Meet the members: July edition

For the next edition of the series on our North American Houses' Instagram feeds, Meet the Members, where we get to know some of the members around our Houses, we meet members who are creators in a variety of ways, from photographers to artists.

TORONTO: The Rebel Mamas

Nikita Stanley and Aleks Jassem founded The Rebel Mamas, an online publication that creates a safe and judgement-free space for mothers, in 2014. 

Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?    
Aleks: Our holiday edition of Drag Queen Story Time. It was amazing to see families come together in such a beautiful and inclusive way.
Nikita: Our book reading was really fun. We hosted it late-night on the third floor and it had such a great vibe.

What do you love about this city?      
Aleks: How diverse our culture is and how respectful we are to one another. There really is no other city that feels the same.
Nikita: I totally agree. We are not a perfect society by any means but there is a level of cordiality here that creates a really nice environment. I love this city a lot.

What’s the spot in your city you’d want to take a first-time visitor (other than the House)?
Aleks: I love taking newcomers to Trinity Bellwoods and surrounding area for a walk - it encompasses the spirit of Toronto perfectly.
Nikita: A first time visitor needs to see the city from the lake… and then they need to go vintage shopping on Dundas West.

What’s something you’ve produced that you’re proud of?                               
Aleks: The Rebel Mama's Handbook for (Cool) Moms. We're trying our very best to change the experience of motherhood for women who are done with the status quo.
Nikita: The whole business, honestly. To think we literally created it out of thin air still trips me out. And that we did it while simultaneously producing human lives with our bodies?! It’s crazy. We have a lot to be grateful for and a lot to be proud of. 

Interested in being featured or want to recommend someone? DM @sohohousetoronto and let us know

LOS ANGELES: Lloyd Pursall

Originally from the UK, Lloyd is a photographer and videographer based in LA.

Aside from Soho House, what’s a place in LA where you’ll always take a visitor? 
I think the nightlife in LA is some of the best in the world - a fun night out with all the LA crew ending at a random house party is usually my go-to. The best thing about this city is the unexpected - we really do know how to have a good time.

What are you most proud of in your accomplishments so far this year? 
I survived a week in Ibiza with a fractured foot, that was pretty impressive. Work-wise, I directed my first documentary in partnership with Nike. The experience was beautiful. I told the stories of four incredible people who live here and actually represent the real Los Angeles, a narrative often overlooked. I find story telling very rewarding and always try to tell authentic stories through my photography and film. 

What’s something you’ve produced that you’re proud of?    
I recently worked with Capitol Records to produce, creative direct and shoot an exhibition for one of their artists, Katori Walker. Katori is a rapper who was born and raised in Pasadena, CA. On paper, our backgrounds are very different and it was my job to tell his story and explore subjects that can be tough to tackle, including gang violence and police brutality. However, during the process we realized we had a lot more in common than you would think. We connected as friends and artists and the end result was an incredible exhibition at Mack Sennett Studios (an iconic LA stage) which featured a full photo show, art installs and a live performance from Katori. I'm still on a high from that one.

Interested in being featured or want to recommend someone? DM @sohohouselosangeles and let us know

MIAMI: Jessy Nite

Jessie is a contemporary artists specializing in site-specific installation, interactive artwork and custom typography

What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why?    
I love the view from Ocho — I have one of my Sun Installations up there so it’s a happy place for me.

Favorite indulgent item from any of the House menus?   
Pasta with shaved truffles.
     
What are you most proud of in your accomplishments so far this year? 
2019 has been so exciting.I installed my first Sun Scape Stay Gold (a permanent, free standing 10ft x 30ft sculpture) at Robert is Here Farm in Homestead and right now you can visit my largest project to date Sun Stories at Giralda Plaza in Coral Gables. Sun Stories is an almost 400 foot long canopy of colored acrylic text that is activated by the sun. It’s so cool and it’s open until September 22, 2019.

What’s something you’ve produced that you’re proud of? 
I’m super proud of both Stay Gold and Sun Stories. Both are large scale public projects that connect the community to nature in thoughtful, aspirational ways. Seeing them in person is really fun and, because they are different every second of every day, there is always something new.

NEW YORK: Jian DeLeon

Jian is the editorial director of Highsnobiety

Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?
Two that stick out most to me are the Manila Social Club party where chef Björn DelaCruz created a donut that tasted just like the Eastern Standard, and a panel hosted by Banana Magazine about Asian-American masculinity. I love the spirit of inclusion and diversity that runs through a lot of the programming.    
                                                                                        
Favorite indulgent item from any of the House menus?  
I think I need a support group for my candy bar addiction. But hands-down my go-to order is the burger and fries.
                                         
Aside from Soho House, what’s a place in New York City where you’ll always take a visitor? 
One of my new favorite tourist combos is a slice or two of Williamsburg Pizza followed by drinks at Short Stories.

What are you most proud of in your accomplishments so far this year? 
It's never lost on me how fortunate I am to work at a place where I get to cross paths with so many of my friends and empower younger people to not just grow, but flourish in their own way. 

What’s something you’ve produced that you’re proud of? 
I just finished editing Highsnobiety's second book, which is coming out in September.