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

Hi Kristy , how has your pespective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance has always been so important to me, however when I started my own business alongside my full time job it seemed to disappear pretty quickly! It took about almost a year for me to realize that I needed to slow down and prioritize. I also needed to start taking a day off during the week and not just during planned vacations. I felt guilty at first, but taking time for yourself to relax, breathe, and enjoy life is the best thing that you can do for yourself! And if you have to schedule that in the beginning to make sure it happens then do it! Create boundaries and set time to just put it all away. Remember that while networking is important when you are self promoting, not all human connections have to be work related. Spending time with friends and family is what life is all about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been one to create and build. I love to paint, design, photograph, and imagine. What I am most proud of is not only compiling the things that I love to do in one place in the form of a website and small business, but to also now be able to extend my platform to others. There is so much creative energy in the city and I hope to help support other local artists and designers that either don’t know where to go next or don’t have the resources to push forward. I also love working with established artists. Collaboration is the best way to explore the talents of others and feed off of the creative energy to build new things and continue learning. I believe in artists supporting other artists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so many amazing things to do in this city it would be hard to choose, but here are some of my favorites: brunch at The Henry, pizza at Jon & Vinny’s, drinks at Soho House, dinner at Cecconi’s, lunch at Joey DTLA, pasta and wine at Terroni, dessert at Bottega Louie, art at The Broad, hikes at Griffith Park, happy hour at Paley, sushi at Sugarfish, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, pool time at The Roosevelt, rooftop at Mama Shelter, dancing at The Abbey, brunch at Gracias Madre, beach vibes at Elephante, cocktails at The Nomad Hotel, and swan rides at Echo Park Lake!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to all of my friends and family that have supported my small business over the past two years! Those who came to every art show and pop up shop, shared my story on social media, recommended me to a friend, and those who just plain listened when I needed someone to talk to or bounce ideas off of! I am so grateful to have such a supportive community.

Website: www.franklinave.space
Instagram: @franklinave_losangeles
Facebook: @franklinavelosangeles

Image Credits
Vanessa Maldonado