For Raine Michaels, a longtime North Ranch resident, model, sports broadcaster, and animal activist, the fires struck a deep chord. Seeing her community in crisis, she knew she had to act. She turned to her friend Shanesa Fath, co-founder of Studio CT, a design studio known for its creative heart and community spirit. Together, they transformed an urgent idea into a powerful act of service.

 

The recent Franklin, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Eaton fires have left behind more than just charred landscapes—they have displaced families, shattered lives, and irreplaceable memories within the walls of their homes. In the wake of such devastation, compassion has become the community’s strongest force for healing.

 

What began as a simple question—“How can we help?”—quickly became a mission. Raine and Shanesa envisioned something beyond traditional donation drives. They wanted to restore dignity to those who had lost everything, offering them a space where they could "shop" for essentials with pride.

“We didn’t want people rummaging through piles of clothes in a parking lot,” says Raine. “We wanted them to feel seen, valued, and cared for.”

Within days, Raine put out a call on social media, asking for gently used and new clothing, shoes, and pet supplies. The response was overwhelming. Several brands including Pawj, Life Is Good, Wildflower Cases, Revice Denim, MinDD Bra, Oh Norman, and LBLC The Label, and so many more stepped up, donating brand-new essentials to help families start anew.

 

With meticulous care, Raine and Shanesa curated and organized the donations, transforming Studio CT into an elevated boutique experience. Every detail was intentional: neatly folded clothing, stylishly displayed shoes, and a welcoming atmosphere that felt more like a shopping spree than a relief effort.

“We wanted this to be a space of renewal,” says Shanesa. “A place where people could take a deep breath and feel like themselves again.”

For weeks, they worked tirelessly to sort, arrange, and create a space of warmth and normalcy. When the doors opened the weekend of January 25th and 26th, fire victims walked in not as survivors, but as guests—respected, embraced, and empowered.

 

This effort wasn’t just about material donations—it was about restoring a sense of self. Families who had lost everything left not just with bags of clothing, but with renewed hope

“We watched people arrive feeling lost and leave with smiles,” says Raine. “They realized they weren’t alone. Their community has their back.”

The fires may have taken homes, but they could never destroy the spirit of generosity that defines this community. Thanks to Raine and Shanesa’s unwavering dedication, Studio CT became more than an art gallery—it became a haven of resilience, kindness, and strength.

 

Though the fires have been extinguished, the need for support remains. You can reach out to Raine or Shanesa at Studio CT to learn more about ways you can continue to help. Because when a community stands together, no one has to rebuild alone.

Studio CT , 28873 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301, 818-584-4207