Q & A with Diala Canelo

Diala Canelo wears a lot of hats. Not only is she a cookbook author, recipe creator, food photographer, flight attendant, CrossFit enthusiast, mother of two, wife, and a beloved friend; she is a culinary storyteller whose vibrant journey from the Caribbean to the global stage has inspired countless food enthusiasts. Based in Toronto, Diala is a passionate voice in the city’s food scene known for her ability to seamlessly blend her love for cooking, culture, and travel.

Whether she is whipping up a fresh, vibrant salad inspired by her travels to the Mediterranean or baking a comforting loaf of bread reminiscent of her time spent in Mexico, Diala's culinary creations are a celebration of her life's journey. Her ability to blend diverse flavors and techniques speaks to her deep appreciation for the world's rich tapestry of food cultures.

In every recipe and photograph, Diala brings to life the essence of comfort, family, and global exploration. Her journey continues to inspire those who seek to find the extraordinary in the everyday and the familiar in the foreign, one delicious dish at a time.

We’re super excited to bring you this Q&A with Diala Canelo!

Diala, as someone who balances multiple roles and activities, what does comfort mean to you in your daily life?

For me comfort is making time during the day for moments of peace. That could be my meditation practice, yoga, reading a good book, walking on the beach boardwalk or chatting with Warren and Gaby.

How do you prioritize wellness in your busy schedule, and how do comfortable clothing choices, like This is J pajamas, play a role in that?

I’ve been active all my life and since an early age understood how connected my mental health is tied to working out. I also place a lot of importance on rest. Moments at home wearing my This is J pj’s allow me to relax in the coziest way. And how could I not? The bamboo jammers feel like a second skin. So buttery soft!

Your travels have taken you around the globe. What are your tips and tricks for beating jet lag?

A quick nap when I get to my destination is key. I also hydrate with electrolytes, and have found that supplements like omegas, magnesium, b12 and lions mane work wonderful for energy.

How do you think travel has enriched your understanding of different cultures and how does that translate into your work?

Travelling gives you a broader understanding of the world. It has shown me the beauty of how other cultures live and enjoy life. For example, in Latin America and Europe people enjoy what they do for work, but time enjoying their friends, hobbies and social life is key for them. Almost sacred. As a Dominican born woman, I do the same, and regardless of having been in Canada for almost 30 years, that balance is how I try my best to go though life and approach my experiences at work too.

What is one cultural food experience that has profoundly influenced your cooking style?

I have had many, but two come to mind. The ones I’ve had with my step dad. As a self taught cook, he always had a passion for cooking foods from around the world and that gifted me with that same passion. As well as traveling around Italy and seeing how just with a few ingredients you can end up with one of the most delicious dishes ever. It comes down to the quality of the ingredients, as well as reverence for tradition.

After extensive travels, how do you create a sense of comfort and familiarity in your home?

My home is my oasis. I tell people that every time I land back in Toronto and head back to our home in The Beach, it feels like Christmas every single time. I immediately get into comfy clothing - This is J has played a role in this- get all the hugs from my family, and enjoy food I love surrounded by them. Dinner time at home gives me the time to catch up with what everyone was up to while I was gone, and ease my way back into routine.

As a fitness enthusiast, how important is it for you to have comfortable and functional clothing for both your active lifestyle and your relaxation time?

Super important! There’s nothing better than working out in a set that feels great on the skin, and the same applies to lounging in comfortable clothing at home.

What drew you to This is J pajamas and why do you love them?

What drew me to This is J, was the fact that it’s a women led company, made ethically in Canada and the fabric is the softest I’ve ever tried in any pjs. Not only do I use them to sleep in but to lounge at home too.

Diala Canelo and the many hats she wears - cookbook author, recipe creator, food photographer, flight attendant, CrossFit enthusiast, mother of two, wife, and a beloved friend.

Can you describe a perfect, comfortable  day at home for you? What role do cozy clothing and good food play in that day?

A perfect day at home would be waking up with coffee in bed. Gaby makes the best lattes and on weekends this is how my day starts. After, I would go for a workout, a run or a yoga class. In the afternoon I would grab a book and get cozy in bed, and for dinner we would cook as a family and end up watching a movie. I would be wearing This is J pjs all day long :)

Do you have any tips for others who are juggling multiple roles on how to find comfort and maintain wellness?

Yes! I find that society places a lot of pressure on women to uphold hustle culture. We all need to work, but we also need to make time to ground ourselves, to rest, and to understand that if we don’t take time to rest, our body and mind will remind us. I suggest including meditation as a daily practice, even if it’s for 5 minutes. Going for a walk in nature, a park, or near the water. Sitting down to enjoy a tea or coffee without distractions. And spend time with the people you feel the most loved by.  

What are some upcoming projects or travels you're excited about and how do you plan to stay comfortable and well during those adventures?

I’m super excited about my dinner series with Cafe 23. Where we draw inspiration from food from around the world and create a magical experience at the cafe’s patio for our guests. The next one is inspired by the French Riviera. While planing and testing recipes, I always make sure to be wearing comfortable pieces that allow for movement and ease.

How do you see the intersection of comfort, travel, and food evolving in your future work and personal life?

Travel and food have been a part of my life for decades and will continue to be. Both are my biggest passions. And It’s intersection lays in maintaining a slow and intentional pace while experiencing both.

We read somewhere that you once dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. How do you define your personal style and how do comfort and functionality influence your fashion choices?

I love fashion design and by the time I was 9 I had tons of sketch books filled with hundreds of designs. My personal style has evolved over the years, and right now it’s arrived to the point where I feel the happiest with it. It’s edgy, but comfortable and functional at the same time. I wear a lot of jumpsuits that I take on my travels, pairing them with converse, a trench coat, and for accessories, usually 70’s inspired sunglasses. There’s nothing better than walking around a city feeling comfortable with what you’re wearing.

In your opinion, why is it important for people to invest in comfortable, high quality loungewear like This is J pajamas?

I believe that investing in good pieces, like your pajamas, is a way of self care. When you are wearing something comfortable, made with good fabrics, you tend to feel better. Even a bit more relaxed, just as I’m feeling now in my favourite set.

Lastly, what's your favourite style of This Is J PJs and why?

I’m loving the tank top and Harem pants. The fabric is super soft, which makes it perfect not only for sleeping but lounging around the house. The design is also form- fitting and I love how it fits my body.