In this Conversating with Yhorlife we got to conversate with Rivian Designer and Founder of Dalal Designs Labs and Harakat of Dalal Elsheikh! I’m SUPER excited for this Conversating because Dalal is creative, funny, ambitious and is a poster child for why making a schedule is crucial. I hope you enjoy this Conversating as much as I do - Enjoy!

How would you introduce yourself to people who are unaware of you?

I would say my name is Dalal Elsheikh. I’m a Sudanese American Automotive Designer. Born and raised in New Jersey but now based in San Francisco, CA.

You’re a designer at Rivian! So cool! Why do you love designing? Did you always know this is what you wanted to do? What do you see as the future of cars (the body style etc)?

So yeah, funny enough I did always know this is what I wanted to do. Not necessarily cars but I was always drawing. I think all kids draw and there’s a point where kids stop because they feel they’re not good enough at this. I just never stopped, and I always had a sketchbook on me and always wanted to invent new things. I was on Microsoft Paint as a kid making floor plans for future homes, coming up with like new vehicle designs. This was when I was in elementary school.

You also have your entrepreneurial endeavors- Dalal Design Lab & Harakat! Why did you decide to launch these businesses? What do you say to people who don’t believe that people can do multiple things at once?

Well, Dalal Design Lab is in the name – it was an experiment for me. I found myself working at these companies and not really having time for the thing that I loved to do which is create and make stuff. I love cars not just as a career but also as a passion and hobby.

Harakat was something that born between my two friends. We are all people from the Middle East and North Africa region who love cars. In LA there is such a car culture and so much Middle Eastern and North African culture in LA and they overlap. There wasn’t a space for them to overlap so Harakat was the answer.

I think it’s such a limiting belief that you can only do one thing at a time. Plus I want my parents to see the fruit of that work.

What are your tips for healthy mindset?

That’s a hard one. I think it’s easy to say “make time for yourself and your wellness” but you have to have your bases covered at first. I make sure that I schedule time for the things that I love to do. I love my Google Calendar and I schedule everything.

You also do educational work/ talks!! Why do you love teaching? How did you start?

It’s something that I fell into. I was volunteering to do it at Ford initially because Ford was good with giving back to the community. I love showing kids/ people that this is absolutely something you can do as a career.

After Ford I did the Hot Wheels show and I really loved talking to students in college.

What are your 3 staples of clothing that make you feel yhor most confident?

I really love structured pieces – something with a strong line. I just bought these barrel jeans and I love a good blazer. I also love button down shirt.

You had a fundraiser recently for Sudan. Typically associating with anything political can be seen as ostracizing and polarizing. Why was it important for you to support Sudan?

We were worried about people not wanting to show up or vendors wouldn’t want to work with us. We felt like if we are going to use the images, food and the identity of these places it would not make sense to not acknowledge what is happening in those places.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of your job (rivian & entrepreneur)?

It’s so powerful to be a designer at one of these major companies. It’s so great to see something you’ve worked on for so long actually out in the real world. Also getting paid to do what you love.

last & most fun question! What is your favorite way to unwind!

I’m not the best at unwinding. The best way for me to unwind is to spend time with my friends and my family. I also enjoy reading books.

DALAL ELSHEIKH - ENTREPRENEUR + DESIGNER AT RIVIAN