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

Hi LISA, why did you pursue a creative career?
I changed my life from 27+ years in marketing and working with over 150 CEO’s and brands to do what I love which is to create for not only my children’s book series, but to create a show since the Pandemic called “Unicorn Jazz Presents The Thing I Do.”

I went on a 2.5 year quest to research and publish my book SKIP A STEP: IMPARTING WISDOM FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR MINDS which includes nuggets of wisdom and stories from 13 different entrepreneurs or leaders on what makes for a happy and meaningful life. It was through my work in studying human behavior and with “Skip a Step” that I wanted to change my life to live in purpose and with passion.

In presenting to children, whether it is speaking to elementary school grades to high school aged students, I have found the most meaningful work of my life! Not only am I able to share the “steps I would have skipped” to encourage the younger generation to develop multiple interests doing what they love and are good at, it has been a way for me to give back to people of all ages to do the “THINGS” they enjoy doing.

Whether it is creating my next book, song, music video, show piece, storyboard or art — each day is never the same. Time is promised to no one, so to be able to inspire kids and at the same time to leave behind a legacy for children, parents and adults alike gives true joy and meaning to my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The best part of my work is connecting with children to create connection, harmony, and happiness combined with story, art and song that focus on social aspects like friendship, kindness, and love.

As an author of 16 books, I have learned the intricacies of creating multi-media content including hosting FM and AM radio shows. I am the producer and director of Unicorn Jazz Presents The Thing I Do — a kids show on Amazon TV and my team is growing it as we stream on more outlets.

I was inspired by Sesame Street with my own upbringing as well as my kids. Unicorn Jazz is a multi-media brand where kids can send in their own video content, music and talent to be part of the show!

The Thing I Do show was created at the onset of the pandemic to share happiness for children and educators. My 25+ years in marketing and branding over 150 CEO’s led to her changing her life in 2018 to create a children’s brand, Unicorn Jazz.

Unicorn Jazz in my first book, is a shy unicorn who moves to a new land in search of new friends. She feels like she does not belong, or that no one understands her, until she meets a new friend, Woof the Crow. Woof the Crow believes in Unicorn Jazz along with her encouraging mother who loves to sing to her. Unicorn Jazz has a music note for a tail, which is why her unique talent is her singing. I wanted kids to be able to relate or enjoy learning about the animal characters in all my books.

A story has the power to evoke imagination while encouraging the art of creativity, fantasy, communication and change. My illustrator, Davey Villalobos, certainly helps the words and pages come alive with his hand-drawn art our books are known for!
The book series offers social emotional learning components (empathy, kindness, love, belonging, believing in others, feelings and more).

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I never saw the ocean until I was 17 years old as I grew up in El Paso, Texas which is a desert. I moved to Huntington Beach, California in 2001 (20 years ago now) and I never take for granted being so close to the ocean for its serenity, beauty and nature.

I would take a friend to walk or bike with me along the Huntington Beach pier and have lunch at Fred’s Mexican Restaurant on Main Street.

Inspiration Point, a serene beach view point is nearby at Corona Del Mar. I would end our visit by stopping at the gorgeous Montage Resort in Laguna Beach and having tea while listening to their nightly piano player with the hotel’s magnificent views!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dali (https://www.dalitalks.com referred me. She believes in messages about kindness over anti-bullying. One of my books EYE SEE YOU CHOOSING KINDNESS is an example.

Website: UnicornJazz.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/UnicornJazzBrand

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacaprelli/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaCaprelli

Facebook: facebook.com/UnicornJazzBrand

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnicornJazz

Other: Thank you for the opportunity and story – if you need ANYTHING please feel free to text me at 949-677-8288 ~Lisa

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.