Day in the Life: Camille Guaty

Cookies courtesy of Eat Sweets Pastry

We spent a rainy day inside littlemeatsLA with Camille Guaty ("Scorpion"), an actress, writer, and mother to two pooches who helped make for a little dog party on set. We soon discovered our shared interests; we have a love for writing, pups, and strong-leading women (Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Salma Hayek, etc) who are succeeding in their fields. Already, that caught our attention, which ultimately turned into a 3-hour jam session. 

Sweater: Dear Creatures. Skirt: Jessica Faulkner. Shoes: Seychelles. 

Would you say that's how you usually spend your day-to-day life? Just relaxing at home (if there's no appointments, etc)?

I'm a home body at heart... a true Cancer sign in that sense. I love nothing more than to relax on the couch with my pups, but at the same time I enjoy exercising. We are blessed with beautiful mountains in Los Angeles. So, you will usually find me on the top of a hiking trail during the morning hours or venturing into town for a samba class (it's kind of my new obsession).

So you're a writer! What sparked your interesting in writing and writing screenplays?

I admire strong women in Hollywood who are multi-talented: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Salma Hayek, to name a few. Watching these women expand their careers inspired me to do the same.  I've always had these idea's beckoning to be developed, but never allotted myself any time. Now it's just a part of what I do. When I don't have an audition I turn on my computer and start writing.

What script(s) are you working on? 

Currently I have 3 TV show ideas, including a reality show for dogs and a web-series that I am developing. 

Dress: Fleet Collection. Bracelet: Camille's Own. 

If you're a writer, you must love reading too (correct us if we're wrong). What kinds of books are on your reading list? Which is one that you repeatedly read and why?

All I do is read scripts! All the time. A book is a luxury to me. Unfortunately, the only time I get to read a book is on vacation. This past holiday I read, "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler (it's an absolute a must) and "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Piccoult. Tina Fey's autobiography is next on my list.

What's next for you aside pushing out these screenplays and your show? What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?  

Pilot season is right around the corner, so I'll be auditioning like crazy until I book a show. Aside from that I'm recurring on CBS's "Scorpion," which has been so much fun. In the next few years I would love to say that I write, produce and act in TV and film. That would be a dream come true! 

Coat: Dear Creatures. Dress: Fleet Collection: Shoes: Seychelles. 

Photography by Jessica Castro

Styling by Lucia Tran

Hair and Makeup by Courtney Hagen

Location: littlemeatsLA

Day in the Life: Luke Youngblood

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Luke Youngblood, who takes on the role of Sid in the upcoming ABC medieval musical-comedy (yes, you heard that right) Galavant. We took a stroll in Los Angeles' Larchmont neighborhood where a stop at Salt & Straw (Luke's favorite) is a must. 

Top: Everlane. Pants: AG Jeans. 

We are incredibly excited for Galavant. Tell us, can we expect you to be singing and dancing among your cast-mates? 

I have to say that I am just excited as you are. Especially because I haven't seen any of the episodes in their entirety yet. Filming the (Alan Menken) musical numbers with my amazing co-stars really was one of the highlights of this job. At the beginning of the series, we see three of us (Galavant, Isabella and Sid) on a quest to get Gal's long lost love back. The songs depict the highs and lows of our group dynamic as we go on this journey. Each song has a totally different style, which makes the show so unique; they really help drive the story. In particular, there's a huge musical number in episode 3 which is all about Sid. I won't go into detail, but I will say that it required an entire day of filming, about 50 dancers, me being thrusted up into the air on a chair and waltzing, in chain mail no less. And that is just one of the songs. So yes, I will be singing and dancing. 

You're part of the main cast, which is really exciting. How has life differed since signing onto the show? Do you expect things to change once the show starts airing? 

The biggest difference is that I have become much busier, work-wise. We shot Galavant in the U.K., which was an amazing adventure. We got to travel to so many picturesque locations and film on astounding sets. It was especially nice being able to share the fantastic experience with such wonderful cast-members who have become my family now. I'm not sure what change will come once the show starts airing, but I am excited to see what it'll be. Perhaps someone will gift me a new car so I can upgrade from my '96 Honda Civic (a.k.a. Hondi). I'll miss her though if that happens. She's gotten me from A-Z and beyond! Most importantly, she got me to my Galavant audition on time. 

Jacket: Luke's Own. Top: Everlane. Pants: AG Jeans. 

You're from England, but seem to have been traveling around a lot! Are you still living in England and just staying in different cities for work, or are you now in LA, etc? 

I love to travel, which is why it was quite an easy decision to make the move to L.A., 5 years ago. As an actor, I've had the opportunity to work in some beautiful locations, especially on Galavant. When I was auditioning for the role of Sid, I had no idea that they planned on shooting the series in the U.K., so you can imagine my surprise when I found out that I'd be going back home, and being paid to do so! After seeing the locations, it became apparent that there was no other place that we could have filmed the show. Absolutely breathtaking and authentic. Being based in L.A. has given me the opportunity to see much more of the States, which is one of the best things about living there. But recently, I have ventured a little further. Since wrapping on the show, I have been traveling to Japan, Australia and Thailand, which has absolutely blown my mind! I'll continue to be uploading pics on Instagram if you want to come along for the ride. 

You chose one of our favorite LA ice cream shops to visit. How did you find out about the Salt & Straw shop? 

I was on my first visit to Portland, when my friend (who lives there) said that a stop at Salt & Straw was a must. Ice-cream in mid-November wasn't top of my list, but the fact that Oprah also said that it was a must meant that it just had to be done. Considering Oprah is the ruler of the universe. Plus I have a ridiculously large sweet-tooth. My co-stars will confirm this. Let's just put it this way: it changed my life! After shooting Galavant for 3 months, I came back to L.A. and my roommate told me about a new ice cream place had just opened on Larchmont. Low and behold... Salt & Straw! My life in L.A. was complete.

What's your favorite flavor? 

When it comes to ice-cream, I am usually considered boring because I just go for the vanilla. However, Salt & Straw's almond brittle flavor is off the chain! It has the best of everything. Creamy vanilla swirled with caramel ribbons that has been folded with perfectly formed crushed almond brittle and salted chocolate brownie chunks! What more could you ask for? Perhaps a lifetime supply. They should actually pay me for all of the advertising that I do for them. 

Jacket: Everlane. Pants: Gap. Shoes: Steven Madden.

Are there other areas in LA that you typically hang around?

My friends are dotted all over the city, so I never find that I restrict myself to just one area. One day I may be riding bicycles along the beach in Venice. Another day I may be in the Fashion District buying fabric to make a jacket or something. Then eating at Bottega Louie to get my Downtown city-feel fix. I'll venture over into the Arts District and then across to Silverlake and Los Feliz. There are many outstanding restaurants in L.A. and plenty things to do (like visiting the Getty Center and the LACMA) that I could never pin myself down to one area, and that's what I love about living in LA. You can have whatever experience you want as long as you are prepared to drive. 

And you mentioned you sometimes make your own clothing. How did that start and what's your background in fashion? That's quite a creative hobby! 

Growing up, my mum always had us doing creative things, whether it was drawing, painting, making parachutes for our action figures etc. So from childhood, I'd always had an interest in making stuff. As I got older my interest for fashion, in particular, grew and decided to go and study. I took some time off of acting to focus on my studies and I attended the London College of Fashion for about 4 years, which is where I got all of my technical training. For a long time I thought that fashion was going to be the path that I'd go down, but I missed acting, so naturally it found its way back to me. I still have the passion to eventually have my own line, but for now I am focusing on my acting career and just making pieces for myself in my spare time. 

How would you describe your style? 

Growing up in London, you are surrounded by so many styles that I wouldn't say that I have just one. Nobody fits into a box there, and that's one of the most refreshing things about London. One day I might want to dress smartly with a button up and some trousers. The next day, I'll look like I'm going to the gym. Either way, my outfit has to have that special something. It's usually an accessory of some kind, like sunglasses. They are my weakness. I like that my style is undefined. 

We already hung out with you for a day! Tell our readers: If they were to spend a day with you, what would they find out about you that they wouldn't have otherwise know? 

They'd probably find out very soon that I'm a big kid at heart. One of the first things that I packed for this trip was my Nintendo 3DS. I like to seize every moment that life offers and am a firm believer in the fact that you're only as old as you feel! So if me playing Super Smash Bros. on an airplane somewhere is anything to go by: I'm probably about 9-years-old.  

Photography by Jessica Castro

Styling by Jill McFadden

Grooming by Jeanne San Diego

Meet the Maker: Georgia Hobart

Georgia Hobart is the face behind Hobes, an Australian footwear brand that is perfectly timeless and all hand-crafted. They've quickly become one of our favorites and their shoes are not only sweet, but they're comfortable (we're talking comfortable enough to sleep in!). 

The Boat Hobe in the Beach color. 

Georgia, we absolutely love the shoes and appreciate your mission to bringing audiences such classic footwear. It’s beautiful. Starting out, did you have any challenges to making Hobes a reality? 

Thank you! That’s so lovely of you. Classic, simply styled footwear is exactly what I set out to produce and staying true to my initial idea for Hobes has been so important along the way. Fashion basics has always been an area of interest for me, simple styles that are timeless and will withstand the test of time and trends is something that I have always looked for. Yes, I think there are always challenges in staring a new business. Plenty in fact. I had my fair share and continue to still. The Hobes brand is still quite young and I’m definitely still learning all the time. There are many challenges that I face everyday, but in starting out, the biggest challenge really was in getting the product right. If you don’t have a strong product to start with, it doesn’t really matter what else you do with communications and marketing, you’ll never get the business off the ground. And of course on the flip side, if you have a great product, but you are not able to communicate it, then it’s also a tough spot to start from too. So there definitely is a real balance in starting a new business and ensuring that your product fits a gap, your communication is appropriate, and the timing is right. It’s an ongoing balancing act!

So, you spent your time between Hong Kong and South Melbourne. Why Hong Kong? Is it where you source your materials? 

Yes, for the first few years of the business I split my time between Hong Kong and my base in Melbourne. I also spent a lot of time in Italy when I started the business too, my first supplier was Italian, and being amongst the footwear industry over there when I started in the industry was great. This year, I’ve been splitting my time between Melbourne and New York, which has been great for the business, and also a lot of fun. I am lucky to be able to work from pretty much anywhere, I have a great team which enables me to move around as I like. Also running the business completely online means this is possible.  

You definitely have an expansive and well-educated background in business; that certainly is helpful for all entrepreneurs. What are some of the best things you’ve learned with your formal education? Would you suggest that all business owners study the same courses you’ve taken?

You know it’s funny, when I left school I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had a clear division in my areas of interest. I have always been creative, and was very keen to move in the direction of art and design, but I also had an interest in business, so deciding what course was right for me at university was tough. I think I probably chose the right route in hindsight, although at the time I didn’t really enjoy studying business. It was really dry and I wasn’t interested, I just wanted to get it done! Having said this, a business degree has definitely been so helpful. I think a grounding in business is useful in any career path, particularly when you are running a small business and starting out, you need to be a master of all trades

Where did the inspiration for Hobes' design come from? Aside from wanting to make it a classic piece. 

I had a pair of really soft, light weight shoes from Italy that I had found about 10 years earlier that i had loved. I’d never found anything like it again and I had always been asked about them. I wore them to death and had always wanted to find a replacement, which I couldn’t. So when i decided to look into the development of a footwear basics range, these pair of shoes were certainly in the back of my mind. And they were a strong influence in the initial samples we produced. A shoe that was lightweight, soft and good for traveling (both packing and wearing) was just as important for me as the qualities of classic, timeless design in designing the first style and ongoing range development. I travel a lot and having shoes that pack flat, weigh next to nothing, are versatile and great for miles of walking is key!

We love the current collection. Are you currently planning any new styles? If so, can we get a gist of what that would be? 

Yes I am always playing with new products. Whilst the concept for Hobes is to work with a core classic range which is updated with colour and fabric seasonally, new styles are always in the mix. In addition to new footwear styles, I am also looking to introduce a new product category for the brand, in the travel accessories area. In considering the addition of a new category, any product we add under the Hobes umbrella must have the same product qualities that Hobes footwear does. Must be light, soft, versatile, classic in design and timeless - we are working on this new category for release next year. More on this soon! 

Essentially, what is your goal for each customer when they purchase a pair of Hobes? (i.e. a pair of shoes  for the individual that would last nearly forever). 

I guess the main thing I want people to feel/think about their Hobes is that they are the footwear basic they’ve been waiting for. A pair of classic and super soft shoes that just work with everything. So I guess versatility is really important when people buy Hobes. Knowing they can have one pair of great shoes that cover so many basis. Hobes are trans-seasonal, work with so many styles. I want Hobes to be the footwear equivalent of a great white tee for their owners (which I am still looking for - I have at least 50+ white tee's in my current collection and still on the hunt for the perfect one! Maybe this is next for me...?)

And as a business owner, where do you see Hobes in the next few years? What are your goals? 

Obviously growth and sales comes into this, but really for me the aim of the game has always been around the brand. I launched Hobes partly because I wanted the challenge of launching, growing and developing a brand of my own. So whilst sales growth objectives clearly have to be part of the goal in order to drive the business forward, seeing the brand develop and grow whilst retaining true to the core values is really important to me. I’d forgo profit in order to retain the brands integrity any day of the week. And i guess that’s why I am so adamant to keep the brand online only too. Ensuring we retain control of how the brand is communicated and presented is just essential for me. And perhaps I am delusional, but I do think I can grow this business purely online. I constantly have people suggesting i am mad, and that a mix of online and physical store retail is the only way forward, but I am sticking to my initial idea of an online only footwear basics range, and I guess only time will tell whether or not I am in fact mad!

Could you share with us a piece of advice for those struggling to keep up with their own companies? Or building one? 

I guess it sounds easy to say this, but the advice I feel I am equipped to provide is to always, always stay true to your brand and its values. Keeping the Hobes brand values top of mind in every business decision I have made along the way has really helped keep me, and the business, on track. It can be very easy for young businesses to sometimes grown too quickly, and then lose sight of what their brand is all about, and then also fade very quickly too. Sometimes making a decision based on what’s best for the brand, and not the bottom line, is a tough one, but ultimately it will work towards longevity for the business and ensure your brand lives beyond start up phase.