The Artist

WHAT’S ON

Laila Sedky

Laila Sedky

Laila Sedky is an Egyptian entrepreneur and artist. Born in Abu Dhabi, she spent most of her childhood outside of Egypt, exposed to many different cultures, which provided her with a unique mixture of experiences.

She studied at the John Molson School of Business in Montréal and founded NOLA, Egypt’s first cupcake shop, which grew into a chain with over 30 stores and 500 employees. In 2018, feeling the need for a new chapter, Laila handed over NOLA to her brother to explore new horizons.

In 2020, Laila discovered her true calling in art through art therapy and the inspiration of a friend’s journey. Her work delves into themes of empowerment, overcoming insecurities, and personal growth, using her art as a diary to address issues such as body shame, insecure attachment, and the pursuit of love.

Working with acrylics, Laila creates large, bold canvases filled with symbolic language. Her process begins with personal experiences, visualized as movie scenes. Symbols like the evil eye, Hamsa, and sailing boats represent protection, blessings, and adventure. Her color palette, inspired by Matisse, includes vibrant hues like pink, teal, yellow, and red, blending her Egyptian heritage, French modern art, and American pop art into a tapestry of her multicultural background.

Laila’s art has crossed borders, reaching audiences globally. She has exhibited at Raquda Foundation Art and Heritage and Al Mashrabia Art Gallery in Egypt, and internationally at “Taste of the Nile” in Los Angeles and a children’s rights-focused exhibition in Miami. Residencies in Alaska and North Macedonia have profoundly shaped her journey, enriching her creative process.

Laila aims to inspire joy, positivity, and empowerment in her viewers, encouraging them to see their own stories within her work. Her journey in art is just beginning, and she is excited to see where this colorful path leads.