Haute Secrets: The Giving Keys CEO Shares Her Insider Guide to LA

Photo Credit: Travis Schneider

Caitlin Crosby knows a thing or two about inspiring others. The actress, singer, songwriter and entrepreneur began writing songs with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds in high school (she attended Beverly Hills High) before she subsequently signed to his label, Arista Records. Growing up in Hollywood inspired Crosby to launch the campaign LoveYourFlawz with Oscar winner Brie Larson to support women dealing with body image issues. Flawz was also the name of her first album, which she released through Blackledge/Atlantic Records in 2009. While on tour, she started The Giving Keys, a jewelry company that gives jobs to those affected with homelessness. Each product carries an inspiring message like FEARLESS, HOPE, STRENGTH or COURAGE. Since its concept, The Giving Keys has employed over 54 homeless people, helping many move into permanent housing, and collected thousands of giving stories. Today, the company, which counts Julianne Hough, Ryan Gosling, Leonardo DiCaprio and Taylor Swift among its fans, is sold at high-end retailers like Ron Robinson and Nordstrom. Here, this L.A. giving girl shares her haute secrets, her insider guide, to the City of Angels.

Where were you born: Los Angeles, CA

How long in LA: Born and raised in LA

Neighborhood: I’ve lived everywhere from Hollywood to Malibu to Woodland hills. Graduated from Beverly Hills High School

Occupation: CEO /Founder – The Giving Keys/ Singer /Song Writer/ Actress

Favorite Restaurant: Pace in the middle of Laurel Canyon & Gjelina in Venice

Best Sushi: Sugarfish

Best Italian: Dan Tana’s next to the Troubadour

Best place for a romantic date: Il Cielo in Beverly Hills

Best Sunday brunch: Kings Road Cafe

Best place for a power business meeting: I like having meetings at Mauro’s Cafe inside Fred Segal on Melrose

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Ace Hotel in Downtown

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Ron Robinson @ Fred Segal & Nordstrom

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: I love LuvAj’s jewelry & of course The Giving Keys!

Best Spa: all Korean Spas in Koreatown

Favorite Charity Event: Justin Baldoni’s Skid Row Carnival

Favorite Cultural Event: Global Citizens music festival

Favorite Cultural Institution: Skirball cultural center

Best Steakhouse: Mastro’s in Malibu on he beach.

Best Pizza: D’amores

Best Lunch: I love getting juices from this place, Beverly Hills Juice because it was the original old school juice place in LA started my hippies (they still only take cash) and you must have their Banana Mana/almond mixture, mixed with your choice of juice. And from Mauros Cafe, the vegetable dish with zucchini, carrots, spinach, chicken & garlic with & gallon of added Parmesan cheese:)

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Soul Cycle & Prevail boxing

Best Massage: The NOW Massage & Radiance of Life in Larchmont village

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: LACMA

Describe your city in three words: Creative, Diverse, Hungry

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: The Getty Museum

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: The private beach I used to live on: dog beach in Malibu

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: All of the creative opportunities for people to flourish & pursue their dreams