Q&A No. 1
For us, 2026 is about delving deeper: exploring ideas and interests with a fine-toothed comb, and connecting with 'movers and shakers' in the community on a deeper level. Every month, (sometimes even twice a month!), we'll be doing a brief Q&A with interesting friends and contemporaries, chatting about various things: what they like and what they're up to, getting a glimpse into their respective worlds and minds.
For our first Q&A, we spoke with the incredible Sasha Mei about her daily routines and current hyperfixations.
Maha's note: Rather surprisingly, I first met Sasha in Tokyo, Japan, last year — even though we're both from Toronto! I was living there at the time and she was passing through on the way to Malaysia. We met at a little coffee shop in Yoyogi Uehara, called Nephew — which I totally recommend for their carrot cake and easy ambience — and almost instantly I knew we'd get along swimmingly. A year on, I never skip a Sasha update because she's always doing something creative and inspiring with a sense of playfulness that is such a treat to see.
Please provide a little info about who you are + what you do.
I’m Sasha Mei, and I’m a creative who really enjoys setting a table and throwing a good party.
What does your current daily routine look like as a creative freelancer in Toronto?
I wake up and have coffee first thing — over the past year I’ve become a big drip coffee girl. I spend an hour every morning doing one thing for myself, whether that is reading or writing. I find early morning is when I am most creative. I then, in no particular order, exercise for 45 minutes to an hour most days, answer emails and do all that administrative stuff, work on upcoming event projects, and then hopefully there’s a little time to do a little visual/creative research.
List your top 5 go-to spots in your city: Toronto!
Le Swan, VSP Consignment, River Crossing, Coffee By Joy, David Faria Gallery.
How are you using your Maha Alavi pieces in your home?
My MOMI knobs were the finishing touch to my bedroom renovation — they adorn my closet doors and look so special in my space! I love the mismatched organic shapes. Opening my closet to get dressed feels extra special now.
Sasha uses the MOMI Knob/Hook Short Mini in Smooth Polished White Bronze and MOMI Knob/Hook Long Mini also in Smooth Polished White Bronze.
Shop the full MOMI Series here.
What are some of your current hyperfixations?
I’m obsessed with Parisian designers Rescha and Michelle Del Rio, Zainab Issa’s cookbook Third Culture Cooking, and Panconesi Jewelry’s FW2026 installation called “Conversation Piece”. It’s my dream tablescape.
https://rescha-paris.com/ 
https://www.zaynabissa.com/cookbook 
https://marcopanconesi.com/
Tell us something interesting you have going on at the moment or upcoming that you’re excited about.
I am working on art directing a couple events that I’m very excited about - this is something I want to lean into more in my career. I can’t say more yet but I am loving the pivot to being more behind the scenes when it comes to creating parties. Luckily I’ll be in Southeast Asia for a couple weeks, getting to source materials and feel inspired by the food and the colours here.
Lastly, can you give us one word of advice for young creatives just starting out?
Overnight success is a myth. Even if you achieve it, the work comes with sustaining it. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. And if you’re trying to be an influencer, do something influential first.
See more of Sasha here:
Website
Instagram
