Today we’d like to introduce you to Layal El-Saadi.
Layal, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always wanted to find a creative way to express myself, and share my story. I’ve had an interesting history and path. I was married at 19 divorced at 22. Bought a one-way ticket to Australia and lived there for a year. I have worked a wide range job and co-owned a restaurant. Everything I’ve experienced has caused me to question so much. My way of thinking and identity has evolved over the years. I have a very inquisitive nature and therefore I’m constantly searching for answers.
The idea of a podcast just kind of hit me. Kara and I had just started living together at the time and we got along and complemented each other so well. She had just moved back to Houston after a 7-year single stint in Austin. I knew she had some amazing experiences to share herself. Not to mention Kara has a sex operator voice which is perfect for podcasting.
It’s really hilarious hearing peoples reaction to our name “Hold My Pasties Please.” Everyone always asks where it came from. Kara and I just kind of brainstormed names one day on our building’s courtyard. I’ve been known to wear a lot of pasties and thought the word “pasties” sounded fun. Karas sister put our logo together and it worked.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been interesting for sure. Kara and I have absolutely no recording experience much less Podcasting experience. People don’t realize how much planning actually goes into it. You can have all these amazing ideas, but then putting it together and executing it without it sounding unnatural can be a challenge. Once the mic is on everyone kind of freezes up.
With a new podcast, you are basically trying to find your identity and figure out your role. We sometimes struggle with our voice and how we can properly represent ourselves. Especially after each guest, because we don’t always share the same views as they do. It can be compared to a new TV show, each character is trying to develop their storylines. Where will Hold my Pasties Please go and what’s our vision? That continues to evolve.
We both have day jobs, and our podcast produces no revenue yet. Sometimes I worry about how I can make time and if we will have problems staying motivated. Thankfully we are both so obsessed with Hold My Pasties Please so that has yet to be an issue. As of right now I really feel like it gives me an additional “sense of purpose” and I’m so in love with HMPP.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
A podcast is unique in the sense that you have to expect not to make money and if you do it won’t be for a while. We view the podcast as a diary that we want to share and also share the stories of people we know. We think everyone has something to teach us. I knew from the beginning I wanted it to become a kind of lifestyle brand so it won’t remain only a podcast. We have lots of new projects for the HMPP brand coming soon that we are extremely excited about.
I’m also so proud of our Instagram page that I curate. It’s bright, pretty, and fun and because I tend to post things that align with what I’m feeling that day.
We also pride ourselves on being honest, real, yet keeping it thoughtful and tasteful. Kara always says she wants it to be something that she wouldn’t be worried about her Mom listening to, and I feel the same way.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think it is. Houston is home to such a mix of people from all walks of life. I’ve always said Houston is such a great place to live and start a business. You get a mix of the city life, suburbs, and basically everything in between.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soundcloud.com/holdmypastiesplease
- Email: holdmypastiepls@gmail.com
- Instagram: @holdmypastiespls
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holdmypastiespls/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Ruben O. Escobar
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