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

Hi Sadry, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

My Favorite quote is Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. By 13th century Persian poet, Rumi.

This is a simple quote. When we are doing what we love, our life is beautiful and we are happy. If we don’t enjoy what we do, we will end up missing out on our life. People who enjoy their jobs are more optimistic, motivated, learn faster, and make fewer mistakes.

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy?
After having worked for more than a decade for UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, my experience living in Iran, South Korea, and the USA, and exploring countries all around the world, I have come to realize that looking at artworks and artifacts from different cultures, can give us insight into what aesthetics and traditions a culture values, and inspire us to reflect on our own cultural artifacts and cultural values.  So I decided to establish a place to provide time and space in support of creative research and artistic experimentation with an emphasis on creating opportunities for practitioners who are interested in Persian art, which has one of the richest art heritages in world history and has been strong in many media including painting, poetry, calligraphy, dance, metalworking and sculpture.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
The biggest lesson I have learned so far is to trust myself. When you have that deep sense of self-trust, you question yourself less. You spend less time in your head or waiting for the right time or the right action. You move toward your goals, knowing that you have all the support you need within you.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
In Persian culture planting a tree was something of great importance and the mythical Persian cypress trees were the most valued as they stayed green all year long and many birds call these branches home. Picking a Cypress tree is the perfect symbol for a place where artists with a love of Persian art and culture, like the birds that live in cypress trees, would feel welcome, sing, play and gather and call it my place , My Persian Place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
North County, the northern area of San Diego County, is full of awesome spots and home to most of San Diego’s top attractions, but my favorite place to be is the beach. Visiting the beach is a beautiful opportunity to see mother nature at its best. There is nothing quite like hearing the waves and walking on a sandy shoreline.  I love the moment, when the lazy ocean hugs the shore. The beach is usually something I always suggest when my friends and family come to town. My Second favorite place is the new exhibitions at the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), the place that I am volunteering for, is a welcoming environment for those new to art, long time museum goers, art lovers and art students. The thing that I like most about the museum is bringing people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California living artists.
And of course, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, which is open every year from early March through early May, and it is one of nature’s ways of announcing the arrival of my favorite season, spring, here in Southern California.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Hands down, most of the credit for my happiness in my life is due to my partner in my life, Ahmadreza Hedayat, his good values as a person and his support has been important to our love story and the success and the growth of My Persian Place. I have to give an extra special shoutout to Mr. Noureddin Zarrinkelk, for his mentorship. He is the father of Iranian animation, a graphic designer, illustrator, script writer, sculpture, poet and author.
And Last but not least to my lovely friend, Christine Saade, a multi-talented artist, who has taught me so much and has given me confidence to pursue my dreams.

Website: https://mypersianplace.com/

Instagram: www.mypersianplace.org

Image Credits
By Myself, Sadry Hedayat and AR Hedayat

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal 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.