Her Story
About Sari
Sari Wynne is the founder of Lanakoa, a creative strategy and spatial visualization company that transforms ambitious ideas into tangible, compelling experiences for brands, properties, developers, and creative teams. With a career spanning more than two decades across photography, hospitality, events, creative direction, and business development, Wynne brings a rare ability to bridge vision and execution. Her professional journey began in the fashion industry in New York City, working as an agent for stylists and photographers, before she moved into photography and production and went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute, following earlier studies at the University of Colorado Boulder.
From there, Wynne built a strong foundation in hospitality and events, holding roles such as Conference Services Manager at Vail Resorts and Event Planning Manager at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, followed by Program Development Manager at MC&A, a global event and destination management company. These experiences sharpened her expertise in event design, client relations, and large-scale project execution, ultimately inspiring her to launch Lanakoa in 2026. Through Lanakoa, she now leads creative direction, business development, and strategic partnerships, guiding clients in hospitality, real estate, and experiential environments as they turn early-stage concepts into cinematic, immersive visual narratives that help stakeholders see and understand a project before it's built.
Beyond her business ventures, Wynne remains an active photographer and creative professional through Thistle & Silk, and she is engaged in her professional community as a board member of MNO and a participant in Open Room. She is also committed to giving back, supporting causes such as Women Helping Women, the Maui Food Bank, and Red Cross relief efforts following the Maui wildfires. Guided by a deep belief in authenticity, persistence, and curiosity, Wynne continues to challenge expectations in her field, building forward-looking creative solutions that help others communicate their vision with clarity and confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sari
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence — constantly pivoting, examining where things stand, reassessing, and moving forward. I also credit audacity: not holding back, and being willing to be the one who reaches out and puts myself out there.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to trust no one, to always be prepared just in case, and to remember that no one is truly your friend in business.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd tell young women entering this industry to stay curious and never stop asking questions, no matter what they are or how intimidating it feels to ask them. There are people who genuinely want to see you succeed, and they will help you if you let them.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity matters most to me, above everything else. Being genuine and true to who I am is what allows me to truly connect with people — I believe you can only be yourself, and that being a good person starts there.
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