by Lucy Crivelli Frey | Aug 30, 2024
Stephanie Cuevas, the founder and event director of Soco House, is making waves in the event management industry with a huge milestone—hitting $1 million in revenue for events at Paloma Venice, one of the premier venues-restaurants she manages. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a commitment to empowering women, Stephanie has established herself as a leading force in Los Angeles and Orange County’s event scene.
Credit: TIP Supply
From humble beginnings in hospitality, where she honed her skills working in bars and restaurants, Stephanie quickly transitioned into managing events for a variety of venues. Her eye for detail, creativity, and ability to bring people together have made her the go-to event director for some of the most talked-about events in LA.
Stephanie has been a part of some iconic events such as the NFL Founders Dinner, her Annual 4th of July Party, and “Born x Raised Sadie Hawkins” Formals. Each event under her direction not only exceeded expectations but also reflected her dedication to her clients and community. During her time working with SoHo House, Stephanie also helped highlight the SoHo friends membership program and curated events that were specifically built with SoHo friends members in mind. She has helped open multiple venues across LA and has no plans of stopping.
One of the driving forces behind Stephanie’s success is her commitment to working with an all-women team. She believes in the power of collaboration and the unique perspectives that a diverse group of women bring to the table. Stephanie shares her insights for success, emphasizing the importance of tapping into your network and community. “Your connections are your most valuable resource,” she says. She also stresses the significance of being tech-savvy and understanding the evolving needs of your business to stay ahead in a tech-forward future. For Stephanie, investing in yourself is crucial—knowing when to hire a team that can help you elevate your business is a key step toward achieving greater success.
As Stephanie Cuevas continues to make her mark on the industry, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring event directors and entrepreneurs. With her leadership, Soco House is poised to continue setting new standards in event management, one memorable experience at a time.
Congratulations Stephanie!
by Loida McKinnon | Aug 29, 2024
As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability grow, more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint in everyday activities. Laundry, a routine household task, offers several opportunities to make eco-friendly choices that benefit both your clothes and the planet. From using energy-efficient appliances to selecting eco-conscious detergents, there are numerous strategies to ensure your laundry routine is as green as possible. This article will guide you through the steps to achieve eco-friendly laundry without compromising on cleanliness or quality.
1. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
One of the most impactful ways to make your laundry routine eco-friendly is by using energy-efficient appliances. Traditional washing machines and dryers consume significant amounts of water and electricity, contributing to your household’s overall energy usage.
Energy Star Certified Machines: When shopping for a new washer or dryer, look for models with the Energy Star certification. These machines are designed to use less water and energy while still providing excellent cleaning power. Front-loading washers are typically more efficient than top-loading models, using up to 50% less water.
Cold Water Washing: Washing your clothes in cold water is a simple yet effective way to save energy. Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used by washing machines. Cold water is not only energy-efficient but also gentler on fabrics, helping to preserve colors and reduce wear and tear.
2. Use Eco-Friendly Detergents
The type of detergent you use plays a crucial role in both the cleanliness of your clothes and the health of the environment. Many conventional detergents contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and phosphates, which can harm aquatic life and contribute to water pollution.
Another effective way to ensure your laundry routine is eco-friendly is by utilizing professional laundry services in London. Many professional services have adopted sustainable practices, including the use of energy-efficient machines and environmentally friendly detergents. By outsourcing your laundry to a service that prioritizes green practices, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint without compromising on cleanliness or quality. These services often use less water and energy per load compared to standard home machines, and they are skilled in choosing the right settings and detergents for different fabrics, ensuring your clothes are well-cared for while also being kind to the planet.
Biodegradable and Plant-Based Detergents: Choose detergents that are biodegradable and made from plant-based ingredients. These detergents are free from harmful chemicals and are often just as effective as traditional ones. Look for products that are labeled as eco-friendly, biodegradable, or non-toxic.
DIY Detergents: For those who enjoy a DIY approach, making your own laundry detergent is a great way to control the ingredients you use. Simple recipes often include ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and castile soap, which are gentle on both your clothes and the environment.
3. Opt for Natural Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets are common laundry additives that make clothes feel softer and smell fresher. However, they often contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and may irritate sensitive skin.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: A natural alternative to commercial fabric softeners is using white vinegar. Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can help soften clothes and reduce static cling. Baking soda is another eco-friendly option that can be added to the wash cycle to boost the cleaning power and keep clothes soft.
Wool Dryer Balls: Instead of using disposable dryer sheets, consider using wool dryer balls. These reusable balls help reduce drying time, soften clothes naturally, and decrease static without the need for chemical-laden products.
4. Practice Energy-Saving Drying Techniques
Drying clothes can be one of the most energy-intensive parts of the laundry process. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to using an electric dryer.
Air Drying: The most energy-efficient way to dry your clothes is by air drying them. Hang your clothes on a drying rack or clothesline either indoors or outdoors. Air drying not only saves energy but also helps extend the life of your clothes by reducing wear and tear from the dryer.
Low Heat Settings: If you need to use a dryer, opt for the lowest heat setting possible. High heat can damage fabrics and increase energy consumption. Also, make sure to clean the lint filter after each use to maintain your dryer’s efficiency and reduce the risk of fire.
5. Wash Full Loads
Washing full loads is another easy way to make your laundry routine more eco-friendly. Running a washing machine with only a few items wastes water and energy, as the machine uses nearly the same amount of both, regardless of the load size.
Maximize Each Load: Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the machine. This maximizes the efficiency of your washing machine and reduces the number of loads you need to do each week.
Load Size Settings: If you must wash a smaller load, adjust the water level setting on your machine to match the size of the load. This simple adjustment can save a significant amount of water over time.
6. Choose Sustainable Fabrics
The type of fabrics you choose to buy and wear can also impact the sustainability of your laundry routine. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed microplastics when washed, which can end up in waterways and harm marine life.
Natural Fibers: Opt for clothing made from natural fibers such as organic cotton, linen, and wool. These materials are biodegradable, renewable, and tend to require less water and energy to produce.
Care for What You Have: The most sustainable option is to care for the clothes you already own. By following the above tips, you can extend the life of your garments, reducing the need to buy new ones frequently.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly laundry practices are not only beneficial for the environment but also for your clothes and your wallet. By making conscious choices—such as using energy-efficient appliances, eco-friendly detergents, and natural fabric softeners—you can significantly reduce your environmental impact while keeping your clothes clean and well-maintained. Implementing these small changes in your laundry routine is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a healthier planet.
by Niki Smart | Aug 2, 2024
Behind the “Seams” with Pageant of the Masters Costume Director Reagan Foy
Costume Director Reagan Foy with one of the over 100 costumes created for this summer’s production “Á La Mode: The Art of Fashion.” Photo Credit Christopher Allwine .
LAGUNA BEACH, CA — With performances nightly through August 30, 2024, the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, CA, continues to captivate audiences from around the world with its dazzling theme “A La Mode: The Art of Fashion.” Critics and audiences alike have raved about the show’s stunning artwork re-creations and live action spectacle, making it summer’s must-see event. With a focus on fashion, the Pageant’s costume director, Reagan Foy, has played a pivotal role in bringing these masterpieces and influential fashion trends to life. To offer a glimpse behind-the-scenes and the intricacies of costume design for the Pageant, Foy shares her insights in this exclusive Q&A.
Q: Could you share a bit about your journey to becoming a costume director, and what initially sparked your interest in costume design?
A: I started making clothes at a young age, taught by my grandmother. Fast forward to high school and college, when I got involved in theater, I found myself more in love with the costumes and how they were made than with performing. I had a mentor who saw something in me and really pushed for me to obtain a degree in Costume Design for Theatre.
I was fortunate enough to begin working at South Coast Repertory and Opera Pacific right after grad school, which then led me to the Pageant of the Masters in 2008. I found my true calling in costume crafts and loved starting at the Pageant as the Headpiece Maker. It was a unique form of craft that challenged me, and my love for sculpting made it come pretty easily after learning the “Pageant Way,” which is distinct from other approaches used in traditional theater productions.
When the Costume Director position became available in 2016, I was happy to take on the challenge. The great thing is that Pageant gives me the opportunity to continue to practice and create costumes from so many eras that I am continuing to gain knowledge of costume construction, which I just love.
Q: Can you describe the costume creation process from initial concept to the final product? What materials and techniques are used? How much time is typically invested in each costume?
A: The Pageant costuming process starts with selecting two volunteer cast members for a single role, typically of similar size. I take their measurements to figure out the best way to pattern their costume. Next, I cut the pattern from muslin, a 100% unbleached cotton used for almost all our living pictures. My stitchers then sew the costumes, incorporating Velcro closures to accommodate varying sizes.
After the initial sewing, I have a fitting with the volunteer to make any alterations needed. We place them in the set to determine if further adjustments are needed based on how they are posed and the best way to flatten the fabric. Once all adjustments are made, the costume goes to the paint shop, where our costume painter uses textile paint to achieve the correct color and add details like bows, ruffles, and buttons.
Then the costume is ready for its rehearsal and the summer shows. The entire process can take anywhere between one to two weeks per piece.
Q: How does the costume department collaborate with other departments, such as makeup, headpiece, and set design, to create a cohesive visual experience?
A: The costume department works closely with the headpiece and construction foreman to achieve a cohesive look for each piece. This sometimes means adding Velcro in areas to make sure fabric is connecting with the headpiece or the set in the manner that it does in the painting. Or our foreman may create skirt armatures instead of the cast member actually wearing a skirt, so that we can ensure that the skirt will look consistent every night.
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of creating costumes for this year’s theme?
A: The biggest challenge this year was the number of costumes we needed to create. This year’s production required almost double the number of costumes our shop normally produces for a show. This meant hiring additional stitchers and a few freelance costumers. We also had the Pageant’s makeup director help us with shopping for the live actors who played spectators during the fashion runway show. In total, we created 83 costumes for the tableaux, and costumed 104 different looks for performers.
Q: Is there a particular costume or tableau from this year’s show that you’re especially proud of? What makes it stand out?
A: My favorite tableau this year was Edith Head’s sketch of Tippi Hendren’s costume from the Alfred Hitchcock film “The Birds” because it presented the biggest challenge. I always love the challenging ones, especially when we get it right. I initially thought of it as being a dress and jacket, like her costume in the movie, but during rehearsal, I realized it wasn’t going to work. I had to take a moment and think of it in the “Pageant Way.” In creating costumes for the Pageant, we sometimes need to think beyond real-world garment construction to achieve the visual effect onstage. I quickly realized the costume needed to be capri pants and a bodice, with separate fabric pieces attached to the set. Once the cast member was in the set piece, these flat pieces would be Velcroed to her to create the illusion of the jacket and skirt. It worked! I love seeing it every night.
And, of course, there is the gold dress Grace Kelly wears in the movie “To Catch a Thief” for our runway model. I requested that it be one of the costumes we did a real version of. I knew it was going to have our audience gasping in amazement every night, so I was happy to re-create it.
Reagan Foy’s passion for costume design is evident in every stitch of the Pageant of the Masters production “Á La Mode: The Art of Fashion.” With just weeks remaining in the Pageant’s season, audiences have a limited opportunity to experience the magic of “Á La Mode: The Art of Fashion.” The Pageant of the Masters runs from July 6 to August 30, 2024 at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at www.foapom.com. A ticket to the Pageant of the Masters is also a season pass to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show.
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ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Festival of Arts, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has long been a local leader that has helped with the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts’ mission is to promote, produce and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts. The Festival of Arts produces two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract over 200,000 visitors each year.
Cover Photo Credit Christopher Allwine
