Tell us a little about your background—how did you wind up in New York?
I grew up in Southern California, Orange County specifically, and moved to NYC in 2001 for art school. That was over twenty years ago now, so I consider myself a New Yorker. This city had a magnetic pull on me from the moment I first came here in my pre-teens. I came here to find who I am, or more so, to become the person I dreamt about being. This place, like no other, has the power to bestow that upon a person. The access to every interest and curiosity leads to such deep levels of discovery, I am addicted to the possibilities around every corner. As an art student, I was also dancing professionally and working in bars & restaurants. My life has all the same elements as it always has but the equation is much different now.
When and where did you love of, and education in food begin? How about dance? Were they connected in any way?
My love of food is rooted in education. I began watching the Food Network as a young child and back then all the shows were based around learning rather than competing. There were core values of food and agricultural education woven into all chapters of my life. Of course I took for granted my early years of local produce and stunning farmers markets in old orange groves and seaside towns. But I realize now, those were just memory building blocks. Once I started cooking professionally I realized that learning is also about sharing and passing on stories through food and dining. Teaching is easy for me because it's an extension of me and my excitement for the culinary arts and the agricultural matrix they stem from. Dance is the same, working with rhythms and emotion, it's more of being a guide for others to unveil their own truths... their own joys.
Everything is connected.
You kind of radiate joy. Have you always been that way? Did you set any deliberate goals for yourself at any point around happiness and a lifestyle that makes you happy? Did it just evolve over time?
Alexis is my middle name, but it may as well be JOY. A summer sun, warm weather, smile from ear to ear kinda gal. Joy is who I am, even when I am faced with sorrows it oozes out of my cells.
The cool thing about time passing and aging is that I have simply harnessed this power and recognized that I can help others attain it too.
I don't set goals, I manifest dreams. My happiness is a result of those I surround myself with and we are doing what we love. My lifestyle is crazy to some and aspirational to others, but isn't that the case with all of us?
What are some tips you might have for the start of the year in terms of health (mental and physical) and maintaining joy throughout the winter season?
Health is a year round all the time forever kind of thing. I find New Years resolutions to be whack as fuck, but I respect and encourage people making decisions to change their lives for the better. I just think that can happen any day, any time, any month, and at any age. Get all the information on "trends or fads" they usually don't have a great shelf life. My words of wisdom are to look towards the practices of those who have come before us; Chinese Medicine, Japanese traditions, Korean fermentation, Mexican preservation, Indian and African spices and blends. There is so much knowledge in the history of our ancestors, combine that with modern practices and diversification of wellness modalities to create a perfect blend for each individual.
How does your cooking change with the seasons?
My cooking changes drastically from season to season: in winter I constantly crave curries, soups, and steamed EVERYTHING! Though I would say things become more hearty in the colder months, I never like to cook or eat super rich and heavy food (unless it is dessert and then I have a totally different stomach for rich cakes, salty sweet cookies, puddings, creams, pies....)
I love my steamers and I would tell anyone and everyone to invest in them, get different sizes for solo or crowd cooking. Water based cooking is so healthy, fast and delicious.
Anything else you'd like to add here?
Don't be afraid to tell people you love them.
Don't shy away from laughter.
Don't silence the urge to be better.
Don't worry so much.
Don't let sadness overcome .
Don't forget that your life is your own.
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You can follow Lauren and learn more about her work here:
https://www.laurengerriecreative.com/
DANCE DELIVERANCE @skyting
MOVES www.movespurejoy.com
