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

Hi Guistina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As I have grown in my industry I have been thinking a lot about work life balance. When I first began standup about 5 years ago I was going out every night until 2AM going to open mics and shows. Sometimes 2-3 a day. I was getting burnt out. Not enjoying the process as much as when it was fun with no pressure in the beginning of a career until the thought of how can I make money doing this? Comes into play. Maybe I can do this and then the pressure is on. I’m ahead of myself looking at others, comparing my process and progress with others. I’m going to headline in 5 years. Play all the clubs in NY and LA. I’ve featured at few and played at most on my list. A thought I had those clubs checked off it wasn’t filling something inside me that I realized wasnt going to be or come from an audience or accolade or money. I knew it but I needed to start practicing my self care and self love and get back to myself. My why? Why am I doing this? If I don’t feel good and I’m Burnt out I am going to be no good to anyone including an audience. If I’m not having fun they aren’t either. Isn’t that why I choose a creative career or it was chosen for me at birth. I never knew it until I went to college, majored in Psych and hated it. Changed career to acting after my first acting class and moved to LA. 20 years standup was born for me. I guess I have to thank the ex who brought me around to clubs and left me while he flirted w woman and smoked pot with comedians. I was in an infilling relationship but I had standup comedy to keep me company. 3-4xs a week I’d be at a club watching comedy. I had no idea it was going to be a part of my future. Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you! Alanis Morrissette!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Before I say anything It is hard! I’m an actor, standup comedian and content creator. No one handed me anything. Not a spot. Not a gig. I worked for everything I have created. It’s not where I want to be but I’m proud I haven’t sold my soul for it. It’s very important to stay authentic to who I am. I’m still overcoming challenges every day. Getting over myself and my insecurities and doubts. I’ve learned to be my own best friend through it all. Lift myself up when I need to, cry, go to yoga, meditation, talk to someone and then keep creating. My brand is honest, real. I want to keep it that way. Im starting to do content creation and brands are sending me their product. I want to be right for the brand and they are right for me. Im single, mature, and independent. I can’t lie about where I am in life. Im exactly where I am meant to be at the moment and that’s enough.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If someone was coming to LA I would take them to all the coffee shops and dessert spots. Lala Land Cafe, Blue Bottle. Those are my go tos. I’d take them to Malibu for a view of the beach, and live music, a farmers market on Sundays, maybe some great Mexican Food with the best guacamole then drive to Abbot Kinney for some shopping and of course a Blue Bottle coffee while shopping. I would stand in line for them for Salt and Straw but it’s not my taste buds. I’d have to take them to Erewhon to see what all the hype is about so they can calm down about the Halie Beiber Smoothie. Who is it this month?

I’d take them to a a film screening or to some event that is always going on in my emails. I’ll have a plus 1!!! Single over here! Catch a comedy show if I know someone is in it I could support. I’d take them to hotels lobbies I like. Poolside rooftop if weather permitting. I like Freehand Hotel downtown. In and Out is not on my list but if it’s there’s I guess I would wait. Don’t hate! I like a Shake Shack Chicken and fries any day. I’m not that cool so I guess that’s about it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Through my years in LA I’ve done personal coaching, acting classes, singing lessons, standup classes and coaching. Most notably with Renee Percy. She had a comedy special out now and I see her maneuver standup fearlessly and funny and with class.

Where would I be without yoga and meditation groups. Life savers.

Before I moved to LA I read a book “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” fear is never going away so do it anyway. Meryl Streep is scared! What’s that say?
My favorite quote by Marianne Williamson “who am I not to be” it’s famous and too long to put here but if you don’t know it google it. Basically shine your light. You’re not doing anyone a service to not to.

Some female comedians I look up to and shaped my career whom I don’t know personally yet are Whitney Cummings, Chelsea Handler and Sarah Silverman.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guistinaluvcomedy_?igsh=MXhkMHNjZXRubTU2eQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guistina-chirco-11b7239?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@guistinaluvcomedy_?_t=8jS0nt8xfMk&_r=1

Image Credits
Me

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