How would you describe yourself?
A third culture kid with an obsessive personality who loves dogs and hates babies.
Where did you grow up?
I’m still growing up. Did 18 years of it in Muscat, five more in California, and another couple in Dubai.
What was your childhood like?
I had one of those ideal storybook childhoods. Parents who didn’t take themselves too seriously, a brother I bickered with constantly, the sweetest dogs, family holidays around the world, big birthday parties, 70s music, matching outfits with my friends, camping trips on the weekend, and a Barbie collection I loved.
What did baby Kimaya want to be?
The pink Power Ranger. Duh.
Your favourite memory.
My birthday in 2017. Never known a more perfect day. 24+ hours spent with my BFFLs, mom, (too many) mimosas, a Barbie cake, bounce house, Lion King piñata, taco bar, and carefully thought of “return presents” I bought for 20 of my closest friends.
Tell me about your best friend.
Let me tell ya, he is a CATCH. He listens to understand, calls me out when I’m being dramatic, is too driven for his own good, and most importantly — sends me memes everyday.
How has 2020 been for you?
Weird. A lot of highs and lows, but it’s taught me to just ride the wave… even if it’s a global-pandemic-civil-unrest-the-planet-is-dying-I-quit-my-job size tsunami.
What's one thing you miss that you didn't think you would?
Icky, sticky, crowded, loud bars.
And what's one thing you don't miss, that you thought you would?
Routine.
If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?
God, lol.
If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?
A nice juicy alphonso.
Which celebrity would you switch lives with?
Barack Obama, just so I could be married to Michelle…
If you could invite three people to dinner, living or dead, who would you invite?
AOC, Trevor Noah, and Daniel Ricciardo.
Which smells better, fresh cut grass or bread baking in the oven?
Grass vs carbs? Is this a rhetorical question? Bread all the way.
Pet peeves.
When people with privilege defend their vote for bigoted, divisive world leaders by claiming they’ll be good for the economy and are pure, pious folk :))))) Also, being called love, dear, or sweetie.
Self care tips.
Journal everyday, even if all you can muster is writing one sentence. Re-watch your favourite movie or show. Turn off your phone notifications. Hug your dog. Steal someone else’s if you don’t have one.
What's feminism to you?
Equality of opportunity, systems for success, and freedom from archaic gender roles for all women. Not just cis women, not just white women, not just rich women.
What's the most useless word?
Irregardless.
Favourite part of your day?
I have three. In the mornings when I’m in bed. In the afternoons when I nap. And at night when it’s time to sleep.
Current trend you love.
Gold hoops! Thin, thicc, chunky, small, big, all of it.
Current trend you don't love.
Zoom birthday parties.
What are brands doing right these days?
Focusing on sustainability.
What are brands doing wrong these days?
Greenwashing.
If you handle social media for anyone in the world, who would it be?
The Mercedes AMG F1 team. Travel the world, be around my favourite sportspeople, and get paid to talk about cars going vroom? Oof.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
New Zealand.
Why aren't you living there?
COVID-19.
Any predictions for the future?
TRUMP GETS BOOTED.
What's the most useless talent you have?
I’m really good at picking things up with my toes when I’m too lazy to bend down.
Would you rather walk around with a salad for a head or broccoli for arms?
Aashna wtf is this question.
Styled by Jaisal Singh. Photographed by Tenzin Lhagyal.
