We had the good fortune of connecting with Saori & Paul Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saori & Paul, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Over the years of working in the graphic design industry, I started to understand more and more of the type of projects I most enjoy working on. Even before the hype of being eco-friendly or eating well, I’ve always had the passion for food, healthy lifestyle, and finding new exciting products to try. When I first got introduced to work with Peeled Snacks, that started to form the idea of working together with smaller brands to help establish the branding. Since then I’ve worked (and still working with) many different brands over the years. Now my husband joined the team, and we’ve been able to be sustainable even during this difficult time with Covid. We’re very thankful 🙂

But, to get back to the question of the most important factor behind success… I believe we’re able to do what we do because we enjoy it. And the joy is the key to our success for sure.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets us apart from others… I believe in transparency and honesty. When the client first comes to us, we try to assess each project from a few different angles. When we have the initial conversation with the client, often times the client doesn’t have an understanding of what it would take to get to point A to point B. So, before we begin working on any projects, we take our time to make sure how the client’s expectation can be met. This way, we can pre-set the environment that’s comfortable for everyone involved with the project.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
RESTAURANTS: • Salazar LA
• Manuela in Arts District
• JOY in Highland Park
• Morihiro in Atwater Village
• Proof Bakery
• Burgers Never Say Die

PLACES/THINGS TO DO:
• Hauser & Wirth
• Broad Museum
• Rendezvous! LA
• Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit (If this May)
• Banksy Exhibit (If this May)
• Grand Central Market
• Griffith Observatory
• Huntington Botanical Gardens or Descanso Gardens
• Malibu Beach, Pier & Drive around Malibu/Topanga
• Record shop (In Sheep’s Clothing HiFi) + Small bookstore hunting (Secret Headquarters) and so many more!
• Melrose Trading Post (or any other swap meet/antique markets)
• Farmer’s Markets (too many to list)

HIKING:
• Ferndell Nature Hike
• Kenneth Hahn State Park
• Switzer Falls Trail
• Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
• Stroll Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Carol Van Vooren. She is an education professional and also happens to be an artist herself. She was my host mother when I first came to this country from Japan, and a person who made me realize my passion for art and creative work as a career.

Website: http://fpr302.com

Image Credits
James Bernal

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.