There’s a kind of person who doesn’t need to fill the silence. Who observes more than they perform, notices more than they let on, and has clearly spent a lot of time alone, and not out of loneliness, but out of choice. Noor is that kind of person. Quietly intense, deeply introspective, and carrying a whole inner world she’s generous enough to share a corner of today.
Thanks for having us, Noor.
Of course. Come in.
Let’s step inside: what’s by the front door?
Family photos. I’ve moved around a lot, so pictures are how I keep everyone close: that way, they get to follow me everywhere! Oh, and Dalí prints. I’m a daydreamer, and his world just resonates with me. The way he bent reality slightly, I truly get it, if that makes sense.
The clock is striking 7:30 AM. You’re an early riser?
Always: coffee, a book, and a window. These are non-negotiable parts of my mornings. They help me recharge creatively by diving into another world before this one starts asking things of me. I also believe that starting your day by doing something just for yourself is grounding: it sets a good tone for the rest of the day (and life).
And when do you call it a day?
When I feel my brain slipping. That’s the cue, because nothing good comes after that. But since I genuinely love what I do, when I “close one lane”, I usually just shift into another. Video editing, creating, storytelling: it’s not work to me, it’s passion. I’m always writing notes, taking on new side projects, chasing whatever’s waking up my curiosity. Even when I’m off the clock.
Your walls are pretty bare. If you had to hang a quote, what would it be?
Probably more of Dali’s work instead of quotes. And if I absolutely had to, it would be: do it scared. My whole life has basically been: I don’t know what’s happening, everything’s moving fast, but I’m marching ahead anyway. And it always went well for me.
One thing missing from your dream home?
Space. Outdoors, a pool, high ceilings… I need room for my mind to breathe. Lots of light, plants, wood. Blackout curtains too, though, because I want either full light or full darkness. And a dedicated creative room: paint, a whiteboard, somewhere to go and let the full spectrum of imagination out. Oh, and house help. Not going to pretend otherwise.
Any icons on the mantel?
Rick Rubin. I feel like he has a deep understanding of how to help people connect with themselves so fully that they can express their art unapologetically. He encourages artists to find the answers already inside them. Art isn’t about rules, it’s about authenticity, and in my eyes, he understands that better than almost anyone.
That baby photo, is that you? Were you already dreaming of a life behind the camera?
Haha, not at all, I actually wanted to be an actress. Did theater for years. But the second I got in front of a camera, I realized: I didn’t want to be on it… I wanted to be behind it. A different version of me came out, more decisive, more directive. I wanted more say in the story being told.
What’s on your desk moodboard?
Filmmaking and storytelling. I want to show the world the way I see it. There’s also a lot of purposeful creativity up there: volunteer work, refugee centers, orphanages. I want to make content that helps people, to create beauty that has a purpose.
What are you consuming lately?
Books for lonely people haha! As an only child and a very independent person, Murakami just makes sense to me. I also love Tarantino’s worlds: he is bold, he breaks every rule, he thinks so far outside the box he almost has his own language. And I love solo restaurant dates. Going alone, on purpose, to people-watch and truly feel a place without being distracted. I’m very comfortable talking to strangers. There’s a lot to observe when you’re not performing for anyone.
And in the kitchen, what projects are simmering?
Short film ideas: there’s honestly a whole bunch of them on my phone waiting for time. And one that’s really close to my heart: my grandmother’s Iranian cookbook, from before the revolution. She’s had it for fifty years. It doesn’t exist anywhere else. I want to film myself making these recipes, banned recipes. It feels like something that needs to exist, and that needs to be not only seen, but celebrated.
A brand you think is killing it right now?
Nude Project. Authentic, community-built, intentional. They feel real.
What are the building blocks of a good day for you?
An avocado toast, and I actually have a ritual : if the inside is perfect, it means it’ll be a good day. Making time to paint no matter what’s on the list (the list can wait). And taking it slow in the morning. Everything else follows from that.
What makes you feel at home, even when you’re far from home?
Knowing I have myself. And on the harder days, I picture my older self sitting with me, someone who made it through, who’s calm, who already knows how the story ends. That, and therapy. They work together.
If Casa opened another office anywhere, where would it be?
Barcelona. Beach after work. That’s all.
And if you were a piece of furniture?
A lamp. My name, Noor, means light. Noor Banu, in its entirety, signifies lady of light. It just has to be.
Before we go, we’ve got a free day in Montreal. What should we do?
Breakfast at Pas de Problème to start the day slow, then a long walk and a little daydreaming along the Lachine Canal. Get lost in the aisles at Indigo Books & Music, followed by a wander through the Jean-Talon Market before lunch at 3 Pierres 1 Feu. Pre-drink at Satay Brothers, laugh at the Kickback bilingual comedy show, and end the night dancing at Sans Soleil, with a possible second wind at Stereo if you are like me and you could honestly dance all night.
We can’t wait to have our very own Noor day. In the meantime, thank you for having us!
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