The Basma Times

Born in Japan. Raised in Egypt.

Twenty-four years ago, your story started in Japan before you grew up in Egypt. Still hands-down one of the coolest origin stories of anyone I know.

When you first joined work, I hated you at first sight.

Let's not rewrite history—we didn't even need a conversation. You walked into the office on day one and I immediately decided I couldn't stand you.

“Day-one impression: 0/10. Didn't even need to hear her speak.”

Then you became my manager.

You joined as a junior, proved how smart, reliable, and efficient you are, and got promoted right past me to become my manager. Honestly, I couldn't even be mad—you earned every bit of it.

Forget the work titles though.

From hating you at first sight on day one, to having you as my manager, to actually becoming really close friends—you're one of the most solid people I know, and easily the best part of working there.

Your drawings are unreal.

I love your style and the dark, expressive mood in everything you sketch. Every drawing you make has its own atmosphere. You seriously have a gift.

And of course you play the bass.

Anybody can pick up a regular guitar, but choosing the bass just proves you have better taste in music than most people.

You read more novels than anyone I know.

Between the books you devour, cinema, good coffee, and M&M's, it shows in every conversation—you're genuinely one of the smartest, most educated people to talk to about anything.

Since you're a graphic designer…

I know for a fact you're judging the fonts, column alignment, and spacing on this page right now. Go easy on me.