Laguna Beach Living

Unconditional is a rescue dedicated to finding homes for senior and special dogs. They know that these dogs are most often overlooked in the shelters so they have created a non-profit that not only highlights them and their stories, but also shows them relaxed, living in an environment where future adopters can see their true personalities shine through. And the reward is great: oftentimes senior and special dogs are the most loving and thankful (not to mention, cuddliest) dogs out there! Laguna Beach Living sits down with Unconditional Rescue's president, Amy Mack and COO, Sabrina Neas, to discuss Unconditional's mission, their state-of-the-art facility being built in Laguna Canyon, and their sister entity, Rise Pet Health, a for-profit specialty vet care clinic in Laguna Hills, that will donate all profits to charitable causes including free medical care for dogs in the care of Unconditional. Listen for details about their annual fundraiser, Chef Masters, taking place in Laguna Beach on September 24, and for ways you can help through donating, volunteering, or fostering. To view available adoptable dogs click HERE. (Tyson, a Great Pyrenees Mix who is in a wheelchair, is just one of many who just may steal your heart!)

We talked to Natalie Elser, President of California Professional Accountants, back in 2020 on a fun episode of the Laguna Beach Living Podcast called Natalie Elser Talks Taxes, and wanted to catch up with the tax accountant and CPA. Not only does she own her own firm, she is expanding and adding high net clients to her roster all throughout Southern California. At the top of her game, we chatted about what she's doing as a high level entrepreneur to keep her mind sharp for both herself and her clients. Learn more about what Natalie offers at CalProAccountants.com... because taxes don't have to be boring. In this episode Natalie references the following leaders in their industries: Leadership & Public Speaking: Rene Rodriguez  @learnwithrene Growth Mastermind: Kristi Munoz @Kristi Munoz Sound Bath & Meditation: Mars Whealthness @marswhealthness

Mimi and her daughter Raechel, of Laguna Beach's clothing boutique, Mimi & Rae, chat with Laguna Beach Living about beach fashion, becoming green certified, and how they've split their roles in their first year of business. With a minimalist west coast chic vibe, Mimi & Rae is committed to ecologically responsible and sustainable clothing, with a mission to move away from fast fashion. They curate seasonal items from mainly women-owned brands. Check them out IRL at 664 S. Coast HWY, Laguna Beach, across from Pacific Edge Hotel or online at MimiandRae.com and @mimiandrae on Instagram.

Tifany Khakdoust is a Laguna Beach real estate agent who longed for a sense of community. She knew there were plenty of cool people in town, she just needed a place to get them all together... so she decided to start a social club of her own. Enter The Great Love Club, a space for likeminded people with an emphasis on SLOW living (Sustainable, Local, Organic, Whole). The Great Love Club started with Walk Club, a concept so simple, yet so needed. What began with a few people showing up each Tuesday soon turned into 30-40 people meeting at 7am each week to explore different areas of Laguna. Deep friendships were made, as well as opportunities for networking and collaborations. Word traveled and people started hearing about the club all over Orange County, creating a community where everyone truly felt welcome. Tifany added Work Club on Thursdays, Church Club on Sundays, and now hosts multiple events and workshops each and every week — from Breathwork and Ice Bath Gatherings to Women's Wellness Day Retreats to Healing Jewelry Workshops to the monthly HIKE CLUB Laguna Beach Living co-hosts each month. Get caught up to date with Tifany and all TGLC's new events and workshops at TheGreatLoveClub.com or on Instagram at @thegreatloveclub.

Who does your taxes? Perhaps you're just fine doing the Turbo Tax thing, but as your portfolio grows so does the confusion... and that's when it's time to seek advice from a tax professional like Natalie Elser, Certified Public Accountant and President of Cal Pro Accountants. (Because, as much as we'd like to believe otherwise, the IRS doesn't honor ignorance as a valid exemption and an audit sounds like a complete nightmare.) Based in Irvine, what we really like about Natalie is that she knows what's up with the times. She listens to gangster rap in her office, she always has the most stylish outfits, and she's easy to talk to. You're not going to be stuck in a stuffy office with an out-of-touch guy spewing big accounting words. Natalie is someone who is going to make you really understand what's going on behind the scenes. She really cares about her clients, will be on the lookout for deductions that will actually help you, and she'll make sure your finances are in order for the future. In a nutshell, she's someone you can trust -- and that's very important when your precious pennies are involved. We talked with Natalie about her journey to becoming President of her own accounting firm, what she's learned along the way, and -- lucky for you -- she even snuck in a few tax tips. Check out her website at CalProAccountants.com or keep up to date on Instagram.

Donna Howlett has lived more than one very successful career. After reaching the top of the berry supply chain in Sydney, Australia, the serial entrepreneur moved across the world to Orange County to launch MODINC SKINCARE, a vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand (with Australian berry flavors, obviously) that smells every bit as heavenly as it sounds.  However, life wasn't always so sweet for a young Howlett. In this episode of the Laguna Beach Living Podcast, Donna shares publicly for the first time the abuse she went through as a young girl and the steps she took to fight her way out of the darkness. It's a heartbreaking story, but one that shows the determination, perseverance, and heart that helped her rise above and excel despite the trauma. After a lifetime of silence Donna is coming forward with her story to show young girls who might be in the same situation that there can be hope, there can be a way out, and there can be a light at the end of the tunnel. Life can be sweet again... but you may have to fight like hell to get there.  Donna's is a story of drive, a story of willpower, and a story of strength. Hers is an inspiring story that shows that while we may be dealt some bad cards in life, the bad doesn't need to define you... and with the right tools you CAN overcome it. Follow Donna on Instagram at @donna_howlett for updates about her upcoming book, Darkness to Light. *** MODINC SKINCARE is clean skincare inspired by Australia, made solely in Orange County. Literally, everything from its packaging to its formulations are sourced locally using only natural, sustainable and whole ingredients. 100% vegan and cruelty free, prepare to smell like an Aussie dream.

To know him is to love him. He's everyone in town's bestie, whether it's IRL or via the Interwebs. He's either planning a town fundraiser with the coolest bands, filming a video highlighting a local business, or DM'ing you funny stories that'll have you laughing all day. Jason Garza, founder of Locals for Laguna Beach, has a goal of bringing the community together and leaving it better than it came. He's currently spearheading the Boys & Girls Club Project with an all-star team which will provide local children a much needed after-school upgrade. (Email jason@localsforlagunabeach.com to get involved!) Listen in to this episode of the Laguna Beach Living Podcast as Jason shares his story, what he loves most about Laguna, and why it's so important for community members to donate their time and talents to bettering the town that we love. Oh, and he also cracks more than a few jokes because that's what best friends do. #bestfriendsforever *** This episode is sponsored by Modinc Skincare. Modinc is clean skincare inspired by Australia, made solely in Orange County. Literally, everything from its packaging to its formulations are sourced locally using only natural, sustainable and whole ingredients. 100% vegan and cruelty free, prepare to smell like an Aussie dream.

Kaira Rouda is a woman of many talents (and careers). She ran one of the country's most successful real estate companies, toured the nation speaking to women entrepreneurs, and, in her 40's, parlayed a passion for writing into her latest title as a USA Today Bestselling Author. Her domestic suspense novels are fast-paced thrillers that will have you up late at night wondering if you really know the ones you love... her characters are flawed, beautiful, and delightfully disturbed. In this episode Kaira talks about her career path, whether or not she draws parallels from Laguna for her inspiration (the answer is yes!), and what, exactly, you need to do to -- finally -- become the novelist you always wished you could be. Grab a notepad, and listen to be inspired. The next bestselling author in town could be YOU! This episode is sponsored by OSEA Malibu. Skincare inspired by the sea (and actually made of seaweed!), this family business creates clean, cruelty-free, vegan products with sustainable packaging formulated with botanical actives that deliver powerful results. Use code LAGUNA for 10% off of your purchase. (Their Undaria Algae Body Oil is our go-to after a summer beach day!)

Madison Smetana just turned 24 and is convinced that life just keeps getting better and better. The girl is BUSY and she's lovin' it. She's a writer, model, and the founder of The Beach Picnic Co., a luxury pop-up picnic company based in Orange County. The brand's signature California coastal-style aesthetic is making waves amidst a time when new, safe, and unique ways to enjoy outdoor dining are highly desired. In this episode, Madison chats with us about her career pivot — from interviewing celebrities backstage at the Larry King Show to a happenstance picnic that she created for her boyfriend which set the path to a full blown business with a team she adores. She also discusses starting her new venture right smack in the middle of the pandemic, and how she dealt with the competition. (Hint: collaboration over competition, any day!) An inspiring entrepreneur who hasn't even hit the quarter life milestone, Madison is proof that you just need to follow your dreams (and maybe throw in some cute aesthetics along the way)! She's enjoying every moment of her new chapter, which is certainly infectious as you can see following along on Instagram at @smendalll or @thebeachpicnic.co. This episode is sponsored by OSEA Malibu. Skincare inspired by the sea (and actually made of seaweed!), this family business creates clean, cruelty-free, vegan products with sustainable packaging formulated with botanical actives that deliver powerful results. Use code LAGUNA10 for 10% off of your purchase. (Their Undaria Algae Body Oil is our go-to after a summer beach day!)

Chances are you've seen Michelle Zuzek around town. Known for her big smile, friendly persona, and fashionable outfits, she is wife to husband, Aleks, mama to daughter, Mila, and dog mom to rescue pup, Duke. Serving as one of Laguna's most popular -- and nicest -- influencers, she serves as founder of the fashion and lifestyle publication, Style Beacon, where she strives to add some sparkle and positivity to your life. And, because she's never one to sit still, she is also the founder of Presmatic, a personal gift concierge. (Be sure to enlist her help if you need a gift for your significant other, family member, or client!) In this episode she talks about meeting her husband in Texas, relocating to Orange County, her love affair with social media, and how she juggles it all as a total #bossmom. She shares what she loves most about Laguna and how she navigated her businesses with becoming a new mom throughout the pandemic. Follow Michelle on Instagram at @stylebeacon. This episode is sponsored by OSEA Malibu. Skincare inspired by the sea (and actually made of seaweed!), this family business creates clean, cruelty-free, vegan products with sustainable packaging formulated with botanical actives that deliver powerful results. Use code LAGUNA10 for 10% off of your purchase. (Their Undaria Algae Body Oil is our go-to after a summer beach day!)

Orange County based Kayla Lyons, founder of the sober curious movement, 1000 Hours Dry, promotes an inclusive alcohol-free lifestyle that differs from the sometimes guilt-ridden structure of AA. Here, Kayla chats with Laguna Beach Living's host and editor-in-chief, Lindsay DeLong, about society's drinking culture, her qualms with AA, and her own personalized approach to dealing with alcohol. With "Dry Club" chapters throughout the US, Kayla encourages those who are sober curious to join the free community and meet some friends who are going through a similar chapter. Reach out to Kayla at @kaylerlyons or get involved with 1000 Hours Dry at @1000hoursdry.

At Laguna Beach Living we serve as your go-to guide for the cultural life of Laguna Beach and its surrounding areas. With over 200 articles on LagunaBeachLiving.com we are on a mission to highlight local businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives through well-written editorials, custom photoshoots, and sleek design. Join us as we showcase the town that we love and the people who make it the icon that it is.

Ava August is a 15-year-old high school freshman from Laguna Niguel who is currently on American Idol. Here, the singer/songwriter chats with Laguna Beach Living Editor-in-Chief, Lindsay DeLong, about her music career thus far -- everything from writing her first song at age 9 in Hawaii with a ukulele, to navigating her American Idol experience with her freshman year at Dana Hills High School. Follow Ava on Instagram at @avaaugust or on Spotify at here.