The well-known influencer and podcaster expanded her coffee business into Santa Monica — but how did she get here?

BY BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org

In an age where “nepo-babies” often dominate the celebrity scene, Emma Chamberlain’s rise to fame offers a refreshing self-made narrative. From YouTube sensation to high fashion fixture, podcast host to coffee entrepreneur Chamberlain demonstrates how to build a multifaceted career in the modern age. A pioneer of the “content creator to A-list celebrity” trajectory, she shows the endless possibilities social media can unlock. 

Born and raised in San Bruno, a modest city just outside of San Francisco, Chamberlain’s path to stardom began far from the spotlight. Despite attending an all-girls private high school, her early life wasn’t marked by fame or fortune. In fact, she lived in a two-bedroom apartment with her mom — what she has since described as a barrier to her social life. 

Growing up an only child with separated parents, she recalls a quiet and somewhat lonely childhood. However, it was during these “quiet” moments that her creative approach to content creation took root. At 16 years old, she began uploading unfiltered vlogs of her life as a highschooler that would later propel her into stardom. Her quirky personality shaped her signature style, paving the way for a unique editing style that had millions of teenage girls in a chokehold. 

Unlike many YouTubers of today, some of whom pursue content creation for fame and commercial success, Chamberlain’s motivation back in 2016 was pure creativity. However, it wasn’t just Chamberlain’s niche that garnered attention, it was her authenticity that connected with viewers. Although her lifestyle now as a 23-year-old millionaire may be less relatable, her genuinity continues to resonate and is what defines her as a trailblazer in the crowded digital landscape.  

The leap from a small-town family home to the intimidating scene of Los Angeles is daunting for anyone, let alone a 17-year-old. And though she has toyed between various residences, she remains in Los Angeles six years later. Only her humble one-bed studio, once the iconic backdrop for many of her early videos, has now been upgraded to a multi-million-dollar mansion in Beverly Hills. In fact, her lavish home was even featured in Architectural Digest’s iconic “Open Door” series — a testament to both her success and status. 

Further proof of her star status came in 2021, when Chamberlain was not only invited to the Met Gala but also entrusted with hosting Vogue’s red carpet interviews. She has since continued this role at the prestigious event, making the dramatic shift from filming in her bedroom to stepping behind the lens of the world’s biggest fashion authorities. 

Chamberlain’s rise on social media gave her a gateway into the high fashion world. She has collaborated with the likes of Miu Miu, Valentino and Prada and secured partnerships with some of fashion’s most renowned labels, including Levi’s and Louis Vuitton. Her ambassadorship extends beyond clothing, with high-end collaborations with jewelry and cosmetic brands, like Cartier and Lancôme.  

Although Chamberlain has worked with designers synonymous with timeless, classic styles like Prada and Louis Vuitton, her fans know her for eccentric and bold fashion choices. She carries her unique and unapologetic attitude into her wardrobe, standing out in an era of polished celebrity influencers. 

Despite her meteoric rise in the entertainment and fashion industries, Chamberlain wasn’t content with just being an influencer or even a podcast host. Instead, she leveraged her notability to venture into entrepreneurship, launching Chamberlain Coffee in 2019. This move was highly anticipated by her long-time fans, who recall her coffee obsession as a hallmark of her early videos. 

Her personal love for coffee marked an authentic transition into the business world. Initially released as an online store, Chamberlain Coffee sold everything from coffee blends and matcha to mugs, whisks and even t-shirts. What began as an online business has since grown into a national retailer, with products now available on the shelves of Whole Foods Market, Walmart and Target. 

Chamberlain’s online vision has manifested into physical reality as she recently opened her very first Chamberlain Coffee shop in Los Angeles. On Jan. 30, fans flocked to Westfield Century City Mall, waiting in over an hour-long queue to experience the excitement firsthand. 

Unlike the pop-ups she has hosted in the past, Chamberlain’s new store offers a permanent location for fans to get their Chamberlain Coffee fix. The menu features a lineup of classic beverages, from cold-brews and lattes to mochas and matchas. The drinks that have received the most buzz are her signature creations — the Peanut Butter Mocha and Salted Pistachio Matcha Latte. However, for the most authentic experience, customers can also order their drink the “Emma Way” — her signature combination of espresso with almond milk and dairy-free creamer. 

Fans are already eagerly anticipating the possibility of Chamberlain expanding her coffee empire further. Given the impressive life she has built and the many industries she’s conquered at just 23 years old, an expansion seems to be within reach. Showing no signs of slowing down, Chamberlain’s lasting influence on pop culture seems inevitable.

Written by: Aaliyah Español-Rivas — arts@theaggie.org

A mind-boggling office drama that will have you questioning your nine-to-five

BY BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org 

If you thought Ben Stiller was confined to Hollywood acting, think again. Stiller takes a bold leap behind the camera and successfully makes the audience’s heads explode in his directorial debut, “Severance.” Teaming up with writer Dan Erickson, he lets his imagination run wild in a nine-episode thriller streaming exclusively on Apple TV. 

A psychological nightmare, “Severance” takes the concept of the work-life balance to an extremely terrifying hypothetical. In the show, the characters’ minds are split into two distinct personas: the Innie (work-self) and Outie (personal-self). When characters enter the office, they lose all knowledge of their personal life, and when they leave, they have no recollection of their workday. Although the division is enforced by Lumon, a dubious biotech company, its psychological implications extend beyond the company’s four walls. 

In what is known as the “severance procedure,” a cerebral microchip is implanted into employees’ brains, with the activation point located in the elevator that leads to the headquarter’s severed floor. While each person’s Innie endures the monotony of a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday, their Outie is pardoned from the stresses of professional labor and blissfully unaware of any corporate information. 

Each Innie is equally ignorant of their Outie’s life, but when questions arise and anxiety builds about life in the outside world, a group of severed employees team up to uncover the truth about the unknown. Ultimately, their mission to access the real world breaks company protocols, propelling four individuals into a battle against a corporate empire.

As the season progresses, we learn about each employee’s complex history and why they initially volunteered to be “severed.” The series is centered around Lumon’s Macro Data Refinement (MDR) team: Mark S., Irving B., Dylan G. and a new hire, Helly R.

As Helly begins to challenge the status quo upon her arrival, Mark capitalizes on the opening and uses his position as MDR supervisor to lead his coworkers on a dangerous road of self-discovery. 

Although season one does not reveal much about Irving and Dylan’s past, audiences learn early on that Mark is trying to escape the pain of his wife’s death. However, the real mystery lies in who his wife was, her connection to Lumon and the impossibility of Mark knowing her in both worlds.

Mark’s protagonistic arc is apparent through one of the show’s introductory shots, which tracks him walking through the maze of Lumon’s severed hallways. The sequence gives the audience a taste of his mundane work routine, as its two-minute-long duration feels like a lifetime for those watching. Surrounded by enclosed, stark walls, the suffocating atmosphere is palpable as Mark navigates his way to yet another windowless space — his office.  

The MDR office, along with the rest of the severed floor, is rooted in mid-20th-century design. To accompany the program’s otherworldly narrative, set designers enhance the audience’s sense of confusion by combining 1970s-inspired furniture with futuristic innovations. After all, in what world would you find touchscreen CRT monitors?

These monitors serve as one of the program’s biggest enigmas: What exactly do Lumon employees do? Throughout season one, the MDR team is frequently shown sorting numbers on their screens. Yet, the purpose of these tasks remains frustratingly ambiguous with unanswered questions continuing to build in anticipation of season two. 

Similarly, the show offers no clear context or clues about where in America “Severance” takes place. The creators of the series work hard to emulate an unfamiliarity that almost feels like a simulation, with very few references to the real world.

This robotic feel is embodied by the un-severed employees at Lumon, particularly superiors Mrs. Cobel and her assistant, Mr. Milchick. The two share an expressionless demeanor and unyielding authority over their severed employees that is deeply unsettling to watch. Cobel’s sporadic outbursts only add to the program’s eeriness, leaving the audience with a growing discomfort leading up to season two.

And after three long years of suspense and speculation, the wait for a second season is finally over. As of Jan. 17, fans can return to the severed world, with weekly episodes to satisfy all of their burning questions. So, grab some snacks, dim the lights and prepare for another round of mind-bending twists in the work world. 

Written by: Beth Munro-Morris — arts@theaggie.org 

The popular film festival paves a way into the limelight for fresh talent

By BETH MUNRO-MORRIS — arts@theaggie.org 

What began as an underground indie festival has evolved into one of the most esteemed events in the filmmaking world. Sundance Film Festival is renowned for its celebration of emerging talent, offering a golden ticket to Hollywood for promising artists. 

Sundance originated as the Utah Film Festival which was held in Salt Lake City before it was moved to Park City in 1991. Although its name and location shifted a decade later, the festival’s core objective was to spotlight filmmaking in Utah, which was ultimately achieved. Today, Sundance has gained its reputation as a prominent stage for worldwide cinema and continues to house some of the most successful independent films.

The festival showcases approximately 200 films over a 10-day period, awarding prizes across various categories, including dramatic, documentary, short films and world cinema. Unlike other prestigious film events such as the Oscars or Golden Globes, Sundance is not reserved for Hollywood’s elite — though many from the industry still grace the red carpet.

Not only can anyone attend the festival by simply purchasing an online ticket, but the voice of the public is deeply valued. While Grand Jury prizes are awarded by a panel of industry experts, the Audience Award is decided by the public. By allowing the community to play a pivotal role in helping artists secure their breakthroughs, the festival upholds its reputation as an inclusive and diverse platform. 

Sundance has served as a gateway to Hollywood’s big leagues for many of today’s iconic filmmakers. The likes of Steven Soderbergh, Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino are just a few of the household names that can credit their start to the Utah festival. 

Widely considered a pioneer of the 1990s independent film movement, Soderbergh’s first film, “Sex, Lies, and Videotape,” won Sundance’s Audience Award in 1989. Though it premiered in Utah, the film went on to win the prestigious Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival that same year. Today, Soderbergh’s rich legacy of creativity is celebrated in his acclaimed films: “Erin Brockovich,” “Traffic” and the “Ocean’s Eleven” series. 

Arriving at the 1993 festival was Anderson’s first, and only, Sundance production. However, this 16-minute short film was enough to kick-start his iconic career, as “Bottle Rocket” quickly became a festival favorite. The film served as a prototype for his future works, including the “Grand Budapest Hotel” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” — films that have become synonymous with remarkable cinematography and his distinct visual style. 

Hard to believe it was his first production, but Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” astounded Sundance audiences at the 1992 festival. Tarantino’s inaugural attempt at experimental filmmaking made a profound mark on Hollywood cinema, introducing audiences to a style characterized by violence, profanity and shifting timelines. His unmistakable tone can be seen in his subsequent films: “Pulp Fiction,” “Fight Club” and “Kill Bill.” However, “Reservoir Dogs” has stood the test of time and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest independents in cinema history.

A meteoric rise is not only an incentive for filmmakers but for actors too. It is contestable that older stars, Mark Ruffalo, Jake Gyllenhaal and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, owe a significant portion of their success to their appearance at Sundance. The festival’s influence remains unparalleled, with more recent examples such as Jennifer Lawrence, Anya Taylor-Joy, Michael B. Jordan and Saoirse Ronan, all of whom skyrocketed into the spotlight following their festival debuts. 

With Sundance’s acclaim comes the unique opportunity for Hollywood stars to return to smaller, often more experimental, projects. At the 2025 festival last month, some of cinema’s biggest names not only graced the red carpet but the big screen as well.

Dylan O’Brien took on a starring role in “Twinless,” an American black comedy directed by up-and-coming filmmaker James Sweeny. Meanwhile, Ben Whishaw, the iconic voice of Paddington Bear, lent his talents to “Peter Hujar’s Day.”

Even Josh O’Connor, known for his portrayals as Patrick from “Challengers” and Prince Charles from “The Crown,” made an appearance. He traded British royalty for redneck country, embracing his inner cowboy in Max Walker-Silverman’s drama, “Rebuilding.” 

Sundance encapsulates a beautiful, full-circle effect: established stars returning to support the independent scene, helping to pave the way for fresh talent. The festival is more than a celebration of fame but a reminder of the true art of filmmaking — where creativity and storytelling take center stage. 

Written by Beth Munro-Morris — arts@theaggie.org

The night featured shocks, snubs and lively music performances. 

By AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS — arts@theaggie.org

On March 2, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held the 97th Oscars ceremony at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, the night recognized and highlighted the work of filmmakers, actors and crew behind the scenes of the biggest films of 2024.

Kicking off the night, “Wicked” Best Actress in a Leading Role nominee Cynthia Erivo and Best Actress in a Supporting Role nominee Ariana Grande paid tribute to the original “The Wizard of Oz” film with a medley of songs from the different film adaptations, with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by Grande, “Home” from “The Wiz” sung by Erivo and the “Defying Gravity” duet from the Best Picture-nominated “Wicked” film.

Following their performance, O’Brien gave his opening monologue accompanied by a musical number before the first award was announced. His monologue, featuring sneak references to “Emilia Perez” star Karla Sofia Gascón’s controversy, Amazon’s acquisition of the James Bond franchise and a long bit with Adam Sandler.

The first award of the night, Best Actor in a Supporting Role went to Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain.” After, Best Animated Feature Film went to Latvia’s “Flow,” an independent film produced on an open-source software platform, a large shift for the animation industry. The film was also nominated for Best International Feature Film, a normally unusual occurrence for an animated film. Best Animated Short Film went to “In the Shadow of the Cypress,” an Iranian-made film.

Following this, the ceremony had a special segment for the Best Costume Design, with actors from each film nominated on stage paying tribute to the designers. The winner, Paul Tazewell for “Wicked,” was the first Black man to win the award.

Best Original Screenplay went to “Anora” while Best Adapted Screenplay went to “Conclave.” After winning, “Anora,” an underdog amongst the more-talked-about films such as “Emilia Pérez” and “Wicked,” continued its rise as a contender for “Best Picture.”

Best Makeup and Hairstyling went to “The Substance,” its sole win for the night despite winning Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. Afterward, the show paid tribute to producers Barbara and Michael Broccoli with a “James Bond” musical montage with singers Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role went to Zoe Saldaña for “Emilia Pérez,” the most-nominated film of the night. After, Best Production Design went to “Wicked,” its final win for the night despite being nominated for 10 awards.

Best Original Song went to “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” also marking its final win for the night despite being nominated for 13 awards.

Best Documentary Short Film went to “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” and Best Documentary Feature Film went to “No Other Land,” a film that did not have a United States distributor, making the win monumental for independent films. The acceptance speech by directors Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, addressed the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, being one of the only political commentaries made during the ceremony.

Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects went to “Dune: Part Two.” During the Best Sound Mixing speech, the work of director Denis Villeneuve was recognized, after some called his lack of nomination for Best Director a snub, despite his film being nominated for Best Picture.

Best Live Action Short Film went to “I’m Not a Robot,” a Dutch-language short film. After, the ceremony paused the awards ceremony for the “In Memoriam” segment.

Best Cinematography and Best Original Score went to “The Brutalist,” also nominated for 10 awards. Best International Feature Film went to “I’m Still Here” from Brazil.

Following this, Queen Latifah performed “Ease on Down the Road” from the film “The Wiz” as a tribute to the late producer Quincy Jones.

In the last 30 minutes of the ceremony, Best Actor in a Leading Role was given to Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist,” his second Oscar. Best Director went to Sean Baker for “Anora,” who advocated for the importance of visiting movie theaters and supporting independent theaters during his speech. Finally, Best Actress in a Leading Role was given to Mikey Madison for “Anora,” her first Oscar nomination and win.

The ceremony concluded with Best Picture being awarded to “Anora.” The film, independently produced for $6 million, won the most awards of the night with five. Surprising for many, the film was not the typical “blockbuster” film, but rather a risque, screwball, semi-romantic comedy that stole the hearts of Academy Award voters. You can view the full list of winners on the official Oscars website. 

Written by: Aaliyah Espanol-Rivas —- arts@theaggie.org 

The Downtown Davis art and music lounge hosts local artists to teach a wide variety of classes to community members each month

By SAVANNAH ANNO — arts@theaggie.org

Founded by local artists Toni Rizzo, Harry Greer and Stephanie Pell, Secret Spot’s existence marks one of the newest chapters in the Davis art community’s long and sprawling history. Located in the heart of Downtown Davis, Secret Spot has been working continuously to make their space and programs known across and beyond the city’s local art scene since its expansion in 2024. 

Open every week from Wednesday through Sunday, Secret Spot isn’t easy to miss. Arriving at 117 D St., visitors are immediately greeted with the sight of a bright teal building and multiple signs welcoming them inside the lounge. 

Not just a gallery space or studio, Secret Spot is a mix between every type of place an artist or art lover may enjoy. A large couch and seating area is surrounded by displays of local vendor products — ranging from art prints to earrings to fridge magnets — as well as framed and hung displays from selected artists. 

As visitors reach the back of the building, a ramp leads them to Secret Spot’s outdoor space, where they host live music and various events. At the back of the Secret Spot house is the art studio, a garage space that originally all three founding artists used to work out of before expanding and taking over the main house. 

Each month, Secret Spot’s studio is home to a variety of teachers and workshops, with topics including comic drawing, making a needle-felt monster eye and harvesting clay to handbuild a pot. Workshops are open to all ages and skill levels, with fees placed at sliding scales and including all necessary materials. 

“We really just wanted Secret Spot to be an art hub, where not only we can showcase community art work, but we can host creativity itself,” Rizzo said. “We have so many cool artists here in town with skills that they can teach, and all of our classes are really unique. We have some pretty niche things which are really exciting.”

On Feb. 23, following a cyanotype workshop, a vision board making tutorial and a comic drawing class, Secret Spot closed out its February workshop schedule with sock puppet making. Hosted by local artist and UC Davis alumna Katerina Hanks, the workshop was two hours of hot-gluing, sewing, cutting up felt scraps and excited conversation over puppet personas. 

Hanks, who led her first sock puppet workshop at the lounge this past July, has been able to observe the positive benefits of guests being given an opportunity to create something they otherwise never would on their own time. 

“There’s not really an occasion to make sock puppets yourself,” Hanks said. “It’s something that brings everybody who comes here so much joy, even if they wouldn’t take the time or have the materials to do it at home.” 

Hanks provided various colors of felt, yarn textures, buttons, googly eyes and more to ensure each guest was able to find a unique character through their sock puppet. Some visitors decided to make more realistic sock versions of a loved one, their boss at work or a fictional character, while others took a more experimental route — sock puppets with tens of tiny eyes on their heads or ones sticking out of their mouths. 

While Hanks provided guidance on basic techniques, like shaping the mouths of the puppets and attaching hair, guests were given free range to explore and let their imagination guide them to their final product. 

Rizzo also explained this fluid workshop style is conducive to feeding creativity and providing a much needed outlet to those who may often get swept up in their demanding daily tasks.

“Especially for students and adults, we don’t carve out the time in our day-to-day life to have a hobby or decompress in a creative way,” Rizzo said. “I think burnout is really real for students, and we tend to get in the mindset of: ‘should just go home and rest and watch Netflix.’ Of course that’s physically resting, but it’s not nourishing.” 

For Secret Spot, hosting workshops is a way to promote a productive type of healing to community members. Rather than having to worry about sourcing materials or spreading out a creative project across their busy schedule, Secret Spot sets aside the designated time and resources for visitors to satisfy their artistic desires in a warm and collaborative environment. 

“You need to fuel some creativity and tap into the things you used to do as a kid,” Rizzo said. “I also think it’s important we have a space that truly is for everyone — all ages, all backgrounds and all experience levels are coming together to create.” 

If you’re in desperate need of learning a new hobby, are looking for a creative way to spend time with friends or maybe even have a skill you’d love to share with the rest of the community, Secret Spot regularly updates their monthly schedules and is always open to hearing ideas for new workshops. More information regarding workshop times, fees and other upcoming events — like their large scale Art Mania painting competition on March 8 — can be found on their Instagram page, @secret_spot_davis. 

“You really never know what you’re going to get out of it,” Hanks said. “When you commit the time and you meet all the people here and get to hang out with them, it really makes it all worth it.” 

Written by: Savannah Anno — arts@theaggie.org 

“Citrus Season” closes while “A Wing and a Prayer” debuts

By ELIZABETH BUNT — arts@theaggie.org 

For those who are unfamiliar with it, The Artery — located in Downtown Davis on G Street — is a member-owned artist cooperative. It boasts an extensive multimedial gallery featuring curated ceramics, woodwork, glass, prints, paintings, photography and fiber arts. Because members operate the storefront on a daily basis, shoppers have the opportunity to speak with the creators of pieces that strike their interest. There is no doubt why The Artery has been voted the Best Place to Buy a Gift on multiple occasions in the Davis Enterprise’s “Best of Yolo County” survey. 

However, The Artery is more than just a shopping destination, it is a group of people determined to share art with the Davis community and provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work. These showcases are held in The Artery’s adjoining gallery, just off the main gallery room. The exhibitions in this gallery change every month and rotate between group and individual shows. 

The most recent exhibit was a group show entitled “Citrus Season: A Splash of Color.” “Citrus Season” featured the work of a diverse group of artists and a varied collection of media. It was tied together through theme rather than form, with each piece included in the show having to interpret citrus fruits in some way, either through texture, bold colors or actual depictions. The exhibit was meant to celebrate Northern California’s citrus season as well as showcase bright, cheerful works of art as a break from the mid-winter dreariness. 

Since “Citrus Season” was a multimedial group exhibition, The Artery is switching gears with its new showcase: “A Wing and a Prayer.” “A Wing and a Prayer” is a selection of ceramics from local artist and member of The Artery, Janine Echabarne. 

Echabarne is an accomplished jeweler and longtime ceramicist. Her work takes inspiration primarily from nature and from tradition. 

“I like to think of myself as a continuation of the art and craft of many ancestors,” Echabarne’s artist biography on The Artery’s website reads. 

This idea is present in her latest exhibit, which is a collection of bas-relief ceramic tiles. These tiles contain figures just barely lifted from the clay surface. They are shown dancing, embracing and interacting with animals. The pieces themselves look older than they are and evoke the ancestral art which Echabarne takes her inspiration from. More than one appear to share a resemblance to scenes from various mythologies. 

Echabarne chose the name “A Wing and a Prayer” for this exhibit as a form of political commentary, expressing her belief that humanity is flying through dangerous times on one wing and prayers. Her exhibit is a response to that feeling, depicting human behaviors that have been features of art throughout human history. 

“A Wing and a Prayer” will be on exhibit until March 24. A reception with the artist will be held on March 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information on this exhibit and more to come, visit The Artery’s Instagram account, @arterydavis, or the events page on their website.

Written by: Elizabeth Bunt — arts@theaggie.org