Bryan Miller’s journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for entrepreneurship. Despite facing challenges due to dyslexia during his school years, he pursued a degree in business administration. With admirable determination, he navigated the educational obstacles that came his way.

Bryan’s professional path led him into the realm of restaurant management, where he spent five years honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. However, a pivotal moment arrived when a patron from one of the restaurants he managed presented him with a life-changing opportunity. This patron, on the brink of retirement, proposed that Bryan manage and take over their business, American Flags & Cutlery. Bryan seized this chance, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

In the year 2020, Bryan assumed a managerial role within the establishment, gradually transitioning to ownership by April 1, 2021. While the prospect of ownership was exciting, it came with its share of challenges. Determining the right products to procure for the store’s inventory posed an initial hurdle. Bryan tackled this obstacle by immersing himself in understanding the preferences and needs of his clientele. Through diligent learning and adaptation, he navigated the intricate landscape of the industry.

One of Bryan’s strengths lies in his ability to network effectively. He recognized the importance of connecting with the right individuals, which aided him in overcoming the learning curve associated with the cutlery industry. He cultivated partnerships with local businesses such as Messermeister and the unique Ojai-based brand, Ocaso. In fact, Bryan’s store became the exclusive carrier of Ocaso products—a noteworthy accomplishment.

What sets Bryan’s store apart is its distinctive collection of items that cannot be found in other establishments. This curated selection highlights his commitment to providing customers with a diverse and unparalleled shopping experience.

Entrepreneurship runs in Bryan’s family, with both his grandparents having ventured into business ownership. Drawing inspiration from his family background and his own experiences as an Eagle Scout, Bryan’s passion for cutlery and knives was kindled during his time in the restaurant industry. This unique blend of interests and his hands-on experience contribute to the store’s distinctive character.

In conclusion, Bryan Miller’s journey encapsulates the triumph of perseverance over adversity. From his challenging school years to becoming the owner of American Flags & Cutlery, his story exemplifies the power of determination, adaptation, and meaningful connections. Through his store, he not only offers exceptional products but also a testament to the value of pursuing one’s passions against all odds.

Mike McBain’s academic trajectory led him from Cal State University, Los Angeles, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy, to Cal State University, Northridge, where he earned a Master of Business Administration. Amidst the camaraderie of academically inclined peers who paradoxically struggled with spelling, Mike’s educational journey shaped the foundation for his multifaceted career.

In 1977, Mike’s entrepreneurial journey took off with the establishment of Central Courier. This venture, which he owned and managed until 2013, catered to the immediate pick-up and delivery needs of Ventura. The inspiration behind this venture was rooted in Mike’s past—his perpetual tardiness that once irked his father. Through his father’s guidance, Mike internalized the significance of punctuality, a principle that enabled him to successfully oversee the timely delivery of approximately 1,000 items daily.

The subsequent sale of Central Courier marked a transition to a new chapter: the inception of McBain Managerial Bookkeeping. As the venture flourished, Mike expanded its reach to serve Ventura County, offering impeccable financial management services to an array of businesses. Throughout the year, Mike also demonstrated his prowess in real estate transactions, a skill that organically led to his oversight of Montalvo Center LLC Property, which included the management of diverse office buildings in Ventura.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mike’s commitment to community service manifested through his involvement with the Ventura Downtown Lions Club. Since joining in 2000, he has contributed meaningfully to community initiatives. Mike’s service-oriented approach extended to his participation on various boards, encompassing the Ventura Downtown Lions Club and Ventura Adult Continuing Education.

Mike’s unquenchable thirst for innovative business undertakings remains a hallmark of his journey. His most recent accomplishments, earlier this year, involved the publication of two significant works. One introduced a groundbreaking 32-letter phonetic alphabet, designed to encapsulate the nuances of American spoken and written language. Both books – Alphabet Soup and Ambitious Ambrose can be purchased on Amazon!

Simultaneously, he diversified his portfolio through part ownership of Olive Ventura, a prominent establishment nestled in Downtown Ventura.

In the dynamic landscape of business, Mike’s experiences have given rise to valuable insights. Lessons learned include the realization that price isn’t the sole determinant of success. His tenure at McBain Managerial Bookkeeping highlighted the significance of offering value beyond monetary considerations. As Mike and his team navigated various industries, they discovered that clients sought expertise, reliability, and effective solutions—factors that ultimately trumped pricing considerations.

As Mike’s journey continues, he remains poised to embrace new business adventures, armed with a wealth of experience, a spirit of innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to both professional excellence and community betterment. His story encapsulates the essence of growth, adaptability, and the enduring impact of lessons learned along the way.

Hello community, please join me on September 17 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the opening of my Pilates studio located at the beautiful Portside Ventura Harbor!

I am a long-time resident of the county, having emigrated to Oxnard at the age of one with my father, an enlisted Navy man, and my mother, a dentist, from the Philippines. I grew up in the diverse neighborhood of Pleasant Valley, went to Hathaway elementary school, then attended Blackstock junior high, and graduated from Channel Islands high school. After a few years in the San Fernando Valley attending college and exploring a myriad of jobs while missing the ocean air and cool breeze, I landed with a third-generation acupuncturist who taught me about Eastern medicine. Since then, I have been fascinated by our abilities to self-heal and fell in love with Pilates when I was selected to teach at Bally Total Fitness, Oxnard. Afterward, I became a trainer for the Naval Bases of Ventura County to mitigate injuries during exercise training, then assisted the doctors at Kang Physical Therapy Clinic in Ventura. In 2013, Dr. Kang encouraged me to open my own studio, which I did and operated it for the last ten years. In that timeframe, I attained an M.S. in Human Nutrition, received education in scoliosis, became a Yoga Tune Up® teacher, and earned a massage therapy license. I ran two half marathons in 2018 and 2019 to encourage my understanding of the running body using the Jeff Galloway method. In May 2023 I attained my second graduate degree, this time in social work with an emphasis on urban community wellness and clinical mental health therapy.

At Inner Soulstice Wellness Pilates Studio, I provide therapeutic movement instruction and bodywork for pain relief, injury prevention, and aging gracefully grounded in physical therapy, Pilates, the science of fascia, and yoga philosophy. Having observed thousands of bodies, I have cultivated a keen eye for injury prevention and aim to help people enjoy the activities they love for as long as they can, pain-free. When you come to see me, you receive one-on-one attention and care that is not dictated by insurance, which means I spend time with you and listen to your needs. I will analyze your posture and assess your movement patterns. Together, we explore biomechanics and alignment to create improved mobility and stability using Pilates apparatus and a variety of methods that range from myofascial release techniques to manual therapeutic massage. I specialize in joint replacement rehab pre- and post-operative, and structural mischiefs, such as scoliosis, which can be congenital, or caused by an accident, habit (such as sitting at a desk for long periods), or due to physical pastime pleasures like cycling, golf, tennis, and more. At the heart of each session is empowerment. It is an educational experience. There will always be teaching nuggets and the learning of valuable skills that will keep you healthy and moving.

Relaunching after the pandemic feels like a rebirth. Being seen is vulnerable, sometimes frightening, especially in this age of social media. But as my dear friend reminded me, it’s how we know we are growing. My other interests are consciously crafting skincare products. When I’m not researching or managing the studio, I’m growing succulents and lounging with my Shih Tzu, Roxy Balboa.

Save the date to join me for food, crafts, and tunes! I look forward to meeting you!
Location: 864 Schooner Dr., Ste. 108, Ventura, CA 93001