7/11 - AI & Professional Design

RECAP

- Anne Dereaux grew up as a visual artist and painter and developed a love for architecture while in college.

- Anne attended Tulane University for her undergraduate studies and Cornell University for her master’s degree.

- While at Tulane, during Hurricane Katrina, she participated in a redevelopment project in New Orleans.

- This project focused on historical preservation and rebuilding from scratch, giving her deep insights into project building.

- After New Orleans, Anne moved to Los Angeles.

- In LA, she worked at a small firm, which involved being part of every aspect of the architectural process.

- She had the opportunity to work on property for The Beatles, marking her entry into high-end residential design.

- In 2022, Dereaux Studios gained significant recognition.The studio was born out of a desire to build safe spaces in an industry dominated by white males.

- Anne aimed to create a platform for herself and other women, establishing an all-women firm.

- Dereaux Studios specializes in interior design, branded spaces, and product spaces.

- Anne advises to lean into your expertise and own it, as your outcomes will communicate your strengths. She believes that the more you try, the more wins you will achieve.

- In her approach to projects, it’s always about connecting with the client and understanding how they want to exist in their space.Her projects are designed to tell the story of the client.

- Anne incorporates AI in her design process, enabling her small team to produce robust presentations and ideas that can out-compete larger firms.

- She uses 3D rendering to show clients exactly what they will get.

- AI helps bridge the gap between new technology and current systems, despite the slow adoption rate in the industry.

- Midjourney is an AI tool she uses to reiterate and try out new designs, giving clients more options and control.

- The quicker turnaround enabled by AI provides more time and greater opportunities for the studio.

Roneal Madlani - Community & Account Manager, FYI

Makensy Smith - Strategic Communications, FYI

Emily Choi - Growth, FYI

Frankie Sandoval - Design, FYI

Taylor Weng - Growth, FYI

Yulia Gonzalez - Social Media Strategy, FYI

Fulano Librizzi - Growth, FYI

— — —

Shell Amega - Mandala Diva

Leah Concialdi - Publicist & Bari Sax Player

Adrienne - Entreprenuer

Charles Chen - Founder | 888 Process

Marilyn White - Sacred Artist

Marika Amegah - Denim Visionary

Mona - Bespoke Gem Artisan

Keiko Tsukada - Hip Hop Journalist

Rashed Miravel - Botanical Innovator

Mel Hanks - Wellness Warrior

Gwen Poindexter - Children’s Author

Karmen Huerta - Producer & Podcast Host
Carmen René Flores - Founder | Mujéron Media

Anis Taylor - TV Producer

Memo NOC - Creative Director

Nereya Otieno - Co-Founder | Rising Artists Foundation

Kristin Juel - Founder | Juel Concepts

May Hwen - TV Producer / Artist / Optician

Sammy Hajomar - CTO | Shamel

Feras Alfuqana - CEO | Shamel

Hadi Hajomar - Business Owner

Aly-Slay - Artist

Deantrè Cole - Actor

Meka Lolita - DJ

Brian Gray - Creative Director

Ryan Grassmeyer - Actor

Michael Boragine - Producer/ Engineer

David Tam- Cofounder / Producer

Cxrd - Artist

Michelle Weatherspoon - Marketing Manager

Josh Spoon - Artist

Avatar OFTN - Artist

Gina Howard - Designer

David Tam - Co-Founder | The Rehearsal

Levi Downey - Co-Founder | The Rehearsal

• • •

Sammy & Feras - Shamel

Goal: to automate film logistics and help film professionals focus on creativity

Ways People Can Support:

Creatives:

1. Try Shamel for free @ shamelstudio.com

2. Tell your filmmaker friends

3. Follow us on socials @shamelstudio

Investors (Angels or VC): Let’s chat, reach out to us!

• • •

Shell Amega

Goal:

To share my art to inspire wellness and wonder.

3 Ways People Can Support:

1. 🖼️ Discover and purchase my sacred artwork and merchandise!

2. 📈 Be part of the journey! Follow @shell_aum and subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates.

3. 🌍✨ Spread the magic! Share my art with the world and inspire others to use mandalas for healing, wellness and insight

• • •

Leah Concialdi - Operation Amplify Afrobeat

Goal:

A multi-endeavor quest to create more resources for afrobeat music + telling stories of ensembles carrying on the music and message of Fela Kuti across the globe.

3 Ways People Can Support:

1.) Follow the Spotify playlist

2.) Share any resources and experiences on publishing a book

3.) Come to The Neighborhood Orchestra at Grand Performances at DTLA on July 27th. We will be performing a set of half original music, half the music of Fela Kuti with special guest Duain Richmond who portrays Fela in the award-winning Broadway musical FELA! It’s free and a great “101” into Afrobeat!

• • •

Thank you for coming!!