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

Hi Olivia, what principle do you value most?
Authenticity. We live in a world oversaturated with filtered/glamified/watered down/single-sided/double-edged versions of reality, and I feel that right now we are at a crucial point in history where sharing oneself in raw form is so integral to our growth as individuals and our growth together as a society. The human experience is so much more than presenting a highlight reel version of ourselves to others. I believe that in the work that I do, it is so important to show up and share myself in an authentic way, and that by doing so I can, both, embrace an empowered perspective of my own life, and inspire others to embrace their own imperfections + vulnerabilities, and share themselves authentically. When we live an authentic life, and present ourselves in authentic ways, we can inspire others to show up more authentically.

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.
Through my yoga practice I found purpose. With purpose I found passion and drive. Through purpose, passion, and drive, I built the courage and confidence required to express myself as a healing artist. It is through sharing my gifts and experiences with the world that I have been able to create change and impact on the lives of those around me. My journey hasn’t been easy or shiny. It’s been filled with immense struggle, texture, and contrast, but it’s through all of my experiences that I am able to show up boldly for others and help humans on their healing journeys. It’s messy work, but it’s like, I’m just a human on this raw and never ending journey of self-exploration, and it’s through the amalgamation of all of these messy and beautiful revelations that I remain steadfast in my ability to show up for and guide the other through theirs. It’s the work that keeps me going. And my work is art. Always.

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 think that Downtown LA is one of the most interesting places in the entire world. You want to see the heartbeat of LA without all the filters? Explore Downtown LA. Grab a coffee from Verve or Ill Caffe, and then walk down Broadway to Grand Central Market for a bite to eat. Check out the Broad Museum and the beauty of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and then walk down the hill back into the belly of the beast. Pop into The Last Bookstore for a book or record browse, and then stop into Boheme Yoga LA to say hi and take a yoga class 🙂 DTLA will always hold a special place in my heart.

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 Boheme Yoga LA community! This community has been a safe space for me to grow and share myself as a student and teacher. I continue to feel inspired by the diversity, dedication, commitment, and growth that I have witnessed being a part of this community over the years.

Website: www.comebacktoself.com

Instagram: @oliviamaephoenix

Other: theunityphotoproject.info

Image Credits
Miguel Perez

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.