Meet Rachel from Ascot who moved to LA seven years ago to pursue acting.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I chose LA since it is the headquarters and the heart of the entertainment business.
What do you miss most from home?
I miss the food the most from home. Going to Jack’s for fish and chips, Nandos, going to the local pub for pub grub, and my absolute favorite, sausage rolls.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
My first impression of LA was when I visited for a week before I moved and I thought it was so clean. The roads were clean and well maintained and that veil was quickly removed after I moved here and had to drive out of the touristy areas.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Ascot?
The speed of life. Everyone out here is constantly working and moving on different life projects and the speed of life is much faster than back at Ascot.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
I am now living in the OC and I love it down here. The Irvine Spectrum is not a hidden gem, but it is my go-to place when I want to meet up with friends.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
I was very lucky to get a group of friends and a support system out here so quickly after I moved. The apartment complex I lived in was very social and it was easy to meet fellow actors and connect with them as friends. I would suggest that you find ways to be social and grow your group of friends since LA can be a very isolating and lonely place. It can be hard to find genuine people out here, but when you do, they will be your friends for life.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
When you feel like you are stuck in a downward cycle and it seems like there’s no way out. Imagine this cycle is made up of dominos. All you have to do is remove one domino to stop the next one from being knocked down. When you are feeling overwhelmed just take a step back to remove yourself from knocking the next domino and that will help you to get control over your situation.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Right now I have an Etsy shop where I sell cards, posters, and pins of my own design. You can find it at As Long As Life Keeps Pushing Me I will by RachelWaltersDesigns.
