Inside the Workspaces Of Creative People

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Inside the Workspaces Of Creative People

14 Aug 2025

What is on your desk when you are working? Chances are, there is a cup of tea or coffee nearby — something to reach for when you need a little break from your laptop. And what is around you? Maybe you are at a table in a lively café, with a lo-fi playlist in the background — because you can only focus when others around you are doing the same.

But what if that isn't your vibe at all? What if your job doesn’t involve laptops, Zoom calls, or Excel spreadsheets? Sounds intriguing, right?

We thought so too — that is why actually decided to take a peek into the workspaces of our Sandy Times friends to see how (and where) they work. And while we were at it, we also asked them to share their go-to tips for boosting motivation when their energy battery runs low — because this isn’t just about interesting content. It is about making it useful too.

Haneen Bader

Founder of local jewellery brand Feelings in Archive and account director MENA

Hannen is the kind of person who arrives at meetings five minutes early — usually in well-ironed jeans hoodie, and with the perfect makeup. And when she walks in, you can guess exactly how her morning went: gym, coffee, laptop. So, the next stop? Something to relax the mind — a leafy café in Jordan with Scandinavian-style interiors and a bag that matches the vibe perfectly.

My little ritual starts with slow mornings — catching the sunrise if I am lucky enough to wake up early, getting a workout first thing, and, of course, enjoying a hot Americano at a nearby local café. I feel privileged and grateful to work remotely as Account Director MENA at Buttermilk, and having a balanced routine like this has become a really important part of my life.

Rhea Jacobs

Model, digital creator, and founder of wellness brand Rhé

Rhea is the person whose work setup differs from day to day — on Monday, it might be a small make-up table with tea (never coffee) as she prepares for a shoot. And Tuesday — easily a spacious café desk where the morning begins with affirmations and quiet reflection. A sort of mini therapy session she has created for herself through her brand, Rhé.

The day I messaged her to check in, it was the second option — and it couldn’t have been more perfect: a bright table, a fresh journal, and eye patches to recover from the previous night’s late shoot.

My tips for boosting productivity or finding inspiration always comes back to small, accessible moments of peace. A warm cup of matcha, a grounding incense stick, applying an eye mask, or simply opening up my Rhé of Purpose journal — these are all anchors that help me reset and reconnect amidst the busyness. I also use this time to write out our thank-you cards for orders, since the energy feels so positive and calm before the work day begins. I created Rhé with this exact intention: to make wellness feel realistic, practical, and something you can reach for anytime, anywhere whether you are in between meetings or in your creative flow.

Stephany Sanossian

Visual artist and collagist

All that talk about coffee and laptops? That isn't Stephany. Her work doesn’t fit neatly on a desk next to a charger — it needs space. A big table to spread out all the materials essential to her process. Her must-haves? Plenty of natural light, and a hair tie — always on hand so she can pull her hair back and dive into the creative flow with nothing in the way.

I truly believe that inspiration comes from people — when you are out in the streets, working, creating, and having real conversations. There is no inspiration in isolation, behind desks or hidden away in curated spaces. It is in the long walks, and in giving space for the unexpected to show up.

Suheyee

Digital creator and corporate socialite

Suheyye is someone whose day starts at 6:30 am and usually ends late in the evening — often with a PR event or a gym session. Since she works in an office, her workspace setup is fairly predictable: a desk, a laptop, and a notebook. But with such a hectic lifestyle, she has her own little essentials — things that keep her grounded and emotionally recharged. One of them? You could probably guess it even without a hint — Haribo, always tucked in her bag.

One thing that is always next to me: a Rubik’s Cube — it helps with migraines. And because I love a challenge, I am currently trying to solve it using only one hand. Other essentials? A face mist and lip oil — to stay fresh and composed, whether it is 8 am or 7 pm. And of course… Haribo!

Lubna Mobied

Cultural tech strategist

Lubna is the kind of person whose job boils down to two main things: working day and night, and travelling a lot. So it is no surprise that her source of inspiration and motivation actually comes from slowing down.

When it comes to music, Lubna is a true connoisseur. Having visited so many countries, she has developed a keen ear for local Arabic, African, and Indian sounds. And if you would like to hear some of her favourite morning tracks — you can find them all in our “Add to Playlist” podcast.

My morning ritual is what grounds me, no matter where I am in the world. Every day starts in pretty much the same way: with 20 minutes of meditation, followed by a hand-poured coffee. It takes around 10 minutes to make, but it is in that slowness that I find presence — and appreciation for the warm cup I enjoy so much. I then journal while listening to either classical music or Indian mantras, and finish by cleansing my space with Palo Santo and setting an intention for the day.

Nouf Al Anzi

Captain of the UAE Women’s National Football Team

Speaking to Nouf, one thing became clear: she is someone who thrives on structure and routine — because big results don’t come without discipline. So if her schedule says “workout at 9 am,” then that is exactly what happens. But there is one thing she always reminds others who train hard: don’t just drain your body of energy — fuel it properly too. A good breakfast is non-negotiable.

Movement is my mindset reset. Whether it is football, an early gym session, a game of padel, or simply being under the sun and by the sea — movement, in any form, clears my mind and recharges my energy.

Semir Lajmi

Electronic music DJ

Semir lives and breathes music. Listening to new playlists, searching for fresh sounds, and diving into YouTube rabbit holes for inspiration — it is all part of his creative process. So it is no surprise that his workspace is a proper music setup — a place to practise, experiment, and get ready to surprise you at his next DJ set.

My little ritual for boosting productivity or finding inspiration is to take a short walk while listening to music or a podcast. This simple break helps clear my mind, sparks new ideas, and allows me to return to my work refreshed and focused.

Kevork Keshishian

Multidisciplinary artist and DJ

Another creative person fully immersed in music, Kevork’s setup is just what you would imagine: vinyl decks, pianos, and a maze of buttons that for us might look like something out of a detective film — but to those in the music world, it all makes perfect sense.

I don't have any rituals. I just work — and at some point, something that makes sense reveals itself.

by Barbara Yakimchuk