Let the journey begin,
As a multi-discipline Creative director, I specialized in Interior Architecture and design, Graphic Design, Merchandising and Marketing! Over the last 18 years I have had the privilege to work on a wide range of design projects in the US, The Netherlands and Tanzania.
My journey started in Los Angeles where I studied Merchandising and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Where I discovered my love for retail design. Art Center College of Design took me into a much wider aspect of design. They have prepared me to be an all round designer. Understanding the importance of visual communication, to create compelling and functional spaces where visitors want to stay at. Being able to see things in a different way gives me the ability to push the boundaries, solve design problems and combine my graphics with interior and architectural design.
I realized then that my love to create came from being raised in The Netherlands where design is interwoven in every day way of living.
Now I live in Tanzania where the African culture has taken me back to basics. Being exposed to a completely different life style makes you rethink everything. The function of a designer is being blurred. Whatever I know, believe or stand for has been thrown upside down. Which gives a designer a whole set of new tools to work with.
As a westerner the need to understand is an everyday challenge. Letting go is the key to start seeing, listing and experiencing in a different way. Your senses are being triggered. Design is more emotional. Retail spaces are created with in mind on what is missing in Tanzania. Challenging the now will give you the future.
I have been blessed to work for a wide variety of companies.
From Fashion to the Movie industry such as Contempo Casuals (USA), Rampage Clothing (USA), Docker Europe (NL), Universal Studios (USA), First floor features (NL), RTL Ned / Endemol Film Production (NL)
From Dutch design firms to Safari companies and Private Lodges in Tanzania such as Hectic Illusions (NL), Initzio Communications (NL), Moivaro Lodges and Camps (TZ), Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps (TZ), Tropical Trails (TZ), The Arusha Hotel (TZ), to Elewana Africa (TZ)
From NGO companies to Technology and Gemstone companies. Maasai Women Art (TZ), Dosi (TZ), Maridadi Fashion Show (TZ), Swala Gem (TZ), Warrior Security (TZ), Gadgetronix (TZ) to Tanzanite Experience (TZ)
The experience has made me an all round designer that enjoys adapting and morphing her self. I have been blessed to be able to work with people and cultures from all around the world.
I hope you like what you read...join me next time on creating an experience in Manyara, Tanzania
Before I forget I want to thank you my friend Seyi 
Talk to you soon!
Zhaleh