SPARK LA: Brainstorm & Connect

SPARK is a local meetup initiative by Freelancers Union, hosting monthly events to educate and empower freelancers across the nation. The Los Angeles chapter of SPARK is hosted by Anastasia Anashkina, Antares Vargas, and Michael Scholz.

We're reigniting SPARK in LA!

Connect with fellow freelancers, network with industry professionals, and unwind after a day of hustle.

At this first meetup, you'll have the opportunity to:

👋 Meet the new LA SPARK Co-Leaders hosting this new monthly meetup series

🧠 Form breakout groups to rapidly brainstorm ideas and solutions to business challenges

🤝 Reconvene to network with freelancers from diverse backgrounds and industries

Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting your freelance journey, this event is the perfect opportunity to expand your network, gain valuable insights, and have a great time with peers in the freelance community.

Rapid Breakout Brainstorming

At our first SPARK LA meetup of 2024, we'll be using the "What If You?" framework inspired by Nancy Ruzow's Boost Your Brand SPARK NYC workshop. This powerful tool shifts our thinking from worst-case scenarios to a mindset of possibility.

We'll break into smaller groups led by SPARK co-leaders. In a supportive environment, attendees are invited to introduce a challenge or opportunity they need fresh ideas for. The group will ask questions, then offer suggestions starting with "What if you..." The goal is to generate innovative solutions through this creative brainstorming exercise.

Here's how it will work:

1. A volunteer introduces themselves and their challenge
2. The group asks clarifying questions
3. Group members share "What if you..." ideas (no debating)
4. Volunteer listens and takes notes
5. 15 minutes per volunteer, up to 3 people per group

After the breakouts, we'll reconvene and network organically as a whole group. You'll leave with a collection of fresh perspectives to explore further.

Parking Details

The nearest parking structure is Parking Structure 5, just 3 minutes from the venue. The first 90 minutes are free of charge; $2 for up to 2 hours; $3.50 for up to 2.5 hours.

Address: 1431 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401

Meet your SPARK LA Co-leaders

Anastasia is a marketing leader with over 15 years of experience driving impactful content strategies across diverse platforms. Most recently, Anastasia spearheaded transformative digital projects at L’Oreal for Kiehl's, elevating the brand's eCommerce presence across 40+ markets.

Prior to that, Anastasia honed her leadership skills at Amazon (Ring), where she led a team in crafting compelling customer success stories for marketing, advertising, and PR. Her strategic vision and data-driven approach consistently propelled content performance to new heights.
Before delving into marketing, Anastasia made her mark as a journalist at CNN, where she covered a breadth of topics including technology, innovation, lifestyle, luxury, automotive, business, finance, and news on digital, social, and linear platforms, both domestically and internationally.

Anastasia's passion for fostering industry connections inspired her to become a SPARK LA co-leader, where she aims to facilitate meaningful exchanges and collaboration.

Antares is a visionary creative alchemist, embodying the roles of producer, writer, editor, cinematographer, and photographer. She has crafted, penned, and molded television content for major networks and streaming giants like Amazon, HBO, Fox, Disney, TBS, NFL, BET, Oprah, Masterclass, and Discovery. The inception of her production company, Cilantro Doodles Entertainment, was her call to elevate voices and stories that continue to remain untold.

Over the past 8 years, her commitment has resonated through producing and editing some of the biggest shows, including the Emmys and NAACP Image Awards. Antares is a passionate force, searching for emotional resonance. Her affiliations encompass the Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700, and the Television Academy.

Beyond the set, Antares wields a camera, capturing moments, souls, and landscapes through her distinct lens. Photography becomes her refuge, etching memories into eternity. Her work serves as both a chronicle of her daily encounters and a portal into her unique worldview.

Michael is a German-born commercial and product photographer based in Los Angeles, California. After working for 6 years as a Project Manager at an advertising agency, managing high-profile clients like Porsche Design, Vodafone, and Fujitsu, he transitioned to the creative side of the business. He studied at Santa Monica College, where he developed his artistic vision and style, focusing on capturing clean and simple images that express the powerful image within the subject.

Scholz's work has been presented at Photo LA, student shows, and online. He has also been interviewed and featured by the prestigious lighting company, Profoto. His previous work for clients like Porsche Design, Vodafone, and Fujitsu honed his abilities to create high-quality images and his business skills to satisfy clients' needs while delivering quality work on time and within budget.

What is SPARK?

SPARK is a monthly in-person meet-up that fosters community and creates space for freelancers to connect and learn together. Each month is centered around a different topic ranging from focusing on building your business, getting new clients, doing taxes, and more.

How is SPARK affiliated with Freelancers Union?

SPARK is a nationwide initiative of the Freelancers Union, a non-profit organization that serves as a support system for independents through policy advocacy, benefits, online resources, & educational and community-building events. Become a member of Freelancers Union for free: freelancersunion.org

Interested in bringing SPARK to your city? To run these events, we need help from volunteers like you! If you're interested in becoming a SPARK leader in your area, fill out this form and we will get back to you.

This SPARK event is sponsored by Capital One Café

The Capital One Café is a community space where you can come in - relax and recharge - whether you bank with us or not. You can grab a snack or handcrafted coffee or tea beverage, enjoy our cozy spaces, free Wi-Fi and outlets, chat with Café Ambassadors about local events or Capital One products and services, use our community room for non-profits and much more. Capital One cardholders also enjoy 50% off handcrafted beverages when using their debit or credit card.