Meet Keilani Yanagihara | Founder and CEO

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

Hi KeiLani, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Tim Grover’s Relentless deeply resonated with me as a female entrepreneur. It shifted my mindset, showing me the power of relentless drive and unwavering self-belief. The lessons on resilience and pushing past limits have helped me navigate challenges with confidence, transforming how I approach both success and failure. This book has been a personal guide in embracing my inner strength and staying focused on my vision, no matter the hurdles.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At Activation Agency, we’re all about turning ideas into impactful experiences. What sets us apart is our ability to craft strategic campaigns that not only engage audiences but truly activate brands. We specialize in creating unique, immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression, making our clients stand out in today’s crowded market.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Building a brand that delivers high-level, creative solutions while maintaining authenticity required a lot of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to growth. Along the way, I learned that the key to overcoming challenges is staying adaptable and trusting the process. Failure is inevitable, but every setback brought me closer to where I needed to be.

I’m proud of the team we’ve built at Activation Agency and how we empower brands to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of collaboration and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you and push your vision further.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that Activation Agency is here to drive change, spark conversations, and create moments that matter. We’re passionate about bringing fresh perspectives to every project, and we believe in the impact that creativity and innovation can have on brands and their communities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Thousand Oaks for a week, we’d start with a hike at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, exploring the Paradise Falls trail for its serene waterfall and beautiful views. In the evening, we’d head to The Civic Arts Plaza for a live show or concert, then wrap up the day with dinner at Agoura Hills’ Old Place, famous for its rustic charm and wood-fired dishes.

In Calabasas, we’d begin the day with breakfast at Pedalers Fork, a lovely café with fresh, organic meals. We’d explore the historic Leonis Adobe Museum for a touch of local history, followed by lunch at Malibu Café, nestled in the hills with outdoor games and a casual vibe. The day would end with shopping at The Commons and dinner at Saddle Peak Lodge, for more rustic elegance, my personal favorite.

We’d dedicate a full day to Malibu, starting with a morning at Zuma Beach for sun, salt and waves, followed by a seafood lunch at Malibu Broad Street Oyster Company. As the sun sets, we’d drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, ending the day with dinner at Nobu Malibu, known for its stunning views and incredible cuisine.

A day trip to Santa Barbara would be next on the itinerary. We’d start with breakfast at Jeannine’s in Montecito before exploring the Santa Barbara Mission and walking down State Street for shopping and local boutiques. Lunch would be at The Lark, and we’d cap off the day with a sunset at Butterfly Beach.

After all the activity, we’d take a relaxing spa day at Four Seasons Westlake Village, enjoying their wellness treatments and lush surroundings. For dinner, we’d keep it local with a cozy evening at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Thousand Oaks.

Next, we’d explore Ventura Harbor Village for its art galleries, shops, and waterfront dining, then drive to Ojai for its artsy vibe. We’d wander through the Ojai Valley Inn and explore local shops, finishing the day with a laid-back dinner at Ojai Deer Lodge.

To wrap up the week, we’d spend the final day on Malibu’s best beach, Point Dume and make a pit stop into “Malibu 99 High Tide Dispensary” leading into a relaxing afternoon and ending the trip on a “high” note.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Relentless by Tim Grover, a book that truly shaped my entrepreneurial journey. It taught me how to be mentally tough, to embrace failure, and to never stop pushing forward. But beyond that, I’m grateful to the incredible women in my life, my loving, caring and dedicated fiance Jason—my mentors, friends, and colleagues and my beautiful daughter—who’ve all supported me, encouraged me, and inspired me to keep going, even when the road seemed rough. Their belief in me, coupled with the lessons from Relentless, has been a driving force in my success and continuous growth.

Website: https://activationagency.co

Instagram: activation_agency

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/activationagency/