Thrilled to share our first ever video interview of owner + creative director & (most importantly) mother Lisa Gutierrez Martinez sharing how she arrived to take us on a lark!
Image captured by MBmaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Black linen jumper hand-made by our talented friend in the wolf pack @lupothelable
Super thankful to Mompreneur Next Door for creating a platform to inspire other people to chase their brightest light!
Here’s a fun Q & A to compliment the video:
Q. What did your life look like when you started your business?
A. I had carried the idea of having my own business for so long, that when it came to fruition, it felt like breathing a dream.
Q. Why did you choose what you did?
A. I want as much control of my life as possible. I want to live intentionally. I was, and am, seeking an interesting and well-lived life.
Q. How has being a mompreneur has changed your life?
A. It gave us, myself and my family, a freedom I had once only imaged.
Q. What is your biggest challenge?
A. Not having a set schedule has been challenging, but I love to work on lark every chance I get. Some days I am fully immersed. Other days I have to be satisfied with the smallest step forward.
Q. How do you set boundaries when working from home?
A. I, by intention, don’t have boundaries. I love my work and I love my family and I don’t mind them spending time together.
Q. What are the benefits to doing this and what the most surprising one has been?
A. I love being able to pursue the things that interest me; including the opportunity to collaborate and learn from people I respect and admire.
Q. Any advice you would give to your younger self?
A. Take smart risks, don’t hesitate too long. You have to jump in to learn how to swim.
Q. Two or three actionable items/tips that you can share with the listeners that they can implement immediately.
A. Three things: 1) Action creates opportunity. 2) Persistence pays. 3) Collaborate; we (all) rise by lifting others.
Q. Anything you are currently reading/listening to that you would recommend?
A. For podcast, I suggest “Second Life” by Hillary Kerr. For books, I have three… get them in paperback…mark off, highlight, write notes, so you can pick them up again and again and be inspired:
We had a beautiful and intimate gathering at the circa 1930’s farm-house-turned-fashion haven known as Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa.
A little mix & mingle captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at fashion haven Costa Cabana!
In this gorgeous and fashion buzzing bungalow we enjoyed welcome drinks + mingling leading up to an amazing chef crafted meal & @winc wine pairing by the master of makeshift Chef Kyle Powers …where each dish became an ode to the migrant farmers who came before us.
Over dinner, we exchanged stories about boating & the beautiful nearby island of Catalina (including talk of The Banning Family + Natalie Wood), the dreams + inspirations of a young coffee house entrepreneurs and adventures of those like-minded–who have intentionally been on a few larks of their own.
Throughout the evening our conversations were sprinkled through line of musings, evoking much laughter, that somehow built upon each other and never got old. It is amazing to see, and be a part of, the many evolving connections made at the communal dinner table.
Welcome to the prep! This is why we call Chef Kyle Powers the Master of Makeshift. We love being able to think outside the box. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Irresistible welcome charcuterie from which no one shies away….compliments of Chef Kyle Powers captured (so well) on a super fun lark by MBMaher.com at Costa Cabana! Laughs from the very beginning! Image captured by MB.Maher on a super fun lark at the super hip fashion haven known as Costa Cabana! E-V-E-R-B-O-D-Y!! We love the responses we got from this quote; simple + kind words can always set the mood! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Ladies who lark! We love when guest return with their friends! Super fun times on a lark at Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Image captured by MBMaher.com This so carefully crafted + executed dish was amazing, thanks to Chef Kyle Powers for always rocking the delicious vibes! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Amazing southern grits w/braised oyster mushroom + romesco compliments of Chef Kyle Powers + thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by MBMaher.com Southern grits w/braised oyster mushroom + romesco compliments of Chef Kyle Powers + thoroughly enjoyed on a lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by MBMaher.com + guest!Thrilled to have created a platform to express what we are passionate about in life! Super fun times on a lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at the fashion haven at Costa Mesa! Chef Kyle Powers working his magic on a super fun (& delicious) lark at Costa Cabana! Image captured by Mitch Maher at MBMaher.com Daniel Perlof pours an end of season Ginger Beer cocktail thanks to our friends at @richelixiers ~ enjoyed on a super fun lark at fashion haven Costa Cabana in East Side Costa Mesa. Image by MBMaher.com A simple gathering of the adventurous + curious!. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun (& delicious) lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at fashion haven Costa Cabana! Delicious grapes + crispy fennel salad w/herb goat cheese, pickled strawberry vinaigrette, mache rochette by Chef Kyle Powers enjoyed on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana! Amazing lamb chops crusted w/grains of paradise, dried fruit + green bean chutney + potato compliments of Chef Kyle Powers. Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at Costa Cabana!Daniel Perlof + Chef Kyle Powers cheers w/ 2017 Finke’s Sparkling White Blend (thanks to our friends at @winc)! Image captured by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark w/Chef Kyle Powers at Costa Cabana!
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
The moment before the guest arrive. Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
We started our late summer adventures at our favorite designer playground known as Urban Americana in Long Beach. Having popped-up at this unique location before, we knew we were in for a special evening. You cannot take a step inside this gorgeous vintage warehouse without being inspired by the timeless style of the past, while simultaneously dreaming of the future. This gentle pull + push lands you in a rare space we like to call the present moment.
It is such an honor to have Chris Geer, owner + creator of our favorite designer playground Urban Americana, embrace lark and open the doors to our curious & adventurous guests — and even more so to have him an his wife join us at the communal table.
Chris Geer (Urban Americana) + Lisa Martinez (Lark) on a lark at the super hip Urban Americana in Long Beach!
We spent the evening doing what we do best, creating good vibes, acquainting with friends old and new, delving into interesting conversations and sharing delicious food.
Stylist @maysonhauck always sets the good vibes! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
Our guests, ranging from designers to deep sea explorers to culinary lovers took to the lark with ease embracing the connections that come so naturally when immersed in such an inspirational setting.
Guest mingle amongst the cool mid-century + antique vibes of Urban Americana. Image captured by foodie, photographer + conversationalist: @mb.maher
Manuel, of Manuel The Band, kicked off the evening playing acoustic guitar and singing Casual Love while we mingled about sipping on local / vegan / sustainable 2017 Finke’s Sparkling White Blend hand selected by Billy O’Connell of @winc and poured with love by wine aficionado (+ yoga enthusiast) Tyler Rodriguez.
This is our seriously talented friend Manuel. He is in the band. @manueltheband check them out!
Chef Kyle Powers & Sous Chef Nelson Johnson created the most awesome looking makeshift kitchen from Urban Americana’s beautifully weathered industrial work bench sending the the first smells of crispy garlic + fried mushrooms into the air with innate and palpable enthusiasm.
Chef Kyle Powers + Nelson Johnson rocking the Makeshift Kitchen, California Style, at Urban Americana!Welcome to the prep! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Guest settle in for an evening of food, wine & conversation.Image captured by @mb.maher at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
As this was lark #50, we took a moment to share-and be thankful for-our collaborative approach where we work should-to-shoulder to create these larks and all of the fulfillment that has come from doing what we love, especially the idea of recognizing and appreciating each other, our supporters, and the moment.
Tyler Rodriguez, Lisa Martinez, Kailee Walters, Daniel Perlof, Nelson Trey and Kyle Powers–on a lark!Steamed clams in dashi: crispy garlic. seaweed. watermelon radish. fried mushrooms compliments of Chef Kyle Powers.Tyler Rodriguez captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Steamed clams in dashi: crispy garlic. seaweed. watermelon radish. fried mushrooms compliments of Chef Kyle Powers!Daniel Perlof on prep! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Because we are in this together! Super fun times on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach. Image captured by @mb.maherFried reed avocado: crab. fried herbs. lemon chili aioli compliments of Chef Kyle Powers. So good! @kaileeinthekitchen captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach Super grateful to all the “yes” people in the room! Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach
How fortunate we feel to having our favorite foodie + conversationalist Mitch Maher capture the evening and to be accompanied by the endless talents of: Jack-of-all-Trades Daniel Perlof, Stylist Mayson Hauck, Ceramicist Andrea Luna Reece and Food Blogger Kailee in the Kitchen.
A surprise (thanks Kyle!) awaits on the tail end of our lark, when Rita Pham of mcakesweets showcased her amazing talents in creating the most beautiful & best tasting desserts including a gorgeous Earl Grey Cake making this occasion extra sweet.
Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!@mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a super fun (50th!) lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!@mcakesweets, Chef Kyle Powers + Nelson Johnson roll into our”50th” lark pop-up communal dinner party! Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Rita Pham of @mcakesweeks rocks the celebratory vibes on a lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!Image captured by @mb.maher on a super fun lark at Urban Americana in Long Beach!
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
……More?
As we are always on a lark…here’s a few {personal} moments to share:
Clam-less in Long Beach
Unfortunately the adventure was too much for one little clam (he didn’t make the lark). Soon I discovered that all the elements of this dish, clam excluded, were over-the-top satisfying.
Lark Therapy
I was well into a conversation, dabbling into bits of my history (military brat, late bloomer, endlessly curious), when I learned I was speaking with a professional therapist. I feel better already!
Why Do I Feel Happy
A gentleman on a lark leaned over and said, I feel happier than I have in a long time and I don’t know why. We all chimed in on the endless benefits of social dining.
Hot Yoga
As a universal rule, we only lark in extreme weather and this smoking hot evening was no exception. We laughed at how the high humidity made our “purposeful work” (set up + breakdown) feel more like hot yoga!
On (what seemed like) the hottest day of summer we embraced the good energy + star patterns that led us to set our communal table in the cool and beautiful garden of eco-conscious and locally loved boutique founded by Summer Meek known as The Soul Project appropriately part of the Hip District of Laguna Beach.
As the sun slowly set we enjoyed welcome “booch-tails” + mingling leading up to a delicious meal curated by the talented, self-taught, master of makeshift Chef Kyle Powers… all while enjoying the lost art of conversation.
Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @kaileeinthekitchen Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @kaileeinthekitchenImage captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz
We appreciate all the curious & adventurous people who brought their good energy and best vibes to our communal table–to make this an evening to remember:
Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz Image captured on a super fun lark at @thesouproject in Laguna Beach by @jonkillz
Charlie & Summer Meet at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach
We were fortunate to meet Summer Meek at The Soul Project which is her gorgeous retail + event space in Laguna Beach. It’s warm and inviting and comfortable. We attended her The New Girls Network gathering and were surrounded by supportive female entrepreneurs who had gathered to share their stories. Now, we’d like to share Summer’s story:
Q. Since you are a native, what are your favorite childhood memories of Laguna Beach?
A. Some of my favorite memories are of course long days spent at the beach, exploring the tide pools, hiking the hills. And my parents were both early Sawdust Festival artists and I have a lot of memories of time spent there. I think that’s where I caught my entrepreneurial spirit. Even then I had enterprising endeavors going on.
Q. We love how you ventured out to create + celebrate spaces that feel like home. Was this something you had always wanted to do?
A. I have always believed in the energy of space. It’s challenging to explain and sounds woo woo to talk about but it is my super power. I love creating experiences I am passionate about it and add love to everything I do.
Q. You’re cottage-esque space is so warm and inviting, do you know the history behind it? Any interesting stories?
A. My understanding is in the early days of Laguna Beach artists would come and build their cottage, live in the back, create during the week and then open the doors on the weekend for tourists. Before I moved in, The Knitting Store habituated the space. But during one Art Walk a woman came and shared that she once lived in the back and had her art gallery in the front it–was probably 25 years prior to me opening. She brought me pictures it was so fun.
Q. You began your business through creating graphic Tees for artists (and still do), but you are also constantly growing, evolving and exploring. What is it that drives / pulls you? Any advice for others?
A. When I opened I really wanted to create a community space and have people come have an experience, it’s interesting because that was five years ago and now experience is trending. I just saw it as an organic way to cultivate a community of like minded individuals. I am a curious person and I love to learn and I am always seeking new information and love learning about people and love to incorporate that into what we’re doing at the store whether that’s through product or new experimental offerings. Sometimes I meet these really an amazing people that I really want to work with because were aligned. Like when I met you.
Q. Your latest adventure, The New Girls Network has brought some exciting and energizing opportunities to your community. Where do you want (hope) it to lead?
A. We just celebrated a year since we started meeting, we meet the third Thursday of the month at The Soul Project, it’s a free networking event but it’s really more than that, it’s a place for woman entrepreneurs to gather in a supportive environment. There’s not posturing, you don’t have to be a certain kind of person and wear a certain outfit. You can show up as your authentic self. I don’t know where it will go and I don’t currently have plans to make it anything other than what it is. I have watched woman connect, make business happen, grow into an idea and bring it to life.
Q. It is fitting that The Soul Project is located in the revitalized “Hip District ” of Laguna Beach. Are there any behind the scene changes you are inspired by?
A. We have come together as a neighborhood and are really trying to breathe life into this part of town. We have some really amazing g retailers and new stores opening. I feell we are becoming the new Abbot Kinney.
Q. Thank you for opening your doors to lark! We can’t wait to dine in your “landscapers” garden, under the stars–have you always been a foodie?
A. I have been a foodie most of my life. I remember one day asking to be driven to the store so I could buy all the ingredients to make a chocolate cake from scratch. My mom asked how I knew to make it and I didn’t know, but I was inspired to try.
Q. What is your most memorable dining experience?
A. There are so many it’s hard to pick just one. But the most recent one that comes to mind is a farm to table dinner put on by my friend and farmer at Blue Bird Canyon Farms in Laguna Beach. He works with a woman named Chef Jen Alvarez. It was the most beautiful setting, and the most delicious sustainable food. I could still describe every morsel I ate that night. There was also a very memorable drive up to a castle in Italy with a view to die for and a dinner that was some of the most delicious food.
Q. If you could dine with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
A. Julia Child because she loved food, was cooky and zany, loved cocktails and didn’t seem to uptight. I had the pleasure of dining next to her not too long before she passed, that was most definitely one of my favorite star sightings.
Q, It’s an interesting and exciting time for female entrepreneurs – who are your current hero’s?
A. Oprah Winfrey still impresses me on a regular basis and it’s inspiring how she has stayed true to her message and hasn’t seemed to sell out. Gorjana Reidel is a local CEO that I have watched evolve her business and it’s really impressive.
On a not so typical Monday afternoon we gathered a few of our favorite things (& people) from The Soul Project and adventured straight across PCH, down to the beach to enjoy delicious East Borough Bahn Mi sandwiches, refreshing Seabold Ginger Beer+ inspiring conversations–all within a couple of hours of high tide!
We Are One Tee from The Soul Project on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!@prettynvintage tote from The Soul Project on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!
We are so thrilled to have discovered a fast + fun way to get our creative juices flowing, uplift each other and thank our collaborators.
A few of our favorite people enjoying food, drinks & conversation on a guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!
We always appreciate Luna Reece Ceramics who shared with us her latest rainbow designs, LOVE! You will always find her hand-made ceramics adorning our communal table.
Luna Reece Ceramics spices things up on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!
This time we also get to show off a gorgeous Moroccan rug sourced from our gal, Mary O’Dell, at happy_tapis.
happy tapas featured on a super fun guerrilla lark in Laguna Beach!
Super thankful to Melissa Brown of Mat3.Photography for capturing this carefree beach vibe! Images captured at Bluebird Street in Laguna Beach.
Create. Collaborate. Elevate. Come on a lark with us!
Next lark communal dinner party will be Thursday 7/25/19 with the talented Chef Kyle Powers at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach!
📸 by MBMaher.com on a super fun lark at McGee&Co in East Side Costa Mesa!
In this image (but mostly in my mind) I am doing my best to channel the admirable Wes Anderson.
Hello! I am Lisa Martinez founder of lark and creator of well styled dinner parties, marketplaces and guerrilla larks here in Southern California.
There is an intersection of reasons I started lark, but at its core is a desire to recreate an experience that “fed my soul”.
It can only be described as good fortune to have been exposed to a truly collaborative and creative environment-in the world of Still Photography-where I felt whole, connected, and began to see beauty in everything.
Through much thought, writing and rewriting of business plans and endless conversations (anyone who might listen) I figured out a way to recreate this experience and share with others.
With lark, I (we) invite everyone to step into a “photograph”—where you can be yourself, enjoy a glass of wine, be inspired by your surroundings and, best of all, partake in the rediscovered art of conversation.
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
Next lark 7/25/19 in the gorgeous garden of The SOUL Project in Laguna Beach!
+ + + + +
Thursday, July 25, 2019 6:30pm-9:30pm $125. per person, all-inclusive four course meal & wine pairing by the talented Chef Kyle Powers Purchase Tickets*: Let’s Go On A Lark! *Non-refundable/absolutely transferable
Vibrant is the best word to describe our evening of filled with conversation, delicious food & wine set amongst the hip + minimalistic vibes of @tressapothercary of Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. The feeling inside this gorgeous space gave everyone just enough room to be themselves.
Here we made new friends, gazed at the bay, took in the cool salty air and sat fireside to enjoy a most delicious menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers.
We cannot think of a better way to welcome the first day of summer and we are super grateful to all the beautiful people who came together–and all the lovely conversations that were had– to make this a lark to remember.
Images captured by the effervescent @kathryncolbyphotograhy
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!
Tera Stephens + Lisa Martinez on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!Ocean air + bay views enjoyed on a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!Menu designed by artist @WesleyBird for a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!@FrenchBuckects rocks the florals on a super fun lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!Super fun (& delicious) times on a lark at TReSs Apothecary in Newport Beach!
Our larks are always an “open invite” meaning if you hear about a lark – you are invited!
Next lark will be Thursday 7/25/19 w/Chef Kyle Powers at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach, be sure to check our landing page for updates!: Lark Artisan Market.
Because it’s always about the people you meet along the way! Meet the inspirational Tera Stephens, Founder of TReSs Apothecary in Lido Marina Village, who has graciously open the doors to her vibrant-yet minimalist-shop to lark! Pull up a chair, we invite you to come along through our fun questions & answer session!
Tera Stephens, Founder of TReSs Apothecary
Q. Where do you call home?
A. I’ve lived in Huntington Beach for my whole life!!
Q. When did you decide to open your own business? What factors came into play?
A. I opened TReSs after working as a stylist for 17 years. For the last few years I had this growing feeling that my clients deserved and would appreciate a greater attention to detail that was missing in most salons and that led me to opening my own!
Q. Was the minimalist vibe what you had in mind OR did this come about organically?
A. I have a very busy brain so keeping my space minimal is key to keeping my anxiety low! I started a Pinterest board that I shared with my architect and we worked together in creating the vibe of the space.
Q. We noticed the fireplaces in the shop…do you know the history of the space? Was it once someone’s home?
A. Lido Marina Village was built in the 40’s and were originally custom homes. In the late 60’s or early 70’s they began to convert to retail, office and restaurant. We were the first lease signed under the new development of LMV and were lucky to keep our fireplace. I believe we have the only working, original fireplaces in the Village!
Q. The vibe in the shop is so positive, do you a work style/management philosophy?
A. ABSOLUTELY!!! I believe in treating our team like family and that has created a culture of mutual respect and care for each other. The benefit of our culture is that our clients feel the good vibes and that makes them love to hang out with us! It’s all good for business!
Q. We know your taste + love for beauty and style is expansive, have you always played in this arena?
A. I have loved beautiful things since I was a little girl! Some of my favorite possessions were handmade original garments from my grandmas and aunts who sewed and crocheted!
Q. What is your favorite food experience?
A. I’ll never forget my husband and I celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary at the French Laundry. It was a bit of a stretch financially at the time but something I had dreamt of for as long as I could remember. It felt a bit old and stuffy for us at first, we were babies, but our server found our rhythm and every dish was spectacular. Our dinner lasted over 5 hours!!!
Q. What is your favorite question to ask someone?
A. What was the best thing that happened to you today? My kids know I will ask them every single day!!!
Q. What does Summer Solstice mean to you?
A. Summer has always meant freedom for me and the Solstice, being the longest day of the year, is the kick off to my favorite season!
Q. Who or what currently inspires you?
A. My team at the salon inspire me; they are fun, talented, fresh, innovative, smart and adorable. They make me want to work hard for them!
TReSs Apothecary at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach
What to know and see more? Join us Friday 6/21/19 to welcome the first day of summer with cocktails + mingling leading up to a delicious chef crafted four course meal & wine pairing…all while partaking in the rediscovered art of conversation, tickets and details available on our landing page: www.larkartisanmarket.com
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
We are thrilled to have created a fast + fun way to get our creative juices flowing, uplift each other and thank our collaborators.
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
Super thankful to @mat3.photography for spot-on capturing this carefree + dreamy vibe! Images captured at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach.
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
We always appreciate @lunareececeramics who shared with us her latest designs, LOVE! You will always find her hand-made ceramics adorning our communal table. Dried florals by our favorite florist @frenchbuckets of Lido Marina Village.
Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cove State Park.
Of course, Stylist Mayson Hauck always knows how to fem things up – thanks for the gorgeous dress + props!
Why wait for opportunity, when you can create it. Image captured on a super fun guerrilla lark at Crystal Cover State Beach.
Create. Collaborate. Elevate. Come on a lark with us!
