Meet from London, Joanna Garzilli who moved to LA 10 years ago to pursue the healing arts and entertainment industry.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA ?
I chose LA because I found the people very open-minded, spiritual and progressive. When I had an idea to do something and I bounced the idea off of someone in LA, they’d say, “That’s great! How can I help?” In London, the response was more likely to be, “You don’t want to do that. Don’t waste your time. It’ll never work.” California allowed me to dream my ideas into reality through a strong support network.
What do you miss most from home?
I miss my family, hanging out with my best friends, BBC Radio 1, British MTV, the Chinese and Indian restaurants, real custard, Devonshire clotted cream, British fashion, Notting Hill, Glastonbury and Soho House.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since ? If so why ?
My first impression of LA was perfect weather, a relaxing lifestyle and glamour. My perspective has shifted. At times I find it quite chilly. The traffic has got much worse, so meeting a friend can be difficult because driving from Marina del Rey to West Hollywood can take over an hour. All my friends are ambitious and busy so it isn’t relaxing anymore. I think it’s also because I got serious about my career. My carefree potluck yoga party days in the hills of Brentwood are great memories!
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
The biggest difference living here versus London is the health driven lifestyle. There are amazing organic restaurants like Café Gratitude, Kreation, Juice Crafters and a wide selection of yoga classes and spiritual workshops. Another difference is in London, people are low key about their success, in LA they love to flaunt their achievements.
Do you have any hidden gems in LA that you want to share with us?
I love eating ocean front at The Malibu Beach Inn. Also, love The Malibu Country Mart. Inn of The Seventh Ray is a beautiful setting on the creek in Topanga. For the best French Toast and pancakes, The Griddle on Sunset Blvd. My favorite place to go recharge is Marico Massage with Ghanda, only $39 for 50 mins and I am a big fan of Olympic Spa in Korea Town. Can you tell I like food and spa?
A lot of people have misconceptions about LA – did you ?
LA was just how I imagined. I first visited LA with my Dad as a teenager and had many vacations here so I had a good sense of what to expect when I moved. I felt understood and accepted in LA. It immediately felt like home. I feel a special magic in LA. Like that guy at the beginning of the movie, “Pretty Woman” when he says, “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don’t; but keep on dreamin’ — this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin.” My dreams did come true! I met my husband Nick, we have a six-years-old Dominick and I got a book deal with Harper Collins for “Big Miracle Breakthrough” that will be published in January 2017.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
I think LA has changed a lot in the last 10 years. I would recommend visiting several times first. Perhaps do a 3-month stay. It’s great that airbnb now exists. Check out the different neighborhoods because each one has its distinct qualities. Traffic is an important thing to consider. For example if you want to launch your acting career, I don’t recommend living in Sherman Oaks because you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car going back and forth from Hollywood. Think about your ideal lifestyle. What do you want to be your environment when you wake up in the morning? Do you want to be in the hustle and bustle or do you want a beach community? What activities are important to you? Make sure your priorities are met before making the move. I’d say if you want to make the move, do it! What’s the worst that can happen? You don’t like it and go home to Blighty.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given ?
Dream big and don’t quit! You have a dream for a reason. It is unique to you. Don’t wait for your opportunity. Create it now! If someone tells you can’t it’s because they don’t believe they can do it but you can. If someone says, “No,” to you, keep going, you are getting closer to someone who will say, “Yes”.
Lastly , how can we find out more about you?
Facebook page: https://Facebook.com/JoannaGarzilli
Instagram: @JoannaGarzilli
Twitter: @JoannaGarzilli
Website: http://intuition.joannagarzilli.com
Website: http://UnleashThePsychicInYou.com
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