Paris, PR, & Paving Your Own Way with VilteCo. Founder Vilte S. Holstad
In this episode of Toast Meets Jam I caught up with Vilte S. Holstad, the founder behind the PR creative VilteCo. Our brunch of choice was Sunny Spot, a favorite of ours here in Venice. As we dug into our delish dishes, she took me on her journey from moving to Paris to founding her own PR company.
After graduating from college with a degree in design, Vilte began working in various PR roles both with small and large brands. Her desire to expand into other aspects of the industry drew her to Paris where she worked with a French designer and covered Paris Fashion Week.Upon Vilte’s return to the states, it didn’t take long for her to realize she was ready to step out on her own. It was then that the idea for VilteCo. first came to life.
VilteCo. is a boutique PR creative with a focus on traditional outreach, social media management, and blogger placement. Though open to companies of all sizes, the creative is especially drawn to working with startups in the LA area.
To learn more about Vilte and her PR creative make sure to check her out at www.vilteco.com.
Finding Your Beat with Singer/Songwriter Missy Modell
In this episode of Toast Meets Jam I caught up with singer/songwriter Missy Modell at one of our favorite LA hot spots- Axe. As we dug into our very Venice Basic Bowls, she caught me up on her pursuit of a career in the music industry.
At the age of 24 Missy had already established herself as a singer on the rise. Self described as the “Rihanna to an Eminem soundtrack” she had found her beat touring college campuses with other up and coming artists. Fast forward a few years and this leading lading has declared it time to pave a new path–this time one that provides a true reflection of her unabashed, fun, beautiful self.
She talks with me about her musical journey, the process of self discovery, and why it’s time for her to take center-stage.
Catherine reports on her experience at the ACE DTLA and shares tips on planning a “staycation”
PHOTO: Catherine Abalos.
I love everything about staying in hotels… fresh sheets, fresh towels, a mountain of fluffy pillows, the option to order food straight to your room, the free Bible. A couple years ago I made my first trip to Palm Springs and was introduced to the ACE Hotel. I was an immediate convert to the laidback, urban cool vibe of the compound and have considered visiting new cities in order to stay at the ACE. The ACE is purposely a little undone and can feel like glamping. I was fortunate to take refuge in my sister and brother-in-law’s room at the ACE when all of us were stranded in Manhattan after Sandy hit. When I heard that they were opening up in Downtown L.A., I vowed to book a night for some personal R&R. A staycation is a mini vacation from your life, without the inconvenience of leaving your town. A solo version should be purposeful and a way for you to invest in yourself.
A solo staycation has been on my to-do list for a long time. To have an immaculate suite to myself for one night (or more) to relax on thousand-count sheets is more luxurious to me than a day at the spa. However, when I mentioned my weekend plans to people, four times out of five their first response was to ask whom I was going with. For some, the idea of staying in a hotel by yourself for pleasure is comparable to eating alone at a restaurant or going to a movie theater alone. It sounds scary, you would feel judged, you may judge people who are doing it. When you find the courage to face your fear of being alone in any situation, you have the potential to liberate yourself from the constrictions of popular opinion and discover something new about yourself. One night away from my living space filled with material possessions and the figurative weight of the current ups and downs in my life gave me refreshing perspective. (more…)
