We recently connected with Anela Tayan and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Absolutely — one of the core things that sets me and my work apart is my approach to creation itself. I consider myself a gritty, gracefully scrappy entrepreneurial artist. I don’t wait for perfect conditions; I believe everything is achievable when it’s pursued with heart, vision, and relentless dedication. Whenever an idea pulls at my mind, I follow it — no matter the circumstances — because I truly believe that if you bring enough life and energy to a vision, it can thrive.

A huge part of what I love is bringing visuals to life — not just on my own, but by bringing community members together to breathe life into ideas that can inspire others long after the project is done. I’m passionate about creating spaces where collaboration is central: hearing others out before, during, and after a project is incredibly important to me. I believe great ideas evolve through openness — and that innovation often happens when different perspectives are truly listened to and woven together.

In an industry that often rewards staying rigidly in your lane, I’ve built my path around adaptability, creativity, and community-driven work. I remember one early project where resources were minimal but the energy was high. By staying innovative, rallying people together, and letting feedback continually shape the work, we created something that not only exceeded expectations but genuinely moved people. That experience reinforced my belief that authentic creation isn’t about perfection — it’s about relentless passion, scrappy innovation, and the courage to keep bringing things to life, even when the path isn’t obvious.

Anela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve built my career at the intersection of fashion, media, and live events. I’m known for wearing multiple hats — event operations manager, creative director, media team coordinator, visual artist, and a versatile model. I got my start through competitive dance, which opened the door to modeling and acting opportunities. Eventually, some health challenges shifted my focus behind the scenes, and that’s where I really discovered my love for creative direction and production. Now, I’ve found a balance — I’m back in front of the camera while still producing and managing projects from the ground up.

I strongly believe that developing a range of skills makes you even stronger in your primary focus. That mindset has helped me lead media teams, direct fashion campaigns, and coordinate high-impact events with both vision and execution. I’ve been active in Phoenix’s creative scene for over eight years now, and I’m incredibly grateful for the projects I’ve contributed to and the collaborative energy of the community here. I’m backed by a talented team, and we continue to build meaningful work across many fronts.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

One piece of advice I always stand by when it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale is to lead with empathy and genuine connection. I’m fully aware that the idea of treating your team like family can be a bit controversial in today’s work/life discourse — but I personally believe in holding space for that kind of respect and care, especially for the people who consistently show up and hold it down. To me, it’s about loving your neighbors and recognizing the human behind the role.

This becomes even more important when working with creatives. Creatives need to feel safe, seen, and in their element to truly thrive and bring ideas to life. So, I make it a point to foster an environment where their perspectives are valued and their process is respected. Maintaining an ‘empathy card,’ as I like to call it, allows us to collaborate more effectively across a variety of projects and scales. It keeps morale high and encourages people to bring their best selves to the table.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives often struggle to understand about the creative journey is how deeply tied it is to identity. For me, something I find highly valuable within a creative spirit is the sense of self — that authenticity that really drives everything. In a world where so much looks and feels the same, being authentic isn’t just refreshing, it’s powerful. It’s what makes you stand out among a sea of brands, businesses, and people that can feel almost copy-pasted.

I believe that if more business owners allowed themselves to show up with an identity that truly reflects who they are — not just what sells — they might discover they stand out even more. Whether that’s rocking a crazy haircut, having bold tattoos, wearing a style that isn’t common in their environment, or even hosting wild, unexpected events in the workplace — those things can bring joy, curiosity, and connection. It’s not about being outrageous for the sake of it; it’s about being lighthearted, mindful, and unapologetically you. There’s so much value in that, and it’s something that creatives tend to live and breathe naturally, while others sometimes hesitate to embrace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anelatayan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anelatayan/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anelatayan?si=V3VEaiTTjDDr4T5g

Image Credits

Vibrant Portrait Studio LLC
Dom G.