One sunny "la la" afternoon I went to a friend's design shop, filled with fun, hip, and savvy girls where Jesica was working at the time, and we were chatting about style, decor, travel and my friend informed me that Jesica wrote a lifestyle blog. I was about a month away from launching The Grateful Gardenia and Jesica offered to help out if I needed it, I instantly said yes! I would love it, so we exchanged numbers and the following week we sat down together and she took me from A to Z on tips for starting out. I was so grateful for her incredible advice, Jesica literally walked me through everything! We continued to meet on the weekends for a few months and I said: "One day we'll figure out some way to collaborate, we'll figure out a way to have some fun" This May it will be two years since I published my first blog post and just as I'd hoped we are now creating content together. Say hello to Jes.
LEONA
Hey there everyone! I am delighted to be a contributor for the Grateful Gardenia and look forward to giving you my perspective on all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and of course -- wellness. Though I have my own lifestyle blog, www.ryzenbergon.com, I am honored to be part of this fantastic online destination.
So let me share a little bit about myself -- I was born and raised in Lima, Peru before my family moved to Florida in the early 1990s. After college (Syracuse University – go Orange!) I landed a job as a segment producer in Miami and three years later, with many lifestyle stories under my belt, the Golden State came calling. A decade, two big cities, and one fiancé later, I’m still here and there is never a dull moment!
Machu Picchu, Peru
I am currently based in Los Angeles, after seven magnificent years in San Francisco and enjoy pretty much everything this city has to offer. The beaches are awesome, the skies are blue almost every day, the hiking is second to none, and there is always something new to discover — whether it’s a cool neighborhood or a newly opened cafe!
Cafe Gratitude in Venice
When it comes to style, I am definitely a boyfriend jeans and tee kind of gal and have a penchant for stripes. I also have a soft spot for dresses and high heels, so it all depends on my mood! I guess it’s really what makes you feel your best.
A self-proclaimed travel junkie, collecting passport stamps is one of my hobbies! Some my favorite destinations include the beaches of Croatia, Vancouver, and the Swiss Alps. Some places on my bucket list include Cartagena, Colombia, Japan, and the English Countryside — but I hope not to stop just there.
Isle De Burano, Venice
One thing that I forgot to mention is that I am five months from tying the knot, so I am in full-speed wedding planning mode. I look forward to sharing all of my pre-nuptial adventures, as it’s quite an experience to fully navigate this bridal bliss (or blizzard)!
I am forever grateful to have found Janet — an empowering and incredibly inspiring woman who no matter how difficult the situation or how big the challenge, always has a way to lift my spirits. Thank you, my friend! Can’t wait to share more adventures with you!!!!!
I'm thrilled to collaborate with Jes, she's fun, innovative and I love her passion for creating content. Exploring ideas & opportunities have been exciting since day one. Growing The Grateful Gardenia just got a little greener & a little more grateful.
CREATE + COLLABORATE = YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE THE JOURNEY TAKES YOU