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

Hi Kalika, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I define success as doing what you said you would do—consistently—with clarity, focus, ease, and grace. This definition, from Dr. Maria Nemeth, has helped me shape a version of success that’s grounded, honest, and useful.

Once you have your own definition of success, decision-making becomes much easier. You know what matters to you, so you stop chasing things just because they look impressive or because others expect it. I know when I’m working toward something, it’s aligned with what I truly want to be doing—not just what I feel I *should* be doing.

Clarity helps you see what’s actually important to you. Focus lets you keep your attention there. Ease reminds you not to overextend. And grace is about recognizing what’s already working, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

What I love about this approach is that it doesn’t require you to wait. Success isn’t some future milestone. You can be successful now—right where you are—if you’re taking steady steps toward what you said mattered most.

This definition shifts the pressure. It’s not about doing more. It’s about being in alignment with what you care about—and following through with consistency and presence. That’s enough. And it’s available today.

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?
My story didn’t start with a clear map. I was born in the Philippines, raised in Hawaii, and eventually found my way to Los Angeles. I had big dreams of being a journalist, but when that path didn’t unfold the way I hoped, I ended up working in an internet café—earning minimum wage, sleeping on friends’ couches, and wondering what was next.

But something beautiful happened there. I discovered the internet. I taught myself how to code. I stayed curious, even when I was tired. I said yes to learning, over and over again.

That led to the birth of Citrus Studios, and then other businesses—Luxe Link, The Waxing Co., Orange & Bergamot. Each one began with a simple question: What does the world need, and how can I help bring it to life?

The path hasn’t always been smooth. There were rejections, setbacks, days I questioned everything. But the lessons came in gently, like waves. I learned to keep going. To trust the quiet voice that said, “This matters.” I learned that success doesn’t come from pushing harder, but from listening more deeply—to yourself, to your values, to the people you serve.

What I’m most proud of is the impact—helping other women rise, helping ideas grow into something real. I want people to know that your story, no matter how uncertain it feels, has value. You don’t have to wait to be perfect or ready. You just have to begin, stay honest, and be kind—to yourself, and to others.

That’s what my work is about. That’s what I hope my life reflects. More info on kalika.com

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?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want the week to feel like a long, nourishing pause. We’d slow things down, choose beauty and calm over noise and speed, and spend time in places that help me feel centered and alive.

We’d start at Little Beach House Malibu. Being by the ocean is part of who I am—growing up in Hawaii, the water has always been a space where I feel most like myself. I haven’t been able to visit as often since the Palisades Fire, but when I do, it’s like returning home.

We’d plan a peaceful day at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, where we’d take in the Japanese and desert gardens, then enjoy tea at the newly renovated **Rose Garden Tea Room**. It’s a calm, elegant space—perfect for long conversations and slow sips.

One of the places I always recommend is the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. It’s tucked away in the middle of the city and feels like a secret. There’s a beautiful stone labyrinth for walking meditation, and the koi pond in the garden is pure magic. If timing works, we’d take The Way of Tea class with Paul Kaye—his presence and guidance offer a quiet depth that stays with you long after the last cup.

We’d also make time for some of my favorite tea spots around LA:

* At Steep Los Angeles, we’d sit for a Gong Fu tea ceremony—a meditative experience where the tea is brewed in small, concentrated infusions using traditional Chinese methods. Each steeping reveals something new, and the process itself is as calming as the tea.
* At Callisto Tea House, they also offer Gong Fu-style service and an afternoon tea that’s a mix of East & West. They have yummy scones, a shelf of wonderful books and invite you to slow down and be fully present with the leaves, the water, and the moment. It’s beautiful in its simplicity.
* Tea at Shiloh is another favorite. There are open spaces where you can quietly sip tea and even get some work done during the day. It’s peaceful, unfussy, and thoughtfully designed—perfect for deep focus or gentle pause.

We’d also spend a morning or evening at Surya Sp*, inside the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. I’m a founding member, and it’s one of the places I return to again and again. Their Ayurvedic kitchen is incredible—you can reserve a nourishing breakfast, lunch, or dinner the same day (just make sure to book before 9am). The spa itself feels like a retreat inside the city.

The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica is stunning. Kelly Wearstler designed it, and every detail reflects her signature balance of warmth, style, and intentionality. It’s a space that feels both luxurious and grounded.

This wouldn’t be a week packed with plans—it would be one that leaves you feeling more whole. Time by the ocean. Tea that invites presence. Spaces designed with care. These are the places that help me reconnect, and I’d be so happy to share them with someone I love.

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 want to give credit to my parents. My dad was an entrepreneur who recognized that same spark in me early on. His belief in my ability to create something of my own gave me the confidence to take risks and trust my ideas. My mom, an educator, has always inspired my love of learning and my desire to share what I know with others. That mix—building something from scratch while staying curious and generous—continues to shape the way I move through the world. I’m deeply grateful to both of them.

Website: https://kalika.com

Instagram: kalikayap

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalikanacionyap/

Twitter: kalikayap

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalikayap/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/citrus-studios-santa-monica-6?osq=citrus+studios

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kalikanacionyap?reload=9

Other: kalika.com, CitrusStudios.com OrangeandBergamot.com littlebrandbook.com, consciouskidscookies.com, brightidea.org, luxelink.com thewaxingco.com

Image Credits
Kimberly Genevieve

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.