We recently had the chance to connect with Janet Grey and have shared our conversation below.
Janet , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
This is an interesting question, because the answer is the very business that first brought me to VoyageLA’s attention – my travel company, TravelDrivers.com. I was so excited and passionate about it when we last connected, and it was really starting to catch on before Covid. Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed. Virtually overnight, travel came to a screeching halt.
As I wrote in the last interview, I created the business based on my own international solo adventures using private driver-guides. And when I first conceived of it, I just kept pushing the idea away, because I had no idea how to do it. I’d had an amazing driver-guide in Turkey who inspired the idea, but how the heck was I going to create it? What would it look like? How would it work? Would anyone care?
Years went by. I tried to forget about it but I just couldn’t, and I was frustrated with my career in Interior Design. But it wasn’t until I went to Morocco and had a horrific terrifying experience with my driver there that I decided that, even though I had so many doubts and little faith in my ability to pull it off, I had to at least TRY to create a concierge service vetting and booking the best private driver-guides worldwide for exceptional carefree travel adventures – that “Trip of a Lifetime: experience. And that’s exactly what I did! I was motivated at that point by the thought that I didn’t want any other women to experience what I had – the fear of being in the middle of nowhere with a total stranger who might get violent.
It took me FAR longer than I planned, and there were twists and turns in that road that I never could have imagined and it turned out completely differently than I’d thought it would, in terms of the kind of website it ended up being and the functionality of it and methods for dealing with the international aspect of it, which makes everything much more complicated – but goshdarnit (lol) I freaking DID it! And no matter what, I’ll always be proud of that – of overcoming all the obstacles, of persevering and of finally figuring out how to cobble it together when it was extremely complex and there were plenty of naysayers.
TravelDrivers is still alive – we have so many wonderful, positive reviews and it’s been really gratifying to hear about how much all our clients have enjoyed their time with our incredible drivers. AND yet, no one sees this amazing thing I created. Or at least very few people – and this is why:
Since Covid, even though travel is back with a vengeance, the travel transportation space has become increasingly competitive, and the task of marketing this business effectively has been quite challenging (understatement). I’ll spare you the details but it got to the point where I finally realized that it was causing me more anguish and stress than it was worth. I’d lost a lot of my passion for it during the process of going through The Age of Covid as well.
Travel is also no longer such a priority in my life. And because I’d pivoted to other activities, which I’m going to reveal more later in this interview, I decided to just keep the business going (for now) for repeat and word-of-mouth customers. When it comes to optimizing the website, placing ads, blogging, seeking publicity, etc. – I’m letting all that go. That was a very difficult decision, but I’m a happier person since making it. And truly, isn’t that what’s most important?
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Janet Grey and I’m the content creator behind Houses of Hollywood, an instagram feed that celebrates residential architecture in and around the greater Los Angeles County area.
As I was just saying in the last question, I’d created a unique travel business, TravelDrivers.com, then Covid hit, and it threw me through a loop! Because I was used to traveling all over the world, I had a penchant for exploration, and found I was able to satisfy that desire through my walks – not just near my house – but in different neighborhoods all over LA almost every single day.
The discovery I once experienced in different countries was replaced by finding different interesting things in my home town – not only the houses themselves, but the artwork created by the owners (which I now highlight on Wednesdays with my “What the Heck Wednesdays” posts), views and vantage points and points of interest in the different corners of this city.
But the Age of Covid was also an extremely rich time. Not only were there houses and these other things to discover, but it was an era when people were expressing themselves freely, creating signage about issues (ex: Black Lives Matter), messages of thanks for the health workers, and sharing their political opinions openly as we anticipated and worked towards an important election. And because people were needing to socialize outdoors, kind homeowners were facilitating that – setting up art tables and encouraging strangers and neighbors passing by to get crafty and make things – signs, artwork – to express themselves creatively and reach out to others as well.
And people really were reaching out and getting friendly – we were all joined together by this common challenging experience and the difference in the overall atmosphere out and about was palpable. Once the initial extreme fear of death and the unknown calmed down with time and knowledge, it transformed into a strong feeling of connection, cooperation and caring.
In Europe, people were all singing together. In my own neighboring neighborhood (Los Feliz), people were playing their instruments at the stroke of 7 pm each evening – starting with a trumpet, and then others chimed in. An entire neighborhood band of professional musicians gave free street performances every Sunday in the San Fernando Valley. There was something magical and special and wonderful to discover everywhere I went, and I documented it all – the homes, the signage, the yard art, the instruments – all of it. And it kept me happy and interested and satisfied and content. It sort of saved me – from the depression that I may have otherwise felt having my great passion project basically decimated by this unexpected and sudden deadly scourge.
I first started posting homes from each walk on Facebook on a page called “Walking with Janet” and from there I created the instagram feed, which at first had the same name, but when it started to grow, I felt the name could be better – more catchy – and when I started playing around with that, I was surprised to find Houses of Hollywood to be available – and grabbed it.
For me, “Hollywood” is defined in the way it’s seen in other parts of the world (since I come from an International perspective) – everywhere else on the globe, “Hollywood” and “Los Angeles” are synonymous- one and the same – so that’s how I approach it.
When I first got started on this feed, I had little confidence in my ability to grow it. I had a couple other accounts (including one for TravelDrivers) and found it to be so difficult to get more than, perhaps, 10 likes. So, I asked myself, what’s the point? Is anyone even seeing it? But I decided to give it a try, mainly because I was really enjoying the activity it was connected with. And I found that, with consistency, and using a few key pointers from some very kind souls, it did catch on and little by little it’s grown to over 26K followers.
In the scheme of things on IG, that’s a lot to some people, but very little compared to so many other enormous accounts. But as a non-celebrity who has never purchased or boosted for followers, who only posts her own photos (exclusively – except in my stories) and does not engage in TikTok (I’ve never ever been on that site), I feel it’s not bad, considering my initial goal was 5K and I never thought I could get there. There’s also, admittedly, a certain satisfaction in watching it grow organically, ever so slowly yet steadily, and even having people approach me on house tours, asking, “Are you Houses of Hollywood?”.
When I started this, I had no idea that there other accounts that focus on residential architecture. I sort of thought it was a weird thing to do. But there are so many of us, and we tend to follow one another and even have a group chat for support. We’re just crazy about houses and love to admire and appreciate them, while encouraging people to preserve and restore them properly. We learn from one another and our followers learn from us. There are similar accounts all over the US and the entire world, and they’re so fun to follow. And yet, there are subtle differences in all these accounts that set each one apart from the others.
One thing that I feel makes my account unique is my voice. I’m very honest and heart-centered in my approach – very HUMAN and imperfect – pointing out my faults and foibles – sort of laughing at myself and letting it all hang out (so to speak). I very rarely post myself (not even 4 times in all these years) – but I let my followers know who I am and encourage them to check out my other feed, @janetgreymatters, where I post more personal things – still not ME (or rarely), but more about my personal life activities and, most importantly, my kitties, Gatsby and Chloe (we’re all working on a Children’s book together;).
My feed also highlights specific days in specific ways. This isn’t something I invented – others were doing “Mansard Mondays” and “Tudor Tuesdays,” but I started a couple of my own, with “Fairytale Fridays” and “Storybook Saturdays” and my ever-so-weird and whimsical “What the Heck Wednesdays” when I post the weird and wacky homes and yard displays that I find along the way. And I love meeting the homeowners (and very often do), talking to them and featuring their stories and photos of them with their homes. My followers seem to particularly love this type of post, and I relish the opportunity to do them. I don’t believe many of the other similar accounts tend to do this. But since January, there’s something else that sets my account apart from the others:
Los Angeles residential (and some commercial) architecture was reduced by a huge percentage during the wildfires of this past January. I sat there watching the images on TV and crying – feeling so helpless and hopeless – like I was losing close friends. It was painful in a way I’d never experienced before. I immediately started thinking about what I personally could do – I had to do SOMETHING – anything to help in my own small way.
I finally created what I call my Eaton Fire Chimney Project with a particular focus on the chimneys – how they were so resilient, still standing when most everything else was burned to the ground. They were like tombstones, marking their territory – but also so symbolic of so much more – of the lives that had been lived, the milestones experienced in each house, time with friends and family in front of the fire – times that were important – history that mattered and I wanted to highlight that somehow, to help to memorialize what had been there – knowing that much if not all that remained would eventually be wiped away – so that it would never completely die, never be forgotten.
Through my project, I’ve photographed what remained of these burned homes in Altadena (with or without chimneys) – a place I’d frequented and documented extensively prior to the flames. These photos either include the owners and families who lived in the homes, when they wished to be included, or I’d just document what remained for some who just couldn’t face it themselves. I did this for everyone who requested it of me, offering the photos to them as a gift, and even providing them with shots of their homes from before the fire if I had taken any.
This proved to be really helpful to the homeowners, whose thank-you notes touched my heart so deeply: “This has been a deeply traumatic experience, but your photos give us a moment to pause, remembering the good times even as we grieve what we’ve lost. The light and warmth in your photographs don’t just capture the scene—they bring a sense of hope, reminding us that even in loss, there is still beauty” (from participant Brenda). And, “You helped us see the beauty in the unimaginable tragedy… (and to) document what is now an important part of our family history. We can never thank you enough.” (from Linda, who’s Mom, Esther, lost the family home).
Along with that, I spent a good amount of time up there just taking pictures and video of the devastation – with a main focus on the chimneys. Each one was like a special jewel – with its own interesting characteristics and design details – sometimes rendered even more unusual and distinct from the heat. I still can’t bear the thought that they were just bulldozed to the ground, after they stood so strongly despite the force of the fire. What a feat! My only consolation is that I captured so many of them, so they, too, can be remembered and cherished for their beauty and strength and all they stood for.
These days, now that the fire damage has been wiped away, I’m working on several plans related to this project. Books (one of chimneys is finished but undergoing some improvements) and other mediums are being discussed and developed.
I feel so grateful for the time I spent in Altadena before the flames – it was such a special, magical place. At times I feared I was taking too much time photographing this or that historical landmark there. This was particularly true about a special artists’ enclave with a fascinating history called Zorthian Ranch. I finally made it there for an olive harvest (after years of trying to see it) and found myself called to document every nook and cranny, every bit of recycled or “junk” art that the place had to offer. And there was a LOT of it – beautiful, weird, imaginative creative things and structures were everywhere. And I felt genuinely guilty about focusing on the art and architecture (I was there, ostensibly, as a volunteer, yet I’d only harvested olives for a few minutes), but almost all of Zorthian Ranch burned to the ground, as did so many of the other landmarks I documented – Zane Grey Estate and McNally Mansion among them. I’m only slightly comforted by the fact that, at least, I have those images and hope they’ll be of use in various ways into the future.
The fires actually gave new meaning and purpose to this house obsession – now that it’s been made painfully clear that these places that we admire and cherish won’t last forever and can’t be taken for granted. These photos of homes and neighborhoods will remain long after some of our subjects will have gone for one reason or another. They preserve that architectural history for posterity.
And Altadena was filled with the most incredible people – kind, heart-centered, community oriented people – many of whom I’ve met through my Project. Every single one of them is so warm and kindhearted and they worked so hard to make their homes into unique, very personalized places, true sanctuaries – doing so much of work themselves in such creative ways. I’m so glad and grateful to know them, but, of course, immensely sorry that this was the way it came about, and I’m constantly feeling their heartbreak.
Outside of the Eaton Fire Chimney Project, once I get the book creation process down, I’m planning on an extended series of Houses of Hollywood books, each one devoted to a specific design style (from Spanish Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Victorian and beyond), and hope to include a book or two with photos from that creative Covid time that I mentioned, with the beautiful hand-made signage and outdoor art projects (which I call “neighborhood cuteness”). I think people would really enjoy seeing those images through a different lens, now that we’ve gotten past that trying time.
Even though there are currently more Los Angeles house-oriented feeds than ever, presenting super slick video reels getting far more attention than I garner with my more “home-grown” imperfect efforts, growing in leaps and bounds (unlike mine!), I still feel there’s a solid place for my simple Houses of Hollywood account that’s inching ever-so-steadily forward (thanks to the positive engagement, encouragement and appreciation from my amazing followers), and I’m compelled to continue building it and watching with wonder to see what comes next as a result of these efforts.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
For me, human connection lives and dies by communication and trust. When trust isn’t present, people don’t feel safe enough to be honest or vulnerable. That’s when bonds start to suffer.
Problems often stem from fear – fear of anger, fear of rejection, fear of rocking the boat. People may hide their true feelings to avoid triggering an extreme reaction, whether that’s tears, defensiveness, or anger. Over time, the pressure builds, and eventually there’s an explosion in the form of conflict, withdrawal, sadness, or depression. Pretending everything is fine may feel safe in the short term, but it erodes closeness in the long run.
The opposite is also true: relationships are restored when people feel secure enough to speak openly, knowing they’ll be met with love, care and concern rather than judgment. It takes skill, patience, and conscious communication – sometimes even a structured method like Nonviolent Communication (NVC) – to navigate difficult conversations. But when trust is solid, people can share their truths with kindness and sensitivity, making sure their words land as intended: not as weapons, but as bridges.
The most beautiful relationships are built on this foundation. They give us the safety to be fully seen and heard, guiding us not only toward deeper connection with others, but also toward greater compassion and love for ourselves. I keep this in mind in every friendship, family exchange, or business collaboration – because the quality of our connections shapes the quality of our lives.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her: “You are already enough, exactly as you are. You don’t need to twist yourself into a pretzel to fit in, or tone yourself down to be accepted. Don’t dull your light or make yourself smaller – let your freak flag fly. Show the full spectrum of your colorful personality to the world, and don’t give a crap about what anyone else thinks or says.
There will be so much love in your life, more than you can imagine, and it will come from many different sources. You don’t need a partner to complete you, and you don’t need to earn love by doing anything or pretending to be anything other than your beautiful, quirky, funny self. Be that, fully and authentically, and you’ll be embraced, loved, and cherished for it. You matter now, and you always will.
And remember – don’t take things so personally. People are always coming from their own experiences, and most of the time when their words sting, it’s more about them than it ever was about you.”
And then I’d give her a big, long, warm hug.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I describe myself as a spiritual Atheist, and strongly believe in energy, spirits, and reincarnation. While I’ve had countless experiences that feel like proof to me, I know they’re not things you can measure in a lab, show people on demand or easily explain to skeptics.
I’m also what’s called a highly sensitive person (HSP – it’s a real thing) and an empath. This means that I feel things others often don’t – a chill in the air, a faint smell no one else notices. But it goes beyond the physical. I experience people’s energy. If someone carries heaviness or negativity, I pick it up instantly and have to move away. And when someone radiates kindness and authenticity, I’m drawn to them.
I also believe spiritual energy remains after people pass. I’ve felt the embrace of loved ones who have recently gone – more than once. I’ve had lights flicker in patterns too precise to dismiss, allowing me to communicate with the dead. After a dear friend’s tragic passing, he visited me again and again – even once attracting my attention as a shimmering, iridescent-blue ladybug – almost non-existent and unheard of where I live – landing on my hand and staying for nearly two minutes. Blue had been his color, and I was at the estate sale of his things when it happened. I knew in that moment it was him (and somehow had the presence of mind to video the unbelievable occurrence). When my mother passed, she appeared at her own funeral as two hawks flying in perfect tandem overhead. Another rare sight, timed just right.
I’ve always felt guided to the spirit world. Decades ago, in a Venice Beach tea room, I randomly pulled a book from hundreds on a shelf – Letter from a Living Dead Man – a channeled work from 1914 that describes what it’s like beyond. I’ve treasured it ever since and really appreciate all it’s taught me about “the other side.” I even took a course in Kirlian photography, used to capture auras. Super “woo woo” but fascinating!
And then there’s reincarnation. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am my paternal grandmother, Irene, reborn. She passed before my own birth, and I was named after her. From my earliest memories, I felt a powerful connection to her. Reading her diaries from the 1920s, the resemblance is uncanny – her words mirror mine, her spirit feels like mine. Even her era feels like home to me. I’ve studied hypnotherapy and past-life regression, and while other “lives” I’ve supposedly lived never resonated with me, this one does. I can’t prove it, but I don’t need to – I just know it’s true.
These experiences have convinced me that energy doesn’t end when a body does. Spirits remain. Love endures. And life, in one form or another, continues.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they’ll say I made them smile and brought the fun, while also contributing something meaningful, whether through the depth of my caring and friendship, invitations to a picnic, a party or an art event, volunteer work with those less fortunate or simply through the beauty I captured with my photography.
They’ll hopefully note that I noticed things, that I paid attention to details others might have missed: visual things – a charred tiled chimney glowing in the golden hour, a charming storybook cottage framed against a bright cloudy sky, a pretty pattern in nature or a striking shadow, and that I captured those fleeting moments so they wouldn’t be forgotten. And also that I noticed the intangible – moods and emotions – or that I just intuitively knew when things weren’t quite right and they needed my help. They’d undoubtedly mention my psychic abilities – my tendency to call or reach out just when someone was about to call me (happens all the time!).
I’d love for them to say that what I created and put out into the world was appreciated and that it mattered – that it touched people and brightened their day or helped them to process what might otherwise be impossible to face.
I hope they’ll say I lived authentically and with integrity, independent and self-reliant but never indifferent or self-absorbed. That I made and stuck to unusual choices that felt true to me, while also being considerate of others in the process, understanding and accepting the personal consequences of my different way of life (as a happy, fulfilled solo childless cat lady with extreme night owl tendencies).
I also hope they’ll remember that I lived fully, making a living through my creativity and my passions, while gallivanting globally in earlier years, and later embracing adventures closer to home that were just as wonderful, while always nurturing my relationships and learning – always learning new skills, philosophies and ways of being.
Above all, I’d love for them to say I led with heart: that I was loving and kind, I was there for my loved ones, I cared deeply about others and I expressed gratitude and appreciation often. If the story is that I captured beauty, created continuously, shared generously and brought joy to the lives around me, then that will have been a life well lived.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greymattersphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housesofhollywood/
- Other: linktree: https://linktr.ee/janetgreymattersLink to a press release that went out about me, my photography and my Eaton Fire Chimney Project:
https://icont.ac/50YKQ
Image Credits
The photo of me in front of the Hollyhock House was shot by Janna Ireland. All other photos were shot by me and all photos in my IG feed (other than stories) are my work.
