We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Bunbury & Laura Bunbury and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa & Laura, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Choosing a creative career where you are basically self-employed requires a very thoughtful, deliberate approach to life. It’s so easy to get tunnel vision – where you eat, breathe and sleep for your creative endeavors. And of course, we (my sister and creative partner) did exactly that in the beginning. Everything was about driving toward our creative goals. Thankfully, as time and life moved forward we came to realize prioritizing self-care, time with family and friends and hobbies outside of work, actually enhanced our creativity. Time away from the grind is important so that when you have those tough seasons, you’re able to remember why you do what you do, (hopefully, because you love it) and you can keep going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Lisa: One of the greatest things about what we do is working together. Laura: Yes, you could say we’re non-twin, twins. We have a certain rhythm and shorthand that comes with being sisters and being together our whole life. I’m actually the one that got us on this journey together.
Lisa: That’s true. We both had different professional lives, and Laura, being the more adventurous, risk-taker —
Laura: — Our Dad always said I corrupted his “good daughter.”
Lisa: No… we were destined to become writing/producing partners. And it had been a journey!
Laura: We’re still in it! Lifelong. You start writing and at first it’s not great, but eventually you sharpen and hone your skills through time, coaching, finding your voice. You develop.
Lisa: There’s no clear cut path to creative success. And the idea of success is relative, too. For us, I think we’ve gotten to a space where we love what we do and we know we’ll always do it, even if the how continues to evolve and change.
Laura: And when things get tough, as they will in any creative business – it ebbs and flows – we’ve been blessed to have each other to lean on, vent and get through it.
Lisa: Luckily, if one of us is having a bad day, the other is usually in a better head space. We pull each other out of it.
Laura: Yes and it does help that we always find everything funny. We are always laughing. We focus on the joy in life.
Lisa: We have to! Being a writer isn’t a 9-5 gig with a clear cut path “up the ladder.” I’d say for us, we try to focus on enjoying the journey, embracing the detours and the unexpected, being kind to ourselves in the losses —
Laura: — And celebrating ALL the wins, even the small ones!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Lisa: Well, first off, Laura and I are foodies, so the yumminess is priority #1. Laura: No lies detected! And we love to cook, so…
Lisa: Yes! A lot of what we’d do would be a food tour…
Laura: There would also be a lot of cozy dining in with all of us cooking together, some great music in the background and then throw open the windows for that cool Cali evening breeze…
Lisa: That’s almost a perfect night. Love!
Laura: But for the outside of it all – we need DuPar’s pancakes at The Grove.
Lisa: Bike riding from Hermosa Beach down to El Segundo and back – that’s 10 miles, I think!
Laura: We could also go to Jazz at the LACMA. We’d pack a fancy picnic and sit on the lawn – they have amazing artists performing.
Lisa: Yep and we need to go to the original Kat-su-ya in Studio City, of course.
Laura: And we love discovering new Korean restaurants. We’d hit a new spot.
Lisa: We’d also have to make our way to the beach to watch the sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We want to shout out our village of dynamic women:

We want to thank our Mom, who has always been in our corner with constant support!

Also, Ms. Judy Kerr! She has been a mentor, advisor, guide and friend. Not to mention the laughs we’ve shared and the wonderful projects we’ve worked on – we’ve had so much fun. We’ve spent so much time together, we’re family now!

Then there is the Emmy Award-winning Director Mary Lou Belli who is another great mentor and friend, always providing us with sound advice. And we can’t forget our core group of girlfriends that hold us accountable, pour into us and celebrate our wins.

Website: BunburySisters.com

Instagram: @bunburysisters

Other: See food: @cafebunburysisters

Image Credits
all photo credits: Lisa Bunbury & Laura Bunbury

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