Meet Laura Lochrin from Glasgow, Scotland who moved to LA five years ago to pursue a healthier outdoor lifestyle for her daughter who has cystic fibrosis. With her family settled into a new Californian life Laura was able to take time to launch her Interior Design Business – ‘Laura Lochrin Interiors’.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I loved the lifestyle – the surfing, the hiking, the horse riding – and of course the sunshine – definitely a little different from the West Coast of Scotland! Also we wanted our daughter to attend Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
What do you miss most from home?
Of course family….but other than that its got to be the food!! It’s ridiculous, when I visit home I know I’m leaving at least 10lbs up! I really miss a good Indian, a good Chinese, a chippy and wagamama (a popular Asian-inspired food chain in the UK)_….I also really miss Sainsburys and Marks & Spencers!
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? If so why?
My expectation was always that it was laid back and relaxed, and I think that is still true now. People are happy and believe anything is possible and that attitude never gets old.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Glasgow?
Ha! The sunshine! An obvious answer….but one that makes a real difference to how I live my life. It never gets old to me to be able to get out the car and saunter instead of running the gauntlet to get out the rain! Also – the traffic – the sheer volume is unbelievable….and to add to that, something happens to Californians when they are behind the wheel, they are such lovely people face to face but driving – not so much!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
In L.A my favourite place to eat is Katsuya – their crispy rice with spicy tuna is to die for, also (not in L.A) – but Temecula wine country! One of my favourite places….try Wilson Creek winery at the weekends for their champagne slushies…hard to beat!
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Really try and understand where you stand with healthcare before you get here, it’s a steep learning curve coming from the NHS, and the last thing you want is a surprise bill that you didn’t expect. But my experience has been nothing but positive so I would say, make the leap, California is so gorgeous and I have no regrets and truly feel at home here now.
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?
Make sure you are a confident driver! And make sure you really understand the visa/immigration procedure, its daunting but just try and be as informed as possible.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
My website for my Interior Designer business “Laura Lochrin Interiors” has just recently launched at lauralochrininteriors.com – check it out to find out more about what services I offer or follow me on Instagram (@lauralochrininteriors) for gorgeous home inspiration and updates. I would also love to offer all Brits in LA members 20% off any service – just get in touch.
