What is "Established California"?
Ah the golden state, good ‘ol California. You’ve seen the commercials to come visit. You’ve heard stories about the people who moved here to chase their dreams. But somewhere along the way, someone told you Californians were weird. They play on the beach all day, eat kale and bleed money. And we’re willing to say you’re right...
Ah the golden state, good ‘ol California. You’ve seen the commercials to come visit. You’ve heard stories about the people who moved here to chase their dreams. And you may have even at one point entertained the idea of living here yourself. But somewhere along the way, someone told you Californians were weird. They play on the beach all day, eat kale and bleed money. Who in their right mind would want to live in California?
And we’re willing to say you’re right, California is exactly what you think it is: Rich, beautiful and entitled.
We are rich, in people. We are rich with culture, diversity and unique lifestyles. The people here are not afraid to be themselves. And that darling, that is priceless.
We are beautiful, in mind, body and spirit. We take care of our bodies, both mentally and physically. We love each other and ourselves. We appreciate what it means to eat well. We feed our minds with knowledge and technology.
We are entitled. Oh we are so entitled. Be it ocean waves, snow caped mountains, or miles of forest, the scenery is beautiful. And there is something beautiful about a place that truly recognizes their great gift.
So you might find yourself asking, where is this going? Is this an ode to California? No. This is letting you in on our little secret, the golden state of mind. At Established California we are all about community, pursuing your passions and embracing your fears. And the funny thing is you don’t have to have a California zip code to live like that. See California isn’t just a physical place, but a state of mind. So how does one achieve this? Check out our tips to live the golden state of mind.
BE ESTABLISHED
Know yourself, know who you are, know what you want. Be confident in the things that make you, you! Own them, love them and embrace them. There is only one you out there, so be the best version of yourself. Knowing your truth and having the courage to live it and speak it is one of the greatest gifts of life. Being established in your life and who you want to be opens you up to receive what the universe has in store.
SEEK ADVENTURES
Get out there and live adventurously. Try something new, push yourself one step further, get in the last word, and make one last attempt. Each individual defines ‘adventure’ differently. There are no two adventures that are the same. So ask yourself what your adventure looks like. Find what your personal journey is and don’t be afraid to live it.
HAVE PASSION
Live each moment with intent, be passionate about everything you do. Never follow the crowd or live to please anyone other than yourself. Have a thirst and craving for life while staying thankful. Be passionate in love and loss. Do not be afraid to feel life’s emotions. And feel each of them with the utmost passion possible.
CHALLENGE FEAR
Fear can be one of life’s biggest enemies. The victory of challenging and overcoming fear can be one of life’s greatest rewards. To challenge in life provides a secret gift from the universe for the feeling of accomplishment far exceeds the feeling of fear. Don’t succumb to the initial fear of the unknown, conquer it, challenge it. For when you challenge life’s moments, the gift of triumph is plentiful.
LOVE LIFE. LIVE CALIFORNIA
A life can only be as full as you allow it. So fill it up and love it, nurture it and stay humble. To love the life you lead feeds the soul and gives hope. Standing with a grateful heart and treating each moment with grace and honestly can lead you to the life you’ve always wanted; a life that is full and at it’s core, happy.
To Live California is to embrace each of these traits, for that is what makes the golden state of mind so beautiful. And when you know what your version of California is, you can pass the gift to others. And to teach, that is the most rewarding gift of all.
#ESTCALIFORNIA
So there you have it, a guideline if you will. And what you do with this knowledge, how you share it that is up to you. At Established California we offer you a community. A community where minds that are both similar and different come together with respect and appreciation for the other. A place to be creative; be it through food, music, fashion, design or celebration. Where you can share with others your version of California and the golden state of mind in which you live. The zip code is not a requirement.
Let us leave you with this challenge: wander, question, respect, accept, thank, love, laugh, cry, and above all else,
Be Established. Love Life. Live California
Established California: The Golden State of Mind
Four women bring their California roots, creative eye and a passion for storytelling to their latest digital venture - a website called Established California. With Palm Springs being the backdrop for their weekend adventure, they delve into the lives of the website’s founders and what "Established California" is really about.
Leave it to the ladies of Established California to choose Palm Springs as their first team building retreat destination. With it's stunning desert scenery, 350 days of sunshine and a convivial “village atmosphere that has been preserved…” (Visit Palm Springs), this quintessential California getaway entices visitors alike: to seek adventure, ignore the presence of time and always have ‘Fun in the Sun’ and beyond.
The sun has gone down, but the night is young, when I first meet Nicole, Lindsay, Megan and Eleni. Their mid-century vacation home is nothing short of fabulous and pristine. I’m immediately greeted with laughter and a cocktail. By the calmness in the air, you wouldn’t have the faintest clue they're just settling in after spending five long hours in the car (due to Labor Day traffic) or that they are on the brink of their biggest adventure yet, looming 72 hours away…The official launch of Established California.
“Established California is an interactive platform for the curious to explore and share their version of the California experience; The personal pursuit of the Golden State of Mind”
Barefoot and all smiles, the only thing on their mind is what’s on the menu? Lindsay with a big grin says, “I’m starving” and volunteers Nicole to prepare her favorite: heirloom tomato and burrata cheese salad for dinner. It’s obvious they’re sisters with their playful, but demanding, banter. Megan and Eleni chuckle at the bickering, when Megan suddenly asks, “Eleni… is that what we sound like?” Eleni smirks at her sorority sister/college roommate and without skipping a beat replies, “Absolutely.”
With satisfied stomachs and refilled beverages, team building is in full swing. The ebb and flow of creative energy is infectious. The best way to describe their dynamic is like a verbal Pinterest board. From their newest fashion finds to sharing photographs taken on a recent adventures, the conversation is always bouncing off one person to the next. They embrace each other’s voices. It’s humbling to see a powerful team of strong creative women working together for a common goal. Although, tomorrow will bring a jam-packed day, they're burning the midnight oil.
“Each of us see life differently and that is our innate gift. One person’s ‘California’ story will never be the same as another”
Dawn is barely peaking its head over the gorgeous mountaintop, as if it's mocking me, as I sip my espresso so I can begin to function. Yet, our ladies are ready [in full hair and make up]; prepared to shoot promotional head shots for their homepage. Having spent the last six months developing the website, it’s finally "Go Time". As Lindsay talks with Megan about a few different camera looks, Eleni and Nicole chat at the breakfast table about what’s in store for the day post-photoshoot. It appears to be just another day for the ladies of Established California.
The website is clearly a direct extension of the founding ladies’ vision of life. Lindsay gushes that, “Established California is an interactive platform for the curious to explore and share their version of the California experience; The personal pursuit of the Golden State of Mind”. Eleni goes on to say, “For us, it is not about being California tastemakers but rather creating a diverse, accepting, creative community.” Hearing this, I can see how their content will celebrate and share all things we all find, explore and love in the Golden State - enabling us the opportunity to experience it together. Everyone has the ability to have a little California Sunshine in their lives.
“For us, it is not about being California tastemakers but rather creating a diverse, accepting, creative community.”
After wrapping the photoshoot and a handful of creative meetings, the team demands that it's time to enjoy some in the city. Trying to beat the heat, but failing as it’s already 105 degrees… they head out to explore Palm Springs and shed light on some uncharted destination spots. “Each of us see life differently... and it is our innate gift. One person's 'California' story will never be the same as another.” explains Megan in the front seat. “It’s through our conversations, the snapshots we capture and the way we each express our love for this lifestyle that writes a journey that is exclusive to each of us, individually. It would be a shame to not share that and ask for others to share their versions as well” Nicole chimes in.
As we arrive into Downtown Palm Springs, we finally settle in for some Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Las Casuelas (in true California fashion). With the success of their day and a few rounds of Margaritas {Vodka soda for Megan}, I start to discover the children at heart behind these business women sitting at the table.
You can learn a lot about a person over the course of a weekend, like what makes them tick - or what their childhood ambitions were. Lindsay had an infatuation with all things Jack Dawson from James Cameron's "Titanic". At the age of twelve, she produced and distributed a monthly "Titanic" themed newsletter to over 500 people. Megan, since the age of five, had the same unfading childhood dream to host a talk show. Nicole, in the infancy of her career, found herself based primarily in New York for two years. She woke up one day and decided to get the outline of the State of California tattooed on her wrist as a rebellious reminder of where her heart resides. While Eleni, obsessed with fashion trends, would compile Polaroid look-books to share with her closest of friends. It’s apparent that these ladies, who all have similar yet unique destinies, were imprinted at a young age for this venture they had in front of them. I can't help put admire the unique connection between what they have done traditionally and this new venture has in store for them.
“It’s through our conversations, the snapshots we capture and the way we each express our love for this lifestyle that writes a journey that is exclusive to each of us, individually. It would be a shame to not share that and ask for others to share their versions as well.”
Another morning of grogginess was upon me, with a shot of bittersweet nostalgia; the women of Established California have reminded me of home. Although we have to say our goodbyes shortly, the impression they left on my heart has been matched by my excitement of their new launch and how they will imprint the world. Their zest for life {and the backdrop of Palm Springs} has made this storybook trip absolutely perfect. As I enjoy our time together, the reaction I’m feeling from the weekend can only be described as inspired. Like them, I want to embark on a journey of my own.. wildly and inventive terms; thus I am Established California.
