About our Founders
In November of 2022, photographer Leah Fasten reached out to entrepreneur Kyle Shannon with questions about training data and making images using Stable Diffusion. They talked for a very long time, amazed at what they both saw coming.
A week later, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, and Leah and Kyle launched the first meeting of the AI Salon on December 7th, 2022. Since then, The community of AI optimists has grown quickly. Kyle and Leah lead a vibrant ecosystem of everyday people exploring the power of generative AI.
KYLE SHANNON
Kyle Shannon is a pioneering leader in digital storytelling and marketing innovation. In late 2022, he co-founded the AI Salon (TheSalon.ai), as a safe harbor for AI enthusiasts to play first to discover and learn what’s possible with AI, mindfully create projects and solutions, and lead generously. The AI Salon reflects his forward-thinking approach and deep commitment to harnessing the power of generative AI, which he views as more profoundly impactful than the World Wide Web.
In addition to his work with the AI Salon, Kyle is the co-founder and CEO of Storyvine. Through Storyvine’s revolutionary video storytelling platform, clients produce professional, authentic content at scale. Storyvine’s ongoing innovation, including a new suite of AI-powered features, is a testament to Kyle’s enduring impact on the digital landscape.
Kyle co-founded Agency.com in 1994 and, as Chief Creative Officer, launched a movement of storytelling innovation, defining digital marketing for generations to come. The company grew to over 2,200 employees and achieved $200 million in revenue. The successful IPO on NASDAQ, cemented Kyle's status as a pioneer in modern digital advertising.
A thought leader in the AI Space, Kyle is a sought-after public speaker, delivering inspiring keynotes at conferences and leading organizations in navigating change and emerging technologies through workshops and consulting. A gifted writer, his most recent publication is a contribution to AI FUTURES: An Anthology, published by Turkey Hill Press.
LEAH FASTEN
Leah Fasten is a force in photography with a particular skill for capturing images about desire, drive, and remarkable moments of true human connection. Leah co-founded the AI Salon in late 2022 as a witness to a moment in time when AI tools will completely upend and shift the entire paradigm. Leah believes as AI-generated work becomes ubiquitous, (much as digital photography is ubiquitous,) human influence on the work that is messy, surprising, unscripted, and documentary translates into a more honest and delightful experience of the work.
In addition to her work with the AI Salon, Leah works with magazines, advertising agencies, enterprise-level brands, and institutions who share the brave ambition to make amazing work. Over her expansive career, Leah evolved a locally focused photojournalism business into a national, multi-channel commercial photography brand, winning awards such as a Lion at Cannes and a One Show Pencil for her work with Progressive Insurance.
Leah is a digital nomad with roots in greater New York and San Francisco. She leads photography teams on location everywhere and shares her promptcrafting pursuits online at the AI Salon.