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

Hi Alisha, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
BIG HUGE MACRO GOAL SETTING!

I love biting into a giant goal and then breaking it down into a timeframe of achievability. This could be two months or two years. Then, I break down my goals into micro-doable steps. Then, I show up for my goals. Every single day. One thing. Daily.

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.
Being a maker of art in all capacities is an absolute joy.

If I look at the repertoire of my life’s work thus far – it’s like a delightful circus of creating: television shows, zines, books, scripts, stand-up, avant-garde performance art, songs, puppet shows, films, dance pieces, toy collaborations, keynote speeches, art exhibitions, multi-media explorations.

The list goes on and on and will continue to do so.

What I see at the core of it all is curiosity, expression, and deep passion.

Oh, and also lots of laughter. I like to laugh. And make people laugh. A lot.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My husband and I often text each other from across the living room (as all married couples do, right?), that we are so fortunate to live in Los Angeles. It took me AGES to feel like LA was my home and now that I do – I am never leaving.

Come visit my fave places with me!

The Huntington Library and Gardens – This is my family’s oasis in the bustling city. My husband, Lucky Diaz, and I love to say we love nature, as long as its curated. The gardens are lush, diverse botanically, the paths are paved and there is the BEST tea house in LA. It’s my go-to when I want to surprise company to a “real” taste of living in LA.

The Lyric Hyperion Theatre- You’ll find me tucked away writing my new manuscript, working out comedy bits with friends, performing a show or just hanging out in an energetic, yet laid-back comedy culture. IMO it’s the hippest, covert spot for what’s hot and hilarious.

Lil’ East – This new coffee shop is a stone’s throw from my home in El Sereno. You’ll find me chatting with artists, community members, and friends sipping out of my members’ mug with owners Jocelyn and Johnny. I love how the shop steals from economical Japanese design aesthetics but makes them truly Cali.

DTLA- Anyone who says LA doesn’t have culture is INSANE!! We love taking our convertible (soooo SoCal!) and having full downtown weekends. The thriving theatre (Dorothy Chandelier Pavilion, Ahmanson and Taper), the delicious food (Bottega Louie, Little Sister, Guisados), the museums (OMG the Broad and MOCA are both FREE. Love it), and the vibrant street vendors, architecture (hello Disney Concert Hall, Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, the Bradbury, Angel’s flight). What about Grand Central Market? I want to go now!

There are little coves, neighborhoods and communities carved out in Los Angeles that are not only historically important but significant in the present. Our little family is constantly exploring them.My daughter loves Little Tokyo for conveyor sushi, boba, and everything Kawaii. We love the plaza in Chinatown. After living and working in Shanghai, the lanterns, smells, and colors transport us back. Santee Alley is full of deals and vibes. The fabric district is so inspirational and pulsing. Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights for dusk dancing! I could go on and on and on!

As you can see, I am sold on my town and am grateful to be a part of its thriving art scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Pile.

A group of strong, talented, empathetic, activated, activist, driven, hilarious MOMS that are secretly behind everything good in society. Well, almost.

Website: www.alishagaddis.com

Instagram: Alishagaddishere

Facebook: Alisha_Gaddis

Image Credits
Main Image: Joanna Degenere Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band (duo image): Carson Sargent Green Dress: Owned by self – no need to credit Black and White: Cameron Thrower Purple Dress: Corey Nichols

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.