Culture & Style

Meet The Members: November edition

For this month's installment of our Instagram series, we meet creatives who have started their own businesses and are working in social media and marketing

By contributors Wed, Nov 27, 2019

For this month's installment of our Instagram series highlighting members around the North American Houses, we meet creatives who have started their own businesses and are working in the social media and marketing industries.

NEW YORK: Vicki Fulop

woman in front of brooklyn bridge looking at camera

Vicki Fulop is co-founder and CCO of award-winning bedding brand Brooklinen.

What’s your favorite spot in your House and why?
The rooftop and pool. There's no better escape from the city while in the city than that

Aside from Soho House, what’s a place in NYC where you’ll always take a visitor?
The Frick Collection. It's a smaller art museum that was an UES mansion once upon a time. It houses its namesake's art collection - a cornucopia of work by the old masters in a tightly curated, serene space.

Who’s a game-changer you really respect?
Greta Thunberg - her fearless activism for our environment gives me hope!

Where do you want to see a pioneer make a change next?
In politics - I love seeing women in greater numbers in Congress, and hope to see more. I'd love to see progressive change in reproductive rights, as they are being chipped away in the courts, and federal paid family leave, so that no one is forced to choose between having a family or a career.

MIAMI: Nick Bofill

Nick Bofill is founder and CEO of Florida-based beekeepers and honey manufacturers, The Native Guy.

How long have you been a member?
I’ve been a SoHo House member since 2011. It’s been such a rewarding experience — I’ve been very lucky to meet a ton of amazing people along the way.

Aside from Soho House, what’s a place in Miami where you’ll always take a visitor?

I would take them to Cafe La Trova so that they can enjoy authentic Cuban cocktails then over to Spanglish in Wynwood then finish at Sweet Liberty in Miami Beach!

Who’s a game-changer you really respect?

Carlos Leal Founder and CEO of Mixology Ice in Miami. He’s taken ice and art and combined them both and continues to create.

Where do you want to see a pioneer make a change next?

Miami Dade County Public School Superintendent Carlos Carvalho to start teaching gardening as a regular course so that our future can be more aware of our environment.

LOS ANGELES: Kenny Mac

Kenny Mac is founder, lead strategist and creative director of content, concept and brand development company, Creative Contraband.

What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why?
My favorite spot in West Hollywood is Maya for the lamb tacos, chill vibe and great staff. My favorite spot in Downtown is the corner on 6 by the sever station cause thats wear the homies gather for my “LA Fridays” gatherings.

Which neighborhood do you live in? How do you get to Soho House from there?
I live near Mid City. West Hollywood is a quick trip up San Vicente, and Downtown is just a hop down the 10.

Aside from Soho House and the place you live, what’s the place in this city that makes it feel like home?
Baadmaash on Fairfax, The LAFC arena.

Who’s a game-changer you really respect?
Yara Shahidi.

Where do you want to see a pioneer make a change next?
The White House.

What would be the game-changing accomplishment of your career?
Announcing my first role as a film Executive Producer on the upcoming film Antebellum last week.

TORONTO: Christina Cheng

Christina Cheng is a social media strategist, digital content producer and multimedia storyteller.

What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why? 

This is tough because I have a favourite spot on each floor. I use the main floor for social purposes (lunch/dinner/drinks with friends) and I try and lock down corner spots (back left, next to the fireplace is my fave). The second floor is where I go to lock down on my own and get work done without interruptions. The round table closest to the bar (of course) is my favourite spot — it has an outlet close by (very crucial), a window for natural light, closest to the salad bar for lunch, and closest to the bar for cocktails after 5pm. I can literally spend all day here.  The third floor is where I go when I have work sessions or meetings with friends and/or clients. It’s a good balance of being social yet productive. Plus, taking calls without stepping out is a bonus. Oh, and the photobooth is on this floor! This floor is also a favourite because many important conversations are shared here with intimate talks through programming and workshops. I’ve also attended fun experiential moments on this floor — the Le Labo sensorial experience was a good one!  

What do you love about this city? 

I love how multicultural Toronto is. In fact, we’re ranked one of the most diverse cities in the world. Toronto is home to over 230 different nationalities and its population is made up of over 51 per cent of residents born outside of Canada. We’re respectful of other cultures and beliefs and genuinely curious to learn, adapt, and inherit into our respective lives/lifestyles — Caribana for the W! I love how beautiful and exotic Toronto people are — I’m obsessed! In addition, we have the most amazing and authentic food options from around the world!  

Aside from Soho House and the place you live, what’s the place in this city that makes it feel like home? 
Can you find home in a person? If so, it’s my son, Elijah. We’re just 16 years apart so he’s basically an extension of me only 100% a better version in every way.  

Who’s a game-changer you really respect? 

Donte Colley — He’s a young (22 year-old) content creator and dancer.

But not just any content creator and dancer — His viral dance videos are filled with self-love messages and flying emojis. His personality shines through motivational messages and impactful storytelling in a unique and finagling way. He utilizes his bright personality and digital platform in all the right ways. Social media is filled with smoke and mirrors and it being all a facade, that Donte brings us down, keeps us grounded, and reminds us not to listen to all that noise. It’s refreshing and admirable. It’s brave. 

CHICAGO: Harper Reed

Harper Reed senior fellow at USC Annenberg Innovation Lab, director's fellow at MIT Media Lab and was CTO of the Obama 2012 campaign.

What's your favorite spot in your local House, and why?
I have two:

a) The gym - I have never been a person who goes to the gym, and the House has provided an environment and a space that allows me to take advantage of the gym while feeling comfortable. It has been quite a journey and has been a massive part of my self-care regiment.

b) The screening room - All of my favorite Soho House events have happened in the screening room. It is such a nice, intimate room where people feel comfortable sharing and being themselves.

What do you love about Chicago?
Chicago is a funny place. I travel a lot and find that Chicago is unique. We do Chicago things. We don't worry too much about what other cities are doing. We keep our heads down and get things done. Maybe it is the winter? I don't know - but I do know that it is very Chicago.

We just do Chicago. I love that.

Who's a game-changer you really respect?
This is always the hardest question to answer. There are so so so many people who I see changing the game. Many of them are quietly doing it and are not doing it to be named. Many are the opposite - trying to make a name for themselves. Both are changing the game. So hard. If i have to pick one, I am going to pick my friend Tiffani Ashley Bell who founded and runs a company called The Human Utility. They help pay people's bills. It is so simple but it really makes a difference.

Where do you want to see a pioneer make a change next?
I would love to see more pioneers make changes around inequality (income and otherwise). We are fucked unless we figure out how to solve that problem. It doesn't matter if you are in Chicago or Jakarta - this is a problem that is bearing down upon us. I, sadly, don't have any sure-fire solutions - but I would love to help make changes that actually help people.