Q+A with Tera Stephens Owner of TReSs Apothecary | Rocking the Vibe in Newport Beach, California

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

On a {Holiday} Lark w/ Concept Studio Inc. + Chef Kyle Powers | Sleigh Bells Ring in Newport Beach, California

It was summer, lark was growing and our biggest challenge, TIME, becoming more challenging. We had thought about “the leap” a thousand times, even writing our perfect life scenario: time for all the things that make a life well, a life. The day arrived. Courage, confidence and faith showed up and swept fears aside.

I had worked at Concept Studio Inc. for a little under two years. From day one, I always felt it was informing me with its character, dedication and beauty. My co-workers were more like family with a colorful and inspiring history. A pretty bow on everything. A shiny and evolving showroom gleaming with style and beauty. But, it was time.

My voice cracked when I shared the news, an emotion over took me-completely by surprise. I really felt for the people I worked with and cherished the relationships and I was sad to leave them behind…but then a funny thing happened. A real life best-case-scenario. They were sticking with me after all. They supported and encouraged me. They rang with ideas and excitement. All of which I am so very grateful. It was therefore an honor to create a special lark holiday, just for us.

Popping up in a home brings a certain intimacy and this beautiful space was no exception. We dined outdoors (yes, we are in California) with a view of a gorgeous kitchen on one side-to enjoy prep + plate-and a well manicured garden on the other, twinkle lights all around. Wine poured, candles burned, music played all while enjoying the lost art of conversation.

Menu curated by the talented Chef Kyle Powers of 
Fork In the Road Catering

1/mushroom toast crispy mushrooms + white kimchi

2/pearl couscous, roasted winer squash, spicy pear, fennel + golden peppadew dressing

3/short rib stew w/roasted carrots + melting potato: <vegetarian stew alternate>

4/pear pudding crumble 

5/purple sweet potato pie, salted peach coating candy, root beer custard  

+++++

Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining. Come on a lark with us!

On a super fun holiday lark with Concept Studio!
Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio!
Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio! Cheers! Winter 2018.
Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio!
Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio!
spicy pear, fennel + golden peppadew dressing compliments of Chef Kyle Powers!
Gorgeous jewel toned florals by French Buckets!
short rib stew w/roasted carrots + melting potato compliments of Chef Kyle Powers!
Super fun times on a holiday lark with Concept Studio!

Imagery captured by our favorite foodie + conversationalist, Mitch Maher of MBMaher.com

On a lark with VoyageLA! | Los Angeles, California

November 13, 2018

Many thanks to the VoyagerLA for reaching out to us and sharing our story!

Here is a link to the article:

http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-lisa-gutierrez-martinez-lark-huntington-beach/

We hope to see you on a lark soon! xo~l

Lisa Martinez on a lark at The Hood Kitchen Space in Costa Mesa

 

 

On a lark with Chef Kyle Powers at Isles Interiors | Inspiring Design in Newport Beach, California

This winter we were fortunate to dine with friends – old and new – soaking up the hip vibes at the beautifully understated and modern aesthetic of Isles Interiors in Newport Beach while enjoying conversation between spoonfuls of piping hot Mortadella Lobster Chowder crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers.

The timely cold weather transported us home to simpler times. Thanks to all who gathered at the communal table to make this an evening to remember including @lunareececeramics + @theurbanspring.  Special thanks to Maria & Max Isles.

Photo credit to MB.Maher.com
+ + + + + 
Four Course Menu crafted by the talented Chef Kyle Powers of Fork In the Road Catering and Wine Pairing by  wine aficionado Tyler Rodriguez

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Lark + Chef Kyle + 503found in Newport Beach, California

We will forever revel in our super fun lark at the beautiful 503found. Chef Kyle delivered BIG time on effort and flavor. He crafted his own makeshift kitchen steps away from our communal table and served up a fine menu. Music flowed, wine was poured and friends were made in the midst of the beautiful, eclectic artwork and furnishings.

We had a beautifully styled table thanks to our lark crew, 503found’s offerings, and the hand-lettered menus created by LetterSparrow.

Thank you to all the beautiful people who attended, we are grateful to the good energy and love you brought to this occasion. We hope we inspired you to come on a future lark!

In closing, we are super thankful to Kim J., owner of 503found, for her free spirit, style and inspiration. 503found is housed in a former boathouse sure to be full of good times and stories – and we are proud to have added to them.

Special thanks to Photographer Brian Tropiano, Marisa Powers, & Lark stylists: Ginger Wallace, Monique Schulfer & Catherine Rex.

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0063

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0066

Proofs_Lark@503_0071
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0086
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found

Proofs_Lark@503_0091
Cheers! Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Lark #12 @503found
Lark #12 @503found

Lark + Letter Sparrow

We are excited to announce our collaboration with Letter Sparrow, who will be designing our menu and place cards for our upcoming lark at 503found.  We only see good things coming from this talented artist and are honored to work with her.  xo~l FullSizeRender (8)