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

Hi TANNA, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I have taken big risks & leaps of faith a few times in my personal and professional life, but that is not my go-to state. When I have taken risks, the pay-offs have been substantial changes for the better. It is complicated and scary to have a “what do I have to lose” attitude or no Plan B, but those have always been the most rewarding. The key, though, is to not lose that self-confidence that fed the seed of ideas in the first place. Self-sabotage has been a battle I’ve fought my entire adult life, especially professionally, mostly because I listened to external voices question, second-guess, armchair quarterback my ideas and actions when trying something new, different, out of the ordinary…risky. I learned very late in life that those negative noises mostly come from projections of folks who have not taken risks in their own lives, therefore cannot fathom potential success from unproven ideas. Visualization, manifestation, positivity, optimism; all words and practices I feel are essential to rewarding risky choices, but you still have to DO THE WORK. Plan, consult those you respect, be able to answer every question about your idea(s), research, plan more. You’ll never convince the naysayers, so establish boundaries to keep out the noise and negativity. Believe in yourself, first and foremost, hold yourself accountable, be kind to yourself and others, dream BIG, and remember that nothing really holds us back except ourselves.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own an olive oil & balsamic vinegar store on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, and I am jazzed every single day to go to work, talk to friends, neighbors who began as customers, in addition to working with two of my oldest, dearest friends. While it wasn’t easy getting from “I’d love to do that one day” to where I am now, I really learned to go for it with no Plan B with the attitude that others have gone before me, why can’t I? Planning and inspiration go hand in hand for most businesses, and I have a passion for everything in my store, so I had to figure out how to marry the two to carve out living for myself where I chose to live. I love every inch of my store, and I created an aesthetic that others are finding as intended: soothing, chill, inviting, coastal, and a place to just hang out.

My brand is very simple, but not too on the nose. O&V CA is for oil & vinegar, California. I have curated a well-stocked store, but without any clutter or items that don’t enhance every culinary experience or gift to give.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, I will always say the beach! And everything near the beach, including restaurants, bars, hikes with ocean views. Certainly the highlights of our city; Griffith Park, Hollywood Bowl, The Getty Museum(s), but I like to keep things simple and enjoy nature with dear friends without the distractions of the newest or most exciting places. Simple is exciting to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am surrounded by long-term friends and a few new friendships that support, bolster, counsel, advise, and keep me together, mostly women. I am protected by boundaries I learned to create very late in life. When you listen to your gut, your instincts will create and thus weed out your divine circle to surround you, and I have found that in my dear friends.

Website: https://www.oandvcalifornia.com; oandvcalifornia.com

Instagram: @oandvcalifornia;

Address: 1109 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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