We had the good fortune of connecting with Marena Riyad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marena, how does your business help the community?
Kufiya Comedy is focused on the communities who rarely have the opportunity to enjoy live comedy; people who typically do not feel comfortable in traditional comedy club spaces. We provide a a safe, intimate, alcohol-free space with no “minimum item” purchases, making our show cost effective and easily accessible. After every show, we bring out the comedians and our guests to our sponsor Mondo Pizza & Co for a pizza after party, facilitating dialogue between performer and audience and sharing in the world’s oldest tradition, breaking bread. Furthermore, we partner with other independent comedians to provide a space for them to produce their own shows or to bring our show to their space.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From the start, I’ve always followed my intuition and never let the fear of the unknown deter me from taking the path less traveled. I created my own major with a focus on Business and Art at UNT, which laid the foundation to help me take on the opportunities that came my way. By day, I’m the owner of “The Haus of Henna” henna studio and a Stand-up Comedian by night. My proudest accomplishment is creating spaces that make people feel seen, heard, and represented, like at Kufiya Comedy. I’m excited for our upcoming Kufiya Comedy Festival on May 10th, 11th & 12th where my team and I will continue to highlight the underrepresented communities and share their stories, art and culture.

My philosophy in life is that to truly be at peace, a person must be well rounded, learn to serve others, and be a little bit crazy. “I don’t know what I’m doing….but I’ll figure it out!” When pursuing an unconventional life, it will never be easy and you will not know what you’re doing. But that’s where the magic and growth occur. You must approach art with discipline, and business with creativity. Chasing your dreams will always require a level of madness, which is needed to bring life something that exists only in your mind. My only advice is for anyone who can’t stop the urge to create as much as they can stop breathing… just do it. Figure out your why, and God will take care of the how.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I plan my trips all around the food and unique experiences. I’ve listed my favorite’s below, and when in doubt, pick a neighborhood and go explore!

Food: Open Sesame Lebanese Grill / Tikka N Kabab / Ked’s Ice cream
Relax: Sole Therapy Dallas / The Haus of Henna
Culture: Kufiya Comedy monthly show (last sat. of the month) / Thai Cultural Center
Cafes: Peace MiddleEast Cafe / Arwa Yemeni Coffee
Neighborhoods: Oak Lawn/ Downtown Richardson/ Legacy West/ Deep Ellum

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All the women who dared to dream, especially my mother, who is a constant beacon of resilience, curiosity, and love.

Website: https://www.kufiyacomedytx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kufiyacomedy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KufiyaComedy

Other: Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r7HHeAHJeEeecFrM9

Image Credits
Faheem Rashid Nathan Hunsinger

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.