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

Hi Teresa, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance isn’t something I even thought about until around 2017 or so. Looking back, my life was really unbalanced. During time. I had been working 10-15 hour days on a daily basis for years in hospitality and my quality of life at that time definitely suffered. I didn’t get to spend time with my family or the friends I had outside of my work environment because I was always working. Though that experience was fun at times and also a period of growth, I definitely wasn’t taking care of myself properly or prioritizing things that mattered to me.

One day, it sort of dawned on me that I felt stuck, I didn’t actually like my life in its current state and something had to change. I had to change… so I did. I quit that job. I started my own wedding and event planning business while also managing an office. Then the pandemic arrived…

At that point, I decided to pivot like so many others, take a chance on myself (again) and move to retail. I decided to create a curated online shop that celebrates and prioritizes self-care, healthy habits and slow, intentional living, that shop is LEISURE & JOIE. You can find practical products that add an element of beauty via function and design to your everyday life.

The quaility of my life has improved significantly, My life is night and day. I feel balanced and at ease. My life isn’t perfect, but I’m grateful to be where I am now.

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.
I am basically a Jill of All Trades. I have a wide variety of experience in very diverse fields. One common thread is service to others in one way or another, which has had a big impact on my life as a small business owner. Adding value to people’s lives has always been important to me. My past experiences have allowed me to learn that serving and caring for others is possible while also allowing the space to do that for myself. You really can’t pour from an empty cup. The journey definitely hasn’t been easy but the best and biggest lessons I have learned along the way are to always remain teachable, be willing to learn, be willing to fail, don’t be afraid to ASK questions from people who have done what you are trying to do, follow your intuition, and if all else fails – GOOGLE!

I want the world to know that LEISURE & JOIE isn’t just the name of my business but also the physical (well, online lol) manifestation of life philosophies that remind me that life is much bigger than just work. I’d like to share that with anyone who believes the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It might sound boring to some but I’d definitely take them to LACMA, The Broad or the Hammer Museum.

They would definitely have to see the Santa Monica Pier, have some margaritas and nachos at Vamos Vamos just off the beach, probably check out Francis Gallery on Melrose and then have dinner somewhere in the West Hollywood area.

We’d have to make time for a low-key hang in Culver City… Simonette or Margot are good and also aesthetically pleasing. Now that Cafe Kitsuné has a cafe in Silverlake – that would be on the list, too. Then La Pharmacie du Vin for wine and people watching.

I would definitely want them to feel at ease. Growing up in LA, palm trees are everywhere and they are the epitome of effortless ease to me – the laid-back, California way. And, of course, they could not leave without having IN & OUT.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents and also to whomever threw my name in the hat for this shoutout series! I don’t know who it was but I am truly grateful! THANK YOU! Also – I’d like to dedicate this to all the small business owners that inspire me daily and anyone wondering if they should start their business, write a book, etc. There is MORE than enough room for ALL of us to be successful. So I dedicate this to anyone willing to take a chance on themselves!

Website: leisureandjoie.com/shop

Instagram: @shop.leisureandjoie

Other: Please support small businesses! THANK YOU for supporting my shop!

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.