Artist Laila Gohar’s Chinatown studio is a hoarder’s paradise

What is your best habit, and what is your worst?

My best is that I won’t take no for an answer. My worst is that I’m impatient.

What is your go-to food for fast fuel?

Good quality tuna in olive oil. The Ortiz brand is good.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I take a break. It could be a walk around the block or a two-week holiday.

Is there a book you recommend to everyone?

The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. It talks about complex things in a simple and straightforward way. There are parts about children, personal relationships, professional work. It’s all-encompassing.

What’s the advice you’re glad you ignored?

I’ve always been kind of rebellious. I can’t recall a piece of advice that I’ve ever taken.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To keep doing things my way because that hard work will pay off. And to not worry about what other people say or do.

Is there a businessperson you admire?

Martha Stewart for growing this huge business. She’s invincible.

Gohar’s Work

Is there a buzzword you never want to hear again?

Influencer, millennial, foodie, inspo . . . I could make a long list.

Did you have a career fork in the road?

Moving to America from Egypt at age 18 to attend the University of Miami.

Do you have a favorite podcast?

At a Distance by the Slowdown. They interview people I would want to have dinner with. They have spoken to economists, chefs, curators—anyone doing interesting research.

Do you have a uniform?

An oversize blue collared shirt. I have six of the exact same one from a store in Egypt.

Do you have a favorite object in your office?

My studio in Chinatown is a hoarder’s paradise. There’s a box of doilies and fabric scraps that I dig through for inspiration for my tableware company.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Apples during apple season. You can get them at the Union Square farmers market when they have just been picked.

How do you exercise?

I see a personal trainer and we do high-intensity interval training. I was late to adopt a regular form of exercise. I started because I needed something to commit to.

Is there a meal you still fantasize about?

Veal Milanese at Lodi in midtown Manhattan.

How do you congratulate someone?

I send a note on personalized stationery from Pettinaroli, a company in Milan.

What’s your “get pumped” song?

“Bam Bam” by Jamaican artist Sister Nancy. She’s the first female dancehall DJ.