Meet Sienna Benton | Publisher

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

Hi Sienna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I was 15 when I got my first job. I honestly can’t remember a time I didn’t have a job, and I’ve professionally job jumped my whole life. I used to be the person who’d stay late and go above and beyond at my jobs. I was eager for promotions, or raises. Now honestly, that “balance” part of life really comes with setting boundaries. Not just in work, but in all areas of life. I don’t work more than my body can physically handle anymore. It’s still detoxing all the years of trauma and stress, and when my body is in detox mode, it SLEEPS. Another key factor is also letting go of fear. So many people are afraid of losing their jobs, their relationships, moving to a new location. I’ve learned that surrendering to what ever the universe sends my way has given me a variety of life experiences. It’s not easy being a professional job jumping nomad, but there is a-lot of freedom in knowing when one chapter is meant to end, and another to start. I also don’t have kids, and at one point I honestly thought I was going to get married to my (ex) partner, but sadly after multiple years of waiting for him to propose, I decided it was time to stop waiting. I feel like Americans were lied to about what to want out of life. I feel like all of the hype around “getting married” and “having kids” and even “buying a house” is all a brainwashing scam to keep producing American workers, and forcing them into debt so they have to work longer. I’ve been doing a-lot of research, and talking to friends/family and they all say the same thing. Having kids is expensive, marriage is hard, and being a landlord is stressful. I have no interest in producing more “workers” into this messed up system, being in 50/50 relationship where I’m paying half of everything, but he isn’t doing his 50 on the emotional and physical labor, or dealing with nightmare tenets. So in a way I’m really lucky that I don’t have those added responsibilities, which brings in a-lot more balance into my life. Right now I just want to save up for my own house, and retire early over sees. I’m done playing matrix.

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.
In the early days I received my Bachelors in photography and a Master’s in Fine Art from the New York Film Academy. My intention was to become a creative in which ever field I found the most work in. Over time, I learned that my military service helped me book most of my commercials, photoshoots, and roles then I would like to admit. So if you’re a vet working in entertainment, definitely use that to your advantage.

As much as I enjoyed being in front of the camera, I can’t deny my skillset is stronger behind it. I’ve photographed and published celebrities, and have used that skill as one of my strongest networking tools. Honestly, I take more pride in being referred to as an editor in chief than I do as an actor or photographer. Fortunately over time, I realized that as much as I love entertainment, I don’t really think that the spotlight is meant for me, though I truly admire those who can handle the sacrifices that come with it.

If I do anything publicly notable in this life, I prefer it be for something more historical. So being that I work in publishing, I decided to co-author a book with Akashic Reader, Debbie Solaris. Funny enough this book will be about the Akashic Records which literally focuses about galactic history/mythology.

In addition I’ve shifted my Magazine, Life is Art, to publishing content that is less entertainment based, and more in the healing space. I want to publish talent that is making history, preserving/giving back to our planet, or is using their entertainment platforms to highlight humanitarian topics.

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?
I used to work at Descanso Gardens, and I highly recommend going every third Tuesday of the month, because it’s free. They have the most phenomenal holiday events like Carved and Enchanted Forest light shows during the fall and winter seasons.

Also one place a-lot of people REALLY don’t know about is the Santa Fe Dam in Baldwin Park. It’s completely tucked away so only locals know about it, but it has the absolutely most beautiful lake, the cutest blue lifeguard towers, a whole entire sandy beach, you can swim, fish, paddle board, canoe. They also have a campsite, a huge playground for kids, an epic bike trail if you like to ride bikes. They hold Renaissance fairs there, and of course have restrooms, snack bars, barbecues, a community garden and fire pits. It’s like visiting a summer lake resort in the country. If you go I highly suggest making it a camping overnight trip.

Places I loved to eat include:
Birds on Franklin. It’s Alfred Hitchcock themed inside, and next to a cute little theatre that does improve comedy shows. There’s also an ice cream parlor for after the show too.

Not too far from there is this epic burger spot called “For the Win.” It’s tucked away in this little plaza, but I promise you, I have never had a better burger in my life.

Cafes I have to give a shoutout to Solar de Cahuenga on Franklin Ave. They have a pretty large menu choice and lots of organic options. It’s kind of like a writer’s hub where a-lot of writers go to write their screen plays. They also have a cute seating area hidden away outside.

Another cafe I often found myself going to was Olive & Thyme in Burbank. It’s just beautiful in there, plus it’s right next to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants “Don Cuco” that also has a whole vibe.

Now if you’re into Jazz and are looking to feel like traveling back in time, go to Vibrato Grill Jazz. This place is definitely the spot you can dress up and enjoy authentic jazz and champaign.

Black Rabbit Rose Magic if you’d like to experience a speak easy time traveling back into the 1920’s/1930’s vibe. It’s not far from the Magic Castle, and magicians who perform at the Magic castle also perform there. So if you are looking for the magic castle invite, I suggest Black Rabbit is a good place to start.

Also there’s several of restaurants on Hillhurst Ave in Los Feliz that I recommend. “Home” was one of my favorites.

Lastly, if you haven’t checked out Downtown Monrovia on Friday night, you’re completely missing out! I know the Los Angeles Farmers Market is also an experience, but if you want something more charming, romantic, and quaint, this is the spot for you. The entire area is blocked off, and all the businesses set up their tables, the bars play live music, and the parks are filled with romantic couples, and kids actually being kids vs being on their phones. It’s refreshing and truly feels like this community of people are extremely happy.

I’ve been to some luxury spots like Perch, the W, 71 Above, Yamashiro, red carpets at Skybar, etc… They are fun, but just not me.

Hiking wise you have to check out Malibu Creek State Park. I promise you won’t be disappointed. There’s rock climbing and an amazing water hole at the end of the hike. I’ve done a ton of photoshoots there. It’s also about a 10 min drive from Malibu Beach as well. So a nice hike followed by dinner overlooking the beach is always a great date idea. Malibu Farms restaurant did not disappoint for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lynn Matalon
@theattractivemancoaches

Website: https://siennaevebenton.com

Instagram: @siennaevebenton

Other: @lifeisartmag
https://kavyar.com/life-is-art

Image Credits
Darren Fitch
@darren_fitch
www.darrenfitch.com

Michael Roud
@michaelroud
https://michaelroud.com/

Ryan Hartford
@eclipticphoto
https://eclipticmediaphoto.net/

Sho Oakland
@shoakland
https://www.shotbysho.com/

Red Carpet
Los Angeles Fashion Week

Home

Magazine and Movie Poster

Lena Heady (Game of Thrones)
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0372176/

Sam Worthington (Avatar)
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0941777/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Melora Hardin
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002124/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Sharlene Taul
https://www.instagram.com/sharlene/?hl=en

Debbie Solaris
https://www.instagram.com/debbiesolaris/?hl=en