Finding Inspiration as an Entrepreneur: 72hrs in Venice Beach at The Redline

If you’re a business owner, then you know it takes time and energy to grow a business. 

But it also takes inspiration. 

Inspiration is one of those elusive forces that can drive change, fuel pivots, and expand your perception of what’s possible. At the same time, it feels mysterious and impossible to summon.

I learned early on that inspiration doesn’t show up on command. I’ve also learned that it was more likely to show up if I made space for it. This led to my “visionary retreats”- intentional trips to somewhere fun and inspiring.

I stayed at the Redline Venice Hotel, made time to explore, and spent time thinking about my 5-year plan for my business, and it was a home run! The Redline was the perfect space for it and now I’m sharing my itinerary in hopes that it can inspire others. Inspiration can very much be within reach, and sometimes that means booking a getaway.

Whenever I plan a visionary retreat, I like to start it with ease. Travel days set the tone and if I want my energy to be calm and inspired, it just makes sense to build it in. That means no complicated layovers and minimal travel stress.

I flew directly to LAX from Paine Field, (Everett, north of Seattle) which was stress free. If you haven’t flown out of the airport yet, don’t wait! It’s tiny; no lines, easy parking, and worth the detour.

Once I landed, I took a quick 25-minute Lyft to The Redline Venice Hotel. Check-in wasn’t until noon, so I decided to check out the neighbourhood. I stopped at Menotti’s Coffee Stop for a cup of coffee. If you ever visit, be sure to take a look at their “secret menu” posted at the back of a framed photo near the patisserie window. I had the best cup, which was a perfect blend of orange peel, dark chocolate, and espresso. I then headed over to Belle’s Beach House for a quick bite. Great people watching and vibe; I watched a graffiti artist put together a mural the whole time with such focus and skill.

When it was time to check-in, it was seamless - just a simple door code via SMS and everything ready for me. The suite I stayed in (The Escape) was like a creative sanctuary. You could feel the intentionality behind the design in every detail. I dropped my bags, admired the design and art on the walls, and took a quick catnap to recharge before heading out.

I spent the afternoon strolling from Venice Beach down to the Santa Monica Pier. There’s something about the beach that pulls you in and walking that route opens up creative thinking. Maybe it’s the sound of the waves, the views of the ocean, the music that follows you, or just being in a perfect spot to people watch (another great source of inspiration). I stopped for coffee along the way at a cafe called Hooked and people watched for a bit there too.

Dinner was simple but perfect for a solo traveller: tacos to go from Amigos Birria Tacos eaten on the rooftop terrace of The Redline. It’s like there’s an automatic switch: I’m officially “out of office” and the ideas I didn’t have space for before start bubbling up, so I take out my notebook and jot them down before calling it a night in the most comfortable bed I’ve enjoyed in a long time.

The next morning, I’m in that perfect headspace where I’m relaxed enough to think clearly but still energized to get things done. I head out early, stopping by Intelligentsia Coffee. What a great space to work for a few hours with good coffee, good wifi, and plenty of art on the walls.

I didn’t get a chance to go on this trip, but I did come across Moss Coworking in the same neighborhood. Coworking with a spa? Intriguing. I found myself easily slipping into that deep work zone and outlining a major part of my 5-yr strategy.

By mid-morning, I was ready for a break. I strolled through Abbot Kinney Boulevard. If you’re into art or photography, the murals and graffiti everywhere are super well done, and there’s plenty of window-shopping and lunch options (I recommend hitting up food trucks that have a decent line). 

I headed back to The Redline for a short reset (midday downtime is the ultimate luxury). The rooms are peaceful with room-darkening shades, which made recharging mid-day easy.

As the evening rolled in, I met up with my clients and we headed to Gjelina for a fantastic dinner. Everything on the menu is good, but one dish called my name and did not disappoint: a charcuterie spread with grilled yellow peach, burrata, chicory, aged balsamic, and prosciutto, drizzled in olive oil.

On my last day, I got up early for a walk through the Venice Canals. They’re quiet and a little tucked away so it’s the perfect spot to think through what’s next before diving back into your responsibilities.

I stopped at Alana’s Coffee Roasters for breakfast and a bit of writing, pocketing the last bits of inspiration so I can take it home with me. They had a lovely terrace out back that’s completely charming.

By late morning, it’s time to go back to The Redline, pack up, grab a Lyft back to LAX, and fly home.  If you’re hungry, grab yourself an In-N-Out burger on the way from the one near LAX! (I didn’t, but if I’d been with my kids I would have 100% made the stop there too). 

An easy 2.5 hr flight home, with 5 minutes to get out to the curb from the plane (thanks, Paine Everett airport). Travel was so easy and, ultimately, I got what I came for: a ton of inspiration, surrounded by creativity for a few days, good conversation and people watching, and a few deep-work sessions to solidify things.

If you’re not an entrepreneur, you might wonder, why work while you’re traveling? But if you are one, you probably get it. Sometimes a few days away can do more for your business than a regular month at your desk juggling your calendar.  

Maybe it’s the setting. Maybe it’s the walking, the good coffee, the ocean air, or the lack of interruptions. But during those three days, I got more “big things” done than I had in months.

Sometimes the only way to see these big topics clearly is to step away and create space in your mind. Let yourself absorb some inspiration from around you, whether that’s music or art or performance or good food and good company, and give your brain some space to connect the dots. 

I have to give credit where it’s due because The Redline Venice Hotel played a big part in making this retreat what it was.

Everything about the stay was designed to make life easier. Check-in and check-out were completely text-based. It felt safe, inspiring, and exactly what I needed.

The design itself was thoughtful in every detail and the space felt curated and modern, with art that actually told a story. The room invited you to slow down and think, and the setup couldn’t have been better. Great lighting, reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and a workspace with an actual view.

There were also small comforts that made my stay memorable. The bedding was top-notch, Netflix was already logged in (a small but appreciated touch), and there was a kitchenette perfect for coffee breaks or quick snacks.

Location-wise, you’re right in the heart of everything. Honestly, my only complaint is that I didn’t stay longer. 

Next time, I’ll gladly stay a few more days.

A “visionary retreat” doesn’t have to mean a sabbatical or a plane ticket halfway across the world. Sometimes all it takes is 72 hours in a setting that lets you think clearly again & gets the creative juices flowing.

For me, that place was The Redline Venice Hotel. Maybe, when you’re ready for your own reset, it’ll be yours too.

About the author: Sara Kappler is the founder and CEO of Centric Squared, a customer-centered email marketing agency. She is an experienced marketer and a mom.