Meet Laila Hazel | Entrepreneur, Undergraduate Student, Award Winning Podcast Host

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

Hi Laila, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
If I had to describe the most important lesson my business has taught me, it would be that it is okay to go back to the drawing board. This can be a considerably broad statement. My business began in 2020 at the age of sixteen years old, without any formal business training there were a few lessons I had to learn through experience. An example could be the quality of photos I was producing surrounding my business. In the beginning, I was taking my own photos from an iPhone and uploading them to social media to sell sunglasses online. Over time I was able to create my own website and host photoshoots to improve the quality of the social media presence of my business. I had to begin to ask myself questions. Who am I representing? Who is my audience? Why should they spend their shopping experience with me? These are questions I learned to ask myself before preparing for another release. It can be discouraging at times learning that a project you began may not have been as successful as you hoped, however there is always room for improvement. In order to truly evaluate any challenge you are approaching, you must ask yourself if you are prepared to take the necessary steps to elevate the current status of your efforts. Once you have accepted that you may need to change your normal routine or add some additional intent towards your business and it will improve in time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Laila Simone, a twenty-one year old from Los Angeles California. I am the CEO of Lensesbylai, an online sunglass boutique than began in 2020. During the pandemic I was inspired to create a business of my own that encourages young Black youth all over the world to be unapologetically fashionable at a reasonable price. My goal is to provide lenses to all without having to “break the bank”. LensesbyLai ships world wide to ensure that no customer feels excluded. Customers have come from a range of places such as Canada, New York, Texas, Louisiana, Washington D.C and many more to come! Beyond academics, I have experienced opportunities to engage directly with youth in meaningful ways. For three years, I worked as a university tour guide and recruiter, a role that allowed me to inspire prospective students and help them envision a brighter future through education. Many of the students I interacted with were the first in their families to consider higher education. I took pride in encouraging them to believe in their potential, offering both guidance and reassurance as they navigated the college application process. This experience underscored the importance of early intervention and consistent support in shaping positive outcomes for young people.

As a podcast and radio host, I was taught valuable communication skills that I believe will serve me well as a counselor. Through this role, I learned the art of active listening, thoughtful questioning, and creating a safe space for others to share their stories. While my audience was often broader, the lessons in connecting with individuals on a personal level are directly transferable to counseling. I aim to bring the same level of attentiveness and care to my future clients, ensuring they feel understood and empowered to overcome their challenges.

What truly inspires me to pursue this path is the resilience I have seen in children. Despite facing adversity, many young people exhibit an incredible capacity for growth and change when provided with the right support. Whether it involves addressing issues like anxiety, family conflict, or academic pressures, I am committed to creating an environment where children feel safe and supported as they navigate their unique journeys.

Looking ahead, I plan to pursue graduate studies in counseling psychology to further refine my skills and deepen my understanding of the field. My ultimate goal is to work in a school or community-based setting, where I can provide accessible and impactful mental health support to young people. I am particularly interested in integrating mindfulness techniques and strength-based approaches into my practice, empowering children to recognize their inner resources and build resilience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have plenty of places that I truly enjoy, however if my closest friends were coming to visit me I would take them to a few places. Listing from the top to bottom the first place I would take them would be Hermosa Beach. I enjoy bike rides and walking by the water and enjoying the sun until it sets. Reading, playing, and eating my favorite snacks at the beach are one of my favorite summer activities on my day off. Secondly, we would have to get some tacos from my favorite birria taco spot, Teddy’s Red Tacos. If it were up to me I could eat tacos of any kind for any meal. I specifically love this place because their tacos are always just right. To spend time during the day, I would love to take them to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art so they can enjoy displays that also include native pieces that represent Los Angeles as well as our community. Lastly, I would take them to the fashion district in Downtown LA to see the variety of streetwear available in the west.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
What’s going on everyone! My name is Laila Hazel and often times I go by Laila Simone. Not only am I the CEO of this growing brand but i am also a student, childcare worker, podcast host and photographer. my range is very wide and there is no field I fear. My dream is to continue to build the foundation that will allow this dream to extend farther than my lifetime alone. As an out of state student, attending a school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was a very unique experience coming from Los Angeles California. Attending undergraduate school has been a life changing, exciting, and unforgettable experience that has allowed me to discover my variety of talent that can be displayed. The Southern A&M University Office of Student Media provided me with the resources to practices and sharpen my skills in journalism, podcasting, and photography. Southern University provided me with cameras, microphones, soundboards, and training clinics. Through the use of these resources I was able to produce two College Media Awards and one for Best Podcast. I learned that you must consistently take advantage of the information provided to you and with the proper guidance and mentorship you will reach higher levels. I was mentored by popular media faces and I was inspired to challenge myself more. My director was very honest with me and gave me the corrections needed to produce an award winning show. I would love to dedicate my shoutout to the Southern University Office of Student Media.

Instagram: @lailasimonee_ @lensesbylai

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-hazel-674179304/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lailasimone7538

Image Credits
tirenantonystudios, taylorlhaywood, 1kfilmzz