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

Hi Haysam, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always felt a strong pull toward the artistic and creative world—it’s like a calling I couldn’t ignore. For me, pursuing a creative career isn’t just about making a living; it’s about being true to who I am. When I think about what truly makes me happy, it’s expressing myself through art and connecting with others in meaningful ways.

I’ve learned that if you try to run away from your true self—whether to fit into societal expectations or to follow a more conventional path—you often end up feeling unfulfilled. It’s like wearing a mask that doesn’t quite fit; eventually, it starts to weigh you down. Embracing my creativity allows me to tap into my passions and share my unique perspective with the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to say that I blend my cultural background and personal experiences into my work, often exploring themes of identity and resilience. I’m particularly proud of my recent role as Henry in “PLAY”, a film that was released this past October. This project is especially close to my heart as it tackles the important topic of bullying, pushing me to experiment with new mediums and reminding me why I love creating.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced self-doubt and financial struggles, but perseverance and support from my friends and mentors have helped me through. I’ve learned to embrace failure as part of the journey and to stay open to change.

What I want the world to know is that my art reflects the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. I hope to create spaces for those stories to be expressed and appreciated, inspiring others to embrace their own narratives and find strength in vulnerability.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start the trip by taking my friend to Venice Beach. We’d walk around, enjoy the nice weather, and check out the street performances. For lunch, we’d go to Gjelina, which has amazing food, and then explore some of the funky shops nearby.

The next day, we’d head to Hollywood to see the Walk of Fame, and then hike up to Griffith Observatory for great views of the city. We’d finish off the day with dinner and drinks in West Hollywood for a fun night out.

We’d also plan a day trip to Santa Monica and Malibu, enjoying a nice lunch at Malibu Farm while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Another day would be spent at the Getty Center and LACMA to appreciate the art and culture of the city. We’d wrap up with dinner in Koreatown, where we could enjoy some delicious food.

And of course, we’d have a blast at Universal Studios, letting our inner kids out for the day before the week ends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God, me, myself, and I.

Of course, I am grateful to my family and friends who have always been there for me, but I’ve learned that it’s important to give yourself some credit. We put in so much hard work when pursuing our dreams, and no matter how much support we have from others, believing in yourself is essential.

Website: https://www.haysamali.com

Instagram: @haysamali

Image Credits
Photographer: Conradis

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.