by Joshua J. Pinkay | Jun 6, 2018
With cannabis now legal in Southern California, there’s no question the industry is booming and a new wave off entrepreneurs are emerging. We sat down with “cannapreneur” Sarah McDaniel to discuss her CBD- based skincare line Walagoot, which was born from from her own struggle with clear skin as a working model and actor. We also spoke to her about her upcoming on camera roles and stop animation projects she is producing. Check out the full Q&A below!
Q: You’re a California local, correct? Tell us how you got your start in modeling and acting.
A: Yes, I was born in Northern California then lived in San Diego and Calabasas and now near Oxnard. I actually got discovered as model through Instagram. When I was seventeen, I began posting modeling type shots to Instagram and this was before “influencers” was really a big thing yet. I started to build a following and caught the attention of photographer and videographer
I’ve always had a passion for filmmaking and recently acted in a psychological thriller, Perfect, alongside Abbie Cornish and Leonardo Nam which premiered at the 2018 SXSW Festival in Austin, TX. The film will also be premiering here in Los Angeles this fall.
Q: California is among the first states to legalize marijuana. The cannabis industry has since taken off. Tell us about your interest in Cannabis and your upcoming skincare line.
A: Growing up, I used to struggle with acne and eczema.It just makes you feel so conscious of your skin. Worrying if people notice I would even lose modeling and acne jobs because of my skin and it took a lot of my confidence away. After trying Accutane, over-the-counter medication and every fad on the market with no results, I knew there had to be something else. At the time, I was aware of cannabis recreationally and knew it had some medical applications. I began doing research and eventually contacted a friend in Colorado who recommended isolate which is CBD in a crystal form. It had some positive affects but I wanted something stronger so I began experimenting with the full spectrum of CBD oils along with coconut, jojoba and other oils. Eventually I found the right blend and my skincare line, Walagoot, was born!
Q: What has been the biggest challenges you face in your business so far?
A: I’m a young female in the cannabis and entertainment industry which brings a unique set of challenges. To be able to pose in lingerie or act in a horror film while also having a huge passion for behind the scenes business and creating its hard to command authority in two polar opposite worlds. A lot of what you say gets overlooked and its hard to be heard but theres always a way to find sucess if you’re committed enough.
Q: You also work behind the camera as a content creator. Tell us about your latest projects.
A: I’ve recently been working in stop-motion animation. I created a rabbit character known as “The Professor” which was produced in partnership with Movie Mountain Studios. We are now working on a cyclops character for our next short. I was originally considering creating the cyclops for a comic book but I’ve found through my work as an influencer that people engage better with video content. Stop motion is a very expensive and time consuming way to make a film but I really love it and hope to continue working in this medium.
I also put out a variety of video and photography content on my Instagram. You can follow me @krotchy.
Q: And what are your long-term goals with your cannabis line?
A: For my CBD line, I’d eventually like to expand from topicals to more medicinal tinctures for things like bone density, migraines, and eventually herbal chemo. I’d really like to use my knowledge of CBD oil to help people medically, and work toward creating cancer preventatives.
Q: Please share with us your SoCal Must Haves
Fav Restaurant: FACE restaurant is the best in Ojai
Fav Spot to Create Content: Favorite place to create content is in my bathtub
Fav Area of this City: Favorite area of the city is my friends house in Malibu canyon
by Joshua J. Pinkay | May 8, 2018
If you were to go into your bathroom and took the time to write out an inventory log of your weekly regimen products, what do you think it would look like? Are you a beauty minimalist, or do you have an endless amount of products that you sometimes don’t even know what to do with? Trust us, it happens. With Groom + Beauty we like to celebrate all approaches to lifestyle routines and highlight items no matter how simple or complex they can be. What works for one person can be the complete opposite for another, which is the root of why this series exists and why sometimes you can gain some insight when looking through someone else’s daily process. Our Groom + Beauty editors, Chanelle Renee and Joshua P. both have different skin types, hair textures, and overall maintenance routines, but they wanted to highlight a few items from each other’s stock of products that they would switch out in their daily routine and hopefully find something new that they wouldn’t have considered before. Check out their list below:
1. First up is Organic to Green. Two items from this line are the AIR Organic Eucalyptus Aromatherapy Spray, which can be used in any room, and the Arctic Coco Shea Vanilla for Skin + Lip Moisturizer Balm. What we particularly love about this brand is that everything is organic, vegan, and eco-friendly, on top of the fact that several of their products are artisan-made. (Retail $16 – $36)
2. The DETOX Blue Clay & Eucalyptus Soaking Salts by Herbivore Botanicals are amazing because it infuses bath water with vitamins and minerals. Naturally scented with Eucalyptus and Lavender for a cleansing, refreshing aromatherapeutic soaking experience. (Retail $18)
3. The BOURBON Fragrance from the Bath & Body Works Men’s Body Care Collection is by far quite the fan favorite of this retailer. The collection was created for men, but women appreciate the scent just as much as the guys do. (Retail $12.50 – $34.50)
4. EDEN BodyWorks has a Coconut Shea Leave In Conditioner that both of us fell in love with. It’s a daily conditioning treatment formulated with one of nature’s best moisturizers, Coconut Oil, to penetrate and revitalize tresses. Blended with Shea butter to seal in moisture. Sulfate free formula is safe for color treated, chemically treated, curly, or straight hair. We love that it’s super affordable and available at so many beauty retailers. (Retail $8.99)
5. A staple in American beauty products, MARY KAY offers their Skinvigorate™ Cleansing Brush, a lightweight, two-speed power brush that gently massages as it thoroughly cleans skin, removing residue, dirt and makeup in seconds. The brush is gentle enough for sensitive skin while still providing maximum cleansing results. (Retail $50)
6. A good moisturizer should be in anyone’s regimen, especially in SoCal. We particularly took a liking the Oil-Free Moisturizer from Baxter of California. This best-selling moisturizer features aloe vera and chamomile extracts to soothe inflammation while green tea extract hunts down and eliminates free radicals to keep skin healthy, hydrated and youthful. (Retail $26)
7. Lastly, our friends at LATHER created an amazing Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Scrub that we just can’t get enough of. Formulated with exfoliating powdered bamboo, this foaming, cleansing body scrub gently sloughs away calloused or flaky skin. Sea algae extracts, herbal extracts and almond proteins are used to lift away impurities while leaving skin soft and supple. (Retail $39)
by Ely Anne Vedar | Oct 9, 2017
Valley side Lash lovers rejoice – Blink Bar is now open in Sherman Oaks! The all pink lashtique has opened a third location at 12516 Ventura Blvd, Between Van Nuys Blvd and Cedros and offers all the best-in-class, natural and playful lash extensions for all.
Blink Bar’s founder Tirzah Shirai, along with her rigorously trained technicians held a private grand opening celebration and were on hand to answer any and all questions about last styles ays Shirai, “I’m incredibly excited to open what will be our best location yet. There are some big surprises in store for our guests.”
In addition to offering the best natural or dramatic lashes in ranges from synthetic to silk, FeatherLASH® to mink, Blink Bar offers individual Ombré lashes for a pop of color, Microblading and brow shaping.
The new Blink Bar in Sherman Oaks is conveniently open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. To book an appointment, call 818-386-8209 or book online by visiting http://theblinkbar.com/locations/
Ely Anne Vedar
Ely Anne Vedar is a public relations and events manager specializing in life’s favorite F’s: Food, Fitness and Female Owned Businesses.
Her agency’s strengths lie in building solid client relationships, brand partnerships, creative campaigns, and strategy that scores top media placements; As well as a unique understanding of the in-and-outs of event production and execution.
Ely Agency was founded in 2014 in Los Angeles by Ely Anne Vedar. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, with degrees in Visual Communications and Business Management, Ely has always had a passion for creating innovative marketing campaigns and memorable events that leave lasting impressions of each brand and service she works with. Her work with food, fitness and fashion brands and events can be seen in WWD, Vogue, LA Weekly, and more.
by Joshua J. Pinkay | Aug 31, 2017
With this week’s heatwave, we wanted to approach our skincare regimen in the best, healthiest way possible. We spoke with skincare expert and licensed esthetician , Cheryl Cotton, who wanted to share her tips on taking care of your skin and protecting it from Southern California heat.
To keep your skin glowing in the SoCal heat, I usually stick to four principles that help protect you from the harsh Sun, particularly for delicate skin.
Stay Hydrated
By far, one of the most important things you can do for your skin (and your body) this summer. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Coconut Water is great for your skin. Also, try to snack on foods with high water content such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries.
Give Yourself a Boost of Vitamin-C
Vitamin-C is extremely nourishing for the skin. As a natural antioxidant and skin brightener, Vitamin-C shields your skin from environmental stresses and significantly improves hydration. It also helps promote collagen production which will keep your skin looking younger, longer!
Choose the Right Sunscreen
Zinc-oxide mineral sunscreens provide the best sun protection and help prevent wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Make sure you are using an SPF30 or above. Reapply every 2 hours, and keep in mind that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 2 pm. This is the perfect opportunity to rock a hat with a pair of sunglasses.
Avoid Wearing Heavy Make-Up
You have enough wreaking havoc on your skin from the sun, sweat, and excess oil production. The last thing you want to do is suffocate your skin with a layer of heavy make-up. A little eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss is all you need. Let your skin breathe and be free!
Cheryl Cotton has been a licensed Esthetician for 10 years and was certified by the State Board of California. She received advanced aesthetics training from the world-renowned International Dermal Institute and is certified by PCA Skin in Advanced Chemical Peels. Her career in skincare was stemmed from her teenage years when she suffered from Acne and would feel very self-conscious during that time. She began researching treatments and causes of acne, and became fascinated with skin care and how the skin functions. She knew immediately that she had found her passion and all she wanted to do from that point moving forward was to help as many people as possible live acne-free.
by Joshua J. Pinkay | Aug 2, 2017
Welcome to Color Camp, the newest nail bar on Beverly Blvd. offering the most superior nail art services in town at affordable prices. I was able to preview Color Camp’s services for SoCal Mag before their upcoming grand opening, and as someone who’s never had any form of nail art on my hands, I had to maintain an open mind. I allowed the nail technicians at Color Camp to do what they do best, and that is making great nail art. The service at Color Camp goes far beyond any standard manicure I’ve ever had, as each step is completely curated by you, the guest, to have a perfectly customized experience.
The foundation choices start with three options: Polish, Gel, or Super Gel, all of which are 100% vegan. I opted for the Super Gel foundation which offers an average wear time of 2-3 weeks, while one of our volunteer models chose the Gel. Our nail techs paid attention to detail while servicing us, making sure that each nail was delicately treated and designed. The precision and care taken into the service is really what made the experience so much more enjoyable. I felt like I was in good hands, literally, as our nails were being transformed into works of art.
The end result was a set of perfectly lustrous nails with hologram foil strip art on each finger. I was thoroughly pleased with the end product, and apparently, the job was very impressive as I’ve had to get accustomed to so many compliments on my manicure. My nails feel healthy and strong, on top of looking amazing. I’ve been recommending Color Camp to my friends for days now, and I’m absolutely sure that I’ll be revisiting for another service soon.
Color Camp is located at 7607 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. To book an appointment, Click Here.
Be sure to follow Color Camp on social media – Instagram: @color_camp Facebook: Color Camp
Photography: Joshua J. Pinkay
Model: Josselyn @joss24k
by Jennifer Almiron | Feb 14, 2017
Give the Valentine gift that keeps giving. Tie a bow on this gift and lavish your love with the lush life: soap that is super manly. Citrus, lilac and roses be gone! Hello, heady handmade soaps by the soapmaker, Susana Cho. Nettle Leaf soap lathers up astringent suds along with a bold blend of bergamot, fresh juniper, jasmine and earthy patchouli. Saponified olive oil, coconut oil, Sustainable palm oil (RSPO), grape seed oil, castor oil, shea butter even ground oatmeal are the base for this exclusive batch of soaps. Bask in the scent of “London” lathered up in this rich cleansing bar—an instant departure from city grit. Tap into the ancient Roman ritual of a “spirit” cleanse. Ancient Roman legend gives soap its name: the infamous Mount Sapo was the site for sacrificial ceremony. Animal oils and wood ashes comingled in an otherworldly cleansing hybrid fusion—soap was born. This unique chemical combustion was found to have cleansing properties—elevating the soiled masses to a sacred clean slate. Soap like Cho’s delicately-made vegan Tumeric belies the deeply antibacterial agents therein. Wash with this elixer to maximize antioxidants while you wash. Tumeric deeply stimulates new cell growth and supports the skin’s natural elasticity. Anti-aging soap? Yes, please. Tumeric soap helps even out skin tone, and, by the way, smells like a make-out session waiting to happen.
Visit www.susuhandmades.etsy.com and serve up some bubbly with your rub-a-dub-dub!
