Meet Gail Landau: Attorney and Founder, Catmosphere Laguna Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gail Landau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gail, how do you think about risk?
Fear and confidence are not mutually exclusive concepts. Each time I felt trepidation about a life move or a career move, the energy behind the decision-making process drove me forward. I made the leap after 30 years of practicing law as a litigator to open the first Cat Cafe and Lounge in Orange County, CA, Catmosphere Laguna. Neither the County nor the City of Laguna Beach knew what I was talking about when I made my first Business Model presentations prior to receiving licensing approval. What had started in 2017 as a Foundation with the mission of finding forever homes for abandoned and homeless felines morphed into a community Cafe concept. Risk? What risk? There is never a shortage of worthy homeless animals nor a shortage of humans seeking companionship. What could go wrong? Covid-19 restrictions forced us to close our doors on March 16, 2020. Was the risk worth it? Absolutely. Catmosphere Laguna Foundation is stronger and busier than ever as we search for a new location for our Cat Lounge and Adoption Center. We are, after all, Matchmaker to the Meows!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a career trial lawyer, one is no stranger to daily risks and facing the consequences of even the most thoughtful decisions. Naturally, in every profession the path to success is largely driven by individual energy and finding the right guides and teachers. Switching careers is never easy, however, passion always overrules fear of the unknown. I learned to listen more than talk, study every aspect of a new case or project, anticipate the “no’s”, roll with obstacles and changes, be open to new ideas, and project dreams and ambitions out to the universe to be manifested. In both my law and non-profit rescue careers, the rewards achieved by helping others and caring for those less fortunate (animal and human) have enriched every aspect of my life. The challenges of last year left no one and no business untouched  and has made our commitment to the animal world even stronger. Catmosphere Laguna is always seeking qualified feline foster homes. Please contact teamfeline@catmospherelaguna.com

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Breakfast lunch dinner

Grab coffee or juice
https://instagram.com/dinosaur_coffee?igshid=1chlwyfp7jtzu

For picnic order from these amazing LA chefs

https://instagram.com/edenbatki?igshid=v7g3abzo3u36

https://instagram.com/de__porres?igshid=89gfhousa9ed

https://instagram.com/chinesebeancurd?igshid=13v3g6a4wf096

For Lunch in Atwater

https://instagram.com/dune_la?igshid=13gwdfvpuo589

For dinner support a soon closing iconic restaurant

https://instagram.com/taixfrench?igshid=1eb59lrjrggdd

For lunch or dinner in Santa Monica

https://instagram.com/solidarityrestaurant?igshid=1glojs1wzkaon

For cocktails on the west side

https://instagram.com/mandrakebar?igshid=10e834mvwbzqc

Head to Malibu for the best in groceries, beer, wine, and to go food

https://instagram.com/vintagegrocers?igshid=188mgy82jqkit

Shopping

Jump suits and patterns
https://instagram.com/nooworks?igshid=e2843r3m6wx0

Sweet treats, vintage caftans, and mindful children’s toys and books
https://instagram.com/solar_return?igshid=1t48pm4r9gvte

Artisan hand crafts
https://instagram.com/otherwild?igshid=khrt5lbfhpni

Funky vintage sisters, appointment only
https://instagram.com/sister_kokoro?igshid=15j0i6fkp2z5z

Outdoor fun
https://instagram.com/topanga_vintage_market?igshid=1he2h3ct7wwp9

Native plant nursery and educational center
https://instagram.com/hahamongnanursery?igshid=uvpla2t6vgk8

Activities in LA

Public art
https://instagram.com/metro.art.la?igshid=1gpwj1jab8e9u

Appointment only
https://panoramaonview.org/

Outdoor garden
https://www.huntington.org/

Best beach
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616

Always
Hiking Griffith park
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Catmosphere Laguna Foundation says a big thank MEW to all our donors who make our mission possible. Without the generous contributions made to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue, we would not be able to support and fund the many felines we intake, some from the very saddest situations. Finding the funding for veterinary care, food, and medicine is not easy. And another MEOW-out to Susan Hamil of The Bluebell Foundation for Cats and Robin Morris of the Ark of San Juan for their support and mentorship as well as to all the selfless humans who spend countless hours rescuing and nurturing lost and abandoned felines.

Website: Www.catmospherelaguna.com

Instagram: Catmosphere_laguna

Linkedin: Gail Allyn Landau

Facebook: Catmosphere Laguna

Youtube: Catmosphere Laguna

Image Credits
All photos are mine