Seatmates: Dianna Cohen
On the pre-flight hair trick she swears by, the Amalfi Coast hotels that shaped her design philosophy, and the slow travel mindset she brings to every trip
This interview is part of Seatmates, a Window Seat series where tastemakers, travelers, and creatives share how they move through the world—what they pack, where they stay, and the travel rituals that shape their lives.
Fun fact about me: For the past five years, the Crown Affair hair towel has been a staple on my packing list. It’s a little luxury that elevates my shower experience from something ordinary to a meaningful ritual. It’s a must-have, always-repurchase product for me, so it’s no surprise that I’ve long admired the woman behind the brand.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to the inimitable Dianna Cohen, founder of haircare brand Crown Affair, writer of the Substack newsletter, Take Your Time, and the first Seatmate of the year. I’ve long appreciated Dianna’s sense of intentionality—not just in the brands she builds, but in how she approaches everything from doing her hair to going on a trip.
Read on to learn how Japan’s rituals reshaped her beauty mindset, the hair hack she uses before swimming, and the one place she’s always inspired to return to.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Dianna, the Founder of Crown Affair, a brand redefining the way we care for our hair with an intentional beauty philosophy, elevated essentials, and an emphasis on ritual. Before launching Crown Affair, I built my career in brand storytelling, digital strategy, and community building, working as an early-stage hire for decade-defining brands like Into The Gloss, Away, Harry’s, and Outdoor Voices. Through those experiences I saw firsthand the power of brand identity, community, and thoughtful storytelling—elements that would later help in building out the Crown Affair universe.
My approach to haircare is deeply personal. After years of straightening and over-styling her naturally wavy hair, I embarked on a journey to find products that worked with her hair, not against it. Frustrated by the lack of clean, high-performance options on the market that also felt beautiful and elevated, I decided to create them myself. Crown Affair was born from that mission—to change the relationship people have with their hair and to turn haircare into a ritual, not a routine.
Beyond my work with Crown Affair, I share insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and mindful living through my Substack newsletter, "Take Your Time," where I explore the intersection of business, personal growth, and design. I’m a passionate advocate for building brands with soul, leading with intention, and creating products that genuinely improve people’s lives. After 12 years of living in NYC, I moved to Miami 4 years ago and split time between here and NYC with my husband, Alexander.
New York gave me my career, but I love being home in South Florida and building our community here in the sunshine. The culture here is so special and writing this in the middle of February, I’m so grateful to create and dream from here while traveling often for work.
Crown Affair emphasizes daily rituals and mindful hair care. During your travels, have you discovered any hair care traditions or products that have influenced your brand’s offerings or your personal practices?
I took a trip to Japan in 2019 that was a pivotal moment in shaping how I think about rituals—not just for hair, but for daily life. There’s such a deep reverence for craftsmanship and care in Japan, from the way objects are made to how they’re used with intention. I was especially inspired by the meticulous approach to bathing rituals—the cleansing before entering an onsen, the emphasis on scalp health, and the belief that haircare is an extension of overall well-being.
That philosophy aligns so much with what we do at Crown Affair—slowing down, being present, and treating haircare as a ritual, not just a routine. The emphasis on natural ingredients, gentle yet effective formulas, and the sensory experience of care has deeply influenced how I think about our products. Even something as simple as using a comb with intention—like the handcrafted tsuge wood combs I discovered in Kyoto—reminded me how tools, just as much as formulas, shape our hair health and experience.
That trip solidified my belief that haircare should be a mindful, nourishing practice, not just about achieving a certain look. It’s something I try to carry through Crown Affair and my own rituals every day.
I love how every culture has its own hair care traditions—so much of what we do at Crown Affair is inspired by these thoughtful rituals. One thing I’ve learned over the years is the importance of treating your hair like a fiber.
For example, before I go into the ocean or a pool, I always wet my hair with cold water first. Hair is super absorbent, so if you go straight into chlorine or salt water with dry hair, it soaks up everything, which can be really damaging. Wetting it beforehand creates a protective barrier.
As most people know, I’m a big believer in air drying—I’ve perfected my heatless wave method by applying The Leave-In Conditioner, The Air Dry Mousse, and The Oil, then twisting and clipping my hair while it dries. It gives the softest, most natural texture without heat damage. And on non-wash days, The Dry Shampoo is my go-to for refreshing my roots and adding a little lift.
At the end of the day, it’s about creating small daily rituals that make hair care feel less like a chore and more like an intentional moment of care. That’s what Crown Affair is all about!
Balancing a demanding career with personal well-being is essential. How do you practice self-care and maintain your creative energy while traveling for work or leisure? Are there specific destinations that you find particularly rejuvenating or inspiring?
Balancing work, travel, and personal well-being is always top of mind for me—especially since so much of what we do at Crown Affair is rooted in intention and care. I’ve learned that self-care isn’t about carving out extra time; it’s about weaving small, meaningful rituals into my day, no matter where I am.
When it comes to travel—whether for work or leisure—being intentional with my time and energy is key. Maintaining a sense of routine, even in a different time zone, helps me stay grounded and creative. Some of my best thinking happens when I’m away from my usual environment—it gives me the space to step back from the day-to-day and see things with fresh eyes. I always try to create quiet moments, whether it’s an early morning walk to reset before a busy day or taking time to journal. Those small pauses are what keep me feeling balanced and inspired.
Certain places especially fuel my creativity. Japan, with its deep respect for ritual and craftsmanship, always reminds me to approach my work with intention. And Italy, with its effortless appreciation for slow living and beauty in everyday moments, inspires me to bring that same mindset into my personal life and Crown Affair.
At the end of the day, balance isn’t about doing it all—it’s about being present, knowing when to recharge, and creating space for the things that truly matter. That’s what allows me to show up fully, both in work and in life.
Many travelers rush through destinations trying to see and do everything. How would you encourage someone to "take their time" and fully absorb the essence of a place, whether they’re in a bustling city or a quiet retreat?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—both in travel and in life—is that the best experiences happen when you slow down. It’s so easy to fall into the mindset of trying to see and do everything, but when you move too quickly, you miss the little moments that make a place truly special.
I always encourage people to approach travel the way they would a meaningful ritual—whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet retreat, take your time to be present. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, find a café and sit for a while, watch how the locals move through their day, or take an aimless walk with no agenda. The energy of a place reveals itself in those in-between moments.
For me, the most inspiring trips are the ones where I give myself space to absorb my surroundings rather than trying to check things off a list. I love returning to the same coffee shop in the morning, noticing the rhythm of a neighborhood, and embracing a slower pace. Whether in Japan, where there’s a deep appreciation for daily rituals, or in Italy, where lingering over a meal is an art form, I always find that the most meaningful experiences come from simply being present.
At the heart of it, taking your time isn’t about doing less—it’s about experiencing more deeply. And that mindset extends beyond travel—it’s how I approach work, creativity, and self-care every day.
I always encourage people to approach travel the way they would a meaningful ritual—whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet retreat, take your time to be present. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, find a café and sit for a while, watch how the locals move through their day, or take an aimless walk with no agenda. The energy of a place reveals itself in those in-between moments
As a Miami resident, what are some of your favorite local spots to recommend to out-of-towners?
One of the things I love most about Miami is how much energy and creativity exists in every pocket of the city. There’s such a great mix of culture, food, and design, and every time I have friends visiting, I always send them a list of my favorite spots.
For an amazing dinner, Boia De is always at the top of my list—their pastas are unreal, and the space has this intimate, neighborhood feel that makes it so special. Mandolin is another favorite. It’s one of those places that instantly transports you and the food is always incredible.
For breakfast, I love Caracas Bakery—it’s a Venezuelan bakery with amazing pastries and coffee. And Flora is my go-to for a slow morning; it’s such a beautiful space to start the day with great coffee and good ingredients.
What’s been your most memorable hotel stay?
The series of hotels we stayed at on my honeymoon in 2021 remains one of my most cherished travel experiences. We traveled along the Amalfi Coast, beginning in Ravello at Palazzo Avino, a place that feels like stepping into another time—elegant, intimate, and full of charm. From there, we made our way to JK Place in Capri, where every detail, from the interiors to the hospitality, felt effortlessly refined. But the place that left the deepest imprint on me was Il San Pietro in Positano—a true masterpiece in how space, nature, and design coexist in perfect harmony.
What continues to inspire me most is the Italian approach to creating spaces and moving through the world with intention. There’s an art to how everything feels both deeply considered and completely natural—nothing forced, yet everything beautiful. The textures, the colors, the way light filters through a space, and the ease of how it all comes together—these are the details I find myself returning to again and again, not just in travel, but in how I think about design, rituals, and the everyday moments of life.
Is there a destination or property at the top of your wishlist?
Japan is at the top of my list—I’ve been before, but it’s a place I always want to return to. There’s such a deep appreciation for ritual, craftsmanship, and intentionality in everyday life, which resonates so much with me. I actually have a trip planned there in a few months, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in it all again.
From the design and hospitality to the way simple moments—like tea ceremonies or even just walking through a quiet street—feel so considered, Japan is endlessly inspiring. I’m especially excited to spend more time in Kyoto and explore some new ryokans, where the connection to nature and tradition is so beautifully woven into the experience.
Traveling somewhere that values slowness and care always reminds me to bring that same mindset into my own life and work. I know this next trip will be one of those experiences that stays with me for a long time.
What are your must-haves when it comes to luggage and items you travel with
It was during my time as the 8th employee at Away that I started taking luggage seriously. The smallest details—smooth wheels, thoughtful organization, a packing system that keeps everything in place—make all the difference. I always pack hard items on one side, soft on the other, and packing cubes are non-negotiable (even for a quick gym or spa trip). My go-to carry-on is my Crown Affair green Rimowa, always with a tote stacked on top. For a bottomless, throw-everything-in option, my MZ Wallace quilted bag is unbeatable, while an oversized Kule tote offers a more structured alternative.
When it comes to organization, I’m a pouch queen—Cuyana’s makeup case is a favorite because it opens flat, eliminating the need to fully unpack. I always bring a packing cube with the first few days of clothes and a case with my key beauty essentials, including dry shampoo for when I land and my hair towel. I also always have my supplement cases, these are my favorite. Traveling with a few well-chosen essentials makes the experience feel seamless, intentional, and a little more like home—no matter where I’m headed.
What is your go-to airport outfit?
I typically wear these Silk pants with a white tee and cashmere sweater– easy, comfortable and always chic. I’ll pair them with sneakers for everyday wear or boots if I am traveling somewhere cold. I never travel without my Bose headphones and my Commesi silk hat–they’re essentials!
Do you have any rules or rituals when it comes to air travel?
I also keep my in-flight setup simple: a hydrating skincare routine, a great book, and a cozy cashmere layer. And I never travel without my journal—it’s one of my favorite rituals, giving me a quiet moment to reset, jot down ideas, or just process the journey ahead. No matter where I’m headed, having a few well-chosen essentials makes all the difference in feeling grounded while on the move.
Last question: Aisle or window seat?
Window seat if it’s a two-seater or I’m next to my husband, Aisle if I’m rolling solo and have a carry-on — I like being able to bathroom at my will and get off the flight fast.
To hear more from Dianna, subscribe to Take Your Time and follow her on Instagram. Interested in being featured in Seatmates or know someone who should be? Drop me a line here.
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Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Brand Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, please email tori@v1projects.com. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.
Honored to be featured ! ✈️💚✨
Your interview with Diana Cohen really hit home for me and is very helpful. I recently made plans to go on a cruise in Scandinavia and am disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to visit all the ports that I want to. Now I will plan to be present and enjoy every port I visit, and tear up my check list in favor of enjoying each offering to the fullest! Thank you for everything that you cover in Window Seat. Always a rich read!