Jennifer Romolini, an author and podcaster based in Los Angeles, is on a personal journey of transformation that stems from a tumultuous past. With over 20 years of experience in high-profile roles at women’s magazines and lifestyle websites, her forthcoming memoir, “Ambition Monster,” details how she navigated a “harrowing and violent childhood” by chasing professional accolades and external validation as a means of coping with her inner struggles.
Now, as a reformed workaholic, Romolini is focused on redefining her understanding of ambition and success, particularly in what she describes as the “second half of life.” Through her new podcast, “Extended Scenes,” she encourages candid discussions about the nuances of ambition, which include challenges such as parenting a teenager, managing her aging body, and balancing multiple creative projects. Romolini expresses a newfound clarity and purpose in her ambition, stating, “I’m not chasing anything anymore. This podcast, I’m making it for me. I’m so right with why I’m doing things.”
Her evolving perspective on wellness is deeply personal. Romolini critiques how wellness has been commodified and often remains inaccessible to many, noting, “Every time I think about wellness, I think about how it’s been commodified, and how white it is, and how much it’s about buying [stuff].” For her, true wellness involves emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and fostering connections with others. “One of the hardest things is fully allowing yourself to be seen,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of self-love and community.
Living in Silver Lake, Romolini finds solace in local spots that nurture her sense of peace. She frequents Bellevue Recreation Center, where a nearby wooded area offers a tranquil space for meditation. The Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz is another haven for her, providing a peaceful environment for reflection and learning. Romolini also enjoys the nostalgic charm of Naturewell, a smoothie shop known for its “chocolate thunderbolt smoothie,” which she delights in on days when she needs a mental break.
In her pursuit of emotional balance, she has taken up card games with friends, deliberately prioritizing in-person connections over solitude. “The back garden at Stories Books & Cafe is a fantastic spot to spend time with others,” she shares. And when she needs to unwind after a hectic week, she indulges in dirty martinis and fries at Taix, a classic French restaurant.
Romolini maintains a committed exercise routine, including weightlifting at home and attending classes at Everybody gym in Cypress Park. “It’s the most chill and wonderful and welcoming gym I’ve ever been to,” she describes. By focusing on strength training and yoga, she aims to maintain her physical and mental well-being, acknowledging that staying limber is essential for healthy aging.
Despite her busy schedule filled with writing a memoir, podcasting, and her role as the senior beauty editor at Yahoo, Romolini carves out time for downtime by consuming various forms of culture. She finds joy in creative projects such as rearranging spaces in her home and tending to a loom for weaving textiles. This hands-on activity proves to be a therapeutic escape, allowing her to engage fully in the tactile process without the pressure of creating a marketable product. “I think it’s important to have something you’re doing that you’re an amateur at, that you’re not trying to make money on,” she reflects.
As a beauty editor focused on the needs of women over 40, Romolini offers insight into local beauty hotspots that cater to diverse needs without excessive price tags. She mentions Credo Beauty on Sunset, a haven for clean beauty products that rivals larger retail chains in terms of quality and selection. Another favorite destination is Le Pink & Co., also located on Sunset, known for its impressive range of makeup and fragrances.
On the culinary front, Romolini has adapted her eating habits due to perimenopause and celiac disease. As a lifelong gluten-free eater, she has noticed changes in her digestion and makes a conscious effort to limit sugar intake. “I try to avoid sugar; it doesn’t work for me,” she admits, noting how it affects her mental clarity. Yet, she finds comfort in local eateries such as Botanica in Silver Lake and often chooses to shop at Lassens for her grocery needs, expressing preference for it over other more commercial health food stores.
Gathering her thoughts, Romolini reflects on her transformation, illustrating how her past obsession with external validation has given way to a more meaningful pursuit of personal fulfillment. At this stage in her life, she is committed to finding peace, fostering connections, and continuing the ongoing conversations in her podcast.
As she navigates the complexities of both motherhood and midlife, Jennifer Romolini serves as an inspiration to others seeking to redefine success on their own terms, finding empowerment in vulnerability, authenticity, and clarity of purpose.
image source from：latimes
