Meet Joanna Garel

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

Hi Joanna, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
As a mother of 3 grown sons, ages 36, 22, 20 respectively, the most important thing have done that has had the most impact on my children is to instill a strong sense of self. I encouraged autonomy without being disrespectful and to believe that if they operated with integrity then decisions and boundaries would automatically fall into place. Simplifying their choices by showing them that being true to one’s self and to have good morals gave them the confidence in their ability to make strong decisions and to believe in themselves.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a new art gallery owner in Manhattan Beach, I pride myself on creating a new art destination in my neighborhood, that contributes to the access and appreciation of art for my local community.

I am excited to to present very dynamic and thought provoking exhibits to my local lo community from a unique and refreshing perspective. I am able to accomplish this because my background as a former single mother turned model/actress – photographer/director/producer/ artist/business owner and former realtor – has informed how I conduct my operations within my creativity. I love trying new endeavors and no, never easy but somehow always fulfilling. The main challenge is mostly exposure and gathering community support and of course as with any new small business owner – managing the overwhelming amount of daily tasks in running the business on a shoestring budget.

I overcome these challenges, by maintaining a healthy perspective, while practicing consistency and self care. More importantly, I’ve learned to be kind to yourself, put things in perspective and not to lose sight of what is truly important family and health. Additionally the willingness and ability to pivot and adapt is an important skill that needs to be developed.

If anything I’d like the world to know that the arts are an integral part society and of the community’s well being, it can affect change and I am proud to be able to contribute to this.

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 absolutely love playing tour guide and am known to host out of town guests all year round! I usually tailor to their individual needs and personalities: Here are my top choices:

ACTIVITIES:

HIKING PALOS VERDES/GRIFFITH PARK
SURFING 26th Street Manhattan Beach or San ONOFRE

GALLERY HOPPING:

HAUSER and WIRTH
THE BROAD
HAMMER MUSEUM

RESTAURANTS:

BREAKFAST – GJELINA’s
LUNCH – ELEFANTE
Pizzeria Mozza
All you can eat Korean food- QUARTER’s

SHOPPING

ABBOTT KINNEY
CABAZON outlets

COFFEE SHOP

VERVE my favorite

MUST SEE TOURIST STOPS:)
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
GRIFFITH PARK
HOLLYWOOD SIGN
RODEO DRIVE

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My life and story would be nothing without my parents and my husband’s influence and unwavering support. My parents taught me to be fearless in my endeavors and my husband supports me in every way imaginable – emotionally, mentally, physically. No matter what project and idea, he is there to help implement and support wholeheartedly. Furthermore, I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a tribe of creatives that inspire me uplift me every day.

Website: www.garelfineart.com

Instagram: @garelfineart

Yelp: GAREL FINE ART

Image Credits
All images @joannagarel