The Power of Following Your Heart–My California Journey

One year ago today I boarded a one-way flight to LA, not quite sure what I was stepping into but feeling a surge of excitement because deep down, I sensed that California was where I was meant to be.

Living in SoCal was something I dreamt of my entire life. For years, I felt an inexplicable pull to move here, but I struggled to find the courage to make such a big move by myself. 3,000 miles away from everything familiar, the West Coast felt like an entirely different world. I was nervous about starting over in a place where I knew no one and nothing. How was I going to make friends? Were people going to be real like the New Yorkers I grew so accustomed to?

I had an incredible job working for Oprah Winfrey in New York, and I loved my friends, but I was itching for a change–to get out of my comfort zone. Maybe the grass wouldn’t be greener on the other side in LA, or maybe it had perfectly trimmed lush green grass… either way, I had to find out.

When my friend mentioned she needed a dog/house sitter for the month of October in Marina Del Rey I knew that was my ticket. It gave me an opportunity to dip my toes in and see if this place I idealized for so long would live up to my expectations. 

And let me tell you… I’ve learned two monumental life lessons since I made the decision to take the leap.

1. When your gut and your bones tell you to do something or go somewhere, listen and trust. You will be rewarded for your bravery in the end.
2. When something is meant to be, the universe conspires to help you achieve it.

 These things I believe 110%, as I’m living proof of it.

I booked a one-way flight to California, and two days later, I nervously set up a call to inform Oprah Daily that I’d be leaving to pursue my own venture, Nixie in Color, in California. Unbeknownst to me, my executive editor had also planned to speak with me that same day to share the news that they finally found someone to take over my temporary role. The mutual sigh of relief we both let out was comical; our timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

Later that day, I also had a call with my friend, Payge, for help with my brand strategy for Nixie. We weren’t super close (yet), but I noticed it no longer looked like she was living in NYC. I was overjoyed and floored when she told me she had just moved to LA—it felt serendipitous! The only person I trusted to help bring my vision to life would be living down the road from me while I worked full-time to build Nixie. AND now I’d have a friend to hang with in October!!!!

It took less than 2 weeks of living in LA for me to realize there was no way I’d be leaving after the month was up. This is where I’m meant to be. And the universe knew it all along.

I’ve had so many crazy coincidences and perfectly timed encounters since I touched down at LAX on Oct 8th, 2023. It’s like all the lights have lit up green for me since I made the big leap. Within one month I turned my world completely upside down. And at every turn, I was reassured it was the right decision.

When I met my second friend in LA, it turned out that she had a bathmat I DESIGNED in her bathroom!!! What are the freaking odds of that?! She had no idea it was my art until I showed her my work and our jaws simultaneously hit the floor when we made the discovery. To me, that was another huge flashing sign that I was meant to be in CA working on Nixie. And fun fact, she’s now gone on to help me at pop-up market events! Same with Payge! 

When I had to leave my friend’s home early due to unforeseen circumstances, I initially panicked, unsure of where I would stay. Fortunately, my third new friend who I met in the elevator of the building I was staying in, had an open second bedroom. I ended up crashing at her place for three weeks while my furniture was shipped across the country. Everything kept falling into place. Even when it seemed like I was about to hit a yellow or red light, the light would turn green. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

This is hands down, the happiest era of my life. I’m living out my most colorful, beachy dreams!! My wardrobe is filled with tie-dye overalls, vibrant linen pants, beaded necklaces, and crochet sweaters. I wear color on color shamelessly and live 50% of the year in a bathing suit and flip flops. I spend my weekends at the beach with my girlfriends, and my weeknights having backyard dinner parties or ice cream sunset hangs. I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the current moment I’m in. Payge, my now best friend, often reminds us to be fully present by taking in our senses; to think about what we’re smelling, what we’re hearing, and what we’re tasting. It’s usually a combo of salty air, vibey edm music, and sauvignon blanc wine.

I find inspiration in all the smallest and largest ways. From murals on the Venice boardwalk, to retro fonts on apartments in Santa Monica (that I like to imagine OG surfers lived in back in the 60s). I feel like the truest parts of me are pouring out now that I’m in the place I’m meant to be. It’s an unbelievably cool feeling. Existing in your element and creating a life filled with so much fun that it feels like adult sleep away camp is truly what living is all about.

One year later, I still often find tears of joy escaping while watching the sunset on the beach or driving along the 10, passing the Hollywood sign. And each time, I have the same thought: “I did it. All by myself, I did it. And I’m so happy I did.” I am immensely proud of myself for taking the leap, for following my heart, for throwing caution to the wind and saying “Fuck it, what’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best that could happen?” Because in the end, what happened was better than I ever could have dreamt.

I single handedly made my dreams come true. No roommate, boyfriend, or pet by my side (Milo was adopted later!). Just a single, 29-year-old girl with a vision, a love for the beach, and a BIG ass dream!! I trusted my gut, took a chance, and have been amazed to see my life fall into the place I know it was meant to be.

This one year anniversary represents so much more than just a year living in Cali. It represents courage, vulnerability, trust, an open mind, a what’s-the-best-that-can-happen mindset, and so much more. I am eternally grateful for the people who encouraged this big move, and for the people who have made this big move so fun and full of love. I’m lucky to have found incredible friends in LA and I’m beyond thrilled to see where the ride continues to take me!

If there’s something that has been calling your name, no matter how big or small, this is your sign to listen to that voice and follow it. I promise you, there’s a reason. And that reason is far greater than anything you could imagine. If you can find the courage to go after what your heart truly wants, the universe will reward you tenfold. Some of the scariest decisions are the ones that bring the most amount of joy and light into your life. If you fight the fear and the what ifs, you, alone, are capable of making all your dreams come true. Pinky promise!!!