Meet Raven | Magician and Mind Reader

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

Hi Raven, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My partner Migz and I wanted to bring our Magic Castle routines to my local town here in Simi Valley. We wanted to create a fun monthly magic show where we bring the magic to them!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been fascinated with magic since I was 10 years old. Over the years, I’ve performed in various styles, including close-up, parlor, stage, and strolling magic. Beyond performing, I’m also a creator of magic, developing original tricks for the magic community.

There’s no shortcut to mastering magic—you have to put in the time and dedication. I spend hours every day honing my craft, and that hard work has paid off. Recently, I won 2nd place in a close-up competition at the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM). I also perform regularly at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, the mecca of magic.

After years of performing, I’ve realized that magic is more than just tricks—it’s a special gift that allows me to connect with people and bring smiles to their faces. At this point in my life, my goal is to do only what excites and inspires me. Magic is my passion, and you’ll always find me on stage, working on my next idea.

Raven & Migz has been growing since 2015, and it’s been an incredible journey. Migz is the best—he’s not just my performance partner, but also my great friend. Together, we have an absolute blast doing what we love!

I’ll be back at the Magic Castle’s Library Bar from April 2nd to 6th, and I can’t wait to share more magic with everyone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Southern California is a dream, with endless places to explore and unforgettable experiences to share. If I were showing someone around, the first stop would be the legendary Hollywood Magic Castle, where I’m a proud member. This exclusive, Victorian-style mansion is a haven for magic lovers, with five unique bars and multiple rooms showcasing world-class performances.

Next, I’d take them to The Pizza Cookery in Granada Hills, where I perform strolling magic every Sunday from 5-7 PM. It’s a warm and inviting spot with incredible Italian food, a fantastic staff, and top-notch service—perfect for an evening of great eats and close-up magic.

Of course, no trip to SoCal is complete without a visit to Disneyland and Universal Studios, where the magic extends beyond the stage into immersive, larger-than-life worlds. We’d also make a stop at a Hollywood comedy club for some laughter, then head to Venice Beach to soak in the eclectic energy, street performances, and ocean views.

And to cap it all off, I’d bring them to my newest magic venture—The Nectar of the Dogs Wine—where I host a monthly magic show, blending fine wine with mind-blowing illusions for an unforgettable night.

I love connecting with people, creating moments of wonder, and making every outing an adventure. With so many incredible places to explore, I feel truly lucky to call Southern California home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been performing magic ever since I received my first magic kit for Christmas. As I grew, I dreamed of creating a cool, local venue where my partner, Miggs, and I could showcase our magic.

Five years ago, I married my amazing wife, Ginger, at a vineyard in Simi Valley. The reception space had a stage, and the moment I saw it, the idea for a monthly magic show popped into my head. The timing was right—it was 2020, during the COVID era. The wedding venue had to shut down, but to stay afloat, they began serving dinner on Thursdays. I saw my opportunity. I approached the owners with my idea, and they loved it.

For two years, we performed there monthly until weddings picked back up. From there, we moved around town, finding different venues to keep the magic alive. Now, five years later, we have a brand-new home at Nectar of the Dogs Wine in Simi Valley. Our first show on February 21st was a smash hit—we filled the room! We’ll be back for our second show on March 14th, and we can’t wait to keep the magic going.

Website: https://sleightlymentalmagic.com/simi-magic

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richard.raven.773/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravenandmigz