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Guitarist
ERIC GARCIA
“My mom had a profound effect on me, teaching me about art, introducing me to many artists, taking me to galleries and analyzing paintings. When she developed dementia, she reached a point where we couldn’t talk anymore, so I would go and play guitar for her and kiss her forehead. She liked that—still does. She played these songs for me when I was young, and now I do it for her.”
—Eric Garcia
Eric started his engineering life as a programmer for the Record Business helping artists sing in tune and play in time. Twenty years ago he gravitated to post production first as an Avid editor and then back into audio as a mixer, sound designer and composer. Eric opened 48 Windows in the early 90’s as a single room facility in Hollywood. Starting in the analog world, he saw the future of digital recording when it first began, and plunged in headfirst and has never looked back. In addition to his sound design, producing and mix talents, Eric is an accomplished guitar player (with jazz and blues tendencies) who’s begun to explore the world of bluegrass and spends most of his spare time leading club jams.
Wellness Travel Teacher and Guide
EVAN RUMBLE
Evan grew up as the quintessential California kid, living in Valley Center and traveling to the beach at any opportunity he was able, in order to surf and immerse himself in the ocean. Throughout his childhood, he developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and thrived in all aspects of outdoor life. At a very young age, his family discovered that he possessed a highly developed artistic aptitude for creativity. He began expressing it through various forms of media. Painting with vibrant color combinations became his primary vehicle of creative expression. He was encouraged to pursue this talent by attending various schools of art throughout his early education.
As Evan grew, he found himself continually inspired by beauty, creativity, nature, humanity, all of which intrigued his gypsy-like soul. In his 20s, his wanderlust lured him on many journeys and adventures which shaped the man he is today. While on the road, he developed a new passion as a culinary luminary, which would define his next evolution. Evan discovered that creating food was very similar to creating art, and began to use cuisine as his artistic palette. He honed his skills by studying with, and observing master chefs in action. Evan soon learned how to create unique delectable, healthful, and beautifully intricate dishes, influenced by global cuisine. But one of the most important culinary techniques he developed is something he labels as “epigenetic fusion.” Very similar to Dr. Masura Emoto’s studies of changing the structure of water molecules by nurturing them with positive speech, Evan infuses his culinary creations with his love and positive energy, which in turn is consumed by his guests, ultimately changing their personal inner energetic vibrations. Not only did Evan work as a chef in traditional kitchens, but he also organized underground supper clubs, such as Black Label Table. This format gave him more freedom to create unique dining endeavors, venturing outside the box of the traditional restaurant experience.
Eventually, his travels brought him full circle, back to his roots in Valley Center, where he easily settled into his new role as Executive Chef and Creative Director of Keys Creek Lavender Farm. Not only did he take on the responsibility of nourishing the guests with his excellent cuisine, but he was also in charge of designing and constructing the magical environment experienced by the guests on the Farm. Keys Creek is a rural destination for retreat events, such as yoga and spiritual journeys, so the energy of the space is a very important aspect of the venue. Similar to his cuisine, Evan was able to utilize his artistic creativity and construction skills to infuse the entire space with magic and positive vibes, from the meditative Crystal Labyrinth to the blissful lighting and whimsical chandeliers in the trees. Every guest comes away from the Lavender Farm with a deep sense of well-being and inspiration.
The newest portion of Evan’s evolvement began with a cup of tea, and an inspirational quote advising him to “be the light and spread the light.” This encounter planted the seed for the concept of “lighthouse.” Through a series of serendipitous connections with like-minded individuals and collaboration with inspirational groups, such as Evo Room, the ideology of “lighthouse” began to materialize. Lighthouse organizes wellness retreat experiences at amazing unique venues that offer not only relaxation, nutrition, and self-care, but the opportunity for deep inner work, participation in playful and inspiring team building activities to connect like-minded individuals and build stronger communication skills. The ultimate culmination of these experiences is to offer inspiration and opportunities to activate the “flow state” and take these lessons from the retreat experience and into the homes and communities of the guests, making an impactful difference in the world. The next step of this journey is to continue to develop and manifest the inspiration of this project and share the light of creativity and intentional living on a global scale.
Artists and Musicians
DOUG FUNKHOUSER and LISA SALLOUX
Lisa Salloux was born into an entire family who plays music. She was brought up on classical, blues and bluegrass while playing piano, mandolin, guitar and bass. She’s been writing and performing original tunes since she was a teenager and currently is engaged in a couple of projects in Los Angeles, an all female string band called Sugar In The Gourd, and Killing Cassanova, a ‘swampytonk’ band that Doug is also a member. “Playing bluegrass music is absolutely re-juvenating and re-kindles a spirit that loves to dance on the land.”
Doug Funkhouser is a singer song writer and has played bluegrass banjo and guitar for over forty years. He is currently a member of The Henry Ridge Ramblers and Killing Cassanova. He has developed his own style of progressive and three finger banjo playing based on the work of Earl Scruggs. “You can’t help responding to the honesty of bluegrass, it’s a music that finds its way deep into your soul.”
Doug Funkhouser and Lisa Salloux as Heads of Industry in Textiles
Douglas Funkhouser
CEO, Founder, Artist
He comes to the printed fabric world naturally. From the scenic arts to the decorative arts, his disciplines have informed him to create this fine handcrafted line. The evolution of the line is a reflection of the master finishes and custom murals that grace his portfolio.
Douglas has since developed le gracieux, his own line of hand-crafted hemp textiles. He borrowed the term from an essay by French author Montesquieu, in which he discusses the many degrees of pleasure contained within the arts. le gracieux (the gracious) was listed among them, meaning “that which is refined and beautiful.” Douglas says, “It’s important for my textiles to possess an ageless sense of beauty and a hand softened by time.”
Lisa Salloux
CFO, Director Marketing and Design
With a background in architectural design, Lisa comes to le gracieux to facilitate the exposure of Doug’s artistic intention behind the line. Formally educated at Laguna Beach School of Arts, her extensive travel pursuits and appreciation of invention make for a finely tuned partnership with le gracieux.
Intuitive
MARK MEZADOURIAN
I’m Mark Mezadourian, an intuitive specializing in connecting with the angels and guides. My work encompasses the core of all spiritual traditions – peace and love – and helps people realize their dreams and live a fulfilling life. The goal of the work is to access spirituality from a heart-centered yet practical perspective, and put it into action. Sessions and workshops focus on allowing our connection with angels and guides to be fluid and familiar through technique. Through this, we can create the conditions to live as our authentic and unique selves while we grow, excel and share our gifts with the world.
My work with guides and angels began slowly. At first, I would receive guidance mainly through numbers. That evolved into trusting what I received through claircognizance (knowing) and clairsentience (feeling). I attended workshops, read many books, talked with folks on the spiritual path and gradually began listening to the guidance I was receiving. In October, 2003, I attended Doreen Virtue’s Angel Therapy Practitioner ® Course and have been giving readings to others ever since.
I was born in Pomona, California on November 30, 1967 and grew up mostly in Palo Alto. Professionally, I have spent my life in the theatre, acting, directing and most recently playwrighting. In January, 1998, my spiritual life began in earnest. Multiple events (my beloved Grandmother’s death, the end of a relationship and my home being violated) piled up, leading to an anxiety attack. That event made it very clear to me that how I lived my life was no longer serving me. My sister, Rachel, introduced me to Doreen Virtue’s work. My family has always been, consciously or not, intuitive and tuned into each other.
Children’s singer, songwriter and composer
KYMBERLY STEWART
Kymberly Stewart is a dynamic children’s singer/ songwriter and composer, who is on a mission to provide good music for children everywhere. A native of Oakland, CA who currently hails Los Angeles as home, Kymberly is bursting onto the children’s music scene with a passion that is contagious to all who listens to her music. Her debut original children’s EP, Giggles and Curls, which is available on iTunes, Apple Music and all other online music retailers, is a testament to her versatile talent. Upbeat and interactive, her songs promote positivity and early childhood learning over a soundboard of jazz, gospel and soulful pop sounds. One of the songs on her CD, “I Am a Robot,” is a Hip Hop favorite amongst preschoolers, and the video has reached 20k views on YouTube. This number continues to climb as Kymberly showcases her eclectic skills through developmentally appropriate performances at farmers markets, outdoor festivals, libraries, and family friendly events.
In addition to singing children’s music, Kymberly has performed with Angel City Chorale, a professional choir that encompasses the spirit of community, diversity, and commitment to music in Los Angeles. She had the honor and pleasure of appearing with Angel City Chorale on America’s Got Talent. She has also performed in numerous stage productions in the greater Los Angeles area, her most recent performance being in the Los Angeles premier of the musical Dessa Rose, which was recently nominated for Musical of the Year award by Stage Raw.
Kymberly considers it her responsibility to commit to creating and sharing quality music that children can enjoy, appreciate, and learn from as well. Childhood is a magical journey, and Kymberly intends to see to it that every child has good music to listen to along the way.