LOUIS TIKARAM, CHEF, DREAMER

I got to spend a day with Chef Louis Tikaram and his wife Jorja, what struck me the most about both of them is the constant generosity of spirit, light heartedness, ability to put every one at ease and genuine kindness. Louis is a Byron Bay bred, Aussie-Fijian Executive Chef , making waves in LA, with his creative take on Asian cuisine at one of the most popular restaurants in the city, E.P. & L.P.  His Fijian-Chinese-Indian heritage has inspired him to create an incomparable menu. With that menu comes responsibility to the environment, which Louis lends his voice to. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Louis Tikaram, dreamer...

Dream

To live happily ever after with my beautiful wife Jorja, in our dream house back in the town we grew up in “Mullumbimby” with our family, surfing and gardening everyday.

Honor

My work ethic, I was raised to understand the satisfaction of being a hard worker and reaching goals I set myself, even if they are very high.

Hope

My wife is pregnant, seeing our little girl growing inside her is such an amazing experience, when the world seems like it is getting too much to handle, I just look at my two girls and it puts a whole new perspective on things.

What stirs your soul?

Music is so inspirational to me, whether it is getting me through a tough day, celebrating a great moment, designing a new menu, music is always there to point me in the right direction.

Message to the world in 30 Seconds?

Surround yourself with great people and the rest will follow (repeat 6 times).

Legacy

Creating a reputation in my kitchens, that if a young chef has spent some time with me during their career they have developed great skills, are trustworthy and would definitely be a chef to watch.

What advice would you give yourself 7 years old, 17 years old and 27 years old?

7 year old Louis:  "You're doing great! Don’t change."

17 year old Louis: "Don’t do that again!"

27 year old Louis:  "Keep pushing your almost there!"

Hero

My Mum and Dad.

Favorite non-physical attribute about your self?

How much I appreciate friendship.

Non Profit

Greenpeace, I spent my whole childhood in the sea swimming & surfing and  now seafood is a huge part of my cuisine we need to protect our oceans for future generations to enjoy.

Since sitting down with Louis for this interview, he and his lovely wife Jorja  have welcomed their beautiful baby girl Maelle into the world. Oh and that gorgeous girl getting her ear stroked is Sweet Pea, she is a rescue dog that Louis and Jorja have spent the last year fostering.

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ALLYSSA BROSS LARRABEE, PRIMA BALLERINA, DREAMER

There’s something so incredibly inspiring about ballet to me. It epitomizes discipline, strength and grace. And that’s pretty much the only way I can describe Allyssa Bross Larrabee. This talented beauty is the principal dancer at The Los Angeles Ballet. I got to spend some time with her on our incredible shoot “Baller Ballerina”, getting to know her and finding out what makes her push herself to the physical and mental perfection that seems to come with this profession. Her story is an inspiring one, that brings forth courage and teaches you what hard work can achieve and more than anything that your dreams, the thing that you sometimes feel is so unattainable is always within your reach. She is every bit as graceful as you would imagine a Prima Ballerina to be but one of the things that struck me most was her heart and her kindness. This was one of my favorite shoots and interviews because of the honesty and vulnerability she chose to bring into the space. You can catch this beauty in my fav ballet “The Nutcracker” which opens tomorrow. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Allyssa Bross Larrabee, Dreamer…

Dream

My dream from the time I was 11 was to become a principal ballerina. Right now I am living out that dream. The next step is to give back my passion for dancing to our city's youth in communities that may never get the chance to have dance training. Dance is a universal language and I hope to use it to inspire others. 

Honor

I honor someone who can be vulnerable about their struggles, but has a confidence in who they are. 

Darkest Moment

As a ballet dancer, I spend my entire day in front of a mirror next to some of the most elite artists. For the first couple years of my career, I struggled with self worth and being insecure with my body. I was dancing for validation and I was allowing my career to define who I was. That then turned into a downward spiral of not eating enough and running my body into the ground. Mentally I was the darkest place I've ever been.  

Hope

Every struggle I have gone through is a part of the process of shaping me into the person God designed me to be. We will never go through more than we can handle. 

What stirs your soul?

People who are living to make someone else's day better, inspires me more than anything.

Your message to the world in 30 Seconds?

You were made beautiful. The world doesn't define who you are.

Legacy

Self Worth. For so long I identified myself with my career. Without it I didn't know who I was, but there is so much more to me than my position or a label. I'm determined to help others see that in themselves. 

What advice would you give to yourself at 7 years old and 17 years old?

7-year-old Allyssa: Don't let the fear of breaking the rules keep you from taking risks

17-year-old Allyssa: God has bigger plans for you than your teenage brain can imagine so when it doesn't work out your way, know it's because there are greater things ahead.

Hero

My hero is my husband. He is the most selfless person I know and he makes everyone around him feel valued and loved.

Favorite non-physical attribute about your self?

I love that I can see myself in other people. I am able to see many different perspectives by relating to people.

Non-profit

My husband started a nonprofit a couple years ago called Good City Mentors and it has opened my eyes to the impact we can have on someone's life. GCM provides mentorship to high schoolers in some of LA's roughest areas. When I get to bring hope to a world of chaos just by walking in the schools and spreading love to the kids, everything in my life is put into perspective. 

Jackie Viramontez, EFT Coach, Best Selling Author, Dreamer

Jackie Viermontez is an Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner and Best Selling author of "I can't believe I dated him."

This girl is a proper 10. She has dedicated her life to helping woman all over the world. An advocate for women's rights, she has travelled to India, China and the far corners of Southern California, to create and teach curriculums that heal the side effects of grief, trauma and sexual abuse.

I started reading, "I can't believe I dated him." in the middle of a rather large heartbreak. To be completely honest I had a moment of, "how in the heck is a book going to help me?" And boy oh boy did that thought come to a crushing end when I started reading it. It's so beautifully written, it's like sharing your story with an old friend, there's no judgment, just an opportunity to feel what you feel, own your mistakes and find a healthy way to make a positive change. And there’s no dude bashing, which I feel like so many books on the subject do and that was important for me when reading it. I can't recommend it enough.  Head on over to amazon and pick up a copy, promise you won't be disappointed. 

 Ladies and gentleman I give you Jackie Viramontez, Dreamer...

Dream

My dream is to create a sanctuary for women to come and rest, heal and re-envision their lives  (preferably Cliffside, because why not?).

Honor

Free choice. It blows my mind sometimes when I think about how we are free to choose any path we want. It is overwhelming and completely liberating all at once.

Darkest moment

My older brother passed away when I was a kid. I felt like I had to be an adult when I was way too young, but that experience pushed me to do the work I do now. I wouldn’t change that moment, but I would change the way I let it dictate the first half of my life.  

Hope

Remembering that nothing is too dark to overpower us. We always end up stronger and more equipped after going through struggle. I try to remember that every moment (the good, bad and ugly) in my life allows me to empathize and empower someone facing a similar experience.

What stirs your soul?

Music. Love. Rebellion. People who don’t wait for permission slips inspire me. I love when people rebel against old ways of doing things and pave their own way.

Your message to the world in 30 Seconds?

This might change if you ask me in a month, but here goes: No one gets to say who you are except you. Don’t wait for someone or something to tell you who you are. Don’t wait for a guy to tell you that you are loved. Don’t wait for a job title to tell you that you’re legit. Don’t let a past “mistake” define you. Choose who you want to be and go be that.  

Legacy

Freedom. I was a slave to perfection and opinions for way too long. I’m devoted to helping others walk out of those unnecessary jail cells ASAP.

What advice would you give to yourself at 7 years old?

7-year-old Jackie: Your thoughts and fears aren’t true, so don’t make decisions based on them. I think I need the same advice ten and twenty years later too.

Hero

At the moment, Whitney Cummings. She is a crazy-talented comedian who drops truth bombs that are mildly (and wildly) offensive. Her commentary on women’s rights and politics is beyond brilliant. Her stage title is “comedian”, but she is clearly an activist at heart. 

Favorite non-physical attribute about your self?

I can see the good in people, even if others typecast them as bad.

Favorite freedom fighters

I have always been passionate about women’s right but it wasn’t until I travelled to SE Asia that I saw the horrific sexual abuse statistics worldwide. When I returned home, I researched the prevalence of sexual trauma in the states: 1 in 3 women! I switched from journalism to coaching because it felt like my impact could be more tangible. I also like to volunteer with Two Wings, and organization that empowers women escaping the sex trade right here in LA. They help survivors identify and pursue their dream career through mentoring, life skills classes and career training workshops. I had the chance to train these women in Strengths Finder, and help them use that knowledge to amp up their interviews and cover letters. I’ve literally never had more fun! Two Wings loves working with creative/ freelance types who have niche skills to teach these women.

Renee Bargh, Emmy Award Winning Host, Entertainer, Australian Sweetheart, Dreamer

She is as kind as she is beautiful. There are few people who are as genuine, gentle and caring as this girl.

She’s got the biggest heart and one of the most humble outlooks on life. We first connected when I was struggling with food allergies and Renee graciously offered all her knowledge on the subject. This talented beauty has studied nutrition and is passionate about encouraging you to live your best life. Seriously, for a long time her voice was the one inside my head every time I considered an unhealthy choice.

She also lends her voice and supports some incredible organizations like Bead Relief, in her own words “They help nonprofits raise awareness and funds for their cause. You get to wear your charity. I love the designs and have always been obsessed with beaded bracelets. This is jewelry with a conscious. Each bracelet represents a different charity and there are so many to choose from. They donate 25 percent of the proceeds to the charity of choice.” She is also an ambassador for our dear friends "The young and the brave"  who help young adults, children and families with little ones diagnosed with cancer. 

One of the coolest things about Renee is that, she is really a gypsy at heart and always feeds my wanderlust pangs with her stories of all the places she’s been and wants to go. When she was younger her parents lived in Nepal, where she has spent time. “It holds a very special place in our hearts and the people of Nepal are some of the most beautiful, giving people, I’ve ever met. So the news and devastation of the earthquake truly broke my heart. It will take a long time to repair and heal.” She is a supporter of The Britain Nepal Medical Trust (BNMT) and has been involved in the earthquake relief efforts. At present they are working on two fronts: working with the government to provide emergency medicines to the affected districts and the other is their community outreach work which includes emergency aid, like food and shelter. They are also working with local communities in providing psychosocial support to affected communities.

When I first started my little blog, she was one of the first people to get involved and offer her love and support. Shooting her was an absolute breeze and her thoughts are refreshing and inspiring…

 Ladies and gentleman I give you Renee Bargh, Dreamer...

Dream

Wow. It changes constantly but at the same time remains the same. To love with all of my heart and to leave this earth feeling like I impacted someone’s life in a positive way, but especially to just give and feel true unconditional love. Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic. Also to entertain and have fun everyday, to wake up and feel like everyday is a new chance and a blessing.

Honor

My friends and family. The people and energy I choose to have around me, inspires me and drives me. They are my world.

Darkest moment

I would say after a terrible beak up feeling so betrayed by people I loved. Feeling hurt in a way, I didn’t even know possible, the loneliness that came with it was so isolating. But I’ve learned forgiveness heals all.

Hope

Meeting giving, caring people like Tish. People who are so selfless and move through life with no agenda. The smile of a stranger.

Inspiration

Traveling. Ever since I was a kid my parents took us to interesting places. I love the sights and smell of a new place, going on and adventures on my own, strolling the streets and getting lost/asking for directions in a foreign language. Reading a good book while lying on a quiet beach, listening to the waves crashing over turquoise water. Yoga, dance, laughing with friends, connecting with new people/ strangers. Playing with kids and seeing the world through their eyes.

Your message to the world in 30 Seconds

Love, give and be authentic. Not everyone is going to love you, love them anyway. When you need love, give love. Everyone is battling something and has a story, get to know what theirs is. And if you want something bad enough, nothing and no one can stop you. You have one life, make it count.

Legacy

This is tough… I feel behind on this. I’m so busy trying to chase a dream that sometimes, I forget about how I will leave this world a better place. I really hope I can affect the health of this world in some way. Inspire people to live their best life and be their best self and to travel beyond their comfort zones and expand their horizons. The world needs more tolerant and open-minded people.

What advice would you give to yourself at 17 years old?

17 year old Rene “My advice would have been to trust. Trust in God and the universe, that I was on the right path and that I was enough and to enjoy being 17 and not to try to rush it to adulthood and responsibility. But most importantly be nicer to my parents, because when you’re not with them or close to them all the time, it’s crazy how much you miss them and appreciate them later.

Find out more about Renee and where her heart lies…

@reneebargh

http://www.beadrelief.com

http://www.britainnepalmedicaltrust.org.uk

Bojana Novakovic, Actress, Photographer, Film Maker, Philanthropist, Dreamer

If anyone had to ask me how to describe Bojana Novakovic , one word comes to mind that overshadows all the rest; authentic. This woman is as real as they come. She wears many hats, actress/ writer/photographer/ director/ filmmaker /philanthropist and straight up bad ass woman! You can currently catch her in one of the most charming theatre pieces I have ever experienced   The Blind Date Project. She’s also probably charmed you in Rake or Shameless, which is only naming a few of her list of rad credits.

Over the past few months I have followed her journey to Nepal and literally waited with anticipation for every single blog, facebook and instagram post.

This past April and May severe earthquake’s struck Nepal and in just seconds, thousands of lives were lost and centuries of Nepalese culture erased. Demolishing more than half a million homes, schools and business’s. Villages completely wiped out.

When the devastation struck, most of the world banded together to aid our brothers and sisters in Nepal. The truth is, most of us took notice, shared a post on social media and tried to do something in that moment but the fight to aid Nepal is far from over.

I have found myself recently, only on facebook to follow Bojana’s journey. She has tirelessly fought and still fights to raise funds and has been on the ground working and helping build schools for the people of Nepal.

Her account of the things she has experienced are raw and truthful White Girl In Nepal. Her images show exactly what she saw, people full of life, hope and light. Partnering with Seven Summit Women and Real Medicine Foundation. She is making it incredibly easy for us to be able to help.

Tomorrow night White Girl In Nepal, an exhibition of photos taken by Bojana on her trip to Sindhopalchok, Nepal following the devastating earthquakes of April and May 2015 opens. Some of the incredible images she has taken will be available for purchase.

Ladies and gentleman I give you, Ms Bojana Novakovic Dreamer

Dream

To live truthfully, to be willing to fail gloriously and to win an oscar

Honor

Honesty. It’s also the thing that terrifies me the most.

Darkest Moment

There have been many and they either relate to heartache or death.

Hope

I have a lot of hope. But I have no idea where it comes from. However – conversations with women I love and whose minds stimulate mine – that always invigorates my sense of hope.

Inspiration

Love

Message to the world in 30 Seconds

I don’t think the world has time for messages from me.

Legacy

I’m not. That would ruin everything I am working towards in the moment.

What advice would you give to yourself at 7 years old,17 years old and 27 years old?

7 year old Bojana

Play more.

17 year old Bojana

Be grateful for all the boys who broke your heart and get on with living.

27 year old Bojana

Be grateful for all the men who broke your heart and get on with living.

Hero

My mother, Biljana Novakovic.

What is your favorite non physical attribute about yourself?

My sense of humor.