MEET ZENIA
A CUPPA CHAI AND A GOOD STORY
Zenia Wadhwani, born in the UK. Raised and educated in Canada, is the author of Fly in the Chai .
Name: Zenia Wadhwani. Zenia is Greek for hospitable. My parents found it in a baby name book! Ironically, I do very much like to host!
Currently: Fly in the Chai is my latest children’s picture book, one I had a lot of fun writing. The inspiration for it came from my daughter who randomly came up with the title one day when a fly got into the house just as we were making some chai. Proof that stories can be inspired by just about anything!
My life in 50 words (or less!): Born in the UK. Raised and educated in Canada. Volunteered for several organizations and created a couple as well. Chose to dedicate my career to community engagement and have worked in all three sectors doing just that. I currently live with my family in Toronto.
The writer in me took flight when: Not exactly sure when it all began, but it certainly took flight late in high school after writing a short story for an English class that scored an A+. Teachers truly have the power to inspire!
The mom in me wishes: All kids knew the joy of reading!
My work in non-profits taught me: Listening to community, and engaging them in the process, is what builds community.
One of my favourite lines in poetry: “We are made of what we remember.” – Self-Portrait, Jeet Thayil.
Favourite colours: The colours of a peacock: green, teal and purple.
Favourite designer: I don’t follow fashion very closely, but I do like a number of Manish Malhotra’s creations.
Favourite movie: So hard to choose, but one of my all time faves is Band Baaja Baaraat.
Favourite book: One of my favourite books is The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan.
Favourite TV shows: I loved Ted Lasso and my guilty pleasure watch would be Bridgerton.
Favourite ice cream flavour: Jamoca Almond Fudge or Coffee.
Favourite cuisine: Hakka.
Favourite restaurant: This is a hard one because I like to try new places, but I do love the food at Eddie’s Wok ‘n’ Roll.
Fly In The Chai by Zenia Wadhwani, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, Tundra, $24.99.
Favourite activities: Reading, travelling and walking trails.
I’m freaked out by: The geopolitical activities of the day.
I need: Time to travel, read and write.
My role model: My dad.
Tips to save the planet: Buy less.
In a perfect world: There would be more kindness towards each other and the planet.
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