Gabriella Khalil founded the Cayman Islands hotel Palm Heights in 2019, a few months before the closed borders due to COVID-19. Instead of closing, Khalil turned the place into a place for artists. This year, he transformed AIG’s former headquarters in New York’s Financial District into WSA, a hub for art businesses, including publications and galleries—with a long waiting list.
What is your best habit, and what is your worst? My best is being curious about new and different things. My worst is procrastination.
What do you do when you’re stuck with art? Peaceful walking, sleeping, and resting time.
Do you have a favorite entrepreneur? Martha Stewart.
Is there a trend you never want to hear about again? Tradwife culture.
What’s the best mistake you’ve ever made? Palm Heights launched less than five months before COVID struck. At the time, it seemed like opening it was the worst mistake of all. We specialize in dining and hotel experiences. It was a lesson in quick thinking.
How do you cut it? I go to a spa or do spa-like things at home. . . bath, face mask, soft music.
Is there a book you recommend to everyone? Dieter Rams: As Small a Design as Possible.
What advice are you glad you ignored? I moved to London, where I lived for years. Many people thought I was crazy, and I was afraid to do it, but the experience changed me. This is where I studied art and learned to love design.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Stop wasting
time for doubt or self-limiting beliefs.
Have you ever experienced a fork in the road? I studied contemporary art and thought I only wanted to work in the art field. It wasn’t until I focused on interiors and designs that I realized how much I loved it. I made the decision to follow a design and creative approach, which led to art direction within the world of hospitality.
Do you have a work uniform or basic wardrobe? Baggy jeans and a bodysuit.
Who is your style icon? Tracee Ellis Ross.
Do you have a favorite item in your office? My 1980’s Tobia Scarpa office chair.
What is your biggest indulgence? Massages and infrared saunas.
How do you exercise? Reformer Pilates at Forma Pilates.
Do you have a favorite podcast? Monocle in Design. It brings together creative people, from designers to architects to curators.
Do you have a mantra? At Palm Heights, our motto is “continuous improvement.”
What’s your go-to food for quick fuel? A green smoothie.
What’s your “pumping” song? “Flawless” by Beyoncé.
What is a meeting you can’t miss? Morning tea with my daughter.
What are your favorite Instagram accounts? @samyoukilis: Nice clips from Europe. @lewissmag: He is a fashion legend, and his collection reviews are unmatched. @chriscorsini: I never miss his monthly horoscopes. @80s_deco: I refer to the ’70s and ’80s in many of my creative works. This is a great resource.
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