On The Quest With Hayley Starr Part 2

Hayley Starr along with some other Venetian vanguards are turning Lincoln blvd. into a go to destination for independent artists and designers. Since Google has moved into Venice and the rents have sky rocketed, the new wave must move a bit East and inhabit the once barren blocks. The Quest, Hayley’s store carries her dresses, her paintings, her jewelry, and her favorite products. I for one am a huge fan of the organic seed oils that are like food for the face and mind. A mini interview with the talented Starr below . . .(Photos by the always amazing Mel Blanchard)

1) Were you the most imaginative creative child ever?ha! hmmm… i suppose so. i grew up 1 of 6 kids, but also as an only child with/of my mother. i spent most of my time alone, and was very dependent of my imagination. mom was an interior decorator, so my childhood home set the stage, there was a peter max painting in particular that i was found very inspiring. she very encouraging of the arts, and enrolled me in every class possible (art, dance, acting, etc). so i’m thinking it was a combination of a creatively nurturing environment mixed with the seeds of a gift that i was lucky enough to have the space to practice.

2) What inspires you?
magic, ‘coincidences, deju-vu, rainbows (pastel ones), aliens, stars, trees, the sun, animals and insects, my dog, children, the japanese.
3) What song did you last listen to?
couldn’t tell you, probably whatever my spinning teacher played in class. can you believe i don’t often listen to music?!?!! mostly when i exercise or need to dance it out. mainly because i find music so powerful and that i can’t concentrate on anything else while it plays.
4) Are you a mermaid or forest fairy?
neither, but very friendly with both. i think of myself as more of a starseed from a distant planet in the plieadian constellation.
5) What is your beauty ritual?
varies. i try to keep it simple so as not to confuse my skin 🙂 ! these days it’s the light foaming cetaphil face wash, followed by retinol 0.5 by skinceuticals then my OBSESSION, a super hydrating cream by oxygen botanicals (which i sell in my store).
6) What or where is your favorite meal?
oh dear god/dess!!! where to begin. i have so many!!! LOVE FOOD. i think my very favorite meal is to go to fancy sushi joint (we’re blessed with so many in LA), then go for a turkey burger and fries, and maybe finish it off with a pot of gjelina’s butterscotch for dessert. though truthfully, these days i’m pretty veggie and may actually give birth to a cafe gratitude baby one of these days. love their ‘i am liberated’ kelp noodles.
7) what book is on your nightstand?
the war of art by steven pressfield. life-changer! buy it for friends often. tools to break down resistance… which we could ALL use right now 🙂
8) What advice would you give to a budding designer or painter?
this is my favorite question… because as of today i can assure you i’m living proof of what i’m about to write. IF YOU HAVE A DREAM, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES GIVE UP. do not. BECAUSE YOUR DAY WILL COME. as miss florence so eloquently quotes “it’s always darkest before the dawn”. sure is! i cannot tell you how many times i broke down and nearly gave up over the last 10 years. i believe downs are nature’s way of testing us, making sure you’re good, cooked and ready. those who aren’t are weeded out, for the victor to be left with a boatload of bliss. anything worth having, inherently comes with a side of ups and downs. so stick em out.