We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Webb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, how does your business help the community?
Fly With Us started as the brainchild of my husband, Jay.We were often having conversations about mental health and the crisis we could see coming as a result of the lack of free, easy to access and quality resources. The Fly With Us Podcast focuses on mental health care and protection. Most people don’t realize how close they are to a mental breakdown. We can all easily recognize how close we are to a financial crisis but we don’t give our mental health that same thought and consideration.

What we do is put a huge spotlight on taking care of and protecting our mental health. We do that by creating shows and other content. There are interviews with leading experts in the field of self-care and mental health. We break down what could be complicated, hard to understand information into easy to understand concepts.

The daily self-care assignments posted across our social media platforms are no-to-low cost ways that allow us to take just a few moments to focus on taking care of ourselves in new ways. When most people hear the term “self-care”, they think of manicures, pedicures, massages and spa days. However, self-care must become a lifestyle and a lifelong commitment to living our best life.

As the world’s technology changes and people are under more stress, the importance of self-care becomes more prevalent.Technology is becoming more advanced thus removing some of the human connection.We are hoping that our message resonates and spreads around the world for a more global effect. People need to get back to the days where we looked out for one another. Technology and automation are amazing but people will always need people, or at least we should. Nothing beats a warm hug from someone who loves you or a good catch up laughter session with friends.

The things that nurture our soul are the best forms of self-care. The Fly With Us Podcast is a journey filled with self-love, self-care, mental health care and protection, life lessons, love lessons and everything in between!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My dad was a DJ on the radio, at various skating rinks, parties and events. We all helped with the family business. My dad was the DJ with the help of my brother and my mom and sisters took pictures against the personalized backdrops that my mom created. I began helping my dad when I was 10 years old. Playing music for people is my favorite thing to do. The joy I get from seeing people rock out and vibe with me is unmatched. It’s my most favorite form of self-care. When I’m playing music, that’s all that matters. I specialize in playing songs you didn’t know you wanted to hear. Those songs that bring to mind core memories and flashbacks of what I hope are good moments. I create an experience when I play music for people and then I upload the playlist to Spotify in case people want to relive the vibe. Putting the playlists online also allows me to send my playlists to potential clients so they can listen and decide if I’m the DJ they are looking for for their event.

In my day job, I am the Special Education Coordinator and the Intervention Specialist at an elementary school. I have two titles because I perform two jobs. As the Special Education Coordinator, my job is to provide academic and behavior support for those students who may not qualify to receive Special Education Services, either due to age (too old) or not having a diagnosed disability. As the Intervention Specialist, I have a caseload of 24 students max who qualify for special education services due to being diagnosed with a disability. I am starting my 20th year in education.

As an educator, I love making a difference in the lives of children. When they have that ‘light bulb’ moment as a result of something I did, it’s the most amazing feeling. I have taught special education for my entire career (over 20 years) and although it is challenging, it brings me so much joy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have so many favorite places in the city, so this is going to be hard! We would start out with breakfast at The Ugly Duckling. Then to the Oregon District for some shopping and reminiscing at Omega Music, Puff Apothecary for some smell goods and body products. Next we would stop at Heart Mercantile for some cute, novelty items and we would probably pop in the Goodwill store just to look around.

Blind Bob’s would be our top tier lunch break spot followed by Paloma’s at Toxic Brew. After lunch and drinks we’ll either check out one of the malls or an art museum. We would then head to my house to hang out for a while until it was time to head to The Barrel House for more drinks poured by the best staff while we listen to the live DJ of the night.

Our city has so much to offer, it could take a week or more to really visit all the top spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I have to give a shoutout to my parents and grandparents. Without them and their guidance, I would not be who I am and be able to serve my community the way I do. I owe everything I am and everything I’m not to them. My love for music comes from my dad; my feisty nature comes from the women in my family and my compassion comes from my grandpa. I know those who have passed on are watching me full of pride.

My husband is my biggest supporter and without his support, there’s no telling where I would be. The Fly With Us Podcast was his idea. He started off as the producer and after the departure of two previous co hosts due to scheduling changes, he joined as my co host. After 25 years together, married for 24, he still fully supports everything I do. He commissioned both of my logos, acts as my manager, orders merchandise for purchase and helped me raise two great kids to adulthood. We have navigated this life together and it’s been great. After my father passed in 2020, I thought I would never DJ again and it was him who encouraged and convinced me to start DJing on the side.

I have to give a shout out to my children for all of their love, support and encouragement. They cheer me on and listen to my mixes on Spotify and MixCloud with their friends.

Last but certainly not least, I have to thank all of the people who fly with us! The support we have received has been overwhelming in a very good way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly_with_usla/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fpodcast_fly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlyWithUsLA?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flywithuspodcast6003

Other: https://linktr.ee/flywithuspodcast

Image Credits
Jay Webb Logo By Juan Atomz (Atomic Arts)

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