Tea Time with La: The Girl Behind the Mic

Her name is La, but Phoenix natives will know her better as “Lady La” – 1/3 of Live 101.5’s hit morning radio show “The Morning Mess”. We took some time to get to know the lady behind the mic and found a thoughtful, passionate woman looking to spread love and laughter to the world.

Tell us a little about yourself: Who is “Lady La”?

When I’m not working, I’m just being La. I’m a local girl with a big appetite and an even bigger heart. When I’m on air or working as Lady La, I’m a Phoenix radio veteran with eleven years in the game, but I’m also a travel writer, local personality, philanthropist, and a creative mind.

How did you get started in radio?

I was really successful in high school - I took advanced classes, spoke at graduation, and went to college just like I planned. When I started taking finance classes, I felt trapped in the mundane world of office work; I saw myself crunching numbers in a cubicle forever. I started interning at a radio station for fun, and whenever I was not at school, I was at the radio station. At first radio was an escape, but I eventually decided to leave ASU and seize the opportunity in front of me to jump into the work of being a radio DJ. I consider this the wisest decision I ever made. I thought I had a vision for my life, but I realized my heart was pulling me in a different direction. I would encourage anyone out there who feels stuck doing something they feel they have to do to instead take advantage of the opportunities that come their way.

What advice would you give to young people looking to get a job in radio?

Aim higher. Whatever your goal is, reach above that. Because my goals have always been high, I’ve always viewed it as doing well in radio first. It's okay to have other goals and do radio because radio is a bridge. It is a GREAT tool, but you always have to show up, show out, and aim higher!

What does life look like outside of work?

I find pleasure in the little things: cooking at home, reading books (paper ones, no e-books!), traveling the world (and taking pictures of it), and hanging out with my family, which includes 2 wiener dogs and a pit bull.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am influenced by the earth. The colors in the sky, the fruit on my plate, the light reflecting off the water. Nature inspires me to cook, to be humbler, and to show gratitude for the things I have been blessed with this lifetime. 

How do you give back to the community? 

Service is the point of my life. I try to give back in any way I can – spending my time in meaningful conversation, donating money to Arizona Autism United, creating awareness with The Purple Society, and community outreach with my church. I genuinely believe my life is not my own, and every interaction is an opportunity to give back to the community that allows me to live a life I love. 

What is the role of technology in your life?

My life basically revolves around technology at this point. From endorsements to connecting with listeners, browsing food blogs or checking out places I'd love to visit - it's how I shop, catch up with family members I cannot physically visit, and how I gawk at unattainable body standards.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

"Everything with a beginning has an end." It sounds morbid to some people, but I think it's a full and honest way to look at life, work, and relationships. Six months into my radio career, I suffered the devastating loss of a family member...then the radio station fired all of us. There was a lot of death and re-birth happening in my life, and I chose to embrace that. Rather than looking at the end of things - life, my "dream job"- as a loss, I have come to find it empowering. It's all a cycle: whether it's "'til death do us part" or "to infinity and beyond", it's important to appreciate the cycles and live life to its fullest because nothing is forever. I've always known my time in radio is not always forever: I won't always be the cool, young radio DJ; I won't always be able to get backstage or interview Justin Bieber. It makes me appreciate these experiences in the moment because I know they are not to be taken for granted.

Where do you see yourself in one year? five years? ten? What changes? What stays the same?

In one year, I’d like to be on vacation. In five years, on vacation on a beach. In ten years, I’d like to be on vacation on a beach with my husband and kids. Everything else changes, but that vision stays the same.

What’s your favorite tea & snack to pair with it?

Green Tea with a Raspberry Rose macaron. Yum!

Need more La in your life? Tune in to her radio show The Morning Mess each weekday on your ride to work! You can also check out her cooking show La's Remix Kitchen for fun and fresh recipes anyone can enjoy.