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

Hi Karly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I think the biggest shift around balance for me is that it is a fluid entity. There are times where I am able to be more committed to my work-play-rest balance, and there are other moments where more work, or more rest, or more play is required. By not becoming stuck or frustrated by these ebbs and flows, I am able to balance being unbalanced, when the moment calls for it. This allows for more acceptance, more flow, and less leakage of energy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It is a beautiful moment when the trials, struggles, and traumas you’ve experienced in your life come together to create your skillset, your wisdom, and illuminate your purpose. My career feels like it has been a divinely guided path, each client and career-building upon each other and expanding.

I was blessed to graduate UCLA with a full-time position as an in-house marketing director role for a wellness and yoga brand. After 4 years there, I felt called to start my own freelance company, which has now expanded to a wellness, reiki, and sex coaching trifecta.

I use my own traumas and lessons to help my clients see their most brilliant potential, all through the wisdom I have gained in my own experiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would of course have to start in Venice. Growing up in Los Angeles, Venice has always been the epicenter of free expression, art, and spiritual healing. I would take friends to a hot yoga class at Hot 8, then head to Fig Tree Cafe on the Venice boardwalk for incredible coconut and plantain pancakes and horchata matcha. Next, we’d head to my favorite secret beach up the Malibu coast, spending the day surfing and reading (currently reading The Sofia Code – so good). We’d go on a sunset walk at Malibu Creek where there are rock pools to jump into and the most amazing grove of Oak trees. Then we’d head to Tony Taverna for dinner. They have the most incredible greek food and the ambiance makes you feel like you’re on a little greek island.

If friends were staying for a week, I would take them up the coast to Big Sur – camping under the stars, hike in the forests, and stay up at Sea Ranch – a stunning sustainable community up in Northern California.

We’d have to go to Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs – only a 2-hour drive from LA. And stay for a fun day of pool and desert hikes. On the way home, we’d have to stop in Ojai and stay at Ojai Rancho Inn for a lovely day in the country.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are truly countless people on my journey who have supported my dreams and passions. My dear friend Allie Michelle was the first person to introduce me to the world of reiki, intuitive healing, and helped me see that living the life of my dreams and following my intuition will never lead me astray. My dearest friend Luccas, who, even from across the world, helped me to see myself fully and was always my biggest fan. The book “Women who Run with Wolves” has been a constant companion on this journey, and always brings me back to my wild nature.

Website: theartoflivingwest.com

Instagram: @madeof_karly

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