Start 2019 With a Happy And Peaceful Mind at Los Angeles Unplug Studio

LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com

A native Angeleno. John studied engineering at UCLA; founded Schmoozd, an offline social tech networking event in LA with 30,000 subs; ran a startup accelerator (StartEngine). Worked for several major brands like Toyota, DIRECTV, Hitachi, and Raytheon. A mentor at LMU Entrepreneur School. And advises a dozen local LA startups building amazing tech in various industries; also invested in some.

Healthmeditation

How California’s MedMen Is a Leader In The Legal Marijuana Gold Rush

LA Startups CrewDecember 8, 2018March 10, 2019

Will MedMen Become The Starbucks of Weed

A quick look at the growing legal cannabis trade through the rapid expansion of MedMen.

It has been said before that legalizing a lot of banned things can lead to progress. Marijuana certainly proved this theory to be true. Legalizing cannabis didn’t just make an alternative treatment to certain diseases more accessible, but it also created a booming industry.

Studies show that spending on legal cannabis can grows up to $57 billion by 2027. However, the numbers that MedMen, the leading cannabis company in the US, has been sharing are also excellent proof that the industry is highly promising.

While there have been a few snags along the way, it will be hard to deny that the legal cannabis trade is booming. Just recently, MedMen made the largest cannabis acquisition in history. Granted, there aren’t a lot of previous transactions of the sort, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that the numbers involved are astonishing.

View this post on Instagram
Our new campaign showcases the iconic, Southern California communities that MedMen is happy to be a part of.✨Have you seen our billboards around town?
A post shared by MedMen (@shopmedmen) on Aug 31, 2018 at 5:59pm PDT

The company has also been recently listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange. This helped them raise about $110 million. It’s lower than their goal but it’s still a promising figure that signals potential growth.

A lot of market experts also note that MedMen stocks should be watched. They said that its major acquisition is a solid move for the business to establish itself. It’s also said that this is practically the birth of the industry and it will be hard to deny this.

With all of the milestones that MedMen has been reaching, more and more people are already feeling the change and developments such achievements can bring. One of this is how such a large acquisition can affect the distribution of medical marijuana. It can make these once-banned products easier to acquire which can definitely change how people consume the substance.

Who is MedMen?

Before we go into the implications of MedMen’s explosive growth, you might be wondering just how this business became the biggest name in the legal weed trade. Who is MedMen exactly and how did they get so big?

The company started out about nine years ago when the ‘California Ganja Gold Rush’ started. Its founders, Adam Bierman, and Andrew Modlin saw the potential in the trade so they decided to dive in. Over the years, it has seriously grown so much that they were able to open a 45,000-square foot greenhouse and manufacturing facility, hire over 800 employees, and operate 14 retail stores in various states.

They have also just recently started building another manufacturing facility of the same size as their first one. They’re expecting it to start operating in 2019 to better supply the 66 additional retail stores that they are now licensed to operate. They still have 13 more cultivation licenses, though, so the future of the company is very bright.

MedMen is also noted for being the first business to acquire state license for a cannabis business in the city of L.A. They were definitely lucky enough to already be in operation when the recreational use of weed became legal.

Note, however, that MedMen is not just a business for recreational or medical pot. According to the founders, they’re in the wellness trade. In fact, when you visit their stores, they don’t classify their products according to the two aforementioned categories. They categorize their products according to seven states of being that their consumers might want to get to (activity, happiness, fluidity, enlightenment, balance, rest, and wellness) instead.

Another notable thing about MedMen is its overall retail concept. First off, its stores are found in iconic locations like Beverly Hills, the Las Vegas Strip, Venice Beach, and Fifth Avenue, New York. This says a lot about what brand they’re going for.

The stores in itself are worth checking out. They can offer a unique experience with their noteworthy product display and store design.

View this post on Instagram
Not your average retail store. 🌿 #DTLA
A post shared by MedMen (@shopmedmen) on Mar 26, 2018 at 3:01pm PDT

‘Mainstreaming Marijuana’

Speaking of its retail stores, MedMen’s locations are the best clues as to where the company intends to lead the industry. According to them, they wish to take marijuana to the mainstream and they intend to do that by changing how people perceive the substance.

What the brand wants to do is to introduce the substance to more recreational users. They wish to offer it as an alternative to a glass of wine or a few tablets of Xanax as a way for people to relax and unwind after a long week.

They’re not just about catering to their established ‘stoner’ clientele but want to expand their market beyond their target audience. This is why they promote a more modern approach to weed consumption. They want to make people understand that the substance offers more than what the stoner films of old can bring.

To achieve this, they make it a point to feature edibles and vaping pens, among many others. They offer about 1000 products in store and a lot of them are patented and will provide consumers with new ways to enjoy cannabis.

With this, alongside their retail stores’ eventual growth in numbers, MedMen hopes to entice the mainstream to give cannabis a try. By making the process of acquiring the substance feel normal, casual, and nonchalant, just like how people routinely grab their coffee, they might just be able to expand their business’ reach.

In a way, you can also look at MedMen as a brand that “gentrifies” your cannabis consumption. If back in the day, people had to meet up with sleazy folks or visit dingy and rundown establishments to get their fix, there’s no more need to do that anymore with MedMen around.

This is why it’s so easy to compare it with the rise of coffee consumption in the past decade. If most folks mostly only consumed stale coffee grounds or old diner coffee, Starbucks changed that and made the whole activity a trendy thing to do. As laws on cannabis consumption loosen up a bit around the US, MedMen hopes to do the same thing for weed.

When you look at the bigger picture, recreating what Starbucks did is a very good goal. Ambitious, but at the rate that MedMen is going, it might not be impossible to do. If only more states follow suit in loosening their laws on cannabis use, this industry might just lend a hand to local economies.

Los Angeles Startups

Los Angeles Startups

LA Startups Crew

Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice, Hollywood, and beyond

LAStartups.com is a digital lifestyle publication that covers the culture of startups and technology companies in Los Angeles. It is the go-to site for people who want to keep up with what matters in Los Angeles’ tech and startups from those who know the city best.

https://lastartups.com

9 Great Places to Visit Near the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

John DiepDecember 7, 2018March 10, 2019

9 Great Places to Visit Near the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

You may not know this, but there are actually several excellent places to visit right near LAX. So these may be the places you may want to visit right away when you arrive. Or perhaps, you can visit these locations for one last enjoyable LA adventure before you leave.

1. In-N-Out Burger

You’ve probably heard about the legendary In-N-Out Burger and how it’s the best fast-food burger in the world. If you’ve come from one of those locations where there’s no In-N-Out Burger, then you should just head on out to the In-N-Out Burger near the airport even before you get to your hotel. Why wait?

Location: 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

2. Automobile Driving Museum

Are you a fan of vintage cars? If your rental has you wondering about what kind of car you should be riding, then you can detour to the Automobile Driving Museum for a quick look-see of about 130 classic and vintage cars. On Sundays from 10AM to 3:30PM, 3 different vintage cars are even available for rides.

Location: 610 Lairport St, El Segundo, CA 90245

3. Manhattan Beach Pier

Did you just get to LA to enjoy the beach? Once you arrive at LAX, just get a cab and head on out to the Manhattan Beach Pier. It’s only a 10-minute ride. To see as much as you can, you can rent a bike for $10 an hour.

Location: Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

View this post on Instagram
Lost in L.A🚶 #manhattanbeachpier #wheninLA #manhattanbeach #losangeles #socal #LAventure #westcoasting🌴
A post shared by Gillema (@gilly_nyc) on Jan 2, 2017 at 5:06pm PST

4. Dockweiler State Beach

Obviously, you have more than one option in LA if you’re into beaches. Dockweiler is only 7 minutes from the airport, and it’s a free beach with 3 miles of shore, a picnic area, and a concession stand.

Location: 12001 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

5. Santa Monica Place

Maybe you’re in LA because you’re in need of some retail therapy. You can take care of that itch to shop with a visit to Santa Monica Place, which has just been recently renovated. It’s only a 20-minute trip from the airport, and you get to enjoy luxury shops and fine dining right after your LA arrival.

Location: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401

6. Abbot Kinney

Here’s another place to shop near the airport. It’s quite a unique area, with many local designers and artists combining current fashion with classic vintage style. Go here for distinctive clothes, jewelry, and furniture.

View this post on Instagram
Such a lovely street! #abbotkinney 🌴🌴🌴🌴 make sure ya’ll go visit the store it’s open for another 4 weeks 🇺🇸🇺🇸🙌🏻👏🏻👍🏻
A post shared by Isabella Pennefather (@isabella_spell) on Oct 26, 2018 at 10:51pm PDT

7. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

After a while, the urban LA setting may have you wishing for the joys of nature. You and your family can enjoy that immediately by visiting the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, which is less than 10 miles from LAX. With 5 miles of hiking trails and lots of scenic views, it’s a great place for an outdoor picnic.

Location: 4100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90056

8. Venice Beach

Sometimes it’s simply fun to just watch the people, who may be a lot different if you come from out of state. Try the Venice Boardwalk, and you’ll encounter people unique even to fellow Californians. Creatives like to flock here, and you can have your portrait taken by artists while palm readers take a look at your future.

View this post on Instagram
Venice Beach ~ CALIFORNIA ☀️
A post shared by | brigette & marnie | 🌿 (@thedrifthers) on Nov 29, 2016 at 3:48pm PST

9. Westchester Golf Course

Perhaps you want one final round of golf before you head out. Try it here at Westchester, which is open until 10PM.

Location: 6900 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Founder, Editor-in-Chief

Founder, Editor-in-Chief

LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com

15 Scooter Riding Tips for Navigating Los Angeles Traffic

John DiepDecember 4, 2018March 10, 2019

15 Scooter Riding Tips for Heavy Traffic

It would seem at first that when you’re embroiled in heavy traffic, it’s great that you’re riding a scooter, like a Bird or Lime. But this can present its own set of dangers that you may not expect. To help make sure you ride safely on your scooter, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Make Sure You and Your Scooter Are Ready

That means you’re not drunk and you’re physically able to use your scooter. You should have all your protective gear on, such as a helmet. At the same time, you also have to make sure that the scooter is in perfect working condition with enough battery to get you to where you’re going.

2. Ride Smoothly

This means you don’t do the abrupt “go fast and stop” way of riding down the streets when on your scooter. Accelerate smoothly, and brake gently. This is the essence of safe scooter riding, and it protects not just you but the condition of the scooter too.

3. Be Aware of Others

You have to account for the various vehicles on the road as well as well as the others on scooters too. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially children who may suddenly sprint from the sidewalk. Look both ways and make sure your vision is clear.

Learn how to anticipate other people so that you’re able to make quick lane changes.

4. Be Careful When You Overtake

What you really want to watch out for is overtaking near an intersection, when you’re in between the other driver and their crossing. It’s best when you’re on the other side when you overtake so that if they make a sudden turn for the entrance you’re not in the way.

5. Turn Your Head to Indicate Where You’re Going

Since you have no signals to turn on. It helps other drivers when you simply turn your head to the direction you plan to go to. People behind you will know where you’re going and they can anticipate your action.

View this post on Instagram
@loganxgrau & @samcschmid exploring Memphis on Birds 🛴 #befreewithbird
A post shared by Bird (@bird) on Oct 16, 2018 at 2:22pm PDT

6. Practice Your Braking Skills Beforehand

You really don’t want to practice your scooter braking skills when you’re already caught in traffic. In these conditions, you should already know how to properly brake properly so you don’t end up hitting the vehicle in front of you.

Always keep a finger close to the front brake lever, while you also have a foot over the rear brake lever. These actions keep you ready to stop at a moment’s notice.

7. Slow Down in Tight Conditions

While speeding does have its own thrill, what you need to remember is that slower speeds give you more time to react to unexpected situations. That’s especially true in and weather in and heavy traffic conditions. Something may just hurl down to get in front of you, and a slower speed gives you more time to press on the brakes.

8. Be Ready with Power

Just keep your scooter in the lower gears during heavy traffic, as those will give you the best chances of squeezing through the various vehicles.

View this post on Instagram
More than just e-bikes. #JUMPScooters have arrived.
A post shared by JUMP (@jump_rides) on Oct 4, 2018 at 8:38am PDT

9. Always Check in All Directions

When you’re crossing the road, you need to look left and right. That’s a good rule when you’re riding too. You have to check if there will be a possible hazard coming at you from any direction. It’s great if you can get into the habit of first checking left and then going into a clockwise pattern to check around you. After checking right, use your rearview mirrors.

10. Anticipate Slower Traffic

There will be times when the lane you’re in will slow down. When that happens, keep to the left or right of the car ahead of you, so if the lane traffic completely stops you can take advantage of the gap if it’s possible. If it’s not possible as there’s not enough space, just be ready when traffic moves again.

View this post on Instagram
@winnieharlow leading the way. #PFW
A post shared by Lime (@limebike) on Oct 5, 2018 at 2:13pm PDT

11. Check Your Side Every 15 Seconds

It’s very easy to just focus on what’s ahead of us, and forget that some vehicles may suddenly come right behind us. You have to pay attention to what’s going on behind you, especially when you’re stopping your motorcycle or making a turn.

That means you should check your left and right side view every 10 or 15 seconds.

12. Remember the 2 to 4-Second Following Rule

When you’re riding in broad daylight, you should keep enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. This distance should take at least 2 to 4 seconds to travel should the vehicle suddenly stop for no reason. At night, this distance should be increased to 4 to 6 seconds.

It’s easy enough to test this distance. Note when the car in front of you passes a landmark, like a tree or a spot on the road. Then count the number of seconds (1-Mississippi-2-Mississippi) it takes for you to reach that same spot.

13. Check Out the Road Surface Ahead

There may be potholes, wet spots, or large stones that can spell travel for you and your scooter. Always be aware of what’s coming. If there’s a blind turn and you can’t see ahead, then you better slow down.

14. Obey the Road Rules

Whether or not there are cops around giving out tickets, you just have to obey the traffic laws so that you don’t cause even worse traffic with your shenanigans. Don’t even think about jumping the red light, as it’s just too dangerous.

15. Be In the Lookout for Open Zones

It can be hard on the nerves when you’re constantly sandwiched between 2 cars in separate lanes when you’re caught in traffic. But there are sometimes open zones that you can breeze in through when you’re riding in a low gear.

Remember all these rules and you’ll be good when you’re stuck in traffic while out on your scooter!

Founder, Editor-in-Chief

Founder, Editor-in-Chief

LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com

http://mikadopersonalstyling.com

How To Dress Like a Tech Titan

MiKADODecember 1, 2018March 10, 2019

In the world of tech founders and executives, a general disdain for attention to one’s daily wardrobe comes from a desire to maximize efficiency and clear the mind for more important cognitive processing. The thinking is such that eliminating major choices from the daily routine, like what to put on in the morning, frees up the mind to focus on more important work-related decisions. With the likes of Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg taking it so far as to wear the same style of shirt and pants every day, the notion of a ‘work dress code has been adopted by many.

While the Silicon Valley elite uniform often consists of shorts, tees, and hoodies, some of the most notable names in the industry have been able to maintain equipoise between their own unique sense of style and a practicality towards fashion that is almost formulaic.

Creating a signature look doesn’t necessarily entail “silly and frivolous” decision making as noted by Zuckerberg, or a closet filled with multiples of the exact same t-shirt, and can be streamlined for efficacy while still taking into account one’s personal fashion preferences. By creating a capsule wardrobe, or a collection of like-minded items that share similar thematic styling, one can easily interchange the pieces in their closet with minimal energy expenditure while also developing their personal style.

Some of the Valley’s biggest heavyweights have been able to master their craft, break barriers in their field, and create products that have changed the course of history, while also reimagining what an executive in technology looks like. These leaders have methodically approached their wardrobe to master their personal dress code while developing the signature looks we have come to expect of them.

In dressing like a tech titan, often only a handful of staple pieces are required to create the look. While some play it safe and others incorporate more creativity, we’ve rounded up the founders and executives who are pioneering a different version of the tech-uniform.

Jack Dorsey

The Twitter and Square CEO’s style can be summed up as edgy, cool and understated. Dorsey always stands out in a crowd of his peers when opting for leather jackets in lieu of button downs. While he has an affinity for high-end streetwear labels and runway brands, his style can be emulated for a fraction of the price.

Kevin Systrom

The co-founder of Instagram has been at the forefront of his industry for bridging the gap between technology and fashion, opting to bring the same panache to his dress code as he does to his products. Often seen in sports coats, ties and sweaters, Systrom’s preppy chic style looks the part of a CEO in a creative field.

Evan Spiegel

Spiegel has done an excellent job at crafting the perfect causal off-duty uniform – a practical, no-fuss look without ever being sloppy. The co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc. favor designer sneakers, skinny jeans, and fitted tees, often topped off with a great bomber jacket or puffer coat. The sheer simplicity of his look means he can achieve the Zuckerberg-like efficiency without always wearing the same thing.

Sheryl Sandburg

The Facebook COO’s go-to mode for dressing is no fuss, classic and professional. She keeps her look simple, knows what works well on her and focuses on impeccable tailoring to maintain her streamlined image. While her style is always poised, Sandberg also adds playful elements to her wardrobe and can frequently be seen in monochromatic pairings (a common style-hack among the best-dressed women in fashion) or leather boots in place of high heels.

Whitney Wolfe Herd

Herd’s style is very playful, put-together and completely on trend, and if you didn’t know she worked in technology you’d assume she had a starring role in fashion. The founder and CEO of Bumble make creative choices with her wardrobe each time she steps on stage and keeps her casual dress code just as well-manicured. Often hosting some of the biggest names in Hollywood and entertainment at her events, Herd’s sense of style is always equally on par with her A-list guests.

Angela Ahrendts

Before stepping into her role as the Senior VP of Retail at Apple, she was the CEO of Burberry, so it’s no surprise that Ahrendts has an impeccable sense of her own signature style and a formulaic approach to her wardrobe. Often seen in trench coats (an homage to her Burberry days one can only assume), classic blazers and embellished accessories, she always finds the perfect balance between corporate and fashion-forward.

This article was written by the styling team at MiKADO. MiKADO is full-service Personal Styling firm handling all the shopping and fashion needs of busy individuals who value well-kept wardrobes. Currently serving Southern California, New York City, and the Bay area, their Stylists take care of everything fashion-related on behalf of their customers so that they can dress with ease, while never having to leave home to shop.

Author Details

Author Details

MiKADO

Personal Styling Services

MiKADO is full-service Personal Styling firm handling all the shopping and fashion needs of busy individuals who value well-kept wardrobes. Currently serving Southern California, New York City, and the Bay area, their Stylists take care of everything fashion-related on behalf of their customers so that they can dress with ease, while never having to leave home to shop.

service@mikadopersonalstyling.com

service@mikadopersonalstyling.com

(800) 982-1628

8 Best Places to Visit for LA Vintage Shopping

John DiepNovember 25, 2018March 10, 2019

8 Best Places to Visit for LA Vintage Shopping

It’s no secret that you can satisfy your craving for vintage fashion if you’re in LA. But where exactly do you go? While there’s no shortage of shops that offer vintage wares, here are the places you should visit first:

1. Scout

If you’ve got the budget for high-end vintage fashion, then Scout has the goods you’re looking for. Scout is the ultimate trendsetter, as its pieces influence the influencers in fashion.

Location: 8021 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

View this post on Instagram
fall selection for @acurrentaffair tomorrow and sunday in downtown LA itsacurrentaffair.com #junyawatanabe
A post shared by joey grana (@scoutla) on Sep 22, 2017 at 7:31pm PDT

2. Rose Bowl Flea Market

You need to be in LA at the right time to enjoy the Rose Bowl Flea Market. But if you can find a way to be at the Rose Bowl Stadium on the second Sunday of the month, then you’re in for a treat. You can visit the best flea market in the entire west coast with more than 2,500 vendors offering you vintage treats for a bargain.

Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103

3. Melrose Trading Post

On any given Sunday, you can visit the Melrose Trading Post for unbelievable flea market bargains. Here you can find vintage clothes and antique jewelry and furniture from up to 200 vendors every week.

Location: 7850 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

View this post on Instagram
squad goals anyone? #friends #sqaud #melrosetradingpost #mtp #sunday #sundayfunday #BeThere #style
A post shared by Melrose Trading Post (MTP) (@melrosetradingpost) on Nov 10, 2018 at 1:01pm PST

4. FIDM Museum

While you can’t actually buy everything you see here, this place will give you an idea of just what kind of vintage clothes are available here in the epicenter of cinema. This museum is located on the ground floor of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s downtown LA campus.

Location: 919 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015

5. Paper Moon Vintage

You know a place is into vintage when its motto is “the older the better”. Here, the places are so vintage that pieces from the 1960s are unavailable—they’re too new to be considered! But if you’re looking for some 1920s flapper pizzazz or an outfit to match your Victorian tastes, here’s the place to visit.

Location: 4516 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

6. Tavin

This is where you head on out to if you’re looking for the 1960s and 70s fashion, but it’s also a place where Victorian threads are available as well. This is the hub of gypsy fashion in LA. It’s a surreal and dreamy shop, but you can lose yourself in the dream very easily here.

Location: 1543 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

View this post on Instagram
So many pretty vintage Indian dresses in the shop now that we adore 🌸#tavinboutique #indiandresses
A post shared by Tavin Boutique (@tavinboutique) on Oct 17, 2018 at 2:43pm PDT

7. Foxhole

What if you’re really into vintage denim? If that’s the case, then it’s a cardinal sin for you to overlook the Foxhole. Here, they really “dream in denim” as denim goes well beyond jeans and jackets. You can find vintage denim ponchos, purses, and even pillows. Try out their vintage denim jackets first, as they’re the first rate. The owners of the place can even stitch your initials on your items if you ask nicely.

Location: 3318 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

8. Avalon Vintage

The collection is quite diverse, coming from periods ranging from the turn of the century 1900s to the alternative grunge of the 1990s. whether you’re looking for sweaters from the 1980s or trying for silk jammies from the 1930s, you’ll get your fill of vintage style. In fact, even old music is available here with more than 6,000 records from bygone years.

Location: 106 N Ave 56, Los Angeles, CA 90042

These places just scratch the surface of the LA vintage shopping scene. What’s more, new places open constantly so don’t forget to visit LA regularly to satisfy your urge for vintage!

Founder, Editor-in-Chief

Founder, Editor-in-Chief

LAStartups.com, Schmoozd.com