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

Hi Daisy, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
You can only be you.

In my head I can see and hear my dad say this. It’s like he’s standing right next to me. I can’t help, but sigh heavily when I think of this saying as it took his passing for me to truly understand his wise words.

Growing up, when I was sad with friends or frustrated with the tides of life my dad would simply say “you can only be you”. I would think “thats right, me, but perhaps also a XXX” feel free to insert whatever career, relationship or goal you were striving after at the time. I was always chasing down a grand plan, pushing and pulling forward. If you had asked me at the time, I would have said I knew who I was and exactly what I was doing.

About 3 weeks after my dad’s funeral I was lying in bed. Exhausted and deep in grief. I remember looking at the ceiling and the thought “you can only be you” drifted through my consciousness. “Wow” I silently acknowledged, “thats what it means”. In that moment the only energy I had left was for me in the present. For this sad girl who had just lost her dad. I didn’t have the energy to be the future me, the one I had built my identity on.

I wish I could talk to my dad about when he found meaning in that saying, why it was so important he would say it to his daughter as a way to comfort or instruct her through life’s challenges. I wish I could ask him what it was like to see me put so much energy into my future when I was barely in the present. Most of all, I wish I could thank him for giving me that saying and let him know that it came to me when I need to understand it the most.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Spiritual Mixtape is about my clients wellness journey. It’s about helping curate a lifestyle playlist that helps deal with the challenges we all face, from finding meaning in our work to creating sustainable weight loss.

The company was born out of my own need to find support and accountability. At the age of 34 I was VP, I had the status and the salary, but I barely slept, had crazy anxiety and was over weight. I was desperate for change, but I didn’t know how.

In hindsight, I think I would have stayed in the corporate world until I burnt out, but as fate would have it, my fathers cancer worsened unexpectedly and I chose to leave so I could spend time with him.

His fight with lung cancer made me realize how so many diseases are preventable if you apply life style changes and build healthy habits. It made me reevaluate the stress I put my mind and body through in the entertainment industry and really thats how Spiritual Mixtape was born.

Now I help driven and ambitious individuals build holistic approaches to their wellness and their lives.

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.
My husband and I moved from Silverlake in the East to Palos Verdes – the most southern tip of LA county and I would say our tastes and loves of LA encompass the whole city.

Let’s start with a beach picnic at Bluffs Cove. It’s a little hike down to the beach, but its worth it. If rest and relaxation just isn’t enough, then consider bringing the surf boards too. The break is further out so its best for more experienced surfers – there isn’t really another spot like this.

For all my female visitors a trip to Beehive and Wrights in Manhattan Beach is a MUST. The buyers at these two women’s boutiques get it right every time. They stock Ulla Johnson to Rhode and everything in between. There’s amazing candles, jewlry etc so if you are just searching for gifts this is a great spot.

A trip to LA just isn’t complete without a multiple meals out!

First on the list is the absolute classic Matsuisha. This Beverly Hill’s haunt hasn’t changed since the day it opened, but don’t let that fool you. This is the restaurant that started the chain “Nobu” – synonymous with world class sushi and luxury living. Yellowtail Jalapeno, crispy rice and spicy tuna and Miso Black Cod are all essential orders.

Jon and Vinny’s is a must. In a city full of pasta and pizza this is the leader for sure. Its best visiting the Fairfax location after hiking the Hollywood sign when carbs are a must to replenish all that lost energy.

Green Temple is my dream vegan/vegetarian spot. Its tables are in a pretty courtyard covered with fairy lights. The cornbread with butter and honey is the stuff of legends.

I absolutely love Roam’s out door yoga spot in Froggtown. All their teachers are next level, but if you can get yourself a spot in one of the founders classes – Chad Dennis or Jenn Perry lock it in. Your body will feel more supple and your mind more calm after class.

Finally… There’s a ton of immersive experiences that pop up in LA. Search them out. I recently went to Disco Oasis – Nile Rodgers out door roller disco. It was amazing. There’s also plenty of day parties down town. There’s always something new on – keep searching 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to Nida Padilla – she’s the program manager at Cancer Support Community, Redondo Beach. I don’t think she realizes what a life line her hard work makes. She runs and facilitates hundreds of classes a month for people who have been touched by cancer in our local community. She’s always smiling, she knows everyone by name and she always goes the extra mile.

Nida gave me my first yoga teaching job and my career in wellness has bloomed since that moment. I believe she nurtured me and gave me faith in my abilities.

People like Nida, make dealing with something so big and scary, that little bit easier. She has a really big heart and my life is all the better for having her in it. So big thank you, Nida, you’re the best. x

Website: www.spiritualmixtape.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/spiritualmixtape

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