An Interview with Alex Kirkwood

The Founder & President of Kirkwood Collection speaks his truth on boutique hospitality. BLLA: Why are you excited to be a facilitator? AK: “The boutique hotel industry is a dynamic industry that is constantly evolving, and I’m always happy and honored to provide insight.” BLLA: Why is it important for boutique hotel owners to gather […]

Revitalizing Architectural Gems with Carolyn Schneider

Season 1, Episode 6 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela” Overview: Carolyn grew up in sunny Los Angeles and graduated from New York University. After working in New York City nightlife and restaurants, it was not long before she fell in love with hotels and started managing Events at Ace Hotel New York. From there, […]

The Art of Hospitality with Katherine Lo

Season 1, Episode 5 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela” Overview: Born in Hong Kong, Kat Lo is a next-generation leader, driven by her moral compass and committed to reimagining the future of hospitality for the betterment of the people and the planet. In 2011, Kat joined her family business in hospitality, and just a […]

TIEWN’s Dedication to Female Empowerment in Travel & Hospitality

Takeaways from BLLA & TIEWN’s 2022 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference, Issue 2 LOS ANGELES, CA – Since 1987, Frances Kiradjian has demonstrated a fierce commitment to disrupting the travel and hospitality landscape by redefining the path to success for women in these sectors and creating inclusive platforms elevating female voices. This also created the […]

Boutique Hotel Owners to Gather in LA to Connect & Celebrate the 2022 Award Winners

Industry leaders create a stellar agenda for the 11th annual Boutique Hotel Owners Conference by BLLA Los Angeles, CA – The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) is returning to the live stage for the 3rd time this year with the Boutique Hotel Owners Conference on October 25-26 at the Westlake Village Inn in Los Angeles, […]

Simple Pleasures with Sarah Sklash

Season 1, Episode 4 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela” Overview: Sarah Sklash is a passionate Motelier and Co-Founder of The June Motel. You may recognize Sarah as half of the iconic duo who starred in Motel Makeover, a Netflix series that followed their renovation of The June Sauble Beach. Through light-hearted and sincere episodes, […]

Affordable Luxury with Ernest Lee

Season 1, Episode 3 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela” Overview: Based in New York City, Ernest Lee has an extensive range of business experience in investments, real estate, finance, strategy, and even operations. It’s safe to say, in the bustling “City That Never Sleeps”, he is truly doing it all. As the Chief Growth […]

Persistent Empowerment & Embracing the Beauty of the Feminine

Takeaways from BLLA & TIEWN’s 2022 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference, Issue 1 LOS ANGELES, CA – On July 11-12, 2022, the Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network met at both The Aster and the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills to engage in captivating dialogue and celebrate diverse leadership in travel and hospitality. Ariela Kiradjian and […]

Authenticity and Culture with Brian

Season 1, Episode 2 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela” Overview: Brian began his career with Ritz-Carlton but quickly transitioned into boutique lifestyle hotels as a manager with The James brand in Miami. After launching the re-branded James Royal Palm property, Brian then made his way to New York to manage The James Hotel in […]

Do All The Good That You Can with Raul Leal

Season 1, Episode 1 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela” Overview: Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts, is a seasoned professional in the boutique hospitality industry who understands and embodies the boutique lifestyle to a T.  Forward-thinking and self-driven, Raul is an influential executive with a successful track record of creating powerful brands […]