Meet Felicia Mason | CEO & Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Felicia Mason and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Felicia, how do you think about risk?
To me, risk is synonymous with growth. Starting LO>E. was a leap of faith—venturing into a saturated market with a business model that prioritizes social impact alongside profitability was not without its challenges. However, embracing risk has allowed us to innovate, to stand out, and to truly connect with our community. In my career, taking calculated risks has been instrumental in overcoming stagnation. It’s about believing in your vision enough to face the unknown, to learn from failure, and to emerge stronger.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey into LO>E. is actually deeply rooted in a rich family tradition of hospitality. Growing up in a restaurant family that opened a beloved breakfast and lunch cafe in Ojai in 1995, I was enveloped in an atmosphere where hospitality was not just a service but a way of life. My early memories are filled with my mother speed walking the dining room, singing off key, and often embracing customers in warm hugs, transforming once disgruntled patrons into smiling, satisfied guests. This environment instilled in me a fundamental belief that we are only a few conversations away from being connected, a principle that would unknowingly shape my future. Despite this vibrant upbringing, my initial aspirations lay far from the restaurant industry. Witnessing the daily grind and challenges firsthand, I was convinced that my path would not lead me back to the hospitality world. My passion was directed towards law, specifically in creating systemic change within the legal system to support youth. However, life had a different plan, or rather, my husband did. He proposed starting a cafe, but not just any cafe—a space centered around creating an environment to experience and express love. My immediate response was a resounding “No.” The idea of running a restaurant where the primary focus wasn’t on the food but rather the atmosphere seemed impossible to me.

Yet, here I am today, as CEO & Co-Founder of LO>E., a testament to the evolution of my beliefs and aspirations. The transition from aspiring to change the legal system to embracing the restaurant business wasn’t straightforward or easy. It required a leap of faith and a willingness to see beyond the conventional metrics of restaurant success. This journey has been a process of redefining success, not in terms of profit margins but in the depth of connections formed and the community fostered within our environment. What sets LO>E. apart and what I am most proud of is our commitment to creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and connected—a direct echo of my childhood experiences and a realization that perhaps hospitality, in its purest form, is about creating a haven for love and connection. My path has shown me that sometimes, the most impactful changes come not from the big gestures but from the simple act of bringing people together, a belief that now defines both my personal and professional life.

For me, it’s all about resiliency, embracing failure as the pathway for growth, and the courage to pursue your vision, even when it doesn’t look identical to the vision board. This journey has taught me that true success isn’t measured by being attached to the original plan but by following the pursuit of my purpose and allowing what it actually looks like to emerge. It’s about leaning into the unknown, learning from every setback, and emerging stronger with each leap of faith.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week I would make sure to get them immersed in all that is Ojai outside of LO>E. Social, bringing the serene with the stimulating, the quaint with the quirky. Here’s how we’d spend our week!

Day 1: Welcome to Ojai
Morning: Breakfast at Bonnie Lu’s Country Cafe, say hi to my mom Jenny!
Afternoon: A leisurely stroll through downtown Ojai, exploring the local boutiques and art galleries. Don’t miss Bart’s Books, an outdoor popular bookstore that’s just magical.
Evening: Dinner at The Nest, offering a delightful farm-to-table dining experience with a laid-back vibe.

Day 2: Nature and Nourishment
Morning: Hike up to Shelf Road for panoramic views of the valley. The trail is friendly for all levels and offers a splendid sunrise viewpoint.
Afternoon: Lunch at the Ojai Valley Brewery, where you can enjoy locally brewed craft beers and hearty meals.
Evening: Attend a live music event at the Deer Lodge, known for its rustic charm and vibrant local music scene.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion
Morning: Visit the Ojai Valley Museum to delve into the town’s history and art.
Afternoon: Explore the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market (Sunday only) to sample local produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods.
Evening: Dinner at The Duchess Restaurant for a Burmese-Californian dining experience and a show with our local Ojai Art Center.

Day 4: Relaxation and Rejuvenation
All day: Book a day at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Enjoy a round of golf, relax by the pool, or indulge in a spa treatment, making the most of Ojai’s luxurious side.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at your leisure, perhaps opting for a light meal at the inn’s Oak Grill.

Day 5: Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Horseback riding through the trails with Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company.
Afternoon: Picnic at Libbey Park, enjoying the natural beauty and perhaps catching an impromptu performance at the Libbey Bowl.
Evening: A quiet dinner at Nocciola, where the charming setting complements the exquisite Italian fare.

Day 6: Artistic Explorations
Morning: Participate in the many local artist wokshops, immersing yourselves in Ojai’s artistic community.
Afternoon: Visit the Krishnamurti Foundation of America to explore its beautiful grounds and learn about the philosopher’s legacy.
Evening: Savor the sunset at Meditation Mount, followed by dinner at a local eatery, perhaps Agave Maria for some Mexican cuisine.

Day 7: Leisure and Farewell
Morning: Hit brunch at Hip Vegan Café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and delicious plant-based food.
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in downtown Ojai for souvenirs and local crafts, we have to go to Hidden Treasures.
Evening: A farewell dinner at Osteria Monte Grappa, reflecting on the week’s adventures over Italian dishes that comfort and delight.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s impossible to tell the story of LO>E. without dedicating a monumental shoutout to Mark Sims. At a pivotal moment when our previous location was closing due to the property being listed for sale—a time that felt like the end of the road for this version of our vision—Mark stepped in not just as a long-time patron and friend but also as a true believer in what LO>E. stood for. His intervention was a vote of confidence in the values and the vision that LO>E. embodies.

Mark didn’t merely see LO>E. as a business investment; he saw the heart and soul of what we were striving to create within our community. His decision to partner with us went beyond just changing the Cafe’s location; it was about believing in the potential of LO>E. to grow and serve as a beacon of love, connection, and community empowerment. His support enabled us to not only continue serving our community but also to dream bigger and expand our vision.

So, this shoutout is wholeheartedly dedicated to Mark Sims, whose faith, mentorship, and encouragement have been indispensable. His contribution underscores a vital truth about success—it’s deeply interwoven with the support and belief we find in each other. Mark’s role in our journey exemplifies the essence of partnership and the power of shared vision. It’s a reminder that behind every endeavor, there are individuals like Mark who dare to believe and invest in dreams that can change the world for the better. For that, we are eternally grateful.

Instagram: @lovesocialojai