Meet Lena Ransfer

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

Hi Lena, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Starting a non-profit is a huge risk, but it was something that felt right. Circadian Haus was a brain child of mine that gnawed at my subconscious and became the first thing I thought about post slumber. Once I started planning and taking initiative, the artist for my logos, the excitement to create community and the confidence to do this with my life came into alignment.

Two major risks that were worth it have been the first fundraiser and showcase that happened in April (we broke even) and this double feature/premiere for one of the directors I support (also broke even). These two events have shown both myself and the community that I am willing to lay it all on the line to give people a chance to be celebrated.

We will take a break from events for now, as the ability to take said risks comes from our wallets right now, so we will be focusing on grant writing and strategy to ensure that we can continue to make calculated risks for our non-profit and its collaborators in a sustainable way. The creative community is worth it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
There are many mental, familial and financial challenges that have plagued me over the years, but somehow I refused to be anything but resilient, even when I feel like I cannot move forward anymore. It is in my nature to press forward, sometimes to a fault, but as I learn the art of resting while prioritizing my health and focusing on finding ways to create safe spaces for creative expression, things that seemed impossible have become more attainable. I have chosen family, and my partner, JC, to thank for that. It took some time, but I am coming around to my brilliance and will no longer play small. No one should play small. With the state of the world in as much chaos as it is, it is our duty to enjoy what we do and who we do it with because we do not have time to waste, and Circadian Haus strives to be a new, grassroots pathway to that for creatives far and wide.

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 would take them to the Swan Boats in Echo Park, Universal City Walk for dinner and a movie, find a local show or KCRW Summer Nights event if its the Summer, Watergrill in Santa Monica for a seafood tower and ocean view, and Exposition park for all the museums and the Rose Garden. Not in any particular order either because traffic and budget are factors that need be considered haha

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 dedicate a huge shout out to my late best friend, spiritual teacher and healer Sweta Iyer who was suddenly called home in March of 2024. She saved me and my sanity with her gifts and her open heart and ears. Though she was trapped in difficult, systemic situations, she still managed to being joy, wisdom and healing to everyone around her. Sweta said to me, “focus on impact rather than scale” and I believe I internalized that. Sweta was also a huge supporter of my sobriety early on and was always rooting for me. I miss her very, very much.

Some honorable mentions also include various mentors and leaders of Buddhist organizations I was a part of when I was spiritually abandoned by my family in my early 20s and Buddhist-meditation based recovery programs that are the reasons why I am a sober, healthier, more evolved person and leader.

Website: www.circadianhaus.org

Instagram: circadianhaus

Other: For donations: https://ko-fi.com/circhaus 

Image Credits
Photos taken by Lena Ransfer (@circadianhaus) and Dakota Giovanni (@kogio_) – CH Logo by PJ Ridley @PJSuperior, Lee Bear by Chris Valentine (@thechrisvalentine)