Today we’d like to introduce you to Haily Zaki.
Haily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The LA Design Festival started in 2011 and since then, we’ve worked tirelessly to cultivate it into a global design event that really shines a spotlight on LA as the creative capital that it is. It’s a labor of love. When we started, this was a grassroots passion project, but with the support of the creative communities of LA, we’ve established a precedent and worked to build a sense of community. We’re just proud of our awesome city and love celebrating its diverse and talented creative culture.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is no such thing as a smooth road but we’ve figured out a few things along the way. We’re constantly experimenting, trying out new things, trying to stay nimble so that we can evolve with time. 2020 was meant to be a landmark year for the LA Design Festival, our big 10-year anniversary. However, the global pandemic changed that and we’re just rolling with it. We’ve postponed the Festival until September and are already planning for 2021.
LA Design Festival – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I love that our work is so dynamic and affords us the opportunity to connect with so many creative people. One day we might be programming events and pitching stories, the next day we’re writing editorial stories, coordinating IG Live sessions, and figuring out how to launch a podcast. We get to talk to architects, designers, futurists, entrepreneurs, and big thinkers. I also love how close our team is. We’re a small group of boss ladies who work hard to get things done. In uncertain times such as these, I’m just grateful to be working with great people.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Nothing can top the feeling of the 2019 Design Block Party, standing in the street surrounded by a sea of people and realizing how many people came out for the LA Design Festival.
Contact Info:
- Address: 970 N Broadway Ste 203, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Website: www.ladesignfestival.org
- Phone: 323-342-0007
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ladesignfestival
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladesignfestival/
Image Credit:
All photos are attributable to Monica Orozco
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