My name is Fay Vahdani. My husband Ben and I moved to the Palisades in 2001, when I was pregnant with our daughter. At the time, both my brother and sister were already living here, and it felt only natural for us to plant our roots in this special community. Over the past 24 years, we have been blessed to raise an amazing daughter who is now pursuing her PhD in Neuroscience. Watching her grow into the person she is today has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.
Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving our community in many ways as a mother, as a volunteer, and as a businesswoman. I was fortunate to be involved in committees at Marquez Elementary, Calvary Christian School, and the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club. I also had the honor of serving on the executive board of directors of what was then the Palisades Chamber of Commerce and is now the Plibu Chamber of Commerce. Together, Ben and I have also been proud to serve the elderly of our community through our business, Luxe Homecare. Sadly, like many Palisadians, we faced great loss when our offices in the Palisades were destroyed on January 7th. My heart still aches when I think about how, overnight, so many of our elderly neighbors were forced to leave their homes against their wishes. One of the deepest sorrows I carry is losing a beloved patient who chose to remain in her home and tragically lost her life to the fire.
In the aftermath, Ben and I worked tirelessly, day and night, to establish a new office in Brentwood on San Vicente Boulevard. While our offices have moved, our home and more importantly, our hearts remain in the Palisades. We continue to serve our patients, whether in their new locations or as they return to their restored homes.
Some of my most cherished memories are from serving and celebrating alongside this community: co-chairing the Halloween Festival at Marquez School, Grandparents Day at Calvary Christian, and the Ho Ho Ho Festival with the Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps dearest to my heart was chairing the Palisades’ 90th Birthday Celebration for eight wonderful years.
The Palisades is not just where we live, it is where we’ve built our lives, raised our family, and found purpose through service. I am grateful every day to be part of this extraordinary community.
Let’s Share Your Story
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did your story begin, and what led you to the Palisades?
My name is Fay Vahdani. My husband Ben and I moved to the Palisades in 2001, when I was pregnant with our daughter. At the time, both my brother and sister were already living here, and it felt only natural for us to plant our roots in this special community. Over the past 24 years, we have been blessed to raise an amazing daughter who is now pursuing her PhD in Neuroscience. Watching her grow into the person she is today has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.
Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving our community in many ways as a mother, as a volunteer, and as a businesswoman. I was fortunate to be involved in committees at Marquez Elementary, Calvary Christian School, and the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club. I also had the honor of serving on the executive board of directors of what was then the Palisades Chamber of Commerce and is now the PaliBu Chamber of Commerce. Together, Ben and I have also been proud to serve the elderly of our community through our business, Luxe Homecare. Sadly, like many Palisadians, we faced great loss when our offices in the Palisades were destroyed on January 7th. My heart still aches when I think about how, overnight, so many of our elderly neighbors were forced to leave their homes against their wishes. One of the deepest sorrows I carry is losing a beloved patient who chose to remain in her home and tragically lost her life to the fire.
In the aftermath, Ben and I worked tirelessly, day and night, to establish a new office in Brentwood on San Vicente Boulevard. While our offices have moved, our home and more importantly, our hearts remain in the Palisades. We continue to serve our patients, whether in their new locations or as they return to their restored homes.
Some of my most cherished memories are from serving and celebrating alongside this community: co-chairing the Halloween Festival at Marquez School, Grandparents Day at Calvary Christian, and the Ho Ho Ho Festival with the Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps dearest to my heart was chairing the Palisades’ 90th Birthday Celebration for eight wonderful years.
The Palisades is not just where we live, it is where we’ve built our lives, raised our family, and found purpose through service. I am grateful every day to be part of this extraordinary community.
How long have you lived or worked here — and what do you love most about it?
My husband Ben and I moved to the Palisades when I was four months pregnant with our daughter, Bita. I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom until she reached 4th grade, which gave me precious time to focus on raising her. After that, Ben and I established Luxe Homecare, and for the past 14 ½ years we’ve had the privilege of serving our fellow Palisadians. This community has truly been home for us in every sense of the word.
Tell us about your work or your passion — past, present, or future. What lights you up?
Having the privilege of serving the elderly has brought so much joy to my heart. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of being a helping hand to many seniors and their families—whether through caregiving, nurse visits, physical and occupational therapy, or even something as simple yet meaningful as providing rides and assisting with daily needs like showers. As I’ve mentioned before, philanthropy has always been where I feel most fulfilled. From creating floral arrangements for my daughter’s school events, to chairing and co-chairing different committees with the Palisades Woman’s Club and the Chamber of Commerce, these opportunities to give back have truly been the highlights of my life.
Tell us a little about your family, community or what “home” means to you.
My family is made up of my husband, our daughter Bita, and my mom, Nesa—who has been an incredible blessing in my life and a true helping hand in raising our amazing daughter. I feel so grateful for our community, where I’ve had the privilege of connecting with wonderful families, working together in service of good causes, and continuing to learn and grow into a better person.
What’s something unique or special about the Palisades that you’ve experienced firsthand?
I remember one of my dear clients once told me how lucky she felt to live in the Palisades. That sentiment has always stayed with me, because it’s exactly how my family and I have felt over the years. Today, when I drive through town, it is both heartwarming and heartbreaking—heartwarming because every corner holds cherished memories of friends and neighbors, and heartbreaking because so many of those moments now live only in my heart and mind.
Community Favorites
Is/Was there a local business that makes you feel nostalgic or rooted here?
Although I’ve only spent a little over twenty years in the Palisades, I truly consider it my home. I carry so many wonderful memories in every corner of this town. From 31 Flavors Ice Cream to the Yogurt Shoppe, from Mort’s Deli to Vittorio’s Pizza, from buying rugelach cookies from Daniela at Viktor Benes Bakery to healthy treats at Sweet Laurel in Palisades Village, each of these places has created unforgettable memories that will always live in my family’s heart.
Who’s the most interesting or inspiring person you’ve met here in the Palisades?
In every hat I’ve worn throughout the years, I’ve had the joy of meeting so many amazing people. As a mom, I had the privilege of serving on many committees alongside the wonderful Helen Dameris, from whom I learned the true meaning of leadership. As a Women’s Club member, I was fortunate to serve with incredible women like Haldis Toppel, Roberta Donohue, and Robin Weitz, who taught me the gift of giving. And through the Chamber of Commerce, working with Bob Benton and Susan Payne, I learned the power of bringing a community together. Each of these experiences has been such a blessing in my life.
Fire Reflection
What stands out most from your experience?
The Palisades fire was a true eye-opening moment for me. On the day of the fire, I witnessed unity, care, love, and neighbors going out of their way to make sure everyone was safe. In the days that followed, I experienced dedication, devotion, and passion as our community came together to support one another. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and heart that define the Palisades.
Was there someone — a neighbor, local hero, or group — that really made a difference for you during or after the fire?
If I may, I would love to give a heartfelt shout-out to my amazing office staff—Brian, John, Daryl, Kerry, and Arnel—as well as to my husband. In the midst of everything, they went above and beyond, stopping by the homes of every patient we knew was living alone and making sure they were safe, bringing them first to our office and then to their desired locations. Their dedication and compassion truly mean the world to me.
What did the experience teach you about the Palisades or about yourself?
January 7th was by far one of the most unforgettable days of my life. What I’ve learned is that every hardship pushes me to grow into a better and wiser person. I thought living through COVID was difficult, but I truly believe that the challenges we faced as healthcare providers during that time prepared us to find the strength and resilience we needed to handle the fire.
A Few Fun Ones
What advice would you give to others — in life, work, or being a good neighbor?
This beautiful quote has always been a guiding principle in my life: “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill. I’ve always tried to live by this notion and to be an example of it. finding true joy and meaning not in what I receive, but in what I am able to give to others.
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
People often think I’m not much of a cook because, in our house, my husband is the chef and I take care of the decorations. But the truth is—I’m actually a pretty good cook myself! I just choose to enjoy the free ride and let him shine in the kitchen.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
For sure, I see us bringing our business back to the Palisades—hopefully even to the same building next to the Library. Since I truly love what I do, I also see myself becoming even more involved in our community and giving back in every way I can.
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