Meet Ilayda Celebi | Artist, Designer & Founder of Lyda Art Studio

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

Hi ilayda, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always believed that real growth happens outside of your comfort zone. I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, and when I was 18, I decided to move to Russia to study art in a completely new environment. I didn’t know anyone there, and I wasn’t familiar with the language or culture, but I immersed myself fully. Within a few weeks, I began understanding, speaking, and creating connections through art. Later, I returned to Turkey to complete my degree in architecture, and then, with the same courage, I moved to the United States to start a new chapter and build a life I had only imagined.

Each time I moved to a new country, I had to rebuild everything from scratch language friendships career and confidence. But I learned that when you stay open minded curious and creative you adapt faster than you ever thought possible.

Over time I’ve realized that the choices that truly shape your life are not always the ones you say “yes” to but the ones you say “no” to. Sometimes saying no to things that look like opportunities is the boldest and most meaningful risk you can take. When I started Lyda Art Studio I turned down many job offers and projects that seemed more stable or predictable because I believed in something different a warm creative space where people could come together laugh connect and create art pieces they could proudly display in their homes.

I wanted to show people that art doesn’t have to feel distant or intimidating it can be personal joyful and full of warmth. Every “no” I said brought me closer to that vision and every risk I took helped me grow into who I am today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Lyda Art Studio was born from my love for creativity and connection. I wanted to create a space where people could come together slow down for a few hours and make something beautiful with their own hands. Every workshop we host is more than just an art class it’s an experience where laughter curiosity and creativity meet. I believe the most beautiful part of art is not just the piece itself but the moments created while making it. I love seeing people spend time together laugh and connect while creating something with their own hands. Every brushstroke every texture every color they choose becomes a memory and when they look at their finished art piece later I want them to remember that day the laughter the people and the joy they felt while creating it. At Lyda Art Studio we embrace the warm and welcoming side of art rather than the cold and distant one. My journey as an artist and founder has been anything but easy but every challenge has shaped the vision behind Lyda Art Studio.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting I would definitely take them to Laguna Beach. We would start the day walking around the Local Hand Markets and the Sawdust Art and Craft Festival if it’s open because that place truly feels alive with creativity. The colors the music the smell of paint and coffee everything there makes you want to slow down and just enjoy the moment. After spending the morning surrounded by art we would head to Costa Mesa and have lunch at Habana. I love the outdoor atmosphere there the lights the energy and the tropical feeling it gives you even in the middle of the city. Later we would drive to Crystal Cove to catch the sunset and talk for hours watching the waves and the sky turning pink. That mix of art nature and warm energy is what I love the most about living here and what always inspires me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful to the people who have been by my side through every chapter of this journey. My partner Phil who has been my constant source of love strength and calm he’s the person who reminds me to keep believing even when things get hard. My best friend and creative partner Luca who always shares ideas helps me see things from new perspectives and brings endless inspiration to every project we dream up. And my sister Nilay who has supported me unconditionally from day one her encouragement and faith in me mean more than words can express.

Lyda Art Studio grew out of these connections out of love friendship and creativity.

Website: https://www.lydaartstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydaartstudio/?next=%2F

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580447514775

Image Credits
photos by: Luca Takahashi