Hey Guys,

Ive been in West Hollywood for a long time. Its been brought to my attention that I'm not easily accessible to the freeway so moving to the valley would bring my business up. I'm somewhat nervous about a move, as I have been here for quite sometime.

Question for the girls... If you have ever moved, has the move affected your business?

Question for the guys... Is Sherman Oaks a more desirable location? Has a move ever hindered your decision to keep someone as a regular?

Mimi

Hank's Tacos and Jennifer's Coffee Cup used to be my favorite recharging stations.

Sherman Oaks is more desirable in the sense that it's freeway close (405/101).  It also has a fair selection of three-star-plus hotels/motels to choose from near Ventura Blvd (that is if you choose to work outside of where you live).  You're also close to north/south boulevards that connect to the Westside (Beverly Glen takes you to Westwood, Sepulveda takes you to LAX, Coldwater takes you to Beverly Hills).  And I think that the rent would be about the same or slightly less than WeHo, unless you have a rent-controlled residence where you live now.  I live in Ventura County, but wouldn't mind driving to see someone worthwhile in S.O.  Driving to WeHo?  Probably not.

Good luck

I've spoken you you a few times via e-mail and text and the only thing keeping me from seeing you
was the long trip and traffic to get to Hollywood. Sherman Oaks is great. Easy access from the valley and
west side and very freeway friendly and lots of parking. Just talk to any of the many ladies in the area.
Jenny, Kate, Alyssa, Allie and they can tell you there's a gold mine of business out there.
Can't wait for your arrival. Keep us posted.

West L A ,SANTA MONICA,Venice 405,10 fwy's  no brainer , more upscale clientelle

I looked at santa monica and west la... I was not happy with size of the apartments... I need room

Scientific studies reflect moving to the valley will diminish one's IQ by at least 20%

Santa Monica/West LA is very expensive and the places are small.  Sherman Oaks is a nice area, you can find some good deals.  I am a Santa Monica guy but going over the hill is no big deal for me.  West Hollywood sucks due to the traffic, parking and is harder to get to, all local traffic so I think SO is a good move for you.

I am a Valley boy, it would make me very happy!

I agree with pretty much everything said so far -- Sherman Oaks is far better for many, many reasons. It's easier to get to, better freeway access, more parking, etc, etc, etc. But also, let's keep in mind, 40% of the population of West Hollywood is gay. That can't be good for your business!  

speaking only for myself, I would be overjoyed if you moved to SO, I'd finally get my chance to meet you ( :

I need some advise as well. I've got a spot in Encino that I lke when I visit the valley (usually early in the week) Could you PM me with some of those other locations you were talking about? I like to move around and not get too comfortable at one location if ya know what I mean!! Thanks so much, XOXO Eve

-- Modified on 5/17/2011 12:19:39 PM

I live up here as do my other gals and we all do just fine up here, plenty of biz and plenty of room.  They live in Sherman Oaks and I'm in Reseda and that doesn't seem to bother my biz at all.    PM me if you want a good location in terms of easy access, anonymous apartments that are nice as well as spacious.

I myself live in a house up here, and I love that I have tons of room plus a backyard and front yard and a garage all for what I would be paying to rent a tiny apartment in Marina del Rey (where I lived before).

I started my biz up here so I can't comment on what happens when you move, but I'm sure this industry is a bit of an exception to the rule in that sense.  You are unique, so if you move, so does your business whereas if you were a coffee shop and you moved, people would just find a new place to get coffee.

I say make the move, especially if you are already established.  Its like a good restaurant, a great club, or even a great hair dresser, you make the trip if its worth it and I'm sure you are worth making the trip for!

Mimi,

Saw you WAY back in 2002.   But it was really a hassle for me.  Like you said the plus is apartment size & space.   It's convenient, but you'll have a shift in your clients - not sure whether that is good or bad.  My thought would be you might lose some regulars, but you'll have better access to the SFV clients (and some West LA).   A number of girls do the apartment scene by the 101/405.   I also believe overall the vallley ladies in general run $50-$100 less than Westside - just supply and demand and client profile.

Sometimes a change in scenery is stimulating!

Good Luck

Speaking as someone who has primarily lived and worked in the Valley for 20 years I think it is a smart move.  As other respondents have noted, Sherman Oaks is "freeway close" and has many decent hotels where you could work out of.

My general experiences in WeHo have always been fraught with anxiety due to ghastly parking opportunities to say nothing of the traffic hassles.  Conversely, the Valley has always proven to be less frenetic, parking friendly, and you quite likely get more bang for your real estate buck with regards to the size and type of place you'll be able to find.

And finally - I have seen your ads before but the location has always been problematic...so I assuredly have a selfish motive for suggesting the move as well.

But seriously, I think you will find it a smart business and way of life decision.

MC

Here's my input for the girls in Sherman Oaks, or at least myself...I have some great TER guys who are happy to drive to the Valley, especially since I am so close to the 101 and 405. The parking is free, unlike me! LOL
Come over and I'll show you how beautiful it is over here...

-- Modified on 5/18/2011 1:43:41 PM

lots of good advice I'd second.  SO is nice and convenient, I dont go near HW- Traffic, parking etc..  Us valley guys are deprived come on out

I found a beautiful place right off the freeway in Sherman Oaks. See you there in June!

Mimi

Yippy!!!! Makes the drive a lot easier.