French, English, and Arabic speaking aesthetic artist incorporating the beauty of Baraka and the celebration of Arabic culture in her ethically produced label 'BAKCHIC', (who also loves sport and music)
Born, raised, and currently based in Casablanca, Morocco.
1. Tell us your name, where you were born, and your first memory you have from where you began!
My name is Sofia El ARABI, I was born in Casablanca, Morocco, I remember mixing my mum’s clothes, obviously too big for me, and wearing it at home with a very very tight belt.
2. What were the overlaying cultural themes in your family? How did that align or differ to the communities you were surrounded by?
Mixing Arab and Western culture, it is the story of a whole life of speaking both French, English and Arabic in the same sentence, salivating over both French cheeses and Moroccan Couscous at the same table, wearing blue jeans under traditional Jellabas on Friday Mosque prayers... It is not something I can put into words, more worlds maybe.
3. What did you like least about where you grew up? What did you like most? I was born, raised and live in Casablanca and I know this city by heart, this feeling is a constant love/hate. I wanna change a lot of things but the mentalities are growing slowly here, so I adapt. I love the fact that its sunny all year, that I can travel all over morocco during weekends, that I’m lucky to live in a such beautiful country, that people dream about it and you can create and do whatever you wanna do. If you have an idea, you can follow your dreams much easily here than in Europe.
4. What was the first big idea you ever had? Did it come to fruition in some sense?
I have a list of infinity projects but only few of them have been realized completely. I wanted, 15 years ago, to launch a new collection of rugs, with moon, stars, faces...sometimes its about timing. At this time, it was very hard for craftsman to change their minds about making something different so I systematically was turned down.
5. Who influenced your taste in expression as a child? How so?
We had a very strict education at home, everything was about good grades and good general knowledge. All about studies, being the best at school, doing some sport and reading. My father was an artist/painter during his free time, I might have his ability to see random things in a beautiful way. My mum has an exquisite taste and a keen eye for details.
'I’m lucky to be a mix of those beautiful souls.'
6. What was the first full album you purchased/found and couldn’t get enough of? What did it make you feel?
Backstreet Boys. I just loved them
7. What hobbies, sports, events, arts, were you drawn to before the age of 10? Do you feel like you’re still interacting with these same genres in your current time in life? Do you miss any of them?
Yes, I did 10 years of Music Theory (solfege) and piano, and Judo. I might have a musical ear because of that. 1 hour of Piano is better that a whole day of Yoga.
8. Who was your first best friend? What is your most vivid memory of your friendship?
My sisters are and always will be my best friends. The good fights that makes us stronger are my vivid memories
9. Where do you go to find your peace?
My bedroom at home, my routine morning coffee shop, around animals, in my workspace, inside the sea, when I put my head in the water during bathtime, when I can only hear birds singing and the sound of the wind, when I put music and danse alone at home, very late at night in my office.
10. What is a lifelong goal you can’t wait to start? What is it about it that brings you to life?
To re-launch my ARABIC SWEATSHIRTS this year. 'I’m proud to be moroccan and Arab and the sweatshirt is my way to say it out loud.'
11. Where do you wish to travel to that you have never been? Why?
Australia. As Morocco, is a mysterious beautiful country, where people dream to come, I have the same feeling about those wild beaches about this country.
12. How do you connect best with other people?
Virtually. Instagram has changed our life and through my instagram, it was easy for me, as I’m very shy, to express my view and my creativity. I’ve met so many people and made a lot of new friends from all over the world.
13. Favorite song of the moment? I love Fauve, a french music band, poet.
14. What are you most proud of at this exact moment in time?
Remaining true to yourself but still moving with the flow.
15. What is the thing you are most shy about? What is the worst that could happen if you did it?
A compliment, can make me uncomfortable. This is my level of shyness.
16. What are the qualities that you value most in a friend today?
Honesty, its rare those days.
17. How do you find your calm in tumultuous times?
Sport and concentrate in my work.
18. What is your current greatest strength? I have an eye for details.
20. How does your current line of
work support your core values?
My brand, Bakchic, is 100% moroccan, and that’s why I produce nationaly. Since its orignin I tried to transmit the importance of the responsible consumption and ethic production. Each piece is crafted for those women looking for high quality & limited edition.
21. What advice would you give your 10 year old self? What advice would your 10 year old self give you? Work Harder for both.
22. What projects are you working on now that you are most excited about? Why are they so valuable to you ?
My New Collection « Arabella », with a lot of handmade moroccan embroideries.
23. Who would you have coffee with dead or alive? Why?
My Dad. Because I have so much things I wanted to tell him.
24. Who do you find most inspiring at this current time in your life?
The incredible energy on the streets of Casablanca.
25. Do you have a morning or night routine? If so, why are they important to you?
Morning routine : I drink a lemon with hot water, curcuma, pepper, fresh ginger.
Night Routine : A face massage
26. How do you best honor yourself?
Loving myself first.
27. What is your favorite meal to cook when you need something fast, and when you are ready to invest in the kitchen?
My Organic Granola.
28. What is your favorite question to ask others?
Are you happy ?
29. What are your favorite travel tips?
Walk a lot, visit the sites with the local transport, be spontaneous.
30. And of course, what is your go-to travel snack? Chips, dates, water
Sofia currently resides in her hometown of Casablanca, Morocco.
She can be found at :
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