We were lucky to catch up with Sandra Zebi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sandra, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I love being a creative artist and have never once wished to have a “regular” job. Besides the obstacles and challenges living as an artist, the freedom to express myself and work without restrictions is more satisfying than any other job I can imagine.

Sandra, 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 was born in São Paulo, Brasil and got a B.A. in Industrial Design as I have always been interested in how objects are designed and created. At first, I thought I would pursue another degree in Architecture but half way through I decided to leave Brasil and study English abroad. That what the beginning of discovering a new passion for learning about different cultures and about art history in the flesh. Living in London, I was exposed to numerous art museums and free-spirited people which inspired me to continue traveling and exploring my creativity.

After three years of traveling, I landed in Los Angeles, CA, which became my favorite place and where my professional life as an artist began. Working for a potter, I learned the aspects of running a business as an artist. Through this experience I developed my own techniques and felt ready to venture off and begin my own business, Zebi Designs.

I am proud that I took the risk of completely dedicating myself to my art and establishing my brand as it is today. I am thankful that I am able to do what I love, be a part of the larger community, and meet such amazing and unique people through my art.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Through my experience, the most rewarding part about being an artist is having the ability to impact other peoples’ lives in a positive way through multiple avenues. My art is colorful and whimsical which brings joy to those who appreciate it. I love that through my functional ceramics I am part of the day to day life of my clients, whether that be through a morning cup of coffee or during family dinners. I also reach people’s hearts through my larger paintings, murals, and sculptures. Having the ability to create art that sparks joy is the most rewarding part about being creative.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the second year of Zebi Designs, I had an experience with a potential client which at face value was rejection, but ended up being a key moment that further shaped my style and brand. I approached the store buyer for Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills hoping to sell my work for display in their store. After interviewing for two hours and showing all my pieces, he declined to move forward with purchasing my work. In the moment, I felt defeat and rejection as this would’ve been a great sale for my business. In our conversation, he told me that my work reminded him of Picasso and advised me to create new pieces and designs influenced more by cubism. I overcame the initial feelings of rejection and leaned into his criticism to find motivation and strength. Months later, I launched my Zebicasso line, which to this day has been one of my most popular and successful designs of my brand. This story comes full circle, as a few years later I sold Zebicasso pieces to the Henri Bendel store in New York City.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zebidesigns.com
• Instagram: @sandrazebi
• Facebook: Zebi Designs
• Linkedin: Sandra Zebi