Laguna Beach Living

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!)

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.