Ryan Smith is one of our favorite dinner table conversation partners. Passionate, soulful, and curious about everything, he's the rare arbiter of cool that's too humble to actually realize it.
By day, Ryan is VP of Creative and Experience at MML Hospitality, powerhouse company behind some of the hottest restaurant and hotel concepts around the country. His creative references span travel, art, nature, and most of all, his deep love of music that crosses genres.
Ryan's been a supporter of the brand from the beginning—in fact, he and his wife Kelti were the first people we floated the name to ("What do you guys think about 'Casa Zuma'?" Spoiler: they were into it.) He's built a life infused with creativity at every touch point, and we knew that Ryan had to be one of our first interview subjects for this series.
Read on for the rituals that keep Ryan inspired, shot at newly-opened Howards Bar & Club in Austin.
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What's something you’re committed to doing every single day, no matter what?
Searching for new music. It's a constant thing I do and can’t live without. New sounds are my vitamin C.
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How does the design of your space reflect your priorities?
My Virgo nature is always lurking. A clean, organized, uncluttered space of cool, well made things keeps me relaxed & dreaming.
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What's the first thing you do each morning?
Let Gigi (our poodle) out for a restroom break…not fancy, I know.
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Are there any daily or weekly “chores” you always enjoy?
Sunday laundry. I’m a big fan of the wash & hang dry process. It keeps my fave clothing items looking fresh!
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Is there a scent you love?
Astier de Villatte Hollywood incense soothes me like no other.
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Does music play a part in your daily life?
It’s everything. I always joke that I can have a better conversation with another person using songs to communicate rather than words. Feel a certain way? Play me a song that best describes how you feel, and I’ll get it without saying a word. Silly but true.
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How do you keep yourself energized throughout the day?
I train at a gym 5 nights a week. It's essential for my mind, body, and soul.
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Where's the best spot at Howards?
Inside the DJ booth. It’s a dream. I could sit back there all day & night, play music, and smile. Truly, my happy place.
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Where do you turn for inspiration when you’re feeling creatively blocked?
My wife, Kelti (an artist) and my kids (free of inhibitions). I’m lucky.
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What do you do to prioritize health and wellness?
I consistently challenge the notion that you can’t be in the best shape of your life as you age. That’s simply BS. You can make anything happen, including having the fastest 100m sprint time you’ve ever had at age 44.
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What’s the best career advice anyone ever gave you?
"You'll never know unless you ask." This can apply to anything. Will that designer even think about collaborating with me? Can I evolve my job to do only the things I love doing? How can I be better? Just ask and the world will find a way to make things happen.
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How would you describe your work/life balance?
This is something I continue to evaluate and strive for. I work in hospitality, so the work/life lanes cross often. I do my best to keep personal & professional spaces separated for myself and my family, but it’s tricky. I’d say this one is in progress.
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Name one item you can’t live without.
My Ciele running cap. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. If you don’t have one, get one…thank me when you see me. Perfect design.
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What's your favorite time of day?
Golden hour in Austin. The best. If you’ve had a successful day and feel like you accomplished all you wanted to, a cotton candy Texas sky at golden hour is the reward.
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