Issuu

MAY 2020

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Women Inspiring

WOMEN HELPING YOUTH

TRUE VALUE

RAISING GREAT KIDS

CONTAINER GARDENING

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2020 PUBLISHER

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Defining Resilience ACCORDING TO MERRIAM-WEBSTER, RESILIENCE IS 1. the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress (or childbirth!!) 2. an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the importance of being resilient is paramount. The mandatory shutdown of virtually every aspect of life as we know it has forced every one of us to adjust to a new normal. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s during these times of adversity that true character shines and unique strengths develop as we discover new ways of being, working and living. The bright side to this pandemic is our generation’s

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adrienne Wigdortz Anderson, Alicia Doyle, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Alison Perks, Jeff Runyan, Kateri Wozny CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Donovan Coleman, Todd Felderstein, John Gilhooley, Devon Meyers, Andy Rooney, Ralph Starkweather, Marvin Steindler Photography

newfound faith in humanity to overcome and persevere in the face of challenges. The amazing women featured in this issue serve as perfect examples of the ability and determination to triumph no matter what seemingly insurmountable obstacles we encounter. Rather than break down, these women power through challenges to accomplish their goals and dreams. Anybody who has a woman in their life—which includes every one of us—has surely experienced the incredible strength and personal sacrifice (childbirth, again!) of the

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

female gender. Whether she’s your mom, sister, wife, friend, employer, doctor, lawyer,

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

teacher, realtor, business partner or neighbor, women inspire and shape our lives in so

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

many ways—and they are no strangers to adversity. Throughout history, women have pushed through obstacles to make the world a better place and pave the way for future generations to accomplish anything they set their mind

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

to. Think Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony and Amelia Earhart—and today, women in every community continue to persevere, flexing their power in the name of progress. Read the profiles of the awe-inspiring females in these pages and prepare to be impressed. So, when hard times get you down, look to the ladies. They know that working through hardships make us stronger and more resilient. I’m so grateful for their contributions and accomplishments—successes often forged while also nurturing and caring for others. It makes me proud to be one of them; learn from their example to never give up and strive to make this world a better place where we can all thrive and live our best lives. Borrowing the words of Malibu Foundation’s Evelin Weber, “Women are the true face of resilience and we have seen it all throughout history.”

I, for one, am grateful.

Tracy Marcynzsyn, Editor

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Malibu Coast Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via

ON THE COVER Inspiring Women PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 4

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

the US Postal Service to some of the Malibu Coast areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Malibu Coast Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2020

FEATURES 12 Know Your Worth Awakening to What Matters

14 Selfless Service Women Helping Youth Opens Doors

18 Paving the Way: Women Share their Stories

18 26

26 Parenting Keys Shantelle Bisson on Raising the Next Generation

12 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Financial Buzz

Giving Back

30 DIY 34 Healthy Lifestyle

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Creative Visions’ Sundowners Gather Changemakers Creative Visions hosts many events both in and out of the Dan Eldon Center for Creative Activism above Boardriders in Malibu. Sundowners are popular gatherings of media makers, industry leaders, students and creative activists of all varieties. The Center features the work of artist and photojournalist Dan Eldon, whose fine art prints are available through DanEldonCollection.com.

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Practical Solutions to Difficult Problems

Hall, the Senior Center and local parks due to

Injury

Department regrouped to quickly launch a new

Real Estate

VIRTUALLY ACTIVE In the wake of forced closures of Malibu City the Corona Virus, the City’s Community Services Virtual Recreation Center. The Virtual Recreation Center features programs, activities and classes designed to help residents stay active, engaged

Business

and entertained during the Stay at Home Order

Our goal for our clients is the most optimum settlement possible.

distancing to overcome this challenge, we also

issued by Governor Newsom. “As we all stay safe at home and practice social need to stay healthy, mentally and physically,” Mayor Karen Farrer said. “Know that we are here for you, and the City of Malibu is committed to continuing to work to serve the community every day.” The Virtual Recreation Center provides several resources to residents and their families, allowing them to prioritize health and well-being while staying safe at home. MalibuCity.org/VirtualRec

Our legal team is completely dedicated to each client.

WAVE THAT FLAG! Pacific Palisades residents may remember the history behind the Palisades flag—in 2014 former Honorary Mayor Jake Steinfeld created a contest to design a flag. Driven by the desire

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of locals who wanted their own flags, AMALFI Estates’ Anthony Marguleas and his team recently purchased 100 flags and donated them to the Palisades Chamber to sell. The Chamber receives 100% of the proceeds. Coordinating with Sarah Knauer, Chairperson of the Palisades Chamber of Commerce, the group ordered flags to provide an opportunity for everyone to share their Palisades

F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N 10

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

pride and purchase a flag.

M. Asif Taqi, MD FAHA Dr. M. Asif Taqi is an interventional and stroke neurologist who is an expert for treatment of brain aneurysms and blockages in brain and neck blood vessels

device. The cutting-edge neurovascular treatment is the only device cleared by the FDA in a new category of temporary coil embolization assist devices for the treatment of brain aneurysms. For over a decade, Dr Taqi has participated in national and international trials and been a primary investigator for several new technologies pertaining to stroke and brain aneurysms. He has published over 50 articles,abstracts and book chapters on vascular diseases of the brain.

He did his initial research fellowship at Brown University in Rhode Island and went on to complete his Neurology residency training at the University of Tennessee. He further completed a clinical fellowship in Neurocritical Care, Vascular Neurology, and Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology at Medical College of Wisconsin in 2012 Dr. Taqi runs stroke programs at Los Robles Regional Medical Center and West Hills Hospital and Medical Center. He is a senior member of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), a fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) and a member of the Society of Vascular and Intervention Neurology (SVIN). In 2019 Dr. Taqi treated the first brain aneurysm patient in the USA with the minimally invasive Comaneci embolization assist

Dr. Taqi enjoys his personal life and professional life equally. He is dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive care to his patients in this region. Triple board certified in Neurology, Vascular neurology and Critical care neurology Recipient of the Outstanding Scholar Award for his achievements in clinical research Recipient of 40 under 40 award for Conejo Valley for his contribution to stroke care

Procedures Performed

•Brain Aneurysm Embolizations •Vertebral Artery Stent and Angioplasty •Stroke Thrombectomy •Intracranial Stent and Angioplasty •AVM Embolizations •WADA Testing •Tumor Embolization’s •Kyphoplasty •Internal Carotid Stent and Angioplasty •Embolization for Epistaxis •Brachiocephalic and Subclavian Artery Stent and Angioplasty

Conditions Treated

•Blockages in the brain and neck vessels (Carotid

stenosis/vertebral stenosis and Intracranial stenosis)

•Stroke •Brain Aneurysm •Brain Atrio Venous Malformations (AVM) •Compression fracture of a vertebral body •Headache Los Robles Regional Medical Center 227 Janns Rd Suite 125 Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360 (805) 242-4884

West Hills Hospital & Medical Center

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7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 600 West Hills, CA 91307 (805) 242-4884

ARTICLE JEFF RUNYAN

FINANCIAL BUZZ

THE AWAKENING WALKING DOWN THE STREET IN BEVERLY HILLS IN EARLY FEBRUARY, I OVERHEARD TWO MIDDLE-AGED MEN COMMENTING TO ONE ANOTHER, “NOTHING REALLY EXCITES ME ANYMORE, NOT CARS OR HOUSES...” and he trailed off sort of perplexed himself with the statement. I couldn’t hear the rest, but it struck me that this observation occurred at the intersection of one of the most recognized material consumption destinations in the world. Money can help an individual or a family achieve many goals— from financial peace of mind to meet unanticipated expenses, securing income to complement additional sources of income in retirement, preparing for higher education costs like university for a child, and more. But the mundane goal of idle consumption isn’t enough. In fact, it highlights the very premise of what financial planning is all about. In January of this year, The Wall Street Journal published an article that highlighted how middle-aged people of this generation are handling the existential midlife crisis differently than those in the past. The quintessential two-seat sports car or long weekend trip of debauchery (as referenced in WSJ) is being replaced by healthier alternatives like wellness retreats, yoga and clean living that serve to refresh—an awakening of the mind. The reality is that people in the U.S. work hard. They work more hours each week than their European counterparts, and even when they’re not working and at home, they’re still tethered to email and trying to stay current. If anything positive can come from this recent COVID-19 virus and market decline, let’s hope it can be an “awakening of the mind,” an epiphany of what the important components are in life: safety of family and self, health and access to health care and medicine all being among the highest priorities. Maybe the two men walking the street in Beverly Hills were having a premonition, and neither they nor I knew it until now. Wealth for the sake of money to consume is empty in comparison to the simple goal of peace of mind that can come from achieving the financial goals that help accomplish what you and your family desire.

Jeff Runyan is the lead of the Runyan Capital Advisors investment management and advisory team based in Beverly Hills, providing clients nationwide with wealth management and retirement planning advice. Backed by over two decades of industry experience, Jeff leads an investment team committed to designing investment portfolios that adhere to the premise, “Discipline Makes the Difference.” Learn more at RunyanCapital.com. Securities offered through Wedbush Securities Inc. Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

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GIVING BACK

Nonprofit Acts Together to Help Los Angeles Area Youth ARTICLE KATERI WOZNY

THREE PACIFIC PALISADES WOMEN HAVE BEEN ON A

donations totaled more than $150,000. Twenty-five members serve on

CHARITABLE MISSION SINCE 2006 TO ENHANCE THE

one of three committees: outreach, screening and monitoring.

OPPORTUNITY AND LIVES OF CHILDREN LIVING IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA. Women Helping Youth (WHY) was created by co-presidents

The outreach committee ensures that the grant applications

Jill Weintraub and Moira Tenzer and treasurer Debbie Schermer.

meet the criteria. The applications are then passed to the screen-

Three other women now serve as active board members.

ing committee, who goes on site visits. An accounting firm then

“There are kids 10 minutes down the freeway who don’t have

reviews the financial documents the organizations are required

the resources that our kids had,” says Tenzer. “Being moth-

to submit as part of the process. Afterwards, a voting ballot is

ers ourselves, we thought, what if we were able to pool our

created each March by the screening committee for members

resources and fund dream projects?”

who donate $1,000 or more. After the votes are tallied, the grants

WHY currently has 100 members who donate $1,000 or more annually. Supporters are welcome and can donate any amount. This year, 14

“The committees do the due diligence to ensure that all the money goes to help kids in need,” says Tenzer. “Our women are incredible.”

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

are awarded and the monitoring committee follows up with the organization for three years to ensure compliance.

“We pick targeted projects because we can follow the money to make sure it is being used as intended,” says Tenzer.

This year, the following organizations were awarded: AHEAD WITH HORSES ($25,000) for construction of disabil-

This year, the voting ballot consisted of nine grant requests

ity restroom facilities at their new site in Lakeview Terrace. The

totaling more than $173,000, with the highest request being

grant will serve up to 200 disabled children ages 12 and up with

$50,000. On average, about six to seven organizations receive

cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, developmental delays,

funds each year. Since its inception, WHY has donated $1.3 mil-

seizure disorders and paraplegia with equine therapy.

lion to 75 organizations, providing funding for a range of needs, from computer centers and instruments to vans and art studios. By pooling our charitable contributions, we are able to donate more than most of us could donate on our own,” says Tenzer. “We are so grateful for our giving circle of philanthropists.”

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE WEST VALLEY ($25,000) for two interactive fitness systems, SMART Fit and IDance, to enhance their athletics/sports/recreation program. The grant will serve 500 children ages 6 to 17 at the Canoga Park club. GET LIT-WORDS IGNITE ($23,024) for new equipment for an editing lab and filmmaking equipment for Get Lit Media, a filmmaking education program based in Koreatown that serves 150 student filmmakers. The grant will serve children and young adults

WHY funded this unit for Safe Place for Youth, a homeless drop-in center.

ages 13 to 23 in Los Angeles, 75% of whom live in underserved areas, through an in-school middle and high school poetry curriculum, poetry and film-making programs and summer camps. HAPPY TRAILS ($12,078) for a mobile photography lab for 400 foster children ages 7 to 18 to create custom photo albums and scrapbooks during summer overnight camp, winter camp, monthly enrichment programs and mentorships. Children can also participate in photography workshops. HAVEN HILLS ($16,207) for remodeling of the children’s room in the Haven Two Transitional Housing program in Canoga Park. The grant will serve adults and children of domestic violence, and 60 children ages 4 to 17 living in transitional housing will utilize the room for education, computer access, group meetings and play. MYCHAL’S LEARNING PLACE ($4,568) for expansion of sound and lighting equipment for the theater arts program. The grant will serve a total of 40 to 50 children and young adults ages 11 to 22 with learning disabilities at their main site in Hawthorne and satellite location in Culver City with afterschool programming, job training and jobs. WESTSIDE FAMILY HEALTH CENTER ($50,000) for new medical equipment for the pediatric program at its new facility in Culver City. The grant will serve children up to age 17, with 48% who are uninsured and 93% who live below the poverty line. Three thousand children per year will receive primary health care as well as vision, hearing and neo-natal jaundice screenings. In September, members and supporters will come together for a brunch to hear directly from grant recipients as to how the grants are impacting their programs. “It’s amazing to be in a room and actually hear how our grants are directly impacting youth,” says Tenzer. “We would like to continue to remain true to who we are: a grassroots organization, helping kids in our own backyard.”

Co-presidents Moira Tenzer and Jill Weintraub and Treasurer Debbie Schermer

To learn more about Women Helping Youth, visit WomenHelpingYouth.org or visit their Instagram, @women.helping.youth.

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

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WINIFRED ADAMS

AGING OTHERS TO FOLLOW THEIR LEAD AND ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS AND DREAMS.

THE MEDICAL INTUITIVE MASTER HEALER Winifred Adams is a Medical Intuitive Master Healer, as well as a public speaker, author, musician and jewelry designer. In her new book launching this summer, she shares about her incredible journey leading to her work as a healer. “Essentially, my life was guided step-by-step to lead me to see my gifts of healing,” says Winifred, noting that as a child, she wanted to be a singer—a desire guided by her heart to sing above and beyond anything else. Her connection to music led to her initial realization of her innate gift to tune in to her own spirit as a guiding light in her life. In this way Winifred receives direction and guidance to help others through her work and creativity. Winifred’s greatest mentor, her Master meditation teacher for over 25 years, showed her a true example of grace to strive for in life. In her courses and classes, Winifred shows people, as she says, “not only that connecting to your own heart is paramount to being able to interface with your spirit, but I actually help facilitate a direct experience of connection so that they, too, know this to be true.” Connecting to spirit with an open heart encompasses an important aspect of her work. “It is the simplest wisdom passed down over time that still holds true today,” she notes. “I always strive for the truth—the highest truth—and despite great hardships at times, I hold my faith intact without compromising. I bend, but don’t break.” Her future goals include releasing more healing music, and she finds fulfillment by inspiring people to be noble, honest and strive to always do better in their lives. Another honor Winifred holds dear to her heart—her greatest reward of all—is saving lives through her extreme healing work. During this time of trouble on Earth, Winifred offers meditations for anyone worldwide who would like to participate, collectively focusing on hospitals, staff, patients and caregivers. MakingLifeBrighter.com 18

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

ARTICLE ALISON PERKS & TRACY MARCYNZSYN

“She instilled in me at an early age the importance of caring for others and moreover the perceptiveness to seek out those who need the most support,” Kasey says. Some of the advice she seeks to impart to other women is, “Always be the most confident and similarly the most compassionate. Don’t let perfectionism get in the way of great ideas and always seek feedback and incorporate that feedback... Always stay true to who you are.” Kasey has a lot to be proud of, including her daughter and all that she is learning and accomplishing as she benefits from the civic programs and extended family of the Boys & Girls Club.

K ASE Y E ARNEST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MALIBU

The relief work the organization provided during the Woolsey Fire helping so many fire victims with emergency funds and supplies led Kasey and The Boy & Girls Club of Malibu to be named a 2019 State of California Non Profit of the Year by CalNonprofits and Senator Henry

Kasey Earnest is the Executive Director of the

Stern. Her future goals include establishing an

Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. As a kid she orig-

endowment for the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu

inally wanted to be a veterinarian because she

for coming generations.

loved animals, in particular dogs. That care and

Watching the children they serve overcome

concern for others led her to pursue her passion

life’s many challenges and creating pathways

for civic engagement, because she wanted to be

to a bright future is a highlight of her career in

involved in work that supported individuals and

community outreach.

communities. During a college internship in public policy in politics, she realized she needed to redirect her course toward nonprofit administra-

”Make sure whatever you are giving the most of yourself to goes beyond yourself,” she advises. BGCMalibu.com

tion and grassroots initiatives. Her strong work ethic has been integral to her drive to support kids in her community, along with her supportive husband who has been vital too. Another key influence and mentor in Kasey’s life is her mother, a retired public education principal, who always cared for others as a teacher and principal, and who created this early foundation of service in Kasey’s life.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

PAVING THE WAY (CONTINUED)

K AT H Y E L D O N THE VISIONARY- CREATIVE VISIONS Kathy Eldon is an author, film producer, filmmaker and founder of Creative Visions, a Malibu-based global nonprofit and UN NGO that supports creative activists who use media and the arts to ignite positive change. Located above Boardriders on the PCH, Creative Visions was inspired by the life of her son Dan Eldon, a 22-year-old photojournalist who was killed in Somalia while working for Reuters News Agency. Kathy founded Creative Visions in 1998 with her daughter, Amy Eldon Turteltaub, incubating more than 400 projects and productions in 32 countries and impacting more than 100 million people. Dan’s art and photography have inspired four books, three documentaries and a feature film, “the “Journey is the Destination,” now on Netflix. As a little girl in Iowa, Kathy dreamed of traveling the world and communicating “things that matter—though I had absolutely no idea what mattered,” she laughs. After moving to Kenya with her family in the 80’s, Kathy wrote books and worked as a freelance journalist for the largest English language newspaper. In 1990, she became a film producer in London, determined to tell important stories that would ignite social change. Her first feature, “Lost in Africa,” about ivory poaching, came out the same week as a Disney-film based on the same book—”which meant no one except my mother saw our film,” says Kathy. After her son’s untimely death, Kathy moved to Los

She advises women facing adversity to “Know that you

Angeles, hoping to produce a film about the coura-

can transform yourself and in so doing, the world around

geous young journalists who lost their lives with him. Due to

you. Create YOUR vision of your life, build the scaffolding,

nonstop obstacles, it took 23 years to finally complete “The

lay the bricks and move in.”

Journey is the Destination.”

Her children—”Amy, who loves me despite my annoying

“Along the way I became a documentary film producer,

suggestions and is my calm center, my creative partner

wrote lots of books, and my daughter Amy and I were able

and my dearest friend” and son, “Dan, whose mischie-

to found Creative Visions to help creative activists like

vous spirit continues to inspire souls to believe they have

Dan tell stories that need to be told about problems that

a role to play in changing the world around them”—have

need to be solved,” shares Kathy.

inspired her throughout her life.

Despite tragedy and setbacks, Kathy continued to

She is “excited about helping create a more just, caring

persevere, forced to create her own work as an author,

and compassionate world. As an Arts Commissioner for

journalist and film producer, because, “I am unemploy-

Malibu, I know that our resilient city can be an example of

able!” she jokes. “Working with talented media makers

how we can create ‘unity in Community.’ I’d like to suggest

at Creative Visions is my favorite job.”

this as our city motto: ‘Spark Malibu- Spark the World’.”

Kathy credits a “creative vision, incredible luck, my brilliant

She aims to continue her commitment to “nurture the

team, Yorkshire Gold tea and chocolate chips” along with

creative activist spirits of those who live in Malibu. Please

daughter Amy, for helping her achieve her goals.

get involved at CreativeVisions.org,” she urges. —TM

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

C A R O L I N E P E TA M . J O N E S THE ARTIST- TRANSLATING EMOTION INTO ART

Caroline Jones has always been a passionate artist, and she knew early on that creating artwork was both doing what she loved and a viable way to live and make a living. She calls herself an “Umbrella Artist,” one that uses both her innovational freedom to make collections or series of works to exhibit in galleries, as well as being disciplined and resourceful by using that same skill set to make ends meet. Pursuing her vocation in fine art and sculpting throughout her life has evolved into the creation of powerful, artistic monuments and memorials for clients. As a child, Caroline had wanted to be a farmer because she loved animals and nature, a special constant force in her life, especially when she was sent to boarding school at age 7. Looking after her little garden plot and rabbit made her feel joyful! “I was so excited about nature’s abundance,” she notes. “It was like going on a treasure hunt every day.” It is with this sense of nature as a life force that she has become more involved with how the future of green cemeteries can be as much about land conservation as it can be about land restoration. After finishing her A-levels at school, she was determined to pursue becoming an artist, much to her parents’ chagrin. So at 18, Caroline began painting on the streets of Gibraltar where her father was a commander in the British Army. She earned enough money selling her works that she bought her parents’ car from them and moved to Spain. For the past 30 years Caroline has had a consistent Fine Art practice with exhibitions, galleries and studios from Hong Kong and London to present-day L.A., where her studio sits at the top of Saddle Peak @thedomehometopanga. She attributes her success to “rebellious discipline,” a term she has coined for her journey. “I’ve never had a mentor as such but have definitely been inspired by the strengths and goodness of many friends,” she says, adding that she strives to balance work, family and community while doing what she loves. One of her favorite aspects of creating her pieces comes from feeling the “time-captured presence inside [a] stone,” she says. “I use that presence to immortalize those who have passed and to make something meaningful for the loved ones; I feel it connects the souls of the living and the dead.” Caroline’s clients sing her praises. “I think for me the best awards are those bestowed on me by people who have bought my art or who have commissioned my work and have been truly inspired by what they received,” she shares. CPMJones.com | @carolinepmjones CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast

PAVING THE WAY (CONTINUED)

VEERA MAHA JAN THE CREATIVE PEACEMAKER & REALTOR

“You have to do what makes you happy, that’s for sure,” says Veera Mahajan, who wanted to become a doctor as a child. “I came from that kind of family,” says Veera, whose school principal father pushed her to pursue math or science. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and marrying a man in a similar field, the Indian-born, Michigan-raised Malibu resident settled down with her husband, running a business and raising two sons Kunal and Rahul, together before deciding to make her own choices. Overcoming her fears, Veera made a courageous decision to leave her abusive relationship and start a new life in Malibu, as she writes about in Unreported, her self-help book chronicling her journey from domestic violence to love and freedom. “Most women are used to being told what to do,” says Veera, who grew up having her ideas “shot down” and letting the men take the lead. “Learning how to make a decision on my own was my biggest challenge!” says Veera, who now serves as a mediator, guiding others to peacefully make choices that serve their highest good. “Spiritual psychology is my strength,” says Veera, who has a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and a master’s degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine Law School. “Mediation teaches you the skills to facilitate a negotiation… I try to make both parties be peaceful and happy with their decisions.” Veera’s genuine care for others is a common thread in her many endeavors—from founding a nonprofit organization, Foundation For Women At Risk, and publishing the Malibu Chronicle, a “good news” magazine, for six years until 2017, to serving others through Rotary Club, Safe Passage, St. Jude’s, Wounded Warriors, Jane Seymour’s Open Hearts Foundation and her writing—she puts her heart into everything she does. “I’m willing to do above and beyond,” she says, adding that her willingness to take chances has opened doors for her. “So many miracles have happened in my life,” Veera acknowledges, encouraging women to pursue their goals. “You can’t go into something half-heartedly,” she says. “Build a goal and go after it—enjoy the journey!”

Veera’s can-do attitude has led to many accomplishments—winning the Mrs. Asia California Beauty Contest in 2012, receiving Mahatma Gandhi and Star of India awards, running a marathon, skydiving, earning two master’s degrees, publishing a magazine and books, and working toward a bright future in real estate investing.

A lifelong learner, Veera is currently studying Forex and real estate

“For all the people who say you can’t do it, or you won’t

investing, while also working on producing a film, writing, mediating and

do it—I’ll see you at the finish line to show you I did it!

helping others in many ways.

Make a plan and finish it; approach everything with fun

“I’m not afraid. I just jump in,” she says. “I learn from everybody—even

and excitement,” she says.

from my puppy,” she laughs, adding, “I have mentors everywhere; people

VeeraMahajan.com | UnreportedtheBook.com

who work hard and are successful and are willing to teach others.”

—TM

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

EVELIN WEBER THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- MALIBU FOUNDATION

Evelin Weber is the Executive Director of the Malibu Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, whose goal is to create a more resilient community and to support the people of Malibu and neighboring areas as they work toward rebuilding after the Woolsey Fire. She is committed to making a difference in the face of adversity, responding to events that have been caused by climate change or global pandemics. Fascinated by the workings of the brain, Evelin originally wanted to be a brain surgeon. While she ultimately decided to pursue work in finance and strategizing for companies across the world, she continued to use her interest in neuroscience and psychology as a tool when approaching her work. She set up a private foundation to support post-disaster economic relief in the Philippines, where she was born, using the business sensibilities she had developed working in global finance. She found that it is often the most vulnerable who are in need of additional social services, and she integrates this knowledge into her current work at the Malibu Foundation. She attributes her success to her husband and toddler who have shared enormous love and support as she serves her community. The Foundation Board also has been hugely “helpful and encouraging. Their leadership and guidance have allowed me to fulfill and execute on the many varied needs of Malibu and beyond,” says Evelin. She makes it clear that to achieve such great accomplishments, she herself realizes that self-care is essential for women. “As women, we often take on a lot of responsibility. Due to that nature, I think self-care during these times is critical. Emotional and mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness. As women, we are the anchor. Women are the true face of resilience and we have seen it all throughout history.” With the recent outbreak of CV-19, the Foundation’s ability to execute, implement and strategize to create a responsive program is the direct result of the work she and her team have done. She expresses how proud she is of them for stepping up during this time, addressing a massive global pandemic that is directly affecting everyone’s daily lives and changing life as we know it. “The old world of ME has now been replaced by the community of WE. The only way forward towards success is collaboration,” states Evelin. TheMalibuFoundation.org

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Shantelle Bisson On Raising Kids

ARTICLE ADRIENNE WIGDORTZ ANDERSON

BABIES DON’T COME WITH INSTRUCTIONS. Too bad, because childrearing isn’t easy—especially in today’s world of social media, ever-increasing anxiety and now, self-isolation. Fortunately, Shantelle Bisson has your back. Bisson’s Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool guides moms and dads through the parenting journey, from deciding to have children to parenting a 10-year-old. Released in April and available at Barnes & Noble, Target and Amazon, the book is the first in a series that covers adolescents and adult children. “Parenting is a forever job,” explains Bisson, who with husband, Yannick, star of Murdoch Mysteries, are parents of three grown daughters. The couple splits their time between Malibu and Toronto. Bisson says she had noticed a shift in parenting from when her girls were young: “Parents today seem frantic, competitive and judgmental. My message to readers is relax, trust your instincts, and keep your eyes on your own backyard,” she says. Shantelle was also struck by parents who somehow managed to be too permissive yet micromanaged their children’s every move. The result? Kids behaving like entitled jerks. “The goal is to raise considerate people others will want as a partner, friend or coworker,” she says. While Bisson is a mother of girls, her parenting tips are applicable to both girls and boys: “Parenting isn’t a gender issue, it’s a character issue. Your expectations should be the same for both.” Bisson uses a conversational tone as if talking to a friend and provides real-life anecdotes, including “Parent-Fails” that reassure parents mistakes happen. Bisson is known for her humor and no-nonsense, spot-on advice. She doesn’t sugarcoat the messiness of parenting and covers topics many books avoid, such as postpartum bodies and how to put the spark back into a relationship. She might not have a Psychology degree, but Bisson has “been there, done that.” As one reviewer stated: “This book … had me laughing out loud! I loved Shantelle’s no BS approach…. She puts it all in perspective and helps you find joy in the journey.” Author is the latest addition to Bisson’s impressive resume, which includes actor, producer, philanthropist, professional cheerleader and entrepreneur. Although the Toronto native wanted to be a performer from the moment she first stepped on stage at age 4, she was a born storyteller who used writing to express her deepest feelings: “Whenever I was in pain, I took pen to paper. I’m passionate about writing,” she shares.

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

CONTINUED >

“ THE GOAL IS TO RAISE C ONSIDERATE PEOPLE OTHERS WILL WANT A S A PARTNER, FRIEND OR COWORKER”

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SHANTELLE BISSON (CONTINUED) After trying her hand at fiction but unable to land a publisher, she began posting daily musings on a blog. Her parenting insights were the most popular and led to her contributing to Canadian magazines and appearing on TV and radio as a parenting/relationship expert. Writing a parenting book was the natural next step. Through the process, her friends cheered her on. Malibu residents, rocker Rick Springfield and his wife Barbie, are particular champions. “Barbie once said if there was one word to describe me, it’s ‘determined’,” says Bisson. “It’s not how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get up.” Rick wrote an endorsement for the book, telling her, “I’ve seen you raise your kids, and I can attest to the fact your parenting works.” She wasn’t alone bringing up the girls. Yannick was very involved, and together they were a team. It’s remarkable how successful they were, considering each had parents who divorced and 3 out of the 4 parents were neglectful, as Bisson describes them. Already a working actor by age 13, Yannick’s parents didn’t object when he moved out on his own, only 15 and alone, without adult supervision. As Shantelle wrote, “…regardless what a child wants… parents still… need to guide their child.” Shantelle’s mom, a single mother, was an example of resilience, doing her best to create a normal life for her children. Her dad, however, was an alcoholic with no interest in his daughter, and had abandoned the family. Shantelle and Yannick met when they were 15 but began dating at 18 when they reconnected at an audition. They were parents at 19, and this month celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. “If I, with the odds stacked against me, can come out from the ashes of a broken home, having survived sexual assault when I was a child, and still raise intelligent, caring daughters, then others who doubt their parenting abilities will hopefully be inspired by my story,” she says. “Your past doesn’t define you. I’m proof you are what you decide to be, no matter your background.”

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

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During this time, we’ve brought our print publication to you. Now, we’re adding a new way to share good news!

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DIY

PACK YOUR SMALL SPACES WITH A BIG PUNCH BY STARTING YOUR OWN CONTAINER GARDEN

IT MAY BE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE MUCH SPACE TO WORK WITH; MAYBE YOU ARE ALWAYS ON-THE-MOVE; OR, MAYBE YOU JUST SIMPLY COLOR TO YOUR SPACE. It doesn’t matter what your reason may be. Container gardening—the practice of growing plants exclusively in containers rather than in the ground—is a great way to pack some punch into a small (or portable!) space. With container gardening, there are almost endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking to grow decorative plants or edible ones, there’s likely an option for you— and it doesn’t have to be limited to simply growing herbs

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

WANT SOME GREENERY TO ADD A LITTLE BIT OF

on your windowsill. There are several factors to keep in mind when you first start your container garden, the first of which being to decide whether you’re going to keep it indoors or out. Different plants grow best in different environments, so be sure to choose species that will thrive where you’ve decided to put them—making sure they are receiving the proper amount of sunlight and moisture.

DETAILS HEADER Details line 1 information Details line 2 information Details line 3 information

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

Here are a few other things to be aware of when you get started: CONTAINER SIZES: Large containers may be easier to grow plants in than small since

they have more space for large root systems and larger amounts of soil retain more moisture. + CONTAINER DRAINAGE: Your container must have a drainage system—even if it’s just a few holes you drill in it yourself. For plants that need to be watered more frequently, consider self-watering containers. + CONTAINER MATERIALS: The fun thing about container gardens is that you don’t have to limit yourself. Get creative with the containers you use (while keeping the above information in mind)! We love repurposing vintage items into unique containers.

the more the greener

garden tips

Why stick with one kind of garden? Once you’re a container garden pro, there are tons of different theme gardens you can create all around your home. CLEAN-AIR GARDEN Snake Plant + Spider Plant + Dragon Plant + English Ivy FRAGRANCE GARDEN Lavender + Lemongrass + Mint LEMON GARDEN Lemon Verbena + Lemon Balm + Lemongrass + Lemon Geranium

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CityLifestyle.com/MalibuCoast 33

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ARTICLE ALICIA DOYLE

Be Your Bes t Self at Wes tlake Body Contouring

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Unlike liposuction and cool sculpting, the Low Level Laser Therapy treatment doesn’t kill the fat cells, and there’s no pain or scarring. “There are no side effects—but inches lost,” Dr. Dianne says. “It also tightens the skin as you lose the fat.” This “contour light body contouring” is a noninvasive alternative to traditional liposuction and relies on light rather than scalpels.

Since opening Westlake Body Contouring in 2015, Dr. Dianne has provided the opportunity for thousands of people to experience the life-changing body-sculpting technology. Local celebrities and professional athletes alike also take advantage of these treatments to help them look, feel and perform their best. In her role as a female business owner, “I empower women by

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Clinical studies have proven that exposure to 635 nm and 880 nm light causes a stimulation of the subcutaneous fat to liquefy

We share stories and I try to be a good listener and lift each other up. I think as a woman—confidence is key.”

and be released into the interstitial region of the body, Dr. Dianne explains. After the fat has been released, it will then exit the body through the lymphatic system. These sessions, combined with Westlake Body Contouring’s 10-minute whole-body vibration session, will help slim, shape and 34

Malibu Coast Lifestyle | May 2020

To learn more, call 818.852.7352 or visit WestlakeBodyContouring.com. Westlake Body Contouring is located in the Mediterranea 1 Building, 30423 Canwood Street, Suite #205, in Agoura Hills.

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