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

Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was centered around the idea of sharing who I am and what I do in the most authentic way. I wanted my acupuncture practice to have a very laid back vibe in a cool and earthy environment with comfort and ease. Most days I’m wearing jeans and Vans and I love that I can connect with my patients from a genuine place of just being myself. I’ve always wanted to create something of my own and the artist in me is enjoying what that process looks like. 

What should our readers know about your business?
I set up my private practice in Los Angeles a few months ago and it’s been a very special time full of learning, growth, and self-discovery. I love working with my patients through a holistic, integrative, and lifestyle approach to cultivate health, wellness, and healing. My goal as a practitioner is to give the people in my care a calming and peaceful experience so that they can let go and rest while they’re here. I use gentle techniques and focus each treatment on the patient in front of me and what they need at that moment in time. 

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.
If my best friend was visiting the area, they’d stay with me in the South Bay – my favorite part of Los Angeles and where I grew up. Throughout the week we’d spend time at the beach, go thrift shopping, and eat at all of the best restaurants. We’d go to The Strand House and Nick’s in Manhattan Beach, La Paz and Japonica in El Segundo, and then we’d make our way out of LA to OC and go to Carmelita’s and 230 Forrest Avenue in Laguna Beach. On the way back home, we’d finish off the week with lunch at Great White in Venice and complimentary acupuncture at my office.

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?
I have so many people to thank for their unwavering love, support, efforts, encouragement, and belief in me – my family, friends, patients, teachers, and community. A special thank you to Chase, for being my rock, my parents, for helping me get started, Lisa, for your mentorship and generosity, Dr. Patrick, for welcoming me into your space, Grandma Donna, for sending butterflies from heaven, and all who have come in for a treatment, shared about my practice, or sent words and wishes – it means more than you know. I’m so grateful and I couldn’t do any of this without you. 

Website: amandaortiz.janeapp.com

Instagram: @amandaortizlac

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.