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

Hi LaRonica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking a risk for me is all about trusting yourself; more of a leap of faith. By taking the “risk” in your life or career it is simply you saying to yourself “I know thyself” and I trust that this risk will be both a gift and a lesson. From the moment that I landed in California I took a risk. I knew that it was time for me to bet on myself and to trust that this decision of moving from Columbus,Ohio to LA was more about trusting my gut and divine instinct. I did not know what the outcome was going to be or how I was going to survive past the couple of months I had planned; but I knew that my personal journey needed a push. I needed to build on my character and really get to know who I am and what I was made of. So the “risk” was simply a leap of faith divinely guided to cultivate the being I am now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So I call my day job my seed money, it provides for my everyday needs and passion. So my seed job I work in gender equity providing fun and beneficial extracurricular activities for young girls in the LA county. We must do the work in our community that impacts the future so it all starts with the youth. I am the owner of SmartBodi3s a wellness company that focuses on the overall wellness of the mind, body and spirit. We provide services that influence the overall longevity of life and experiencing the beauty of moving your body. Rather that’s through dance, fitness or spa services our primary focus is on finding true happiness. Has it been easy? no Have I overcome challenges? yes. I would say the biggest challenge has been me. Getting out of my own head and trusting that I am doing what is right for me and my legacy. Knowing that both my professional and passion can run hand in hand with me not forgetting about my bigger picture.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh if my bestie (Hey Samantha girl) was coming into town where would I take her? well first we would go to saint and second on second st in Long Beach for a nice brunch, after we would go to the beach. For the beach though I would put a couple of them on a piece of paper shake them up and tell her to pick and whatever she would pull that is where we would go. At some point we would go to Bungalow Kitchen for dinner or that could be our next brunch spot. Definitely have to hit Rodini Park in North Hollywood and go to Temescal Canyon (my recent find) to hike. It would be all about food and the beach the who week she would be here.

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?
Oh man, I have a tribe of people who have all played a part in my journey. To my family and sister tribe for always telling me I can do it, sending me prayers, listening to me vent and being the try definition of support. I dont know where I would be in my path if I did not have them in my corner. CRayProject is a performing arts company in Long Beach that I started with my sister and best friend Chatiera. Long nights of developing our craft and studying our passion has truly been a huge part of my journey out here. Two women from Ohio with similar visions of educating and creating through art in a city that has so many talents has been an incredible journey. From providing classes, producing festivals and shows for the community; my village has grown tremendously. Next, would be my wellness partner in service (not crime lol) Love Rainey. From the tears, the “work”, the reflections, the moments of vulnerability, transparency,testimonies and truly seeing the GOD in each other I give all gratitude to her for always holding space for me. And I cannot forget, Joshua. He challenges me when I feel I have it figured out, he prays for me when I feel no one is listening, he loves me for all my flaws, he gets his hands dirty when my strength is weary and he never allows my back to get pinned up against the wall.

Website: https://www.smartbodi3s.com/

Instagram: @smartbodi3s @rains507

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laronica-southerland-348057ab/

Image Credits
Photographers: Kevin Paul Lawrence, Dolly Nophaenkham, Luis Edson

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.