L.A. Girl Moves to Michigan…? From what I’ve heard, it’s usually the other way around. But here I am, foregoing 75 degree weather and beach days in the middle of January, conquering the 2,500-mile drive from the sunny streets of Los Angeles to the snowy white ones of Detroit, Michigan – and I couldn’t be more excited.
My first couple weeks in Michigan have been great, with new adventures and experiences every day – like scraping icy snow off my car and slipping and sliding a little bit while wearing my usually sidewalk-safe Ugg boots. 
It’s made me reflect a little bit on the life I’ve left behind in Los Angeles and realize that I’ve learned a few things living on the West Coast that could be helpful for my life (and yours!) here in Detroit.
Los Angeles is one of the nation’s biggest fashion, entertainment and music cities, where the pursuit of glitz, glamour and being part of the “in” crowd is sought after more than the newest pair of Louboutins. Some of the L.A. stereotypes are definitely true – the swaying palm trees, sun-filled sidewalk lunches on Sunset Blvd., tiny dogs in expensive purses and skinny boys in skinny jeans. But there are also some really special things about L.A. that I’ll miss – the melting pot of cultures, the Mexican food (that one is really personal for me!), the amazing artists and designers who move from all over the world to come create magic, and the always-reliable warm sun waiting to greet you every day.
That being said, here are some lessons I’ve learned that might apply to folks living outside Hollyweird.
1. Fake it till you make it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned living and working in L.A. it’s that nothing or no one is really what it seems, and believe it or not – it works! I’ve seen women and men you’d swear had to be “somebody” work the room and have all eyes on them just by looking amazing, approachable and smiling at everyone who passes by. I’ve seen street corner musicians play at The Roxy, a struggling fashion designer dress A-list celebrities and waiter-by-day/actor-by-night types land TV roles. Were they just lucky? Perhaps. Did they fall into the right place at the right time? Maybe. But one thing they all have in common is their belief in themselves, in their craft, and in their capability to achieve what they set out to do. They look the part, walk tall and are their own best publicists – sharing their stories with anyone with an open ear. As cliché as it may sound, the first step to success is believing in yourself. Eventually, everyone else will start to as well.
2. It’s who you know – and who you may already know We’ve all heard the saying “it’s who you know,” but what you might not realize is that it could also be who you already know. Talking to people really is key, and so is sharing your business ideas or ventures whenever and however you can. Your friend may have a friend who has a friend who knows someone. If you’re at a dinner party or event, strike up a conversation next to the most unassuming person in the place. In Hollywood, it’s the administrative assistants, secretaries and Jr. Account Executives who really have the power. They often control who and what make it to their bosses’ desk, so always remember to be nice to the little guys.
3. Sometimes, not getting what you want is a good thing. After living in a very “yes” city, where empty promises are offered up as easily as a few shots of Botox, I’ve learned not to get my hopes up too much about many things. This doesn’t mean having a negative outlook on life, or even having low expectations, but instead being open to the idea that things that don’t quite work out, well…work out. I’ve seen clients have their hearts set on being featured on a particular show, or partnering with a particular organization – at the risk of having blinders on to other opportunities that pass them by. When things haven’t gone as they’ve dreamed or planned, more often than not the REAL right door opens by what seems like chance, and ends up being even bigger and better than they’ve ever dreamed of.
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