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

Hi Melissa, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I just watched an interview with Miranda July who has always been an inspiration since I was in the MFA program writing short fiction. And she was talking about not being stagnant in creating and in life: “What really is interesting? Remember you’re absolutely free… What do you want do today? And [if you’re gonna do that], what else might you do?” I thought that was so resonant and a sort of wake up call to stop going through the motions in life, and instead do what you want and need to feel fulfilled. It’s definitely something I want to take to heart this year and make it into practice.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve designed jewelry and sold it on my own site and on Madewell. I paired it with some of my flash fiction which was so fun and I loved that they asked me to meld both of my creative outlets. I have a lot of imposter syndrome floating around in my head when it comes to pretty much anything, but I think it helps to know that everyone feels that way to some extent and that it’s normal to feel like you can always improve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Redlands, which I always identify as being an hour between LA and Palm Springs, but if I were to take them on a day trip or weekend in LA, I would probably designate most of our time to the (north)east side and the surrounding area up to around Los Feliz so we could stop by Skylight Books which is one of my favorites, obviously, and maybe hike to the Griffith. For food: Woon, Lasita, Highly Likely, Barra Santos, Yangs Kitchen. Record stores and natural wine bars all along York in Highland Park, and geek out over pens and stationery at Shorthand. Kumquat for matcha (or coffee). And it’s right across from Bob Baker Marionette Theater if you have kids (or even if you don’t!).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Always my husband. The most supportive and encouraging, especially when I’m unsure of myself—which is often. I’m lucky to have him in my corner.

Website: https://melissasonico.squarespace.com

Instagram: melissasonico

Image Credits
Miles Fortune

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