Orange County, California, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, thriving businesses, and vibrant artistic community. In her book, Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, Greer Wylder shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals who have shaped the region’s unique identity.
With nearly five years of research and heartfelt interviews, Greer’s book celebrates the self-starters, risk-takers, and dreamers whose contributions extend beyond Orange County, inspiring others to pursue their passions.
In this exclusive Q&A, Greer shares the inspiration behind her book, the challenges of narrowing down her list of trailblazers, and the standout stories that moved her most. From highlighting community connections to sharing personal milestones, she provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Born in OC came to life and why its stories resonate so deeply.
About the Book:
Ruchel: What inspired you to write Born in OC? Was there a particular story or individual that sparked the idea?
Greer: I was inspired to write Born in OC for a few reasons. Growing up in Newport Beach, I didn’t have mentors or role models to look up to, and that left a lasting impression on me.
Over the years, through my work covering stories and meeting extraordinary people in Orange County, I’ve been inspired by their achievements and drive. I hope that young adults who might feel the way I did growing up can read these interviews and see what’s possible when you follow your passions and work hard.
Everyone featured in Born in OC is a self-starter who has accomplished incredible things, and their stories serve as a testament to what’s achievable.
Another motivation was to create something lasting. So much of my work—writing and social media—feels fleeting, and I wanted to produce something tangible that I could truly be proud of.
Ruchel: How did you decide which artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to include? Were there any challenges in narrowing down the list?
Greer: Most of the people featured in the book are individuals I’ve come to know throughout my career, while others are connections I made during my time on the board of JDRF, now known as Breakthrough T1D. One of my four sons was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005 at the age of 14, which led me to become involved with Breakthrough T1D. As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, their commitment to funding a cure has been a cause close to my heart.
Through my involvement with Breakthrough T1D, I met remarkable individuals like Mary and Dick Allen, who were instrumental in the creation of Hoag’s Mary and Dick Allen Diabetes Center. The center provides comprehensive diabetes care and a wide range of educational and support services, ensuring accessibility for all patients, regardless of their financial situation.
Another inspiring person is Zoey Stevens, an artist at Disney who also lives with type 1 diabetes. Zoey has raised over a million dollars for research by donating his fine art, and his talent for painting upside-down portraits live in just 15 minutes is incredible to watch.
As for narrowing down the list, I didn’t find it overly challenging, though I certainly wish I could have included even more people. Ultimately, I had to draw the line somewhere, but the individuals I chose each bring something unique and inspiring to the narrative of Born in OC.
It’s also so difficult for me to choose a favorite individual included in the book since they are all so different and I love their stories and accomplishments for different reasons.
Ruchel: Can you tell us about a standout story or person from the book that particularly moved or inspired you?
Greer: This is a tough question because so many stories in the book are inspiring, but one standout has to be Jennifer Friend of Project Hope Alliance. Her life story is truly remarkable.
Growing up in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach with her parents and three younger brothers, Jennifer experienced the harsh realities of homelessness firsthand. Her family was first evicted when she was just twelve, spending much of the 1980s moving between motels and staying with friends. Their experiences even inspired an Off-Broadway play by Carla Ching called Nomad Motel.
Despite these challenges, Jennifer’s determination never wavered. She graduated from UC Irvine and Whittier Law School, and before the age of forty, she became a partner at a prominent law firm. In 2012, Jennifer decided to follow her true calling. She left her legal career to become the full-time CEO of Project Hope Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of youth homelessness in Orange County. Under her leadership, the organization has grown significantly, providing homeless children with the resources and support they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and purpose, and her work continues to make a profound difference in the lives of countless young people.
On The Creative Process:
Ruchel: How long did it take to research and write the book, and what was the most surprising discovery you made along the way?
Greer: I took nearly five years to research and write Born in OC. Part of the process was doing research on each individual before reaching out to them. This was time-consuming but essential—I wanted to be fully prepared with thoughtful questions as soon as they responded and agreed to participate. Of course, not everyone I approached was able to be included. Several people had to decline due to scheduling conflicts or other commitments, which I completely understood.
One of the most surprising discoveries was how much there is to learn about self-publishing. There were so many pros and cons to navigate. I learned a lot and was grateful that I had a few friends who could offer advice.
Ruchel: Did you conduct personal interviews for the book? If so, can you share a memorable moment or conversation?
Greer: Most of the interviews for Born in OC were done on Zoom during COVID-19, though I was able to do some in person. Some of the interviews took hours to complete, so I spent a lot of time editing them to keep the length consistent with the others in the book.
I also scheduled photo sessions with most of the people featured, which added another layer of coordination. A few sent me professional photos, but for the majority, I made the time to meet with them and take their photos personally.
It was so much fun talking to Chuck Hanson. At 91, he’s still going strong as one of the founders of Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, one of Orange County’s most beloved family-run institutions. Chuck shared amazing stories about growing up in Costa Mesa when it was like the Wild West. He talked about goats, pigs, and cows roaming along 16th Street, where he grew up with his parents and nine siblings. His family moved to Costa Mesa in 1943 and bought a house on an acre of land for just $500. His mom worked canning mackerel at what is now The Cannery restaurant in Newport Beach.
Chuck still comes into Hi-Time a few times a week to oversee the wine buying, especially from California producers he’s been friends with for decades. He also greets customers and hands out $5 gift cards, adding a personal touch that keeps the store’s charm alive. I had the chance to talk with Chuck at length, along with his niece, Diana Hirst, who grew up at Hi-Time and is now the general manager. Their dedication to the family business and the community is really something special.
Ruchel: What was the most challenging part of bringing Born in OC to life, and how did you overcome it?
Greer: The biggest challenge was convincing the people featured in the book to understand my vision. Everyone included is incredibly busy, and it wasn’t always easy for them to carve out time for interviews, especially for a project they weren’t completely sure about. I’m so grateful they trusted me and took the time to share their stories and answer my questions—it made all the difference.
On the Impact of Orange County:
Ruchel: Are there any trends or common themes you noticed among the artists and entrepreneurs from Orange County?
Greer: There are definitely a few common themes that stood out among the artists and entrepreneurs in Orange County. Many of the people I interviewed are self-starters who created something out of nothing, often taking big risks to follow their passions. Another common thread is the connection to the community. Whether they grew up here or made Orange County their home, they all share a deep appreciation for the area and want to give back in meaningful ways. It’s a place that fosters creativity and ambition, but it’s also a place where relationships and community matter. That balance really shaped their stories and their success.
Personal Insights:
Ruchel: What was the most rewarding part of writing Born in OC?
Greer: The most rewarding part of writing Born in OC was stepping out of my comfort zone to take on something I’d never done before. It was definitely challenging—I had to stay disciplined while running my business at the same time. That meant a lot of late nights and weekends, but I really enjoyed the process. It was incredibly fulfilling to see it all come together and create something I’m proud of.
Ruchel: Are there any more projects focused on California or local culture?
Greer: I’m not entirely sure yet. I’ll definitely continue covering Orange County for Greer’s OC, which focuses on local businesses, retail, dining, and events, as well as managing social media for local businesses. Those are ongoing passions of mine. That said, I do have other professional dreams I’m working on, but I’m not ready to announce anything just yet.
2024 was a big year for me—my book Born in OC came out, and I married Paul Nordlund after 11 years of dating. It felt like the right time for both milestones. While I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, I have more dreams and goals I want to pursue. I’m excited about what the future holds.
Greer Wylder’s Born in OC is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Orange County. Through her meticulous research and personal connections, Greer has crafted a timeless piece that not only inspires but also offers a glimpse into the lives of those who have made an indelible mark on the community.
As Greer continues her journey of storytelling, Born in OC stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a budding entrepreneur, or simply a lover of compelling stories, this book is sure to leave you inspired to dream big and take bold steps toward your own vision.
Born in OC is available on Amazon. Follow Greer on Instagram.
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