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

Hi Imogen, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Books, books, books! Growing up I was quite the bookworm & I believe reading a great deal not only developed my speech and language skills, it also fuelled an active imagination which I have used over and over in my parenting and thoughout my career. It is the single most important thing a parent can do with their children, so I make sure to sit, and read aloud their favourite stories every day. Even when my daughter was a newborn we would include her in story time because babies love listening to the sound of their parents’ voices. One thing I’ve learnt is to always let my toddler choose, even if it’s the same book every time. He’ll always sit and pay attention when it’s his choice. Current favourite is anything Dr Seuss, who is also my favourite author to quote; “The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”

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.
I like to keep variety when it comes to my work! I have always kept my focus on creative avenues and I currently dabble in creative freelance work for a Virtual Events Platform. My main focus at the moment are my collaborations, partnetships, photography and influencer work through my blog and instagram. The other mums I’ve connected with as throughout this time have provided me with a wonderful support network as I raise young children myself. To my following I’m always excited to champion small-businesses, children’s book authors and healthy lifestyle brands, especially in the time of Covid-19 when these businesses have been profoundly affected.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Sunset walk at the Griffith Observatory, then stargazing at the Planetarium there. Pure Magic. Fishing with Dynamite is a tiny seafood shack but they serve the best shellfish I’ve ever tasted. Same goes for Geurilla Tacos- I loved them when they were a simple Taco Truck, now they have a little base in the Arts District and it’s amazing! Malibu Safari for delicious wine tasting up-close with the animals. All the beaches- my favourite is El Matador State Beach, beautiful enclave withe sea caves and amazing views.

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 cannot emphasis the importance of honesty and vulnerabiity in parenting. Reading this book has had the most profound impact on me since becoming a mother. ‘Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent & Lead” Author: Brene’ Brown. ‘Mom guilt’ is something that plagues most of us, and reading this book helped me deal and understand better this very real part of being a parent.

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

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.