The one where I explain why I moved to California

The one where I explain why I moved to California - Angela Simpson, My Fresh Perspective

I’ve been talking a lot over on the ‘gram and in last week’s June intentions post about my recent decision to move to LA, and naturally, you guys have questions!

Before I get started, I’d like to say a massive thank you again to all of you who have continued to send the sweetest messages, good luck vibes and words of encouragement. SO much has happened since I flew out of Vancouver last Monday, and while kinda overwhelming, I have to say that it’s been a fabulous (and incredibly productive) first week. I’ll chalk it up partly to getting lucky, and partly to having a super supportive network of new and old friends. Call it cliche, but #blessed just about sums up my life in a hashtag right now…. as well as #thankful #happy #excited and #allthefeels.

The one where I explain why I moved to California - Eat Spin Run Repeat

From managing to rent the first apartment I toured (I had a good feeling about it weeks ago when I stumbled across it online) to being introduced to a bunch of talented, caring people, I’m still pinching myself daily and wondering “how the heck did all this happen?” But I know the biggest question on many of your minds is “WHY did all this happen?” and perhaps second “WHAT are you doing there?”

As you may already know, I left my full-time gig at lululemon head office earlier this month. The company is one of few major brands – and the first I’ve worked for – that truly resonated with me. From the moment I started, I felt fully supported. Everyone surrounding me who shared similar passions for hard work, dreaming big, and personal development. At the time, I didn’t think there was another company I’d ever feel so aligned with.

Goal setting is a commonly discussed topic here on the blog, and while I make a regular habit of sharing my goals and intentions with you guys, this one big goal of relocating to California – specifically west LA – was one that’s been brewing in me since the beginning of this year.

Something had been drawing me further down the west coast. Perhaps it was a long gray winter, or the month of March, where it rained all but 3 days in Vancouver. But I knew I couldn’t feasibly move without having a job and stable income lined up. Just like the saying “you can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket”, you can’t get a job if you don’t apply. So I started, never fully expecting to be taken seriously as a Canadian applicant since there are a lot of obstacles as far as visas go.

Lo and behold, I actually got a call. It just so happened to be from the company I wanted to work for most out of all of those I applied for.

The one where I explain why I moved to California - Thrive Market - Eat Spin Run Repeat

My fellow podcast junkies out there might be familiar with Thrive Market, particularly if you listen to any of the top-rated health + wellness podcasts on iTunes because the company sponsors many of them. If the name is new to you, think of them a bit like Amazon Prime, but for organic and non-GMO groceries. It’s an e-commerce based business where members pay an annual fee to gain access to products for 25-50% less than the prices you’d find elsewhere. (Yes, that includes other online retailers and large-chain grocery stores.)

It’s a crazy great perk, achieved by cutting out middle men and getting products straight to shoppers like you and me. Everything is carefully vetted, so you won’t find any products with ingredients that aren’t up to industry standards. There are heaps of name brands that you’ll recognize, and Thrive Market’s private label which is amazing. (That’s what you’re seeing in the photos above and below.) Not only is the packaging gorgeous, but the quality is legit and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying stocking my pantry with tons of it!

The one where I explain why I moved to California - Thrive Market - Eat Spin Run Repeat

When shopping online for product, you can search by lifestyle values and ingredient preferences (think paleo, gluten-free, vegan, carbon-neutral, etc) which means less time spent flipping over packaging and reading labels in the grocery store. What’s even cooler, however, is Thrive Market’s commitment to giving back. Listen up, because this is pretty darn impressive.

Firstly, for every membership sold, one is donated to a low-income American family. That means fewer families going hungry, and better access to healthy food for everyone. The corporate social responsibility doesn’t just end there though. They use 100% recyclable packaging, and shipping facilities are zero waste. As part of the Thrive Gives initiative, not only are memberships donated, but Thrive Market also shares wellness education and grocery stipends with families in need. They also make it super easy for members to get in on the action by donating a portion of the money they save on groceries to these lower-income people. Is your heart exploding with love yet?

The one where I explain why I moved to California - Thrive Market - Eat Spin Run Repeat

You guys know that I could geek out about nutrition and holistic wellness all day (and I do!), and it’s been a long-time goal of mine to be part of a company in this space. The mission-driven nature of Thrive Market was what made them stand head and shoulders above anyone else, so the decision to move was pretty much a no-brainer. The people I met back when I visited for my interview in April were wonderful, the company is growing fast, and to say it’s an exciting time to be alive would be a big understatement!

The one where I explain why I moved to California - Thrive Market - Eat Spin Run Repeat

The last couple of months have been packed with learning about immigration, finances and cross-border taxation, shipping, selling cars, finding housing, and so much more. But alas, it’s done, and now I’m having an absolute blast furnishing my new place and exploring my new neighbourhood. (And yes, even though I now live in America, I will still spell ‘neighbourhood‘ and ‘colour‘ with the letter u.) Today just so happens to be my very first day in the office. It’s kinda like the first day of school all over again!

I know this post probably sounds like a gigantic commercial, but I don’t mean for it to be this way. I’m truly over the moon about this opportunity, and can’t wait to dive into the work. If you’re located in the US, want to give Thrive Market a try, AND get 25% off on your first order, you can check it out and sign up here. For my Canadian friends, don’t you worry – I’ve already put in a good word on behalf of the country to let them know there are many interested customers up north.

The one where I explain why I moved to California - Thrive Market - Eat Spin Run Repeat

Phew. Thanks for sticking around until the end of this rather long post, and for letting me pour my enthusiasm and excitement onto the (digital) page. Before you go, I’d really love to hear…

Do you make an effort to somehow give back to people or the planet, through the company you work for, volunteer work, the causes you support, or otherwise? Tell me what lights you up!



12 thoughts on “The one where I explain why I moved to California

  1. Congratulations on the exciting new beginning!! I’m a teacher so volunteering comes with the job but I wouldn’t have it any other way because the rewards are so great. Thank You for keeping the ‘u’ in neighbourhood!

    1. Thank you so much Chrissy! I have a few friends who are teachers and I truly admire you guys for the work you do. It takes a very special type to be able to get up there in front of a class of kids every day, and it’s such an important role that you play in shaping who they grow up to be.

  2. Thanks for sharing. I was truly curious why you moved. I get the Vancouver weather- coming from the prairies I can’t imagine living in a place with so much rain and cloudy skies. Congrats on the new job. I’ve been patiently waiting for Thrive to come to Canada so be sure to let us know when they do.

  3. Since moving to the states almost 4 years ago, i refuse to change my Canadian spelling as well ?. I’m soooo happy to hear you’re working for them. We got a thrive membership well over a year ago and it’s one of the things that’s helped me feel more at home in the U.S. (food and health does that for me!). If we could relocate in the states, the west coast is where i would totally want to be!

    1. I’m so glad you’re loving it too, Char! I have to admit that as nerdy as it sounds, stocking my pantry with all the private label stuff has been SO much fun, and I’m quickly discovering some new faves while doing so. On that note, I’d love to hear if there are any products you absolutely adore and think I should try!

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