Meet Johnnie Taylor Trujillo | Dancer, Fire Eater, Comedic Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Johnnie Taylor Trujillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnnie Taylor, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work/life balance has been my theme this year actually. I like to say I’m finally becoming “human.” When I first moved to LA to pursue a dance career all I ate, drank, slept, and breathed was dance. Now as I’m gaining knowledge in other areas of my life, I’m learning that isn’t the healthiest approach.
I try to listen to my body and mind as much as possible and be realistic with myself and what I need. I have new hobbies, and have become the queen of trying new things. I also have to credit my dog with starting the balancing journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started dancing at the ripe old age of two. Not because I showed any promise or wanted to be the pretty ballerina, but because I was so uncoordinated it was my parents last resort.

I trained in all styles until I turned 18 and decided to move to LA to pursue a career in dance. I had never been here before, and found my apartment on an app. I didn’t know what an agent was, or how to audition.

Starting from the ground up here was far from east, but it was all I knew so I never understood it was difficult. Now looking back, I’m most proud of that journey.
I always tried to stay as true and real to myself as possible. My parents taught me to never get too comfortable and stop putting care into the things you love. I hold that lesson very close to my heart.

I’ve added some skills along the way like fire eating and becoming a gourmet chef. Finding other passions was important to me as I found balance in my life. I want people to know that I truly love what I do and who I do it with. Working hard and being a good human will take you farther than anything else in life. Even better better if you can crack a few jokes while doing it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Funny enough- my childhood best friend comes to visit me about once a year so we’ve become pros at this. Shout out Juliet.

You gotta do a Disney day of course. I have a pass so I always drag people there for at least one day of their trip.

I’m currently obsessed with this restaurant in Hyland Park called Checker Hall. The perfect Mediterranean fusion meal, an adorable bar, and the atmosphere is so cool. A few dinners there are bound to happen.

A good dinner like that after a beach day is a must. Although I’m not really a beach girl, we always find at least one day to take my dog and splash around.

We’re also going to thrift for our lives and find every spooky antique shop we can. I’m big on finding cool flea markets and pop ups.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents Paula & Johnnie who taught me to stay weird & wonderful. My dog Sven who quite literally saved my life.

Instagram: @tohnnie_jaylor

Youtube: Spooky Sunday Dinners

Image Credits
Parker Harris Lee Gumbs Lindsay Rosenberg