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

Hi Narbeh, what makes you happy? Why?
It all started way back in my toddle years where I began feeling the need to create anything I can with whatever I had, meaning, I took a simple paint brush and doodled all around my parent’s bedroom walls which would give me an adrenaline rush to keep going as much as possible. During the recession I had a setback where I continued my education toward in management at California State University of Northridge (CSUN). I then had an epiphany that it was not my calling so the road led me back to my original passion for arts. One of the happiest moments was my time spent in Pasadena City College as I studied product and architectural design and began to flourish from then on.

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.
When I moved to Spain at the age of 5, that’s when my passion for art arose. Growing up I took private fine art classes, excelled in all projects and won quite a few awards, trophies and even certificates which consisted of Glendale Water and Power for their news press. In high school, I participated in a Disney Imagineering project through my fine arts class to work on a new theme park ride that inspired me to come up with a futuristic neon rollercoaster with dry ice in the dark. I remember taking trips as a family to museums and galleries that took place in Madrid and Barcelona. I was simply fascinated by the historical architecture that surrounded me. I even studied the history behind it all to engage a better understanding of the true meaning of art. As I took courses in college such as product and architectural design, my desires grew deeper. Art is not only my passion, but it is indeed my true talent. I enjoy being visual, therefore my eyes are filled with fire ready to explode and invent the new unseen! My background consists of unique characteristics which sets me apart from others. Fine art, animation, product design, architecture, and 3D texture are some of the specifics I master on. I have been very excited about finally making my dream into a reality, which I am still thriving to make it better. I will never settle, so I can proudly say that I am where I am by taking the step-by-step challenges throughout my 17 years in the financial industry. I have experienced and learned so many useful strategies by molding banking and design into my entrepreneurship. One thing I’d like to mention for all the entrepreneurs or self-starters out there is to never give up, because keep in mind, time consuming difficult situations will often lead you to beautiful destinations. I want the world to simply hear my name and feel the rage in their veins!

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 personally do not have or believe in best friends. However I have a few rare friends that are near and dear to me. Since they are special, whether I take one of them or all, it would have to be my favorite beach called One Thousand Step Beach in Laguna. Just to experience the beauty of the views when walking down stairs to the secluded ocean with the caves and cliffs will create a phenomenal memory. After a nice day of relaxation and unwinding, we will enjoy a tasty meal at The Montage Laguna Resort. The next day we will travel to La Jolla towards San Diego to see one of the most historical architectural buildings built by Louis Khan called The Skull Institute capturing the beautiful horizons of the sunset, followed by Downtown San Diego to the Gaslamp district, to get a feel of their nightlife. Then we will be enthused by the Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by famous world-renowned Frank Gary to enjoy a symphony followed by dinner at Moonshadows in Malibu to complete the evening. The next morning we can head to The Getty Center Museum for more attractions to top it off.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Having a Persian Armenian background, it definitely showed me cultural aspects of creativity, therefore my parents support played a big role towards my road to success and where I am now. They were the ones who encouraged me, motivated me, and most importantly inspired me. They also come from an artistic background. My mom sewed all types of clothes including children’s apparel. My dad’s hobby was woodworking and building things with a creative mind. So as you can see, my passionate artistic side runs in my blood, I would also give a big shout out to my grandfather. He always believed in me no matter what and would call me his, “Mohandes” which meant his engineer in Farsi.

Website: NarbehLeon.com

Instagram: NLeonScenicDesign

Other: NarbehLeon.com (in the works)

Image Credits
Narbeh Leon

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