This week we’re sitting down with an award-winning celebrity portrait and fashion photographer whose work you’ve probably seen everywhere from magazine covers to major entertainment campaigns. He’s photographed stars including Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lopez, Robert Pattinson, Jenna Ortega, and Colman Domingo, worked with brands and publications including Netflix, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Variety, and of course Orange Coast and our sister publication Los Angeles magazine, and founded the creative publication A BOOK OF magazine. From growing up in the Philippines to building an incredible career in Los Angeles as a self-taught photographer and creative director, today we’re talking about storytelling, creativity, risk-taking, and what it really takes to make it in the industry with Irvin Rivera.

This week, we’re joined by someone who has helped redefine what sustainability looks like. After studying agroecology at UC Santa Cruz, he spent years working across California, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Ghana, and Nigeria designing regenerative farms and learning from Indigenous and traditional agricultural systems. In 2008, he returned to Orange County and founded The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, transforming an old farmhouse and dirt lot into one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit hubs for regenerative agriculture, education, and community connection. Under his leadership, more than 250,000 children have participated in educational programs, over 100,000 pounds of food have been donated, and the farm has earned Regenerative Organic Certified™ status. Please welcome Evan Marks, founder and executive director of The Ecology Center.

This week, we’re joined by a creative entrepreneur who turned a passion for vintage textiles into a full-scale interior design studio known for its elevated take on coastal living. After growing up in Utah and moving to California, she launched her business in 2010, which started with handmade pillows and throws and quickly evolved into a sought-after design firm, with work featured in HGTV, Orange Coast magazine, and homes showcased on the Newport Harbor Home Tour. She’s also expanded into retail and built a brand rooted in what she calls “low-key luxury.” Please welcome founder of Skout Interior Design, Ashley Clark!

Today’s guest is a designer whose work has quietly shaped some of the most recognizable and beloved spaces across Orange County. Through her studio, she’s shaped standout spaces like Coffee Dose, Eat Chow, Outpost Kitchen, and Jan’s Health Bar, along with previous works for Lido Marina Village, Bear Flag, and Pacific City. Her approach brings brand, experience, and business strategy into alignment. Now, she’s leading a new wave of 2026 projects—from reimagining historic icons like Mariners Mile Square and the beloved Spaghetti Bender, a Japanese concept at The Camp, L-Space headquarters, Moxi3 Dana Point, curated retail in Laguna Beach and a Palm Springs project that’s sure to turn heads. Please welcome the founder of Common Standard, Amanda Malson.

Today we're sitting down with someone whose story is deeply woven into the artistic fabric of Laguna Beach. For more than five decades, he's helped shape one of Orange County's most beloved cultural traditions, witnessing the Sawdust Art Festival evolve from its free-spirited beginnings into a nationally recognized celebration of local artists. Along the way, he's worn nearly every hat imaginable, from exhibiting artist to sales manager, board member, historian, and leader, while remaining committed to preserving the festival's artist-first mission and the creative community that has made Laguna Beach a world-renowned arts destination. Please welcome the president of the Sawdust Art Festival, Jay Grant.

Today we’re joined by an entrepreneur who’s built standout brands across fashion, wellness, and lifestyle. After starting her career in entertainment, she launched Gara Danielle Fine Jewelry, a line that quickly landed in major retailers and on A-list celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Beyonce, and Gwyneth Paltrow. She later co-founded The NOW with her husband and launched the design-forward wellness brand that reimagined the massage experience, growing from a single location into a rapidly expanding national franchise. This year, she was featured in Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders list. Please welcome the co-founder and chief creative officer of The NOW Massage, Gara Post!

Jillian Sassone turned a deeply personal project—reworking her grandmother’s jewelry—into a thriving fine jewelry brand rooted in intention, sustainability, and storytelling. What started as a passion project after years in the corporate world quickly grew into a sought-after business, known for bespoke pieces, ethically sourced materials, and designs meant to be worn every day and passed down for generations. With a location right here in Newport Beach, and a loyal following that spans the country, her work is all about honoring the past while creating something entirely new.

Chef and owner of Piscator, Mason Acevedo is an Orange County native who took an unconventional path into the culinary world. A Mater Dei High School grad who started out in business and tech, he’s now behind one of the most sought-after pop-ups in New York, where reservations are nearly impossible to land because everyone wants in. His work has even caught the attention of The New York Times, earning him a feature.