Meet Luly Azizi of Creative Cove

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luly Azizi.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Luly. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a lover of all things art, crafts, handmade, and creative! My love affair with all things arts and crafts and sharing within my local community led me to opening Creative Cove.

My background is in Fine Arts. I hold a BFA from Corcoran College of Art + Design in D.C. and a MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. A few years after graduating from grad school, I went to work for Anthropologie for around five years as a Display Coordinator and Visual Manager. While at Anthro, I worked on perfecting my craft, mentoring and working with other artists. One of my favorite parts of my job was inviting customers to come in and create parts of displays with us. There was something so special about sharing our knowledge, inspiration, and craft with others. The biggest reward was teaching someone something new, allowing them to escape from their day for just a few hours.

I knew then I wanted to create a space where people could come create and escape from the stress of work and everyday life. I believe everyone is creative. Creativity is about learning to use your senses, and giving yourself the gift of time to play and discover. Creative Cove does just that. We provide the tools and the guidance, allowing you to discover your true potential and inner creativity, even if you have never created anything artistic in your life.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think every small business will have the same answer. NO WAY! There are so many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is something incredible about owning your own business, creating an environment for people, teaching kids and adults new things, creating jobs for people in your community!

There are so many struggles, ALL. THE. TIME. There is no road map for what I am doing, which can be hard, but at the same time pretty liberating cause you can make it whatever you want. I definitely am the kind of person who roots for the underdog, likes to be challenged, and works well under pressure. I would say one of the bigger struggles is all the mistakes you have to go through to perfect operation systems you have created for your company. Then the fun part is when you start to feel confident about those systems, you out grow them and have to start over again, lol. It’s all so much fun… please insert the sarcasm here.

But in all seriousness, it is incredibly scary not knowing what your next three months look like, there’s no comfort, no consistency, it’s really about challenging yourself, reintroducing yourself, and serious hustle. But, most important being genuine to yourself, to your brand, and messaging.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Creative Cove – what should we know?
Creative Cove is a creative arts and crafts studio located in the heart of the Bird Road Design District. Offering workshops, classes, private events and parties for kids and adults. I describe us your real life Pinterest board. I always tell people stop pinning and start making! I think what sets us apart from others is that we offer so many different mediums and projects that allow customers to come back frequently and have such unique experiences every time. We also create custom projects for corporate events, birthday parties, and other celebrations to fit your theme and our customers aesthetic.

A large part of our mission is also to create and cultivate a creative and compassionate community through collaboration and art making. We continue to challenge ourselves to seek out local artists and makers that demonstrate quality over quantity and individuals that have a passion for the arts and creating a positive community. We collaborate with local artists and makers to bring new and engaging classes and workshops to our local community. Offering classes like Jewelry making with Gems 4 Jewels, Soap making with Sakura Soap Co. or Shibori Dying techniques with Curandera Remedies we are able to help our talented and local community expand their business and teach their craft to others. There are so many fun collaborations we have done and so many more we have in place for this Fall.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am incredibly lucky to have the most amazing, generous, and loyal group of people around me. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a nation to grow a business. But, the most credit for anything I have accomplished and have become has to be given to my parents.

My mom, Mama Lula, is the most talented and beautiful person I know. I wouldn’t be where I am without her. She’s my biggest cheerleader, my best friend, and my BEST customer! I am incredibly grateful to be able to work with both her and my aunt, Maria Eugenia. They own a jewelry company, Gems 4 Jewels, such beautifully handmade jewelry and are true masters of their craft.

When we were looking for a space for Creative Cove, I feel in love with the space that we are currently in, but it was just a little too big for me so I asked them to move in upstairs to work and I would mainly work downstairs. It’s a trip working with the two of them.

My Asturian father, Papa Ben, he is the reason I am slightly stubborn but incredibly fair and the reason why I am artistic but still have a strong business acumen. Because of both him and my mom, I am able to be living this dream.

I could never leave out my husband either! He has been so supportive of me to jump into this head first. Always there to offer help with operational things and even setting up for events! He is the most amazing man in the world and I am eternally grateful for all the support he gives me.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6998 SW 47th Street,
  Miami, Florida 33155
• Website: www.CreativeCove.net
• Phone: 786-391-2354
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative_cove/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecreativecove/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/creative-cove-miami

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.