Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Russo, Ashley Miers, Octavia Klein. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elizabeth Russo, Ashley Miers, Octavia Klein, thank you so much for joining us. You are such positive people/women and it’s something we really admire, so we wanted to start by asking you all where you think your optimism comes from?
Our optimism is rooted in a commitment to continuous growth and a profound sense of gratefulness. While some people might naturally lean towards a positive outlook due to their personality or upbringing, we actively cultivate our optimism, both as a community and individually. We engage in practices such as mindfulness and gratitude, and surround ourselves with a like-minded team who provide positive influences. These practices not only help shape a supportive community but also empower us to continue producing exceptional shows and music. Every step we take is a step in the right direction!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers a little about yourselves?
We are entering the second year of production for our cooking show “Dancing in the Kitchen” which combines music and food to elevate your mood. Our show is a women-owned venture spearheaded by Show Creator, Co-Producer and Co-Host Ashley Miers, Co-Producer and DP Octavia Klein, and Award-Winning Songwriter and Co-Host Elizabeth Russo.
“Dancing in the Kitchen” is focused on promoting mental and emotional well-being by supporting and optimizing brain and nervous system health with nutrition and food. We also incorporate Ashley and Liz’s original songs – and fun banter – to create a fun and uplifting watching experience.
Some of the things that really stand out about the show are how we explore the intersection of creativity, nutrition and mental health. We share both science-backed facts and our own lived experience on topics like depression and gut health – as well as our original health-promoting recipes – and we also explore Ashley and Liz’s history as songwriters, friends and partners in music.
One of our most exciting recent milestones is that “Dancing in the Kitchen” began streaming on the Flamingo Network on Roku at the top of May 2024. The show is also available on YouTube @dancinginthekitchentv, and we have merch available for purchase at: https://dancing-in-the-kitchen.myspreadshop.com/
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Ashley:
For me, I think this question depends on whether we’re talking about my personal development/mental health recovery journey or my professional journey. Of course, the relationship goes both ways – my mental health impacts my professional success, and to a certain degree vice-versa!
But overall, I think some of the biggest needle movers for me have been cultivating resilience – basically getting back up every time I get knocked back or down, and not letting myself buy into negative thoughts or beliefs based on resistance or friction. If someone says no or offers criticism, that doesn’t mean “I suck and should stop trying”, it just means maybe that person isn’t the right fit, or that’s not the right direction. My mother-in-law says “every no is one step closer to a yes”, and I think she’s absolutely correct. It’s really a numbers game. How many times can you hang in when feeling threatened or rejected and just keep saying “thank you, next”? Because eventually, something will click into place – but only if you keep at it long enough and consistently enough for that to happen.
Another big lesson for me has been not only learning about and recognizing the value of self-care, but cultivating my ability to hold healthy boundaries with and for myself around it. I know that I’m setting myself up for a crash and burn if I don’t honor what I need – whether that’s good food, rest, connection and support, exercise, meditation, or anything else – so can I speak up for my needs and advocate for myself properly? Doing so helps me manage my energy so that I can meet the demands and opportunities before me prepared to bring my best and give what is required.
Lastly, and this is an ongoing practice, I’ve learned to open up and trust more. To connect and collaborate. This show wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the team that we’ve created. And I would never be able to heal from or handle the emotional ups and downs I’ve experienced in my life if I stayed isolated and was never willing to ask for or accept help. All of that requires honesty and humility as well as the development of a team mentality. Being all out for yourself is unattractive to others and conveys a mindset of desperation or scarcity. Winning is about helping others win, and I believe good things come to us because of that… Not because we are chasing those good things and not caring who we run over in the process.
I’d tell people who are starting out to find those you can be vulnerable with – those you can genuinely connect with, collaborate with and trust. If someone makes you feel icky, bad or uneasy, or if they’re always out for themself and you feel like you have to watch your back – that’s probably not the direction. Also find those who can mentor you. Ask for help when you need it, give it your all, and stick with it. Contribute value. You don’t have to be perfect to start. No one is an expert starting out. And experts still aren’t perfect! Just go for it, and you can always just keep improving as you go.
Liz:
Like Ashley, both my personal and professional lives have significantly shaped my journey. A pivotal quality that influenced my career is the importance of choosing your “people” wisely. I often recount how Ashley and I met: we were introduced at a runway show we were both doing in Downtown LA when I was pursuing acting and modeling full-time. During a break, we struck up a conversation and I learned she was a singer/songwriter working on her first album. She invited me to collaborate as a lyricist—a hobby of mine at the time—and I eagerly accepted. I became so enamored of our creative synergy that I shifted my career focus to songwriting permanently.
Fast forward over a decade, and once again, Ashley brought me an innovative idea—this time for a cooking show that integrates our music and mental health. I immediately agreed to co-host. In 2017, when my father fell ill and later succumbed to cancer, the experience deeply affected me both physically and mentally. When focusing on food and mental health, a topic that resonated with me due to the severe stress and grief I had endured. I saw this show as an opportunity to assist others facing similar challenges.
Reflecting on my journey, two other qualities that come to mind are embracing the power of forgiveness and mastering the art of saying no.
For those just starting their careers, my advice is to find your passion and persevere. While this may seem obvious, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed by undertaking too many projects at once. Maintaining focus is crucial for long-term sustainability. It’s important not to be deceived by the facade of overnight success often portrayed online. True achievement requires persistent effort, learning from mistakes, and resilience over many years. Starting over demands as much energy as pushing forward through challenges. Embrace both the highs and lows as integral parts of the journey. I am profoundly grateful to share this path with two remarkable women whom I deeply cherish.
Octavia:
As a creative, I have found it best to focus your energy on something that you’re really passionate about. One of the mistakes that I made as a photographer was getting distracted by what job was available, instead of really focusing on my main goal, which was food photography. I would shoot anything “because I could.” Food photography is my passion. It fills my soul. I absolutely love it and I now find myself 12 years later finally pursuing my passion. The result has landed our show a spot on the Roku Flamingo Network. I truly believe if I had been working in my passion sooner in life instead of being distracted by all the other things (weddings, family photos, portraits, etc.) that I could have had success sooner on my journey. So if there’s one thing I can tell you it is to truly pursue your passion—it will show, it will shine, and people will start to notice.
Secondly, I would like to say that having a really strong spiritual practice as a creative and as an entrepreneur has helped me along my journey in a huge way and helps me to shift my thinking. Life can be lonely as an entrepreneur/creative. Plus, social media is not helpful when it looks like everyone else is living their best life while you’re struggling. I meditate daily and take breaks throughout the day to get in touch spiritually, which helps me to keep my blinders on and to stay in my own lane.
The last thing I would say is have fun! When you’re having fun the world will see it and people will want to be involved in what you are creating too!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, always! For this season of production, we’re looking to bring on guest experts in relevant and related fields (nutrition, health, psychology, mental and emotional well-being, art, creativity, music, recovery). We’re also looking for aligned brands to partner with and seeking sponsors for the show. We thank you in advance for your interest!
Email: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dancinginthekitchen.tv/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancinginthekitchentv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dancing-in-the-Kitchen-TV/61558017690303/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dancinginthekitchentv
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1EnZvgUeJCLE2XuxE9eakX
Image Credits
Octavia Klein
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