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
"When we talk about metanoia, to me, it means being aware of the changes and transformations you go through—loving them, cherishing every moment. Metanoia happens even when you don’t notice. Living itself is a metanoia—a constant transformation, hopefully toward becoming better versions of ourselves." - Sona Hrantouni
Can you introduce yourself in a few words? (What do you do, what are you passionate about?)
Well, this is the “blank page” question for me. I usually don’t know where to start. I’m Sona. Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved writing—no matter what, honestly. If it involves text, I’m there. I do creative writing, screenwriting, and copywriting, and I create content for different social platforms and websites. Oh, and I’ve also been publishing my personal texts on Instagram for five years now. Currently, I’m working on my first book.
What moments in your daily life make you feel the most present?
Mornings, of course. I love that part of the day—silence, coffee, and a moment to figure out what happened and what will. It’s also my time to gather all my selves together. If you’ve ever been in a sports competition, you can relate to that feeling—the few minutes before stepping out to give your best to the world. That’s how I feel every morning. And when I say morning, I mean 6 AM.
Another time I feel truly present is when I’m with my people. It’s not about big gatherings but more about simple moments—working in the garden with my grandma, driving out of the city with my dad…
Also, when I’m reading, I feel most present.
How do you balance practicality and creativity in your everyday routine?
Honestly, I’m far from being practical. But I have principles that keep me going: if something needs to be done, it gets done. And if it’s hard, it gets done first. That’s how I keep myself in the flow of so-called "normal" people.
Also, creativity needs to be practiced. It’s hard, but the moment you stop nurturing it, you’re lost.
How do you see fashion as a form of self-expression, beyond just clothing and accessories?
For me, fashion itself is a way of self-expression. Or maybe it’s better to say it like this: an individual’s perception of fashion and how they shape their signature style and vision—that’s where fashion becomes true self-expression.
And forget about trends :)))
Do you often experiment and change your style, and what is the reason for that?
I’m not someone who frequently changes my style. I love change in every other aspect of life—just not when it comes to my clothes. I have a very distinct image of the person I want to be, and over the years, I’ve been getting closer to her. Every step in that direction—whether through clothing, accessories, or hairstyles—takes time. It’s a conscious, step-by-step journey, and I enjoy every phase of it, letting the transformation shape me.
Do you remember your very first bag, and is there a story related to it that you would like to share with us?
I remember the bag I got for my first class. Back in 2003, Armenia didn’t have malls or fancy shops for kids’ stuff—or maybe they existed, but at the time, my mom could only afford to buy things from a big market called Malatia. I remember us walking around for hours because I was a seven-year-old kid who hated pink, ruffles, and anything glittery.
I think it was our last stop because my mom was tired and frustrated, and then I saw it—a navy blue, plain backpack. The shop owner insisted it was for boys, but I didn’t care. That’s the first bag I truly remember, probably because it was the first one I chose and was happy with.
How do the things you carry in your bag reflect your personality and lifestyle?
Oh, this is a funny question. Let’s see…
I usually have my wallet, chargers for my phone and laptop, apartment and office keys, headphones, snacks, and a small sanitary bag with makeup essentials. I don’t wear makeup daily, so you’ll mostly find brow brushes, lip glosses, tinted lipsticks, and hand cream in there.
I also carry my film camera to capture moments throughout the day.
And, of course, a book—something to help me disconnect from reality for a while, making my time more meaningful than just scrolling.
So, I guess my bag holds a simple collection of essentials—nothing extraordinary. The depth comes from the reasons behind why I carry these things and what would happen if I didn’t.
If you had to create a “life essentials” list, what would be on it—beyond material things?
Kindness, friendship, curiosity, never believing that something is impossible, sunsets, the breeze in my grandma’s garden, her voice and songs, snow on a sunny day, the feeling of meeting my dogs for the first time, and the way I enjoy my coffee.
What does the concept of “metanoia” (a transformative journey) mean to you in your life?
After certain events in my life, I do my best to be fully present in everything I do and feel. I want to be a present sister, friend, daughter, and co-worker. Even when I talk to strangers and answer a simple question, I try to be fully there.
So, when we talk about metanoia, to me, it means being aware of the changes and transformations you go through—loving them, cherishing every moment. Metanoia happens even when you don’t notice. Living itself is a metanoia—a constant transformation, hopefully toward becoming better versions of ourselves.
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 everyday choices. I try to avoid using plastic unnecessarily, recycle what I do use, and minimize waste—even food waste is a big concern for me.
That mindset extends to clothes and accessories as well. That’s why I love my 57 Metanoia bag—it’s timeless, comfortable, and versatile for different occasions. It’s a long-term investment in my
wardrobe. People often call high-end pieces like the Birkin bag an "investment," but to me, an investment is something that seamlessly fits into my daily life and style.
Also, my favorite collection is “Threads.” I own two bags from it—it’s made from leftover materials from previous collections. Quite sustainable, huh?
Which 57 Metanoia bag do you own, and why did you choose it?
My absolute favorite, as I’ve said before, is from the “Threads” collection. It’s a bag that fits everything—my laptop, chargers, books—and still has space. I’ve traveled a lot with this bag. It’s also incredibly convenient for carrying essentials on a plane.
And I have a petite one from the same collection. Sometimes, I love carrying both.
If you could describe your bag as a companion, what kind of personality would it have?
It would be the kind of person who is always there for you—never judgmental, always reliable. A caregiver. A quiet supporter, even in moments when you don’t realize you need one. And every time I pick it up after a break, it feels like rereading a favorite book and coming across a passage I love—one that describes how differently the wind of May blows.
If your bag could tell a story about you, what would it say?
Probably about all the places we’ve visited together. So much has happened since I got my first 57 bag—moments of feeling miserable, moments of feeling great. I don’t know. As I try to answer this, I think back to the days that have passed, and there are so many. I hope my bag would tell the story of the beauty we’ve seen and the weight we carry. Quite the emotional baggage. :))
If your bag could hold one non-physical thing (a feeling, a memory, an idea), what would it be?
Strength and honor. They’ll always be in my bag.
What’s a piece of advice or a thought that has stayed with you over the years and still influences how you live today?
A few things. First, be a human before being anything else. Second, the strength and honor I carry in my bag. And third, that everything—even happiness, fortune, and fulfillment—is a choice.