Featured Interview With Anastasia Pash
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up on a small Mediterranean island, Cyprus. By the time I turned seventeen, I had already explored much of the Middle East and Europe. Later, I pursued my studies in the UK and completed an Erasmus exchange year at the University of Bordeaux, nestled in the enchanting heart of wine country in Southwest France. Living in the UK and France exposed me to new cultures, styles, and manners of expression. I encountered two strikingly distinct realms of style: one eclectic, scruffy, and edgy, and the other steeped in old-money aesthetics and effortless chic. This striking contrast expanded my appreciation for beauty and fashion and added depth to my own style.
After my studies, I embarked on a new chapter in bustling London, where I forged a career that offered me the privilege of travelling the world. The companies I worked for maintained a global presence, with offices scattered across Europe, Asia, and the United States. I frequently flew to fabulous destinations like New York, Paris, or Milan. I made the most of every vacation day and bank holiday, steadily accumulating stamps in my passport. I started channelling my love for travel, writing, and photography into a travel blog. What started as a hobby soon blossomed into a platform that enabled collaborations with renowned brands and granted me access to some of the world’s most exclusive locations.
In 2017, I took a leap of faith, bidding farewell to the corporate world and pursuing my dreams of a more creative life. I moved to Mozambique to volunteer at a marine conservation foundation and hone my creative skills in a serene seaside village along the Indian Ocean. The three months I spent living in Africa transformed me entirely. My values shifted and so did my relationship to clothes. I began to see the absurdity of fast fashion and appreciate the value of luxury items. I commonly stumbled upon pre-loved branded pieces at local street markets in Inhambane. They landed there amongst other hand-me-downs, packed and sold by the kilo to local vendors by charitable organisations from the West. Shopping was a real treasure hunt. You never knew what you would find.
Following my stint in Africa, I moved back to Cyprus, which I used as a home base for several years. I kept travelling, blogging, and launched several businesses, all focused on travel. In late 2019, I travelled to Barcelona and didn’t return to Cyprus until July 2020 because of the pandemic. Living in Barcelona during the lockdowns was an unforgettable experience that left me with many cherished friendships, photo albums full of culinary masterpieces, and enough loungewear to last a decade. During the lockdowns, we launched Globetrotter VR: a virtual travel platform that enabled grounded globetrotters to keep exploring the world from the comfort of their homes with the help of professional tour guides and virtual reality. This venture garnered international press attention, catered to thousands of virtual travellers, and got accepted into the Emirate’s incubator for travel start-ups in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates has become my new home. My husband and adopted furry-child, Bono moved here in 2022.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, really. As soon as I figured out how to write, I was scribbling away short stories about my pets in these little notebooks my parents got me. My love for storytelling really kicked off when I was five. We went on a family trip to Egypt and saw the great Pyramids of Giza. I was totally blown away by ancient Egypt and ended up spending the next year making up stories and even movie scripts about life back then.
As a teen, I started writing poems, mostly about my crushes and to deal with all the typical teenage drama. English Lit was my favourite subject for A-levels. I couldn’t get enough of the elegance and intricacies in the works of the greats like T.S. Eliot and Seamus Heaney.
In my early twenties, I wrote a travel blog. I worked in a job that allowed me to travel frequently, and I used this as an outlet for my experiences and insights.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Growing up, I was completely absorbed in fantasy novels. The Harry Potter series was my go-to. I also had a soft spot for poetry.
As I entered the working world, my reading tastes shifted towards non-fiction. I dove into books on psychology, self-development, and esoteric subjects, finding in them a source of knowledge and empowerment.
Elizabeth Gilbert has been a monumental influence in my life. Her book “Big Magic” was a game-changer, inspiring me to launch my travel blog and ultimately leave a career in finance for a life of creativity.
In my late twenties, as I ventured into entrepreneurship, I gravitated towards self-development and business books. Audiobooks became my new best friends. Titles like “Creativity Inc.,” “The Design of Everyday Things,” “Start with Why,” “Lean In,” “Never Split the Difference,” and “Atomic Habits” have been instrumental in shaping my approach as a leader and entrepreneur.
I’m also deeply fascinated by human potential and the power of the mind. Authors like Joe Dispenza and Deepak Chopra are favourites of mine. Their insights and practical tools have been invaluable in harnessing my own potential and understanding the incredible capabilities of the human mind.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, “Travel With Style,” is really a culmination of my lifelong passion for travel and fashion. It’s a guide that aims to put an end to overpacking and the all-too-common dilemma of what to wear while traveling. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from living in nine countries and visiting over forty, and distilled it into this book.
In “Travel With Style,” I share my unique approach to packing, which is not just about what to bring, but also about creating a style that’s both practical and chic. The book takes readers through a detailed methodology that makes packing both stress-free and enjoyable. It’s filled with style guides and packing lists for 20 top destinations around the world, including places like Bali, London, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, the Riviera Maya, and the Greek islands. I’ve also included specific gear and style recommendations for special trips like skiing and safaris.
What I love most about this book is that it’s more than a packing guide; it’s a deep dive into how to adapt your style to different cultures, keep your wardrobe in top shape while on the go, and how to incorporate local fashion into your looks. It’s designed to help anyone travel with elegance and ease, feeling confident and stylish every step of the way.
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