Born in OC by Wylder, Greer
After more than a decade of inspiration and reflection, journalist Greer Wylder has released her new book, Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, California. This captivating book introduces readers to 50 remarkable individuals and industry leaders whose stories illustrate the creative and entrepreneurial spirit that helped put Orange County on an international map.
Born in OC shines a light on a diverse array of people who have shaped the region’s culture, innovation and community. From Steve Van Doren, vice president at Vans, who embodies the iconic skate culture of Southern California, to Megan Klink of Susan G. Komen who supports individuals battling breast cancer, each profile delves into the impact these individuals have had on Orange County, Southern California and beyond. Among those affiliated with Newport Beach are Wing Lam, Mary and Dick Allen, Mark Hilbert, McG and Wendy Zomnir, to name a few.
Wylder’s exploration provides a full spectrum of those who have made an impact both locally and internationally, including Anton Segerstrom, whose family’s legacy stretches from agriculture to world-class shopping to the arts, and bestselling author Dean Koontz, among others. The book’s varied stories highlight how these individuals are contributing to the rich cultural fabric of Orange County, moving far beyond the surface-level depictions often associated with the area. With both familiar and fresh perspectives, Born in OC provides insight as to how these figures are influencing industries from biomedicine to the arts and surf culture to technology. Each chapter is complemented by an original portrait capturing the subject’s essence and offering a visual journey through the lives of these key figures.
“Orange County is much more than its well-known surf spots or reality TV fame,” said Wylder. “It’s a hub of creativity, innovation and diversity, and this book showcases the real essence of this remarkable community through the stories of those who have made an impact not only here in Orange County, but throughout Southern California and in some cases, around the world.”
Wylder is a long-time journalist and the founder of Greer’s OC, a popular site that covers Orange County’s renowned lifestyle and culture. Raised in Newport Beach, she has spent the past 30 years writing about the area and has mentored students at Newport Harbor High School through the 1:1 Career Junior Mentor Program for more than a decade. Wylder resides in Costa Mesa, where she raised her four boys. The cover of Born in OC was designed by her son, graphic designer Matthew Lobdell.