THE HISTORY
The inception of Beacon was originally a collaboration between Chacha Sands and her bestie in 2013. Beacon, as in guide, was to be a Portland themed zine that categorized fun places and things to check out - like local coffee shops or jewelry designers. Two years later and with Laz’s blessing, Chacha set out to create the first issue.
No. 01 Coffee Snob turned out as a hybrid version of the original concept. There is a Portland Coffee Shop Guide along with other coffee themed content from creatives around the world. By the second issue, and with the help of Daniel Cardoza, the brand identity began to solidify. By issue three, an internship program had been inaugurated and by the release of issue four, Beacon had its first public release at No Vacancy Lounge. Soon, you could find happenings all around town. Beacon got on the map with Design Week Portland and hosted workshops, panels, pop-ups and concerts at local favorites such as 220 Salon, Ace Hotel, Trove Curated Home, The Fixin’ To Bar, Mississippi Studios, Jones Bar and more. Notably, the Tan Lines Festival, at Century Bar, was one of the biggest events to date, hosting over 20 live music performances.
While interns cycled each semester, a devoted team began to form. Zach Westerman, Britt Mohr and Kailla Coomes were the first and longest-standing members of the team.
Beacon has sold in stores across the US, has been in book fairs in Japan, hosted a rooftop event at New York Fashion Week and has published over 160 people from over 24 countries around the world.
THE TEAM
CHACHA SANDS
Editor In Chief + Creative Director
As founder of Crib Design House and creator of Beacon, Chacha Sands is committed to creative collaborations and ambitious entrepreneurial endeavors. She is passionate about creating space, celebrating talent, and exploring what is possible.
ZACH WESTERMAN
Director of Design
Originally from the Midwest and now based in the PNW, Zach operates as a sort of creative jack-of-all-trades. He has spent 10+ years in the design field with experience ranging from 3D modeling to motion design to photo/videography and audio production. Now self-employed, Zach strives to build each hobby and skill into a facet of his daily life and just keep taking it to the next level. When he’s not working he’s focused on catching up with family and friends and/or enjoying the outdoors camping, skateboarding, hiking and gardening.
BRITT MOHR
Director of Visual Content
Las Vegas born and PNW raised, Britt Mohr, is a scatterbrained visual artist, ranging from film production to graphic design. She studied film production at Portland State University and found her creativity flowed into art direction and cinematography. Curiosity and eagerness lead to exploring other visual arts like graphic design and illustration. Her inspirations include anything from bold simplicity to loud expressive design.
KAILLA COOMES
Director of Written Content
Kailla Coomes has lived in Oregon for 14 years and considers herself an Oregonian. She has written for Portland Monthly and Portland Interview Magazine. Creative writing is her jam and would love nothing more than to to publish a book of poetry someday. Every person has a story and Kailla’s passion lies in making sure those stories are told.
SANDY (SAVVYSANDY)
Director of Fashion
Inspired by all forms of art, Sandy sees the beauty in every day details. Whether it’s fashion, architecture, nature, or literature, she thrives on all things creative.