SALAMAT MONICA
I was introduced to Monica Galan through Keegan at Woon Kitchen, and it took me a minute to find some time during her busy schedule for our interview. It also took a while to get the Q&A written up, but I guess that's to be expected from an extremely talented artist, who runs her own business whilst still retaining time to give back to her community and go camping. I'm excited to see her new glazing work, one-off pieces and future vision for Salamat Ceramics come to life in the near future.
MW Tell me a little bit about your family heritage and where you grew up? You were a pretty decent skater, correct?!
MG I’m first generation Filipino American! My parents immigrated from the Philippines in the early 70s (separately, to New York and California) My parents grew up in the same hometown back in the PI and then they reconnected here. I come from a big family. Both my Mom and Dad have 7 – siblings and I myself have 5. I’m the youngest.
We grew up in a small suburb east of San Francisco, San Ramon. I have always been a bit of a tomboy! Hanging with the boys! My oldest brother skated, 7 year age-gap. I always looked up to him and thought he was the coolest. I picked up skateboarding in 5th grade and was sponsored by our local skate shop and Lucky Bearings in 7th grade throughout High School. I’ve always skated off and on since… still got a couple tricks up my sleeve.
MW How did you initially become a ceramicist?
MG I’d always wanted to take a ceramics class and was on the hunt for a creative outlet. Something fun to do for myself, by myself. I took classes for two months and then became a member at the studio I was using. It was a hobby, that turned into a side hustle and eventually a full business. I didn’t consider myself a ceramicist until I accepted that I was working to become one.
MW How do you cope with running your own business currently given that it’s clearly scaling up and you’re doing everything yourself? I guess with most independent businesses it’s very rewarding because it’s yours, but also rather draining?
MG Mmmmm yes can you tell? Sorry this write up has taken forever hahaha :) Yeah I do everything myself - production, marketing, sales, shipping etc. Thankfully I do have some help from my husband, he sands all the pieces once they are finished / keeps me sane. From time-to-time, I’ll have someone wedging my clay (prepping and weighing it out prior to throwing).
It’s super rewarding and special to get to do what I love! Use my hands and create pieces that are in people’s homes! I try and remind myself this everything time I’m going through it, because damn! It’s hard to run your own business, I’m still figuring it out. I’ve out-grown my studio space and am practically working in a match box. While it has its charm, and I’m grateful to be working out of my own space, it's restricting. It’s also extremely tough to grow creatively and learn new techniques when you have to maintain the business. But I’m feeling good about 2021 and Salamat’s future. 2020 was good to us and have learned so much from the growing pains.
MG I’m first generation Filipino American! My parents immigrated from the Philippines in the early 70s (separately, to New York and California) My parents grew up in the same hometown back in the PI and then they reconnected here. I come from a big family. Both my Mom and Dad have 7 – siblings and I myself have 5. I’m the youngest.
We grew up in a small suburb east of San Francisco, San Ramon. I have always been a bit of a tomboy! Hanging with the boys! My oldest brother skated, 7 year age-gap. I always looked up to him and thought he was the coolest. I picked up skateboarding in 5th grade and was sponsored by our local skate shop and Lucky Bearings in 7th grade throughout High School. I’ve always skated off and on since… still got a couple tricks up my sleeve.
MW How did you initially become a ceramicist?
MG I’d always wanted to take a ceramics class and was on the hunt for a creative outlet. Something fun to do for myself, by myself. I took classes for two months and then became a member at the studio I was using. It was a hobby, that turned into a side hustle and eventually a full business. I didn’t consider myself a ceramicist until I accepted that I was working to become one.
MW How do you cope with running your own business currently given that it’s clearly scaling up and you’re doing everything yourself? I guess with most independent businesses it’s very rewarding because it’s yours, but also rather draining?
MG Mmmmm yes can you tell? Sorry this write up has taken forever hahaha :) Yeah I do everything myself - production, marketing, sales, shipping etc. Thankfully I do have some help from my husband, he sands all the pieces once they are finished / keeps me sane. From time-to-time, I’ll have someone wedging my clay (prepping and weighing it out prior to throwing).
It’s super rewarding and special to get to do what I love! Use my hands and create pieces that are in people’s homes! I try and remind myself this everything time I’m going through it, because damn! It’s hard to run your own business, I’m still figuring it out. I’ve out-grown my studio space and am practically working in a match box. While it has its charm, and I’m grateful to be working out of my own space, it's restricting. It’s also extremely tough to grow creatively and learn new techniques when you have to maintain the business. But I’m feeling good about 2021 and Salamat’s future. 2020 was good to us and have learned so much from the growing pains.
“I’ve always skated on and off since and have still got a couple tricks up my sleeve.”
MW How do you escape from the daily hustle of the business?
MG Mmmmm I physically have to remove myself haha! Planning a camping trip or going out of town is the only way. If I go on hike or spend the day at the museum or park, I’ll most likely be in the studio the second half of the day/night. So it’s most realistic for me to not have the option to touch anything to truly take a break.
MW Where have been your favorite places to travel in order to draw inspiration in the past? And are you now seeking ideas purely from the internet until you can start roaming the world again?
MG In the past I’d always make it a point to travel once a year internationally - Mexico, Italy and Croatia were amazing. Foreign landscapes, cultures, cuisines and architecture is something I find to be most interesting and influential.
I’ve always drawn inspiration from nature mostly. Most of all my camping trips - the desert, Utah especially. Fossil Falls and Red Rock Canyon, off the 395, have been most inspiring. Because I’m able to disconnect fully when I’m camping and traveling, I feel like my clarity allows creative and free thoughts to flow in. I usually have my sketchbook handy and draw things out.
MW Also tell me a little about the process of your art form? I love the idea that you set out to achieve a certain thing, but during the short process can end up with something entirely different due to the organic nature of your work.
MG I typically work on the wheel with a little combo of hand building. I’ve gravitated to marbling which is combing two different clay bodies or multiple colors into one piece. You can kind of see that throughout my collections. I’ll start with drawing a collection out, down to the shape, clay body, glaze etc. I’ll throw a piece, sometimes it works just as I envisioned or sometimes it’ll form its way into something slightly different. I hardly ever toss pieces out. I’ll try to get it to the finish line and work with it. It’ll allow me to stare at its full potential to decided whether I should keep it or not.
MG Mmmmm I physically have to remove myself haha! Planning a camping trip or going out of town is the only way. If I go on hike or spend the day at the museum or park, I’ll most likely be in the studio the second half of the day/night. So it’s most realistic for me to not have the option to touch anything to truly take a break.
MW Where have been your favorite places to travel in order to draw inspiration in the past? And are you now seeking ideas purely from the internet until you can start roaming the world again?
MG In the past I’d always make it a point to travel once a year internationally - Mexico, Italy and Croatia were amazing. Foreign landscapes, cultures, cuisines and architecture is something I find to be most interesting and influential.
I’ve always drawn inspiration from nature mostly. Most of all my camping trips - the desert, Utah especially. Fossil Falls and Red Rock Canyon, off the 395, have been most inspiring. Because I’m able to disconnect fully when I’m camping and traveling, I feel like my clarity allows creative and free thoughts to flow in. I usually have my sketchbook handy and draw things out.
MW Also tell me a little about the process of your art form? I love the idea that you set out to achieve a certain thing, but during the short process can end up with something entirely different due to the organic nature of your work.
MG I typically work on the wheel with a little combo of hand building. I’ve gravitated to marbling which is combing two different clay bodies or multiple colors into one piece. You can kind of see that throughout my collections. I’ll start with drawing a collection out, down to the shape, clay body, glaze etc. I’ll throw a piece, sometimes it works just as I envisioned or sometimes it’ll form its way into something slightly different. I hardly ever toss pieces out. I’ll try to get it to the finish line and work with it. It’ll allow me to stare at its full potential to decided whether I should keep it or not.
MW Can you tell me a little about Salamat Studio and the one-off pieces you’ve been creating?
MG Salamat Studio is a something I created to keep me excited creatively! Being a production potter can be wearing on the soul at times. I decided to create Studio, a second tier to Salamat, to have creative freedom whenever I feel and share it with those who are interested.
MW And you're taking up glazing soon correct?
MG Yessss! So stoked for this. I signed up for a glaze workshop online. Was slightly nervous for it being online, but I’ve heard great things. Understanding glazes and opening my glaze library is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve scheduled my work to fit around the class schedule to be as seamless as possible :)
MW Also what about the lovely initiative to give away your seconds to strangers in the community around Highland Park?
MG I’ve always found an interest in people. What they do? Who they are? Their families, work life, etc. Whether they are strangers or work/own businesses that I frequent. I’ve always given things to people as a nice gesture. Today I gave someone an umbrella because I had an extra and it was pouring rain. It’s slightly different because that person needed it. Haha it was dumpingggg rain. Regardless it made that moment special.
Giving people my ceramics was a natural act of kindness that just flowed. To let people know, I see you. I appreciate you. Thank you for being you. Sometimes I really go all out with flowers and plants with the pieces and take one photo of the person or family. Or sometimes I’ll just walk up to people and say I made this and hand it to them. I love seeing the looks on their faces. Surprised, happy and thankful, all in seconds. Most likely these people will never see me again and I can just be that random girl who gave them a handmade ceramic pot when they were working at the gas station.
MG Salamat Studio is a something I created to keep me excited creatively! Being a production potter can be wearing on the soul at times. I decided to create Studio, a second tier to Salamat, to have creative freedom whenever I feel and share it with those who are interested.
MW And you're taking up glazing soon correct?
MG Yessss! So stoked for this. I signed up for a glaze workshop online. Was slightly nervous for it being online, but I’ve heard great things. Understanding glazes and opening my glaze library is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve scheduled my work to fit around the class schedule to be as seamless as possible :)
MW Also what about the lovely initiative to give away your seconds to strangers in the community around Highland Park?
MG I’ve always found an interest in people. What they do? Who they are? Their families, work life, etc. Whether they are strangers or work/own businesses that I frequent. I’ve always given things to people as a nice gesture. Today I gave someone an umbrella because I had an extra and it was pouring rain. It’s slightly different because that person needed it. Haha it was dumpingggg rain. Regardless it made that moment special.
Giving people my ceramics was a natural act of kindness that just flowed. To let people know, I see you. I appreciate you. Thank you for being you. Sometimes I really go all out with flowers and plants with the pieces and take one photo of the person or family. Or sometimes I’ll just walk up to people and say I made this and hand it to them. I love seeing the looks on their faces. Surprised, happy and thankful, all in seconds. Most likely these people will never see me again and I can just be that random girl who gave them a handmade ceramic pot when they were working at the gas station.
“Giving people my ceramics was a natural act of kindness that just flowed. To let people know, I see you. I appreciate you.”
Where are your favorite two places to camp in CA and why?
Anywhere along the 395 Hwy between Independence and Bishop - aside from creating lots of special memories. It’s just a solid place! Not too far of a drive and feels like you're worlds away from the city. The landscape and weather is amazing. You have two different landscapes including weather on opposites sides of the freeway, west to east. If you want to be covered in trees and have gorgeous hikes at your fingertips stay to the west and if you wanna chill in a bathing suit and go fishing stick to the right! It’s a win win.
MW Do you listen to any music or podcasts when you’re working? If so what?
MG Both. Depends what I’m in the mood for! Music – lot of Jazz, old 90s Pop + R&B, Dance Hall, Drake, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna…. I’m all over the place. Podcasts – The Daily – when I need to learn something. SmartLess – when I need to laugh – sometimes – David Chang.
MW Which coffee are you home brewing?
MG Don’t want to be biased, but Canyon Coffee :) Tolima. My absolute favorite. I actually wasn’t much of a coffee drinker. Before Covid I was using our Nespresso machine before having to run out the door, but now I have to time to give a some love into my morning beverage.
MW Tevas or Birkenstocks?
MG Toughhhh. I rock Tevas in and out of the studio. Birkenstocks are beautiful as well, but too be honest I don’t have a pair just yet because if I’m not in Tevas…. Im in Crocsssss
Anywhere along the 395 Hwy between Independence and Bishop - aside from creating lots of special memories. It’s just a solid place! Not too far of a drive and feels like you're worlds away from the city. The landscape and weather is amazing. You have two different landscapes including weather on opposites sides of the freeway, west to east. If you want to be covered in trees and have gorgeous hikes at your fingertips stay to the west and if you wanna chill in a bathing suit and go fishing stick to the right! It’s a win win.
MW Do you listen to any music or podcasts when you’re working? If so what?
MG Both. Depends what I’m in the mood for! Music – lot of Jazz, old 90s Pop + R&B, Dance Hall, Drake, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna…. I’m all over the place. Podcasts – The Daily – when I need to learn something. SmartLess – when I need to laugh – sometimes – David Chang.
MW Which coffee are you home brewing?
MG Don’t want to be biased, but Canyon Coffee :) Tolima. My absolute favorite. I actually wasn’t much of a coffee drinker. Before Covid I was using our Nespresso machine before having to run out the door, but now I have to time to give a some love into my morning beverage.
MW Tevas or Birkenstocks?
MG Toughhhh. I rock Tevas in and out of the studio. Birkenstocks are beautiful as well, but too be honest I don’t have a pair just yet because if I’m not in Tevas…. Im in Crocsssss
SALAMAT MONICA
I was introduced to Monica Galan through Keegan at Woon Kitchen, and it took me a minute to find some time during her busy schedule for our interview. It also took a while to get the Q&A written up, but I guess that's to be expected from an extremely talented artist, who runs her own business whilst still retaining time to give back to her community and go camping. I'm excited to see her new glazing work, one-off pieces and future vision for Salamat Ceramics come to life in the near future.
MW Tell me a little bit about your family heritage and where you grew up? You were a pretty decent skater, correct?!
MG I’m first generation Filipino American! My parents immigrated from the Philippines in the early 70s (separately, to New York and California) My parents grew up in the same hometown back in the PI and then they reconnected here. I come from a big family. Both my Mom and Dad have 7- 10 siblings and I myself have 5. I’m the youngest.
We grew up in a small suburb east of San Francisco, San Ramon. I have always been a bit of a tomboy! Hanging with the boys! My oldest brother skated, 7 year age-gap. I always looked up to him and thought he was the coolest. I picked up skateboarding in 5th grade and was sponsored by our local skate shop and Lucky Bearings in 7th grade throughout High School. I’ve always skated off and on since…still got a couple tricks up my sleeve.
MW How did you initially become a ceramicist?
MG I’d always wanted to take a ceramics class and was on the hunt for a creative outlet. Something fun to do for myself, by myself. I took classes for two months and then became a member at the studio I was using. It was a hobby, that turned into a side hustle and eventually a full business. I didn’t consider myself a ceramicist until I accepted that I was working to become one.
MW How do you cope with running your own business currently given that it’s clearly scaling up and you’re doing everything yourself? I guess with most independent businesses it’s very rewarding because it’s yours, but also rather draining?
MG Mmmmm yes can you tell? Sorry this write up has taken forever hahaha :) Yeah I do everything myself - production, marketing, sales, shipping etc. Thankfully I do have some help from my husband, he sands all the pieces once they are finished / keeps me sane. From time-to-time, I’ll have someone wedging my clay (prepping and weighing it out prior to throwing).
It’s super rewarding and special to get to do what I love! Use my hands and create pieces that are in people’s homes! I try and remind myself this everything time I’m going through it, because damn! It’s hard to run your own business, I’m still figuring it out. I’ve out-grown my studio space and am practically working in a match box. While it has its charm, and I’m grateful to be working out of my own space, it's restricting. It’s also extremely tough to grow creatively and learn new techniques when you have to maintain the business. But I’m feeling good about 2021 and Salamat’s future. 2020 was good to us and have learned so much from the growing pains.
MG I’m first generation Filipino American! My parents immigrated from the Philippines in the early 70s (separately, to New York and California) My parents grew up in the same hometown back in the PI and then they reconnected here. I come from a big family. Both my Mom and Dad have 7- 10 siblings and I myself have 5. I’m the youngest.
We grew up in a small suburb east of San Francisco, San Ramon. I have always been a bit of a tomboy! Hanging with the boys! My oldest brother skated, 7 year age-gap. I always looked up to him and thought he was the coolest. I picked up skateboarding in 5th grade and was sponsored by our local skate shop and Lucky Bearings in 7th grade throughout High School. I’ve always skated off and on since…still got a couple tricks up my sleeve.
MW How did you initially become a ceramicist?
MG I’d always wanted to take a ceramics class and was on the hunt for a creative outlet. Something fun to do for myself, by myself. I took classes for two months and then became a member at the studio I was using. It was a hobby, that turned into a side hustle and eventually a full business. I didn’t consider myself a ceramicist until I accepted that I was working to become one.
MW How do you cope with running your own business currently given that it’s clearly scaling up and you’re doing everything yourself? I guess with most independent businesses it’s very rewarding because it’s yours, but also rather draining?
MG Mmmmm yes can you tell? Sorry this write up has taken forever hahaha :) Yeah I do everything myself - production, marketing, sales, shipping etc. Thankfully I do have some help from my husband, he sands all the pieces once they are finished / keeps me sane. From time-to-time, I’ll have someone wedging my clay (prepping and weighing it out prior to throwing).
It’s super rewarding and special to get to do what I love! Use my hands and create pieces that are in people’s homes! I try and remind myself this everything time I’m going through it, because damn! It’s hard to run your own business, I’m still figuring it out. I’ve out-grown my studio space and am practically working in a match box. While it has its charm, and I’m grateful to be working out of my own space, it's restricting. It’s also extremely tough to grow creatively and learn new techniques when you have to maintain the business. But I’m feeling good about 2021 and Salamat’s future. 2020 was good to us and have learned so much from the growing pains.
“I’ve always skated on and off since and have still got a couple tricks up my sleeve.”
MW How do you escape from the daily hustle of the business?
MG Mmmmm I physically have to remove myself haha! Planning a camping trip or going out of town is the only way. If I go on hike or spend the day at the museum or park, I’ll most likely be in the studio the second half of the day/night. So it’s most realistic for me to not have the option to touch anything to truly take a break.
MW Where have been your favorite places to travel in order to draw inspiration in the past? And are you now seeking ideas purely from the internet until you can start roaming the world again?
MG In the past I’d always make it a point to travel once a year internationally - Mexico, Italy and Croatia were amazing. Foreign landscapes, cultures, cuisines and architecture is something I find to be most interesting and influential.
I’ve always drawn inspiration from nature mostly. Most of all my camping trips - the desert, Utah especially. Fossil Falls and Red Rock Canyon, off the 395, have been most inspiring. Because I’m able to disconnect fully when I’m camping and traveling, I feel like my clarity allows creative and free thoughts to flow in. I usually have my sketchbook handy and draw things out.
MW Also tell me a little about the process of your art form? I love the idea that you set out to achieve a certain thing, but during the short process can end up with something entirely different due to the organic nature of your work.
MG I typically work on the wheel with a little combo of hand building. I’ve gravitated to marbling which is combing two different clay bodies or multiple colors into one piece. You can kind of see that throughout my collections. I’ll start with drawing a collection out, down to the shape, clay body, glaze etc. I’ll throw a piece, sometimes it works just as I envisioned or sometimes it’ll form its way into something slightly different. I hardly ever toss pieces out. I’ll try to get it to the finish line and work with it. It’ll allow me to stare at its full potential to decided whether I should keep it or not.
MG Mmmmm I physically have to remove myself haha! Planning a camping trip or going out of town is the only way. If I go on hike or spend the day at the museum or park, I’ll most likely be in the studio the second half of the day/night. So it’s most realistic for me to not have the option to touch anything to truly take a break.
MW Where have been your favorite places to travel in order to draw inspiration in the past? And are you now seeking ideas purely from the internet until you can start roaming the world again?
MG In the past I’d always make it a point to travel once a year internationally - Mexico, Italy and Croatia were amazing. Foreign landscapes, cultures, cuisines and architecture is something I find to be most interesting and influential.
I’ve always drawn inspiration from nature mostly. Most of all my camping trips - the desert, Utah especially. Fossil Falls and Red Rock Canyon, off the 395, have been most inspiring. Because I’m able to disconnect fully when I’m camping and traveling, I feel like my clarity allows creative and free thoughts to flow in. I usually have my sketchbook handy and draw things out.
MW Also tell me a little about the process of your art form? I love the idea that you set out to achieve a certain thing, but during the short process can end up with something entirely different due to the organic nature of your work.
MG I typically work on the wheel with a little combo of hand building. I’ve gravitated to marbling which is combing two different clay bodies or multiple colors into one piece. You can kind of see that throughout my collections. I’ll start with drawing a collection out, down to the shape, clay body, glaze etc. I’ll throw a piece, sometimes it works just as I envisioned or sometimes it’ll form its way into something slightly different. I hardly ever toss pieces out. I’ll try to get it to the finish line and work with it. It’ll allow me to stare at its full potential to decided whether I should keep it or not.
MW Can you tell me a little about Salamat Studio and the one-off pieces you’ve been creating?
MG Salamat Studio is a something I created to keep me excited creatively! Being a production potter can be wearing on the soul at times. I decided to create Studio, a second tier to Salamat, to have creative freedom whenever I feel and share it with those who are interested.
MW And you're taking up glazing soon correct?
MG Yessss! So stoked for this. I signed up for a glaze workshop online. Was slightly nervous for it being online, but I’ve heard great things. Understanding glazes and opening my glaze library is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve scheduled my work to fit around the class schedule to be as seamless as possible :)
MW Also what about the lovely initiative to give away your seconds to strangers in the community around Highland Park?
MG I’ve always found an interest in people. What they do? Who they are? Their families, work life, etc. Whether they are strangers or work/own businesses that I frequent. I’ve always given things to people as a nice gesture. Today I gave someone an umbrella because I had an extra and it was pouring rain. It’s slightly different because that person needed it. Haha it was dumpingggg rain. Regardless it made that moment special.
Giving people my ceramics was a natural act of kindness that just flowed. To let people know, I see you. I appreciate you. Thank you for being you. Sometimes I really go all out with flowers and plants with the pieces and take one photo of the person or family. Or sometimes I’ll just walk up to people and say I made this and hand it to them. I love seeing the looks on their faces. Surprised, happy and thankful, all in seconds. Most likely these people will never see me again and I can just be that random girl who gave them a handmade ceramic pot when they were working at the gas station.
MG Salamat Studio is a something I created to keep me excited creatively! Being a production potter can be wearing on the soul at times. I decided to create Studio, a second tier to Salamat, to have creative freedom whenever I feel and share it with those who are interested.
MW And you're taking up glazing soon correct?
MG Yessss! So stoked for this. I signed up for a glaze workshop online. Was slightly nervous for it being online, but I’ve heard great things. Understanding glazes and opening my glaze library is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve scheduled my work to fit around the class schedule to be as seamless as possible :)
MW Also what about the lovely initiative to give away your seconds to strangers in the community around Highland Park?
MG I’ve always found an interest in people. What they do? Who they are? Their families, work life, etc. Whether they are strangers or work/own businesses that I frequent. I’ve always given things to people as a nice gesture. Today I gave someone an umbrella because I had an extra and it was pouring rain. It’s slightly different because that person needed it. Haha it was dumpingggg rain. Regardless it made that moment special.
Giving people my ceramics was a natural act of kindness that just flowed. To let people know, I see you. I appreciate you. Thank you for being you. Sometimes I really go all out with flowers and plants with the pieces and take one photo of the person or family. Or sometimes I’ll just walk up to people and say I made this and hand it to them. I love seeing the looks on their faces. Surprised, happy and thankful, all in seconds. Most likely these people will never see me again and I can just be that random girl who gave them a handmade ceramic pot when they were working at the gas station.
“Giving people my ceramics was a natural act of kindness that just flowed. To let people know, I see you. I appreciate you.”
Where are your favorite two places to camp in CA and why?
Anywhere along the 395 Hwy between Independence and Bishop - aside from creating lots of special memories. It’s just a solid place! Not too far of a drive and feels like you're worlds away from the city. The landscape and weather is amazing. You have two different landscapes including weather on opposites sides of the freeway, west to east. If you want to be covered in trees and have gorgeous hikes at your fingertips stay to the west and if you wanna chill in a bathing suit and go fishing stick to the right! It’s a win win.
MW Do you listen to any music or podcasts when you’re working? If so what?
MG Both. Depends what I’m in the mood for! Music – lot of Jazz, old 90s Pop + R&B, Dance Hall, Drake, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna…. I’m all over the place. Podcasts – The Daily – when I need to learn something. SmartLess – when I need to laugh – sometimes – David Chang.
MW Which coffee are you home brewing?
MG Don’t want to be biased, but Canyon Coffee :) Tolima. My absolute favorite. I actually wasn’t much of a coffee drinker. Before Covid I was using our Nespresso machine before having to run out the door, but now I have to time to give a some love into my morning beverage.
MW Tevas or Birkenstocks?
MG Toughhhh. I rock Tevas in and out of the studio. Birkenstocks are beautiful as well, but too be honest I don’t have a pair just yet because if I’m not in Tevas…. Im in Crocsssss
Anywhere along the 395 Hwy between Independence and Bishop - aside from creating lots of special memories. It’s just a solid place! Not too far of a drive and feels like you're worlds away from the city. The landscape and weather is amazing. You have two different landscapes including weather on opposites sides of the freeway, west to east. If you want to be covered in trees and have gorgeous hikes at your fingertips stay to the west and if you wanna chill in a bathing suit and go fishing stick to the right! It’s a win win.
MW Do you listen to any music or podcasts when you’re working? If so what?
MG Both. Depends what I’m in the mood for! Music – lot of Jazz, old 90s Pop + R&B, Dance Hall, Drake, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna…. I’m all over the place. Podcasts – The Daily – when I need to learn something. SmartLess – when I need to laugh – sometimes – David Chang.
MW Which coffee are you home brewing?
MG Don’t want to be biased, but Canyon Coffee :) Tolima. My absolute favorite. I actually wasn’t much of a coffee drinker. Before Covid I was using our Nespresso machine before having to run out the door, but now I have to time to give a some love into my morning beverage.
MW Tevas or Birkenstocks?
MG Toughhhh. I rock Tevas in and out of the studio. Birkenstocks are beautiful as well, but too be honest I don’t have a pair just yet because if I’m not in Tevas…. Im in Crocsssss