Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayla El-Moussa.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It is actually a love story that started this all. 25th century was founded in 2009 as an archive for Lucas’s thoughts and inspirations. However, his particular eye for aesthetic and curation started gaining followers and grew quickly to over a million hits in just a year. Amongst that million was a girl living on a farm somewhere in Canada. Using 25th as my secret weapon for inspiration I began taking pictures based on the images posted.
A few years later I reached out in hopes of getting my work featured on the site. My second attempt was successful and five years later I am married to Lucas and 25th has morphed into the medium through which we interpret space and display our explorations in time travel, photography, music, film, and magic.
Has it been a smooth road?
It is interesting in running a business with your partner. There have been some struggles when it comes to timelines and vision. I always want more so there are some creative differences that arise between Lucas and I that can turn into arguments, but in the end, the final product always turns out amazing so the struggle and raised stress levels is worth it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
25th Century is a design studio. We do everything from one-off art pieces to shooting creative campaigns and product photography. We are definitely most known for our cinemagraphs (which is a combination of still and moving images). As a company, I am most proud of our ability to stay true to our morals and aesthetic views and to see the growth over the years that has a come as a result.
I feel like what sets us apart is our ability to operate comfortably outside the box. I have lived on 3 different continents and my family has always made it a priority to explore and experience new cultures and places. This has crept into the DNA of the company and random trips into the wilderness and motorcycle ride through the California canyons are a vital part of how we go about creating.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Historically different regions go through transformations which spark creative life.
Everything from the Italian Renaissance in the 1400s to the Harlem Renaissance in the 20’s. I feel like southern California is in the process of going through one of these creative explosions. Everyone has ideas and is open to collaborating, so yes I would say this is a good place to start out.
It is much easier this day and age to get your work out because of social media but nothing beats the human connection and infectious creative bug you get mingling with like-minded people. Plus the weather is impossible to beat and you are surrounded by about 6million acres of national parks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.25thCentury.co
- Email: ayla.elmoussa@gmail.com
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