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

Hi Denise, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I see risk as a necessary ingredient in growth—both personal and professional. It’s never about being reckless, but rather about being willing to step into the unknown with purpose. Every meaningful turn in my life has involved risk: leaving a secure path to pursue my passion, starting a business from scratch, or saying yes to a project that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

The greatest risks have often brought the most transformative rewards. I’ve learned that even when a risk doesn’t pan out the way I imagined, it still teaches resilience, adaptability, and courage. In the end, taking risks has helped me build a life and career that feel aligned with who I really am—not just who I was expected to be.

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.
My professional journey has been anything but linear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I started in ceramics back in South Africa, where I was born, and after immigrating to Los Angeles, I joined my brother in the fashion world, designing belts and handbags. That creative spark evolved into event design—making centerpieces, working with succulents, orchids, and flowers—which ultimately led me to the world of landscaping.

What ties it all together is my deep love for creating beauty, whether through entertaining, cooking, or cultivating outdoor spaces. I’ve always followed my instincts and never shied away from the unknown. I want to be remembered as someone who took risks, embraced change, and built a life grounded in aesthetic vision and connection.

What excites me most is not just the creative process, but the people I’ve met along the way—clients, collaborators, and friends—who inspire me daily and who, I hope, I’ve inspired in return.

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 I had a friend visiting for a week in Los Angeles, I’d say this: LA is one of the most diverse, layered cities in the world, and what I love most is that you can discover something new every single day. I’d take them on a journey through the neighborhoods that have inspired me both personally and professionally—from Malibu’s serene beaches to the hidden gems of Los Feliz.

We’d start the day with coffee at Luxe or Maru in Beverly Hills, then maybe walk through the flower market downtown and grab brunch at Poppy & Rose—one of my favorite spots. I’d take them to explore Los Feliz, where I recently finished a landscape project, and we’d hop between delightful cafés and local restaurants.

Dinner could be at Gjelina’s or Gjusta or at Avra in Beverly Hills for something elegant. I’d also make sure we hit “The Greek” restaurant in Mar Vista—simple, soulful, and always delicious. For a local favorite, we’d head to Pico Boulevard for that classic LA street food energy, or wind down at Tartan in Santa Monica for a cozy meal.

Outdoors, I’d take them from Broad Beach to the Malibu Colony, up into the canyons to admire the natural rock formations, and out of town for a night of camping at Los Osos or hiking in Joshua Tree. If it’s winter, maybe even a spontaneous ski day in Mammoth—because where else can you ski in the morning and dip your toes in the ocean by afternoon?

Los Angeles is more than just a city to me—it’s an ever-evolving landscape of beauty, creativity, and discovery. And that’s exactly the experience I’d want to share.

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 owe an enormous amount of gratitude to my close friends who believed in my creative instincts long before I saw them as a path forward. They trusted me with their gardens, gave me space to express my love of nature, and unknowingly opened the door to a career that feels both grounded and inspired. Their encouragement—and those early opportunities—sparked a beautiful chain of referrals that built the foundation for my landscaping journey. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Website: https://www.11Kingsley.com

Instagram: 11kingsleylandscaping

Image Credits
Ruth Sack & Kim Jackson

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