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

Hi Allyson, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me taking risks is key to opening the doors of possibility. I am a big believer of stepping out of your comfort zone. It takes courage to leap from the safety net of comfortability. Taking risks has been a game changer in my career. It is so easy to become static because of negative past experiences and the fear of what the future may hold. Fear of failure easily crams us into a jaded box of “should’ves, would’ves, could’ves” full of justifications of why we shouldn’t go for our dreams. I still get scared when I take risks but now I recognize the fear and push through it. What I’ve learned is when I took risks the endgame was even better than what I imagined. We have to learn the difference between manifesting and manipulating to get the outcome we think is best. We must learn the valuable art of holding true to our vision but also allow ourselves to be open to pivot and adapt. Taking risks has allowed me to reach new heights and unlock potential within myself I didn’t know even existed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been in front of the camera but over the years I’ve realized how important it is to use your platform for good. I am very proud of being able to combine my career with my purpose. I absolutely love connecting with people through broadcast TV as a host on JTV, live streaming on JTV Extra or my passion projects interviewing LA celebrities about the causes close to their hearts. Media is such a powerful tool to connect us as much as it can be a tool for disconnect as well. It is all about your intention behind it. My intention is to create a relationship with viewers even though I will never meet them face to face I still feel a true connection. I am so grateful for that! As an influencer I love partnering with brands that have a strong desire to give back to the community, make ethical and cruelty-free products and have a mission behind their brand. Our purchase power and support of a cause can make a difference not only for the world today but for generations.

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.
Without a doubt Crossroads Kitchen is my go to! I love taking non-vegans there and sit back and see them being blown away by the food! Such a great energy at Crossroads! I am vegan and constantly in awe of so many amazing vegan restaurants around the city now! Be sure to take in the postcard perfect beaches of Malibu. They are majestic! Definitely visit the artistic masterpieces and awe-inspiring views of LA and the stunning central garden at The Getty Center. Shop at The Grove and perhaps just window shop on Rodeo Drive (it is definitely a vibe). One of my favorite things to do though is just cruise (not at rush hour of course) Mulholland Drive and experience so much scenic splendor. I am originally from Newport Beach, CA so if you have time go visit there as well. The Pacific Coast Highway is still one of my all-time favorite highways so I will always try to get on it when I can!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wonderful friend and actress Shannon Elizabeth is also an amazing mentor in animal advocacy and using your platform for good. Although I have been devoted to animals and their well-being my whole lifetime, meeting Shannon changed my life and inspired me to be an even louder voice for those that have none. Grateful for her career as an actress, it was her heart that took her in a much different direction—protecting, saving and fighting for the lives of animals which she does every single day through her foundation. I’ve seen the Shannon Elizabeth Foundation grow from a modest Los Angeles cat and dog rescue to a large-scale organization fighting to protect endangered species on an international scale. Fully committed to the cause she now lives full-time in South Africa where her foundation is making a huge impact and as a US board member, I see the progress first-hand.

Instagram: @allysonspellman

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.