Jordan-Risa Santos: On Compassion, Curiosity, and the Power of Stories


Jordan Santos is a woman of many layers. As the founder of Seen Library, a literary haven championing untold stories and meaningful connection, she has carved out a space for readers and writers alike to find inspiration. But Santos herself is just as inspiring - a thoughtful presence in a fast-moving world, grounding herself in small but profound daily rituals.

From her morning gua sha to evenings spent immersed in the pages of a book, Jordan approaches life with an enviable blend of curiosity, candor, and care. Her devotion to her relationships - be it with her cat, her husband, or her community - is unmistakable. In this conversation, she shares her musings on everything from the virtues she finds overrated to the simple pleasure of waking up in a beautiful hotel room in an unfamiliar city.

What is your current state of mind?
A bit all over the place – saddened by the destruction and loss caused by the LA fires, but inspired by all the good, compassionate people doing what they can to support those affected.

How do you switch off?
With a book in bed before I go to sleep

What is the trait you most admire in others?
Compassion, honesty

What is your greatest extravagance?
Lately, being able to take my time

What is the first thing that you do when you wake in the morning?
Cuddle my cat who sleeps in my arms

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Abstinence, patience

Do you have any daily rituals?
Gua sha in the morning, reading in bed at night

What do you most like about your appearance?
That it’s mine

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My cat – she is my soulmate

When and where are you happiest?
In the comfort of my home with my cat and loved ones or exploring a new city with my husband

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To be more open to the unknown

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My relationships. And creating Seen Library which has brought people together in a meaningful way and gotten stories out that need to be read.

Where would you most like to live?
Here in Los Angeles – and London in the summers.

What is your most treasured possession?
The photo album my husband adds to each year on our anniversary with little notes beside each photo 

What is your favourite occupation?
Working on Seen Library

What is your most marked characteristic?
My honesty – or so I’m told.

What do you most value in your friends? 
Being able to spend time with them through the good and bad, through the mundane and excitement.

Who are your favourite writers?
Toni Morrison and recently, Tomasz Jedrowski is an author whose writing I have read and found so beautiful.

Who is your hero of fiction?
Hermione Granger

Who are your heroes in real life?
My cousins – the kind, funny, generous women who have been there for me through it all.

What are your favourite names?
Saving this answer for the future ;)

What brings pleasure to your day?
A long conversation with a good friend.

Do you have any products or objects that you can’t live without?
Books and journals

Where is your favourite place to wake up in the world?
In a beautiful hotel room in a new city with my husband


@jordanrisa @seenlibrary

"Evening walks and burning palo santo with a spritz after work—these small ceremonies help me transition from building to being."