We're replaying one of our most popular episodes with Gaby Dalkin of What's Gaby Cooking and Gaby's at Neighborly in Westlake Village, to make a special announcement.

After the incredible response to our Female Founder Series event in March, I've teamed up with Neighborly to bring you more in-person opportunities to connect and get inspired. And of course, try some delicious Neighborly eats.

Have a listen to hear how you can be the first to grab a ticket!

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to leave a 5-star review and rating! Your support helps more people in the Conejo Valley discover these amazing stories.

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Gaby Dalkin ⁠⁠here⁠

Connect with Neighborly ⁠here⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gaby Dalkin and Her Journey

03:03 From Pre-Med to Culinary School: A Career Shift

06:03 The Importance of Community and Connection Through Food

09:05 Starting a Blog: Documenting the Culinary Journey

12:00 The Cookbook Journey: Learning and Growth

14:54 Opening Gaby's: The Restaurant Concept

18:01 The Evolution of Ideas: From Baby Food to Restaurant

18:17 The Birth of Gaby's: A Collaborative Journey

24:08 Creating Unique Culinary Experiences

30:27 Building a Supportive Community

34:12 Vision for the Future: Expanding What's Gaby Cooking

36:28 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

"Just do it."

Not just a Nike slogan—but the exact mindset that motivated today’s guest, celebrity event stylist and floral designer Sarah Z, to launch Sarah Z Events in 2011, and later bring her creative vision to life with the opening of XO Bloom in Westlake Village in 2015.

In this episode, Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her journey—from dreaming of being a party planner to building a thriving business in the world of luxury events and floral design. We talk early inspirations, real challenges, and what it really takes to grow a brand rooted in passion, creativity, and connection.

You’ll hear her insights on the evolving trends in the floral world, the importance of knowing your customer, and why community is everything.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or just love a good origin story—this one’s for you.

If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people.

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with XO Bloom ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

When you search for the best Italian deli in Los Angeles, Italia Deli in Agoura Hills consistently ranks at the top. A family-owned institution since 1981, Italia Deli has become a beloved staple in the Conejo Valley for its authentic Italian flavors, old-school charm, and unwavering commitment to quality.

In this episode, we sit down with Marisa DeFalco, one of the four siblings helping run Italia Deli today. This was one of our most requested interviews—and it's easy to see why.

Marisa shares heartfelt stories about growing up behind the deli counter, juggling a career in education while managing a family business, and the incredible moment her team won the lottery. We also dive into the challenges of preserving tradition in a fast-changing world, and how Italia Deli has remained a cornerstone of community, connection, and culinary excellence for over four decades.

Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of Italian cuisine, or love stories about family-run businesses with deep roots, this episode is a must-listen.

If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people.

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Italia Deli ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

When you think about the businesses that truly define the Conejo Valley, which ones come to mind? For me, Tarantula Hill Brewing Company is right at the top of that list.

Today on Canago Valley Visionaries, I'm joined by CEO John Edney. John is one of the visionaries behind Tarantula Hill, the first brewery to open in Thousand Oaks, and now a name that's become synonymous with community, creativity, and of course, phenomenal beer.

What began as a bold idea to convert a 22,000 square foot furniture store into a craft brewery and taproom has grown into so much more. Tarantula Hill is now a family-friendly destination, a cornerstone of local culture, and the heart of a growing retail distribution that's gaining momentum far outside of this area.

In this episode, John shares the story behind it all. From the early vision to the challenges of something entirely new to what's next, including the backyard, a destination for live music, and a look at their dream location for a second taproom.

If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people.

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we're revisiting one of our most impactful episodes — a must-listen conversation with Marina Edelman, licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Edelman Counseling in Westlake Village, CA.

Whether you're navigating relationship stress or just want to feel more connected, Marina shares practical, therapist-approved strategies you can use right now — even if you only have 15 minutes a day.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• A daily habit that can improve your marriage and emotional health

• The connection between strong relationships and mental well-being

• Marina's book recommendations for couples and individuals

This episode is packed with insights and encouragement — and it’s the perfect way to honor Mental Health Awareness Month by prioritizing both your personal and relational health.

👉 Tune in now and take one small step toward a stronger, more balanced life.

Connect with Marina Edelman here https://www.instagram.com/edelman.counseling/

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/conejovalleyvisionaries/

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send us a DM - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with Hillary Linderman, the artist and entrepreneur behind Rabbits and Oaks, a brand rooted in the pride, beauty, and identity of the Conejo Valley.

From her early dreams of becoming a writer to her professional path in copywriting, design, and ultimately handcrafted art, Hillary shares how nature, nostalgia, and community inspired her to build something truly meaningful.

We dive into her creative process, the joys and challenges of growing a business while raising a family, and what it means to represent your hometown through heartfelt handmade work. Get ready to be inspired by the story of rabbits and oaks and the woman bringing Conejo Valley pride to life, one block print at a time.

If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people.

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Rabbits & Oaks ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

I'm thrilled to introduce Visionaries, a new series within Conejo Valley Visionaries. With this new series, we'll be expanding our lens to include conversations with nationally and globally recognized brands, bringing a fresh perspective for starting something on your own or exploring new ideas.

Whether you're local to the Conejo Valley or tuning in from across the globe, I hope you enjoy these special Visionaries episodes. And if you're not from the area, I still encourage you to check out some of the other interviews. There are some truly incredible people doing amazing things right here in this special part of Southern California.

For the premiere episode, you'll hear from actor Harry Hamlin & chef Renee Guilbault, co-founders of The Open Food Company and stars of In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin on AMC+.

If you, like me, are a fan of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, then you might remember that moment at a lunch at Lisa Rinna's house where her husband, Harry Hamlin, the actor and entrepreneur, impressed everybody with his homemade bolognese sauce. That moment not only became a major plot line that season, it also inspired Harry's famous sauces, which in turn became The Open Food Company, a visionary CPG brand that Harry, along with niece chef Renee, founded last year.

They have an incredible mission to bring transparency and empowerment to consumer packaged goods, and Harry's Famous Sauces are just the beginning. Harry and Renee are also the talent behind In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin, which you can watch on AMC Plus. Season two premiered on April 30th.

If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating.

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Harry Hamlin ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

Connect with Renee Guilbault here

Connect with Harry's Famous Sauce here

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.

Cristina answers listener questions, recaps her favorite advice, and offers a sneak peek at what's next.

Episodes referenced:

Gaby Dalkin

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KuOeI5H6F4kn1nwwKUj0q?si=2wjK-_10Rq-nPx134yjiLw

Jonathan Woodward

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7e50Vkp521RU8byySKwvXc?si=20EeKlDNRKCD-Eew4ptUvg

Emily Capretta

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7v1SwxO7Zp2QXfyHEWWn3X?si=FsvLJ-mJQnqiei7ZSAT4mw

Michael McCrary

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kQKg6vMRCQmJOWeLpN7j0?si=m-jZQNIGQ9uLfQLR3T0KLA

Akbar Alikhan

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2f1LYaJpwhAlfezJdID8fM?si=Od2FhXrMRJKjga8pjF3q2g

Jonah Monte-Alegre

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wzVI81sIeufjMyssmXRR8?si=KTe5l1W0ShGvjJ1gwzwvBw

Jenna Davis

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wzVI81sIeufjMyssmXRR8?si=KTe5l1W0ShGvjJ1gwzwvBw

Marisa Meyer https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wzVI81sIeufjMyssmXRR8?si=KTe5l1W0ShGvjJ1gwzwvBw

Guddy Witt https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aHs1b8qtswVz1HfRQVxjQ?si=_DRBIZWzS1CfgrCp6FYlRg

In this special episode, we take you inside our inaugural live event, Conejo Valley Visionaries Live Female Founder Series, held on March 24th at Hub 101 in Westlake Village.

This remarkable evening in honor of Women's History Month brought together a vibrant community eager to support and celebrate the incredible women making waves in our local business scene.

Join us as we revisit the energy, connection, and powerful insights from this incredible event, kicking off with a grounding meditation led by Marisa Meyer, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with Amber McCarthy of Five07, Giana Sessa of Made in Italy Bistro, Brittany Carpenter of Face and Soul Studios, and Emily Capretta of Proactive Sports Performance. These female founders are not only transforming their industries, but also making a lasting impact on the Conejo Valley community.

Conejo Valley Visionaries Live was made possible by the generous support of the following local partners. Hub 101, Jenna Davis Creative, V County Events, Mix Up Baking, Five07, Charmlee, DeSantis Photography, and Goody Witt.

So sit back, relax, and tune in to this special episode as we reflect on the inspiring women driving change and shaping the future of our region.

In today's episode, you'll hear from Guddy Wit, an interior designer and functional organizer based in Thousand Oaks, CA.

We dive into Guddy's transition from a corporate career to launching her own business, the importance of functionality and design, and the challenges of being a female entrepreneur.

Plus, Guddy shares her best tips for creating a relaxing home environment and making the most of your space.

Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or looking to improve your living space, this conversation has something for everyone.

If you enjoyed this episode and find value in the podcast, please leave us a five-star review and rating. This helps more folks in the Conejo Valley find the podcast and that allows each story to reach more people.

Connect with Conejo Valley Visionaries ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Guddy Wit ⁠here⁠

If you want to share your visionary story on the podcast, send an email to [email protected] - we are always open to guest nominations!

This episode was produced by Cristina Dennstedt and Justin K. Sloan. Conejo Valley Visionaries is edited by Justin K. Sloan and ⁠J.Sloan Productions⁠.