Meet Nathan Hassall, Poet Laureate of Malibu, California ‘23-25 and founder of The Poetry Vessel‍ ‍

Nathan Hassall is an English-American poet and educator based in Malibu, California.

Originally from Horsham, England, Nathan relocated to the U.S. in 2018 after finding love while earning his Master’s in Creative Writing with Distinction from the University of Kent.

As a poet, educator, entrepreneur, and editor, Nathan brings a deep commitment to the transformative power of language. From 2023 to 2025, Nathan served as Malibu’s 5th Poet Laureate, making history as the youngest appointee to the position. During his tenure, he championed the local creative spirit by leading community workshops and events designed to inspire poets of all levels.

Nathan continues to be a driving force in the local and international literary community through The Poetry Vessel, a company he founded during his laureateship. The organization provides workshops and resources that leverage the transformative power of verse. Nathan also hosts The Poetry Vessel Podcast on YouTube, where he engages in deep-dive interviews with award-winning international poets, artists, and other thinkers.

Alongside his public work, Nathan is a sought-after freelance editor who collaborates with poets, writers, and entrepreneurs to refine their voices with clarity and depth — skills that form the foundation of his teaching and creative philosophy.