The Maldivian-born Coconut aficionado Malsa is the first Maldivian Barefoot Bookseller at Soneva Jani. As part of our Travelution Personalities, we spoke to her about her unique role at Soneva Jani, what makes her tick and how she is pushing guests to read even more!

• Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do?

I grew up here in the Maldives, in Malé. After I finished school, I interned at the Heritage Department of Malé National Museum where I worked on the UNESCO project to nominate six coral stones of the Maldives to the tentative list. I have also worked at a private museum at a resort as a research assistant and museum guide.

For my Bachelor of Arts, I studied Archaeology and Anthropology and I have just finished my Master of Research in Engaged Anthropology at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. My research focused on the documentation of Maldivian culture. I have studied the coconut culture of the Maldives to understand its significance and my last research explored how bodies hold and transmit cultural knowledge. During my fieldwork, I learnt traditional arts and crafts such as fangi vinun (coconut thatch weaving), roanu veshun (coir rope weaving) and kasabu viyun (embroidery lace weaving) using traditional tools and techniques.

After university, I worked on a project as a cultural anthropologist to help establish a private museum at a resort, researching the pre-Islamic history of the Maldives and Maldives-Chinese relationships to trace the porcelain trade. The resort had uncovered porcelain jars or seenu thashi and our research dated these jars to somewhere between15^th – 17^th centuries.

Working as the Barefoot Bookseller here at Soneva Jani is my first full-time job after university. It’s a true honour to be the first Maldivian in this role.

• Since when did the interest, you have for books started to grow?

Both my parents were ‘bookworms’ and we had a dedicated hour in the day where we would all sit together as a family and read. My dad was also a sailor, so I grew up listening to incredible stories from around the world. At a very young age, I realised that books could transport us to different worlds and allow us to have the most magical experiences. Ever since then, I have always turned to books for solace and comfort.

• Tell us what you like the most about the scope of work you do as a Barefoot Bookseller at Soneva Jani, and how has it been so far?

I have worked at Soneva Jani for almost half a year now and time has absolutely flown by! I have enjoyed every minute of my experience. When someone hears ‘Barefoot Bookseller’ they ask ‘What, do you just sell books?’. Of course, I do sell books, but this job entails so much more, and every day brings a different and exciting experience. I offer creative writing classes which are especially enjoyed by children as I get their creative juices flowing. I also run a session called ‘Shelf Discovery’ which aims to expand the reading horizons by discovering new books and authors. I also conduct reading sessions with those looking for a digital detox and to reconnect with nature.

As the first Maldivian Barefoot Bookseller, one of my aims was to connect with the local community. Through our Instagram and blog, it has allowed us to connect with the local Maldivian book community.

My favorite part about the job is meeting people from around the world and swapping stories over our shared love for books.

• What are the most common questions you get asked by the guests visiting the bookshop?

The Barefoot Bookshop at both Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi is a carefully curated collection by the Ultimate Library, tailored to underline Soneva’s values and sustainable ethos, celebrate the local culture and reflect the diverse tastes of its sophisticated, cultured guests from across the world. Georgie at Soneva Fushi and myself can recommend books as well that we think would sell best.

We also get in the latest bestsellers, both fiction and non-fiction, which makes a lot of people curious as to how we can get these books delivered to such a remote part of the world. Some common questions are: ‘How is the book collection curated?’, ‘Who gets to choose the books?’ and ‘Do you get to choose some of the books?’

Photo Credits: Aksham Abdul Gadhir @ishotmaldives – Soneva Brand Center

• Which genre of books are the holidaymakers most interested in reading?

I would say holidaymakers usually go for escapist beach reads, so genres vary between the latest contemporary fiction novels or mystery thriller novels.

We have an extensive collection of non-fiction reads too, including wellness, relaxation and mindful reading, as well as books on sustainability and eco-conscious living. All of which reflect Soneva’s barefoot luxury philosophy.

• Do you think the digital age has replaced books and reading as a hobby?

Absolutely not! In fact, I think it has enhanced it. For some, it has become an inconvenience to carry heavy books around with them so they have switched to reading on their phones or tablets. For some, it is even more convenient to listen to audiobooks. I often get asked by guests ‘Is this cheating?’ or ‘Is this real reading?’ to which I always say, it’s not cheating and of course, it is real reading. Everyone has a different way in which they learn; some are visual learners, some learn better by listening. There is access to so many books from around the world right at your fingertips and this is thanks to the digital age. I never discriminate. As long as you are reading, I am happy!

• What inspired you to choose a career path in this industry and what keeps you going?

After I finished university, I wanted a small break from academia. During this break, I wanted to learn all about the hospitality industry. Soneva is known around the world as a luxury resort and it has undoubtedly been the right decision to join Soneva, as I have had a lot of amazing opportunities come my way – and many more to come, which is what keeps me going!

• Where do you want to see yourself in the next 10 years?

This is a tricky question. In my life, I have always had a plan. But now, for the first time ever, I don’t have a plan. The world is my oyster, and I am ready to embrace it! But in the next 10 years, I would like to be someone who is well-travelled, well-read and just a happy humble human being.

• What message would you like to deliver to those who are keen to go forward in the same career path as you?

For someone considering a career in hospitality, I would say: it’s okay to be different and don’t be afraid to explore the wide range of career opportunities that the hospitality industry now offers. Always be open to learning from others – the more you engage with different people, the more you learn. And finally, be bold and break some barriers.

• What are the 3 must-read books you would suggest anybody to read during their lifetime?

– An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield.
He is one of my favourite astronauts; humble and down to earth. I have been living by his philosophy: prepare for the worst and enjoy every moment of it. This transformed the way I think about my life as an Earthling, how we are insignificant compared to the rest of the universe, but still really special.

– Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A timeless classic that is still relevant to modern readers. It has strong female characters like Elizabeth Bennett who have all inspired me to break barriers.

– A Thousand Splendid Suns
This is one of the first books I read as a young adult that was set outside the Western world. It really opened my eyes to see the lives of people from around the world, especially women. The hardship they endure, but the strength for survival is incredibly inspiring!