Laila Gohar, originally from Cairo, Egypt, has always been obsessed with food. Some of her fondest memories from childhood involve the nightly meals she shared with her large family. Which is why it makes sense that Gohar, now based in New York City, is a food designer and the founder of Studio Laila Gohar, a business that, as Gohar describes it, “designs custom eating experiences that take place in non- traditional settings.”

When asked to explain these experiences further, Gohar says that she explores the nature of human interaction “by creating convivial, multi-sensory edible experiences.” Drawing from historic methods of food preparation, Gohar creates food installations and pop-up shops in conjunction with art, design and fashion events. Designing authentic moments for people that take place around one of the most important aspects of life: food. And with clients like L’Oreal, Barneys, Warby Parker, Tiffany & Co., Urban Outfitters and a slew of hip downtown art galleries, it is clear that Gohar has hit on something big.

The emphasis is not just on food; Gohar is emphasizing “experience, design, emotion, interaction and ritual.” Recently, Gohar created an artistic interpretation of the iconic film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, wherein she transformed the Tiffany & Co. flagship store into an edible art installation using marshmallows that onlookers were encouraged to eat. For this piece, Gohar explored the themes of greed and innocence.

In order to create the next-level, quality experiences that Gohar has become known for, she finds it necessary to source her foods locally. “We respect the community and environment and work with a large network of local New York farmers,” says Gohar. “Now more than ever, people are asking where their food comes from and how it got to them. I think people are increasingly aware of this.”

The desire to be deliberate permeates to all areas of Gohar’s life. “I think about it in many aspects,” she says. “Not just food. There’s something about being present and sourcing anything that you’re consuming locally that seems to fit with the way I want to live my life.”

A true craftsman, Gohar takes pride in having her hands literally in every aspect of her work. “I love working with my hands,” she says. “It is so meditative and in many ways just makes me feel alive.” And when asked what inspires her, she replies: “Everything. I think if you learn to see as opposed to just looking you can find inspiration all around you.” This concept—of finding meaning in the everyday— is very much at the heart of Studio Laila Gohar.

Though Gohar has made a wonderful life in New York, she tries to get away when possible. “I think it’s important to take a step back and go away whenever I can. It keeps everything in perspective.” The New York weather has taken some getting used to for Gohar. “I don’t like winter,” she says. “I’m a summer and heat person. I grew up in Egypt.” Despite this aversion to cold weather, Gohar has managed to find a way to enjoy the elements by wearing “lots of layers, good wool clothing and beautiful socks.” This ethos of finding solace in the details is Gohar to a tee.