I AM AOI, A MODEL/ACTRESS,
AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIRL WHO LOVES ACTING
I AM AOI, A MODEL/ACTRESS,
AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIRL WHO LOVES ACTING
I AM AOI, A MODEL/ACTRESS,
AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIRL WHO LOVES ACTING
I AM AOI, A MODEL/ACTRESS,
AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIRL WHO LOVES ACTING
"To me, life itself is metanoia – a continuous journey of transformation. I don’t believe in overnight changes; instead, it’s the experiences, connections, and even the traumas that shape and build us over time."-Dina Hovhannisyan
Can you introduce yourself in a few words? (What do you do, what are you passionate about?)
I’m Dina, a bit of everything all at once – a collection of worlds in one soul. There’s the driven entrepreneur who thrives on challenges, the amateur athlete pushing limits, and the creative who dances between ideas. Each version of me has its quirks, its passions, and its little universe, and all I have to do is love and nurture every side. That’s where my harmony lies – in embracing all the shades of who I am.
What moments in your daily life make you feel the most present?
I feel the most present when I fully immerse myself in whatever I’m doing. I don’t believe in multitasking – I prefer to go with the flow of each activity and give it my undivided attention. Whether I’m teaching, working out, or creating something new, I’m right there, in the moment, feeling every second of it.
How do you balance practicality and creativity in your everyday routine?
By flowing naturally between my different worlds, fully present in each one. When I’m teaching or tackling something practical, I focus on structure, logic, and getting things done. But when I’m creating, I let my imagination take the lead and allow myself to explore freely. Since I don’t multitask, every task gets its own time and energy, whether it’s something creative or something grounded. It’s not about choosing one over the other – it’s about nurturing both sides and giving them the space they need to thrive.
How do you see fashion as a form of self-expression, beyond just clothing and accessories?
Fashion, for me, is a quiet but meaningful form of self-expression. I like to wear pieces that feel unique and reflect who I am, but I’m never about going over the top or seeking attention with my outfits. When I do add something extra, it’s usually just a single accessory that speaks for itself, subtle but intentional. I see fashion as just one layer of my identity – not the loudest one, but one that hints at the deeper, multifaceted world within me.
Do you often experiment and change your style and what is the reason for that?
I used to experiment more with my style when I was younger – it was louder, maybe bolder. But for the past decade, I’ve been working with kids and spending so much time around them that my wardrobe naturally evolved to fit that environment. Now, my style leans more toward practicality and comfort, though I still find ways to express myself in small, unique touches. It’s all about adapting while keeping my essence intact.
Do you remember your very first bag and is there a story related to it that you would like to share with us?
My very first bag was a gray koala backpack, and I loved it. It was special because when I carried it, the koala looked like it was hugging me from behind. As a 5-year-old kid, I enjoyed standing out with my intelligence, and I used to say that my favorite animal was a koala – not because I’d ever seen one (even now, at 32, I still haven’t!), but because I thought it would catch people’s attention and make them think, “Oh, this kid knows what a koala is.” It was a gift from my parents, since koala was my favorite animal. On a side note, when asked what my favorite flower is I would say “raflensia Arnolda”, read about that plant in a random book :D
How do the things you carry in your bag reflect your personality and lifestyle?
Ah, my everyday bags – the ones I carry around, not to events or nights out – are usually enormously big. And if you check inside, you’ll find a little bit of everything from my different inner worlds. Whether it’s something practical, creative, or just random, my bag reflects the multi-layered way I live and the different sides of me that I nurture every day.
If you had to create a “life essentials” list, what would be on it—beyond material things?
If I had to create a “life essentials” list beyond material things, it would include things that nourish every part of who I am.
Curiosity – to keep learning, growing, and expanding my inner worlds.
A sense of purpose – whether I’m teaching, creating, or pushing my physical limits, I thrive when I feel driven by something meaningful.
Connection – deep, thoughtful conversations that go beyond surface-level small talk.
Balance – because I’ve learned to honor both the practical and creative sides of me.And lastly, a sense of humor – because even when things get tough, a little laughter keeps everything lighter.
What does the concept of “metanoia” (a transformative journey) mean to you in your life?
To me, life itself is metanoia – a continuous journey of transformation. I don’t believe in overnight changes; instead, it’s the experiences, connections, and even the traumas that shape and build us over time. Each moment, whether challenging or uplifting, adds to our evolution. It’s a gradual process, where every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Life doesn’t happen in a sudden shift, but rather in a constant unfolding of who we are becoming. Every experience is a part of that journey, shaping us bit by bit.
What role does sustainability play in your choices, and how does that connect with owning a 57 metanoia bag?
Sustainability plays a big role in my choices. I’m not into impulsive shopping (not into impulsive/spontaneous anything to be honest), and I dislike having too many things cluttering up my space. That’s why I’ve adopted a method where, when I feel the need to buy something, I make sure to get rid of two items of a similar type from my wardrobe. This helps keep my belongings purposeful and thoughtful. The 57 metanoia bag is a perfect example – it’s unique, meaningful, and something I could never replace with anything else.
Which 57 metanoia bag do you own, and why did you choose it?
I own the green bag from the Continuity collection (if I’m not mistaken thats how the collection is called). Back in the day, I think it was 3 years ago, it was the color that really caught my attention – something about it just stood out to me.
If you could describe your bag as a companion, what kind of personality would it have?
I’d say it would be calm, reliable, and full of character, yet never loud. It would be the type to offer support without drawing attention to itself, always there when needed but never trying to steal the spotlight.
If your bag could tell a story about you, what would it say?
It would mention how I carefully curate my life, choosing pieces and experiences that truly matter, and how I always nurture every side of myself, no matter how many different worlds I carry within.
If your bag could hold one non-physical thing (a feeling, a memory, an idea), what would it be?
Memories. Just memories. I’d want my bag to carry the moments that have shaped me—the laughter, the lessons, the quiet triumphs, and even the bittersweet ones. Because in the end, it’s those memories that define who we are and remind us how far we’ve come.
What’s a piece of advice or a thought that has stayed with you over the years and still influences how you live today?
When I was in my early teens, my parents owned a restaurant in Cascade. Among their regular visitors was a Persian dentist who would stop by every time he was in Armenia. I don’t remember his face or name, but I do remember the advice he gave me: “One step at a time.”
That simple phrase has stuck with me and shaped the way I approach life. Instead of fixating on the end result, I’ve learned to value the steps, the growth, and the lessons along the way. It’s helped me become more patient—with myself, with my goals, and with the journey itself. This mindset continues to guide both my personal life and my work today.