelessly o create change—spearheading initiatives to feed the homeless and furnish forever homes for the unhoused, to raise awareness for important causes and fight for social justice.

This month’s cover star is Nicky Hilton—sister of Paris, wife of a Rothschild, mother of two. Usually we have a photoshoot and a Making the Issue segment detailing it, but Covid brought change to the magazine, along with everything else in 2020. It’s so great to be back in print, and for this issue I’ve written two features, one highlighting CURE Wellness—a luxury resort-style med spa offering boutique medical services and luxe spa treatments in the heart of Malibu (see below, contd.)

The other piece centers on Our Spare Change—a fabulous female-founded jewelry brand (and local small business) that has built its purpose and mission around telling personal stories and creating employment for those who have struggled with hardship and job security.

Be sure to check out the latest issue of Locale, and read about all the latest comings and goings in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Palm Springs.