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

Hi Lisa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always been a risk taker in my life, but I also realize that too much risk also leads to lots of worry and worrying is no fun. But not taking risks limits growth, so going for the scary will always be my road of choice. Without risk life will remain stagnant, without trial and error, we won’t see what joy life can bring when we do take the leap.

The biggest and the best risk I’ve taken was leaving my full-time, corporate design job to start my own design business in 2013. The stress level was through the roof but after years of successfully achieving each and every goal I set for myself and my company, has only proven to be the best decision I ever made. And we’re still going strong! My advice for anyone looking to make a major life change is take that risk. DO IT! Until you try, you’ll never know what you can achieve and what you could be missing if you don’t.

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 am most proud of my commitment to each and every client who walks through my door. I work hard at connecting with each, not just to design for them but become a part of their team. When I take time to know my clients as people and business owners, I come to learn and understand the complexity of their biggest goals and I work extra hard to achieve these goals.

Was getting where I am today, easy? Heck no, but it was so worth it. It’s taught me to be kinder to myself, work harder at communicating, be more patient and enjoy every minute of what I do. I would love to tell the world that Olive + Spark is not just a boutique design firm but that we really DO care about you, your product, your professional road and your goals. And we strive hard to be the best we can be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Carmel, CA 100%. My husband and I were married barefoot on Main Beach in 2013 and I’ve visited this sweet little town since I was a teenager.

Not only did Clint Eastwood (I’m a huge fan) become the mayor, twice, but Carmel plays tribute to other Hollywood royalty. It has one of the most beautiful stretch of beaches on this side of the world and the air is just lighter up there. The Hogs Breath and Mission Ranch are a must. 19-mile drive is something no one should miss and to this day, I dream of that drive. Day trips to Monterey Bay, Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer State Beach are just a few things to do and shouldn’t be missed.

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?
My husband, 100%. Not only did he back me up emotionally when I took my biggest life-leap, but he continues to listen, care and love me with all my flaws and craziness when running the business. I couldn’t have asked for a kinder, honest and more loving human to stand by my side.

Website: www.olivespark.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivesparkdesign/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamyoungla/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/olivesparktweet
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/olive-spark-design-studio-pasadena
Other: https://www.lisamyoung-design.com

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