Meet Lindsey Hufnagel | Costume Designer, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Lindsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Having my own business has always been a huge part of my life. I first started my own handbag company in NYC back in the early 2000’s and grew it to successful company over a period of 12 years. Soon after moving to LA I switched focus and started a vintage company with a friend of mine, I was looking to reinvent my career path and this was a fun and creative outlet. We started in markets and soon had a little pop-up shop in Venice for 7months. This lead me to working in costumes in the film and TV world. A few years have passed and I got the itch for creating something my own again. My fiance and I decided to join forces and start our own Moroccan Home goods company, House of Ben Khayi. I have always been a self starter, creative force and passionate about creating my own unique path.

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.
Starting a business from the ground up is never easy, and challenges will always present themselves. I think for us, our biggest challenge is growing our clientele within an industry that is already over saturated. But what makes us stand out from the rest, is our deep rooted connection to the country and to the artistry. While keeping the jobs in Morocco and not outsourcing, giving our products authenticity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Venice, and I typically stay with in my area, we have great beaches and a lot of activities. I would definitely ride bikes along the boardwalk and stop for a few happy hour cocktails along the way. The Waterfront, Fig Tree, The Whaler, and a local favorite Hinanos are on the list. Another day would be spent on the marina side, kayaking or paddle boarding in the marina, then a beautiful vegan dinner at Planta and perhaps an after diner drink at Dear Jane’s or Gin Rummy. Because Malibu is so close and a beautiful drive, we would spend the day along the coast, stop at surf rider beach to watch the surfers and even catch a few waves ourselves. Then lunch at one of my favorite seafood spots, Malibu seafood. If they are too busy Real Inn in just down the road. Both serving up local and freshly caught seafood. Another optimal place for lunch is Paradise Cove. I would have to offer some touristy activities in the mix, so a hike to the Hollywood sign followed by a beautiful dinner at one of my favorite east side locations, Bacari in Silver Lake. The restaurant is stunning and the mediterranean cuisine is delicious.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have always had the support of my friends and family. But it wasn’t until I had spent a few months in Florida with my mother and my sister, that I was able to really move forward with House of Ben Khayi. Having there support during this time was crucial.

Website: https://www.houseofbenkhayi.com

Instagram: @houseofbenkhayi_

Facebook: facebook/houseofbenkhayi

Other: Check out our book: Morocco, A Love Story.

Photos and text by Lindsey Hufnagel

A Photography Collection offering a peak into the beauty and magic Morocco has to offer. I invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of this book, to embark on a visual voyage through Morocco’s bewitching landscapes and captivating stories. May these photographs transport you to the heart of Morocco, where the line between reality and magic blurs, and where the soul of a nation unfolds.

Available on amazon :

and on our website:

https://houseofbenkhayi.com/morocco-a-love-story-book

Image Credits
Photos by Lindsey Hufnagel