Hassan Gonza (He/Him)

GET TO KNOW HASSAN:

Favourite dish to make?

I enjoy cooking and learning new recipes, but my favourite has to be slow cooked lamb shanks simmered in a rich red wine sauce. It’s simply the perfect recipe for the weekend, especially when hosting and seeing friends enjoying it.

What was your favourite trip you’ve taken?  

I have travelled to many beautiful places and cultures so this is a difficult choice, but perhaps one that edges it for me has to be going to safari in Botswana on the pristine Chobe River. Apart from the breathtaking beauty of the African Savannah and iconic wildlife, what made an indelible mark on me was camping in the bush without fences or barriers. It was special sharing an experience with locals and people from around the world, and humbling sleeping in a tent at night and hearing the roar of lion!

When you’re not modelling, what else are you up to? 

Living in Vancouver offers the outdoor enthusiast endless opportunities to engage with the natural world with our mountains, forests and sea, and I am always outside fully utilizing them. Whether that be hiking, swimming or skiing. I also enjoy gardening as it keeps me grounded and I enjoy cultivating vegetables to use for cooking. 

What is your biggest motivation? 

My biggest motivation is being able to learn something new, creative and exciting, in the work I do and in the people I work with. It makes a huge difference when work becomes an enjoyment.