Alicia Harper
Alicia Harper is a marketing leader with 12+ years of experience creating high-impact campaigns for billion-dollar brands. She moved from New York to LA in 2022 and lives in Venice. Alicia is a member of the NYC in LA Host Committee, where she helps with social media and event planning.
What NYC neighborhoods have you lived in?
Williamsburg and Flatiron mostly.
What do you love (and maybe dislike) about New York?
Living in New York truly felt like I was living in multiple different countries all at the same time. There are SO many different cultures packed into such a teeeeny tiny space. The people, the food, the energy. It’s always exciting and can feel like anything is possible because it kind of is.
I’m not from New York (gasp!). So, even with people constantly around, it could sometimes feel isolating. The city doesn’t slow down for you, so you'd better keep up!
Only-in-New-York moment?
I saw my favorite group, RÜFÜS DU SOL, on a Friday night in the early days of the Brooklyn Mirage. The next morning, I met some friends for brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn and noticed the lead singer at the table literally 2 feet away from us. We ended up chatting for a few minutes and he was super friendly.
It felt like such a New York moment! One night you’re one of thousands of people in the crowd, and the next you’re just two people eating overpriced pancakes.
If you were to come up with your own personal quote on what New York means to you or how it makes you feel - what would that be?
I feel it’s only right to quote Carrie Bradshaw, “In New York, you’re always looking for a job, apartment or a boyfriend.”
When and why did you move to New York and LA?
I moved to New York when I was 23, so I was still quite young and naive. I didn’t have a strong sense of self yet, which I think is so important to finding happiness and success there. I grew up on a creek in Georgia, so I’ve always loved being in nature. But I grew to love city life while living in NYC.
The first time I visited LA, I knew I would live here one day. Three and a half years in, I’m excited to continue building my life in a beautiful place where ambition and self-improvement can co-exist with a healthier, more laid-back lifestyle.
Where do you live in LA now?
I live in Venice now and spent about 3 years down the street in Ocean Park. I love how the Westside feels like a small town where people know your name, but you can also venture into nature for a hike or sit in traffic for hours while trying to get to the other side of town.
Sometimes I go on what I call “solo sundays” and explore neighborhoods I’m less familiar with. Being alone makes me feel like I’m free to stumble into new situations with more openness than I usually would. It reminds me of those days I miss in New York when I’d never know where the day might take me.
What do you like and dislike about LA compared to NY?
When I moved here, I tried to make LA an extension of my New York experience. I quickly realized if I kept doing that, I would be severely disappointed. LA is more purposeful and far less fluid than New York. It’s taught me the importance of planning ahead and being prepared (car snacks are essential!).
Once you adjust, the city has a lot to offer. I’m a morning person now, I drink matcha instead of coffee, and I’m moderately tan and relatively happy year-round. Soooo maybe LA made me soft, but I’m very much enjoying some of that ease.
Can you share an "only in LA" story?
I saw Shia LaBeouf the other day on the boardwalk, but overall, way less celebrity sightings than in New York because everyone is in their mansions and fancy cars.
Favorite hidden gems in LA?
I work from home, so I’m constantly looking to get out of the house and co-work at coffee shops. I find Zinque to be the most versatile with indoor/outdoor seating and a good food menu. If you have suggestions, message me on WhatsApp or join the NYC in LA Co-Working subgroup
