Welcome to Lessons In Cool, a new series all about the people we’re constantly inspired by. They are tastemakers, curators of style, thought leaders, and well, just cool.

Siraad Dirshe is a writer and editor currently living in Los Angeles. When she’s not helping brands tell their stories or writing for the New York Times, you can find her pursuing her newfound passion: surfing.

Name & Occupation:

Siraad Dirshe, visual and written storyteller.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

If I had to describe myself in three words (which is really hard to do!) I'd have to say dynamic, curious, and joyful.

First thing you do when you wake up:

If I'm being honest, check my phone. I really try to not do this when I first wake up, but hey!

The 5 beauty products you can’t live without:

Over the last few years, I've worked on really paring down my skin care and beauty routine––using far less products than I previously did. I also use a mix of luxury products (which are often gifted) and those I find at the drugstore and on Amazon. The one thing that's always stayed the same is my love for oils! My skin is so dry and dehydrated, so I always have to layer them on.

1. Trader Joe's Vitamin E Oil
2. Hana Hana Beauty Shea Butter
3. Bioderma Micellar Water
4. Milk Makeup Kush Mascara
5. NARS Velvet Lip Pencil in Cruella

Your style uniform is:

Jeans, sneakers, and a button up or hoodie. My style is super laid back, chill, and comfortable. I'm pretty much always in jeans and hoodie. Footwear is always sneakers or slides now that I'm living in LA.

The song you have on repeat:

I've been loving the latest Ariana Grande album, so have had a few of those songs on repeat. But I would say “West Side” is probably the one I've played the most.

Recipe you’ve perfected:

Pad Thai! This summer I really wanted to learn something that was super tasty, yet pretty easy (and seems harder to make than it is). I decided on Pad Thai and worked on perfecting it over the summer and I have to say, I've got it pretty much down now. I make it all the time when I'm trying to impress friends, even though it only takes about 20 minutes to make.

Last person you texted:

My sister! She's actually in town visiting me in LA and I was coordinating our afternoon plans with her.

What does “cool” mean to you?

Cool to me is embracing all the various dimensions of myself and remaining open to learning new things, about myself and the road. It's also being joyful!

Follow Siraad at @sdirshe.