Richard Lake of Simi Valley, Ventura County on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Richard Lake. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Richard , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
You know, for a long time I think I was wandering — following the magic wherever it took me. But these days, I’m definitely walking a path. At 66, you start realizing that time’s the one trick you can’t redo. So now I’m fully committed — performing magic full time, traveling with my wife Ginger, and loving every minute of it. I like to say, I’m peaking at 66. Most people slow down around this age… me? I’m just getting started.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Richard Lake, but most people know me as Raven the Magician. I’m a professional magician based in Southern California, specializing in sleight of hand and mind reading — what I like to call “sleightly mental” magic.

I’ve been performing for decades, from intimate venues and wineries to private events and the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. My shows mix quick wit, psychological twists, and old-school street magic — the kind of magic that happens inches from your eyes but still feels impossible.

What makes my brand unique is the way I blend comedy, character, and connection. I don’t just do tricks — I tell stories, improvise with the crowd, and make every audience feel like part of the act. Whether I’m performing as my wise-guy alter ego Harry the Hare in a Wonderland-themed show or doing close-up magic behind a bar, the goal is always the same: to create genuine moments of wonder and laughter that people remember.

Right now, I’m coming off a 17-day run at the Magic Castle’s Wicked Wonderland event, and continuing my ongoing residencies around Southern California with my longtime partner Migz. Together we perform as Raven & Migz, bringing live magic into restaurants, wineries, and special events every week.

At this stage of my life, I’m doing exactly what I love — performing magic full-time, traveling with my wife Ginger, and making people smile. I like to say, I’m peaking at 66 — and the magic’s just getting started.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was about ten years old, performing magic tricks for strangers—whether in a retail store, on the street, or anywhere I found an audience. I remember realizing, even at that age, that I had the ability to capture people’s attention and spark a sense of wonder. It wasn’t just about the tricks themselves—it was about the connection, the shared moment of surprise and joy. That experience made me feel like I had a special gift, something that could genuinely impact others and make them feel something magical.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yeah, actually there was a time I almost gave up — about ten years ago. I had a gig at a comedy club that just didn’t go the way I hoped. The timing was off, the energy wasn’t there, and when I walked off that stage, I remember thinking, “Maybe I’m not good enough for this.”

For a few months, I stepped away from magic completely. I just felt deflated. But thankfully, I’ve got incredible friends and family who wouldn’t let me quit. They reminded me why I started doing this in the first place — not for the applause, but for the love of connecting with people and creating something special.

Their encouragement got me back on track, and looking back now, I’m so glad I listened. That setback turned into one of the best things that ever happened to me. It forced me to grow, to refine who I am as a performer, and to find my real voice on stage.

Today, I’m performing full-time, traveling with my wife, and living the dream I almost walked away from. So yeah — I’ve learned that sometimes failure isn’t the end. It’s just a detour that leads you right where you’re supposed to be.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
These days, I really have one focus — to spend the rest of my life doing what truly makes me happy. That means surrounding myself with family and friends, traveling with my wife, and performing magic wherever I can. After all these years, I’ve learned that joy is the real payoff. So my mission now is simple: do what I love, share the magic, and have as much fun as possible along the way.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Honestly, that’s kind of how I’m living these days. I already think about time that way, which is exactly why I’ve stripped out anything that doesn’t bring me joy. I’m focused on what matters — performing magic, spending time with the people I love, and soaking up every bit of happiness I can find. I don’t want to wait for “someday.” Someday is now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ravenandmigz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravenandmigzmagic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardravenmagic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravenandmigz