Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles.
What do you do?
I am an actress, producer, and co-founder of a non-profit performing arts collective called We the Women. We put on pop up theatrical events in LA.. We produce and curate new works by female identifying artists through live performance both traditional and immersive, and staff up primarily female creative and production teams.
The Cherifa Ring
Where do you live now and what do you love most about it?
I live in Echo Park, CA. I have lived here for about 8 years and grew up in neighboring Los Feliz. I have seen the neighborhood change dramatically- some good, some bad. Lots of my favorite spots are gone which is sad. But there have been some great new additions. I love Echo Park because you can walk which is rare in LA. I have Echo Park Lake, my favorite cafe (Honey Hi) and best grocery store (Cookbook) just a stroll away.
Life Goals?
To write a screenplay, to star in a one-woman show, to direct one day, to inspire others through my work, and to touch my toes.
Toggle Chain Necklace
Favorite pastimes?
Cooking with my husband, hosting dinner parties, bringing friends together, dancing, acting always, traveling. I’ve recently started pole dancing- i am not very good at it but it really is empowering and makes me feel sexy.
What inspires you?
The women and the artists I get to work with every day-their stories. My family and friends, and fearlessness always inspires me.
Kasbah Ring and Khadija
What do you like most about your work?
See above. I think that what we do is unique in function as a sort of incubator for new work.
"I love being in the creative process whether I’m acting or producing. Seeing a piece of work, a play or a story come to life and then sharing it. Starting a conversation, bringing people together. I love the collaboration."
What’s up next for you? Projects/life?
The Wake for 2019 at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery on January 16th, 2020. It's an immersive experience and comedic funeral. We have a fantastic team of female comedy writers satirizing political, cultural events with eulogies for things lost in the year 2019; the earth, reproductive rights, the US presidency... you get the gist. We have Este Haim, Patti Harrison, Ayo Edebiri, Chloe Fineman, and Stacy Osei-Kuffour. We have very exciting musical guests to be announced. Buy tickets or donate at We The Women that’s my plug. But seriously it's going to be really fun!
Then a whole slate of other plays for WTW.
A role in my friend Gia Coppola's new movie Mainstream.
Also, I am producing a documentary about my sister-in-law, Katie and her husband Jason. They have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The film follows them through their first year as a married couple and shows how they navigate their relationship and daily lives trying to be "normal".
When are you the happiest?
When I am traveling, on stage, and when I am surrounded by my family and friends. Also, in bed with my morning tea.
What are your favorite places that you have travelled to and where do you want to go next?
I love Italy! I want to continue exploring the parts I haven't been to. Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the world and I love Mexico in general. We recently traveled to Colombia and I am dying to go back. I haven't been to Asia. I really want to go to Japan. Turkey, Sardinia, Portugal. So many places.
What is your favorite hotel/resort to stay in?
Il Pellicano in Porto Ecole, Italy.
Biggest luxury?
Time.
Double Hook Bangle, Naked Cuff Slim, Thick Rounded Cuff, Suede String, and Double Ring
What are some of your favorite books/audiobooks, and films/shows?
East of Eden, by John Steinbeck has to be my favorite book of all time. I recently read and loved: Conversations with Friends, by Sally Rooney, Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls, by T Kira Madden, and Fates and Furies, by Lauren Groff.
And for series, The Sopranos.
Thick Oval Hoops, Double Bangle, Toggle Chain Bracelet, and Oblique Pendant
What is your favorite music and latest bands?
My favorite recent discovery is Tirzah.
Who is your favorite artist?
David Armstrong, Alina Perkins, and Theodora Allen.
Gitana Messenger
"Every day I try to remember to be grateful for the life I have."
Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
Alison Roman’s salmon recipe from her book Dining In is the best salmon I've ever eaten and her roasted carrots with labneh on the side.
INGREDIENTS
1 (1 1/2 pound) piece of skinless salmon fillet (or halibut or cod)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 lemons, Meyer or regular, thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 blood orange, mandarin orange or regular orange, thinly sliced
6 sprigs thyme, rosemary, oregano or marjoram (optional)
1 ½ cups olive oil
2 cups fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, dill and tarragon, roughly picked from the stem
Flaky sea salt
STEPS
Heat oven to 300 degrees. Season salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in a large baking dish with sliced lemons, oranges; and thyme, rosemary, oregano or marjoram, if using.
Drizzle everything with olive oil and bake until salmon is just turning opaque around the edges and is nearly cooked through, 25 to 35 minutes.
Toss fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and flaky salt. Serve alongside salmon.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound small carrots, scrubbed, tops trimmed to about 1/2 inch
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh turmeric or 1/2 teaspoon ground
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 cups spicy greens, such as mustard greens, watercress, or wild arugula
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup of labneh cheese
STEPS
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
If using carrots on the larger size, halve them lengthwise. Toss the carrots with the olive oil, turmeric, cumin, and fennel on a rimmed backing sheet and season with salt and pepper. Roast, shaking the pan occasionally, until the carrots are evenly browned and tender (but not totally soft), 20 to 25 minutes; if your carrots are on the larger side, this might take a bit longer. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Put the greens in a large bowl along with the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
Scatter the carrots and greens on a large serving platter or bowl, making sure to scrape any of the oily, seedy business from the baking sheet in there, too. Serve with a dish of labneh on the side.
(These recipes are adapted from Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes, by Alison Roman).
Female hero and why?
My grandmother Tillie who died this past year. We were very close, and I miss her very much. My mom, my sister and my really strong group of best girlfriends. They are all my heroes.
How do you unwind or de-stress?
I meditate in the morning. Go into nature. A walk to clear my head. Dancing is always a good way to blow off steam for me, I try to do it at least once a week.
Where do you go dancing?
Oil Can Harry's on Saturday nights-disco night!
Do you unplug from devices?
No but I'm working on it.
How do you take good care of yourself?
When I am doing it right, I exercise 4 times a week. Pilates, Barry’s Bootcamp, hiking, and I take probiotics, magnesium, vitamin D and collagen.
When do you feel your best?
When I am doing it right. When I am working and taking good care of myself, on a vacation (in the sea or on a beach), or after I have completed something that I am proud of.
Beauty routine/skincare regime?
I have a three-step process that I do twice a day (usually, but I am guilty of laziness and often skip the night-time wash) with products by Frankie Page (FP Skin). It’s a face wash, liquid exfoliant, and moisturizer. If I am flush, I try to get a facial every three months. I also like to add in some serums- Vitamin C, hyaluronic serum and an eye cream at night. For makeup - It's pretty minimal and not every day. I apply a light Koh Gen Do foundation, a Chanel blush or bronzer, the amazing Westman Atelier Highlight Stick and Balmyard Beauty Lip Tint or Chanel lipstick, oh and a Tom Ford gold sparkly eyeshadow if I'm going out-out.
Essential Hoops III
"Wear what feels right. Always dress for the dance floor!"
Who is your style icon, and why?
My sister. She just always looks effortlessly cool.
What was your first KC piece?
The Palomita bag in white.
What is your favorite KC and how do you like to style it?
I like to wear my Imaan hoops with everything and I love mixing and layering the Rock, Cross and Toro pendants on the Silk Ribbon (see all in gallery below). I never take off my jewelry. What I wear during the day stays with me into the night.
What do you like in a bag-function/form etc…?
I like practical and small. I am small and a big bag overwhelms me. I feel like I have to fill it and I only really need a lip color, my keys and my phone, a credit card and my ID. I want The Gitana V in black Napa!!
What do you like best about KC?
It's elegant, chic and always the perfect accessories- bags and jewelry, that elevate any outfit I wear.
All Photos by Kendall Conrad Using an iPhone 11+
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@natnatlove @wethewomencollective