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

Hi Jen, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Often times we find ourselves in positions, both in personal and professional avenues, where we have to make tough decisions. Sometimes these decisions may impact in a very great way (ie: moving across the country) and sometimes they may have minimal impact (ie: cutting off a toxic friendship). Regardless of collision, it’s important to believe that you are never truly giving up. The stigma with giving up sours the decision. It immediately brings feelings of guilt, failure, or sadness which may sway us into a path that isn’t the right one (just to not feel that negativity). I think we change the focus … we shift to determine if something is making us happy or if something is bringing us closer to our goals. If it is, KEEP GOING and keep re-assessing as you get to that next growth ledge. If it isn’t, CHANGE DIRECTION! I refuse to look at it as giving up any longer. If something isn’t working out, I change direction and refocus and try again. It’s in the refocus that we can stay shifting in a positive manner.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have two historic photo studio and event spaces (The Clara Los Angeles + Naked Eye Studio) that are magical hubs for creativity! The properties welcome photo, film and commercial projects during the week (over this last year we shot 14 covers at NES) and then special events and weddings on the weekends. I have over 25 years of experience in production – starting with television marketing and production straight out of college, moving to music concert and touring productions, and then onto Hollywood studio film and photo production projects. I am savvy to what my clients need when booking my spaces and can assist with organization to ensure everything runs smoothly. I think the largest wrench in everything was honestly moving to Los Angeles from Minneapolis in 2008. It was a huge shock to me and took me a few years to land on my feet both personally and professionally. I was floored at how brutal and cutthroat the industry was. I was shocked at how long it took to find real friends and build reliable friendships. I was drowning in the expenses of living (literally had a refrigerator box as a dining table for a few years and slept on an air mattress for 2 years). It took a few changes of direction to find my focus and discover what makes me happy. I think all of that prepped me for business ownership as I had to be ok with pivoting and finding news ways to reach my goals. At every phase there are hurdles, but determination is key. I am now in a phase where I am absolutely elated to go into work every single day and I am constantly inspired by the clients and content that comes out of the studios!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love a great cheese board and visit Milk Farm wayyyy too often! I plan to get a pizza slice tattoo someday which likely proves my love of all things pizza … current favorites are Roca Pizza (Roman style) and La Morra Pizzeria (get the dusted crust). I am a sucker for a fun camping adventure, national park, or hike! The Sill boasts my favorite plant gifts and nearly next door is Magnolia Bakery for the best banana pudding you’ve ever had! Lastly, Sunset Foot Spa – get the combo reflexology for a full body treat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my recent inspirations came from reading “That Will Never Work: The Birth of Netflix and the Amazing Life of an Idea” by Marc Randolph. It’s easy to often recognize success at the top – once we’ve already achieved something – but, reading transparent stories of growth and seeing truly what it takes to build something has inspired my journey and taught me to give myself more patience both personally and professionally.

Website: https://www.theclaralosangeles.com/ AND https://www.nakedeyestudiorental.com/

Instagram: @theclaralosangeles AND @nakedeyestudiorental

Image Credits
Tim Street Porter, Aaron Pryor, Joseph Cultice

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.