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

Hi Anthony, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey was the literally the last thing I read before I decided to end my career as an architect to find my own path in the creative world. I started reading it when I was incredibly dissatisfied with my life and didn’t know what to do, thinking it would be a step by step guide to solving all my problems. But as I read it, it simply clarified the murky waters I had been floating in for most of my life. By the time I reached the end of the book, I was on a solo camping trip in Sequoia National Forest and the last page had me in tears. I won’t spoil the ending, but it presented the most straightforward ideology I had ever read and pushed me to see life and the world in a much more still, simple state of being. It’s what lead me to quit my job as an architect of almost 5 years to pursue a path in writing and performing. And it’s the reason I am at one of the happiest points in my life. If you haven’t read it yet, get it TODAY! It’s an easy read…. and who doesn’t love Oprah!?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I honestly don’t see myself as being particularly remarkable or successful. In many ways I’m just like a lot of struggling creatives out there, working a day job waiting tables, looking for the opportunity to start doing what I love as a full time gig. I would say, in meeting other people like me, I do stand out in one rather unfortunate way. I’m happy. I’ve gone through the motions of killing myself for a career that didn’t show me the same love in return, so I no longer have that sad, insatiable thirst for success that I see in my younger counterparts. That’s not to say that I haven’t been hustling to make my dreams a reality, but thankfully I’ve learned that my dreams are something I work towards, but not something I live for. I love to tell stories, both my own and others, and so that’s what I do! Would I love to be the head writer of my own TV show? Absolutely! But right now, today, I’m doing what I love and I’m so grateful to be doing it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my gosh, I love this! So if I was showing someone around LA, I would first and foremost try to spend as little money as possible, because if you’re not careful this city can snatch that measly little paycheck you just cashed (I know all too well). We would go walking a lot! First to Amoeba Music in Hollywood and then a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame is essential here because it immediately desensitizes you to smelly crowds and over-hyped tourist attractions, making the rest of the trip feel more authentic and special. I would then take them to Buffalo Exchange to try on some crazy outfits and buy one chic get up. Put that on and stroll down Melrose and pretend to buy everything in whatever overpriced store we thought spoke to us. That puts us in West Hollywood where we would get some amazing tacos from Guisados and maybe hop into a few gay bars for drinks and dancing. We would also walk around The Grove, the Glendale Galleria, and just about every outdoor shopping center where we could window shop and have a warm pretzel. The days would end with watching the sunset at the beach in Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, and if we’re feeling adventurous, Laguna Beach. Ok now I wanna go do all of this, who’s with me?!

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?
There are quite literally dozens of people that deserve so much love and recognition that I could talk about all of them for the next hour easy! But I guess I would have to single out the amazing women that were present at the impetus of all my beginnings. My mother listened to me and supported me when I was desperate to leave my job in pursuit of a loosely formed dream. My friend Rachel pushed me to try improv at Second City when I was afraid to put myself out there. My friend Heather watched, and re-watched, and re-re-watched my first web series Good Luck when I was doubtful of its efficacy and of my own talents. And my friend Ryan cheered me on to do whatever made me happy from the moment I met her, and she hasn’t stopped since! She is my biggest cheerleader and I love her with all my heart.

Website: nearlyinstantgratification.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonytheroman/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvCIVuN85viu-qOzV51LnTw

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@antonytheroman?lang=en

Image Credits
Chris Jon Photography

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.