PARADISE IS... SORAYA BAKHTIAR

SORAYA IN PARADISE

 Soraya Bakhtiar SS22 Hayley Menzies

Inspired by nature’s vivacity and travels to faraway destinations, a free-spirited bohemian lifestyle is at the core of the Hayley Menzies brand. Little wonder then that we collect likeminded souls along the way; magnetic women who find paradise in unexpected places, and always have a story to tell.

 This week, we invite cultural wanderer and founder of fragrance brand Azaleo, Soraya Bakhtiar, to share her most enriching experiences.

 Soraya SS21 Paradise Found

 PARADISE IS...

Anywhere by beautiful clear blue waters, white sand and a burning sun. Actually, it pretty much describes where I am at the moment. These photos were taken in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) at home. Jeddah is a coastal city on the red sea and has so many hidden gems that I’m discovering every time I’m here.

 IN THREE WORDS...

Peaceful, beautiful and soulful.

 Soraya in Paradise SS21
 

ON IMPORTANT RITUALS...

Meditation is the best way for me to reconnect with myself daily and it also taught me how to be more present. In the morning I write down 3 things I’m grateful for, and it just makes me start my day on positive note. I also hate to be stressed out in the morning so I sleep earlier and wake up earlier just to enjoy my homemade coffee in bed alone before rushing out. I also enjoy a bath with Epsom salts every now and then – I sometimes even stream a TV show and have a cheeky glass of wine in the tub. It took me a while to find my very own rituals that make me happy but ever since I got married it became even more essential to have this time to myself not only physically but also mentally.

 Soraya in Paradise SS22
 

IF PARADISE WAS A TASTE...

Sweet like fruits and salty like the ocean breeze.

 A SCENT...

It would be an exquisite blend of fruits and exotic white florals. Actually, this is how I came up with one of scents “SUN TO SOUL”. It’s inspired by that summer feeling of being by the beach somewhere beautiful and having the heat of the sun recharge your soul.

A SONG...

Dreams by Fleetwood Mac - always a favourite of mine.

 Soraya in Paradise SS21

ON WEARING HAYLEY MENZIES...

I’ve been a long time fan and friend of the brand. It captures the beautiful essence of a free-spirited woman intertwined with a modern, urban flair. As a lover of prints and colour, Hayley’s clothes just makes me feel happy and like myself.