Meet Mitra Etminani from London, who moved to LA 1 year ago to pursue her dual career as a healer and actress.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I feel like it’s LA that chose me! I met a woman while I was on holiday in Thailand who asked if I’d thought about trying my luck in Hollywood. I told her I’d love to but couldn’t afford to make the trip – so she gifted me a return flight from London to LAX (needless to stay we’re still very good friends!). I was here two months later for a six week trip, but the pull to be here was so strong that I stayed out my three months and applied for a green card – it got approved the day before I left to go home. The things I loved about LA were the positive, open and friendly attitude of Angelenos, the embracing of alternative lifestyles and philosophies (I live in Venice…) and the feeling that everything’s possible here.
What one thing do you miss from home?
Parks. The first trip I made home I walked around the garden barefoot luxuriating in the pillow top lawn.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
Getting to choose when I share my space with other people rather than being forced to in order to move around the city.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
Point Dume national park. It feels prehistoric and there’s rarely other people around. It’s not your typical LA wide sandy beach, just a little bay surrounded by cliffs and rocks but it’s very special.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Be prepared for the culture shock. I thought I understood America and Americans but find myself continually amazed at how different we are – I guess the false sense of security a shared language and TV schedule brings!
If your your life was a TV show what would be the theme tune?
You’ve Got A Friend. I have lots of wonderful people in my life I can always count on and I’m that friend for many people too. The most important thing in my life is my relationships and connections with others.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you on the Internet?
There’s more information about my healing work at www.flowwithjoy.com (I often run specials for BLA members) and my acting website is www.mitraetminani.com. I’m also involved with the actor’s classes run by www.emotionalfitness.me.
