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

Hi Owen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business wasn’t a conscious decision; it was something that happened organically. Initially, I had to become my own employer when I entered the world of voice over acting. As a contractor, I had to not only seek out the work, but also provide the materials with which I could work, such as a phone or recording device and an area to be able to work uninterrupted. During the first few years of performing as a voice over artist, I still had my corporate job during the day. These jobs were all demoralizing and did not pay near the value of my own worth, which is why I enrolled in the UCLA Extension Coding Bootcamp. I wanted to learn a new set of skills so that I could not only earn more income, but also have the flexibility to nurture my personal businesses.

Now I have multiple businesses. In addition to being a working voice over artist, I am a stand up comedian and I also develop websites for clients and apps for the App Store and Google Play. The experience of having to employ myself as actor provided me with skills that are easily transferrable to other fields.

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.
What sets me apart from others is that I am completely me. As a performer, I am able to draw upon my diverse life experiences as well as my diverse heritage. I am Cuban and Irish with some French-Canadian as well. I was born in Seattle, raised outside of Chicago in Northwest Indiana until moving to Aberystwyth, Wales and later on Indianapolis. After that I spent time in Albuquerque, DC, South Florida, and now LA. It wasn’t always easy, but I am so lucky to have the family and friends that I do. I truly feel like I won the life lottery and without such great people in my life, I don’t know who I would be today. Jiujitsu taught me that you either win or you learn, and I have learned many life lessons in my 31 years on Earth. At the end of the day, I just want to spread love and give gratitude to the communities that raised me.

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 favorite place in all of Los Angeles is my gym, 10th Planet West LA. I feel at home there. My coaches Scott Epstein and especially Eddie Jackson, really look out for me. Eddie has literally given me the shirt off of his back more than once. All of my training partners are good people too and I’m so lucky to be part of this community and this team.

Despite having the same complexion as Count Dracula, I love the beach. I would take my friends to Santa Monica for a run on the beach. I’d go to K-Town for KBBQ and West Hollywood to check out the comedy scene. I’d take my friends to my favorite comedy club in the world; which is whatever club is having me perform that night. Also, you have to see a movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre at least once in your life.

Yeah, yeah these are all touristy spots. Quit yelling at me!!! Once we’re done being dorky tourists, I;d go cruising through the Valley. My good friend CT would take me and we’d go cruising for hours in the Valley bumping Run the Jewels and old school hip-hop. If you want to see what real LA is like, cruise the Valley. Cruise the Valley all day and then hit up a deli in whatever neighborhood you wind up in.

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?
First and foremost, my family, particularly my Mom and Stepdad deserve all the credit in the world for what success I have. They have made so many sacrifices throughout their lives to provide a great life for me. They made sure I went to great schools, participated in sports and other activities, and they supported me so much during the Coding Bootcamp that I just graduated from. Without them, not only would I have struggled much more throughout the coding course, but I probably would not have furthered my education and still be stuck in the hellscape that is customer service. The only people I can think of that might deserve more recognition than my parents are the loves of my life; my dogs Pinecone and Grace.

I also want to shoutout to my incredibly hilarious homie CT Adams and his wife Marlie! CT is a killer on the stage and both he and Marlie have been so generous to me, especially in times when I really needed it. Check out CT’s comedy and go see his live shows!

Website: https://github.com/OwenGarrett/personal-site

Instagram: @owenpgarrett

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-garrett-aa0a6368/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.original.gangsta

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCL64LD8SRg_TCRm2cG0Hw

Other: https://github.com/OwenGarrett

Image Credits
HBO – Succession

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