
A reflection on the milestones we are taught to chase, the pressure to appear successful, and the question of whose expectations we are trying to meet.
Culture, Media and Society.
Leshai is a Canadian media publication examining the culture around modern life.
Leshai exists somewhere between lifestyle journalism and cultural criticism. We’re thoughtful without being fluffy, critical without being cynical, stylish without being shallow, and political without becoming partisan.
Meet the writers shaping Leshai: stories shaped by curiosity, lived experience and a willingness to ask one more question.

Shay Smith-Jaffer is the founder and editor of Leshai, a journalist and creative writer interested in the ways culture, media and the internet shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Her writing explores social issues, mental health, relationships and the ideas influencing everyday life, often breaking down complex or controversial topics into conversations that are accessible, thoughtful and honest. When she’s not writing, she’s probably watching a film, reading a book or discovering a new business endeavour.
Toronto, Canada
A reflection on the milestones we are taught to chase, the pressure to appear successful, and the question of whose expectations we are trying to meet.
By Leshai Smith-Jaffer · Oct 11 · 10 min
Low-maintenance relationships sound ideal until money, responsibilities and the realities of building a life together complicate the picture.
By Leshai Smith-Jaffer · Oct 11 · 8 min
A strange, quiet and existential dystopian novel about what happens when everything you’ve ever known is taken away.
By Leshai Smith-Jaffer · Sep 17 · 5 min
Danielle Emery is a GTA-based writer interested in the cultural trends and social dynamics shaping everyday life. Her writing explores relationships, social media, influencer culture, wellness and fashion, with a particular curiosity about the connections people form with the online world. She holds a master’s degree and wrote her thesis on human-AI romance. A creative and curious thinker, Danielle is passionate about storytelling and exploring the questions that make us look at culture a little differently.
GTA, Canada
We’ve become accustomed to lives designed around convenience. But what happens when that desire for ease begins to shape our friendships, ambitions and communities?
By Danielle Emery · Oct 11 · 8 min
Fall fashion gets a fresh lift with a bolder approach to colour, offering a seasonal reset beyond the usual neutrals.
By Danielle Emery · Oct 11 · 4 min
Sara Aboulela is a Niagara-based writer interested in politics, entertainment and the social issues shaping the world around us. Her interests span music, film, travel and social movements, and she enjoys exploring the stories, people and ideas that influence culture and society.
Niagara, Canada
Hollywood’s growing reliance on reboots raises a bigger question: what happens when familiar stories crowd out new ones?
By Sara Aboulela · Oct 11 · 6 min