R. Jean Roth
Jean Roth is a designer, editor and specialist in creative communications solutions, as well as an intercultural specialist. Her businesses include Rotem Design Studio, a graphic design business for print, identity, and web design, and Rotem Gear, which got its name from the Hebraicized version of her last name. She even considered changing to it while living in Israel. It’s the word for an evergreen desert shrub with tiny fragrant flowers and symbolizes grace and survival under challenging conditions – cool! Also, it’s the name of her apparel line of t-shirts and tops, which are inspired by pop culture, ethnic, and urban designs. Lucky for me, Jean also designed The Yenta Reports’ YENTAWOOD t-shirt!!
Jean has a fascinating background having worked at fabulous places like UCLA, the Japanese Consulate General, the top high-end Japanese audio-electronics company, a software company, the diamond exchange in Tel-Aviv, a non-profit educational organization that helps Jewish and Arab children, and two award-winning architectural firms. Jean is fluent in Japanese and Hebrew. Hellooo? Smarty Pants! – but in a good way, of course.
Her designs are very much influenced by her personal, educational and professional background, which has taken her from East Asia to the Middle East. Also visiting other places like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong-Kong, Turkey and Egypt, Jean is fascinated by the textures, typographies, rhythms, and architecture of traditional, modern and colonial influences on urban life.
After learning all this about Jean – it’s no surprise to know that the movies she is drawn to have themes that are about escape or where fantasy and dream meet real life: Kwaidan, Harvey, Back to the Future, Monsoon Wedding, Jurassic Park, 5000 Fingers of Dr T, and Spirited Away.
Your favorite place in LA to have a cocktail?
These days I'd probably rather go to an indie coffee place than out for a cocktail. But if I were to go for a cocktail the first place that comes to mind is Liquid Kitty—it’s known for their outrageous martinis.
Your favorite LA place for bargain shopping?
I really tend to shop for bargains online, although for handbags, I always check Ross since I tend to use one bag at a time relentlessly until it dies. I also am a fan at new craft fairs like Felt Club (where I've also been a vendor) and Renegade.
You could change one thing about LA - what would it be?
Less bland, ugly, boring strip mall architecture, more public transportation and accessibility, more community consciousness...oh heck, can we just transform it into San Francisco?
You’ve always wanted to go to this LA spot – but just haven’t made it there yet?
The new Griffith Observatory and also the Annenberg Space for Photography.
Your favorite LA extravagance?
Filling up my gas tank. Isn't that everybody's?
Your favorite neighborhood haunt?
My neighborhood is Mar Vista, and I like to pop into the Venice Grind coffee shop, so long as the music's doesn't make me run away, and the nearby Soaptopia shop, which, like Calgon, takes me away, but without artificial ingredients...it's a yummy (and friendly) shop for natural, handmade soaps and body products. Right nearby is also Mitsuwa, so nice to have a Japanese supermarket nearby.
Your favorite local getaway?
The very local Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades, a true retreat from the world. And, of course, a simple walk along the beach, which I hardly ever do, despite the fact that I'm so close.
Your favorite place for cheap eats?
These days it's LA Vegan Thai on Centinela -- awesome place! I also often drop into the Mitsuwa supermarket food court; it's not the best Japanese food in the world but for fast food it's not bad. It's cheap, lively, has a bit of a real Japanese vibe, offers variety, and then I can go food shopping. Third, I sometimes go to Govinda's, the cafe at the Hari Krishna temple on Watseka, for veggie, healthy, tasty food, and they have a wonderful boutique on the second floor. Last, on my list (but I've only managed to stop in once so far), is Bibi's on Pico for Israeli-style Middle Eastern bagels and "toastees" with cheese.
You always take out of town guests to this spot?
I've already mentioned the Lake Shrine, but I like Olvera Street, especially for East Coasters who think LA has no history at all. Another cool lesser-known spot is the Adamson House in Malibu. For those who want more action, we usually opt for Universal Studios.
You're most connected to this charity or your last volunteer experience?
I tend to support animal advocacy groups like the Humane Society, WWF, Defenders of Wildlife and the lesser known but awesome Physicians for Responsible Medicine. I'm also a huge fan of KIVA! Their system of micro-loans that keep giving over and over is incredibly rewarding to be part of.
