From NOLA to New Beginnings: A Journey of Self-Made Success
Laila Sedky isn’t your average entrepreneur or artist—she’s a woman who built two careers from scratch, each rooted in deep passion and purpose. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and reinvention. From co-founding Egypt’s first dessert boutique, NOLA, to becoming an internationally recognized artist, Laila has shown that it’s possible to succeed in two wildly different worlds—if you dare to follow your heart.
Growing up in a driven household with two ambitious parents, Laila was taught early on to build her own path. Her father, a successful banker, made it clear: “I don’t have a job for you.” While many of her peers joined family businesses, Laila had to find her own way. This independence pushed her to dream big and hustle harder.
Building a Dessert Empire at Just 22
Fresh out of university in 2010, Laila co-founded NOLA in Cairo with her brother. What started as a small dessert boutique soon exploded into a sensation. NOLA was the first of its kind in Egypt, and under Laila’s leadership, it grew into a household name with more than 30 locations and over 500 employees.
What made NOLA special was not just the desserts, but the way Laila approached it—with emotion, joy, and an intuitive sense of what people craved. She turned food into an experience, blending taste with style, and introduced a new kind of sweetness to Egyptian culture.
But after nearly a decade of running a high-pressure business, something began to shift. Laila handed the business reins to her brother and stepped away. Not because she failed, but because her soul was calling her to something new.
Art as Therapy: A New Calling Emerges
Five years ago, at a time when Laila was struggling emotionally, she discovered painting. What began as therapy soon revealed itself as something deeper—a life purpose. With no formal training, she immersed herself in art, allowing creativity to guide her healing.
Her bold art style—heavily inspired by Henri Matisse—reimagines Middle Eastern culture through a modern lens. In just two years, her pieces caught international attention. Her breakout collection, Taste of the Nile, was exhibited in Los Angeles as part of a charity show. That collection, specifically inspired by Andy Warhol, featured traditional Middle Eastern desserts transformed into eye-catching artworks, fusing her entrepreneurial past with her artistic future.
This exhibition wasn’t just a milestone—it was a powerful moment of recognition. It showed her, and the world, that she wasn’t just dabbling in art—she belonged in it.
Navigating Change and Embracing Vulnerability
The transition from businesswoman to full-time artist wasn’t easy. Laila had never painted before. She had to find her own voice in an unfamiliar industry and prove herself all over again. The toughest part? Accepting help and being seen in a new, vulnerable light.
“I had to be brave enough to ask for help, to admit I didn’t know what I was doing, and to still keep showing up,” she shares. It’s a powerful reminder that starting over takes more courage than staying put.
Love, Art, and Her New Exhibition
Today, Laila is working on her next solo exhibition, and this one hits closer to home than ever. It’s a deeply personal collection exploring her own experiences with love and the emotional complexity of seeking a lasting relationship. Through her art, she opens up a space for honest conversation around heartbreak, hope, and human connection.
Art, for Laila, has become a mirror. “It silences the noise and helps me return to the truth of who I am,” she says.
The Cultural Salon: Bringing People Together
In addition to painting, Laila is also building a unique platform for creative connection: a cultural salon series. These intimate gatherings are designed to spark inspiration, foster deep dialogue, and bridge creative communities.
Whether it’s through art, storytelling, or simple conversation, the salons offer something many people crave—authentic connection. Hosting these events is something Laila plans to do for years. “It keeps me inspired and helps me grow, both as an artist and as a connector,” she explains.
Lessons in Faith, Doubt, and Believing in Your Voice
Like many creatives, Laila has faced inner battles—especially with self-doubt. “That little voice that says I’m not good enough can be so loud,” she admits. But she’s learned that consistency and faith in her own voice matter more than fleeting confidence.
“Believe in your gift, even if no one sees it yet,” she urges. “Your voice matters. Your people will find you. Stop waiting for approval or permission. Fear will always be there—just don’t let it lead the way.”
Her message is clear and powerful: Show up, even when you feel unsure. Create, even when you feel unseen. Because in time, your truth will speak for itself.
A Vision Bigger Than Herself
Laila doesn’t just want to make art—she wants to make history. “I want to be remembered as one of the greatest female artists—not only in Egypt but internationally,” she says. Her goal is to inspire the next generation, just as she was inspired by the women who came before her.
She wants her legacy to be one of emotion, honesty, and transformation. “I want to be known for making art personal, emotional, and human—turning pain into power.”
Final Thoughts: A Woman of Passion, Purpose, and Paint
Laila Sedky’s story is more than just a career shift. It’s about courage, reinvention, and trusting your inner voice even when it leads you into the unknown.
From desserts to canvases, business to brushstrokes, Laila shows that creativity isn’t limited to one path—it’s a way of life. Her journey reminds us that you don’t have to stick to one label or role. You can evolve, explore, and embrace every chapter with purpose.
And as she continues to paint her story—one bold color at a time—the world is watching, inspired by a woman who dared to start over, dream again, and lead with heart.
Visuals Note: We’d love to feature your artwork in the article to deepen the visual connection with your story. Please feel free to send over the pieces you’d like us to include, along with any descriptions or titles you want featured.
Follow Laila Sedky’s Journey:
Instagram: @lsedky
TikTok: @lailasedky
LinkedIn: Laila Sedky
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