Staci and Family
Meet Staci, the Newport Beach mom who started a mineral sunscreen company, LĀ SOL Collective, that features a zinc sunscreen that is healthy for your body and the environment, AND does not apply all white and chalky.
Where are you from originally?
Los Alamitos, Orange County, California
How long have you lived in Newport Beach? How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
16 years in Newport Heights with my husband, Niall, and kids Keira (12) and Ronan (10).
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
- Grab coffee and pastries from C’est Ci Bon and take the kids to Blackies for a beach day
- Ride bikes around town
- Go to the Balboa Bay Club so the kids can play volleyball or go in the hot tub
- Drives with my tween up and down the coast to chat
Name a few things in town you can’t live without.
- All the new coffee shops – Kit, Milligram Coffee, Coffee Dose
- Facials at Facial Lounge
- Sunsets and the Catalina view
- Walks with our dog CC around the Heights
What’s your favorite local restaurant for a family date or time with friends?
I go on lunch dates with my girlfriends to Lido Marina Village – Malibu Farms is my favorite.
What is your local go-to store for clothes? Gifts?
Shopping at Common Thread – my go to for gifts. Oh and they carry my sunscreen, LĀ SOL Collective.
Do you have a favorite destination for family trips? Why?
In the United States, it would be Santa Barbara as I went to UCSB. I love the new Rosewood property in Montecito. You have the beauty of the mountains with the ocean so close. The shops are my style – relaxed and fun, and the restaurants and wine are amazing and chic.
We also go yearly to Europe (Ireland) as my husband grew up there and his family all still lives there. We always hit up another few countries when we are over there to explore more than just my husband’s home town!
What has been the most difficult age with your children to date?
The most difficult time is now with a tweenager in middle school. New school, going from 60 kids in our grade to over 400. Navigating sports, new friendships, lost friendships, new freedoms, social media, tougher classes.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
Be the house kids want to hang out at. You hear and see everything, and then you can help your kids navigate it all.
What do you value most in your friends?
My group of friends are drama free, like to have a good time and are always up for an adventure.
How do you relax and unwind?
I watch a ton of mindless TV shows. Recently loved White Lotus, the Yellowstone series, and Emily in Paris.
Inspired by…?
My mom friendships are everything to me. I love a good cocktail and laugh with my girlfriends. Talking about life, kids, marriage… to know that I am not insane – we are all going through the same things. They ground me and help me understand I am not alone. They also give me perspective that things are good, even if it doesn’t feel like it all the time.
Hobbies?
I LOVE throwing events. Moms’ Nights Out. Shopping Events. Monthly lunches for my working moms group. Annual Halloween party that ends up with 200+ people every year.
What was your career before having children? If it’s the same, how do you balance career and motherhood?
I worked for an advertising agency for almost 20 years and four years ago decided to take control of my schedule and have more time with my family so I started my own consultancy, GRÁ3 Agency, which has been an amazing switch for me – working with just clients I enjoy, on work that is stimulating, with a team that is top notch. Plus more time with my kids, bigger income and no boss.
In June 2022 I started a sunscreen company with my best friend, LĀ SOL Collective (check out our feature on Newport Mesa Moms here). The main drawback of zinc oxide sunscreens has been the chalky texture and leaving a heavy white cast on the skin. LĀ SOL’s CLEAR sunscreen works on all skin tones with proven SPF and UVB/UVA protection and goes on like a smooth cream for easy application, leaving your skin feeling natural, not greasy.
Plus, LĀ SOL Collective is committed to clean, good-for-you ingredients – that are equally good for the environment… it’s a win-win. The product is Reef-Friendly, Gluten-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Cruelty-free, Vegan, and Made in the USA. It is certified UVA/UVB protection, SPF 30, Water Resistant 80 minutes, and abides by the Hawaii Care Act for reef safety.
You can buy directly at www.lasolcollective.com or from local shops like Common Thread and Balboa Bay Club.
Thanks Staci. My kids and I are definite fans of the easy-on clear formula, perfect for the beach and the ski slopes.
