Car Week has a wellness problem.

Not the cars. The cars are art. I mean the humans. Ten days of 5am call times, back-to-back events, champagne at noon, no water, no shade, no sleep, and a collective agreement that pushing your body to its absolute limit is the price of being in the room.

I’ve spent my career in the clean living and wellness space. It’s the reason Clean Living Magazine and my radio show exists. So I notice things other people have been trained to ignore. The founder who hasn’t eaten since breakfast because there wasn’t time. The executive on their fourth espresso and zero glasses of water. The person “powering through” a week that would flatten most people, because slowing down feels like losing.

Here’s what I’ve learned building a business and covering this world: you cannot pour from an empty cup, and you definitely can’t close a deal from one.

First, the scale of what we’re talking about

Let me set the scene, because the numbers are almost hard to believe.

Monterey Car Week is now bigger than any auto show on earth. It runs ten days, August 7 to 16, across more than 35 separate automotive events spread over seven cities on the Monterey Peninsula. More than 100,000 people travel in to see them, spending in excess of $130 million. Over a billion dollars in cars are on display and on the road. The auctions alone moved $432.8 million last year, the second-highest total in history, with a single Ferrari selling for $26 million. Pebble Beach and The Quail each show collections worth more than half a billion dollars on their own.

Share Clean Living Magazine

And it isn’t only about the money. More than 100 local charities benefit from the week’s proceeds every year. The Pebble Beach Concours alone has raised over $45 million for charity since 1950, including a record $4 million last year. This is a machine that moves real money into a real community.

The week is a constellation of legendary events. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, with vintage racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Motorlux, the luxury kickoff at the Monterey Jet Center. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Exotics on Broadway, and free street shows in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove. And it all builds to the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the crown jewel, on Sunday, August 16. We’ll be covering all of it, from Exotics on Broadway to the closing night.

There’s even a closing-night party with real star power. The Monterey Motorsports Festival on August 15 has become Car Week’s music moment. Last year it brought out platinum-selling DJ Dillon Francis, a Coachella and Lollapalooza staple, as the first-ever headline act at Car Week. This year it’s headlined by viral DJ duo Sidequest. I’ll be covering that one on the ground, too.

So this is the backdrop. A billion dollars in machines, a hundred thousand people, the best cars and biggest names in the world, all in one place. And in the middle of all of it, something is missing.

Leave a comment

The blind spot

The luxury world obsesses over the craftsmanship of a hand-stitched interior and completely neglects the craftsmanship of the person driving it. We’ll celebrate a machine engineered to perform flawlessly, then run the human behind it into the ground and call it hustle.

So this year I went looking. As I planned my coverage, I kept asking a simple question. Where’s the wellness at Car Week? Where’s the clean beauty, the nourishment, the moment of restoration in the middle of all this excess?

I couldn’t find it.

I’m not claiming it doesn’t exist in a single corner of a ten-day, multi-venue spectacle. Car Week is enormous, and I can’t be everywhere. But I can tell you this. It is not part of the conversation here. It’s not on the map. In a week built entirely around beautiful objects and the people who love them, the people themselves are an afterthought. That’s the gap. And once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.

So I began to build the thing that was missing

I could have written this article and left it there. A tidy critique, a knowing nod. But that’s not how I’m built. When I see a gap, I fill it.

So I funded my own effort, out of my own pocket, to bring wellness, clean brands, and (just as importantly) local women onto a scene that almost never makes room for them. Getting independent, women-led brands onto the ground at events like this is nearly impossible. Car Week. The Super Bowl. The doors are heavy, and the price of entry is designed to keep them out. I’ve spent years, and my own money, prying them open anyway.

Subscribe now

As with all the events I cover, that work shows up as my founder collective. At Astons on the Avenue, one of Car Week’s best days, and a free one, Clean Living Magazine is bringing a certified group of clean, purpose-driven brands into a space that badly needs them:

• Eat Cruno. Clean granola, real fuel for a week that runs on caffeine and canapés.

• Pelvic Prime Plus. Pelvic floor therapy, the kind of care women are taught to put last.

• Alem Belay. One of San Francisco’s best-dressed, bringing sustainable fashion and styling to the avenue.

• And me, connecting it all, and making sure the women behind these brands finally get to stand on this ground.

These are not the names you’d expect to see at Car Week. That’s exactly the point.

Come find us

If you’re anywhere near Monterey this week, come to Astons on the Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea on August 12. It’s free for you, it’s one of the best days of the entire week, and it’s all in support of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Exceptional cars, extraordinary purpose, and now, a little bit of actual wellness in the mix.

And if you see me on the ground? Ask me what I’ve got on hand. I keep a few little energy pick-me-ups in my purse for exactly the kind of week this is, because someone should be looking out for the humans, not just the horsepower.

The most impressive thing at Car Week isn’t always on the lawn. Sometimes it’s the person who thought to bring water, and brought enough to share.

Covering the 75th Pebble Beach Concours all week. Follow along. 🤍

Cassandra McClure

Clean Living Magazine is credentialed media at the 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Find our wellness collective, Eat Cruno, Pelvic Prime Plus, and Alem Belay at Astons on the Avenue on August 12 in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free to attend, in support of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Follow @cassandramcclure on Instagram for coverage all week, or book a strategy session to talk brand, wellness, or getting your product into events like this one.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of founders, creators, executives, investors, and visionaries. Some became lifelong friends. Others became collaborators for a season. Some simply crossed my path at exactly the right moment; for them, for me, or for someone we were both meant to meet.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is this:

Not everyone is meant to stick around.

And that’s not a failure.

For a long time, I believed every relationship was supposed to last. If someone moved on, changed industries, or stopped showing up, I’d wonder if I had done something wrong.

Now I understand something different.

Leadership isn’t about keeping people close forever. It’s about creating spaces where people can grow.. even if that growth eventually takes them somewhere else.

Sometimes your role is to introduce two people who go on to build something extraordinary together.

Sometimes you’re there to encourage someone right before they take a leap.

Sometimes you’re the person who reminds a founder that they’re capable of more than they realize.

And sometimes, your paths are only meant to cross for a season.

That’s enough.

In fact, that’s beautiful.

Subscribe now

Looking back, many of the collaborations I’m most proud of weren’t the longest. They were the ones that happened at exactly the right moment. One conversation. One introduction. One opportunity. One shared table.

That’s part of the inspiration behind Founder House™.

I didn’t create it to build the biggest networking event.

I created it to create the right environment: one where meaningful conversations happen naturally, ideas are refined, partnerships are formed, and founders leave with greater clarity than when they arrived.

Because sometimes all someone needs is one conversation to change the direction of their business… or their life.

Whether someone stays in my community for a month, a year, or a decade isn’t what matters most.

What matters is that while our paths crossed, they felt seen. They made a meaningful connection. They gained confidence. They left stronger than they arrived.

That’s the kind of leadership I want to practice.

Leave a comment

And if Clean Living Magazine, Founder House™, or even a single episode of my podcast helps someone take their next step, then I know I’m building something that matters.

Thank you for being part of this journey, wherever you are in your own.

With gratitude,

Cassandra McClure

Founder & Creative Director, Clean Living Magazine

Founder, Founder House™

🌿 Website: https://www.cassandramcclure.com

I’d love to stay connected. You can find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, where I share founder insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and conversations about building purpose-driven businesses.

Share Clean Living Magazine

But after conversations with founders throughout the Bay Area, we realized many wanted to experience The Founder House™ without staying overnight. So today, we’ve opened just two additional Day Passes for Wednesday, July 22 in Half Moon Bay, California.

If you’ve been craving meaningful conversations, strategic guidance, and the opportunity to connect with women building incredible companies, this may be the invitation you’ve been waiting for.

Subscribe now

Beyond a Conference

Founder House™ isn’t about collecting business cards or sitting through keynote presentations.

It’s an intentionally curated executive residency designed to give founders something that’s increasingly rare:

The space to think.

Throughout the day, you’ll participate in curated conversations with our Executive Residents, including Alexis Steen, MBA, who will lead a practical workshop on founder finance. You’ll also have opportunities for one-on-one founder advisory sessions, executive networking, thoughtfully prepared meals, and meaningful conversations in a setting intentionally designed to foster genuine relationships.

Meet the Founders

One of the most rewarding parts of Founder House™ is learning directly from women who have built businesses, navigated challenges, and continue to lead with purpose.

This week, we’re introducing two of the founders helping shape our inaugural residency.

Yuliya Wilson

Founder, Cruno

Yuliya built Cruno, Premium Granola with a commitment to quality ingredients and intentional growth. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects the resilience, creativity, and perseverance that define so many women founders today.

Alexis Steen, MBA

Alexis brings deep expertise in business strategy and founder finance. During Founder House™, she’ll lead an interactive workshop designed to help founders make more confident financial decisions while building sustainable companies.

Building Something Different

We’re honored that Founder House™ has already been featured in a national press release announcing the launch of this new executive residency model for women founders.

Our vision is simple: create an intentional alternative to traditional networking events—one where founders leave with meaningful relationships, strategic clarity, and renewed momentum.

Whether you’re scaling an established company, launching your first venture, or looking for a community of women who truly understand the entrepreneurial journey, we’d love to meet you.

Because the experience is intentionally intimate, only two Day Passes remain available.

THE FOUNDER HOUSE™
The Inn at San Benito House
Half Moon Bay, California

To learn more about the residency or apply for one of the remaining Day Passes, visit CassandraMcClure.com

I can’t wait to welcome this inaugural group of founders.

Share

With gratitude,

Cassandra McClure
Founder, Founder House™
Founder & Creative Director, Clean Living Magazine

Over the next several weeks, our team will be producing founder experiences, covering major events, traveling for editorial assignments, opening exciting new partnerships, and creating stories from across the country. Because we’ll be on the road so much, we’ll be shifting from our regular weekly newsletter to occasional behind-the-scenes updates like this one.

Rather than filling your inbox every week, I’d rather share the moments that truly matter.

Here’s a look at where we’ve been—and where we’re headed next.

Summer always reminds me why I love what I do. One day I’m producing an experience for women founders, the next I’m traveling with my family, discovering incredible brands, recording a podcast, or sitting across the table from someone whose idea has the potential to change an industry. The work changes every day—but the mission stays the same: telling meaningful stories.

Subscribe now

Summer Highlights

This season has already been one to remember.

I had the opportunity to experience this Tyler Florence Cruise, attend SF Scent Fest, enjoy an evening with the Palo Alto Players, and hosted our annual Clean Living Magazine Creator Picnic at Filoli. Every experience reminded me how much creativity, community, and storytelling fuel the work we do every day.

Our Annual Creator Picnic at Filoli Historic Estate in

Every summer, one of my favorite traditions is bringing together creators, photographers, founders, and brand partners for our Clean Living Magazine Creator Picnic at Filoli in Woodside.

It has become so much more than a photoshoot.

It’s a place where friendships begin, collaborations happen naturally, and my interns had the opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy nature.

Share

Florida: Where Celebration Meets Brand Storytelling

One of the biggest highlights of my summer was producing an unforgettable bachelorette celebration in Florida.

Working alongside incredible brand partners, we created a thoughtfully curated experience filled with welcome gifts, beautiful tablescapes, sunset dinners, and authentic content.

It reinforced something I’ve believed for years: the most successful brand partnerships don’t interrupt experiences—they enhance them.

Whether it’s a wedding, retreat, milestone celebration, or launch event, I love helping brands become part of memories people will never forget.

Leave a comment

4th of July in New Hampshire

After Florida, I headed north to spend time with family and friends at the lake house in New Hampshire. Great food, late night boat rides and unlimited fun!

As entrepreneurs, we often feel pressure to always be building, always creating, always moving. This trip always reminds me how important it is to slow down.

These simple moments often become the most meaningful stories we tell.

Business matters. Family matters too. Finding space for both has become one of my greatest goals as a mother!

Next Stop: The Hamptons

Next week I'll be in the Hamptons meeting with a new partner and exploring exciting collaborations for 2027. Say Hi if you are in town!

A New Podcast Series Begins

I’ve been sharing my most personal conversations yet.

In the new healing series, I explore how trauma can shape our identity, the survival roles we adopt, and the problematic thinking patterns that can keep us feeling stuck. I hope this episode reminds you that your story is still being written.

For so many people, healing begins when we stop believing that our hardest chapter is our entire story.

If you’ve ever struggled with reinvention, self-worth, or finding your way after adversity, I hope you’ll give it a listen.

Subscribe on Spotify

What’s Next

The second half of the summer is packed with exciting opportunities, and I'd love for you to be part of it!

A New Luxury Destination Opens in Menlo Park

This summer, I’m thrilled to be part of the opening of BOMBHAUTE, a new by-appointment luxury boutique in the heart of downtown Menlo Park.

More than a traditional boutique, BOMBHAUTE is a curated destination where authenticated designer fashion meets emerging luxury brands. Alongside iconic pre-loved pieces from houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta, we’re introducing thoughtfully selected clean beauty, wellness, accessories, jewelry, home, and lifestyle brands that embody timeless design and elevated living.

One of my favorite parts of this collaboration is helping discover and introduce exceptional founders to a luxury retail audience. Through Clean Living Magazine, we have the opportunity to tell the stories behind the products while giving shoppers a place to experience them in person.

If you’re building a premium brand that values craftsmanship, quality, and intentional living, we’d love to hear from you. We’re currently reviewing a limited number of brands for in-store placement, editorial features, launch events, and future collaborations. Check out BOMBHAUTE on Instagram.

Refer a friend

THE FOUNDER HOUSE™

From July 22nd to the 23rd, we’ll welcome a small group of women founders to The Inn at San Benito House in Half Moon Bay, California for our executive overnight residency.

THE FOUNDER HOUSE™ was created for women entrepreneurs who want more than another networking event.

This intimate experience is designed for founders who are ready to think bigger, gain strategic clarity, build genuine relationships, and create momentum for the next chapter of their business. It’s dedicated time to step away from the day-to-day and work on your business—not just in it.

With only a handful of founders joining us, this will be one of our most personalized and impactful experiences yet. Watch this video I recorded for more info!

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest in yourself and your vision, I’d love for you to learn more and apply here.

Give a gift subscription

We’re headed to Monterey Car Week

We’re excited to share that Clean Living Magazine has officially been credentialed to cover the Monterey Motorsports Festival on Saturday, August 15, during the world-renowned Monterey Car Week. The festival brings together an incredible mix of luxury automobiles, supercars, collectors, innovative automotive brands, and lifestyle experiences, making it one of the most anticipated automotive events of the year.

This will be our first time covering Monterey Car Week, and we can’t wait to bring you behind-the-scenes access, founder stories, luxury lifestyle content, and highlights from one of California’s most iconic annual events.

Hosting an event, unveiling a product, or launching a brand during Car Week? We’d love to hear from you.

We’re currently scheduling editorial coverage, interviews, and social media features throughout the week. If you’d like to connect, collaborate, or invite our team to your event, simply reply to this email or reach out to us before the festivities begin.

Be sure you are following along by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Gain national exposure at Newtopia Now

We’re helping founders prepare for Newtopia Now in Denver, one of the industry’s leading events for emerging natural products and wellness brands, and one of the most accessible ways to get in front of seven-thousand retail buyers, investors, media, and industry leaders.

Last year, I had the privilege of leading the Clean Living Collective at Newtopia Now, helping emerging brands maximize their presence before, during, and after the show.

Our work went far beyond exhibiting. We helped founders refine their messaging, generated media exposure, created social content, facilitated introductions to buyers and editors, and connected brands with retailers, investors, and strategic partners throughout the event.

If you’re ready to scale into retail, earn press, and build relationships that can accelerate your business, let’s connect.

Have a breakthrough product? Apply to compete in the $10,000 Pitch Competition

and take the stage in front of buyers, investors, and media—including retailers like ULTA Beauty. You’ll get a free Nexty award nomination, a feature in Clean Living Magazine and more!

Last year I invited Dew Mighty, which earned both a NEXTY Award nomination and a coveted spot in the Newtopia Beauty & Wellness Pitch Competition. Seeing one of our Collective brands recognized on one of the industry’s biggest stages was an incredible milestone.

The momentum didn’t stop when the show ended. Through the relationships built at Newtopia Now, we continued connecting founders with media opportunities, including one of our founders landing a feature in Whole Foods Magazine.

Applications close TODAY July 13th, so don’t miss your chance to put your brand in the spotlight. email cassandra@cleanlivingmedia.com for details.

Investing in the Next Generation

One of the most rewarding parts of this summer has been mentoring our incredible group of interns at Studio C.

Over the past four weeks, they’ve gained hands-on experience in brand strategy, content creation, event production, media outreach, social storytelling, and what it truly takes to build a purpose-driven business. From attending industry events and collaborating with founders to working behind the scenes on Clean Living Magazine, they’ve experienced the real-world side of entrepreneurship that can’t be learned in a classroom.

Watching their confidence grow has been one of the highlights of my year. They’ve asked thoughtful questions, taken on new challenges, and contributed fresh ideas that have made a real impact on our team.

I’m so proud of everything they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where their careers take them.

The Application is here for our next internship cohort are now open for my next program beginning in Winter 2026. If you’re a student or aspiring creative, marketer, or entrepreneur looking for hands-on experience in media, events, branding, and storytelling, I’d love to hear from you.

Looking Ahead

As I look toward the second half of the year, I feel incredibly grateful.

Grateful for every founder who’s trusted me with their story.

Grateful for every brand that’s partnered with Clean Living Magazine.

Grateful for the opportunity to keep building spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Thank you for reading, for following along, and for being part of this growing community.

Whether we’ve met at an event, collaborated on a project, listened together through the podcast, or simply connected online, I’m so glad you’re here.

Here’s to an incredible rest of the summer.

With gratitude,

Cassandra McClure

It gets photographed well.

It looks good on a bio.

It becomes a brand.

And for years, I think I confused being high-functioning with being healed.

I built things.

I became visible.

I created companies, events, podcasts, magazines, rooms, communities, opportunities, stages, moments, memories.

I learned how to walk into a room and look like I belonged there even when some part of me was still wondering if I was about to be exposed.

This piece expands on a recent episode of The Cassandra McClure Show, but it is not a transcript.

The podcast is the conversation. This essay is the deeper reflection — the part I wrote after recording, when more truth came up.

You can listen to the episode Here: On Spotify

This article is a reader-supported publication written by Cassandra McClure. To receive new posts and support her work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Read more

The Clean Living Estate Retreat, hosted by Cassandra McClure, was designed exactly that way — a private, immersive day set high in the hills of Los Gatos at Lexington Hills Estate & Winery, where beauty, wellness, creativity, and connection unfolded naturally from sunrise to sunset. Surrounded by vineyards, heritage oaks, and sweeping mountain views, the space created the perfect backdrop for a slower, softer kind of luxury.

This wasn’t about rushing through activations or collecting business cards.

It was about presence, reconnecting with ourselves and creating space to breathe again.

And honestly? You could feel that energy the second guests arrived.

A Morning Designed to Exhale

The morning began quietly around the fire pit and pool as guests settled into the rhythm of the estate with curated breakfast offerings, intentional conversations, and warm introductions.

Fresh yogurt parfaits topped with berries and premium granola by Eat Cruno pastries from a local bakery, snacks from Hustle and Heart and Sunny Within, and wellness beverages from Beam and OOMee Matcha set the tone for the day ahead.

This was one of my favorite parts of the retreat because nobody felt like they had to “perform.” Women were immediately dropping into real conversation — talking about life, motherhood, healing, business, burnout, reinvention, and what they actually wanted next for themselves.

Not networking. Connection.

Returning to Self

The first guided experience of the day, Return to Self, was led by Livi Love alongside beautiful journal keepsakes from Silk + Sonder.

As guests journaled together overlooking the hills with cozy blankets, something shifted.

It even began to lightly drizzle — forcing everyone physically closer together under the covered spaces of the estate. Instead of interrupting the experience, it somehow made it more intimate.

Women shared stories. Advice. Vulnerability. Laughter.

The kind of conversations you can’t manufacture.

Beauty as Ritual, Not Perfection

Throughout the day, beauty services were intentionally woven into the retreat experience — not from a place of “fixing” women, but from a place of honoring them.

Celebrity makeup artist Jennifer Scott | Mother X Beauty offered one-on-one clean beauty consultations and effortless makeup applications that enhanced each guest’s natural features instead of covering them up.

Every appointment felt personal. Thoughtful. Confidence-building.

At the same time, guests received luxury clean haircare touch-ups using products from Bay Area-founded Innersense Organic Beauty, creating soft, polished looks that still felt authentic and wearable.

And honestly… watching women look in the mirror and see themselves differently was one of the most rewarding parts of the day.

Sustainable Styling Sessions

One of the biggest surprises for guests was the private styling experience led by sustainable stylist Alem Balay.

Instead of encouraging overconsumption, she worked with pieces guests already owned — helping them elevate their existing wardrobe with intentional styling and refined pairings.

It perfectly aligned with the philosophy behind Clean Living Magazine:

Luxury doesn’t have to mean excess.
Sometimes it’s simply learning how to see what you already have differently.

Capturing the Women Behind the Brands

Professional headshots and editorial imagery were captured throughout the day by longtime Clean Living collaborator and photographer Nat Visualz.

And if you know, you know.

Nat has been photographing my work, events, and community for over a decade — and there’s a reason she continues to be our go-to photographer for Clean Living experiences.

She has this incredible ability to make women feel relaxed, elevated, and genuinely beautiful on camera.

The headshots guests received honestly transformed their branding overnight. (Mine included — I’m literally updating my website with them now.)

Share Clean Living Magazine

Sound, Stillness & Nervous System Reset

Throughout the retreat, restorative sound healing sessions guided by Livi Love took place beside the estate’s waterfall and overlooking the hills of Los Gatos.

The atmosphere felt cinematic.

Wind moving through the trees.
Crystal bowls echoing across the water.
Women fully allowing themselves to slow down.

In a world constantly asking women to produce, perform, and push harder… stillness itself became the luxury.

An Elevated Culinary Experience

The culinary experience throughout the retreat blended nourishment with intentional hospitality.

Guests enjoyed elevated taco-style lunch offerings, avocado toast, coconut crème brûlée, MASA chips, wellness beverages, Evo Energy drinks, and local wine — all thoughtfully curated to feel both indulgent and clean.

Leave a comment

The dining experience was led by celebrity chefs Kimberly Gamble and Amanda Skog, with beautifully curated presentation details throughout the estate.

Even the cutlery by Jazz Up Co. became part of the visual storytelling.

Every plate felt editorial.

Creative Expression & Intentional Design

The afternoon continued with Stillness in Bloom, a creative workshop led by artist Ali Hall, whose work centers around atmospheric landscapes, emotional restoration, memory, nature, and the healing power of creativity. Ali’s own fine art practice deepened during a personal recovery period, when painting became a source of reflection and grounding — eventually growing into a larger body of work that now includes exhibitions, creative wellness workshops, speaking, and hosting.

For the retreat, Ali guided guests through a hands-on floral glass keepsake experience. We began by selecting delicate hand-pressed flowers in color palettes that matched our homes, offices, or personal aesthetic. From there, each woman arranged her florals inside a glass frame, creating something soft, intentional, and entirely her own. To complete the piece, we wrote an affirmation or intention — a quiet reminder of what we wanted to carry with us beyond the day.

It was creative expression in the most grounding way. Not about being “good” at art. Not about producing something perfect. But about slowing down long enough to create from a place of presence.

Like so many of the artists who activated at the retreat, Ali brought more than a workshop — she brought a personal story of healing, self-care, and transformation. Her work reflects the idea that creativity can become a tool for emotional release, reflection, and reconnection, which made the experience feel deeply aligned with the larger intention of the day.

There’s something powerful about watching high-achieving women stop trying to be productive for a moment and simply make something beautiful.

And the final piece doubled as a keepsake — a framed reminder of the stillness we created, the beauty we chose, and the moments we shared with ourselves and each other.

It was hands-on creative expression in a way that felt grounding rather than performative — reconnecting with artistry simply for the joy of creating.

There’s something powerful about watching high-achieving women stop trying to be productive for a moment and just… make something beautiful. Plus it doubled as a keepsake reminding us of the beautiful moments we shared with ourselves and each other.

Jewelry & Personal Expression

Guests also shopped handcrafted jewelry from Mexico through Dose of Home Jewelry, whose pieces brought the perfect finishing touch to the retreat’s photoshoot experience.

What began as a styling complement quickly became one of the most personal parts of the day. Each guest was invited to try on pieces that enhanced her look before stepping in front of the camera — from statement earrings to meaningful, one-of-a-kind details that felt rooted in culture, confidence, and self-expression. Dose of Home describes its work as authentic Mexican jewelry that honors raíces, traditions, and the women who came before us, which aligned beautifully with the emotional tone of the retreat.

The jewelry added that final editorial layer — the kind of detail that makes a portrait feel complete. A bold earring, a layered necklace, a touch of gold, a piece with a story. It gave each woman a moment to see herself not just styled, but adorned.

And of course, once the photos started happening, many guests couldn’t resist taking their pieces home. What was originally intended as a photoshoot styling moment naturally became a shopping experience — because when something feels that personal, beautiful, and aligned, it becomes more than an accessory.

It becomes a memory from the day.

Candle Making at Sunset

As the day began winding down, guests gathered for a candle-making workshop led by Ashley, founder of Flora Flames Candle Co., a Livermore-based candle brand known for non-toxic candles, custom scents, and private candle-making workshops.

Scent filled the air as women slowed down and took time to smell, curate, mix, and pour their own candles to take home. It was intimate, grounding, and fully sensory — a beautiful shift from the outward-facing photoshoot moments into something quieter and more personal.

What made the workshop especially meaningful was Ashley’s story. She began making candles while navigating grief after the loss of her father, using scent and the candle-making process as a way to heal, create, and reconnect with herself. What started as a personal practice eventually became Flora Flames Candle Co., where she now offers candles and hands-on workshops for others to experience that same sense of calm, creativity, and intention.

Like so many of the artists and founders who activated at the retreat, Ashley brought more than a product — she brought a story, a ritual, and a meaningful way for guests to participate. Each candle became more than a takeaway. It became a reflection of the day itself: layered, personal, beautifully intentional, and something guests could bring home as a reminder to keep choosing stillness, softness, and light.

Honoring Women Who Care for Others

One of the most meaningful parts of the retreat was the presence of surgeons and doctors from El Camino Women’s Hospital including Dr. Shyamali Singhal.

So much of the day centered around caring for women who spend their lives caring for everyone else. This matters deeply to me.

Because wellness should not only belong to influencers or founders or people with flexible schedules.

The women holding together hospitals, families, communities, and businesses deserve restoration too.

It felt like summer camp for grown women — but elevated.

Thoughtful Gifting

As with all of our events, guests departed with curated wellness totes filled with products from aligned clean living brands, including Vacation Inc., Grüns, FlavCity, Innersense Organic Beauty, Kind Patches, Intake Breathing, Maison Palo Santo, Seaside Naturals, Lash Binder, and more.

Every item reflected the same intention behind the retreat itself: supportive, elevated, beautiful, and rooted in daily ritual. These were not simply gift bags — they were a curated introduction to cleaner, safer products for the body, home, and everyday life.

Our wellness totes have always served as a trusted shortcut for women who do it all: a thoughtful guide to brands worth discovering, using, and investing in. In many ways, they are a living “clean living cheat sheet” — carefully vetted, beautifully presented, and designed to extend the experience long after guests leave..

Looking Ahead

The Clean Living Retreat is part of a much bigger vision I’ve been building for years through my creative agency — experiences that blend editorial storytelling, intentional wellness, meaningful connection, and elevated design in a way that feels deeply human.

And honestly… this is only the beginning.

We’ll be returning to Lexington Hills Estate this August for the next chapter of the series complete with an elevated sunset swim designed for 50 women who want to experience this property, the energy, conscious business, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle.

Think golden hour. Poolside conversations. Music. Summer energy. Beautiful people. Intentional connection.

And yes… tickets are already almost gone. Connect with at cassandra@cleanlivingmedia.com or book a call here to get involved.

Stay Clean,
Cassandra McClure
Clean B

Subscribe now

This was more than an event. It was a room full of women stepping more fully into their visibility, voice, style, and next chapter. From fashion and beauty to wellness, storytelling, and brand discovery, She Drives brought together an inspiring mix of founders, creatives, community leaders, and elevated partners for a day that felt both beautiful and deeply intentional.

The Energy of the Day

What made She Drives special was the feeling in the room.

Women were connecting in real ways. There was confidence, curiosity, creativity, and a shared sense of momentum. It felt stylish without being superficial. Elevated without losing heart. Every detail was designed to remind women that how we show up matters — and that being seen, supported, and celebrated matters too.

Style, Fashion, and Sparkle

A special thank you to Carlos Gonzalez, whose fashion perspective brought an editorial edge to the day. His presence helped create a powerful conversation around personal style, self-expression, and the role fashion plays in visibility.

Vintage fashion was everywhere as She Drives was a themed event that invited everyone to dress in their favorite era!

We were also joined by incredible jewelry and fashion partners including Sparkling Tales Vintage, Alahas Boutique, Kavacha Designs, and Yayah Gemstone Jewelry, who came from Santa Cruz to showcase her nature-inspired gemstone pieces.

Jewelry was the star of the show. Lots of shopping was had.

Beauty + Wellness Experiences

Beauty and wellness were woven beautifully into the guest experience.

Dry Bar Union Square offered a braid bar and hair touch-up station, and celebrity makeup artist Jenny Scott and founder of Mother x Beauty showcased a hollywood glam themed the makeup bar.

Thank you to Glow San Carlos for the spray tan that had me feeling polished and event-ready, and to West Coast Beauty Co, who offered piercings onsite — including one guest getting her ears pierced for the very first time.

Inner Essence Health brought an energizing wellness layer with B12 shots, while Mercedes, founder of Pelvic Prime Plus, showcased her nervous system health chair and introduced guests to a powerful conversation around regulation, healing, and women’s wellness.

Sips, Bites, and Thoughtful Touches

The culinary and beverage experiences added so much to the day.

Kelly Axelrod poured wine alongside Woodside Vineyard, bringing a celebratory touch to the event. “Queen of Thai Cuisine” Celebrity Chef Kimberly Gamble joined us again — previous top 20 Miss Universe Thailand contestant, bay area realtor, Thai restaurant owner, and a face featured on Food Network, Beat Bobby Flay, and Chopped — came to share delicious bites with guests.

Cherith at Namesake Cheesecake offered samples of her award-winning cheesecake, while Sweet Soul Matcha created an elevated matcha bar aboard a Chris-Craft boat, which was one of the most memorable visual moments of the day. The Wellness Affair added fresh mocktails that fit the energy perfectly.

And in every gift bag, guests received thoughtful items from Maison Palo Santo and Eat Cruno Healthy Granola.

Elevated Brand Moments

The experience was filled with activations that made the day feel playful, luxe, and content-worthy.

PixC Booth brought a GlamBot 360 photo booth experience, while Nobiluxe Escapes parked their luxury cars outside for guests to enjoy. Dustin performed live acoustic guitar and singing throughout. These details helped create the immersive, aspirational atmosphere that made She Drives feel like more than a networking event.

Speakers, Supporters, and Community

A heartfelt thank you to Jamie McFadden, bestselling author and speaker, for being part of the event and sharing her voice.

Thank you as well to Dress for Success, our nonprofit partner, whose mission aligned so beautifully with the spirit of the day. There’s still time to join us at the Dress for Success non profit gala “The Disco Ball” – 20th Anniversary event in San Francisco.

And of course, thank you to Auto Vino for hosting us in such a beautiful setting.

Share

Why It Mattered

I created She Drives to be more than a social event.

I wanted it to feel like a place where women could reconnect with themselves, refine how they show up, and experience meaningful support through style, wellness, storytelling, and community. My goal is always to create rooms where women leave feeling clearer, more connected, and more visible than when they walked in.

That’s exactly what this felt like.

Leave a comment

What’s Next

This season is full of more opportunities to gather, collaborate, and build momentum together.

• April 5 - Annual Easter Picnic, themed as a Spring Bloom Social for all of us needing to elevate our content with fresh seasonal content, Palo Alto

• April 11th - Biohack S.F. I am taking on a small number of longevity companies to activate at the event with over 300 attendees at Shack 15 at the ferry building from 10-3pm

• April 11th - Porsche and Pilates Experience at Auto Vino in San Carlos

• April 18th - Dress for Success non profit gala “The Disco Ball” – 20th Anniversary event and I will be there in support

• April 25 - I am excited to host my annual Clean Living Day Retreat in Los Gatos at a stunning mansion in the hills. Limited to 25 guests

• May 23 - Clean Living is hosting our annual Bottlerock Experience

• May 22-24 Bottlerock Napa Valley several of our collective brands will be activating and have the opportunity to sponsor with product and services including Nobiluxe Escapes and West Coast Beauty Co.

• June 17-21st - I’m curating brand experiences and including products for a bachelorette in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida

More summer events are on the way. To stay in the loop and be the first to know about upcoming experiences, subscribe to my Luma calendar here.

Thank You

To everyone who partnered, supported, attended, and contributed to She Drives — thank you.

Thank you for believing in intentional events.
Thank you for showing up with substance and style.
Thank you for helping create a space where women could feel celebrated, connected, and inspired.

We’re just getting started.

With gratitude,
Cassandra McClure

Want to attend, sponsor, or collaborate on a future event?
Subscribe to stay updated on upcoming founder dinners, media mixers, wellness experiences, and curated community events in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Subscribe now

Photo: Kate Milford

Mary Bemis grew up in the deep freeze of Minnesota, in a household where environmental consciousness wasn’t a trend but a default setting. She was the child darting from room to room turning off forgotten lights, the one lowering the thermostat in winter to save energy until her parents worried the pipes might freeze. Sustainability wasn’t an abstract ideal for her. It lived in the day-to-day. Her path, however, didn’t lead straight into the world of conscious fashion. Mary left the Midwest for Los Angeles, craving warmth and new horizons, and studied economics with the intention of heading to New York to pursue finance. And she did. She landed at an investment bank, worked the archetypal 80-hour weeks and lived the fast-paced Wall Street rhythm so many ambitious twenty-somethings imagine they want. Except, in her case, the dream didn’t fit. She burned out. She left the job with no plan, just a recommendation from a colleague to read a book titled ´I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was´. The title alone cracked something open. Over,the next few months, she allowed herself to explore a wider, less linear sense of possibility. The book’s stories of unconventional paths loosened her grip on the “safe” track she had been following.

When she returned her attention to her personal life, she noticed something startling. While cleaning out her closet to resell pieces she assumed were silk or cashmere, she realized almost everything she owned— especially her activewear—was polyester. Plastic. At the same time, she was leaning into a cleaner, more conscious lifestyle in beauty and food. The dissonance hit with force. More than 60% of all clothing is now polyester, she discovered. In activewear, that number is closer to 95%. Add to that the chemicals layered onto synthetic fabrics—BPA among them, a well-documented endocrine-disrupting compound—and the picture sharpened. Sweat, open pores, and heat create ideal conditions for chemical absorption. The garments meant to support well-being were compromising it.

Out of this collision of burnout, curiosity, environmental ethos, and lived frustration, Reprise Activewear took shape. Mary leaned into what she knew intimately: the world of leggings, movement, and the daily uniform so many women live in. If she could remake any corner of the apparel industry, this was the one worth fighting for. Still, passion alone doesn’t launch a brand. Mary knew she lacked industry experience, so she signed up for night classes at FIT in New York—sustainable sourcing, marketing, legal basics—and spent a year attending classes from six to nine after work while holding a full-time job in advertising. There, in the heart of the district, she built relationships with patternmakers and small factories and learned the business brick by brick.

Reprise began with a Kickstarter campaign nearly eight years ago, raising just under $20,000 to produce its first run. From there, everything was bootstrapped. Without outside funding, the brand grew through pop-ups, word-of-mouth, intimate conversations with customers, and constant tinkering with its messaging. Early on, Mary led with sustainability—microplastic-free, planet-friendly activewear—but the market wasn’t ready. People cared, but not enough to switch brands. Comfort became the emphasis next. Then plant-based. It wasn’t until a major study surfaced two years ago revealing high levels of BPA in mainstream activewear that public awareness finally aligned with the mission she’d been championing from day one. That shift changed everything. Consumers began searching for “non-toxic activewear,” „plastic-free leggings,” and “plant-based clothes,” and Reprise’s painstaking education efforts suddenly met a wave of organic demand.

Today the brand manufactures its fabric and garments in Portugal, ships worldwide, and is expanding into wholesale to give more customers the chance to feel the difference of the fabric in person—a crucial factor that has converted thousands of shoppers on the spot. The journey, however, has been far from the frictionless ascent she once imagined. Eight years in, Mary laughs at her early assumptions that you design a product, put it online, and watch the growth curve rise. Instead, she became an accidental expert in trade regulations, freight logistics, digital marketing, and the unglamorous mechanics of a physical goods business. Would she do it again? Absolutely. Would she expect it to take eight years to take off?

Absolutely not. Yet she’s grateful for the naïveté that carried her into the unknown and the persistence that carried her through it. Reprise’s recent growth—tripling revenue organically—feels less like a lucky break and more like a long-earned shift in the cultural tide. For Mary, the mission remains bigger than product. It’s about reclaiming wellness from greenwashing, building truly non-toxic foundations, and helping consumers understand that sustainability doesn’t stop with skincare—it’s woven into every fabric touching the skin. And as Reprise continues its rise, she hopes one day to pass on the hard-won knowledge by supporting other women founders walking their own long, winding, deeply worthwhile paths.

www.repriseactivewear.com

@repriseactivewear

Photos: Ashley LaPraden

For Jayashri Triolo, founder and designer been both her compass and sanctuary. Her journey as an artist is rooted not only in beauty and craftsmanship but also in a deep commitment to spiritual growth and the power of meaningful adornment. Growing up in the foster system as the youngest of four biological siblings, she found solace in art from a young age. “My first adopted family gave me access to art supplies,” she recalls. “I had a drawer in the kitchen that felt like an altar. I’d go there, and everything else stopped. It was where I found myself. ” That early connection—to stillness, imagination, and self-discovery—became the foundation of a lifelong creative practice. Today, Jayashri channels that same spirit into Kavacha Designs, a jewelry brand known for its modern spin of the ancient tradition of adorning your body in sacred amulets. Each piece begins as a drawing inspired by amulets and talismans gathered from around the world. “I take my inspiration, create a story board, and then design my own piece based on old world designs. I recreate them in a 3D CAD file and each piece is cast from a single 3D print.” she explains.

“It’s a modern spin on an ancient practice. Using ancient inspiration and modern technology to make heirloom jewelry.

Her creations, which she calls “Sacred Armor®,” are designed to be worn close to the heart—they are symbols of protection, devotion, and remembrance. Like the relics people have cherished for centuries, each Kavacha holds the quiet intention of spiritual connection. The word

Kavacha in Sanskrit means spiritual armor. Spirituality has guided her path as much as creativity. Raised in a Christian home, she discovered the Hare Krishna tradition while in art school and was deeply moved by its teachings on the eternal soul and mindful living. Her passion to learn Vedic scriptures in the U.S. eventually took her on a transformative journey in India, where she met her spiritual teacher and received initiation, adopting the name Jayashri. “It gave me peace,” she says. “and changed my life forever.”

The seed for Kavacha Designs was planted in 2017 during her own daily ritual of wearing a protective amulet. She was on a flight filled with curious strangers asking about her necklace, which had been happening for years but this time she took it as the sign she needed. With her teacher’s blessing, she began to share these sacred pieces with the world. “These pieces are for protection,” she says. “Like when people wear a Saint Christopher medal or Native American medicine bag— people want to adorn their bodies with something meaningful, something sacred.”

Photo: Ashley LaPraden

Though she had no formal training in jewelry design, Jayashri´s resourcefulness led her to learn from friends she admired who had been making jewelry for years. One friend took her on a day trip through the Los Angeles Jewelry District and introduced her to suppliers and the resources she needed to be on her way. Taking classes in CAD design, understanding ethical sourcing, and fine craftsmanship, every step—down to the use of lab-grown diamonds and responsibly sourced gold—is a reflection of her values. “These are sacred pieces,” she emphasizes. “Not fast fashion. They’re made to last generations.”

Jayashri’s artistic journey has also been shaped by profound personal loss. The passing of her husband to cancer inspired designs that hold ashes or tokens of remembrance—turning grief into art, and art into healing. “Where I am right now, my passion and purpose have come together,” she says. “These pieces open conversations with strangers, creating connection through shared vulnerability.” Community has been another essential thread. She found strength and mentorship among female entrepreneur collectives, including a circle led by Cassandra McClure a leader in holistic living. “Cassandra breathes life into the people around her,” Jayashri reflects. “Being part of that community makes me feel supported and less alone.”

Through that support, she’s continued to grow Kavacha Designs not only as a brand, but as a movement—one that honors sacred ritual, emotional connection, and the timeless human desire for protection and meaning. Looking ahead, her vision is clear. “I want everyone to have a piece of sacred armor—something personal that bridges tradition, spirituality and style,” she says. “I feel like I’m just getting started. I don’t think I’ll ever retire because I love every part of this—creating, connecting, and seeing how these pieces touch people’s lives.”

For Jayashri Triolo, Kavacha Designs is more than jewelry—it’s a living meditation, a reflection of a soul’s journey, and an invitation for others to carry something sacred close to their hearts.

www.kavachadesigns.com

@kavachadesigns

Not because you don’t have photos.
But because they no longer represent the woman you’ve become.

I’ve worked with hundreds of founders over the years through my radio show, Clean Beauty Kit (my viral subscription box), the founder collective, and finally—Clean Living Magazine, and I see this moment happen all the time.

A founder builds a real company.
She raises money.
She lands press.
She starts speaking on stages.

But when someone Googles her…

The photos still look like a LinkedIn headshot from 2018.

That disconnect matters.

Because the truth is:
Your image becomes part of your brand narrative.

So we decided to create something different.

Not another headshot day.
Not another basic photoshoot.

An editorial experience designed to capture founders at the level they are stepping into next.

Introducing: The Luxury Editorial Shoot Experience

At Auto Vino, one of the most visually striking venues in the Bay Area, we’re hosting a private editorial shoot surrounded by more than $25 million in rare vintage and exotic supercars.

Think cinematic lighting.
Rare vehicles.
High-fashion styling with a team of fashion-week pros.

The kind of images that look like they belong in a magazine spread.

Because honestly… they might.

Share

What Makes This Different

This isn’t a rushed photo session.

Each participant will receive:

• A 15-minute private editorial shoot with award-winning photographer Nat Visualz (trust me, you only need ten minutes)
• Creative direction by me (Cassandra McClure, Clean Living Magazine).. HI!
• Hair and makeup touch-ups by MotherxBeauty
• Designer wardrobe styling by fashion stylist Carlos Gonzalez
• Jewelry styling by Kavacha and Jen Statement Jewelry
• Multiple cinematic environments throughout the Auto Vino venue

Nat Visualz, MotherxBeauty, Carlos Gonzalez, Kavacha, Jen Statement Jewelry, Nobiluxe Escapes, Auto Vino, Clean Living Magazine, AND ​VIP access to the She Drives Women’s History Month event? Its a no brainer.

Inside the gallery: rare vintage cars.
Outside: exotic supercars, open sky, and dramatic architecture.

Every frame is designed to feel powerful, elevated, and unmistakably iconic.

Who This Is For

This experience is designed for women who are stepping into a bigger chapter of their brand.

Founders.
Creators.
Public speakers.
Executives.
Women building something meaningful.

If you’re ready for images that match the level you’re operating at now — this is for you.

The Energy of the Afternoon

The shoot will take place before our She Drives Women’s History Month celebration, where the venue transforms into a full experience with:

• Vintage and exotic cars on display
• Women-owned brand pop-ups
• Pizza oven and curated food
• Wine tastings, mocktail and matcha bars
• Jewelry and fashion brands
• Photographers, creators and media covering the evening
• A 360° experiential photo booth

Limited Editorial Sessions

Because each participant receives a private shoot, spaces are extremely limited.

VIP access and shoot sessions are already close to sold out.

If you’d like to reserve one of the remaining editorial spots, you can secure your ticket here.

When? March 13th 2026

Sometimes the fastest way to upgrade your brand…

is to finally create the images that represent who you’ve become and surround yourself with the people that want to see you level up.

And if the moment calls for it, you’re welcome to step in front of the camera with someone meaningful — a business partner, family member, or significant other. Some of the most powerful images aren’t taken alone.

See you there.

x
Cassandra McClure
Founder, Clean Living Magazine

https://luma.com/a6b27ryp

There are moments when culture shifts — not because someone was invited into the room, but because they built a new one.

SHE DRIVES was created from that idea.

This Women’s History Month, we’re gathering founders, creatives, investors, media, and community leaders inside a private club surrounded by more than $10 million in exotic, rare, and vintage cars to step into something bigger than traditional networking.

This is an immersive founder experience designed as a living editorial set — where fashion, storytelling, and automotive culture collide.

Because women don’t just participate in culture.

We move it forward.

---

Stepping Into Your Era

The theme is retro vintage editorial — an invitation to interpret your era through fashion and storytelling.

Old Hollywood glamour.

90s founder power dressing.

Modern sports chic.

Future icon energy.

Each space is styled to feel like a magazine spread.

Each car becomes a backdrop.

Each conversation becomes content.

Guests will move through curated photo moments, founder conversations, immersive activations, and community connection designed to create something lasting — not just a single afternoon.

We’ve created a Pinterest board for inspiration so attendees can envision their era and show up fully expressed.

---

Why This Matters

Traditional networking is transactional.

Modern founders need:

Visibility.

Content.

Connection.

Through the Clean Living Founder Collective and our media platforms, SHE DRIVES is designed to generate evergreen media assets, press-worthy moments, and meaningful relationships that continue long after the event ends.

This is editorial visibility in real time.

This is storytelling as strategy.

This is community as infrastructure.

---

What to Expect

The experience blends luxury, creativity, and accessibility across indoor and outdoor spaces.

Confirmed elements include:

• A luxury fashion shopping experience featuring nostalgic designers, custom boutiques, and vintage fashion

• A fashion showcase and styled editorial moments

• Mocktail bar by The Wellness Affair and light bites throughout the afternoon

• Live music and immersive photo activations

• Professional photo + video coverage including award-winning photographer Nat Visuals

• Founder spotlight conversations with luxury cars as the backdrop

• Photo booth experiences and content capture for creators with a combined reach exceeding 2M+

• Ear piercing bar, IV drip therapy, and beauty activations

• Wood-fired pizza oven, wine tasting by Woodside Winery, and a cigar lounge on the covered patio

• Kid-friendly water play and creative activities like coloring

• Seating areas designed for meaningful connection

The venue accommodates 300+ attendees, offers ample free parking, and provides a private lot for a seamless guest experience.

---

Founders, Brands & Community Leaders

Participating companies and collaborators include:

Miss California

Allie Hall Art

Auto Vino car showcase

Author Jamie McFadden

Namesake Cheesecake

Kavacha Jewelry Salon

Jen Statement Jewelry

Nobluxe Escape Luxury Concierge

West Coast Beauty Co. (Ear Piercing Bar)

Woodside Winery

The Wellness Affair

Sweet Soul Matcha

Carlos Gonzalez Styling

Glow San Carlos

Slovine Store Fashion

Mommy’s Sweet Potato Pies

…and more to come.

We’re welcoming founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders across categories — creating a dynamic cross-industry environment where collaboration happens naturally.

---

Media & Visibility

Confirmed media and creative partners include:

Clean Living Magazine

Nat Visuals Photography

Sustainable Latina

One Take Media

Modern Woman PR

Emmy Award winner Sarah Pilla has already shared the experience across her platforms, and multiple creators have confirmed attendance.

This isn’t just an event.

It’s documentation.

It’s amplification.

It’s narrative building.

---

Ways to Get Involved

Partners can still apply to activate through:

Speaking opportunities

Styled build-outs

Fashion moments

Beauty activations

Founder conversations

Content collaborations

Powder room product placement

We’re intentionally designing spaces where brands don’t just show up — they become part of the story.

---

About Cassandra McClure

I’m the founder of Clean Living Magazine, a strategic advisor, event host, and media personality connecting brands, founders, and culture.

I produce experiences that function like editorial ecosystems — generating visibility, relationships, and long-term brand value.

Our events bring together attendees and vendors from around the world and are built around one core belief:

When women are seen, supported, and documented — momentum becomes inevitable.

You can explore past experiences on my website.

---

Join Us

SHE DRIVES is about stepping into authorship of your story.

It’s about honoring the eras that shaped us while creating the ones that don’t exist yet.

It’s about building rooms where visibility and belonging happen at the same time.

Join us in shaping the future of clean living, storytelling, and founder culture — and in celebrating the women driving momentum forward.

Because the next era isn’t waiting.

We’re creating it.

JOIN: https://luma.com/a6b27ryp

Photo: NatVisualz

When Mason Garrity landed in California from the East Coast for college, he imagined a career built in code and product roadmaps. For years, he had exactly that—an early trajectory in tech—until life rerouted him through Napa Valley. His wife worked in hospitality, and the two of them began building a small constellation of businesses together: a winery, a restaurant, and a café. The pace changed, the palette changed, but the entrepreneurial muscle remained the same. Outside of work and family, his longstanding obsession with cars only intensified on Napa’s serpentine roads. The spark for Napa Valley Car Club arrived with a phone call from his friend and future co-founder Andrew: what if they launched an exotic car rental company in a region that had none, and used it as the engine to “own” car culture in the valley? The concept wasn’t to invent something from scratch—Miami, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles are awash with exotic rentals—but to transplant the idea into a destination that actually begged to be driven. Napa’s tourism infrastructure, spread-out geography, and romantic, ribboning roads made the logic feel almost self-evident. If visitors needed transportation between wineries, resorts, and restaurants, why not make the journey the highlight?

In 2023, Mason and his partners launched the Napa Valley Car Club with that straightforward thesis. Within a year, that future arrived. The rental business proved a strong entry point, but the founders’ real ambition—a members’ clubhouse—a locus for car culture, conversation, and community—came into focus. Today, the partnership operates like a tight, entrepreneurial roster that divides and conquers. Mason runs marketing, finance, and design; Andrew serves as GM, handling day-to-day operations and staff; Jason steers membership and programming. Plenty still requires all hands and fresh problem-solving. Much of what they’re building didn’t exist in Napa before, so the team has learned in public listening to members, adjusting the space, and refining the model as they go.

Photo: NatVisualz

On the fleet side, discipline rules the dream. There are plenty of models the founders would love to buy, but passion yields to P&L. Cars rotate out as mileage climbs or novelty fades. The display lineup changes every few months to keep the scenery fresh; member loaners pass through; special pieces appear and disappear like limited-run exhibitions. Could anything top the spectacle of a Formula 1 car? Sure—an actual race-used F1 chassis. But until Lewis Hamilton drops one off for “a couple of months,” the replicas will do. The bigger vision remains what it was on day one: to cement and expand car culture in Napa Valley. That means more of everything—more programming, more drives, more conversations that blend craft, commerce, and community—and, eventually, a larger, purpose-built facility that matches demand.

What’s most revealing is how the venture has already surprised its founders. They expected a heavier skew toward hardcore car people; instead, business users and experience-seekers have flooded in, asking for more lounges and breakout nooks for meetings and impromptu deals. The club recently added another lounge to answer that demand. It’s the same lesson Mason learned moving from tech into hospitality: build for how people actually gather, not just how you imagined they might. In Napa, the road may be the draw, but the destination is community.

www.napavalleycarclub.com

@napavalleycarclub

This was one of them.

I recently sat down for a video podcast interview that traces my journey—from sneaking backstage in Hollywood and hustling my way into rooms I “wasn’t supposed to be in,” to building Clean Living Magazine and a global clean beauty movement rooted in health, truth, and community.

It’s raw. It’s honest. And it’s the most complete version of my story I’ve shared publicly.

🎥 Watch the full interview here:

https://youtu.be/aJ2vau-NDXk?si=XFoWwt_UrYtFzymi

The Hustle Nobody Sees

Before Silicon Valley, before magazines and stages, there was Hollywood.

I talk about:

Paying doormen $100 just to get backstage

• Sneaking into music video sets with Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj

• Sitting next to Kim Kardashian before she was famous

• Being told “you’re done, go home” — and choosing not to leave

What I learned early is something I still live by today:

Access often goes to the person who refuses to exit the room.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

In 2018, my life took a hard pivot.

I was diagnosed at Stanford with an autoimmune condition and partial vision loss—caused by the very makeup products I had spent years using on celebrities.

That moment cracked everything open.

I learned that:

• The U.S. hasn’t meaningfully regulated cosmetics since 1938

• Toxic ingredients were hiding in everyday beauty products

• No one was really talking about it in a way that felt accessible, honest, or founder-led

So I did what I’ve always done when something felt broken.

I built something new.

Clean Beauty Wasn’t a Trend—It Was a Necessity

Out of that health crisis came:

• The world’s first Clean Beauty podcast

• A platform exposing toxic ingredients and industry loopholes

• Clean Living Magazine, now reaching 2.5 million readers worldwide

• A community of founders, creatives, and women building businesses with integrity

In the interview, we dive into why California’s new cosmetic regulations will change the entire industry—and why transparency is no longer optional.

The B-Word, Burnout, and Boundaries

We also talk about the parts people don’t glamorize:

• Why being called “the B-word” actually helped my business grow

• Turning down Shark Tank

• Shutting down my own product company—on purpose

• Managing four rental properties, a media company, events, and motherhood

• And why community, not clout, is the real asset

There’s no overnight success here.

Just resilience, pattern recognition, and the willingness to pivot when the truth demands it.

Why This Conversation Matters

If you’re:

• An entrepreneur navigating reinvention

• A founder building in a crowded or unregulated industry

• A woman who’s been underestimated, labeled, or dismissed

• Or someone quietly rebuilding after a health or life wake-up call

This episode is for you.

Not because it’s polished—but because it’s real.

Watch the episode

🎥 https://youtu.be/aJ2vau-NDXk?si=XFoWwt_UrYtFzymi

And if it resonates, share it with someone who needs permission to trust their pivot.

—

Cassandra

#SublimeAvenue #FounderStory #CleanLiving #WomenInBusiness #HealthToWealth #MediaFounder #Reinvention #CleanBeauty #SiliconValley #Unfiltered

Photo: Jason Johnson

Jason Johnson has the kind of résumé that makes Silicon Valley veterans pause mid-latte. A former Apple and Dolby Laboratories insider turned serial entrepreneur, he’s built and sold four venture-backed technology companies since launching his first broadband service provider back in 1997. The company spanned 18 states before he sold it in 2000—marking the beginning of a career defined by vision, precision, and a knack for creating what others only dream up. But what’s striking about Jason isn’t just his tech pedigree—it’s the human side of it. The meticulous networker who describes himself as “strategic and calculated” in every move he’s made still finds time to take notes about the people he meets. “Years ago, I used to write on the back of business cards,” he laughs. “Now it’s my phone. But I always try to remember the details—something personal that helps me connect.”

His LinkedIn network spans over 10,000 people, all personally connected in some meaningful way. “I don’t just accept anybody,” he says. “If we’re connected, there’s a reason.” It’s that spirit of connection that ultimately led to his latest passion project: The Napa Valley Car Club, a members-only social and car club tucked away in Napa Valley, co-founded with four other visionaries. Equal parts coworking space, community hub, and collector’s playground, “The Barn” was built from a desire to bring people together—especially after years of Zoom fatigue and isolation. “I was working from home in Napa,” Jason admits. “It’s beautiful, but it can get lonely. I wanted a place where I could work during the day, meet interesting people, take calls, and then, in the evening, have a drink and unwind with others who are also building things.”

What started as a self-serving idea quickly evolved into a full-fledged business model. The NVCC is now a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and car enthusiasts who crave more than another sterile boardroom or coffee shop meeting. It’s a space designed for genuine interaction—complete with supercars that gleam like sculptures, private nooks for Zoom calls, and curated events that spark both business ideas and friendships. The concept took shape through a serendipitous mix of timing and collaboration.

Photo: Jason Johnson

“One of the original partners, Andrew, had pitched me a supercar rental business,” Jason recalls. “At first, I turned it down. It didn’t feel like my thing. But later, I started hosting poker games with the guys who did launch that business, and we began talking about how amazing it would be to combine it with a clubhouse—a place that’s part coworking, part social club. That’s how it all came together.” Each of the five founders brought something different to the table: technical expertise, real estate acumen, brand experience, and a shared obsession with excellence. “All five of us have our own strengths,” Jason says. “It’s a perfect balance. Our skills and networks complement each other, which is why the collaboration

works so well.” If the idea of a members-only hub for entrepreneurs sounds familiar, it’s because Jason has been here before. Years earlier, he co-founded the Founders Den in San Francisco—an invite-only workspace for startup founders that predated WeWork. “We were approached by people in Berlin, Tokyo, and Rio who wanted to open their own Founders Dens,” he says. “We said no at the time because we had other companies to run. Then we watched WeWork come along and become this massive global phenomenon. Looking back, we realized that could’ve been us.”

This time around, Jason and his partners are in no rush to replicate the model, though expansion is very much a thought. “We’ve already had people approach us about opening in other cities,” he admits. “It’s definitely an option.” Like Founders Den, the NVCC operates on an invite-only basis, emphasizing curation over scale. “We’re very intentional about who joins,” Jason explains. “It’s not about exclusivity for exclusivity’s sake—it’s about creating a community where people genuinely bring value to one another. We know what fits and what doesn’t.” That careful curation hasn’t stopped the club from becoming one of Napa’s most intriguing new destinations—a hybrid of creative energy and understated luxury. It’s a space where a founder can brainstorm a new app beside a designer sketching out a product launch, both surrounded by rows of meticulously polished cars that serve more as art than status symbol. “Some members don’t even care about the cars,” Jason says with a grin. “But everyone appreciates the atmosphere.”

Recently, the NVCC partnered with creative producer Cassandra McClure, who saw the potential to blend luxury lifestyle storytelling with the club’s entrepreneurial DNA. “Cassandra immediately understood the brand,” Jason says. “She’s creative, she’s driven, and she recognized that our club is more than just cars—it’s a lifestyle platform. The content she’s produced for us has been incredible.” In a way, the NVCC feels like the physical embodiment of everything Jason Johnson has built his career on: community, innovation, and calculated risk. It’s equal parts business and pleasure, strategy and spontaneity. A place where the next billion-dollar idea might be conceived over an espresso—or a poker hand. And if history is any indication, Johnson will be there to take notes—ready for whatever idea comes next.

www.napavalleycarclub.com

@napavalleycarclub

Photo: NatVisualz

Benjamin Martinez did not become an entrepreneur by chasing shortcuts or spotlight moments. His path was shaped by grit, global service, and a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship—values learned early and tested often. Long before he was helping build Napa Valley’s most exclusive automotive community, he was learning what it meant to lead through consistency, humility, and the kind of effort most people never see. He grew up on job sites, working summers with his father, Rick Martinez, who founded RLM Enterprises in 1986 as a small family painting company rooted in integrity. Benjamin learned the business from the ground up—brush in hand, feet on ladders, long days spent building fences, decks, and relationships with crews twice his age. Those early years taught him that leadership is not a title; it is showing up, doing the work, and setting a standard others can trust.

After high school, Benjamin left California for Colorado to attend a rigorous three-year leadership academy that would reshape his worldview. The program sent him around the globe: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Peru, the Amazon River, Fiji, Mexico, Germany, the Czech Republic, Canada, and more. In each place, he served on the ground—building schools and wells, repairing homes, teaching in classrooms, and supporting community projects that stretched far beyond individual comfort. These experiences gave him something no textbook could: humility, perspective, and the understanding that leadership begins with service. It also gave him a global education in discipline and responsibility—qualities that would later define his entrepreneurial approach.

Photo: NatVisualz

When Benjamin returned to California, he rejoined the family business just as it was entering a period of significant growth. His father’s instinct for craftsmanship had built a strong foundation; Benjamin’s instinct for scale and structure would take it further. In 2015, he became licensed, brought his wife into the operation to run the office, and stepped into the role of President with a private promise: protect the legacy, raise the standard, and build something enduring. He kept that promise. Under Benjamin’s leadership, RLM expanded contract sales by more than 800%, evolving from a small painting company into one of Northern California’s premier commercial contractors. He built large, high-performing crews, hired estimators and project managers, modernized operations, and earned a reputation as the person capable of delivering the hard jobs—the ones others called “a stretch.” RLM’s portfolio reflects that rise: NASA, Caltrans, Four Seasons, Marriott, Hyatt, 300+ multifamily developments, major auto dealerships, and iconic Napa Valley resorts and wineries including Stanly Ranch, Solage, the Meritage, and Auberge du Soleil. Developers, property managers, and general contractors across the region now regard RLM as a trusted partner—one whose results speak louder than any marketing campaign. Through it all, Benjamin’s leadership style stayed remarkably grounded. He credits his team. He honors his father’s original craftsmanship. He mentors younger men using the same principles he learned abroad. And he keeps one phrase from a mentor at the center of every decision: “Persistence wears down resistance.” It’s not a motto—it’s a method.

The Napa Valley Car Club entered his story later, more passion play than business plan. Buying his first AMG awakened a fascination with modern performance cars, and a conversation with neighbor-turned-business partner Andrew Mazzotti quickly turned into an idea: build a small fleet, structure it as an experience business, and create a community around it. Benjamin didn’t hesitate. The construction roots came in handy when the duo found a rundown metal barn on the Napa River and transformed it into a sleek clubhouse that now houses the club’s social community, private events, and rotating fleet. But even as the Car Club grows—offering rentals, corporate experiences, and a curated membership community—Benjamin’s entrepreneurial core remains with RLM. The Car Club may be the visible sparkle, but RLM is the engine: the legacy, the discipline, the quiet force behind decades of work.

Humble but relentless, disciplined yet forward-thinking, Benjamin Martinez represents a new era of entrepreneurial leadership—shaped by global experience, rooted in family values, and guided by an unwavering commitment to excellence. RLM Enterprises stands as a reflection of that pursuit: a family legacy strengthened and elevated by a leader who refuses to stop pushing for better, whether he’s managing a multimillion-dollar development or turning an overlooked warehouse into a place the community didn’t know it needed.

www.rlmenterprisesinc.com

Photo: R Inn Napa

When you walk through the doors of R Inn Napa, it doesn’t feel like checking into a hotel. It feels like stepping into someone’s home—one that just happens to blend impeccable design, quiet luxury, and that rare sense of belonging. That’s by design. At the heart of this family-owned, 16-room boutique hotel in downtown Napa is Sean Heffran, a lifelong hospitality enthusiast who helped turn the family real estate project into one of the most distinctive stays in wine country. When Sean’s family purchased the century-old property nearly eight years ago, they didn’t set out to create a hotel at all. “We bought it for its location,” Sean recalls. „It was a great property in downtown Napa—walkable, central—but we weren’t sure what to do with it yet.” That uncertainty didn’t last long. With Napa’s growing tourism scene and their background in commercial real estate development, the Heffrons decided to take a creative leap: build something intimate, artful, and entirely their own. The result was R Inn Napa—a space that merges modern convenience with thoughtful design and personal touch. „It’s a true family affair,” Sean explains. “My sister, Maurissa, masterminded the interior design and decor, my dad, Dion, created the hotel concept along with the original photography and artwork in each room; my mom, Gloria, keeps us grounded and supported; and I run the day-to-day operations.”

Unlike the large resorts that dominate the valley, R Inn Napa thrives on minimalism—in both staff and structure. “It’s a 24/7 business,” Sean admits, „but our concept is intentionally self-sufficient. Guests check in through keypad codes, every room has its own secure entry, and we focus on giving them independence and privacy.” That simplicity allows Sean and his lean team—just a handful of innkeepers and housekeepers— to deliver a level of warmth and attention that big chains can’t replicate. “It kind of feels like a private house in downtown Napa,” he says. “Guests can make themselves at home, wander out for wine tastings or dinner, and come back to their own quiet retreat.” Every detail reflects that balance of high-tech comfort and homelike warmth: heated Toto bidets, remote- controlled beds, 55-inch smart TVs, and original artwork that gives each room its own soul. The blend of rustic textures and contemporary lines gives R Inn a style that’s unmistakably Napa yet refreshingly modern—less country inn, more curated escape.

For Sean and his family, building R Inn Napa was never just about the building - it was about being part of the town’s pulse. “We’re not a corporate operation,” he says. “We’re family-run, so it’s important for us to support other small, local businesses.” That philosophy shows up everywhere. The hotel’s amenities include pastries from local bakeries, wines from nearby vintners, and art collaborations with Napa-based creators. Even the property’s events—like its upcoming partnership with Clean Living Magazine’s Winter Launch Weekend—celebrate local talent, featuring private wine cruises on the Napa River and creative gatherings that connect travelers and makers alike. “Napa’s a small town,” Sean says with a grin. “Everyone knows everyone. The whole valley runs on hospitality, food, and wine—so we all try to lift each other up.”

Photo: R Inn Napa

As R Inn Napa continues to make its mark, Sean and his family are already thinking about what’s next. “I’d love to see us open another location or two,” he says. “Our concept is simple and scalable—it could work beautifully in the right markets.” Potential future destinations are already on his list: Palm Springs, North San Diego, Newport Beach, or even Healdsburg, another charming wine town just an hour north. “We like keeping our projects local and within California,” Sean notes. „Somewhere walkable, design-driven, and authentic— places that share our philosophy of understated luxury.” The idea isn’t to create a chain but to replicate a feeling— that blend of independence, art, and connection that makes R Inn Napa feel like a well-kept secret shared among friends. Winter may be the “off season” in Napa, but Sean sees it differently. “It’s actually one of the best times to visit,” he says. “It’s quieter, cozier—you can get into restaurants easily, meet winemakers, and really see the valley without the crowds.”

As he prepared to host Clean Living Magazine’s winter weekend, complete with Duffy boat cruises and intimate gatherings, Sean reflected on what makes his work meaningful. “Hospitality isn’t about perfection,” he says. „It’s about creating a space where people feel something—relaxed, inspired, connected. When guests tell me it feels like home, that’s when I know we’ve done it right.” At R Inn Napa, that feeling lingers long after checkout—the quiet hum of comfort, the art-lined halls that tell a family story, and the sense that you’ve found something rare: a hotel built not by committee, but by heart.

www.rinnnapa.com

@rinnnapa

Photo: NatVisualz

Before there was a club, there was simply a spark. Andrew Mazotti—Napa native, lifelong car lover, and former real-estate-and-politics guy—looked around his hometown and noticed a gap. Napa had all the elements of luxury: world-class wineries, iconic hotels, stunning landscapes, and a price tag to match. But something was missing. “There’s got to be a market for this,” he thought. Not just premium car rentals, but something that made the journey feel as special as the destination. The first idea was modest: an exotic car rental fleet delivered to resorts and private homes. Andrew tapped a close circle of friends to help bring it to life—friends who weren’t just investors, but strategic partners. Mason, a Michelin-star restaurateur with a talent for hospitality and branding. Charlie from Caymus Vineyards, whose reach and influence in Napa could unlock doors. Ben, the operator who thrives on logistics and running tight systems behind the scenes. And Jason, a tech entrepreneur with a passion for social clubs and the communities built around them.

The early days were scrappy but full of momentum. Cars were kept in garages, deliveries happened on the fly, and many operations were run out of a family “car barn.” A signature red Ferrari quickly became the face of the fleet. As bookings grew, one insight became impossible to ignore: guests didn’t just want to drive an exotic car. They wanted an experience. That realization changed everything. The team shifted from simple rentals to curated drives—guided rallies through Napa’s back roads, radios buzzing with energy, scenic overlooks for photos, and effortless arrivals at luxury resorts for champagne or tastings. These experiences created a new kind of buzz.

The more they hosted, the more top-tier hotels and wineries wanted in, and the more the brand began to take shape. The success of the rallies set the stage for a bigger dream: a dedicated home for the community forming around the cars. Less than a year ago, that dream became reality with The Barn, a clubhouse where Napa stone meets carbon fiber, and where the vibe is equal parts sophisticated and relaxed. Jason’s long-running vision for a modern social club clicked. Membership wasn’t about knowing torque specs or car mechanics. It was about appreciating beautiful things, good company, and unforgettable moments. Members responded quickly.

Photo: NatVisualz

Through referrals and word of mouth, the Napa Valley Car Club grew to roughly 300 members in just a few months and the Barn became a hub for events—some hosted by the club itself, others featuring brands like Ferrari and McLaren, who saw the opportunity to reach an engaged, high-end audience. If The Barn is the heartbeat, the Napa Event is the club’s signature celebration. Partnering with The Palm Event in Florida, the team brought East Coast concours culture to the valley, blending food, wine, fashion, music, and a dazzling lineup of cars. Year two wrapped just weeks ago, and the concept has already become part of Napa’s evolving identity. Imagine a V12 echoing across the valley between a Michelin lunch and a sunset rosé—that’s the experience they created Partnerships fuel everything they do, and Andrew is careful about how he expands the circle. He gravitates toward collaborators who reflect where Napa is going—not where it has been. Progressive wineries, design- forward hotels, and innovators pushing hospitality further are all part of the mix. The addition of Cassandra McClure—a Silicon Valley connector who brings both speed and the female founder community into the club—signaled something important: this isn’t a boys’ club. The Napa Valley Car Club is intentionally inclusive, modern, and open.

So how does a supercar-driven lifestyle fit into a place known for being “laid-back”? Andrew has a simple answer: Napa may be relaxed, but it’s also luxurious. Guests already indulge in thousand-dollar bottles, private tastings, and premium suites. They don’t want to switch gears into something basic when moving around the valley—they want transportation that rises to the level of the rest of their itinerary. And while Napa’s look can feel familiar—olive trees, fieldstone, everything perfectly curated—the club brings a fresh aesthetic. “We’re not planting olive trees,” Andrew jokes. “We’re planting palm trees.” The community seems to agree. Concierges whisper recommendations. Members bring their friends. Visitors post on social. Word spreads—sometimes all the way to Los Angeles or Vegas.

What’s next? Officially, the focus is on refining the Napa model. But it’s easy to imagine another outpost where great cars, great company, and great hospitality meet under one roof. Places like Orange County, Dallas, Scottsdale, or Palm Beach—markets that already understand the blend of luxury and experience—are natural contenders. In the end, Andrew’s original insight was right: people don’t join clubs for the activity alone. They join for a lifestyle, for community, and for the feeling that something special is happening. Napa Valley Car Club delivered exactly that. The cars are the backdrop. The memories are what people come back for. And if you’re crossing the valley anyway, why not do it in a red Ferrari with palm trees waiting at the door?

www.napavalleycarclub.com

@napavalleycarclub

Photo: Caymus Andrew

The first time Caymus Andrew touched clay, it wasn’t destiny he was chasing — it was a scheduling gap. As a high school freshman needing an art elective, he casually signed up for ceramics. His teacher, Mel Simpson — a master potter then in his 70s — gave a wheel demonstration on the first day. “I was mesmerized,” Caymus remembers. “I just knew I had to figure out how to do that.” He spent the next four years doing exactly that. By senior year, he’d developed a natural fluency with form and texture, the kind of effortless skill that makes onlookers assume years of disciplined study. People loved his work. Still, he was pragmatic. “I knew it was hard to make a living as an artist,” he admits. So, after graduation, he traded clay for textbooks, enrolling at the University of Arizona to study marketing. The plan was safe: a career in insurance or commercial real estate. But that plan never felt right.

After college, with his degree in hand, Caymus couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d left a part of himself behind. “I just kept thinking, what if I went for it?” he says. “Even after four years, I still believed in what I could make.” So he took a leap. A few months after graduation, he found a local studio, dusted off his skills, and got to work. To pay the bills, he took a job at Stanly Ranch, a luxury resort in Napa Valley. When he finally showed his pottery to the resort manager, her reaction changed everything. “She was amazed,” he recalls. “Next thing I knew, my pieces were displayed all over the property.” Today, guests wandering through Stanly Ranch are surrounded by his work — minimalist, modern, quietly elegant vessels that feel perfectly at home in Napa’s understated luxury. That early validation gave him momentum. “If Stanly Ranch wanted to decorate with my work,” he says, “I figured other people would too.” Now 24, Caymus works full-time as a potter — a rare feat for any artist, let alone one so young. He credits his marketing background for helping him navigate the business side. “Maybe it was a good thing I didn’t go to art school,” he says with a laugh. “It taught me how to position myself, how to find the right audience.” In a region known for fine taste and design, his minimalist aesthetic found its niche.

Photo: Caymus Andrew

What started with a few local commissions has since grown into a full-fledged business, with most of his clients discovering him on Instagram. Still, Caymus keeps a balance between commissioned work and creative freedom. “There’s this idea that doing commissions kills creativity,” he says. “I actually love it. Collaborating with people to create something that fits their space — it’s fulfilling.” He pauses, then smiles. “And when I’m just creating for myself, I start worrying — like, will anyone even want this?” His process varies depending on the client. Recently, a couple from Napa invited him to design large-scale pieces for their living room. “They had these two huge shelves flanking their TV — about 45 inches tall,” he recalls. “I usually don’t work that big, but I said yes.” He visited their home, studied the colors, the light, the energy. “Then I designed something that felt like it belonged there.” Throughout production, he sent progress photos, updates, even the occasional message like ‘This one exploded in the oven — starting over!’ His clients trusted him completely. “They give me room to improvise,” he says. “I’m lucky — I’ve never had a client dislike a piece.” That trust is part of what fuels him. Each collaboration becomes a conversation — between artist, collector, and space. “It’s about creating the best possible piece for that environment,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Caymus dreams bigger than just his own studio. “I want Caymus Andrew to grow into a brand — one that brings together other creatives, maybe even different mediums. I want it to stand for craftsmanship, for beauty, for care.” His aesthetic is constantly evolving. “What I made last year feels different from what I make now,” he says. “But that’s the exciting part — it’s always changing.”

In Napa, his pieces can be seen at Stanly Ranch, The Napa Valley Car Club, and Auberge du Soleil. For those who can’t make the trip, his website showcases his latest work — each piece sculpted with intention, glazed with quiet confidence, and born from that moment, years ago, when a teenager watched a ball of clay come to life and decided to chase that magic. Caymus isn’t just shaping pottery — he’s shaping a future where art, ambition, and authenticity all live in perfect balance.

www.caymusandrew.com

@caymusandrew

Photo: DOTTO

Dominic Dotto grew up with a toolbelt within reach. As a kid, he was the one taking things apart to see how they fit together, the one who loved the smell of cut lumber and the logic of framing. That early curiosity became a profession: first on job sites, then as a lead foreman framing homes, and later as a project manager and estimator inside a high-end residential firm. Those years gave him a ground-up view of construction—how budgets, scheduling, and client expectations intersect with the lived reality of dirt, steel, and weather.

Seven years ago, Dominic founded his namesake firm with a premise borrowed from hospitality: if the Four Seasons can deliver a consistent, white-glove experience anywhere in the world, why can’t a construction company do the same? He set out to build a bespoke, high-end practice defined by service, process, and relationships—where the client experience remains as carefully engineered as the structure itself. Referrals are the firm’s lifeblood, so Dominic treats each commission as a flagship. “Every job is our portfolio,” he tells clients; there is no coasting on decades of reputation. That conviction mattered early on. Dominic launched in his twenties and immediately found himself pitching against companies two or three times his age—some run by second-generation owners. Where he couldn’t compete on tenure; he competed on accountability. Clients weren’t just hiring a logo; they were hiring the person who would show up, communicate, and problem-solve. The bet paid off. Now 33, he leads multi-million-dollar custom builds that often push the boundaries of what a lot—and a hillside—can hold.

If the brand promise is hospitality, the engine is technology. Dominic’s sites run on tablets and cloud platforms. Superintendents track daily logs and photo updates; clients, wherever they are, can open a dashboard and see exactly what happened that day. QR codes posted in each room link to the latest specifications for that space. The result is fewer surprises, faster decisions, and a shared source of truth for owners, architects, and trades.

Construction may be an old-school industry, he says, but the expectations of modern clients aren’t. Meeting them requires transparency and speed. He is equally direct about the art of expectation-setting. A custom home is personal, expensive, and long—often one to two years of weekly contact with a team. Variables abound: a delayed shipment, a sudden storm, a subcontractor sidelined by a fender-bender. Dominic meets clients early to talk about the “reality of life,” to outline what the team controls and what no one can. The promise is not perfection; it’s responsiveness. Problems will arise, solutions will be devised, and communication will be clear. He compares it to buying a product that notes “batteries not included”— the outcome is the same, but naming it upfront preserves trust.

Photo: DOTTO

Trust, in fact, is the quiet framework running through his projects. At the ultra-custom level, many general contractors draw from the same pool of elite trades. What differentiates is process—how a GC orchestrates the parts, how quickly issues become solutions, how well the team listens. He tells prospective clients to choose the builder they want to spend time with. For a year or more, this person and their team will be in your calendar and, figuratively, in your bedroom. Chemistry matters. Experience matters, too—and Dominic has earned his through the sort of foundations that keep builders awake. Recent hillside projects have involved million-dollar foundations with tiebacks drilled deep into the earth, 20-foot retaining walls, and infinity pools cantilevered over views. These are not chapters from a textbook; they’re real-time collaborations with engineers and specialists, the kind of learning you only get by doing. That appetite for complexity extends to sustainability: the firm has embraced net-zero and high-efficiency systems that some legacy builders avoid. For Dominic, new methods are part of the job, not detours from it.

The next chapter moves beyond single commissions into development. Dominic is designing and building custom estates as part of curated, wine-country–style enclaves—places where architecture and lifestyle arrive as a set. He has assembled partnerships with regional icons—raceways, wineries, clubs—so a home purchase comes bundled with access and community. In a world where second and third homes are common, concierge-level support and instant immersion matter. Buyers step into a house and a network at once. Geographically, the vision is growing: Los Angeles and Hawaii are firmly in view, paired with a promise to replicate the firm’s consistency from market to market. The core remains the same—relationship first, process-driven, technology-forward—expressed through a hospitality lens. Build beautifully. Communicate relentlessly. Make it easy to know what’s happening without standing in the mud.

Dominic still approaches each project with the urgency of a founder who can’t afford a misstep. That’s less anxiety than philosophy: in custom construction, you never entirely see how the sausage is made—and you shouldn’t have to. Clients should feel the calm of a well-run kitchen and the pleasure of the final plate. Behind the scenes, the team is measuring twice, cutting once, and documenting everything. Out front, the promise holds: a white-glove build, delivered by a builder who treats your home like the most important one on his list—because, for him, it always is.

www.dottocompany.com

@dotto_company

Photo: Curae Social

The story of Curae Social began long before a platform, a pitch deck, or even a business plan existed. It started with a young marketing student who discovered that the most interesting work often happens in the spaces where creativity and operations collide. Eight years ago, while studying business marketing, Kaitlin Walls found herself at a moment when social media was shifting from novelty to necessity. Influencers were gaining momentum, TikTok was just beginning to ripple into the mainstream, and brands were waking up to the idea that culture was happening on people’s phones before anywhere else. Her classes leaned heavily into digital strategy, analytics, and social storytelling, giving her a foundation that felt unusually future-proof.

Outside the classroom, she found a different kind of training ground. She began assisting wedding planners, drawn to the electric hum of event days and the puzzle of bringing someone’s vision to life. No two weddings looked alike; no two clients imagined beauty in the same way. “It was the perfect blend of business and creativity,” she often reflects. That duality—strategy in one hand, imagination in the other—became an early thread in her career. After graduation, she joined the same wedding planning company full-time, taking on both event work and the brand’s marketing. As with many small teams, she wore every hat: website management, social media, email campaigns, copywriting. She loved the pace, but eventually felt a tug toward focusing on digital strategy more deeply. Then the pandemic hit, shutting down events overnight. It was the nudge she needed to pivot.

In May 2020, she accepted a role at a tech startup in the asset management space. It was an industry she had never imagined entering, but the environment reshaped her understanding of business entirely. “I credit that job for teaching me how companies actually grow,” she says. She learned sales, operations, positioning, and how to build systems that scale. She also watched the company navigate an acquisition, a real-world masterclass in the lifecycle of a startup. After two years, she felt ready for something less rigid and more aligned with the consumer-facing brands she gravitated toward. She left to freelance full-time, armed with savings and exactly one client. The leap was undeniably intimidating, but she trusted her instincts. Soon she was juggling accounts across beauty, tech, lifestyle, and even a France-based business—each one giving her a clearer picture of what early-stage brands truly needed.

It was during this period that she fell into influencer campaign management. The deeper she went, the clearer she saw the gaps. Existing tools were expensive, fragmented, or built for enterprise teams rather than small brands trying to find their footing. The platforms that claimed to be “all in one” rarely were. Discovery lived one place, communication in another, analytics somewhere else. Most importantly, none of them gave creators a centralized home where they could apply for opportunities, manage relationships, and grow their businesses.

Kaitlin began sketching the product she wished existed. She didn’t know how to build software, but she knew the problems well enough to imagine the solutions. She partnered with a co-founder, pitched the idea, and began development. Over eight months, Curae Social’s first version came to life: a dual-sided marketplace where brands could post campaigns—paid, gifting, or affiliate—and creators could apply, negotiate, and collaborate all in one place. Last year, they launched a 50-person beta program.

Every week, brands and creators offered feedback, critiqued features, and revealed what they actually needed, not what the industry assumed they wanted. That year of iteration became the backbone of the platform’s clarity and ease. By the time Curae Social entered the market this year, the product felt intuitive rather than overwhelming—a rare achievement in software built for non-technical users. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Brands appreciate the simplicity; creators praise the transparency. But the real magic is happening offline. Kaitlin quickly realized that community is the missing ingredient in modern creator platforms, so Curae Social began hosting monthly events: curated dinners, wellness activations, beach gatherings, even a coastal-cowboy-themed meetup. The result is exactly what she hoped for—brands meeting the real humans behind the content, creators connecting beyond screens, and long-term partnerships forming from genuine rapport. Today, Curae Social is attracting early-stage brands across beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and fitness—largely product-based, though service providers are steadily joining. Creators can sign up for free, while brands subscribe through a flexible monthly model. A tiered system is coming soon, along with additional vetting levels for creators as the platform scales.

Kaitlin dreams big, but she’s intentional. She wants Curae Social to become a leading platform in the space, but she believes its biggest differentiator will always be connection. “It shouldn’t be complicated to work together,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s about people.”

www.curaesocial.com

@curaesocial