Biotech, turned Sales Manager, turned HSE Officer, turned most awesome bazaar Editor, turned Stay-at-home-Mom-Baker, Yusra Mohsen is a chameleon in her own right. Not one to conform to the “shoulds” of life, her decision to leave bazaar magazine in February 2013 to stay at home with her then, 6-month-old daughter, was met with great resistance from, pretty much, everyone in her life, including this staff writer. We couldn’t celebrate our 200th issue without the all-knowing mighty Yusra.
But, headstrong Yusra (or Yursa, or Yousra – she really hates the one with the ‘o’), always believed in doing what felt right, no matter what. And at the time, leaving her 5-year stint at bazaar to stay home with her daughter was what felt right. We still like to call her ‘mama Yusra’, as her maternal instinct toward our small group of bazaar humans had kicked in way before her beautiful child came into this world. Yusra still writes and edits at supersonic speed, and her ideas spurred our small publication toward great heights. This amazing super human took care of us, as she takes care of anyone who crosses her path. Always believing that content is king, not one bazaar issue was left without being properly formatted, and no comma would ever be misplaced under her watchful eyes.
As fate would have it, staying home watching Food Network, day in and day out for months, led her into the kitchen, and more precisely, into the science of baking. It was the perfect setting to apply her geeky scientist background, practice her anal sense of precision and need for control, while bringing to life some of the craziest munchie-inspired recipes. Somewhere between the first and tenth attempt at making the perfect brownie, SALT was born, and with it her signature Salted Dark Chocolate Brownies. The rest is history.
Until her next transformation. We love you Yozz.
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Headstrong.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Fierce.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
There have been many, but “Do you really have streets and buildings?” in reference to Cairo has to be up there on the list.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
During winter break, ‘99/’00, one night between the hours of 3 and 5am, deciding to cancel plans to spend NYE in San Francisco, and instead, forged the International Students’ Director’s signature on my I-20, drove to Chicago, applied for the Mexican visa, drove right back to Minneapolis, and got on the next flight to Cancun. It was a good New Year’s.
What is your theme song?
Dave Mathews Band – “Say Goodbye”.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Loserific – I hope it catches on.
Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?
Exactly where I am. Somewhere like Sinai – mountains, beach and hipster humans.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl
What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?
An Elephant. Unwavering physical strength combined with great emotional intelligence.
What do you miss about your childhood?
Naps.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
The only reason I’d change my name is in the hopes that government entities would stop butchering the spelling – but who am I kidding, even my mom spells my name wrong sometimes, and she’s the one who gave it to me. I’ll just keep it.
How would you describe your handshake in one word?
Childlike.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Persistence.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
I’m not too big on history, too many dates, names and places to remember, (kind of like Game of Thrones, you almost need to take notes watching that show just to keep the plot straight in your head), but I digress… I’d have to go with the prophet Mohammad, to me, he represents the good in humanity.
What in the world do you least desire?
Approval.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?
Empathy.
Why do you think most girls/guys like you?
I try to always focus on the good in people, giving them the benefit of the doubt without judgment.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”
Silence.
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