We had the good fortune of connecting with Desiree Stramaglia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desiree, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for the business was sort of born from Covid. I had already been teaching yoga and giving readings and healings prior to quarantine, but I was almost always employed by someone. Of course, Covid lockdowns definitely affected my income, so I had to pivot and come up with a safe way to still do this work that I love so much and especially to be of service during such an unprecedented time of uncertainty for most people. I spent all of 2020 and 2021 creating the website, making products and trying to market myself in any way I could.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been slowly and steadily building this business since I started teaching yoga in 2014, but I almost didn’t even know it. I’m originally from Chicago and moved to LA in 2016. Once I moved to LA yoga evolved into energy healings then soundbaths then eventually readings, astrology and coaching. I like to think of myself as a one stop shop for spirituality. I think what sets me apart from other spiritual guides is that I don’t take myself too seriously and include humor into every aspect of my business. I find that without humor and laughter, we’re just sort of existing. Laughter is something joyful that can be felt instantaneously and can lift your mood in a second. My journey has been extremely hard at times, but it got me to where I am now and would never take it back. Without those tough experiences and bumps in the road I would never be able to help people now, so I’m actually extremely grateful for those experiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I’m super introverted so I definitely prefer a more low-key environment. Whenever anyone comes to visit I take them to Malibu. My favorite beach is El Matador. The cliffs and waves are just so amazing at that beach. The Malibu pier is always a fun time too with good shopping and food. Speaking of food, The Sunset is one of my favorite places to eat in Malibu, as well as Moonshadows and of course Nobu. Just the whole vibe of Malibu is so beautiful and stress-free and it’s why I chose it for my private beach yoga sessions. My end goal is to eventually open a retail store there because the energy is just so peaceful.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ultimately, I credit any and all success to yoga. Many people associate yoga with physical activity and while of course that’s part of it, there is just so much more. The spiritual principles behind yoga are truly life-changing. This along with meditation have been my biggest blessings in life and I truly hope that I can give that back to my clients if even in the smallest way. The foundation of everything I do professionally or personally is based on yoga and spirituality.

Website: Crystalvisionsmalibu.com

Instagram: @crystalvisionsmalibu

Yelp: Crystal Visions Malibu

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.