Miriam Chan at The Lev. Shoot by Sarah Bosworth 

Your book store focuses on female authors and children's books, which we love! What inspired you to focus on these categories?

Without specifically intending to, most businesses are patriarchal, and as such, some bookstores are. For me, reading books is a comfort -- I wanted to create a bookstore for women so that we have a place for comfort and security. This is seen not just in The Lev's space but also in our events.

As we all know, there’s a lot of polarization in the world right now. I think this can be solved with empathy. Reading other peoples’ stories helps build empathy and understanding. By focusing on children, I hope to impact younger generations in a positive way.

You have a fabulous section of books! Take us through your curating process?

One of the reasons I founded The Lev is to highlight and promote women and people of color writers. The Lev carries all genres. I select children’s books that have a message. With this in mind, I do a lot of research including reviewing what books the people I admire are recommending or reading. I also talk to Lev girls and get their personal recs.

After graduating you worked on the Obama campaign. Tell us about it and what lead you to Venice, and opening up your own book store?

My perspective of the campaign definitely has changed in this era of Trump. I am more appreciative to have worked for a president who served our country for the people and with heart. The campaign divided the country into five regions, and each region had its own "campaign" team. During a work trip, I had to go to LA, and during that trip someone on another regional team unexpectedly past in our Chicago headquarters. To comfort me, a co-worker drove me to Venice Beach-- that was my first time here. As such, Venice has always been a place of healing, and we’re always healing from something.

Flash forward four years, I started dating someone here and fell in love with Venice. This is the first time in my life where I can call a place home.

What are you currently reading and what are a few of your MUST reads?

Currently, I’m reading Elaine Castillo’s "America is Not the Heart." I haven’t quite finished it yet but it’s already a MUST read for The Lev. The book weaves Filipinx history and culture with themes of being queer in an Asian American community.

Other must reads are Donna Tartt’s "The Secret History", "Maggie Nelson’s Bluets", and "Virginia Woolf’s’ A Room of One’s Own".

What does empowerment mean?

The ability to instill confidence and strength onto another person--truly helping another human being to become a better version of themselves.

What is an Ideal Woman?

The Ideal Woman is every woman.

What do you like most about being a woman?

The unspoken sisterhood between all of us

Who are you crushing on and why?

This is soooo hard. Currently, I would say my older and only sister. She is constantly learning and improving herself. Not only did she teach herself how to code in three-months while working but she also does all of The Lev's graphic and web design. I wished I had her discipline!  I do not have her discipline.

Miriam's Picks: 

Dr. Casey Loewy in her Marina Del Rey office. Shot by Sarah Bosworth 

What lead you to become a chiropractor?

When I began to explore careers as a science major, I became more interested in how people could achieve better health. This lead me to the conclusion that the key to optimal wellness is prevention. Therefore, this struck my interest in chiropractic medicine. Keeping the body in alignment, along with nutrition and exercise all play a critical role in maintaining one’s health. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Helping people become aware of their body, what will create a healthier self, is an essential component of my practice. Through education and chiropractic care, people can regain and maintain their overall well being. I live a lifestyle that makes me the perfect role model for healthy living.

In this mostly male industry, how do females rise to the top? 

Women will always excel as long as we support each other. We rise to the top because of hard work, integrity, perseverance and a steadfast attitude. Female medical practitioners are more compassionate, supportive and encouraging as we are the gender that takes care of the people of this world. We understand pain and discomfort simply because we are women in a male dominated profession which gives us that edge in effective treatment of our patients.

Is there a preconceived notion that men are stronger and therefor better chiropractors? 

I would answer yes to that question. More importantly, is that fact or fiction? Females carry children into the world and yet men are still viewed as stronger? Isn't that a contradiction? Chiropractic skill is based on knowledge of the human body and technique, not necessarily physical strength. 

What has been your biggest struggle in your carrier thus far and how did you over come it? 

Providing the best care for my patients, having each person leave my office feeling relief and that they have received the best care chiropractic care while continuing their treatment to wellness and maintaining homeostasis.

What does female empowerment look like to you?

Female empowerment is taking charge of your life and following your path. The way in which one goes about this is by building confidence and self assuredness to be able to claim one's rights. Fighting for what you believe in and getting involved in service to others is the key to success. We become empowered as females when we help each other be the best. We can be building a collaborative framework for as leaders and supporters of other women.

What is an ideal woman?

An ideal woman is a person who shows the world how to bring compassion and commitment to making the world a better place . She is someone who leaves no one behind and leads by helping others achieve their goals. A person who brings the human element into humanity. 

Who are you crushing on and why? 

Honestly the people that have experienced adversity are an inspiration to me.

My mother is my idol, she really is the most independent strong woman I know, she does it all. I could make a long list of her many attributes, but the ones that stand out to me are her steadfastness, her persevering nature, and selfless giving. She is an author and has a successful practice as a psychotherapist.

Another person that has inspired me is my little sister. She has survived a traumatic illness and has come through that experience always being grateful. She stands up for what she believes in and is not afraid to speak her mind, she represents an ideal woman to me.

Lastly, a public figure, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, became an inspiration to me when I read her first book, Lean In. In her story, she communicates the message that women need support each other whether they choose to be a stay-at-home mom or CEO of a corporation. I agree that women should support, and encourage each other to succeed in whichever way they choose.

Casey's Picks:

Christina Ramirez at the beach in Santa Monica. Photos by Sarah Bosworth

How did you come up with PLUS ULTRA?

My vision for the company and desire to make a positive impact started when I was a Global Studies major at UCSB. I came up with the idea for starting a bamboo
toothbrush company as part of an assignment.

It wasn’t until years later while looking over distribution data for toothbrushes when I worked for a News Corp company that I made my school project my mission and dream.  

Over 167 million toothbrushes were being bought each year in the United States alone! The image of all those plastic toothbrushes piling up across the planet set me in motion to reduce plastic waste by redefining the conventional image of a toothbrush. And this was the beginning of what would eventually become PLUS ULTRA.

I started researching and developing the product by getting a job on the ground floor of the most respected, conscious grocer in the country, Whole Foods Market. I learned what consumers wanted, what sold and how a big retailer worked. I started speaking with dentists from UCLA and USC about toothbrush design, which then I took to China to source materials, factories and built the supply chain.

How are your tooth brushes different from other brushes we see at Whole Foods or Erewhon? 

The majority of toothbrushes at Whole Foods and Erewhon are made from plastic,
which is terrible for your health and the planet. Our bamboo toothbrushes are eco-
friendly and non-toxic!

Are you really into teeth and dental hygiene? If so, what are some tips you suggest? 

In my writing class back at UCSB, I was asked to create and focus on an area that no one else had. There were NGOs, corporations and philanthropic non-profits that
focused on providing those in need with food, vitamins and vaccines, but no one had ever focused on the neglected epidemic of poor oral hygiene.

When I had learned about how many plastic toothbrushes were produced and thrown away each year, my mind was blown! I decided that I was going to do something about it and start a toothbrush company that would make a positive impact on the world.

While I don’t have a background in dentistry, I am a advocate huge of good oral hygiene habits! I suggest ditching plastic toothbrushes and opting for a natural toothpaste, without all the chemicals or additives. I love Davids natural toothpaste and Weleda’s salt toothpaste. Every now and then I use baking soda on my toothpaste as a natural whitening factor, but not harmful!

What has been your biggest struggle with entrepreneurship? 

Growing is the best and most painful thing in the world! It requires a tremendous
amount of sacrifice, patience, persistence and enthusiasm at all times… which can get exhausting.

Being a small company- what do you focus on while making a hire?

Are they focused on the long-term with me? I always look for people that can see the bigger picture. I look for people who are even more patient, persistent and enthusiastic than I am!

What does female empowerment look like to you?

Female empowerment is a sisterhood of support! Whether your best friend, or a
complete stranger, the love and respect is the same.

What is an ideal woman?

An ideal woman is true to herself. She is strong with her beliefs and opinions, and
doesn’t compromise that for anyone, ever.

What do you like most about being a woman? 

Everything! We are magical. Our intuition, our ability to be sensitive and strong is such a blessing and asset to being a leader.

Who are you crushing on and why? 

My little sister Jenna Isaacs. Who is a badass, young female Sous Chef at the Bacara Resort. She is so young and talented!!!!

Christina's Picks: 

Tell us about WMN Space and what brought you to opening this magical place? 

I had been holding women’s circles in my home for the past 4 years. One night I scanned my living room and out of 50 beautiful women in the room only three were friends of mine. Women had found their way to my home through word of mouth, so that night I tuned into the idea that there should be a safe space for women to gather and have access in public to the work women were experiencing in my

home. 

You went from modeling to becoming a doula! What led you to that transition?

 I had hit a cross roads in my life and wanted a more fulling path that my soul and heart were yearning for. It was through my pregnancy with my daughter that supported the ultimate transition and shift in my life. I not only birthed my daughter but new version of myself. 

WMN Space has a lot of pre / pregnant / and post classes. What advise would you give to expecting and post mamas?

Community! Surrounding yourself with like minded, supportive women who are also traveling the same journey as you. Making the time to gather with pregnant women and mother’s can support your process and remind you we are not alone.

As a mother how do you maintain work / life balance?

I have a strong spiritual and self care practice. I feel most in balance in my abundant life by prioritizing “filling my cup" up first so I can be of service to my work and family. 

What does empowerment mean to you? 

Empowerment to me means honoring all that I am worthy of giving and receiving. Showing up in my life in a way of being that is radiating my most Authentic Self. 

What do you like most about being a woman?

I love being a woman during this day and age. I feel we as women have such a huge opportunity to shift the planet's consciousness through the Divine Feminine. We have a lot of healing to do as women but I believe if we are willing to come together in a sacred way and reside in community anything is possible. Miracles Abound! 

What is an ideal woman to you?

 A woman who resides mostly in her Authentic Self.

Who are you crushing on and why? 

I am crushing on my pregnant belly right now. I am pregnant with my second child who we have been calling in for three years!! I am beyond in awe of the pregnancy process yet again. 

Paula's Picks: