WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
The Future of Beauty
Advanced aesthetic doctor Dr Marwa Ali is entrusted to look after some of the most prestigious faces on a global scale. We ask her what the future of beauty looks like, and how can you future proof your face while still looking natural?
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What do the first 30 mins of your day look like? What is your morning routine? I spend the first 30 minutes of my day reflecting and making a list of the things that I want to accomplish throughout the day. I’ve learnt that it’s important to ensure the list is realistic so that I don’t feel disappointed in myself if I’m unable to achieve those objectives. You’re based out of Harrods in London; how did this arise? This is a question that I get asked often. The truth is, I have reached my position by sheer hard work and determination. I put in endless hours to refine my skills, built a reputation slowly but surely and was noticed by the right people at the right time via word of mouth. There is no shortcut to success, you have to take the stairs. What is at the core of your beliefs when it comes to optimising beauty? I strongly believe that everyone is beautiful in their own way and being different makes us beautiful. I think it’s imperative to maintain our cultural and individual identity and aesthetic treatments should be used to enhance what we already have. The aim is to primarily refresh and rejuvenate the face rather than change who we are and create cookie cutter images of one other. There is no one size fits all, and everyone should have a bespoke treatment plan to achieve their objectives. I’m a huge advocate of the less is more approach. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge has been breaking stereotypes and the stigma associated with being a young, female that is visibly different from an ethnic minority in the aesthetics industry which is largely dominated by our older, male counterparts. Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what has been the best advice they have imparted to you? I have had many mentors along the way and continue to seek advice from my colleagues in the aesthetics industry until today. No person is an island, so it’s important to be there for those who are new to the industry and guide them if they’re struggling. The most important lessons I’ve learnt along the away are the importance of being focused on your own business project and not to be distracted by what anyone else is doing or saying. Success is measured in different ways and with success comes a lot of responsibility, attention and envy. It’s not necessary to respond to everything that’s thrown in your direction, but it is important to remain graceful and humble. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but empires have fallen over night, so don’t ever drop the ball or get complacent. Where do you stand in terms of investment? Would you advise entrepreneurs to avoid asking for investment at the outset of their business and is it important to remain in
BEAUTY
2/1/22 11:52 AM
