Name Atossa Leoni
Age 20-something
Location Los Angeles
Hometown Berlin
Occupation Actress (The Kite Runner)

Artist
I’ve been acting since age 5 and I had my own TV show when I was 12 in Germany. No matter what medium, every single time it feels like I have this fear to start: get the brushes wet, put the shoes on. I enjoy the fear because it wakes me up.

Pragmatist
To build my house, I drew on my training as an actor. What I found out was that before you build the exterior, you have to know exactly what the interior is like in order to decide where the windows go, where the doors go, which was really challenging.

And Those Are Her Things

1. Berlin street sign: “I’m going to return it one of these days. I like that it’s a one-way—pointing in one direction, as if there is no return.”

2. Perfume collection: “The sense of smell triggers the furthest memories.”

3. Homeopathic remedies

4.Wool shaver: “I’m sure there’s a name for it—it’s a very practical device that renews sweaters.”

5. Asparagus steamer: “I’m a vegan. I think the idea is more difficult than doing it.”

6. Wooden statues of lovers.

7. Autographed copy of The Kite Runner: “Khaled Hosseini signed it after we wrapped shooting.”

8. Words: “I added the words because the things that I really care about, that I carry with me, are people, memories, and the philosophy of life more than anything.”