Meet Laila Hazel
We had the good fortune of connecting with Laila Hazel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Laila, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor that has attributed to my success would have to be community. Having a village is way more than a simple saying that we hear when discussing raising children. Being a creative will pull you in many directions at one time however, having friends family and mentors who can help guide and ease the stress along the way is what it’s all about! We forget that we thrive in numbers and our personal success can also benefit from the community we build around ourselves. I am blessed to have a variety of professionals and support systems that provide the information needed to reach the goals I set for myself.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Unfiltered Conversations with Laila Simone is a bold, honest, and thought-provoking podcast I created in 2023 where mental wealth, music, and culture collide. I would describe my hosting style as passionate and creative. I currently hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a background in media, and a deep love for storytelling through content creation.
Broadcasting from the heart of Los Angeles, I aim to bring raw, real, and unfiltered dialogue to the forefront. Whether it’s exploring the power of mental wellness, spotlighting emerging artists, or unpacking the latest cultural shifts, each episode offers insight, inspiration, and a space for authentic connection.
Podcasting arrived through college starting as a news writer for the Southern University and A&M Office of Student Media. The director, Jermaine Proshee confirmed my work should be added to the podcasting world and walked me through the process of producing an entire show. For three and a half years I served as the host for the official campus podcast titled “Jag-Talk” and won two college media awards in New York.
Winning Best Podcast pushed me to write for myself and take a chance on what I could do on my own. Once I closed my undergraduate chapter, I decided to explore streaming platforms to host my own show!
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 I could describe my ideal week in Los Angeles, it would be full of food, fun, and family. One of my favorite stops would definitely be Hibachi Queens because nothing beats grabbing hibachi from my favorite food truck. I would spend time relaxing at the beach, enjoying the sunshine and ocean views that make LA feel unforgettable. Since the LA County Fair is in town, I would have to visit for the amazing fair food, exciting rides, and lively atmosphere. My perfect week would also include eating delicious tacos around the city and ending the nights bowling with my family, making memories and enjoying quality time together.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shout out has to be dedicated to my little brother Blake and my UC family ! They deserve the most praise for continuing to show up and motivate me through each season and phase I go through. As I mentioned before, we are not built to do everything alone and because of my community, I have been mentored, introduced to new opportunities, and encouraged through times where I was not the most confident in myself.
Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unfiltered-conversations-with-laila-simone/id1719465538
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lailasimonee_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lailasimonee03?si=ppFGVWWeqTtSclHt
Image Credits
@greatpicsonly
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