In this episode of the South Bay Buzz podcast, I couldn't have been more excited to sit down with my longtime friends and Shine Society Fitness founders, Yaya Margarita and Hillary Lewis. From our very first meeting in 2017 to the deeply personal way their studio helped me navigate the early days of profound loss and grief, this conversation is a full-circle moment.

We 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 Boutique. 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.com

Thank 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, I couldn't have been more excited to sit down with my longtime friends and Shine Society Fitness founders, Yaya Margarita and Hillary Lewis. From our very first meeting in 2017 to the deeply personal way their studio helped me navigate the early days of profound loss and grief, this conversation is a full-circle moment.

We 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.com

Thank 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.

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

🙌 Thank you for supporting local voices and small businesses!

📌 Subscribe for more heart-led conversations with South Bay creators, makers, and community leaders.

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.

✨ Whether you’ve seen the billboard, worn the shirt, or just needed a reminder today — this episode is for you.

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.

In this episode of South Bay Buzz, host Megan Lebre sits down with South Bay native, 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. Happy National Small Business Week and wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all our South Bay mamas!

What if slowing down just a little everyday could change your life?

In this heartfelt and 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

Local South Bay places and spaces for movement, mindfulness, and connection

Inhale....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".

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 podcast. 💛

Follow lil’ Vegerie on Instagram: @lilvegerie

Follow Paradise Bowls on Instagram: @paradisebowls

Follow South Bay Buzz on Instagram: @thesouthbaybuzz

🎧 New episodes drop Wednesdays—subscribe so you don’t miss a beat!

South Bay Buzz Founder and Digital Content Creator, Megan Lebre, began telling stories about the small and local businesses, events, and community in 2020 during the global pandemic as a way to help her friends and neighbors. What was first a passion project and social media account dubbed "Small Biz Cheerleader" turned into a storytelling platform known as South Bay Buzz. After 4 years on social media, Megan introduces long form storytelling with the passionate people in the South Bay of Los Angeles that make the neighborhoods thrive. From the chef at your favorite restaurant to the event organizers bring everyone together to your next door neighbor doing extraordinary things, this podcast aims to connect, inspire, and motivate us all to shop small and support local. Let's continue to write the South Bay story together- one conversation at a time!