South Bay Buzz: The South Bay LA Storytelling Podcast

In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan Lebre chats with Jo Delgado, founder of The Creative Inka, a brand and website design studio in Redondo Beach. They discuss Jo's journey from corporate life to running her own creative business, the importance of humanizing brands, and the power of a personalized brand strategy. Jo shares her experience and insights into the creative process, offering valuable advice for entrepreneurs looking to build a meaningful and effective brand and website. Megan also highlights her collaborative work on the rebrand of South Bay Buzz, emphasizing the transformation and newfound confidence that came from Jo's comprehensive and personalized approach. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and community connection in the South Bay.Highlights00:00 Introduction and Jo's Welcome01:17 Jo Delgado's Background and Career Journey02:02 Starting The Creative Inka06:07 Balancing Work and Life08:37 Project Management with Notion10:59 Community Connection and Networking12:36 South Bay Buzz Brand Kickstarter13:51 Defining South Bay Buzz's Mission and Vision17:14 Understanding the Brand Workshop18:13 Vision and Values: Building Confidence20:25 The Power of a Strong Brand Strategy27:12 Website Design: Strategy First, Design Second28:57 The Creative Process: More Than Meets the Eye31:25 Leaving a Legacy: Humanizing Brands34:32 Upcoming Projects and How to ConnectTo Connect with Jo, follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @thecreativeinka and thecreativeinka.comTo Connect with South Bay Buzz, follow on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @ SouthBayBuzz and @ thesouthbaybuzz. Thank you to Orange Door Spaces in Redondo Beach, a coworking/event/third space in the South Bay Galleria mall (and home of the South Bay Buzz podcast!!), for sponsoring this episode. Follow  @OrangeDoorSpaces  on social media and orangedoorspaces.com.

In this solo episode, Megan shares a behind-the-scenes story about a podcast mishap that turned into a lesson on grace, growth, and trusting the process.

Through honest reflection, she explores what it means to show up before you're ready, the challenges of recovering perfectionism, and the beauty of building something real- messy imperfection and all.

Inspired by South Bay business owners who are bravely creating, connecting, and evolving, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that your community doesn’t need you perfect — it needs you.

Whether you're building a business, starting a creative project, or just trying to figure it all out, this one’s for you.

Topics include:

• Letting go of perfection and pressing “publish” anyway
• The importance of authenticity
• Learning from the messy moments (and giving yourself grace)
• 
  

Plus: A few reflective journaling questions to help you move forward with courage and clarity.

In this episode of South Bay Buzz, host Megan Lebre sits down with renowned parenting expert Bryana Kappadakunnel, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and founder of South Bay Mommy and Me and Conscious Mommy and author of Parent Yourself First: Raise Confident, Compassionate Kids by Becoming the Parent You Wish You'd Had. 🌟

Bryana opens up about her journey from Pittsburgh to the South Bay, her early work supporting local mothers, and how her experiences led to the creation of Conscious Mommy, an online platform rooted in mindful parenting, emotional healing, and neuroscience-informed guidance.

Together, Megan and Bryana explore:

👶 The real challenges of parenting in a post-pandemic world💡 How conscious parenting helps break generational cycles🧠 The role of mental health and emotional regulation in raising children🧘‍♀️ Practical tips for parents to begin their conscious journey🤝 The importance of community and self-reflection

Whether you're a new mom, seasoned parent, or simply curious about how healing your own childhood wounds can transform your parenting style, this episode offers invaluable insights from one of the South Bay's most respected voices in parenting and mental health.

🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this conversation resonates with you.

Stay Connected with Bryana:

• https://www.consciousmommy.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/consciousmommy
• https://www.consciousmommy.com/book

Stay Connected with Megan:

• https://www.instagram.com/thesouthbaybuzz
• https://www.youtube.com/@SouthBayBuzzwithMeganLebre
• https://linktr.ee/southbaybuzz

In this episode of South Bay Buzz, Megan is so excited to interview her longtime friends and Shine Society Fitness founders, Yaya Margarita and Hillary Lewis. From their very first meeting in 2017 to the deeply personal way their studio helped Megan navigate the early days of profound loss and grief, this conversation is a full-circle moment.They talk about their nine-year journey building Shine from the ground up, their pandemic pivot, the bittersweet decision to close their original studio doors, and the beauty of what came next through their collaboration with Beach Life Fitness. You’ll hear about the power of movement, the reality of small business ownership as mothers, and the legacy they’re leaving in the South Bay — one full of fun, authenticity, and community building.If you’ve ever found yourself dancing in your living room, attended a Shine special event, or need a reminder that fitness can and should feel like fun — this one’s for you! Follow Shine Society Fitness at ShineSocietyFitness on social media.Visit Shine Society Fitness at shinesocietyfitness.comThank you to Orange Door Spaces for continuing to support our South Bay Buzz podcast! Visit Orange Door Spaces on the first floor of the South Bay Galleria mall in Redondo Beach. Follow Orange Door Spaces on social media  @OrangeDoorSpaces  .

In this episode of South Bay Buzz , Megan sits down with Justin and Eliza, the founders of Orange Door Spaces, a dynamic co-working and event space (and the home of the South Bay Buzz Podcast). Hear about their journey from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, the transformative power of this unique space, and their vision for fostering community and creativity in the South Bay. Learn how Orange Door Spaces offers endless possibilities for local businesses, events, and creatives while supporting an inclusive and vibrant community. For more information about Orange Door, you can visit orangedoorspaces.com as well orangedoorstays.com. Check out their social account www.instagram.com/orangedoorspaces as well. Thank you to Orange Door for being the sponsor of this podcast!Thank you for listening and being a part of the movement to shop small and support local! To stay connected between episodes, follow South Bay Buzz on Facebook and @thesouthbaybuzz on Instagram.

In this episode of South Bay Buzz, host Megan Lebre sits down with professional photographer CorRi Vaughn, the creative founder of Lenn M. Photography. From her early days as a nanny and preschool teacher to becoming a sought-after South Bay photographer, CorRi shares her inspiring journey of turning passion into profession.What You’ll Hear In This Episode:- How CorRi took the leap into full-time photography- The heartwarming story behind naming her business - Why capturing moments now—even the imperfect ones—are so important- Tips for making family photo shoots fun Whether you’re a fellow photographer, a parent thinking about your next photo session, or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is full of pearls of wisdom, laughs, and real talk about following your heart and finding the work that drives you.📍 Based in the South Bay, CorRi is known for her bright personality, emotional visual storytelling, and ability to capture candid, meaningful moments, especially with children!🔗 Connect with CorRi Vaughan (Lenn M. Photography):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenn_m._photography/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lennmphotography/ Events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennmeventphotography/ 📅 Book a session via the link in her social bio or here https://book.usesession.com/i/8ZE3_c5CL Special thank you to our podcast sponsor, Orange Door Spaces, which is also home for recording this podcast. We are so thankful for this incredible space! Imagine how you can use this space for your events, co-working space, and other needs by checking out their website: https://www.orangedoorspaces.com/

In this heart-centered, emotional episode of South Bay Buzz, host Megan Lebre sits down with Cathy “Cap” Caplener — also known as the “Billboard Lady” — to talk about the powerful story and mission behind the You Are Enough 5K. Cap shares how a deeply personal mental health journey, growth, and healing inspired a national mental health movement built on three core values: worthiness, visibility, and support.From the first cobalt-blue billboard on PCH to her nonprofit, Giving Purpose, Cathy's message has saved lives, uplifted the South Bay and beyond, and reminded people everywhere that they are, in fact, enough. This episode covers everything from the origin of the campaign and personal stories from those it has impacted, to the upcoming third annual 5K in Hermosa Beach coming up May 31, 2025— a family-friendly event rooted in unity, hope, and healing.For more information about You Are Enough, Giving Purpose, and to register for the You Are Enough 5K, please visit: givingpurpose.org If you or someone you know needs help, please review these LA local and national resources: dmh.lacounty.gov/about/behavioral-health-commission/resources/ and www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Follow South Bay Buzz on IG at @thesouthbaybuzz!

South Bay Buzz Host Megan Lebre sits down with South Bay born & raised local, mom, and creative entrepreneur, Jessica Hickerson — founder of Esplanade Brand and Sun & Sea Collective — for a lively conversation about building a purpose-driven business rooted in community and passion. From launching her first photography business at 19 to creating a thriving South Bay inspired apparel brand and organizing a beloved local pop-up market, Jessica shares how she’s embraced imperfection, leaned into fear, and built it all from the ground up — while raising a family and staying true to her South Bay roots. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something meaningful, this episode will remind you: you don’t have to wait until you’re ready — you just have to do it scared.In this episode, highlights include : - How the South Bay shaped Jessica’s creative journey - The story behind Esplanade Brand & the ultra popular “Beach Cities” tee - Launching Sun & Sea Collective Pop-Up Marker during the pandemic - The highs, lows, and heart of small business life - Why supporting small & local means everything - Teaching her daughters to lead with joy, not fear 👉 Perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, moms, and anyone who loves beach life, bold dreams, and community-driven business. This episode originally aired during National Small Business Week 2025.Stay Connected to Jessica Hickerson: Esplanade Brand Website: www.esplanadebrand.comEsplanade Brand Instagram & Facebook: @esplanadebrand Sun & Sea Collective Website: www.sunandseacollective.comSun & Sea Collective Instagram & Facebook: @sunandseacollective Jessica Hickerson Photography: jessicahickerson.com

Stay connected to South Bay Buzz on IG through @thesouthbaybuzz!

What if slowing down just a little everyday could change your life?In this uplifting episode, health writer, coach, and educator, Sandy Cohen, shares how growing up and living in the South Bay has kept her centered as her path took her from high-pressure Hollywood reporting to a more intentional, grounded life. We talk burnout, boundaries, mindfulness practices (and the most accessible first step to start) and how small changes — like conscious breathing or biking on the Strand — can have long lasting, big ripple effects over time.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, overworked, or interested in how to be more present in your daily life, this conversation is your reminder that wellness doesn't have to be expensive, complicated, or perfect — it just takes one breath at a time.Highlights include:- Breath-work and mindfulness habit tips for busy brains - Why community kindness is wellness-South Bay places and spaces for movement, mindfulness, and connectionInhale....exhale.... and let's begin!For more information about Sandy and her work, visit sandycohenwrites.com and follow Sandy on Instagram @thesandycohen. You can also listen to her podcast, "Inner Peace to Go".

Stay connected to South Bay Buzz on IG at @thesouthbaybuzz!

In this very first episode of the South Bay Buzz podcast, host Megan Lebre sits down with Jason Cervantes— Co-founder of lil’ Vegerie, a beloved plant-based eatery in Redondo Beach —for a heartfelt and fun conversation.From childhood memories in his family’s Mexican restaurants to a life-changing cleanse, a long-time crush turned life partner, and a fateful dinner at Gracias Madre, Jason shares the winding path that led him to create food that’s both nourishing and deeply joyful.We talk tacos, community, and how one smoothie sparked an entire movement. Plus, thoughtful stories about raising kids, being present, and what it means to evolve—with a special shoutout to Trey Anastasio.If you’re into supporting small businesses, enjoy listening to compelling, authentic life stories , and witnessing the magic of the South Bay community—you’ll love this episode. 💛Follow lil’ Vegerie on Instagram: @lilvegerieFollow Paradise Bowls on Instagram: @paradisebowls Follow South Bay Buzz on Instagram: @thesouthbaybuzz