We had the good fortune of connecting with Nyla Wissa. Nyla has one of the coolest jobs in the world at the incredible Shondaland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nyla, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
With the pandemic, I’ve had to adjust and introduce a new way of approaching my work-life balance. Pre-pandemic, I had a routine. Yoga, work (in an office), and enjoy my night at home. Now, all of that happens within the comfort of my small apartment. When the pandemic first started, I didn’t realize the toll of working through my lunch break and working after work hours was taking on my mental health. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that majority of my work can wait. I’m not an essential worker. My coworkers know they can rely on me to get my work done and answer questions, but if my mental health is off, the work won’t get done, or it will but not to the best of my ability.

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 career so far and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
I have to be honest, with all the time spent alone, it’s been very easy for me to be extremely critical of myself. I had a lot of personal and professional goals for 2020 and then our world changed with COVID. That plus the election, the murders of Black people, and my own mental health, I’ve had to learn how to be ok with the pauses and sometimes full stops in life. In order to find that drive again (it looks a little different now because of COVID), I took a look at my resume and realized the goals I set for myself pre-college graduation, I achieved by 24 when I wanted to achieve them by 30. I’m most proud of that right now. I feel like the only question I can answer honestly is “what are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?” Next time you’re in a space of self-doubt or lack of confidence, substitute it with the things you have accomplished. Whatever that accomplishment looks like for you is validated.

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.
My best friend and I are pretty fluid, so itineraries can intimidate us. We’re satisfied as long as the weather’s nice, we have an alcoholic beverage, good snacks, and some music to dance to, but we’re in a pandemic so stay home. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people had, and continue to have, a helping hand in who I am and how I walk through life. From my step-father to the women in my life who shaped my perception of womanhood and continue to guide me. The pioneer for all of these people though is my father. He’s my reason. Family and tribe are what make me me. I wouldn’t be who I am without them or where I am without them. I am fortunate to be surrounded by unconditional love and unwavering loyalty from people who constantly inspire me, whether that’s artistically, professionally, or personally.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyla-wissa-206a0865/

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.