Meet Letticia Bissondut who moved to Los Angeles from Johannesburg, South Africa to pursue aåcting/storytelling.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I feel like LA is one of those places that choses you. It’s just full of so many artists and creatives, that it makes it easy to feel that magnetic pull to this city.
What do you miss most from home?
My family and friends. South African culture, I think that South Africans are really inviting, so there’s this immediate feeling like you’re family. I miss that a lot.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
It’s hasn’t really changed. It’s still a city full of dreamers and creatives. Two of my favorite things.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus South Africa?
Here in LA there’s this incredible permission to dream and create, no matter how crazy it may seem to anyone else. It is definitely something that has proven to fuel my resilience. I spent some of my childhood in a time in South Africa before Nelson Mandela was released from prison so there wasn’t much talk of being encouraged to pursue creativity and your dreams. It’s all changed so much now thankfully but when I was a kid I was never told I could be an actress, tell stories or anything like that. It’s something that I had to fight for. I’m grateful that it’s changing and that kids are now being encouraged to live in their creativity.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
Oooh so many! Haha! I love food and photography, so all my gems will be somewhere because there’s something next level yummy or it has an insane view. My staples are Gjusta in Venice, EP.LP in West Hollywood – Louis Tikaraam the head chef is a food genius and I love Jon & Vinnys on Fairfax. I love the skate park in Venice, I spend so much time shooting out there. Best people watching in the city too. And magic hour at El Matador beach is always a treat.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Do it! This city is incredible! Life is short, just run towards your dreams every single chance you get…
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?
“Be daringly empathetic.” We live in a world that often tells us to look out for just ourselves, I mean practise self-love because it’s so important but also share your talents and experiences. You never know who you can help along the way and always be kind!
Lastly, how can we find out more about you?
I just finished working on a rad little short film called “Never odd or even” with an amazing team, that will make its debut at Sundance.
I also just got back from a goodwill/volunteer trip to Malawi, Africa, which was incredible, and life-changing in so many ways. Find out how you can get involved and help this amazing community by visiting my Instagram feed @LetticiaBissondut or my blog at Letticia Bissondut.com
