Kija Lado is a South Sudanese musician and multidisciplinary artist from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Drawing sounds from across the genres, she blends soulful vocals with honest storytelling to make both people and herself feel, know, and be known. As she gears up for anticipated debut album sat down to share some of her must-haves getting her through the hustle and bustle.

1. Laptop

My laptop is my most prized possession. I’ve moved around a lot, but having it with me has provided consistent access to work, learning, music production, books, you name it. As a woman in the age of information, my laptop and how I use it has been a tool for so much good.

2. Black Tote Bag

The wardrobe staple, the take-over-the-world necessity, a sleek black tote is an absolute must. I always need something to house my laptop and notepads, and if we are taking an impromptu trip, extra storage for a change of clothes. My everyday tote is the Coach Gotham Tote, but I’ve owned a few great vegan totes that do the job just as well. The black tote is a reliable friend ready for whatever, whenever.

Coach Gotham Tote

Coach, $495, coach.com

3. White Sneakers

I am a firm believer that white sneakers go with anything! I have five pairs on rotation, each for a slightly different look (there are levels to this, haha). A solid white sneaker can instantly stylize or freshen up a look that is lacking.

4. Headphones

My headphones are a portal to my own world; they allow me to tap out of what’s going on around me and engage in whatever state of mind I need to be in. My preferred headphones would’ve been wireless AirPods, but I’ve lost them so many times you can just catch me with my good ‘ole wired earphones getting the job done.

5. Music Subscription

To pair with my headphones is my music subscription, and I would drop a heavy dime on this one. As a musician and music-lover, this is an absolute necessity for me to grow my craft as well as immerse myself in this massive catalog of music we have at our fingertips.

6. Toiletry Pouch

One of the many things surfing in my tote bag is a small pouch of essentials. I always want to be the girl that has whatever you need in her bag (especially if I’m carrying one that big around with me). Lotion, hand sanitizer, mini deodorant, perfume, lip balm, tissues, and painkillers are a few of the things in there.

7. Black Trench

My personal philosophy is to throw a nice jacket over a basic, and you look like you got all your ducks in a row. For the ever-changing weather, style elevation, or just a timeless piece to make an outfit modest, I reach for my black trench. I would invest in a good one cause she will be there for you throughout all your seasons and style evolutions!

8. Passport

If I could magically fly anywhere in the world, I would, but seriously, to get around to the places I need to be, I always need my passport, and I need it not expired - #trauma. Travel is one of the passions of my life, and my passport and a few dollar bills in my pocket make it happen.

9. Guitar

While working on my debut album these past couple of years, my guitar has been a tool for expressing my own voice as well mode of discovery for new sounds. My guitar has shaped me to be someone who is always learning, and I owe the beautiful songs I have crafted on this upcoming project to this beautiful instrument.

10. The Artist Way by Julia Cameron

This book has been so formative and healing for me in my journey as a creative; it offers some truths that extend themselves over my identity as an artist as well as just a person finding a way through the world. Like any good piece of literature or text, I see myself coming back to it, and it has offered me a well of insight and tools for living my creative life the best way I can.

Kija Lado’s 10 Must Have’s

The Comeback