Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Mitchell.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally from Round Rock, Texas, I moved out to Los Angeles a little over three years ago to pursue a B.F.A. in Contemporary Musical Theatre + Film from Hussian College Los Angeles (formerly known as Studio School). Right before I graduated high school, I became vegan and started practicing yoga regularly. As an actor, vegan, and yogi, it only seemed natural to move to LA, right? After the big move, I started to explore all that the City of Angels had to offer. I ended up following @VegOutLosAngeles, a vegan Instagram account to seek out the top spots for plant-based eats. Their page was full of drool-worthy food pics, helpful articles, and more! One day, VegOut posted on Instagram that they were looking for writers to join their team. Since I loved the vegan foodie world, and I had tried just about every plant-based restaurant in town, I thought I’d apply! I was ecstatic when I got asked to join the team, but I figured I should balance out all of my restaurants hopping with more yoga.
After taking a hot yoga class almost everyday for a year, I thought I might as well get certified to teach, so I did! By the summer of 2019, I completed two yoga teacher training programs and started teaching for CorePower Yoga––all while in school! Juggling school, auditions, writing food articles, and teaching sweaty yoga classes was overwhelming at times, but it was so worth it! I was able to fast-track my degree and graduate a year early. Sadly, my college experience was cut a bit short by COVID-19, but I am so grateful for the opportunities, connections, and knowledge I gained during my time. I ended up as the valedictorian, which was such a surprise! Now that I’ve graduated, I plan to continue acting, teaching yoga, and grubbing on good food!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My experiences thus far have been pretty smooth, all thanks to my strong support system! From my family, friends, teachers, and mentors, I’m so grateful for the encouragement I’ve felt to pursue my passions. The hardest part for me was making the decision to move to Downtown Los Angeles from a quiet suburban town in Texas. I am very privileged to come from a place where I lived in the same house my whole life with a big family and group of friends. The initial move to LA was hard because I didn’t know anyone or anything in the area. After a few crying FaceTime calls with my sister, I got over my homesickness and found my place in LA.
VegOut Magazine – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
VegOut is such a cool company to work for! I first started with VegOut as a Contributing Writer for the nationwide website. Then I took on a role as a Staff Writer for both the website and quarterly print magazine. Now, I serve as a Social Media Manager and Staff Writer. It’s been great to witness the rapid growth of this company. The VegOut founder, Maggie Ortlieb has been such a role model for me. VegOut first started as an Instagram account that she would post food photos to, and now it’s become a thriving nationwide business across all social media platforms, with an online database of articles, and a print magazine in both Los Angeles and New York! And how many people get to say they get to eat at vegan restaurants and call it work? But not only to do I get to eat at vegan restaurants, try new products, and go to rad events, I also get to meet super awesome people! One of my favorite aspects of this job is getting to meet the owners of vegan restaurants and companies. It is so inspiring to hear the stories behind each business and I have a newfound respect for how much work goes into owning one.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success can be an overwhelming concept. While it’s nice to get money and recognition, I ultimately believe that success is doing things and setting goals that bring joy to you. I am a firm believer that it’s possible to turn a hobby into a career, although it may not be an easy or clean-cut path. With the ever-changing environment alongside your individual wants, desires, and passions, those goals may change and evolve––and they should! I also think it’s important to never stop seeking knowledge and experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: alexandrammitchell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliemitch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogawallie/
- Other: https://vegoutmag.com/
Image Credit:
Image credit for cover photo: Emily Sandifer; Image credit for horizontal yoga photo with LA cityscape background: Taylor Brielle; Image credit for photo in coral dress and brown hat AND yoga photo in teal leggings: Dainique Jones; Image credit for photo in green/white outfit: Elizabeth Ward; Image credit for headshots in black floral outfit AND green sweater: Emily Sandifer
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