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

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking has been one of the hardest lessons I’ve faced, and I’m still learning it.

I used to play it safe—a people pleaser and rule follower—until a series of unfortunate events in May 2023 forced my hand. After a mass layoff, I found myself without a job, benefits, or paid time off. It felt like a punch in the gut.

With LA’s high cost of living and only small clients to rely on, I took a significant risk. I turned down salaried roles and accepted less secure, independent contract work from authors whose projects had stalled. The biggest risk? Declining work from clients unwilling to pay my full rate.

Initially, it felt risky to turn down income, but it was the decision that yielded the highest reward. It taught me to trust my self-worth. Today, my business is growing!

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.
I’ve built my career on a foundation of hard work, positivity, and unwavering kindness. Starting from the bottom, I learned and grew by seeking feedback and building strong relationships. My journey hasn’t been easy—I faced challenges like losing money on my first project and dealing with setbacks when my main client went under in 2023. However, resilience and determination helped me bounce back.

Key lessons? Diversify your clients, trust yourself, and understand that business debt can be a strategic move.

My name, Lisa Caskey, stands for hard work, tenacity, and exceptional ghostwriting and editing services. I’m here to help people tell their stories and leave a lasting impact.

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?
Day 1: Exploring Hollywood and Griffith Park

Start your adventure with breakfast at Crossroads Kitchen, then head to Griffith Park to explore the Griffith Observatory and hike to the Hollywood Sign. Enjoy lunch at Bacari Silverlake before strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame and visiting the TCL Chinese Theatre. For dinner, head to Gjelina in Venice and end the evening with a stroll through the Venice Canals.

Day 2: Beach Day and Nightlife

Begin with breakfast at Erewhon, then soak up the sun at Venice Beach. Visit the Santa Monica Pier in the afternoon and have lunch at The Misfit. For dinner, enjoy ocean views at Elephante. In the evening, drive to Malibu Wines for a wine-tasting experience.

Day 3: Arts and Culture

Enjoy breakfast at Blu Jam Café, then explore LACMA. Lunch at Republique and visit The Getty Center in the afternoon. For dinner, savor Thai flavors at Night + Market Song and catch live music at The Troubadour.

Day 4: Downtown LA and Beyond

Start with breakfast at Grand Central Market, then visit The Broad Museum. Lunch at Bottega Louie and explore Downtown LA sights like the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Dinner at Bestia, followed by an after-party at a downtown warehouse.

Day 5: Westside Relaxation

Begin with breakfast at The Butcher’s Daughter, then relax at Santa Monica Beach. Lunch at Huckleberry Café and shop on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. For dinner, head to Cassia, and enjoy sunset drinks at The Bungalow.

Day 6: Malibu Adventure

Breakfast at Malibu Farm Café, then relax at Zuma Beach. Lunch at Nobu Malibu and hike at Malibu Creek State Park. Dine at Geoffrey’s Malibu and stargaze at Malibu Beach.

Day 7: Farewell Los Angeles

Enjoy breakfast at The Griddle Café, then visit the Getty Villa. Have a farewell lunch at The Ivy and shop at The Grove. Conclude with dinner at Spago and reflect on your LA experiences.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Simply put, I wouldn’t be where I am without the love and support of everyone in my circle.

My peers, especially Hussein and my TMNT ladies, have shaped both my career and professional identity. My friends help me unwind from the chaos of a full-time creative career, and my family lifts me up when times get tough.

And, of course, my authors—your trust in me is both an honor and a privilege. This shoutout is for all of you. I owe everything to you.

Website: https://www.lisacaskeyauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamariecaskey/

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

Image Credits
Megan Smalls, Maria Gawne

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.