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

Hi Anne, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me, it wasn’t a choice to pursue an artistic path it seemed as though it chose me? My journey as an artist has evolved and expanded, adapted and changed over the course of time but one constant always remains… That I am happiest when I am able to express myself through a creative medium. The vessel may change, or the medium over time, but I will always be creating as that is what fulfills me and keeps me growing. Keeps me tapped into life. Over the course of my life this has evolved into different things. I was a dancer, then an actress, also a body double. My growth and interest expanded into music and performing as a DJ. Since Covid-19 I have found all of my previous outlets limited. With gigs cancelled and all performances suspended indefinetly during this strange time for us all, so I have adapted and have been expressing myself through the culinary arts. I have been at home for nearly 4 months now and it was challenging at first to figure out a way to channel my creativity, but food as given me that gift.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve seen myself as a Chameleon of sorts in the art world. I have evolved, changed, and expanded my creative endeavours as things in my life have shifted or grown. That is how The Koselig Kitchen was born, actually. It has been a scary and challenging time for all of us, particuarly for freelance artists who have felt deeply oppressed by this Covid-19 pandemic and the quarantine orders. I think my ability to adapt and keep my mind open and inspired as what keeps me growing and always challenging myself, no matter the artistic discpline. I have carried this from dance, to sound arts, to the performing arts. Now into the culinary arts. At the end of the day I am a storyteller and what excites me most is getting to express myself and communicate with others through the arts. Whether this is dance, film, performance, music, or food.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Long Beach is the international melting pot of the US! It is such a diverse little spot with hidden gems all over. In my neighborhood, Alamitos Beach, I LOVE Seabirds Kitchen – a vegetarian spot I have gladly supported through this entire quarantine period. I also love Sura Kitchen – they are a great little Korean spot. Hippea is my favorite spot in all of LBC. I am here every week, it is my staple. V – the owner is a real gem and such a good woman! Rosie’s Dog Beach is the only public dog beach in ALL of Los Angeles County believe it or not, and it is why I moved to LBC, instead of landing elsewhere in LA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many folks have helped me get to where I am today. I have a strong support system that starts with my Mother and runs in my tight circle of friends and peers within the community. Yoga 108 Studio in Long Beach is a wonderful sacred place for me, where I graduated from Yoga Teacher Training. It’s a temple and sacred space for myself and so many yogis in the community. Also, to the radio station I work for – KLBP Long Beach Public Radio, 99.1 FM… Radio people are crazy, “run away to the circus” type people and I am so grateful to have found like-minded musical freaks here in Long Beach, California.

Website: https://soundcloud.com/thehitchcockbrunette
Instagram: @TheKoseligKitchen / @TheHitchcockBrunette
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZK0CicRuYvBPZEUIr10krA
Other: IG: @TheKoseligKitchen / @TheHitchcockBrunette ASMR on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZK0CicRuYvBPZEUIr10krA Umami Radio airs Fridays at 7pm, Long Beach Public Radio, 99.1 FM : KLBP.ORG

Image Credits
Meghan D’Evelyn, Marvin G Machon, Jordan Neves (logo design)

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