Meet Samira Bashout | Samira Bashout | Event Architect

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

Hi Samira, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Just like everyone else, I was living in fear before putting full trust into myself. Starting your own business takes a lot of courage and the willingness to step into the risks. You have to be mentally prepared which means accepting failure as a beautiful life lesson to keep going. I decided to start my own business because I desired to create my own structures and implement my innovative ideas to life through my unique lens that then presented me with the opportunity for freedom. When I made the jump from being a corporate executive to an entrepreneur, I learned before you dive into the deep end of entrepreneurship, one must try dipping your toes in first. Researching the market you want to break into is important, your network can be make-or-break your success. On this journey we cannot be shy about calling on our family, friends, colleagues and everyone we know for any support and help they can offer. Whether it’s giving you feedback, connecting you with potential clients, customers or resources our network is key here.

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.
We all have a dream as a child and mine was to become an architect. I started my journey in the more conventional ways. I am extremely proud to have been accepted to one of the top design schools in California, Newschool of Architecture and Design. After 7 years of schooling, interning at the top firms, and getting a job as an electrical engineer assistant for the Port of San Diego, I still was not happy and feeling good in my career. I realized I connect more with people and seek human interaction because they feel fulfilling. Exploring ways to use my talents and skillsets, I discovered I want to create experiences for others. This opened up my spectrum for creating and designing but now in a different arena. I have created a way to showcase my spatial design skills transforming spaces into lively immersive experiences. On the journey of developing my own business, A Bashout Creation, I took my background from Architectural Design school bringing it into the event space forging my own unique path and title as The Event Architect.

My professional journey was not easy, but nothing in life is. You have to follow your passion and believe in yourself the most. Having an amazing support team + accountability group got me through it. My #1 focus was creating concepts. Logistically configuring out unknown solutions. Problem solving and thinking outside the box allowed me to bring new perspectives to light. Stepping out of the norm was one of the bravest things I could have done. The responses I received for my ideas was validation on its own. I knew I was doing something right as I had the ability to think ahead and envision a better outcome.

A client gifted me this amazing slogan that just stuck, ” when in doubt, call a Bashout”. A Bashout Creation stands true to that! It is my mission to be up to date with trends and educate my clients with innovation ideas. With this mindset, I have been fortunate to produce off-site live experiences such as Comic-Con activation for Warner Brother & DC Comic, Daybreakers and many other high caliber exhibitions. Seeing these wild visions coming to live is what I thrive on!! I aim to be your go-to consultant for any concept creation and stage esthetic needs. I do not replicated the same event ideas twice for any of my clients which is why I have a great consistent client return rate.

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.
Oh this is a fun one! I would start this adventure at Venice Beach. We will grab breakfast + coffee at Fig Tree Café. Move our bodies by roller blading or bike riding along the beach path. Making our way towards Santa Monica Pier. We will unwind at Shutters with lunch, then shop around at the 3rd Street Promenade. We can end this beautiful evening with a sunset dinner at Elephante.

Throughout our week, exploring the city is a must! Let’s set our pallet on fire by visiting some cool local spots. We will need to start with happy hour at Bacari W 3rd then visit EP & LP for Asian fusion + rooftop vibes with a delicious Mezcal Margarita in hand. Why stop there when we can continue the fun by going to a new social club called Leather & Rose. This new upcoming speakeasy just speaks to your soul as we dance and meet some fun interesting people.

The perfect weather in LA means we get to enjoy a lot of play time in the sun. Exploring new hiking trails has become my new hobby. I am fond of Wisdom Tree, Los Liones Trail and exploring Griffith Park. Let’s not forget about the magical golden sunset hours captured at El Matador State Beach.

We will end our last days exploring the charm life of Downtown LA. Finding our moment of Zen at a lush sanctuary, idyllic Kyoto Gardens, on its own rooftop at the Doubletree by Hilton LA. If you’re thirsty for a Parisian-inspired cocktail and sparkling city light, stopping by Perch is they way to go. Nothing beats a cool refreshing drink, yummy bites and twinkling views. After that, we will teleport to the tallest building in the West Coast on the 73rd floor at the InterContinental Hotel. The perfect ending to a sensational week.

I love being a tour guide and taking amazing photos for all my friends + guests. I have a lens for capturing the moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for my family and particularly grateful for my older sisters. From the moment I was born they believed in me and pushed me to be myself. I am the youngest of 6 extraordinary women and a majority of them own their own successful businesses. Watching their determination and drive in life fueled me. Not to mention the unconditional love, guidance and wisdom I received. It is beautiful to have such strong profound women by my side through all the challenges and doubts. I would not be the women I am today without them.

I want to give a big shoutout to International Live Event Association (ILEA) for their incredible impact in the Los Angeles community. I am proud to be on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Chapter now serving as VP of Programs & Education. We host networking social functions that spread awareness of other event organizations in the LA area creating a greater community that allows for a safe space for collaboration and partnerships.

Website: www.bashcreate.com

Instagram: A_Bashout_Creation

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirabashout/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samira.bashout/

Image Credits
Samira Bashout, Brian Kramer, and Petersen Automotive Museum