Meet Janelle Marie | Actress & Yoga Teacher

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

Hi Janelle, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
The word risk can imply that if we don’t succeed as we would have liked then we failed. I have learned there is no failure on our journeys. There are just lessons and opportunities for growth. Every time we take a risk we step into a world of unknown results but that is where the growth and ultimately change comes. I’ve had to take many risks, moving to a new city on my own, starting a new career, ending a career and beginning again, putting out your art, your truth, and being vulnerable. Sometimes these risks have paid off right away other times there were valuable lessons learned. Without these risks I simply wouldn’t be where I am.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In recent years I’ve learned to embrace the word artist or creative. I had a corporate job for over a decade that in a lot of ways stifled me from fully stepping into my artist identity. I’ve learned that being a creative is incredibly multifaceted. I’m an actress, comedian, writer, director, editor but I also am a yoga teacher and have seen all the ways my creative self is alive in this space. I created a brand called 24karatsoul the mission behind it is to learn and honor where and who you have been while transcending into a more aligned version of ourselves. Embracing my authentic identity has been the most challenging. I think as an artist or creative it’s natural to doubt or need validation so truly stepping out as your authentic self can be very challenging. The one thing I know is you have to keep going. Learn what makes you you and do more of that. When are truly aligned with our authentic self life will flow with you to serve that purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a outdoors girl and Los Angeles has some of the most incredible views. So first I would take them on a bike ride through Ballona Creek to the beach, and visit the Culver City stairs which gives you 360 views of the entire city. For food my favorite brunch spot is Panns in Inglewood and for dinner we are going to Katana in West Hollywood both oldies but goodies. We also would go check out Venice beach and take a drive up PCH. For shopping I would take them to 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica and have some lunch at Hillstone they have the best French dip! To get our groove on I’ve become more about the low key spots so we are probably going to the Dime.

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’ve been blessed with some amazing people on my journey from great friends, teachers and my family. My roots and my confidence truly started with my parents. They always let me be me and instilled in me from very young that I could do whatever I wanted in this world. Those affirmations in childhood truly helped me dive into the world with a foundation that I would be okay. I’m so grateful for my parents and the support they have provided to me.

Website: Twentyfourkaratsoul.com

Instagram: Iamjanellemarie