Saavan Sagar

Q: Tell us about your morning routine.

A: I start every morning with tea to warm up for the day - usually Yerba Mate and then I will do a New York Times word game of some sort!

Q: And your wind down routine?

A: My wind down routine varies but usually includes some type of mental dumping so that I can have a clear mind and plan for what my tomorrow holds. I tend to get bursts of creative energy in the evening so I like to capitalize on that by writing down my ideas and exploring new projects.

Q: How did you get into photography?

A: I began shooting on my fathers old film camera as he is a photographer too. There is so much agency in photography which is what is what kept me hooked and excited about it. Film is also such a fun way of learning the craft because it reinforces delayed gratification and welcomed accidents that can turn out so compelling!

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Q:What keeps you connected to the work and how do you find beauty in the everyday?

A: All the things I love about photography are so cliche but I guess that just makes them true; I love capturing feelings in my work - a quiet beauty that can be captured in a moment and relived forever.

Q: What does resilience mean to you and how do you nurture inner fortitude?

A: Resilience to me is the practice of continuing no matter the circumstances. I run into tons of roadblocks as a creative and that just needs to become part of your process. I think reorienting your work or yourself when you have setbacks is an important way to push yourself and become more connected to the world and your art.

Q: What do you think about when you imagine the desert?
A: When I think about the desert I think about so many different ways the desert can feel. I grew up spending my summers and winters in Taos where my sister was born and where my grandmother lives. Northern New Mexico is such a different desert than the central California deserts I was raised around but they each have their own beauty. Deserts are so interesting because they can be sparse, lush, hot, dry, rainy, and quiet and loud all in one day - that diversity is so inspiring to experience.

Q: What do you look for in a natural fragrance?
A: I love all my fragrances to remind me of a memory whether that be an experience, place, person or time.

Q: Which notes do you gravitate towards when choosing a fragrance?

A: I love wood notes, musk and minerality in my fragrances. I love when there is a subtle sweetness while staying robust.

Q: How do you scent AYOND Eau de Parfum on your body and within your space?

A: I have been using my fragrance when I need a little boost mentally. I love that the fragrance is grounded and uplifting and it lingers in my space and on my clothes in such a beautiful way.

Q: How do you reconnect to yourself in a busy city like New York?

A: My friends and family are the most grounding part of my life no matter where I have lived. I take so much pride in my community that I have built around me in all the places I have called home. People always make a place special and even in the busy world of New York, the vibrancy and care I can draw on from my friend is what keeps me going!