Meet Helen Tootsi from Estonia by way of London, who moved to Lala Land to pursue a career in writing and lifestyle management.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I was born and raised in Estonia. A self-confessed Anglophile, I was blessed to call London home for many blissful years. Employed by a global British lifestyle company, it all started with visits to our LA office. My fondness towards this sunny city grew with every trip. At the same time, we were also developing an exciting platform for established and unsung creative talent. Part of my role as a writer and Head of Editorial was working on the expansion of a British venture across the pond to feature local talent in LA.
What do you miss most from home?
Toasted crumpets with Marmite. I’m not even kidding! I’m one of these freakazoids who loves the “pineapple on pizza” of the UK – marmite. Oh, and a good beans on toast situation with a dash of hot sauce and a ton of cheese on a chilly morning. From Estonia, I miss freshly baked Saaremaa black bread. All carbs, clearly not very LA of me!
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
I always had the presumption of LA being somewhat fake, a cliché, and lacking sophistication. It was largely thanks to my wonderful creative friends who showed me the real places and people that I discovered you can easily cut through the fake, especially if you know who you are and what you stand for. I was exposed to all the weird and wonderful this city has to offer from culture, theatre, cinema, the 70s nights at Oil Can Harry’s, drag queen bingo brunches, wonderful museums, and galleries. The secret small gigs and big ones at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s just such a vibrant place!
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London and Tallinn?
Estonians and Brits are similar in many ways, especially their wicked sense of humour, love of banter. We don’t tend to be the warmest people at first, but we are always polite, kind and we most importantly queue at bus stops. One of the biggest differences is the amount of small talk throughout any given day. Initially it was exhausting. People asking me how I was doing in passing was strange and took me a hot minute to get used to. Also, the lack of walking. I am a walker. Always have been, and always will be. So, if you see a tall, blonde, alabaster skinned girl in sneakers and jeans walking down the street holding a thermos with a cuppa, the chances are, it’s me. Come say hi! Eight years in LA has whipped the lack of small talk out of me!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
Vintage and second-hand shops in the Valley are a trip! I recommend making a day of it. I’m a big fan of local, unknown spots, Jaragua on Beverly, a Salvadorian restaurant, super simple, but they have the best pupusas and chicken tamales you can order a la carte off menu. Lechuza Beach in Malibu. There’s a discreet entrance just off the PCH, but you need to get there early. It’s a little-known spot when the other restaurants are packed on hot summers day. It’s a secret, keep it to yourselves!
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Come prepared: mentally, physically, and financially. Research the areas you want to live in, get your driver’s license if you don’t have one yet. Keep a thick skin. One thing’s for sure: if you don’t know who you are yet, then LA can be a brutal lover that lures you in, chews you up with reckless abandon and spits you out like yesterday’s newspaper!
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?
Don’t be afraid to be you! It’s not about fitting in, it’s what’s unique about you that makes you stand out. Also, you don’t have to try hard to make friends, in time you’ll attract the right people.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
I’m a collaborating writer at Art Confidential Magazine an art and lifestyle magazine and working on my next book. A collection of LA stories through the eyes of worldwide characters who live in a big house. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Social media:
Instagram: htootsi/
Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/8hzyj4se
Vocal: https://tinyurl.com/w7tbm69x
