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

Hi Abi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to take on modeling officially after a few years of participating in local fashion shows while pursuing my main goal of expanding my clinical experience in the mental health field— primarily to be able to exemplify that women can truly do it all! Maintaining structured mental stability takes genuine effort with this hobby. I want to make an impact on how important that is, but that it’s attainable! Also, I have ADD, I’m never satisfied excelling in just one area. I love multiple projects at a time! So I decided to be an event coordinator for the Hollywood Artisan Market, and also receive paid inquiries for personalized dishes from my cooking page occasionally. So rewarding!

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 moved to Los Angeles from Mississippi to advance and expand my clinical experience regarding mental health. I hope to continue to work with individuals on an interpersonal basis battling mental ailments and psychological stigmas. Obviously that entailed a lot of growing up and much learning to do. I recently received my Registered Behavioral Health Technician license and have 5+ years experience with a various range of clients. Throughout college I studied multiple interdisciplinary fields regarding psychology, ABA, neuroscience and health care and plan to continue to research and grow within my field. I am able to implement behavioral interventions to assist in developmental progression of an individual and intend to monitor while updating the progress of treatment plans for the client. I try to bring enthusiasm and optimism to my professional settings! That being said, I’ve learned that no matter what do NOT convince yourself to settle, for anything, ever. You do not live for anyone’s happiness but your own, so stay true to yourself and love others because life is exceptionally confusing for most. It is a long, strenuous and reflective process to truly learn how to live.

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.
So I love this question because I’ve lived in 5 different cities since my initial move! I would show them my fav hot spots from all areas I’m familiar with in the city. You are immersed in diversity here and thankfully saturated with so many different cultured cuisines! There are so many local bars and events with each town, the adventures are endless! I also of course have to take anyone on some hikes, to beaches, to skate / activity parks. Exploring, feeling classy at a wine vineyard then ending the night ordering copious late night NY style pizza after the club makes for a fun time. Don’t let me forget to mention there’s all kinds of food open at ALL hours! Exciting and interesting people are all over because thankfully there are more well rounded individuals out here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout my genuine support system that has been there for me from the beginning! They know who they are. I would not have pushed myself to be the person that I am today without all of the wonderful people who have made such a tremendous impact on my life. To be as transparent as possible, the more successful, intelligent and happier I become the more people prove themselves by being proud or simply bitter over all of the growth/accomplishments!

Website: https://kavyar.com/abi-wheeler

Instagram: @Abiwheeler / @HappyHungryHour

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/abi-wheeler-719b16199

Twitter: @Abiwheelerrr

Facebook: @AbiWheeler

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=seanwKSkpxbKl2yRV3IDjw&utm_source=ishare

Other: Tiktok— @abiwheeler5 https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeTtA5WM/

Image Credits
Jonathan Ramirez Elliott Hampton Anjel Miguel Juan Cardenas Aaron Tyler

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.