NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE

How do you deal with negativity?

Every day I wake up and am thankful for the things in my life that I love and have achieved. I have trained a lot with energy work; angry and negative people are usually unhappy with themselves and if you don’t rise to the bait and stay positive yourself, they usually back off. Positive energy deflects negativity. I try not to have negative people around me. There is a difference between negativity and times in your life when you have tragedy or difficulty. It is how you bounce back that is important - resilience.

What would you declare as your number one beauty secret?

My number one beauty secret is to be positive, be happy, be the best you can at every stage of your life, and to be thankful for what you have and not for what you haven’t got!

Who is your favourite designer? Why?

My favourite designer is Amanda Wakeley - she has wonderful business, casual and evening wear. Her clothes are glamorous and easy to wear.

Tell us about a treatment that the Bride and her bridal party would benefit from before her big day to obtain that coveted dewy glow?

It’s a good idea to start booking in for regular facials around 3-6months before the big day to ensure skin in the best condition it can be. The Advanced Skin Vitality Facial (90minutes - 975 QAR) is a supercharged facial to brighten and revitalise the skin, leaving it with an illuminated glow. It’s a must-have to banish lacklustre complexions for a smoother, glowing complexion.

For pre-wedding preparation with friends and family, the Bride-to-be (5 hours -1750 QAR) is the ultimate pre-wedding prep package with 5 hours of face and body treatments to melt away tension and prepare mind and body for the day of your life.

How involved are you in the creative process of sourcing ingredients and finalising ESPA product formulas?

I am still very involved and approve all products before they are released. I constantly learn through my travels and being with amazing therapists, chemists and clinical aromatherapists, as well as on sites with wonderful flora and fauna. The inspiration for new products often still comes from me.

How do you take time out of your busy schedule to relax and recharge?

I regularly travel for work so I love to relax by spending time at home. I have spas at home and pools in both houses where I can exercise, be in the fresh air, eat organically and be with my growing family and friends. I always do my breath work. I’m lucky to be surrounded by trees at home so I open the doors to my garden and take several deep breaths, inhaling the good quality fresh air. I breathe in through the nose for four seconds and out through the mouth for eight seconds. During the winter months I try to spend more time in the warmer climates and am fortunate to have a second home abroad which makes this possible.

What do you love about the Middle East?

I love the glamour of the Middle East, the various cultures, the food, flavours and smells, the weather (other than summer). How would you describe a woman who visits ESPA?

The ESPA woman is conscious of the ingredients she uses and chooses products that help her to achieve naturally beautiful skin. She is looking for results driven formulas and likes to take the time to apply her products and enjoy the emotional benefits of the aromatics in her skincare regime to help balance her body and mind.

Tell us how you maintain consistency across the ESPA brand. Consistency is all about the training and the flow of the design and spaces. It’s important to recognise the strengths of each culture. Finally, tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I am the only person to have received an MBE from the Queen for services to the Spa and Beauty industry.

For more information please call ESPA at Mondrian Doha +974 4045 5550