With Love, Doris
The WLA interview series highlights various guests, diving into the ways they make time for playful exploration. What quotes do they live by? What brings them joy? These brief interviews seek to celebrate their unique perspectives, learn from their inspirations, and uncover a glimpse of their everyday world through the planners they use.
Born in Taiwan and raised on the West Coast of Canada, Doris Wu has always found herself between cultures, drawing inspiration from the unique perspectives and experiences that shaped her. Now, based on the East Coast, she has built With Love Archive, a brand that offers intentional tools for playful exploration and The Melrose, a lash studio that merges artistry with a refined sense of beauty. You can explore more of Doris’s musings on her personal Substack, where she shares her founder’s journey along with curated insights and recommendations.
How do you make time for playful exploration and what habits help you tap into your imagination?
My creative routine is fluid—I don’t really force it. I’m spontaneous and always full of ideas, so as soon as I get up in the morning, I am ready to start the day. I find inspirations in people—whether it’s online or in person. Conversations are my fuel, which is why I love my work as a lash artist. Every day, I meet amazing people who bring their own stories into my studio. For me, creativity is about staying curious. There’s an element of play in everything I create, a willingness to explore without knowing exactly where it will lead.
What’s your favourite way to use a planner?
My WLA planner never leaves my side. It’s my second brain. I love jotting down and checking off endless to-do lists alongside quick sketches, random thoughts, or quotes that spark something in me. One of the most important sections for me (even though it might be a bit expected) is the monthly overview. I enjoy seeing what the month holds and noting down tasks I’ve accomplished to celebrate even the smallest milestones. The project pages are another favourite—I use them to sort through ideas for new creations, whether big or small. It could be a recipe I found on TikTok or a new product idea for my business. I love having dedicated pages where I can let ideas marinate until they’re ready to come to life.
What activities nourish your soul and give you joy?
I am really blessed that what I do for work brings me joy but there is definitely a need for me to practice more work life balance as a founder.
Things that I enjoy doing outside of work includes thrifting knick knacks for my home, going to cafes, doing pilates, listening to podcasts and I’ve been really weirdly obsessed with this mobile game called Last Day on Earth. (It’s my secret pleasure.)
Do you have any quotes you live by, or something that inspires you daily?
“One day or day one, you decide” - Paulo Coelho
This quote deeply shapes how I approach different areas of my life. It reminds me that the choice to begin, to act, is always mine. I think wishing for “one day” is something we all do. Whether that is “one day I will go to the gym regularly” or “one day I will save more money.” It’s natural to want more for our lives. But realizing and reminding ourselves that the future self we envision and who we are now is separated only by the decision to take action today? That’s a gift.
So whenever I catch myself wishing for that one day? I start where I am.
What’s one thing on your life bucket list?
Open a beauty café where I can offer lash and brow services, serve coffee and pastries, and host community events to continue inspiring creativity.