Meet NYC passerby, Beth Garrabrant, photographer and photo director at Nylon Magazine after working at Travel + Leisure Magazine where she discovered her talents.
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in Photographer
Meet Katy Hallowell
Katy is an NYC based location scout and writer. Born in Connecticut, she moved to Toronto and then to San Francisco before moving back to the east coast. Avid film-goer, Rolling Stones lover, reader and explorer. Occasional trespasser.
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Meet Mariana Orkenyi
Mariana Orkenyi is a Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher. Her work is to guide through meditation and integrated teachings bringing clarity, awareness, and support for people to go within and expand. She holds a masters degree in Arts and Cultural Management, a Meditation Teacher Certification through Ananda School of Yoga and Meditation and in Mindfulness through UCLA. She is currently studying Contemplative Psychotherapy at Nalanda Institute. Mariana leads courses, guided meditations, private sessions and talks all over the world. Mariana was born and raised in Brazil, lived in Mexico City and Barcelona and studied with some of the most important leading masters in spirituality and meditation.
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Meet Heba Kadry
Mastering Engineer Heba Kadry was born in Egypt and grew up listening to early 90s indie shoegaze records whenever she could get her hands on them. She works at Timeless Mastering in Bushwick in the studio she physically helped build.
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Meet Alaa Balkhy
Alaa was born in Jeddah and raised in Montreal. Her passion for art developed with her changing surroundings. She founded the brand Fyunka and is currently working on the launch of a cultural publication she co-founded called Minaa Zine.
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Meet Alyssa Coscarelli
in Writer, Influencer
Alyssa Coscarelli is a fashion writer, consultant, and influencer based in the East Village, New York City. After working as an editor for Refinery29 for 5 years, Alyssa recently took the leap to give the freelance life a whirl, and in addition to contributing to various digital publications, consulting for up-and-coming New York indie brands, she's working on launching her own online platform in the coming months. She's an impulsive shopper with a love for vintage and indie brands specifically, and can never pass up the perfect pair of Levi's (even though she owns more than any one human should).
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Meet Sabrina Diaz
in Entrepreneur
Sabrina Diaz grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey. She describes her high school as “your quintessential and stereotypical school,” closely resembling Mean Girls. There was even a rumor going around that the movie was based off her school. By her junior year, tired of of that scene, Sabrina took any opportunity she could to get out of her school and her hometown, often ending up in the city. She knew that New York was where she wanted to be for college, and started at LIM before moving to FIT, where she studied marketing and business.
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Meet Laura Helms
Born in Manhattan, Laura grew up in London before returning to New York to attend NYU. She is a fashion and cultural historian—working primarily as an exhibition curator, writer and design consultant.
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Meet Gaby Ron
in Curator, Consultant
Born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, Gaby is a curator and cultural producer. Gaby has lead, curated and researched projects that merge interdisciplinary practical work experience with academic studies.
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Meet Cara Flaherty
Cara Flaherty is the Events & Content Manager for Urban Outfitters’ concept store, Space Ninety 8, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has lived in the neighborhood since the early aughts, though she is originally from Columbus, Ohio.
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Meet Zahra Bennani
in Entrepreneur
Meet NYC passerby, Zahra bennani. After 11 years in Paris, she recently moved to Rabat to launch JNOUN - a creative studio and clothing line in collaboration with her sister Meriem Bennani.
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Meet J Wortham
in Writer, Podcast Host
“J moved to New York in 2009 to work for the New York Times as a technology reporter. Before that, they lived in San Francisco and worked as a waitress and fact-checker at Wired Magazine. They’re originally from Virginia, and studied biology and anthropology as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia. Having a background in science really helped them to see that they loved everything about information tech, infrastructure and thinking about how things work and evolve. Initially, J felt alienated from tech culture because they didn’t present as a stereotypical “nerd” but the more they dug into it, the more they became fascinated with the way the Internet, machines and software shape our understanding of ourselves, the world, and each other. And they’ve been doing that ever since. ”
on their Morning Routine by season
In summer, I wake up naturally. I love warm weather, and I can’t wait to be outside. In winter, it’s the complete opposite. I lie in bed and negotiate until I’m on my way into the day. No matter the season, I like to alkalize as soon as I wake up, with charcoal filtered water with a squeeze of lemon, lime or blood orange, whatever is in the fridge.
on becoming a writer
I’ve been reading since I was 2, the story goes, so it feels natural that I would work in words. My family is very working class, so it took me awhile to realize I could earn a living by writing, and once that happened, there was no going back.
I love having a job that allows me to investigate the human condition, and think about life, and explore alternate ways of being and doing things.
on what they’re working on now
My goal for the rest of the year is to expand my idea of myself as a creator. I am working on an art book with a friend, and teaching myself more about film and moving images. I love working with video. In five years, I hope to be as excited and invigorated as I am today to write and connect with new people.
“Anything that explores the interiority of black women appeals to me and I was lucky enough to get a copy of the new Zadie Smith and I haven’t been able to put it down since.”
On their personal style
I mostly shop online. Trying on clothes gives me body anxiety and so many places have free online returns, so. In general, I aim for maximum comfort and bright colors, which I get from all over. I am experimenting with more masculine styles right now because that's what is in my heart. I love ASOS and I have a few friends who sell vintage and they occasionally set pieces aside for me, which is dope.
on the perfect skin mask & their skincare routine
Raw honey is a perfect skin mask. I just buy a jar of something raw and organic and spread it on my face a few minutes and then rinse it off. I do it a few times a month, in the morning or before bed . Honey is a natural antibiotic and moisturizer. It keeps my skin clear and looking dewy and moist. It’s THE BEST!
My skin is so temperamental and hyper-reactive, so I can’t use too many things at once or too much makeup, or my face has a meltdown. I just try keep it clean and moisturized to prevent break-outs. I love Orgaid sheet masks because they have probiotics and witch hazel in them, which is incredible. I’ve been using a vitamin C serum too, which is working wonders for my summer complexion.
“Holistic health is very important to me! I’ve become extremely attuned to the foods that make me feel great and the ones that make me feel terrible. And now I’m learning to experiment with teas and things just for health. I bought a block of organic reishi mushrooms at the Union Square Farmer’s Market for $10! I’m going to brew it this winter as a health tonic. I just started a newsletter to document these adventures. TinyLetter.com/FermentationandFormation”
J's Favorite Books
The Black Book by Middleton A. Harris, Ernest Smith, Morris Levitt, Roger Furman, & Toni Morrison
This Bridge Called My Back by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa
J's Favorite Places
Best Coffee: SuperCrown
Best Paletas: Tulcingo Deli
Best Juices at AP Cafe
Best Place for Cool Shows: Trans-Pecos
Best Discowoman Sets: TheLotRadio and Market Hotel
Best Acupuncture: TigerLily
Best Spot For A Date & Sushi: Momos
Best Place for a Movie: Syndicated
Streetstyle Details: Vintage
Meet Nicole Steriovski
in Art Director
Nicole is a creative director, producer, filmmaker, copywriter and co-founder of Local Creative, a collaborative lifestyle collective and studio.
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Meet Julia Sherman
Julia Sherman was born and bred in New York City. Sherman runs "Salad for President," an evolving publishing project that draws a meaningful connection between food, art, and everyday obsessions.
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Meet Arpana Rayamajhi
in Jeweler
Born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. She received her BFA from The Cooper Union School of Art, focusing primarily on Painting and Sculpture. She founded her jewelry brand in 2014, where she brings her Nepali heritage and craftsmanship to each of her pieces whilst drawing inspiration from tribal/ethnic, pop cultures, Rock & Roll and Death. In addition she is also the co-founder of DISPOSE, an online magazine collection of disposable photographs that narrate the day of an individual.
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Meet Charlotte Doherty
Meet NYC passerby, Charlotte Doherty. She went to college for writing in NC and moved here to further that pursuit, but ended up transitioning into the fashion industry. Currently, she is the general manager of Courtshop Denim and does art on the side.
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Meet Rachael Yaeger
in Entrepreneur, Producer
“Born outside of the Adirondacks, upstate NY, Rachael is the creator and editor of The Working Pair—an online editorial that showcases couples; their lives, love, work and the balance of it all. She went to Flagler College for Communication with a minor in Journalism and got her MA in Marketing from Regent’s College in London. She is also the founder of Human NYC, LLC. a front-end focused development shop for thoughtful design and has worked with clients such as Saturdays NYC, Coming Soon, Basic Rights, Tanya Taylor, Sandy Liang, Sight Unseen, Know-Wave radio.”
on her morning routine
I like to get up around 7:30 AM, Hugh and I snooze the alarm a couple of times. Shower, fight with my closet a bit. The walk through Chinatown and seeing all of the cheap, colorful fruits makes my day. Coffee from Happy Bones. They're family. Human NYC shares a studio space with RoAndCo. We do team morning stand-ups at 10 AM, and then get building websites and working on projects.
on her career path
I grew up with the lucky mentality that the sky's the limit. My parents always did the best that they could do to enable me to fulfill my goals, from playing sports to studying abroad, to going on scuba diving trips, to going to graduate school in London. I knew I wanted to work with people and talk; I also have a certificate in mediation. I graduated in 2009 with my MA and went home to upstate NY, I was substitute teaching and called my friends to see what they were up to, they graciously set me up in the city. I landed with a sublet on E. 7th and Ave. A, a bartending job and an interview at Gin Lane.
on creating her projects
I started The Working Pair as I couldn’t believe there were people in solid relationships in New York. I felt like there was a stigma that if you were in a relationship you were lame and not working hard enough on your own career path. I wanted to prove the opposite. You know when you meet two cool people and you’re inspired by them, and then you realize they're actually a couple and it blows your mind, that’s what I wanted to find. I started with Archie Coates (pluspool.org) and Emily Coates, from there the site has really been an extension of that friend group. I’m super grateful to work mainly with photographer Meredith Jenks, and started out by shooting with Ryan Patterson. The Working Pair is truly a labour of love.
““Modoc” is the best book ever written! “Plein Air” is designed well and visually beautiful. “Riposte” is the epitome of my zine obsession. I have to limit my trips to McNally Jackson and Bouwerie Iconic.”
on creating opportunities
I left Gin Lane in 2013. I felt a surge of entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to go for it. I started theworkingpair.com and opened a gallery on Meserole and Manhattan Avenues in Greenpoint with my dear friend Jill. We curated female focused shows and printed two zines, one with Akila Berjaoui solely of her work and the other entitled, “The Babe Show” highlighting creative women around us. In 2014 my now technical partner Michael, left Code & Theory where he had been after Gin Lane (where we met originally) and we started working together again on websites. The gallery allowed me to work in a more tangible way, but with both curating shows and building websites I get to work with people by providing a platform to showcase their work and grow their business. I realized at Gin Lane how meaningful it is to work with friends. Once you’ve been in the trenches together, you establish this trust that makes it so easy and fun to do work as a team.
on her favorite job
My favorite job was at an Ace Hardware store called Coakley's. I like working, I started working at a young age babysitting, I also like painting walls and garage doors. I did an internship with my Aunt's company in DC and learned a lot about production! I went into Gin Lane on a Friday and kind of jumped in on a Monday. I had a Blackberry and a PC, and Gin Lane's founder Emmett immediately took me to the Apple store. We built websites for clients so I quickly realized that designers and developers were my keys to success. I enjoyed working with our internal team and managing our external clients. I also got to shoot content and help to build @adidasWomen with social media and digital strategy.
TOP, SANDY LIANG ; PANTS, ZARA ; BAG, Loeffler Randall ; Shoes, Teva ; Sunglasses, crap eyewear
““Apartmento” is my favorite magazine on this planet. When I left Gin Lane, I wanted to move to Barcelona to work for them, their aesthetic is perfect. Cass Bird is one of my favorite photographers.”
on her beauty routine
We recently launched theklog.co so I got into Korean skincare. I really like sheet masks! I use Glossier tinted moisturizer for that dewy look end-goal. I like to stay hydrated and listen to my skin. It looks best when I have been outdoors, not showered for a couple of days. As for tips, never wax your eyebrows, wear sunscreen (hi mom, I'm 29 and now realize this), DRINK WATER, smile, try to get rest, a little oil on the ends of your hair. I think confidence is everything, which comes from within.
I also recommend Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Lucas Papaw Ointment, Glossier Priming Moisturizer, MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator, MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence, and Glossier Balm Dotcom.
on her shopping habits
I like to rep the brands that we work with! And I want to work with people that have brands we believe in. I wear Negative Underwear, Datura, Sandy Liang + pieces picked up from travels like my long black skirt from Berlin or red Kimono from Toronto, high waisted mom jeans, t-shirts from friends like Laferrera.pizza and acid.camp. I also wear all of my dad's old jackets, a white cable knit soft Woolrich sweater from my mom, a Timex from my brother and my Grandad's Pendleton's. My style is cozy. In an ideal world I am wearing all Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart, Acne Studios, The Row.
“I like brainstorming, art, reading, interacting with people, conveying messaging, marketing for me was like building a fire for ideas. ”
TOP, SANDY LIANG ; PANTS, ZARA ; BAG, Loeffler Randall ; Shoes, Teva ; Sunglasses, crap eyewear
rachael's favorite books and magazines
Riposte Magazine, Apartamento Magazine, Plein Air Magazine, Modoc by Ralph Helfer, Cass Bird: Rewilding by Cass Bird
rachael's favorite places in nyc
Happy Bones for coffee
Mr Fong's for a bar
Rintintin for dinner
Madhufalla Organic Juice & Smoothie Bar
Meet Yousra Elbagir
in Journalist
“Sudanese-born, British-educated journalist currently working in Khartoum, Sudan as a writer for the Guardian, CNN Africa, Reuters Africa and Content manager for Elephant Media.”
Yousra’s favorite books
on her morning routine
I usually spend quite a bit of time checking my phone with one-eye open for the first 30 minutes I'm awake. Once I drag myself out of bed, I brush my teeth, shower and wash my face with an all-natural Tumeric soap from India. It's amazing - exfoliates and purifies - I also use it as a body wash. Then I use the Pixi Glow tonic and moisturise with Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré. I usually put on a thin layer of Clinique Moisture surge tinted moisturiser with SPF 15 if I'm heading out for the day. I have a lot of allergies and really sensitive skin so I avoid any other skin make-up or sun protection.
on her family and childhood
My dad is a Sudanese journalist and politician, and my mum is his business partner and publisher. His newspaper - Al-Khartoum - was printing in Khartoum, London, Cairo, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Before I was born, my dad was exiled for being government opposition. He hopped over to the University of Exeter in the UK to get his PHD in political science and that's where I grew up until I was 8. We then moved to Khartoum and I studied high school there for the next 7 years. When I first arrived it was really difficult assimilating, I remember getting teased quite a bit. But by the time I left for London at 16, I had a strong group of close friends and became fluent in Arabic. I did my A Levels (SAT equivalent) in London and read Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews, graduating last summer. I made the big decision to move back home for field experience as a journalist, where I now work at our family production company Elephant Media and have been there ever since.
““Asmarani is the chap-book of an incredible Sudanese-American poet, and very good friend of mine, Safia Elhillo (@safiamafia). This girl plucks poetry from the heavens. She’s got a book coming out called The January Children and I feel like my autographed copy of Asmarani is going to be priceless very, very soon.””
on her love for Sudanese culture
I fell so deeply in love with Sudanese culture as soon as I moved back. Studying anthropology really made me look at things in a different light - things I'd taken for granted before. The music, the food, the perfumed oils and heavenly sandalwood incense (bakhoor). At Elephant Media, we focus a lot on uncovering Sudanese culture. Through those projects, I've been introduced to an incredible community of contemporary artists - people who are constantly producing beautiful work regardless of socio-economic circumstance and lack of exposure. My room in Sudan is full of Sudanese art. I had to physically stop myself from bringing it all with me to NYC for the month.
on her writing
Someone asked me once if we burn newspapers as incense at home. It was one of the most spot-on metaphors I've ever heard. My family is very media-oriented and our newspaper was around long before I even came into existence. My sister Safia is the only one who managed to escape the madness - she's a doctor. My eldest sister Nima is a senior foreign correspondent for CNN and my brother used to run our printing press and has now evolved the family trade into new media by founding Elephant Media. When I first moved to Sudan at the end of last summer, I started writing for the CNN Africa website. My first article was on Nuba wrestling, a thousand year-old tradition hailing from the south of Sudan that had meant displaced and persecuted Nuba were competing in the Khartoum and were being trained by the Japanese embassy for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. I'll never forget how I felt when it was published, I was just elated. I had been published by CNN and Reuters News before but never on Sudan or anything Sudanese. That really set the tone for everything I've gone on to write the last year - a blend of culture, human interest and news. I started writing for the Guardian in February, mostly on stories we work on at Elephant Media. I was recently able to combine my two worlds more seamlessly with Elephant Media becoming a partner of the Guardian Africa Network.
Shirt, H&M
““As a black, Muslim, African, Arab woman, Ive always known that I relate to some of the most underrepresented groups in the world. At home in Sudan, I’m the majority and growing up in the UK, I was a minority. Shifting between those binaries has really shaped who I am. I’ve always looked at it as a strength, access to a unique perspective that I can try and share with the world through connecting with people and telling their stories in a compelling way. I still have a long way to go but the aim of my entire body of work is to push the developing world narrative to the forefront of the media.””
on her sensitive skin
When I found out I was allergic to fragrances, I started using some of my mums perfumed oils because it's applied without a spray getting it everywhere. Now my mum mixes a special little bottle for me. I've had people stop me in the street and ask me where they can buy it. She's not selling! I think it's really important to monitor how your skin reacts to the elements and different products. My allergies have meant that I pay really close attention to that. There was a period of two years where my skin was breaking out constantly and what I thought was acne turned out to be a rash from my long list of unknown food intolerances. Listen to your skin, it'll always tell you when something shouldn't be in your system.
I also generously lather on moisturizer before I sleep - it's the best time for your skin to rehydrate. Additionally, I would recommend: Clinique Moisture Surge, Embryolisse, Pixi Glow Tonic Toner, and Mixed Chicks conditioner.
Top, Zara ; pants, Missguided ; Shoes, & OTHER STORIES ; Sunglasses, Sincerely Tommy ; Bag, Zara
Yousra’s favorite food in nyc
I tried Senegalese food recently at Africa Kine restaurant in Harlem. It was absolutely incredible - best grilled fish I've ever had.
Boulevard on Malcolm X boulevard has the most amazing soul food.
Champs vegan diner in Brooklyn kept me going back there every weekend! Was so great to indulge in some mac & cheese and not worry about my face swelling up.
yousra’s favorite shops in nyc
As for shops: I love Sincerely Tommy in Brooklyn - fell in love with their Perspex sunglasses.
I'm also obsessed with this Senegalese shop in Harlem called Kilimanjaro fashions. It's on 116th and Malcolm X boulevard and just full to the brim with these colourful African prints. They have an in-store tailor that can alter any purchases and make custom designs using their printed fabric.
yousra’s favorite books
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
What is the What by Dave Eggars
Asmarani by Safia Elhillo
Meet Molly Surno
Born in California, Molly creates physical experiences that connect people to their own bodies and the “communal body.” So whether she is working as the Director of Partnerships at Splacer or composing a sound sculpture for BAM, her work is always about the human form and how it generates tension and unity when sharing space.
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Meet Ysa Pérez
in Photographer
“Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico but raised in Rochester, New York, Ysa moved to NYC in 2008 while she was an Advertising Photography student at RIT to intern at Nylon Magazine. After graduating, in 2010-2011 she worked as a photography assistant at GQ Magazine under Photo Director Dora Somosi, supporting the photography department. Off the clock, she’d photograph musicians, rappers, DJs and nightlife which led to shooting assignments for magazines such as Spin, Vibe, XXL, New York Mag & Bloomberg Businessweek. She currently lives in Miami Beach both photographing and training in martial arts full-time.”
on her morning routine
I wake up everyday around 6.45am. I like to accomplish a lot of things in the day and when you’re in a place where the weather is inviting like Miami, you just want to be up. I usually start the day looking at my phone, doing my emails or I’ll just go straight to the beach and meditate.
on her start in photography
I took a basic 10th grade photography class and I shot a black & white photo of a gloomy set of railroad tracks and my teacher acknowledged it was good. That was it until college. These two students at RIT were in need of a model and reached out to me on Myspace (so dated). At the time, I was undecided at University at Buffalo, but seeing their space, the facilities and equipment, I was convinced I could probably do that. From there I transferred to The Rochester Institute of Technology for Advertising Photography.
I always had a good eye and have been using photoshop since I was like 12, my mom was a graphic designer, but when I started at RIT I took really shit pictures. I mean, you’re experimenting and you have no clue how things work, what lenses to use, what you’re trying to say through your work - it’s a process. It took me almost as long as I’ve been doing this professionally, to now completely be confident in the way I shoot. I never second guess what I’m framing, and when to press the button.
on how she shoots
I work candidly based off the energy between me and what’s going on, I use natural light and I don’t interfere. Occasionally for portraits I’ll direct a moment, but more or less I just want to document what’s going on. My process is more simple than people think, I shoot film and I use an 8 year old DSLR. It’s not what you use, it's how you use it. It’s also about being able to tell a story through the images despite the subject matter.
I just use a 5D Mark II which came out years ago, when I was in photo school. Everyone was in awe it could record video. Big 2008 moment. I’m not sure why I chose Canon instead of Nikon, but it’s probably because my first camera was a basic Canon Rebel to survive my first year of photo school. I don’t keep up with what’s coming out next, digital cameras used to come out like twice a year, now it’s every few months a consumer friendly DSLR comes out, so I just use what I got and edit how I do. My work looks different from other people’s for a reason.
Right now I’m shooting for Budokon University, a mixed martial arts school based in Miami Beach, Florida. I enter dojo spaces with people that have been doing these art forms a majority of their lives so you need to you walk into their space with respect. I can’t be intrusive and disturb the students or instruction, so I’ll just sit in a spot, observe, move when I have to, mostly everyone says they never notice me there and trust me, I grab a lot of content. I just work fast.
““When I began the point & shoot phase in college, I bought this shit 35mm Ricoh off eBay and wasn’t really impressed with the photos, but thought that was that. Then 2011, I met a photographer in London, Tom Oxley, and he had this Contax T2 sitting on his desk. He let me shoot a few rolls during my stay, and when I returned to the states I fell in love with how crisp the images were. Contax got that Zeiss glass.””
Ysa's favorite beauty products
on her beauty routine
Ever since Budokon, my regimen has gravitated towards being more authentic. I’m extremely active there’s no need for makeup, plus it’s Miami, it’s going to sweat off anyway. I always tone and moisturize, but I keep a natural thing going - I ride my bike outside, tan, go into the sea for salt water (which cures everything), I workout. I steam & sauna for my muscles. I just take care of myself - being healthy is how I view beauty. For products, I would recommend: Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer Daily Hydrator, Botanics Faical Oil, and Nivea Lip Butter.
on how she handles her hair
Ironically now that I’ve finally grown out my hair, I’m in humidity Miami, and the combination of my Puerto Rican roots, active lifestyle, presents a lot to deal with. My routine is kind of a process - when I shower I can’t let it air dry otherwise it instantly frazzles and bigs up, I I have to instantly comb it through, put coconut oil, braid it, let it dry, then unravel it few hours later. Blow drying it here, also impossible. Shoving hot air in my face here is punishment on punishment. I actually need like 8 days for my hair to naturally retain full moisture but it’s impossible to avoid washing it when I attend jiu jitsu 4 times a week and get my hair in a daily sweaty tangle. We’re always identifying who’s hair is on the mat.
““I love to thrift, I’m a nostalgic kind of person. I like old things and I have relationships with brands that fortunately send me clothes anyway. Being a gypsy, it’s easy to acquire clothing when you’re traveling so I have to be very conscious. Been going to the same places in Bushwick since I lived there 2008, all the Mexican/Spanish thrift stores always win. We know what’s up. In LA I found that the thrifting is completely different but the places to go are The Goodwills. Hollywood one is dope, also the one on Beverly, and rare one is Downtown, not many people go there and it’s super organized. As I get older though, my style becomes more simple. It’s funny to think as a photo assistant at GQ I would wear skirts and heels, I would even keratin my hair to make it full time straight, but when I started freelancing, that urge to present myself formally disappeared, as I’m behind the camera. Now in Miami, I have a very athletic lifestyle — always been a tomboy, so right now it’s minimal clothing daily: shorts, sports bras, bathing suits and jiu jitsu rash guards, for real.””
ysa’s favorite spots in nyc
In NYC, Ippudo in East Village, 65 4th Ave, the best ramen ever, there’s just no question. Also do not leave without eating the pork buns and if shishito peppers.
Commodore in Williamsburg, it’s the place you’ll start running into people the longer you live there, because it’s somewhere easy to chill (when it’s not insane) and yeah obviously the best fried chicken hands down. Bonus are the biscuits that come with lavenderrrrrrr honey.
After Commodore, you get two in one - head next door to Momofuku Milk Bar and get a CEREAL MILKSHAKE. If you like downing the end of the cereal bowl and know that specific taste I’m referring to… RUN there. And ask for extra cereal topping. Bonus you can buy the mixture and take it with you my international people.
ysa’s favorite spots in LA
In LA, the one stop place is SWINGERS. I’m all for reasonably priced organic delicious food where I can get a stack of pancakes ahi tuna sandwich, or a steak ANYTIME 7am-2am.
LA is all about acai bowls, my bank account was dying the few months I was there just from those. The best > Liquid Juice Bar, get ‘The Chronic’ trust me.
ysa’s favorite movies
The Fifth Element by Luc Besson
Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino
Natural Born Killers by Oliver Stone
Risky Business by Paul Brickman
Outfit, Vintage ; Jacket, BornxRaised