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n 2006, Persian Canadian designer Sanaz Doost left her homeland in Iran to explore the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, immersing herself in ancient goldsmithing techniques in Grand Bazaars along her travels. The bold, sculptural pieces in her eponymous collection, which she launched in 2021, are a celebration of art, culture and heritage. Inspired by memories of her childhood and influenced by her world travels, after getting a glimpse into her daily life, it’s evident that there is a cohesiveness inherent in the world Sanaz has created for herself in Toronto. Displaying a dedication to creating balance and self-awareness in her life and her art, through her daily rituals and routines, the designer keeps herself grounded, present and creatively fueled, all while taking great care to ensure her marriage and her self-described “zoo” remains healthy and vibrant.
After getting a glimpse into her daily life, it's evident that there is a cohesiveness inherent in the world Sanaz has created for herself in Toronto.
6:00 am: Morning with Fingil
As an early riser, I cherish the quiet moments at the start of each day. I love waking up early and enjoying the serene view outside my bedroom window. The tranquility of dawn, with the soft light and gentle sounds of nature waking up, sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
My typical day begins with caring for my sweet 13-year-old lady, Fingil (which means “itsy-bitsy” in Persian), who I got when I was living in Malaysia and unfortunately can’t walk properly anymore. Her presence is incredibly comforting. I help her with her morning routine, including breakfast and medications. This quiet time with her is a cherished ritual, grounding me and setting a peaceful tone for the rest of the day.
6:30 am – Morning Rituals
After Fingil is settled, I start my own morning ritual with a cup of herbal tea. This tea is a cherished memento from my years living in Kuala Lumpur and Southeast Asia. I prepare it in a beautiful Chinese cup I bought in Kuala Lumpur, a small but significant reminder of my adventures there.
The tea is a blend of jujube, goji berries, ginseng, ginger, and green tea. As I sit on the porch, listening to the sounds of nature—the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and distant hum of the city waking up—I take this quiet time to meditate. Meditating helps me center my thoughts, clear my mind, and gather inspiration for the day ahead. It’s a sacred moment of introspection and connection with the world around me.
6:45 am: Nature Walk
By 6:45 am, I’m ready for my morning walk. There’s a beautiful trail right in front of our house, perfect for jogging. I love the quietness and solitude of these walks, practicing what I call “jungle therapy.” The fresh air, the sound of rivers flowing nearby, and the birds singing their morning songs create a serene environment. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I spot a group of red foxes darting through the woods. These walks are not just physical exercise but also a mental reset, allowing me to start the day with a clear mind and a rejuvenated spirit.
7:30 am: Bird Care and Plants
After my walk, I return home, which I affectionately call “the zoo” because of all the pets and plants. The first task is watering the outdoor plants, ensuring they get their morning drink. Then, I take a shower and check my emails to stay on top of any urgent communications.
After this, it’s time to care for my two Conures in the bird room. They’re very talkative and bring a lot of joy and noise into the house. I feed them and clean their room, then bring them into the family room. While they chatter away, I water my indoor plants and flowers, talking to the birds as I move around the house. This routine keeps me connected to nature and my pets, fostering a sense of calm and happiness.
8:30 am: Commute
By 8:30 am, it’s time to drive to my atelier. My commute takes me through Toronto’s bustling streets, and I use this time to listen to my favorite podcasts. They range from design and art to business and philosophy, providing a mix of entertainment and education.
The drive to downtown Toronto’s fashion district takes about 55 minutes, and I use this time to mentally prepare for the day ahead.
9:30 am: Atelier Arrival
Upon arriving downtown, I grab a coffee and small snack at one of Toronto’s charming coffee shops. Walking through the vibrant streets, I soak in the energy of the city. My atelier is in a historic beam and brick building, full of character and charm. The view from my window includes the iconic CN Tower and the red streetcars—an authentic Torontonian scene that I never tire of.
Once at my desk, I start the day by answering emails and checking my website and new orders while Fingil keep an eye on me! This administrative time is crucial for staying organized and responsive.
11:00 am: Creative Time
By 11:00 am, it’s time for my favorite part of the day—creative time. This is when I truly feel in my element. I brainstorm new designs, play with colors and gemstones, and do CAD work on my laptop.
Creating prototypes at the bench is particularly satisfying, as it allows me to bring my ideas to life. This hands-on work is where I find my happiness and passion.
Organizing the showroom and rearranging the showcases also falls under this creative period. I love curating the space to reflect my latest designs and inspirations.
It’s time for the final filing & polishing of a new order before I leave the studio.
1:00 pm: Photoshoot
Today is a photoshoot day, an essential part of maintaining our brand’s visual identity. I drop by the photo studio to ensure our imagery stays fresh and engaging. Visuals are crucial for conveying our story and values effectively. Ensuring our images authentically reflect the essence of the brand remains a top priority. The studio sessions are collaborative and creative, often involving detailed planning and execution to capture the perfect shot.
2:30 pm: Jewelry District
After the photoshoot, I head to the jewelry district of Toronto, which is conveniently close to my atelier. Here, I work closely with local artisans—goldsmiths, gem carvers, setters, casters, and diamond and gem dealers.
As an immigrant, I strive to support other immigrant artisans. This collaboration is incredibly valuable to me, as we share a common understanding and respect for craftsmanship.
We review each design, finding practical solutions, often requiring several attempts to perfect the final piece. The jewelry district is bustling with activity and full of creative energy.
Today, I have meetings with gem dealers, stone carver and a goldsmith, followed by a quick stop at a casting house to return a piece that needs to be redone.
3:30 pm: Retailer Meeting
Next, it’s time to check in with our retailers and drop off new pieces.
I love this part of my day; partnering with retailers is very exciting. It’s always an honor when a new store is interested in carrying our pieces.
These meetings are an opportunity to build relationships and discuss how our collections can best fit into their offerings. The feedback and enthusiasm from retailers are motivating and affirming.
4:30 pm: Ferry Ride
It’s Friday, which means Toronto’s rush hour traffic can be overwhelming. To avoid the chaos, I take a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, which are close to my atelier.
Paddleboarding with a view of Toronto’s skyline is my way of decompressing and avoiding the rush hour. The water, the skyline, and the tranquility of the islands provide a perfect end to the workday and a smooth transition into the weekend.
6:30 pm: Evening Relaxation
Back home, I unwind in the backyard, reading, drinking saffron Persian tea, and immersing myself in gardening and planting. I tend to my flower beds, prune the shrubs, and plant new seeds, finding joy in nurturing the plants and watching them grow. This hands-on activity is therapeutic and helps me reflect on the day. The northern cardinals in our yard often keep me company, their vibrant red feathers adding a splash of color to the greenery.
There’s a belief that seeing a cardinal means a loved one who has passed is visiting. I like to think it’s my soul dog, Fandogh (which means hazelnut in Persian), who I rescued in 2006 while studying for my Bachelor of Industrial Design in Cyprus. Fandogh passed away last year after living with me for 17 years and traveling the world. This quiet time is a soothing end to the day, reminding me of our cherished memories together.
7:30 pm: Quality Time with My Husband
Finally, it’s time to spend quality time with my husband. We enjoy cooking together, experimenting with new recipes, and savoring our creations. After dinner, we relax by watching our favorite series. This time together is precious, allowing us to unwind and connect after a busy day. It’s the perfect way to end the day, feeling grateful and content.
9:30: Bedtime
By 9:30 pm, I settle into bed with my sketchpad and laptop. This is my quiet time to unwind while sketching new designs and doing a bit of CAD work. The calm of the evening inspires creativity, helping me refine ideas and bring new concepts to life. I always have some of my pieces on my nightstand, which serve as constant inspiration before I drift off to sleep.