Emirates Woman - October 2023

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Obaid Humaid Al Tayer

MANAGING PARTNER AND GROUP EDITOR

Ian Fairservice

EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Amy Sessions amy.sessions@motivate.ae

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Olga Petroff

DIGITAL EDITOR Ruman Baig

FASHION EDITOR Camille Macawili

DIGITAL STYLE EDITOR Sarah Joseph

JUNIOR DESIGNER Charissa Canlas

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Londresa Flores

GENERAL MANAGER PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar

PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne

GROUP SALES MANAGER

Chaitali Khimji chaitali.khimji@motivate.ae

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Lara Djuricanin lara.djuricanin@motivate.ae

GROUP MARKETING MANAGER Joelle Albeaino

WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi

Joëlle

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor’s Letter

Welcome to The Fearlessness Issue.

One of our most inspiring issues to date, we are privileged to have real relationships where incredible women can show up for us and discuss facing their fears and doing it anyway.

Having spoken to so many in this issue, it is for many not the absence of fear in their lives that has driven them forward but the courage to face it and still forge ahead. Big or small, overcoming fear is what will set you on the path to success. Everything we want lies beyond the feelings we think we cannot face, and the things we think we cannot do.

designer Tamara Ralph discusses being ready to take on a challenge and having the fearlessness to build again in A Serious Comeback on page 42.

FEEL THE FEAR, DO IT ANYWAY.

For our cover, we are very proud to have partnered with Chaumet and Mona Bin Kalli, someone who has fearlessness in her DNA. We discuss doing life on your own terms in Strength & Beauty on page 20.

We also have exclusive interviews with Christopher Esber who shares what it takes to seize opportunities fearlessly, creating pieces that push boundaries and delivering work you believe in - in Cut to the Chase on page 36; New York-based, globally renowned jeweller Jennifer Fisher discusses creating, scaling and having the fearlessness to start in The Baller on page 40; and

Yann Moujawaz Martini, Co-Founder – Juana Skin also shares what it takes to build a brand from scratch, believe in your dream and push the boundaries of convention in the beauty industry in A Fearless Approach on page 88, Roxie Nafousi, Author of MANIFEST – 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life, shares how you can elevate your life through the power of manifestation in Transform on page 110 and Emirati falconer Ayesha Al Mansoori takes us through her journey of courage, consistency and commitment to the craft in The Highflyer on page 120.

This year also sees the return of the Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year Awards. The event returns this year to shine a light on those creating outstanding achievements in their industries and those living with the values we align ourselves with of integrity, authenticity, excellence, and grit. We champion these incredible women in The Nominees on page 112.

We are so proud to be in the company of such incredible, fearless and inspiring women. Thank you for being part of the Emirates Woman family.

Amy Sessions EDITOR / ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

THE HERO BUYS

Faux patent-leather skinny pants Dhs835 Commando

Triquetra cutout blazer Dhs4,042 Christopher Esber available at NET-A-PORTER

Pigalle Follies 100 patentleather pumps Dhs2,950 Christian Louboutin

The Rich Cream, 30ml Dhs730 Augustinus Bader

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway Dhs40 Amazon.ae

A Fearless Approach – Yann Moujawaz Martini, Co-Founder of Juana Skin, on pushing the boundaries of convention in the beauty industry p.88

32

FASHION

The Edit – A Cut Above p.32

Niche – The best latex pieces p.34

The Baller – Globally renowned jeweller, Jennifer Fisher on having the fearlessness to start p.40

A Serious Comeback

– An exclusive interview with designer Tamara Ralph p.42

Fearlessly Feminine –An exclusive interview

The Renegade – Milliner Ruslan Baginskiy adds structure and drama to headwear that delivers something different p.54

with designer Magda Butrym p.44

The Achiever –Founder of Lux Life Consulting, Pegauh Panah, on tailoring personalised experiences to clients' goals p.50

Taking the Lead – How

Founder Tania Santos Silva of Lala Diamonds is making waves in the fine jewellery industry p.52

A Fearless RIde – Polly Gotseva, Co-Founder of BKP Group, on taking your hobbies to brave new heights p.58

Strong Streetwear –Les Benjamins p.60

Breaking Barriers –Hala Al Shammari, Founder of HALA, on breaking stereotypes and classic cuts p.64

The Alchemy of Street – Bottega Veneta p.68

A Stylish Puzzle –Loewe p.74

Power Up –Balenciaga p.78

Fearlessly Unique –Bold women share the art of championing their own style signatures p.82

Cut to the Chase –An exclusive interview with Christopher Esber p.36

106 86

LIFESTYLE

The Level Up – An interview with Marie-Louise Scio, CEO and Creative Director of Pellicano Group p.106

BEAUTY

Hot New Buys p.86

Strong Brow Game p.92

Skin Deep – Three beauty experts discuss invasive beauty p.94

Fighting Spirit p.96

Facing Change – Dr Fiona Rennie, Dubai’s menopause expert at Genesis Healthcare Center shares tips on managing menopause without fear p.98

The Next Move – An interview with author and women’s rights activist Myrna Trad Haddad p.100

Beauty Shelf –

Jewellery designer Jennifer Fisher p.102

AM to PM Beauty –Juana Martini, Founder of Juana Skin p.104

Transform – An interview with Roxie Nafousi, Author of MANIFEST–7Steps toLivingYourBest Life p.110

The Nominees –EmiratesWoman, Woman of the Year Awards p.112

Leap of Faith p.118

The Highflyer – An interview with Emirati falconer Ayesha Al Mansoori p.120

Making It Happen – An interview with Mariam Farag, Founder of

Humanizing Brands and Global Keynote speaker p.122

A Brave Move – An interview with Founder of Sosaï Events, Sofia Sayah p.124

The Match Maker – An interview with Christiana Maxion, Founder of an AI-powered social matchmaking app p.126

Facing Your Fears –Helen Pleic, Clinical Hypnotherapist RTT & NLP and Founder of Your Liberated Mind on what it takes to face your fears p.136

The Wanderlust –Bulgari Tokyo p.138

The Cover

Bee My Love necklace in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds Chaumet

Personal Space –Sofia Sayah, Founder of Sosaï Events p.128

CARMINA

Ahead of the Game

The latest launches, new openings and hero buys

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

BY INVITATION ONLY

Valentino’s FW23 Black Tie Collection breaks constraints with its amplified punk spirit of the season.

THE HERO BUYS

THREE TO OWN

T-Lock Leather Shoulder Bag Dhs4,157 TOTEME

Bolden Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings Dhs1,658 Jennifer Fisher

Elicia Double-breasted Vegan Leather Trench Coat Dhs3,817 Alice + Olivia

Knot Leather Mules Dhs5,750 Bottega Veneta

Material funded by Allergan Aesthetics an AbbVie company.

AMI, Allergan Medical Institute and their designs are trademarks of Allergan, Inc., an AbbVie company. All rights reserved ©2022 AbbVie.

Adverse events should be reported to your local regulatory authority and Allergan Aesthetics o ce an AbbVie company: ProductSurveillance_EAME@abbvie.com and pv.mea@abbvie.com

AE-AGNA-220147 Preparation date: October 2022

An Istanbul-based luxury streetwear brand defying the norms.

Breaking Arab stereotypes in the world of fashion.

Social Listings

A curated guide of daring accounts to #follow this month

@meshki Daring pieces designed to empower.

@jenniferfisherjewelry Brave and bold jewellery crafted to perfection.

@magdabutrym Feminine accents and bodycon silhouettes.

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

@aminamuaddiofficial The cool girl shoe.

@roxienafousi Self-development coach and the author of best-selling book Manifest

@tamararalph Craftsmanship cut to perfection.

@ruslanbaginskiy_hats Utilitarian inspired pieces that stand out.

@by_hala

@lesbenjamins

Opposite page: Bee My Love hoop earrings in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Bee My Love necklace in rose gold, set with brilliantcut diamonds; All Chaumet

Mona Bin Kalli discusses inner strength, resilience and living fearlessly

WORDS & CREATIVE DIRECTION: AMY SESSIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY: SANDRA CHIDIAC

STRENGTH & BEAUTY

Both pages: Bee My Love cuff in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Bee My Love rings in rose gold and white gold, set with brilliantcut diamonds; All Chaumet

This page: Bee My Love rings in rose gold and white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds

Opposite page: Bee My Love pendant in rose gold, set with brilliantcut diamonds, Bee My Love pendant in white gold, set with 15 brilliantcut diamonds, Bee My Love ring in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds; All Chaumet

Both pages: Bee My Love bracelets and rings in rose gold and white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds; All Chaumet

This page: Joséphine Aigrette long pendant in white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette watch in white gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds with a blue alligator strap; All Chaumet

This page: Joséphine Aigrette long pendant in white gold, set with brilliantcut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette ring in white gold, set with brilliantcut diamonds; All Chaumet

Opposite page: Joséphine Aigrette ring in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette bracelet in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette Watch in rose gold set with brilliantcut diamonds with a red alligator strap; All Chaumet

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? I roll out of bed to make my morning coffee and plot out my daily agenda accordingly.

I actually spend five-ten minutes the night before planning out the next day schedule which consists of three main priorities: the time I’ll wake up, my fitness plan and my daughter’s post-school activities. Have you always thought outside the box from a young age and when did your inner strength first show? I was always creative especially as a child, making and creating things. I had a spirit for invention with a big imagination, so I guess that made me think out of the box often. It took me a little while to find my strength, as an adult.

When else have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialise? When I stopped explaining myself. People will understand from their level of perception no matter what you say.

How do you approach living life fearlessly and who in your life supports you to do so? Living a fearless life is not about never feeling afraid or taking unnecessary risks. It’s about gathering the courage to face your fears and move forward in spite of them. Feel it, breathe through it and do it anyway. Actions build courage. I am blessed for my family; they are my motivation and inspiration.

Chaumet is a brand you work closely with that combines elegance with edge – can you define the qualities that you have in common? There’s a special bond and harmony between us. And I couldn’t be happier to be working with a brand infused with so much grace and character.

What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? Life is all about the continuous effort required for overcoming challenges. My personal go-to is to remain positive and always focus on the bigger picture.

Have you had any mentors in life and if so, what knowledge did they impart? I’ve been fortunate to have had great mentors back in my career, that taught me to approach work with a level of discipline and humility, and I ended up carrying that aspect over to all elements of my life.

What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? It’s hard to narrow it down. Kindness always touches me. When someone goes out of their way to do something for you or when you receive help from someone who needs help themselves. It’s love.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Take a break, worry less and create boundaries. This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? Fearlessness is about owning who you are, accepting your weaknesses and realizing that it does not hold you back.

“Actions build courage.”

THE EDIT

A CUT ABOVE

Cutout stretchjersey maxi dress

Dhs2,815 Louisa Ballou available at NET-A-PORTER

Triquetra cutout wool-blend twill blazer

Dhs4,042

Christopher Esber

Cutout croc-effect leather bustier top Dhs7,122

Rick Owens

Broken waistband cutout jeans Dhs1,239

AGOLDE

Triquetra tie-detailed cut-out silk-satin top Dhs2,580 Christopher Esber

Galliga cutout cottonblend poplin mini shirt dress Dhs3,008

Jacquemus

Cutout twist-front ribbed-knit tank Dhs1,343 Christopher Esber

Cutout embellished stretch-jersey bodysuit Dhs1,612

Louisa Ballou

NICHE

The best latex pieces

WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS

Latex bodysuit Dhs4,372 Saint Laurent available at MYTHERESA

Sade Mini Tube Bag Dhs4,350 Saint Laurent available at Level Shoes

High-neck vinyl jacket Dhs5,944 Courrèges

Funky vinyl leather gloves Dhs570 Agnelle

High-rise slim vinyl pants Dhs1,777 Victoria Beckham available at MYTHERESA

Oversized vinyl trench coat Dhs15,000 Saint Laurent

Hunt 25 patentleather knee boots Dhs6,868 Saint Laurent

Ruched croceffect vinyl halterneck midi dress Dhs11,990 Alaïa

Cropped vinyl biker jacket Dhs2,950 Materiel available at FARFETCH

Designer Christopher Esber shares what it takes to fearlessly seize opportunities, creating pieces that push boundaries and delivering work you believe in

CUT TO THE CHASE

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

How has your eponymous label evolved since it launched in 2010? When I first started, I was focused on the construction and technical elements of the garment… so there has always been a commitment to adapt and deconstruct clothing from their purest silhouettes, reimagining them with new disciplines or technicalities with meticulous attention to detail. Over time, I’ve become focused stylistically on how pieces can speak to each other, finding the magic between the dichotomy of tension. Even though the foundations remain embedded in construction, which is essential to the brand, my principles are more expressive with the use of different fabrications and obscure silhouettes.

Your signature cutout detailing and ruching are evident throughout your collections. How did they become your signature? I am always on a quest to work with new materials and application of textiles in shapes that are not the conventional norm. When designing

the collection, I always start with the tailoring as the foundation and experiment with negative space, construction, and deconstruction techniques. I am always looking for new ways to play with traditional forms through a modern lens.

Your metal embellished corsetry pieces have become a key addition. How does it feel to dress such strong, beautiful women worldwide? It’s always about the wearer, how she feels, and wears the garment in her everyday world, knowing the day could take her anywhere. I also believe our customer has a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and intentional design choices we offer.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rihanna and Hailey Bieber are all fans of your work. Was there a celebrity moment that catapulted the brand into the zeitgeist? There have been these big moments that all unfolded like a bit of a crescendo, one after the other. It certainly magnified the brand, having the advocacy

of A-list stylists who were calling in clothes and organically placing these looks on these incredible women. It has been a super exciting journey, but what I feel comfortable with is that we attracted this attention organically, through the quiet strength of the clothes. How has the brand adapted as it’s scaled? As the business has evolved, so has my team multiplied in size, with new departments as well as the inner mechanics of how we do things. Scaling is a process, but it’s enabled us to explore new extensions like eyewear and bridal as well as collaborate with dream creatives.

What did building a business from scratch teach you? Doing it yourself, starting so young – it exposes you to all corners of the business. Even the ones you are not skilled or experienced at. Everything is new, but over time, you learnt when to lean into experts and mentors, or when to stick to one’s own convictions.

How do you balance the creative and commercial sides of the business, and do you feel more drawn to one than the other? As a creative I take refuge in the habitat and the people or surroundings that feed my inspiration. I am innately drawn to the creative side as a designer and creative director, but I have had to learn to wear both hats.

Do you see buying patterns globally or within the Middle East, and which pieces drive sales season after season? Each corner of the world differs but can echo similarities. My collections have purposeful depth and are large, which offers different stores or buyers a tailored offering for their location wherever they may be. I love seeing what pieces the Middle Eastern customers select and how they style their Esber garments.

What advice do you wish you had received at the beginning of your journey to success? Listening to your instincts is something I’ve always upheld.

What’s next for Christopher Esber and how do you plan to evolve the Esber woman? We are actually speaking as I am preparing for my debut on-schedule Paris Fashion Week show at the end of September. The fact that I got invited to do this by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, is the honour of a lifetime. It’s an incredibly exciting time. This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? My aunt is a seamstress and taught me patternmaking and cutting early on. Being exposed to her craft and creation left an impact on me. She cut without a paper pattern. That kind of fluidity and fearlessness to push boundaries influenced me in just being able to try things, to experiment. Learning not to be afraid about cutting into this expensive cloth or fabric and going with it. Fearlessness is a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.

“Fearlessness is a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.”

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? My daily morning routine starts with a cup of coffee delivered by my husband, Kevin. It’s sort of a ritual that we’ve started. I’ll text him when I wake up because he’s up earlier and he brings me coffee in bed. Then I pick up my phone and check social media, emails, and work apps to prepare for the day. We are a small business so I’m never not working.

You launched your brand after creating a charm to commemorate your son’s birth –what gave you the fearlessness to start? I’ve never been one to hesitate in moving forward to start a business. I’m a serial entrepreneur and started my first business when I was a child. Jennifer Fisher was a natural extension of myself making the choice to start a

business creating something that I couldn’t find in the market when my son was born. After Shane was born, I began receiving jewellery gifts to represent him in the form of single letters that were very dainty and weren’t very me. Shane’s birth was a big deal for us, and I wanted something to wear that represented him in a way that felt like me and expressed my personal style. When I couldn’t find it, I decided to go up to 47th street in Manhattan and design and produce something myself. I designed a dog tag charm with Shane’s named stamped on the front that I styled with a long, thick link chain. I didn’t take it off. I wore my dog tag on set while styling and started to get multiple requests for the same necklace. A hair stylist friend of mine was working with Uma Thurman at the time and suggested I make something for Uma that represented her kids. She ended up wearing it on a magazine cover and Jennifer Fisher Jewelry was born. How did your role as a stylist support scaling the brand from the outset? People think the brand looks like an accident, but in fact a marketing plan that I thought of early on while leveraging relationships from my stylist career to help scale my current one. Given the fact that we are a small company and didn’t have the resources to be paying celebrities to wear the jewellery, so I worked on making sure the jewellery was seeded to the right people early on. This is possible through the support of stylist friends and celebrities who have helped generate and grow our brand awareness. Many of which have even turned into clients.

You have a wide and diverse source of inspiration – can you expand on this? I’m inspired by many things, but as a consumer, I’m inspired mostly by things that I want to be able to wear and what I think other people will want to wear. I’m constantly looking at what’s coming out in the market, so I can design pieces accordingly that will compliment what consumers are looking to buy in the upcoming season.

How has the brand evolved? The brand is ever evolving. It’s evolved from opportunities, its evolved from rejection, and it’s

evolved from the different paths that I’ve been forced or lucky enough to be able to take. I try to stick to things that feel right for myself personally, and for the growth of the brand in order to evolve properly. We have made plenty of mistakes but also a lot of decisions that have gone our way.

When else have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialise? When I was 30 years old, I went through chemotherapy for a tumor that I have in my chest and still live with. That experience was a huge milestone in my life, and it gave me the drive to live each day to the fullest and to live fearlessly in every day.

What is your biggest strength? My biggest strength is my hustle and drive.

How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? We are currently going through an exercise working on that exact topic. As a brand, we never compromise on the quality of our products.

What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? Every day is a challenge. It’s not overcoming one big thing but overcoming the small, everyday obstacles with my strong personal drive and will to make things work. I believe in knowing it will work out and use that as my motivation. Have you had any mentors in life and if so, what knowledge did they impart? My biggest mentor in my life was my father. My father taught me that you must earn every dollar, can’t take anything for granted and the only way to succeed is hard work.

What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? I think there are people in life and in business that you have the opportunity to meet and it’s not always about one giant gesture, but more so about small levels of support that you can provide. Especially as a smaller business, sometimes that support means more than what some people would think are greater gifts.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? Being fearless means succeeding in what you believe in in life and knowing that you’re going to get there no matter what.

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

THE BALLER

New York based, globally renowned jeweller Jennifer Fisher discusses creating, scaling and having the fearlessness to start

A Serious Comeback

Founder and

of

Launching a brand once is brave. Reviving it and going again is fearless. Two years after Ralph & Russo went into administration, Tamara Ralph is back with an eponymous company and an even stronger will to succeed as well as a following of devoted clients.

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? My partner and I normally bring our two-and-a-half-yearold daughter, Haliya, into our bed for morning cuddles before we get out of bed. We then get up and, as I normally fast in the morning, I start my day with sea minerals and green tea before doing Pilates and fitting in some meditation before I go about getting ready for the day. You’ve launched a brand once. What gave you the fearlessness to start again and this time what knowledge are you starting out with that you didn’t have first time around? I would say that my being fearless in starting anew stemmed from a combination of things. Firstly, designing and creating is really in my blood, and I think that – deep down – I knew I would start again, but this time on my own terms. It is truly my passion and my

purpose, and I can never imagine doing anything different. My incredible clients are very loyal, and I have stayed close with them over the years, and they were constantly asking me when I would launch again, and if I could still design pieces for them. This definitely made me feel supported and also empowered as I worked towards launching my own namesake brand. Finally, but most importantly, having my daughter, Haliya, gave me a renewed sense of purpose and absolutely gave me the courage to move on. I gave birth to her during the hardest period of my life, which really led to me finding an inner strength that I did not know I had. She has been instrumental in me launching again, and I ultimately want to set the example for her that you can pick yourself back up, learn from challenging times, and move on with grace, confidence and unwavering strength. In terms of what knowledge, I have now, that perhaps I did not before? Going through such a difficult time certainly shaped the way I think and how I approach my own business now. I have matured as an individual, a designer, a creator and an entrepreneur, and know now how crucial it is to have your own vision and be uncompromising in ensuring that this is protected and that you stay true to yourself, and also being purposeful and intentional in surrounding yourself with the right team who believe in you and share in this vision. As well, I feel it is so important to spend the time laying the foundation for the brand. Can you define the DNA of this brand? The DNA of the brand is two-fold. The ethos is very much centred around the notion of bold, and modern, femininity and strength. The brand is infused with a sense of fearless creativity that pushes the boundaries of couture, with each piece designed to be a piece of art that is cohesive in relation to the wider collection, but that also stands alone and tells an individual story. The brand also harnesses the power of craftsmanship and savoirfaire, that are the main pillars of haute couture, brought to life through designs that have been intentionally created to stand the test of time.

Why did you decide to show at Paris Couture for the debut of your new collection? Paris has forever been enormously important to me, and it was always going to be where I debuted my new brand and first collection. Paris is in many ways where it all began, so I suppose – in a sense – my journey has come full circle. When I was with Ralph & Russo, we launched the brand with couture, and it was the soul of the company. We were only a few years in when I became the first Creative Director from the UK in nearly a century deemed eligible by The Chambre Syndicale De La Haute Couture to show during Paris Haute Couture

Designer

Tamara Ralph, Tamara Ralph discusses being ready to take on a challenge and having the fearlessness to build again

Fashion Week. As such, it has a very special place in my heart, and I find the magic of the city incredibly inspiring. I think Paris is also synonymous with haute couture. Have you found your client base has been supportive? I am so fortunate to have an incredible base of clients on a global scale that have been beyond supportive, both in my previous venture and over the past few years that have led up to this moment. As I said before, they never stopped asking me to design pieces, and have done nothing but encourage me to begin again. Their support has really helped to fuel my creativity and has played a huge role in getting me to where I am now. I will always be grateful for that. When else have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialise? I think that picking up and moving from my native Australia to London all those years ago was fearless. I left behind family, friends and a comfortable home to live in a foreign city and country in which I had no established network. It was starting from square one in every sense of the word, but my dreams and my passion ultimately fuelled me in having the strength and confidence to do so.

What is your biggest strength? I very much abide by the mantra that ‘the only limits you have in life are those you place on yourself’. I have had to start again more than once in my life, and as such feel my biggest strength is my ability to move forward with relentless positivity and the right energy, always thinking ahead to the future and where I ultimately want to see myself years from now. My biggest strength is also my daughter, Haliya. She has given me so much, and in turn I feel motivated and empowered to be a role model for her; my strength will shape her. How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? I think it is so important – especially when starting a new brand – to focus on laying the foundation properly first and foremost, whilst also staying true to the ethos of one’s brand. I have some exciting partnerships to be announced in the not-too-distant future that really lay the foundation for the wider vision of the future of the brand, they have been considered carefully, thoughtfully and strategically to ensure that they are right opportunities for the brand that certainly afford me the opportunity to scale but without straying from who I am at my core as a designer. What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? Without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest challenge to date has been getting through the past few years and the many challenges and obstacles I have faced as a result, giving birth to my wonderful daughter during this very difficult time, and coming out on the other side to start my own brand. So much happened all at the same time – some terrible, some wonderful – but ultimately, I overcame it with the support of my loved ones, the strength I gained from having my daughter, and from believing in myself and my own inner courage. Have you had any mentors in life and if so, what knowledge did they impart? My grandmother and my mother. I was born into four generations of fashion, design and haute couture within my family, and so I discovered my passion for couture — and fashion generally – at a very young age. As a child, I was quite taken by my mother’s fashion sketches and the library of patterns and fabrics that she had in the house; I would often sit in the room and create pieces myself, and I even started sketching from a very young age. My grandmother noticed my love of fashion and gave me my first mannequin to drape styles on and taught me all the haute couture techniques from her career as a couturier. From there, my passion only continued to grow, and I never really considered doing anything else.

I was very fortunate to be under the expert guidance of my grandmother, who ensured every last detail was created to perfection. She was known to unpick every stitch I had made, encouraging me to start over and learn from my mistakes; I carry this with me to this day, and am forever grateful for her encouragement and the discipline she instilled in me. All the techniques she taught me, I instilled in my atelier team – who are

WORDS:

all still with me to this day. My mother has always supported my vision and encouraged me in my career and attends every show of mine, she is my rock.

I have also been very fortunate to have incredible leaders in the luxury industry as business mentors, who have played a big role in shaping my new business.

What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? Having the support of my business mentors in my new venture has been so touching for me. They have helped shape the new business, and it is ultimately something I’d like to extend to new entrepreneurs and women in business to empower them in their own careers.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? Being fearless, to me, means knowing and staying true to yourself and your purpose, and being bold and unapologetic whilst also having the confidence to live life on your own terms, both personally and professionally.

“You can pick yourself back up, learn from challenging times, and move on with grace, confidence and unwavering strength.”

Sophisticated femininity is a signature for Magda Butrym. We discuss her distinct Slavic aesthetic and what it takes to bravely scale from the ground up

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

FEARLESSLY

FEMININE

“Fearlessness for me isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to go forward despite it.”

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? My day starts with a quick transition from mum to designer. The first few minutes are spent navigating family duties, making sure everyone’s day is off to a good start. Then, I switch gears and head to the studio. There, we have a quick morning gathering; some of us grab coffee, others opt for a light breakfast. It’s a brief but meaningful moment that helps us connect and set the tone for the day’s creative journey. How did you know it was the right time to launch your own brand and what was the catalyst to feeling the fear and doing it anyway?

I knew it was time to launch my brand when I realised that my vision for a uniquely Slavic, dreamy, and romantic take on femininity was not only powerful but also distinctively mine. This clarity gave me the emotional and intellectual readiness to venture into the highly competitive world of fashion,

grounded by these artistic pillars that have guided me ever since.

Your floral appliqué-embellished pieces have become a staple in many women’s wardrobes globally. How did this become your signature? The rose appliqué isn’t just a design element; it’s a symbol deeply aligned with the brand’s core philosophy. For me, the rose perfectly captures the multifaceted nature of my vision of Slavic femininity – it’s dreamy, romantic, while engaging all the senses, much like a woman herself. From its petals to its thorns, the rose embodies the complex layers that make up powerful femininity. That’s why it features prominently across

our designs, serving as an emotional and visual touchpoint that resonates globally. How has the brand adapted as it’s scaled? As the brand has scaled, the challenge has always been to preserve our commitment to authenticity and local craftsmanship. It’s an endeavour that demands much from us, but it’s at the core of our values. We manage to grow without losing the hand-finished qualities that define our vision of powerful femininity, and that’s something we’re really proud of. Do you see buying patterns globally or within the Middle East, and which pieces drive sales season after season? Each region has its own cultural nuances, but at the core, women everywhere share the same desire to express their true selves through fashion. This universal need drives sales season after season, and it’s evident that women across the globe, including in the Middle East, have an uncompromising demand for quality. Our signature pieces resonate universally because they tap into these shared aspirations for luxury, authenticity, and self-expression. What is most important to you when building a new collection? When building a new collection, inspiration is my compass, and taking moments to pause and recharge is crucial. After each collection, I take a short break to refocus and immerse myself in the art of observing women around the globe. Even the smallest interactions or glimpses on the street can spark a grand idea that becomes the soul of a new collection. Memories also play a significant role; for instance, the Brigitte bag is named after my mom and is a tribute to the style that influenced me as I grew up.

What was your inspiration for the prints and silhouettes we’re seeing in your FW23 collection? For the FW23 collection, I’ve fused maximalism and modern femininity with a touch of Asian influence and, of course, Slavic heritage, marrying bold shapes with sensual romanticism, and introducing a range of luxurious fabrics and intricate details and saturated colours that celebrate every facet of womanhood.

What have been the hurdles you’ve encountered throughout your career and how did you fearlessly overcome them? The challenges are endless, ranging from sourcing the right materials to navigating a global marketplace. Fearlessness for me isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to go forward despite it. Each hurdle has been a lesson that shaped the brand and me as a designer.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? Being fearless is embracing the full spectrum of emotions that come with pushing boundaries, whether it’s doubt, excitement, or even failure. It’s about not letting fear dictate your actions, but rather serve as a catalyst to explore what lies beyond your comfort zone.

WORDS: JOELLE ALBEAINO

The Achiever

of Lux Life Consulting,

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like? I try to start my day with some sort of guided meditation for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Then I will journal. When I journal, I write down things I am grateful for, what I look forward to, and positive affirmations. After I finish all that, I will check my emails and write down a to do list for the day. Then I will get going with my day.

What inspired you to start your own business? My dad was an entrepreneur, so I think that might have been my biggest inspiration to start my own business. I believe the idea of being your own boss is something that was also an inspiration for me as well. Talk us through the concept of Lux Life Consulting. Lux Life Consulting was created to give brands a more tailored and personal approach to a traditional PR agency. I really wanted to create something that allowed a space for brands to get more than the standard PR agency services, rather to get a unique, bespoke experience tailored to their needs and goals. It goes beyond PR; we can even offer design feedback and advice from a different perspective. It also helps that we built and maintain a great relationship with celebrity stylists.

Tell us more about the services. Lux Life Consulting is a full-service PR company. We offer product and editorial placements, brand development, brand consulting, VIP seeding and gifting, influencer marketing, events support, and more. As a boutique PR agency, we really work closely with our clients to meet all their needs, and sometimes

that goes beyond the typical PR scope. I like to think that we become an extension of their team, not just an outsourced PR agency, which is something I really value. How did your background influence your decision to start Lux Life Consulting? I majored in communications and marketing in college, so I took that knowledge and my love for fashion, media, entertainment, and bringing ideas to life and launched Lux Life Consulting – a place where I combine all of that together. I always knew I wanted to start my own business, and I launched Lux Life Consulting in 2017, when social media and influencers were taking over. Prior to Lux Life Consulting I was working with influencers and reaching out to brands on behalf of them, and at that moment I realised I may be on the wrong side. I really wanted to work with brands.

In the world of luxury attention to detail is paramount. How does your consultancy ensure that every client receives a truly bespoke experience? I always develop a close relationship with all my clients. Every time I bring in a new client, I have them write down their goals, like which publications they would like to be featured in, celebrities they would like to see wearing their pieces, and just their overall vision for the brand. It’s important to see the vision they have for their brand so I can do whatever it takes to bring it to life. How do you maintain a competitive edge? My competitive edge is that I really care about my clients, and I develop a personal tailored experience for them. I believe team-

work makes the dream work, so I take my time to get to know them, their goals and I treat myself as a team member rather than just a PR rep for them. I do things a typical publicist might not do, and I support in any capacity they may need as I believe to achieve success with a brand or client you need to have a strong relationship and allow yourself to be treated as a member or an extension of the team.

What are the key challenges you’ve faced and how have you overcome them? I think the biggest challenge that can be faced is doing PR for a luxury brand, as if there are

Founder

Pegauh Panah on how tailoring personalised experiences to clients, helps them fearlessly achieve their goals

budget cuts happening, PR will no longer be a necessity for the luxury brand and will typically be the first thing to go. Another thing is placements cannot be guaranteed, so that can be stressful at times. This is something I am transparent about with any

client I bring on board, so they are aware from the beginning. I believe the best way to overcome the uncertainty with placements is to be upfront and honest with the client and that leads to brainstorming alternate strategies to achieve the placements.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? To be fearless means you just always go for it. You don’t let things stop you, you don’t care what anyone says or thinks, you are unapologetically yourself, and you just go after your dreams.

“You don’t let things stop you, you don’t care what anyone says or thinks, you are unapologetically yourself, and you just go after your dreams.”

Taking the Lead

How founder Tania Santos Silva of Lala Diamonds is making waves in the fine-jewellery industry

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? The first words I hear every morning are from my son since he started talking. The first 30 minutes of my day are everything but fancy or remarkable but it’s quality time with my son. Talk us through your career. I tried law school in Portugal, but I’m not the academic, so two years later, I switched to journalism. It all started in 2009 when I went to Madrid for an intense negotiation and influence the course at a company that, till today, is the leading content and service provider to several independent media across the globe. Once finished, they immediately sent me to Angola due to my double nationality and Portuguese language. I have a strong family lineage of African women. I also coordinated a handful of projects promoting the country in international publications such as Bloomberg, The Daily Telegraph and more so I have a strong connection there. I did the same in Mozambique and South Africa. Over the years and with the solid professional relationships established in Angola, I also gave my imprint at Mota-Engil Angola, Jornal Expansão, and TPA – the state’s television. The dynamism of the Angolan market, similar to the UAE, asked for it. Later, I received an invitation from NIS Gazprom Neft to direct the development area in Angola, which I couldn’t resist. My days were spent between the NIS’s private and state partners and the entity responsible for the sector: the Ministry of Petroleum. A few months later, I was invited to represent Angola as a diplomat at OPEC in Vienna. It was a process, quite demanding and challenging to overcome. Still, after several face-to-face interviews, I got a phone call from the organisation inviting me to be the next OPEC Public Relations Coordinator in Vienna. I was a 30-year-old woman in a male-dominated sector. It wasn’t always easy. I managed a team of seven people who had an average age of 50 years old. In 2017, I moved to Dubai to open a consultancy firm in DIFC, where I still work – or where my “corporate persona” works. I’m doing strategic communications for Oil companies worldwide. What inspired you to launch Lala Diamonds? Accessibility to what nature produces so beautifully and all its nuances. In 2020, I worked very closely with the industry of rough diamonds. During the first lockdown, I decided I wanted to create a competitive price point jewellery brand that would allow more women to fall in love with this nature-provided product as I did and have access to it. I began working with my team in Portugal to develop the concept; all the women around us inspired us, and we launched the Lala Diamonds brand. Three years later, we’re still alive and kicking. A partner came on board three months ago, Inês Silva, and the business is growing and running smoothly.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as an entrepreneur and how did you overcome this? The awareness and the trust you need to build with your clients in an e-commerce business in the fine jewellery industry is key. This industry is very competitive, and many large companies have been in business for years, making it difficult for new companies to compete. One of the most challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur in this particular industry includes the high cost of entry — the jewellery competition from large companies. As mentioned above, many large companies have been in business for many years in the jewellery and diamond industry. These companies have a lot of resources and experience, which can make it difficult for new companies to compete. Volatile prices can also make it challenging to plan for the future and to make accurate financial projections.

The trick here is to build a strong brand, creating a unique identity for my business that will set us apart from our competition. Niche

focus – Lala Diamonds has minimalist pieces, for example. And, of course, personalized customer service from beginning to end.

Lala gemstones are ethically sourced from around the world – can you expand on how you ensure this? One of our main priorities is the tracking of the gemstones. We work closely with all parts of the supply chain to guarantee quality and ethical standards. This also allows us to carefully choose all our partners and suppliers, with a significant focus on traceability and compliance. Our stones have the Kimberly certification and are conflict-free. Each piece you design has its own energy – talk us through the creative process. It all starts with an idea. It might be inspired by something I see in the world, a piece of art, or even music. Once I have an idea, I start to sketch it out. I experiment with different shapes and colours until I find a combination that I’m happy with. I’m not a designer; I have a perfect aesthetic sense I never knew I had – that and the fantastic design team that helped me create my ideas. Everyone has a unique personality, and I want my designs to reflect that. At the end of the day, I want people to be able to find pieces that they love and that make them feel like themselves. You create bespoke pieces – can tell us about the customisation process? Creating bespoke pieces at Lala Diamonds is a truly magical journey, one filled with creativity and emotion. It all begins when a client reaches out to us, whether it’s through email or social media, with their vision in mind. We take the time to have a heartfelt conversation with them, delving into their preferences, their love for jewellery, any specific requirements they may have, and the special occasion they are celebrating. But it doesn’t stop there; we aim to capture their essence and desires fully. We ask for references that could range from a captivating movie scene, an inspiring image, or an iconic figure that resonates with them. These references become the building blocks of their dream jewel. Then, the magic truly unfolds. Our dedicated design team takes these inspirations and transforms them into a stunning 3D rendering, allowing our clients to see their vision come to life. At this stage, they have the opportunity to make any adjustments they desire, ensuring that the final piece is an exquisite reflection of their unique style and personality. And finally, the most enchanting moment of all arrives. In just a matter of days, the one-of-a-kind, dream-crafted jewel is delivered into the hands of our cherished client. It’s not just jewellery; it’s a piece of their heart, a testament to their individuality, and a memory to be cherished for a lifetime. At Lala Diamonds, we don’t just create custom jewellery; we craft dreams, transform emotions into art, and celebrate the unique stories of each and every one of our clients. It’s a journey we’re honoured to take, and a privilege to share in their moments of joy and love. What would be your advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs?

I hope it’s not too cliché, but never give up. Entrepreneurship is a journey, and it is not always easy. There will be times when you feel like giving up. But if you never give up, you will eventually succeed. Keep trying! Focus on your goals, celebrate successes, surround yourself with positive people, and learn from mistakes; that’s key. This is The Fearlessness Issue – how do you overcome your fears? What is Fear? Paul Ekman says, “Fear is one of the seven universal emotions experienced by everyone worldwide. Fear arises with the threat of physical, emotional, or psychological harm, real or imagined. While traditionally considered a “negative” emotion, Fear is important in keeping us safe as it mobilizes us to cope with potential danger.” I don’t see it as overcoming my fears, as I don’t see fear as a negative emotion. Fear keeps me alert and grounded. Courage to take on fear will take you to the next level.

“Fear keeps me alert and grounded. Courage to take on fear will take you to the next level.”

DRAMA

DIFFERENT

AND

STRUCTURE

SOMETHING

ADDS

DELIVERS

BAGINSKIY

THAT

RUSLAN

HEADWEAR

MILLINER

TO

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

How would you define the DNA of the brand?

If I had to define our DNA as a brand it would be about finding a balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. We approach this by embracing the rich heritage of different Ukrainian techniques like embroidery, weaving, and beadwork and combining them with a modern, utilitarian aesthetic. We try to create pieces that go beyond an object – they always tell a story.

Your career transitioned from a stylist to a master milliner — how did this knowledge support you when launching your brand? My transition from stylist to milliner and designer taught me to learn. As funny as that sounds, learning is probably one of the most invaluable skills to have in business. Sourcing and analysing information, staying in tune with the current times, and moving at a quick pace are all a must in the fashion industry today.

Since you launched in 2015 the brand has seen global success — how does this feel? It’s truly an honour to have people like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kaia Gerber, Gigi Hadid and many others embrace the brand. Of course, this level of recognition and support always feels incredibly rewarding and inspiring to me and to every person behind the brand. I’m always amazed that collections resonate with people of such diverse backgrounds and so many different countries. Your timeless pieces are designed to last. How have you had to adapt as the brand has scaled? As the brand has scaled, we’ve remained dedicated to craftsmanship and the effort to create something timeless. One of the challenges has been to adapt our production processes without cutting on quality, this is always difficult, especially with the current war. I’m proud to say that so far,

we are able to continue creating locally with a maximum amount of handcrafted details as the ‘Made in Ukraine’ label remains a key value for me.

How important is it to use traditional Ukrainian techniques and how do you combine this with a utilitarian and contemporary design? Traditional Ukrainian techniques are at the heart of our brand. I combine this artisanal heritage with a more globalised and modern vision of headwear and accessories to create something that reads in a contemporary context. So, it’s really about bridging the old and the new in a harmonious way. You can see this everywhere. For example, our first-ever jewellery drop that was just released, RB SKARBY (Ukrainian for treasures), combines beadwork, which has a longstanding history in traditional Ukrainian clothing with a more native touch and modern whimsical shapes.

One of the things that sets us apart in our dedication to environmental solutions is that the brand has its own production. This means everything is produced on-site and no distant storage facilities are required. We don’t fly our pieces across the world to get embellished or assembled. They are created in Ukraine and then shipped directly to you which really decreases our carbon footprint. Which pieces drive sales season after season in the Middle East? In the Middle East, we are present at Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales in Dubai, and what we have seen in the choices of the RB community there is a higher demand for more elegant shapes with wide brims as well as hats that feature a lot of detailing like our crystal-embellished baker boy cap and chain strap fedoras.

Chain-embellished styles have become a signature element of the brand, and we

continue to explore them in new shapes and variations. For example, as part of our winter ‘The Hat’ project, we introduced a full crystal chain that is detachable and can be worn as a separate accessory on its own. We plan to incorporate this iconic detail in fresh ways further on as it has become a strong part of the brand’s visual vocabulary. What advice would you give to new designers? I can only say what I say to myself – constantly define and stay true to your unique vision. Consistency and quality are key, you have to believe in what you do and what you stand for. To me, that’s probably my family and my heritage. This translates into the general approach I have from creating new collections to the way we interact at the office and production – and I think it’s a huge part of the success we have found. What is next for the brand? It’s hard to say but I hope that the future holds growth and exploration, for myself and for the brand. I hope to continue to expand our presence globally, to collaborate with like-minded artists of all kinds, and of course to innovate in the fields of design and creativity.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what makes Ruslan Baginskiy fearless? What makes Ruslan Baginskiy fearless is our willingness to take risks and push boundaries. I started when was really young with no formal education in the field and no industry behind me. The brand was built from scratch, and this required an immense amount of bravery from me and my team. We fearlessly seek innovation despite set norms, we manage crises, and even embracing our tradition has become a question of bravery considering the war in Ukraine. I hope this message translates through the work we do and can inspire others to be brave.

“We fearlessly seek innovation despite set norms.”

A Fearless Ride

Polly Gotseva, Co-Founder of BKP Group, discusses taking your hobbies to brave new heights

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

Where is the most unusual place you’ve ridden your motorbike and where else is on the Wishlist? My furthest ride so far has been Dubai to Fairmount hotel, Fujeirah Hotel via Hatta to stay the night and ride back the next day. My most unusual ride so far was a group ride with the Café Rider guys to Hatta Dam and then earlier this year, to the top of Jebel Jaise – up was okay; down was super challenging and technical.

Next, I will be doing a motorcycle tour in Japan, including Mount Fuji which we will probably do next year to coincide with the cherry blossom season.

What do you describe BKP as? We are a music and film production company based here since 2000. We care about our people, our reputation, and the work we do – we are fearless in taking on big projects.

You have your own fearless style – how has this evolved? I grew up in Bulgaria behind the Iron Curtain – it taught us to be self-sufficient, hard-working, respectful and take early responsibility for family and income. We studied very hard at school – although my mother was often called in to try and calm my rebellious nature – we were sent harvesting during the summer, and I did my National Service – leading my platoon and winning the prize for fastest Kalashnikov machine gun strip down and reassembly.

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? First order of the day is coffee as I need my caffeine fix to wake me up! Second is New York Times Wordle to wake my brain up and cuddles from my two Persian cats, Prada and Gucci – I am then ready and raring to go. You have an unusual hobby – tell us how you got into motorcycle riding? Where do I start, I have a few! I have skydived, climbed Kilimanjaro, walked the Great Wall of China, husky sledded through the North Pole, climbed to Annapurna Base Camp, ridden through Myanmar on an old bicycle, cross country Mongolia – horses and cycling, Inca trail Machu Picchu, but my two enduring passions are scuba diving – where I dived to 60m in Mauritius one year and done over 120 dives around the world and as you mention, motorcycling.

My husband Martin is a life-long motorcyclist and when we first met, he took me as a passenger on his bike so fast, I vowed never to ride with him again. So, my introduction to motorcycling was Martin showing me a YouTube ‘learners’ guide and sitting me on his Yamaha XJR 1300 in the Nad Al Sheba car park for my first tentative laps! I was hooked immediately and took my bike license in the middle of Covid with 26 hours of tough yard technical riding racing Deliveroo graduates to pass my official license.

I am now the proud owner of a custom Harley 1200 sportster and Harley 1500 Road King!

My hard work ethic saw me selected for Bulgarian National Dance group entry and through constant practice I was selected by the Communist Party to tour through Europe and ultimately dance in Paris – we travelled on an old communist bus with a party member chaperone and our mobile kitchen on the roof – not business class but it opened my young eyes to the outside world and the potential adventures that awaited me and this included how I express myself though my style.

When else have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialise? When I was 27 years old working for the Bulgarian National Radio, a friend of mine started saving a few dollars a month and trying to learn English – we planned to ‘escape’ to Dubai which we had heard was fast developing and had huge potential opportunities. In the end my friend pulled out at the last minute and sent her 19-year-old daughter with me instead.

We landed with 250 USA dollars between us and no return ticket– I was 27 years old and spoke very little English. What is your biggest strength? Never give up, remain positive despite the challenges, love and laugh with the people who love you – distance yourself from the people who don’t. How do you approach scaling fearlessly in business without compromising on quality? You need options. Without options, you panic, and panic is not an option. In my life

challenges, I could have panicked many times but have applied my fearlessness and have always taken a strategic approach to solving the problem. Imagine you are husky sledding like I did, and you are about to be attacked by a polar bear, you need to look at your options mighty quickly. Same rationales apply in business, be fearless but with options. Most people dream of starting their own business, but very few do. Why? Because of fear. Many people fear things that wont

even happen. Fearlessness brings far greater opportunities.

What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects to date? In business, surviving Covid. It was something we couldn’t control. We moved to Saudi Arabia during that time and successfully supported delivering Expo 2020 and opening of the Museum of the Future with the entertainment required – we had to find a full-size orchestra within a week! Have you had any mentors in life and if so, what knowledge did they impart?

My business partner Barry Kirsch, for 23 years has been my great mentor in business and life. We went through so much as we built the business and his huge experience of working internationally in the music industry gave me amazing insights into the industry. What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? The kindness that my mother and father showed us when we were growing up. They taught us the values of hard work, honesty, respect, love, and loyalty. We did not have much in terms of material wealth, but we were rich in terms of family support, love, and experiences. It is part of the Bulgarian culture that family closeness and support is still a central value. I am proud and I am fortunate enough to maintain these lessons and still visit my mother, father, and sister regularly and this extends to the support of my son Martino, his wife Gabby and my grandson Nikki.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Spend more on travel and life’s experiences and less on the exotic fashion brands. Experiences and memories are priceless and last forever.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? Embrace every challenge and finding a solution with the people I trust and love – that is what makes me stronger. Live life to the maximum and enjoy life’s journey, however I am travelling!

“Embrace every challenge and finding a solution with the people I trust and love – that is what makes me stronger.”

Womenswear Design Director at Les Benjamins, Lamia Aydin on bringing a high-end approach to streetwear

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Tell us about your role as the Womenswear Design Director for Les Benjamins. I’m responsible for overseeing all aspects related to women’s fashion, including ready-towear clothing, sunglasses, and jewellery.

The brand launched in 2011, how have the pieces and aesthetic evolved since? Over the years, the brand has progressed and expanded alongside evolving styles and product categories.

The brand sheds light on cultural diversity and blurs the boundaries as a Turkish brand – how do you shed light through this messaging? Les Benjamins champions cultural diversity via storytelling, worldwide collaborations, and a strong community.

You have extended several pillars of the brand; can you expand on how these

evolved? This is something we are passionate about and believed it was essential to incorporate into the brand. While it’s ambitious to claim we design for everyone, we recognised over the years that certain categories were missing, this led us to incorporate them into our collection.

You have worked on female-focused projects with key artists such as Esra Gulmen, Sedef Gali and Dr Azra – tell us more. Each year, we join forces with a female artist

from our region to commemorate International Women’s Day and amplify the bonds of sisterhood.

You’re from Saudi Arabia; how do you incorporate your roots in the brand? My core identity is deeply rooted in representing Saudi Arabia in everything I do, whether it’s in fashion or my everyday life. I am seeing much more designers in the past few years that are coming from Saudi, it’s a young and fresh energy and that excites me a lot.

How have you navigated through the stigmas attached to identify as an Arab woman? I’ve navigated through Arab womanhood stigma by embracing my culture, being loud and proud, educating others when needed and breaking stereotypes.

The FW23 collection infuses sci-fi design codes – where did this inspiration originate? Consider this collection as an embodiment of our true identity, a futuristic oriental realm. It features captivating dark prints that transport you to another dimension. The styles range from bold and robust to elegantly simple, all with that signature Les Benjamins twist.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – how do you overcome your fears? My mum instilled in me the importance of confidence regardless of the circumstances or the people I encounter. I also have a deep appreciation for the saying “fake it till you make it.”.

“I’ve navigated through Arab womanhood stigma by embracing my culture, being loud and proud, educating others when needed and breaking stereotypes.”

Breaking Barriers

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Hala Al Shammari, founder of homegrown fashion label HALA on

my teenage years. Growing up with four older sisters, I was constantly surrounded by fashion, and it became a huge part of my life. During my senior year in high school, I made up my mind to study Fashion Design. After completing my fashion design degree and gaining valuable experience in the fashion industry over the years, I finally felt confident enough to embark on this transformative chapter in my life.

How have your previous experiences shaped the brand and what makes HALA unique? My journey, starting from my university days when I had to create an entire eight look collection has profoundly influenced the development of HALA’s distinctive identity. Since that time, I’ve maintained a consistent aesthetic in my design approach. I’m passionate about achieving a harmonious balance in my designs mostly through the manipulation of cuts and shapes. What sets HALA apart is its commitment to designing statement pieces that effortlessly transition between dressing up and dressing down. I get immense satisfaction from both wearing and creating garments that make a bold statement. A trademark of HALA’s design philosophy is the juxtaposition of clean, elegant front designs with unexpected, captivating twists at the back, such as my personal favourite, the backless cut.

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine. I often start my day by checking my phone. During those early moments, I indulge in scrolling through the brand’s Instagram page and analyse the website’s statistics from the previous day. After this digital deep dive, I enjoy a healthy

breakfast then, head to the gym. It’s during these moments of exercise that I find myself brainstorming and devising new strategies to enhance the brand’s presence.

What inspired you to launch HALA? Launching HALA has been a lifelong dream of mine, one that I’ve carried with me since

Your pieces are influenced by Lisbon – can you expand on this? Portugal, particularly Lisbon, has left a lasting mark on my sartorial aesthetic. Spending summers there and living in Lisbon for a couple of years had a transformative effect on how I perceive fashion. It encouraged me to embrace a more minimalistic approach to style. Lisbon has become my favourite place for creative inspiration, a wellspring of ideas for future designs. Everywhere you look, there’s inspiration. In Lisbon’s summer heat, breathable and comfortable clothing becomes essential. However, this doesn’t mean sacrificing edginess and fashion forward choices. One of the most striking examples of the Portuguese influence on my designs is shown in one of my favourite pieces, the Nora Dress. It’s a backless white linen dress that combines comfort and style seamlessly. It’s the perfect choice for a day filled with events. How does the brand shatter stereotypes through your design? The brand aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding Arab women on a global scale through its designs by redefining the perception of Arab fashion.

breaking stereotypes and classic cuts

Often, those living outside the Middle East may hold misconceptions about how Arab women dress. While some may choose to embrace conservative attire many, particularly in places like Dubai feel empowered to express themselves through more daring and unconventional fashion choices. For me, it would be a tremendous honour to reach a global audience and showcase an alternative and progressive representation of Arab fashion. By doing so, the brand seeks to shatter stereotypes and promote the idea that Arab women are diverse in their fashion preferences, and they can confidently embrace a wide range of styles and expressions. This broader perspective challenges preconceived notions and creates a more inclusive and accurate understanding of Arab women’s fashion choices on a global scale.

What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? Facing challenges is an integral part of any business journey, and one of the significant obstacles I encountered was finding the right clothing manufacturer. The search for a suitable clothing manufacturer was indeed challenging. It was crucial to find one that not only aligned with the brand’s ethical values but also shared the commitment to meticulous attention to detail, which is vital for the quality of clothing I aimed to produce. I initially explored options in various countries, including Portugal, Lebanon, and even India, where I produced my first collection. However, as a start-up label, I came to realize that having my production based in the same country as me was necessary for maintaining the level of quality I desired. Fortunately, I eventually found a clothing factory in Dubai that not only understood my specific requirements but also shared the same vision for quality. This discovery was a significant turning point and allowed me to overcome one of the most difficult challenges on my journey. Do you feel pulled to the creative or commercial side of the business? I definitely enjoy the creative side of the business more, but I find working on both aspects to be incredibly rewarding. Balancing both sides is crucial because in reality, I’m not always engaged in the creative aspects. In fact, the business side which involves running the website and most importantly maintaining a strong so-

cial media presence is just as vital as the design process. Even if you have an exceptional product, it won’t succeed if it’s not marketed effectively and creatively. So oftentimes creativity becomes an integral part of the business side as well. The synergy between the creative and commercial aspects is what drives the success of any brand.

You’re a third culture woman – how has this influenced your pieces? Being a third culture woman has had a significant influence on my pieces and design philosophy. While it can be challenging at times not to have a clear sense of home, I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up as a third culture kid in a diverse city like Dubai. This multicultural environment has exposed me to a multitude of cultures and nationalities, which has been a tremendous source of inspiration. This knowledge has been great in shaping my designs because I have a keen sense of what type of designs would resonate with different demographics. Despite these differences, there’s a common source that unites all my clients, and that is the desire to stand out and support a local brand. This shared value is what brings together a diverse group of women who appreciate the unique and standout nature of my designs while also supporting a local brand.

You’re soon launching your FW23 pieces

– tell us more about the collection. HALA’s upcoming collection focuses on timeless pieces suitable for year round wear. The collection features darker and more muted shades, reflecting the transition into fall and winter. These versatile pieces combine style and practicality, making them suitable for various occasions and designed to be long lasting additions to your wardrobe

What are the key material and textiles that you use for your pieces? The choice of materials and textiles for my pieces depends on the specific design. For more structured pieces, I prefer to use materials like cotton or linen, which provide the desired structure and durability. When creating flowy and drapey dresses, I often opt for silky satin as it offers the desired fluidity and elegance. Quality is of utmost importance to me, so I prioritize using the highest quality materials available. I also have a strong commitment to sustainability and aim to reduce the use of polyester

whenever possible, opting instead for more sustainable materials in my designs. What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers? My advice to aspiring fashion designers would be to follow your passion and believe in your abilities. Take your time to develop your style and brand identity and study the fashion market to identify opportunities and gaps. Networking is key, so connect with mentors and professionals in the industry. Keep learning, experiment, and stay innovative. Persistence is vital, as the fashion journey can be challenging. How has being based in the UAE supported you in being able to build your brand? The UAE has been an incredibly supportive environment for building my brand. I’ve found it to be a unique country that actively encourages and nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset. In recent years creating a clothing brand in the UAE has become increasingly accessible, thanks to the growth of the textile and clothing production industry in the region. Before launching my brand, I spent two years searching for clothing production factories outside the UAE. While I worked with various factories in different countries and even produced my first collection abroad, I eventually came to the realization that the UAE offered everything I needed in terms of accessibility and quality. As a result, I’m proud to say that my brand is produced right here in Dubai. This speaks to the UAE’s commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and its support for businesses like mine to thrive locally.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – how do you overcome your fears? Overcoming fears is subjective and can vary depending on the nature of the fear. In many cases, I find that the best approach is to face your fears and take the leap. We often hold ourselves back from potential success because of self-doubt, the fear of failure or shame. However, it’s essential to remember that it’s often a matter of mind over matter. When you set your mind on conquering something you fear and commit to it, you’ll find the strength and determination to overcome it. Ultimately, taking that first step can lead to surprising outcomes and personal growth that you might not have experienced if you let fear hold you back.

“Best approach is to face your fears and take the leap.”

THE ALCHEMY

OF STREET

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE FOR FW23

BOTTEGA VENETA CREATIVE DIRECTOR MATTHIEU BLAZY CELEBRATES

PU ZZ LE

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

POWER UP

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

Tactile and sculptural, Balenciaga FW23 delivers pieces that are alluring and powerful in equal measure

Fearlessly Unique

Bold women share how they’ve mastered the art of championing their own style signatures

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Hala Abdallah

FOUNDER OF JEWELLERY BRAND OFA

How would you define your style? My style can be defined as feminine, luxurious, classic with a touch of modern. As a woman who wears everything, I embrace a wide range of fashion choices and incorporate them into my personal style. Classic elements play a significant role in my style. I appreciate timeless pieces that never go out of fashion. My brand, OFA, reflects all these aspects of my personal style. It encompasses femininity, luxury, classic elements, and a touch of modernity.

Who inspires you and why? I love attending art exhibitions and fashion weeks. These experiences provide me with the opportunity to observe the work of talented artists and designers from around the world who excite and motivate me on a daily basis. I am inspired by the creativity and vision of these artists and designers, and the way they use their creativity to express their ideas. I am also inspired by the sense of community that art brings, and the way people come together to appreciate and share in the beauty of art.

What is the signature piece in your wardrobe? A pair of straight leg Calvin Klein denim jeans, a Skims white T-shirt, a NewBalance half sneakers, Ofa Elara gold hoops and a Celine brown shoulder bag.

How does your style reflect you? I want my style to say I’m Arab, I’m creative but still lowkey. I like to strike a balance between creativity, personal flair, and a touch of mystery. Remember, it’s not about being overly flashy or extravagant, but rather about making a subtle statement that leaves others curious to learn more about you.

How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe? When I have free time, I style outfits while listening to music, then I

wear them throughout the week. Experimenting with different pieces in your wardrobe can be a fun and creative process. It allows you to discover new outfit combinations and showcase your personal style.

What does being fearlessly unique mean to you? At its core, it is the absence of that final self-check that says “but is it ok? Did anyone else do this before?” It could be the most wonderful thing that people will never get to see because women are too afraid to be the first.

Hala Al Shammari

FOUNDER OF FASHION LABEL HALA

How would you define your style? My style is versatile as I prioritise comfort for everyday wear but really enjoy the creativity of dressing up on weekends. Whether it’s a chic top with bottoms or a daring dress, I choose outfits that boost my confidence and reflect my mood and the occasion. My style is an everevolving expression of my personality. Who inspires you and why? I get inspiration from people who effortlessly elevate everyday pieces into stylish outfits. It’s those creative minds who can mix and match, accessorize,

Hala Al Shammari

Hala Abdallah

and add uniqueness to simple clothing that I find inspiring. What really gets me excited is the sheer diversity of fashion today, so many different individuals with their own creative styles. That variety and creativity keep me inspired to explore and express myself through fashion.

What is the signature piece in your wardrobe? Without a doubt that would be basic crop tops, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether I pair them with skirts, pants, or shorts, they always adapt to the occasion. Crop tops are my signature go-to and make it easy to dress up or down – a staple in my weekly wardrobe rotation.

How does your style reflect you? My style doesn’t really define who I am, as it varies widely depending on my mood and the occasion. Some days I opt for a casual and comfortable look, while on other days I em-

brace something daring. Overall, I dress to impress myself rather than others. It’s a reflection of my ever-changing mood and specific moments, rather than a static definition of who I am.

How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe? The key is to have versatile pieces that can be styled in various ways for repeated wear, and also a handful of statement pieces for those moments when I want to make a bold impression and stand out. It’s all about mixing and matching, accessorizing, and exploring different combinations to create fresh looks from the clothing I already own. This way, I keep my style dynamic and interesting without constantly buying new items. What does being fearlessly unique mean to you? Being fearlessly unique, in my opinion, describes someone who has the courage to

be themselves shamelessly, even if it means attracting attention or breaking from the usual ways of society. These types of people refuse to confine themselves to the constraints of ordinary norms and are unafraid to take risks. What sets them apart is their commitment to embracing any journey, learning from their experiences, and persisting in the pursuit of their goals.

Rhea Jacobs

FASHION CONTENT CREATOR

How would you define your style? Expressive! Growing up, I was very shy and quite often used fashion and beauty as a mode to express myself. I find myself even today constantly experimenting and picking pieces that help accentuate how I’m feeling. I love incorporating pieces that make a statement and tell a story rather than it being solely brand driven. Who inspires you and why? My Mother Manju, she is the ultimate woman in my eyes. The perfect blend of being empowered, strong and yet having a soft, vulnerable and nurturing side to her. She made me the woman I am today, and I’m constantly grateful for her guidance and support. In both life and personal style, she’s always encouraged me to be fearless and do things that make me happy rather than choosing the usual accepted route.

What is the signature piece in your wardrobe? Pieces that can easily make an outfit like a statement blazer. It’s a perfect match for days where you want to dress comfortable and yet look the part. I love pairing a blazer with something casual and carrying a statement bag with shoes to match.

How does your style reflect you? Individuality is the core of my style and beauty ethos. I want it to signify who I am fearlessly and authentically.

How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe? Layering is truly an art, I’m still learning as I go along. But the key for me is to have fun with the pieces and not take it too seriously. I may get it wrong some days and right for the rest, what’s important to me is to be authentic to how im feeling that day. What does being fearlessly unique mean to you? Being fearlessly unique to me means unapologetically embracing my individuality no matter how different it may be to those around me.

“Individuality is the core of my style and beauty ethos.”

Rhea Jacobs

Zeynab El-Helw CONTENT CREATOR AND FOUNDER OF FASHION LABEL REBORN

How would you define your style? Effortlessly laid back, chilled with a boyish oversized twist.

Who inspires you and why? My aunt, no matter the situation, no matter the day, she always manages to look crisp with minimal effort – always so elegant and chic. I love that she wears her armour in her fashion statements and keeps her privacy locked behind the unique vintage pieces she collects and styles from her beautifully curated wardrobe. It’s super motivational on all levels. What is the signature piece in your wardrobe? Baggy pants. They embody a mix of the rush of the real world, where we need convenience to the fashion world where they can still feel elevated. Every angle works well, personally I have a few favourite styles I play around with when styling looks.

How does your style reflect you? I don’t want to be determined by my style but I definitely just want to inspire people to feel and look confident in their appearance which I would want to portray in my daily looks, hoping to empower people and be relatable. How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe? I always push myself to pull out pieces from the back of my wardrobe that ‘haven’t seen daylight in a while’ to challenge myself to create looks from random choices which results in creating new vibes and pushing boundaries.

What does being fearlessly unique mean to you? Those words just resonate when spoken together. It’s the power of standing out, stepping away from the usual, the expected and the typical expectations of our society. This is the element we should all work towards, the unknown, which is confidently owning our own strengths and weaknesses and being fearlessly unique.

Nat Morcos

CONTENT CREATOR AND FOUNDER OF GOSHÁ FLOWERS

How would you define your style? I’ve always preferred a pared-back look and am constantly drawn to timeless, classic pieces I know I’ll be able to style in different ways for years to come.

Who inspires you and why? Kelly Wearstler for her flamboyant and eclectic approach to design and personal style. She is a woman of no age which is so fascinating and inspiring. Willo Perron for his ability to work across different genres in design and always bring something so simple but visually impressive. Coco Chanel as she built the most timeless, chic, and ultimate luxury brand with a strong unshakable DNA which year after year remains a subject of desire.

What is the signature piece in your wardrobe? Chanel 22 bag. I have a very impressive collection of this bag style and I still can’t get enough. Versatile, easy, a timeless staple. How does your style reflect you? My style always says “She is different”. I am never afraid to try something new and a bit eclectic. How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe? Over the years I have built a capsule wardrobe, not trend-driven but mainly driven by the architecture of every piece. I always upcycle items in my own closet by changing the length, and style of items I no longer love as much. I have a top for example which I made out of pants and it gives them new love and a new way of looking at the old by making it new. What does being fearlessly unique mean to you? It means to take risks. It means to trust your vision.

Zeynab El-Helw

Nat Morcos

Hot New Buys

WORDS : SARAH JOSEPH

The latest beauty products worth adding to your routine

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Radiant Finish

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A FEARLESS APPROACH

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I typically wake up to pray the morning prayer. After I pray, it is still very quiet and peaceful so conducive for quality deep thinking and reflection. How you condition your thinking and mind in the very first minutes of the day often determines how the rest of your day will be. It is very important to start off the day right with high energy and positivity.

After that, it is always the same ritual: Double espresso. After my recent stay at Lanserhof in Sylt, Germany, I am increasingly fond of the revisited version of bulletproof coffee in the morning: coffee, almond powder, and MCT oil for five hours of pure and clean energy. Then 2-3 dates, a great source of energy and alkaline-rich followed by my curated set of vitamins and probiotics. After that, I typically scan quickly through emails, WhatsApps, etc. If there is anything urgent, I attend to it straight away. Otherwise, I prefer to dedicate morning time to deep work like analytical assessment, performance review, pitch preparation, investors update, creative and branding work. This is the time when I am most focused and productive so best to dedicate it to deep work rather than being scattered and distracted on other tasks. Tell us about how Juana Skin has developed since its launch? It has been absolutely fantastic and fascinating to see Juana developing and growing fast here in the Middle East and globally. Adoption and endorsement from the very best health, wellness and aesthetics clinics and doctors globally such as Lanserhof in Germany and UK is an achievement I am very proud of as it reflects the strong clinical foundations and worldclass standards we had set for ourselves. We are on double-digit growth month-onmonth with very strong growth and expansion plans ahead of us.

In the last year, Juana has also received the backing and endorsement of world class advisors and experts within our Advisory Board which has propelled and accelerated all our development and growth plans. What is CBD (cannabidiol)? Tell us more about what it does, its benefits, and potential side effects. CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the 110+ phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis strain – more precisely the hemp plant. Cannabidiol is not psychoactive, i.e.,

will not give you a high. More importantly, CBD has very strong medical and therapeutic properties that are increasingly recognized, endorsed, and adopted by the medical world. For example, as a topical application, Cannabidiol has proven to have very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency. Think skin inflammation, eczema, acne, redness, breakouts, and signs of ageing. At Juana, we have been amongst the first globally to conduct clinical studies in Germany and France with the world’s best dermatological and clinical research institutes to demonstrate its anti-inflammatory power. For example, we were able to show a 70-90% reduction in inflammation related to Atopic Dermatitis – on par with prescribed medications with stronger/harsher side effects – yet, using clean and natural formulations. How challenging has it been to launch a product like this and how big is the education piece around products such as this? It has definitely been very challenging. Ensuring the development of a potent and clinically effective formulation, navigating the regulatory landscape, managing a global supply chain and the consumers’ education were all key chal-

ple, we closely work with specialized doctors and clinics to create educational content. We have had strong media and social media support to amplify our communications. To support the education efforts, we have strived to make it as easy as possible for consumers to learn about our range and quality. For three years, we have been working relentlessly to certify and back all our claims through world-class verification programmes: clinical claims through clinical studies in Germany and France, ultra-clean verification through the US-based EWG programme, and the Shari’ah compliance certification. Where is your production based and how challenging was it to ethically source the finest materials and achieve the right formulation that meets the local regulatory requirements? All our production and sourcing are made through verified and registered suppliers and growers in the European Union. What were the biggest learnings that came with building the brand and what did this teach you? Overnight success is underpinned by a lifetime of work. When building a brand, you really need to have patience and strong belief. Brand awareness and educa-

lenges.The education piece is vital. It is a new wellness and medical innovation. Education starts at ground zero here often. Having said that, I have observed significant enthusiasm and curiosity around it. As a matter of fact, CBD is amongst one of the fastest-rising search queries globally. People are increasingly looking for wellness alternatives that are clinically effective, proven and clean/natural – this is our value proposition. Juana is a pioneer in this space. As such, beyond our brand and company build-up, we also fully assume our responsibility to educate and disseminate knowledge around it. For exam-

tion do take time and one has to be willing to be patient and continue investing throughout. Really boils down to how strongly you believe in what you are doing. Be clear and firm on the goal, be flexible on the path you take to get there. Having a vision and a plan is key. Yet, be flexible and have the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions, opportunities and circumstances. Surround yourself and work with the absolute best minds and talent in each category. Invest in these relationships and partnerships. The wrong mindset is to look at the dollar cost amount, the right mindset is to look

Juana Skin is the first skincare brand in the region to bring CBD into the market. Co-founder Yann Moujawaz Martini shares what it takes to build a brand from scratch, believe in your dream and push the boundaries of convention in the beauty industry

“Being fearless is to have the courage to first acknowledge certain fears you might have and then have even more courage and belief to convert them into an action and growth development plan.”

at the dollar value amount. Have the vision to factor in the whole value when you make investment decisions. As CEO, my role has been focused on sourcing and providing access to the best talent, advisors, experts, and knowledge for my team in order to stick to the highest standards in everything we do. CBD products are often marketed with unproven claims and quality. What is Juana Skin’s strategy to counter this? Beyond investing heavily in the quality of our formulations and supply chain, Juana’s strategy has been focused on backing all our claims and quality standards through research and thorough standards verification programmes. Specifically:

• The efficacy of our formulations (e.g., anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency) is backed by third-party independent dermatological clinical institutes in Germany and France. We established the clinical foundations of our range through scientific and clinical proof.

• Juana is the first European cannabidiol brand and the first personal care in the Middle East ever to be EWG-verified globally. EWG is a gold standard when it comes to true clean beauty. The EWG committee is composed of doctors, chemists, and toxicologists who thoroughly dissect and analyse all your products – from the ingredients sourcing to your manufacturing processes.

The EWG stamp today stands for the highest level of products’ cleanliness and safety. The stamp helps consumers to easily distinguish true clean products from the crowd and has been getting increasing support from the world’s top influencers and KOLs such as the Kardashians, Miranda Kerr, Michelle Pfeiffer, Gwyneth Paltrow, and the likes. Lastly, our laser-focused alignment and endorsement with the medical and clinical world is very important. Working in partnerships with the world’s most renowned doctors and clinics (e.g., Lanserhof) is a clear statement of the quality and claims we have. Which products drive sales consistently? The face oil, the face creams and the body butter definitely. They are our star products for our end clients and doctors’ community. For our clients, they are used as an at-home skincare regimen to enhance and optimise the health of your skin. Clinics and doctors

have experienced incredible results by integrating them into derma-aesthetics treatments (e.g., laser therapies, peelings, micro-needling, etc). The anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammation and swelling of such treatments and as a result, reduces downtime for patients. Another product that is also very popular with the sports and active community is the cooling gel which reduces pain and stiffness. It is also popular with plastic surgeons for bruising post-operative procedures. How do you scale without compromising on quality? Through thorough and diligent work when establishing your supply chain. Also, by making sure you stay focused on your core goals. This means sometimes being able to decline opportunities coming your way because they could spread you thin or scatter your resources and focus and could ultimately impact your quality and brand value. For example, Juana has received various distribution opportunities globally, some of them significantly sizeable. Yet, if these do not align with our end goal fully and could disrupt our focus, we would not prioritise them as of now in order to never compromise on quality and brand value. The brand is client-centric – how important is the brand’s relationship with clients and do you believe in customer loyalty in this industry? Obviously, this is key. Ultimately a brand or product needs to solve a real challenge and problem for people, else this will not work. For us, the demand we are focused on is the need to have wellness-driven solutions that are clinically proven and efficacious and yet clean, safe, and free of side-effects you can have in using medications. Building loyalty is very important. Juana has seen 70-80%+ repeat customers overall. We nurture these relationships. Do you listen to feedback from your clients in terms of what they would like as products? All the time. From our end users and doctors/clinics community alike. We spend considerable time collecting feedback and integrating it into our development plans to constantly provide superior standards products. What is next for the brand? A lot is in the pipeline. We have expanded in Europe and in the region and we will be focused on accelerating that. Our rate of adoption especially in clinics is growing fast. We also have really cool development on the branding and PR side. It has also been one of the major works we have been focused on and super excited to reveal it soon. This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? To me, being fearless is a growth mindset. Being fearless is to have the courage to first acknowledge certain fears you might have and then have even more courage and belief to convert them into an action and growth development plan. As such, I believe you are not just fearless – you become fearless. It involves a growth process. To become fearless for me really happens when you reach a firm and unbendable level of conviction and belief in yourself, in your mission and what you do. Fears you might have or feel will then just be your fuel for growth or temporary reminders to double down on your selfbelief. Believing in your plans and wildest dreams, never giving up, sparing yourself energy for doubts, and most importantly never stopping believing in you is for me what being fearless means. To put it simply: you reach a fearlessness level when you ultimately understand that the only thing that can limit you is you only.

STRONG BROW GAME

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

The best salons offering premium microblading services

in the UAE

Brau

This premier brow, lash and face studio offers a curated set of bespoke services for each individual. With the highest technical skills in the industry, clients can opt for the soft brow microblading services for a realistic look with organic pigments to keep the character of your brow. The Signature Brow Microblading services creates hairlike strokes through unique brow-mapping techniques to compliment your features.

Located in Jumeirah and The Springs Souk. The Soft Brau (Microblading) is priced at Dhs2,600 and the Signature Brau (Microblading) is priced at Dhs3,200 Brau.ae

Browns and Co

Housed in a Mediterraneaninspired space guests can expe-

rience a one-of-a-kind beauty experience. With sought after therapists, customers can opt for the micro blading or nano blading services to suit their facial structure. Located at G7 U3, Al Wasl Road. POA

Browz

This tranquil state-of-theart boutique offers the perfect sanctuary with a host of brow shaping treatments to raise the beauty game. For natural strokes, the BROWZ signature treatment uses a super fine tool for minimal invasion, crafted to mimic an authentic look and suit your bone structure.

Located on Al Wasl Road. The BROWZ Signature treatment starts at Dhs3,000 Browz.ae

Niche Hair and Beauty Salon

This clean space offers an oasis of relaxation with a wide array of services that surpass the conventional. For perfectly sculpted eyebrows customers can opt for the micro blading services designed for breathtaking transformations to experience the essence of being niche.

Located in Sobha Heartland, Dubai. The Microblading Brows service is priced at Dhs1,599

Brows by Suman

This international brow magician has perfected the art form with flawless finish refining, sculpting and exaggerating for the finished look. By understanding the needs of each of her clients, Suman analyses each facial structure. SumanBrows has perfected this art form for decades and passes this on to women of all ages. POA

HIBROWS Microblading

Sculpt your brows into the perfect shape, by providing customers with the highest quality brows in a luxurious environment. All treatments are high-end with exclusively designed formulas, for a highquality finish. HIBROWS is not just about eyebrows, it’s about creating a new confidence with an impressive natural technique in a clean space.

Located on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Villa 1. The classic Hibrows service prices start at Dhs1,900

Above: Niche Hair and Beauty Salon; Below: (left) Browns and Co, (right) Brau

Skin Deep

We discuss invasive beauty with the experts

WORDS: JOELLE ALBEAINO & SARAH JOSEPH

Dr Paul Nassif

FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON –BEVERLY HILLS

Which invasive beauty treatments do you work with? We have expanded our comprehensive treatment offerings to encompass a full spectrum of services designed to address a wide range of aesthetic concerns and medical needs across the body. Our services span from procedures such as fillers, Botox treatments, various laser treatments, and chemical peels, to a comprehensive array of invasive procedures. Within the realm of facial rejuvenation, our expertise covers an extensive range of options which includes the deep plane face and neck lift, eye surgery, brow surgery, and various nose-related procedures. Additionally, we have integrated a team of accomplished physicians who specialise in holistic full-

body treatments. Our commitment to providing a comprehensive solution to our patients’ needs is underscored by the fact that many individuals who initially seek our services for specific concerns, such as nasal aesthetics, often find themselves opting for additional procedures, including brow and facial enhancements. This trend is not uncommon, as our patients recognise the transformative potential of addressing both facial and bodily ageing concerns. Could you expound upon your philosophy and approach to facial balance? In the realm of facial aesthetics, the concept of achieving perfect facial symmetry remains a prevailing aspiration. However, it is essential to recognise that natural facial asymmetry is a common occurrence. Upon close examination, it becomes evident that one side of an individual’s face is often subtly different in length or proportion than the other. While this inherent facial asymmetry may introduce disharmony, our approach focuses on optimising and enhancing facial balance, striving for the highest degree of symmetry attainable. Which procedure continues to drive most interest? The most sought-after treatments in our clinic presently involve a combined approach that includes first-time rhinoplasty and deep-plane face and neck lifts. This comprehensive procedure has garnered considerable interest and acclaim among our discerning clientele. Presently, an intriguing trend has emerged within our practice, as an increasing number of patients from Beverly Hills are seeking treatment options in Beverly Hills with the intention of subsequently returning to Dubai. This noteworthy shift in patient demographics is characterised by a significant rise in individuals seeking primary procedures, particularly in the context of rhinoplasty. This development is truly remarkable. It is noteworthy that we are witnessing a shift in the landscape of rhinoplasty procedures, with a growing emphasis on achieving more naturallooking results. Simultaneously, procedures like lip enhancement and lip lifts are gaining popularity, and we have observed a surge in demand for deep-plane facelifts among women in the region. In the context of both pre- and post-treatment care, can you expand on what protocol supports the best results? In the context of both pre- and post-treatment care, I would like to provide a detailed overview of the recommended protocols and precautions. For pre-treatment preparations, our primary concern is ensuring the patient’s overall health and safety. We insist on a comprehensive medical clearance to assess their fitness for surgery. Additionally, we encourage patients to embark on a preparatory regimen at least a month prior to the procedure. This regimen typically includes the utilisation of our specialized NASFMD skincare products to enhance skin quality through exfoliation and hydration. To further optimize their condition, we recommend sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Following the procedure, our post-therapy care is designed to expedite the healing process and enhance the outcomes. This entails a range of supportive measures, including ultrasound treatments, LED light therapy, intravenous (IV) therapy, additional sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and adherence to a dedicated skincare routine. Moreover, we emphasise the importance of maintaining a well-balanced proteinrich diet, consistent sunscreen application, and engaging in regular, moderate physical activity. These components collectively contribute to a smoother and more effective recovery.

Dr Amir Nasseri

MEDICAL DIRECTOR & MANAGING PARTNER –FAYY HEALTH

Which invasive beauty treatments do you work with? Invasive treatments are performed with surgical instruments and can be minimally invasive with smaller incisions, like our breast centre

biopsies, or more invasive in the case of major operations. In an invasive treatment, incisions are made to perform the procedure. Essentially, anything that punctures or breaks the skin can be considered an invasive treatment. Which procedure continues to drive most interest? Global demand for surgical cosmetic and non-surgical aesthetic procedures has increased by almost 40 per cent since the COVID pandemic. The Middle East has experienced a similar rise in the number of procedures, particularly with breast augmentations, liposuction, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and face lifts. These enhancements are done to improve selfconfidence and body image, whether it be for elective or reconstructive purposes, such as with a patient who has undergone breast cancer treatment or revisions for previous cosmetic procedures. It’s important to go to a skilled practice, which is what we pride ourselves on at FAYY Health, to correct what was not done properly or to a patient’s liking the first time around. This is commonly the case with procedures like revision rhinoplasties, which has seen a rise for men as well. One of the most popular treatments is Profound. We have seen incredible results at FAYY Health and are overjoyed by the satisfaction of our patients who have undergone this treatment. Profound aims to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production utilising radiofrequency (RF) micro needling. It’s non-surgical and only needs one treatment, other than possible touch ups. Numbing cream is applied, micro needles are inserted at various desired depths, and RF energy is delivered under physician supervision. Our Profound device uses a sophisticated cooling mechanism to achieve smoother texture and firmer skin. Recovery time is minimal to less than a week and best results are obtained at 3-6 months with a natural enhancement of your beauty. In the context of both pre- and post-treatment care, can you expand on what protocol supports the best results? General guidelines to avoid prior to treatments are smoking for at least a few weeks before and after operations, overexposure to sun to allow for maximum healing of skin about two weeks pre and post operations. Fasting as dictated by your operating surgeon and anaesthesiologists. Also, Medication restrictions as many drugs such as NSAIDs and blood thinners can increase bleeding risks intraoperatively. Post operative to do list include physical activity restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous exercise but ample exercise as guided by your surgeon. Medication use as instructed to reduce risk of blood clots, bruising, pain and assist with the healing phase. Follow up appointments to monitor progress, healing and early detection and treatment of unwanted side effects.

Dr Michael Apa

FOUNDER –

APA AESTHETIC CLINIC

Which invasive beauty treatments do you work with? Apa Aesthetic’s mission is to take dentistry from need-based to want-based, and we’re doing it. Patients come to us because they want to improve their smile. Now, what it takes to achieve that desired improvement is different from patient to patient. For some, a whitening treatment or ortho is enough. For others, it’s more involved. (I prefer “involved” to “invasive”). Veneers are the ultimate solution to achieving your best smile and the benefits are not just cosmetic. When done correctly, veneers fight ageing, improve function and, of course, enhance overall appearance. For someone with toothinsecurity, a smile makeover is a deeply powerful thing. Two 3-hour appointments deliver life-changing results. It sounds dramatic, but I’ve seen first-hand just how transformative a smile makeover really is. When people hear “veneers” they

can think over-drilled teeth and, while that’s not our formula, it is a mental hurdle that we have to help some patients, and really the general public, overcome. Many patients want to know how much tooth structure will be removed in the smile makeover process. The reality is, much less than you think, and sometimes none at all. It depends on the original tooth position and overall goals. It’s a very precise process and we always strive to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Educating patients and potential new patients is critical to overcoming stereotypes that are incorrectly defining dentistry. Which procedure continues to drive most interest? For people who want to transform their smile, veneers are the ultimate solution and there is a lot of demand in the region. In the cosmetic world, there will always be trending procedures, but I’ve dedicated my career to natural aesthetics. Patients who come to me are coming because they identify with my signature style – dental restorations that look, feel and function like natural teeth. Any great smile has asymmetries – slight ones –that balance the asymmetries of the face. It’s the complete picture that creates a beautiful smile. Seeing the full picture and bringing it to life has always been what excites me. Interestingly, I think natural aesthetics are finally “trending” and people are waking up to the dangers of striving for filtered perfection. The Smile Makeovers are our hero treatment. In the context of both pre- and post-treatment care, can you expand on what protocol supports the best results?After teeth whitening, don’t eat or drink anything that would stain a white t-shirt for 48 hours. Placing veneers is both a cosmetic and functional procedure. If the bite is comfortable, the restoration is sealed and the patient takes good care of their teeth – brushing, flossing, getting professional cleanings every 4 to 6 months – there are no special do’s and don’ts. Restored teeth can be treated just like natural teeth.

Dr Waseem Bakkour

DERMATOLOGIST AND LASER COSMETIC SURGEON –SKIN EXPERTS POLYCLINIC

Which invasive beauty treatments do you work with? Invasive treatments are used in aesthetic medicine to enhance someone’s appearance and correct certain imperfections. They can either be fully invasive, usually surgery such as a face lift or minimally invasive such as injectables like fillers or laser.

Which procedure continues to drive most interest? In terms of fully invasive treatments breast augmentation and liposuction are the most popular in the region. However, when it comes to minimally invasive cosmetic treatments then Botox and fillers are the most popular, followed by rejuvenating machines like laser treatments and microneedling radiofrequency. My favourite treatments are lasers and fillers. This allows me to enhance the quality of the skin and shape of the face. In the context of both pre- and post-treatment care, can you expand on what protocol supports the best results? This principally depends on the type of treatment, however, there is general common advice that applies to all cosmetic procedures like avoiding excessive sun exposure, any blood thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and avoiding vigorous exercise. We also advise patients to follow their doctor’s instructions by using their sunblock regularly and to contact their doctor immediately if they have any concerns.

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

Fighting Spirit

TALK YOURSELF UP

Licensed Psychologist at The Hundred Wellness Centre, Dr Devika Mankani, advises “Always, always honour yourself. While recognition and praise can come from the world around you, be your own source of power. Don’t be shy to acknowledge your strengths, they are real, and they belong to you. No one can take away your power unless you allow them.”

FEEL THE DISCOMFORT

Learn to break free when you find yourself staying in agreement with things you don’t feel comfortable with. According to Briar Jacques, Holistic Director and Co-Founder at The Free Spirit Collective, “the reactive over-pleasing syndrome is one that is too familiar. Women can be overly sensitive to how they are perceived by others, and this can result in habitual reluctance to set healthy boundaries. Saying no is just as important as saying yes. It frees us. We only have so much energy and time. Developing conscious discernment about how we use both can feel like a radical act – because it is. The pressure on women to be ‘nice’ can be intense. Women are labelled ‘difficult’ far more quickly than men. But when the price we pay for the nice label is our own mental and physical wellbeing, we need to deeply reflect. Managing how we show up in other people’s minds is an exhausting, pointless activity. It’s also an illusion. People will think what they want, mostly based on things to do with themselves. I’m not talking about not caring how we impact the feelings of others, just how buying into the illusion of control of others’ feelings and opinions can

FIND THE SPACE TO FORGIVE

Mankani adds, “This sounds clichéd but when you can release the pain, stress, and resentment it can be liberating and move you forward, psychologically unencumbered. Forgiveness doesn’t condone the act or behaviour; it allows us to reclaim ourselves before the event.”

BREAK THE CYCLE

Learn to listen and help others to help yourself. “Denounce sexism, harassment and discrimination wherever it occurs, call injustice out, speak up, and share your story, and help destigmatise. In the workplace, make sure women’s ideas are given space and airtime, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, give feedback when needed, share ideas and communicate openly. Mentor other women, support one another, find and create a platform with like-minded women around a shared interest,” shares Dr Vassiliki Simoglu, PhD Psychodynamically-oriented Psychotherapist at Thrive Wellbeing Clinic

turn into habitual, unconscious-pleasing behaviours. This often will look like saying yes reflexively and not saying how we really feel when it is uncomfortable or may cause conflict. We block ourselves from the freedom to want what we want. Consciousness is changing about this topic though. More and more I see women coming together to support each other to challenge the pleasing habit. It’s inspiring. And necessary. And is easier than we have been taught. It’s just the willingness to feel the discomfort of perceived judgment. The prize? Freedom to claim what we really, truly want.”

EMBRACE SOLITUDE

Find comfort in your own company. The more you sit it out with your feelings, the more you recognise your triggers and understand your fears. Identifying your patterns of behaviour will allow you to manage your fight-andflight response before it hits boiling point.

The path to better mental health can be long, nuanced and often best approached with professional help. In lieu of World Mental Health Day, three experts share how to normalise stigmas and fearlessly drive the conversation on mental health support

Facing Change

Dr Fiona Rennie, Dubai’s menopause expert at Genesis Healthcare Center, shares her tips on managing menopause without fear

fatigue, poor memory, irritability, achy joints, flushes, night sweats, hair loss, palpitations, weight gain and many more. What key nutrients should we be giving our body during this time?

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? Weight training, Pilates or cardio at least four days a week and then my reward is a coffee right before my first patient.

Talk us through your career. I graduated from medical school in New Zealand in 1990 and later achieved my post graduate qualifications in pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology and aviation medicine. I worked for five years as a General Practitioner obstetrician in New Zealand delivering up to 80 babies a year and family medicine. I worked for seven years for the Royal Australian Navy with helicopter and fighter pilots in aviation and diving medicine, and 11 years for Emirates, latterly as Vice President of Aviation Medicine and Occupational Health. Later, in 2016, I reinvented myself as a menopause doctor. October 18 is regarded as World Menopause Day. How did it all begin? What happens during menopause and what are some of the changes our body experiences during this phase? The WHO and the International Menopause Society met in 1984 and chose

A diet that is high in good quality protein, lots of vegetables, low in refined carbohydrates, preferably no sugar and minimal alcohol. In menopause, alcohol has a significant effect on sleep quality and can increase anxiety which is a common symptom. What are some medical treatments to ease menopause symptoms? The gold standard is replacing the hormones that are missing (or fluctuating, as is the case in perimenopause). There are three types of menopausal hormone therapy: Synthetic, body identical and bioidentical. My preference is body identical which is made from yam, plant based and extremely effective. How can women minimise night sweats as hot flashes? Reducing stress, good sleep hygiene, reducing alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, regular exercise and a healthy diet are all important elements to curb hot flashes.

October 18 as the date to raise awareness and support women undergoing menopause.

A woman is menopausal when she has had a year without a menstrual period. The average age is 51 and this occurs because her ovaries have run out of “eggs” and no longer produce any hormones. However, in the 10-12 years preceding menopause (known as perimenopause) many women develop symptoms and this is because the ovaries are not functioning optimally. Every cell in the body needs oestrogen to function normally so symptoms can be numerous. For example, poor sleep, anxiety, low mood,

What are the key tips to managing symptoms of menopause and are there any natural measures that can help in doing so? Some of the key tips to managing symptoms of menopause are reducing stress, getting a good amount of sleep, reducing alcohol, caffeine and nicotine intake, ensuring regular exercise with a focus on weight training, a healthy diet, Vitamin D supplements, ensuring enough Magnesium glycinate for sleep and Body Identical HRT for both the treatment of symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis, and heart disease as well as reduction in risk of diabetes, colon cancer and dementia.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – how do you overcome your fears? I tell myself that whatever I fear is likely to never happen. Live each day as if it’s your last. Stay healthy, eat well and exercise. Treat others as you would like to be treated and laugh a lot!

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

“Live each day as if it’s your last. Treat others as you would like to be treated and laugh a lot!”

THE NEXT MOVE

in and it took me years to understand that courage to own and draw your life earns you a sense of freedom and it’s worth it. How did you know it was the right time to launch a luxury skincare brand and what was the catalyst for this? This rise of femalefounded businesses in the skincare space got me thinking I could do that, and I should. Since I was a teenager, I had very low selfesteem – I hated my skin, my pimples, and imperfections. I grew up trying to find beauty in me. After launching my books, I decided to develop the skincare line I always dreamed of. I spent hours on researchers, meeting with suppliers from around the world, consulting experts, travelling and discovering. I engaged a bunch of experts to help make sure The Buff is a beautiful, quality product ready for sale.

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I personally love making the bed, opening the blinds, or reading a chapter before I get my day started. You could do a 5-minute stretch, meditate or do a quick workout. As long as you’re moving your body, you’ll wake up faster. You’re a women’s rights activist and an accomplished author – what drives these passions? I mentioned in my books many subjects that people still consider taboo. For example, under the law, women aren’t well-protected from domestic sexual and economic violence. Both of these types of violence affect a woman’s safety and freedom. Increasing women’s legal rights keeps them safe and able to be productive and happy. These include the right to live, free from violence and discrimination; to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; to be educated; to own property; and to earn an equal wage. We need feminism today because women are constantly seen as the inferior gender even when we are at the top of our game. You’re able to think outside the box – have you always been able to do this, and how has it served you? By finding new and innovative ways to deal with challenges. In my society, being indifferent to rules and standards imposed on me by others, and not doing things my own way made me feel insecure, inferior and unproductive. It took me a long lonely way to get out of the bubble I was buried

Tell us more about the concept – what are the pillars of DNA that define the brand? My skincare products include miracle serums, anti-ageing moisturisers, exfoliator, eye creams, and eye patches. It contains rich multivitamins and enzymes that play a special role in the delay of the skin’s biological clock, basically intense anti-ageing that only can be used during nighttime, adding a secret ingredient that is specifically and specially designed exclusively for my brand that delivers a brighter skin complexion. What lifestyle habits that support your skin are non-negotiable? Always go to bed having cleansed your skin and don’t skip your sunscreen. Healthy fats are also very good for you so make sure you eat nutritious, an unhealthy diet always shows on your face. Throughout your career, what has been the most remarkable hard-earned moment? The day I decided to leave my average robotic 9-to-7 job and travel to a new country ready to explore and experience new challenges. What have been some of the hurdles you’ve experienced in your journey so far and how did you overcome them? I’m a loving and giving person and in the past, I have learned some hard experiences. I know who to trust and how to manage toxic people.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? Fearless for me is doing something without knowing the end result, and in my opinion nothing in this world is guaranteed. Don’t get stuck behind your fears, you need to follow your heart in some cases because with high risk comes great return and nothing good comes easily.

“Don’t get stuck behind your fears, you need to follow your heart in some cases because with high risk comes great return and nothing good comes easily.”

Author and women’s rights activist Myrna Trad Haddad sets her sights on bold, new ambitions in the beauty industry

The Beauty Shelf

Fine Jewellery Designer Jennifer Fisher shares her hero beauty buys

COMPILED BY: JOELLE ALBEAINO

Agent Nateur + Dr. Will Cole

Dhs213 Dr. Will Cole

I’ve noticed a difference in my hair growth since using this marine collagen. I use a combination of bovine and marine, but since I added this into the mix, I’ve seen a jump in my hair growth.

My Scent Dhs239 Jennifer Fisher

My entire life, I was always asked what perfume I was wearing, and it was a combination of five different fragrances. My Scent is a warm, musky blend of pure liquid essential oils with hints of Vanilla, Australian Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Pear, and Coconut. It is comforting and sexy.

REFY Lip Set Dhs14 REFY

I love this product because the shade of taupe is the perfect match to my lip colour without being too pink. The coolest thing about this product is the hidden applicator to set the liner.

The Dry Shampoo Dhs132

Crown Affair

Finally, a dry shampoo that doesn’t dry out my hair. I’m a huge fan of the entire line. In particular, the dry shampoo, because it doesn’t have a strong scent and

doesn’t weigh your hair down. There is also something really chic about it being in a trans-

lucent powder jar rather than a spray can. I like that it’s not in an aerosol can which makes it better for the environment.

Foundation Shampoo Dhs143

Roz Hair

I met the founder, Mara, recently at Jenna Perry Hair while I was getting my hair coloured. She is not only a lovely human being, but she makes beautiful products. Her shampoo and conditioner are my new favourite. The products do not weigh my hair down and have a beautiful scent.

Airbrush Flawless Finish Dhs176

Charlotte Tilbury

It’s the perfect powder that gets rid of any shine and doesn’t leave a mark of white on your face.

Flush Balm Dhs110 Merit Beauty

I am a big fan of facial massage and the NuFace non-invasive facelift device is perfect for improving my facial contour tone. It is one of my go-to morning rituals.

The Water: Tanning Water

Dhs125 Tan Luxe

The amazing thing about this product is that you can spray it over your entire body and not worry about having those annoying tan streaks.

Styling Gel Dhs84 Harklinikken

I’m a fan of this entire line. I use their serum for hair growth as well. Having tried all the gels on the market, this is hands down my favourite. It’s not sticky, lasts all day and perfect for my slick back braid.

COMPILED BY: CAMILLE MACAWILI

AM TO PM BEAUTY

Juana Martini, Founder of Juana Skin, shares her morning-to-evening beauty routine

Talk us through your morning beauty routine. I like to start the day with warm water and lemon, and some light exercises to stimulate lymph drainage. I also apply the Juana Brightening Day Cream to help keep my skin nourished and moisturised throughout the day, it leaves a nice matte finish.

How does your evening routine differ?

In the evening, I start with a thorough cleanse: I apply the Juana Deep Cleansing Emulsion, and every 2-3 days follow with Juana Exfoliating Face Scrub in

order to remove the dead cells, deeply purify and unclog the pores, as well as prepare the skin for overnight regeneration. I then apply the Juana Ultra-Rich Night Cream and conduct a light massage with the Juana Face Oil, to relax the facial muscles for better and more regenerative sleep.

What are your go-to skincare products?

My beauty philosophy is less is more. Cleansing is super important, so here I use the emulsion on a daily basis, pair it with the scrub 2-3 times a week; and

then apply the Juana Brightening Day Cream or Ultra-Rich Night Cream, depending on how my skin feels. If it needs more nourishment, then I go with the night cream which has a richer texture. I also love using the oil – not only on my face but hair as well

How would you describe your approach to makeup? Unless there is an important event, I try not to apply makeup. Nowadays we are exposed to so many chemicals and toxins that it’s best to minimise the products that you use. Generally

Clockwise from top left: Ultra-Rich Night Cream, 30ml Dhs550 Juana Skin; Face Oil, 15ml Dhs367 Juana Skin; Deep Cleansing Emulsion, 50ml Dhs257 Juana Skin; Exfoliating Face Scrub, 50ml Dhs294 Juana Skin; Brightening Day Cream, 30ml Dhs477 Juana Skin; Bulgari Allegra Fantasia Veneta Eau De Parfum, 50ml Dhs680 BVLGARI

speaking, I have a strong preference for clean, functional makeup products that benefit the skin. For example, I like products which contain SPF.

What can always be found in your makeup bag? Mascara, tint/tone, and lip balm.

What is currently your favourite fragrance? I like Oud and floral scents.

Currently, my favourite scent is BVLGARI Allegra Fantasia Veneta.

How do you select your evening fragrance? I actually have my favourite scents that I use regularly, as they elevate

me immediately to the right mood and celebratory state every time, I apply them. Talk us through your hair routine. I follow the classic hair routine, consisting of four elements: cleansing, nourishing, protection, and treatment. My focus is on using clean products – sulphate and phthalate-free; and also paying attention to the quality of water. Using filters is vital to ensure we remove any minerals that can damage the hair. And finally, diet is extremely important. What is the most unusual item in your

makeup bag? Lip gloss with SPF. Unfortunately, there are very few lip products containing SPF, while UV light protection is as important for the lips as for the skin!

What do you do to decompress after a long day? A long walk by the beach and a cup of herbal tea always helps me de-stress.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – to you, what does it take to be fearless in beauty? To not compromise on the safety and efficacy of the product.

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

The Level Up

CEO and Creative Director of Pellicano Group, Marie-Louise Scio is fearlessly elevating the family firm with fire, passion and an acute attention to detail

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I kickstart my day with a 25-minute meditation session. Itʼs like a mental reset button, helping me to stay centred and focused as I step into the day ahead.

How do you combine legacy with modernity now that you are at the helm of the family firm?

Balancing our rich legacy with the demands of the modern world feels like second nature to me. Itʼs all about honouring the values and traditions that have been the bedrock of our family business while infusing it with fresh ideas and contemporary approaches to meet our guestsʼ ever-evolving needs.

How do you define the different DNA of the properties and is there a common thread that connects them all? Each of our hotels has its unique DNA, shaped by the captivating stories and settings of their locales. My approach involves infusing every aspect of our hotels, from design to cuisine and ambiance, with the very essence of these remarkable places. Itʼs all about creating a truly immersive and sensorial experience. And what ties them together? Itʼs an unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch quality across all our properties, ensuring our guests experience the utmost in comfort, service, and overall excellence.

You launched ISSIMO – tell us how this brave move into ecommerce came about and what was the final catalyst to launch? The idea for ISSIMO blossomed from my desire to extend the magic of our hotels beyond their physical boundaries. I wanted to encapsulate the entire sensory experience in one digital space. So, I broke it down into various categories, and it naturally led to the creation of a dedicated website. Yes, ISSIMO

is wonderfully diverse, but thatʼs precisely the point. Itʼs the online embodiment of the Pellicano world, reflecting our philosophy of quality and excellence. The name itself, ISSIMO, signifies ‘the bestʼ, and thatʼs precisely what we aim to offer. ISSIMO isnʼt just e-commerce; itʼs also a treasure trove of editorial content. Itʼs a place where you can shop and explore Italyʼs regions through the eyes of knowledgeable locals, guiding you to the best of everything.

What has been the biggest success since the launch and. are there any pieces which drive sales season after season? Our most

celebrated achievement since the launch has been the Monopoly ISSIMO. Itʼs a unique collectible edition, “The Italian Road Trip,” that adds an irresistible Italian twist to the classic board game. Players roll the dice and embark on a journey through the beautiful Italian landscape, discovering iconic locations, hidden gems, delicious cuisine, and storied artisans along the way. And yes, itʼs been a hit season after season. In addition, our hotel merchandising, from signature ‘stripesʼ towels to cosy bathrobes, has been adored by individuals and businesses alike. Itʼs a testament to the love for our brand.

This page: ISSIMO Il Pellicano T-Shirt; Left page: (clockwisefrom top) Piazzetta Visconti, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa; Beach Club, Hotel Il Pellicano; Thermal spa, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa

When have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialize? Fearlessness has been a constant companion in both my personal and professional life. In my career, it often means trusting my instincts when doubt tries to creep in. Iʼve found that my most significant accomplishments occurred when I followed my gut and persevered through challenges.

What is your biggest strength? Iʼd say resilience. Itʼs the ability to adapt, bounce back, and stay committed, even in the face of adversity, that has been a cornerstone of my journey.

What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? Iʼve faced personal and professional challenges. My approach? Dive in and be fully present. By immersing myself in these challenges, Iʼve found solutions and worked through them. Have you had any mentors in life, and if so, what knowledge did they impart? Iʼve been fortunate to have many mentors whoʼve influenced my perspective and taught me a lot. My parents, in particular, have been pivotal. They taught me to think big, to never limit myself, and to push boundaries.

What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? The importance of open listening is a lesson close to my heart. I strive to maintain this openness in my interactions, fostering meaningful connections and mutual growth. What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Iʼd tell my younger self not to rush and always to believe in myself. Trust your journey, and have confidence in your abilities.

How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? I canʼt reveal all our secrets, but I can assure you that quality is at the heart of our approach. It’s non-negotiable. Quality permeates everything we do, from our team members to our products and services.

What is the key to client retention in the luxury space? Client retention in luxury hinges on offering a unique perspective and delivering outstanding service and experiences consistently.

IMAGES: STEPHEN RINGER, SUSAN MARIANI AND SUPPLIED

Transform

Roxie Nafousi, Author of MANIFEST – 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life, shares how you can elevate your life through the power of manifestation

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I always start my day by repeating a positive affirmation as soon as I wake up, I love statements such as “I am excited for the day ahead” or “I am ready to receive abundance”. Then I go and make my morning coffee, take my supplements, and if my son is still asleep then I’ll do a 30-minute workout in my living room. What inspired you to write the book Manifest–7StepstoLivingYour Best Life? Manifesting has changed my life beyond recognition. It bought me out of a very dark place in my life and turned everything around.

I just knew it was part of my life’s mission, and purpose, to teach it to as many people as I could.

Your book sheds light upon on the power of manifestation – can you expand on this? Manifesting is using the power of your mind to change your reality and it’s a self-development practice to live by. I think that a lot of people don’t understanding manifesting, or they are cynical to it because there are so many misconceptions around it. This book explains what manifesting really is, and how to actually make it work, in seven simple steps. It’s helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world and I hope it will continue to help even more!

As a self-development coach, what practices can everyone implement in their daily lives to reduce anxiety? There are lots of simple practices that can help, such as: meditation, grounding, being out in nature, journaling, yin yoga, talking to others, breathwork. In your book, you discuss changing low-vibe emotions to high-vibe ones – can you elaborate on this? Low vibe emotions are those such as fear, anger, envy, guilt. These emotions are all normal to experience, but if we don’t process them or let them out, then they hold us back and stop us from attracting abundance into our lives. In my book, there are many techniques that I share to help people to transform these emotions and turn them into high vibe emotions such as gratitude, love, peace, inspiration. These include language shifts you can make, how to change your perspectives and how to cultivate gratitude in an effective way. I even have a whole section dedicated to turning a low-vibe emotion to a positive one, it’s step 6 “turn envy into inspiration”.

Many of us are processing healing of old wounds – what positive activities can help support the process? I am a really big advocate of seeking professional help to safely address the deep wounds that are still impacting our current reality. There are so many therapists, counsellors and all types of different healers who can support this journey. I think it is such a valuable investment.

Your readers can document their own journey throughout the pages – can you explain why this was important? I wanted to create a book that the reader could use pro-actively, so I have lots of exercises within the book for people to fill out. People who listen to the audiobook often get the physical copy too so they can do this, which I think really helps the process of self-help.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? There is so much I would tell myself. I wish I could tell my younger self that I was enough as I was, that everything was going to turn out for the best and that I should never be afraid to be myself!

What have been the biggest challenges to date and how did you overcome them? I have faced many challenges during my life, and I never knew what it was to be happy until the last few years. I had no confidence or feelings of self-worth at all, and so I am truly grateful every day for the power of manifesting and how it has given me a life I could only have dreamed of, and a sense of inner peace that I truly never thought was possible.

How important is the gratitude practice when it comes to channeling the power of manifestation? Step 5 of my 7 steps to manifesting is “Embrace Gratitude”. In this step, I explain that the manifesting sweet spot is ‘knowing what you want, whilst being entirely grateful for all that you already have’. When we sink into the feeling of appreciation, we attract more abundance to us. My mum used to say to me in Arabic, ‘for every thanks you give, you get 1000 in return.’ She was right!

This is The Fearlessness Issue – how do you overcome your fears?

I follow my second step of manifesting from my book, Step 2: Remove Fear & Doubt! This is the most important step of the whole manifesting process and the most significant. When we can overcome our fears, we unlock our limitless potential and become unstoppable.

“When we can overcome our fears, we unlock our limitless potential and become unstoppable.”

THE NOMINEES

This year sees the return of the Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year Awards. This event shines a light on the women nominated for outstanding achievements in their industries and those living with the values we align ourselves with of integrity, authenticity, excellence, and grit.

Nominees will be shortlisted by Emirates Woman and winners will be decided by a combination of public vote and judges within the industry. Awards will be given for the previous 12 months, and an additional award will be given for Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year Award.

We are so proud to be in the company of such incredible, fearless and inspiring women. Thank you for being part of the Emirates Woman family.

HER EXCELLENCY

SHEIKHA BODOUR BINT SULTAN AL QASIMI Founder and CEO - Kalimat Group @bodouralqasimi

DUHA AL RAMADHAN Founder and CEO - Aubade @aubadejewelry

TALEEDAH TAMER

Saudi Arabian Model @taleedah

VALÉRIE MESSIKA CEO - Messika @valeriemessika

AZZA AL HUJAIRI Founder - Azza Al Hujairi @azzashowroom

DR BARBARA STURM Founder - Dr. Barbara Sturm @drbarbarasturm

DR MOUZAYAN GINZARLY Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Certified at AVIV Clinics @avivclinics_bydpworld

HALA ABDALLAH Founder - Ofa @thehala

JANUARY 2023 THE RESET ISSUE

FEBRUARY 2023 THE INNOVATION ISSUE

MARCH 2023 THE STYLE ISSUE

ARWA AL KADI Founder - AMARAH @amarahofficial_

FAY EZZAT Content creator and Founder - Ezzat @fayezzat

MICHELE BARCLAY Founder - BROWZ @browz.uae

NAT MORCOS Co-Founder - Goshá Flowers @natmorcos

ANNA CHYBISOVA Founder and Creative DirectorMaison D’Angelann @anna___chybisova

GHADA AL-SUBAEY Founder - 1309 Studios @1309studios

HELEN PLEIC Transformational Coach & Clinical Hypnotherapist (RTT and NLP Coach) @yourliberatedmind

SONIA LERETZ Co-Founder and PartnerRevalue Consulting @revalueconsulting

DR SIMONÉ LAUBSCHER Co-Founder - WelleCo @welleco

ELLE SAWYER Founder - POSTURE @thisisposture_

SALAM SHABAN Founder - Tidymess @tidymess_dxb

WDEEMA ALMHEIRI Co-Founder - The Beauty Society @wdeemajay

APRIL 2023

THE ELEVATE ISSUE

MAY 2023

THE HOROLOGY ISSUE

JUNE 2023

THE SKIN ISSUE

AHLAM SHAHIN Founder - Ahlam Shahin @ahlamshahinatelier

BUTHAINA AL ZADJALI Founder - Bthaina @bthainaoman

DALIA AL KARNOUS Founder - DAL @dal.thebrand

FATMA AL OTAIBA Founder - ODEEM @odeem_official

IRINA CIOBANU Founder - Ladies Watch Club @ladieswatch.club

MELIKA YAZDJERDI Globally renowned watch expert @melikayazd

NEGIN BARADARI Founder - Begin with Negin @beginwithnegin

SOPHIE HILL Founder and CEO - Threads Styling @threadsstyling

CLAIRE MILLER Founder - The Skincare Edit Arabia @theskincareeditme

DR BARBARA PALDUS Entrepreneur and Founder - Codex Labs @codexlabs

MOUNA ABBASSY Founder and CEO - IZIL @izilbeauty

REBECCA TRESTON Skincare Expert and AestheticianHortman Clinics @rebeccatreston

JULY/AUGUST 2023

THE SUMMER ESCAPE ISSUE

SEPTEMBER 2023 THE TRAILBLAZERS ISSUE

OCTOBER 2023 THE FEARLESSNESS ISSUE

SHEIKHA JAWAHER BINT ABDULLAH AL QASIMI Director of SIFF (Sharjah International Film Festival) & FANN (Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children) @sharjahiff

AMIRA SAJWANI Managing Director of Sales & DevelopmentDAMAC Properties @amirasajwani

LUCY GOFF Entrepreneur and Founder - LYMA @lucygoffy

NISREEN SHOCAIR CEO of Middle East and AfricaBeyond ONE @nisreen_shocair

AYESHA AL MANSOORI Emirati falconer @falconer_ayesha_almansoori

JUANA MARTINI Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer - Juana Skin @juana_skin

LAMIA AL OTAISHAN AYDIN Womenswear Design DirectorLes Benjamins @laamvan

MONA BIN KALLI @monabinkalli

NAYLA ALBALOUSHI The first Emirati woman to scale Mount Everest @albloushinayla

NOUF OMAR The youngest female Emirati pilot @nouf.777

OLIVIA VON HALLE Founder - Olivia Von Halle @oliviavonhalle

TANIA SANTOS SILVA Founder - Lala Diamonds @taniavss

LEAP OF FAITH

Three pioneering women from three daring professions discuss breaking the glass ceiling and carving out their own path

WORDS: RUMAN BAIG

Nayla Al Baloushi

FIRST EMIRATI WOMAN TO SUMMIT MOUNT EVEREST

Being the first in your field, how did you conquer the fear of venturing into something new? I had faith in the Almighty and believed that what was meant to be, will be. So, I took all the safety procedures and chose to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Turns out, I had the time of my life and explored things I couldn’t have imagined. What was the biggest challenge you overcame in this journey? The extreme cold weather and the lack of oxygen due to the high altitude – this is something I couldn’t have prepared for, as I came from a sea level environment.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? I wouldn’t say I am entirely fearless, but I’m courageous enough to attempt new challenges with a steady plan of action and, of course, professional help.

Dr Eng Suaad Alshamsi

FIRST UAE FEMALE AIRCRAFT ENGINEER

Being the first in your field, how did you conquer the fear of venturing into something new? With passion and belief in your abilities, you are able to enter any field and succeed in it – the most important thing is to continue. The first step is scary, but once you pass it, everything after that is achievable. The important thing is that you must believe that failure is just as important a lesson to learn on your path to success, do not stop it, but endure it.

What was the biggest challenge you overcame in this journey? The biggest challenge is breaking the barriers and dismantling the stereotype that women only belong at home. I wanted to send a message that women can be mothers, life partners, and can also be successful in different fields – such as aviation and confirm their presence in all forums.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? To be passionate about your dream and believe in your abilities, despite the negative views that may cause a hindrance in your way or prevent you from reaching your goal. You must continue – despite the hardships and despite what anyone says.

Amna Al Qubaisi FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI MOTORSPORTS RACING DRIVER

Being the first in your field, how did you conquer the fear of venturing into something new? I’ve always wanted to try and do something different from a young age. I was

very enthusiastic and still on the path of finding my new challenge that exhilarates me. What was the biggest challenge you overcame in this journey? Every day I face a new hurdle in this sport, especially, when it comes to being the only Middle Eastern girl on the grid. I always had to prove myself, as I was often pushed off the track when I reached certain positions, because it wasn’t the norm to see women overtaking, let alone winning the race.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? To be fearless is to have a lion’s heart. To be brave and never back down when things get tough. You keep persisting and believing that you are capable of winning and that is how you attain a winner’s mindset.

THE HIGHFLYER

What does the first 30 minutes of your day look like? I start my day with prayer, then I go directly to the falconry room to check on them. After that, I prepare breakfast and take my daughter Osha to school.

What inspired you to pursue this unique path of becoming the first female Emirati falconer? My father, Matar Al Mansouri, is my inspiration and he is the one who inspired me to pursue this sport, it is inevitably in our blood.

What challenges have you overcome while pursuing falconry? There are many challenges, but the joy is in overcoming these challenges, passing them with all strength, and continuing on the path. I started my journey as one of the only women in the field and because of the challenges I faced in my path, I could remove the roadblocks from the ones who came after me.

Falconry requires a deep connection between you and the birds. Can you expand on this and the training process? A falconer must have a strong relationship with the falcon, it is, after all, an art of mutual trust. It is important to know your falcon, down to the soul. In order to train them you need to boost their confidence in you and develop a sense of security. You are eventually going on a hunt with the same bird, so the groundwork must be strong.

What advice do you have for other young women who may aspire to follow in your footsteps and become falconers? Firstly, every young woman who wants to engage in the art of falconry or learn the sport must choose an appropriate falconer with sufficient experience in this sport. Secondly, give it enough time and effort to learn. Thirdly, this sport must be learned and carried on because it is a part of our ancestry and culture (it is quite literally a part of our national emblem). It also teaches us a lot about our history and forefathers, including our beloved founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God rest his soul). How do you balance preserving traditional Emirati falconry techniques while also adapt-

ing to modern practices? Currently, new equipment and modern methods have been added to train our falcons, but every time I am starting with a new falcon, I resort back to what I learned from my father because it is the correct way to begin. After which, modern technologies such as tools and foods can be introduced.

The sport of falconry teaches you patience, and resilience and also helps you create a bond with nature’s other beings. Learning the art and attaching yourself to a bird, whom you are responsible for, unlocks a whole new level of empathy.

How do you envision the future of falconry in the UAE and its role in preserving Emirati heritage? Since this sport is an interest of our wise leadership, it must be developed and preserved. There should be falconry festivals related to this sport and exhibitions displaying all kinds of falconry supplies and merchandise.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does it mean to be fearless? To me, being fearless means finding courage within yourself to do even the unthinkable. Without courage, I wouldn’t be able to learn how to deal with a majestic bird like a falcon, let alone train with it and master the art of working and hunting with it every day.

As one of the first females in the sport of falconry, Emirati falconer Ayesha Al Mansoori takes us through her journey of courage, consistency and commitment to the craft

WORDS: RUMAN BAIG

“Being fearless means finding courage within yourself to do even the unthinkable.”

Making It Happen

Founder of Humanizing Brands and Global Keynote speaker, Mariam Farag discusses doing it all and delivering it with excellence

for our family. This experience instilled in me a sense of independence and responsibility from a very young age. I watched my mom face challenges with incredible strength and resilience, which left a lasting impression on me. Her unwavering determination to put food on the table and provide for our family taught me the value of hard work and perseverance.

When else have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialise? Iʼve had to be fearless in various situations. One notable example was when I decided to start my own venture, Humanizing Brands. The uncertainty and challenges of entrepreneurship required me to step out of my comfort zone and take calculated risks, much like my mom did every day to support our family. I knew that success wouldnʼt come easily, but I was determined to make it work. Additionally, Iʼve had to be fearless in advocating for causes I believe in, inspired by my mumʼs example of standing up for whatʼs right, even in the face of adversity. This fearlessness extends to navigating difficult personal circumstances, much like the ones we faced as a family. Itʼs about facing lifeʼs hardships head-on, just as my mom did, and using those experiences as sources of strength and motivation. In essence, my upbringing by a single mum who had to work tirelessly to provide for us has been a driving force behind my fearlessness in business, advocacy, and personal life. Itʼs a testament to the resilience and determination that I carry with me in all that I do. As I always say, turn your pain into power!

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? The first 30 minutes of my day are crucial for setting the tone. I start with a simple routine to ground myself and prepare for the day ahead. I wake up early, usually around 5:30am. The first thing I do is meditate for 5 minutes. This helps me clear my mind and focus on my intentions for the day. After that, I make a cup of coffee and spend some quiet time journalling. I jot down my thoughts, goals, and any creative ideas that come to mind. Finally, I check my calendar and prioritize my tasks for the day. This routine helps me start the day with clarity and purpose. You have an innate ability to make things happen — where did the fearlessness of facing a challenge come from for you? I believe my fearlessness when facing challenges comes from a combination of factors. Firstly, Iʼve always had a strong sense of purpose and passion for what I do. When you truly believe in your mission, it becomes easier to overcome obstacles. Secondly, Iʼve learned that failure is a natural part of growth and success. Instead of fearing failure, I embrace it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Lastly, I surround myself with a supportive network of mentors, friends, and colleagues who inspire and encourage me to take risks. Growing up, I was raised by a single mum who had to work tirelessly to provide

What is your biggest strength? I consider my ability to connect with people and empathize with their needs and aspirations to be my biggest strength. Understanding the human element in business and communication has been instrumental in my success.

How do you approach business when bravery is required?

When bravery is required in business, I take a strategic approach. I thoroughly research the situation, assess the risks, and formulate a plan. I also seek input from my team and mentors. Itʼs essential to balance boldness with careful consideration, and I always keep my long-term goals in mind. What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? One of my biggest challenges was navigating a major rebranding project for a well-established conglomerate. It involved convincing them to take a bold new direction, which initially met resistance. To overcome this, I conducted extensive market research and presented a compelling case for the change. I also worked closely with the client to address their concerns and involve them in the creative pro-

cess. Ultimately, the rebrand was a success, and it reinforced the importance of persistence and effective communication. Have you had any mentors in life and if so, what knowledge did they impart? Iʼve been fortunate to have several mentors in my life who have imparted valuable knowledge. Theyʼve emphasized the importance of authenticity, resilience, and continuous learning. One key lesson Iʼve learned from them is the value of building genuine relationships and the power of collaboration.

What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? Iʼve received kindness from mentors who generously shared their time and expertise. To pay it forward, I regularly mentor young professionals, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their careers. I believe in the ripple effect of kindness, and I’m always eager to support others in their journeys. What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? I would advise my younger self to embrace failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Donʼt be too hard on yourself, and always stay true to your values and passions. Surround yourself with a supportive network and never underestimate the power of perseverance.

In addition to my background and upbringing, another significant aspect of my fearlessness journey is my ability to make sound decisions and adapt to new challenges. At a crucial juncture in my career, I made the deliberate choice to return

to the corporate world by joining a huge family business – a global conglomerate, as a communications leader. This decision required me to juggle my passion projects, my full-time role, and my responsibilities as a mother for my boys. Juggling these diverse roles has come naturally to me because I love what I do. Building and humanising brands, whether they are personal or products, and the art of storytelling the journey truly excites me. I find immense satisfaction in witnessing the positive impact on the brand legacy that results from my efforts. This ability to balance multiple facets of my life showcases my fearlessness in taking on challenges and responsibilities head-on.

Juggling these diverse roles has come naturally to me because of my deep passion for what I do. Itʼs a humbling experience to see how my work can contribute to something greater and leave a lasting mark. This ability to balance multiple facets of my life showcases my fearlessness in taking on challenges and responsibilities head-on. This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? Being fearless, to me, remains a guiding principle in all aspects of my life. Itʼs about having the courage to pursue your dreams and convictions despite the inevitable obstacles and uncertainties that life presents. Whether itʼs starting a business, advocating for a cause, adapting to new roles and responsibilities, or managing the intricate dance of motherhood, fearlessness is the mindset that empowers us to make a positive impact on the world. Fearlessness isnʼt the absence of fear but rather the determination to move forward in spite of it. Itʼs about learning from every experience, staying true to your values and purpose, and embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Itʼs the unwavering belief that your actions can create meaningful change and leave a lasting legacy, just as I strive to do in my journey of humanising brands and making a difference in the world of communication.

“Fearlessness isn’t the absence of fear but rather the determination to move forward in spite of it. It’s about learning from every experience, staying true to your values and purpose, and embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.”

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I typically wake up early to carve out a quiet space for morning reflection before the hustle and bustle of the day sets in. This time is invaluable to me as it sets a positive tone and allows me to gather my thoughts, plan tasks effectively, and tap into my creativity. It’s a moment of tranquility before my day unfolds into backto-back calls, follow-ups, and meetings.

Since you launched Sosaï Events, it's scaled quickly. How many clients did you start with, and how has the company scaled? When I first launched Sosaï Events in the midst of the pandemic, I started with just a handful of private clients who wanted to continue celebrating life milestones such as birthdays and proposals. Our goal was to brighten up our client’s day by bringing to them meaningful and beautiful experiences. Things rapidly changed once life got started to go back to normal, companies started to regain confidence in their marketing budgets, and many were open to giving new players like us an opportunity. Since then, we have expanded our client base significantly and this growth can be attributed to our dedication to delivering quality events and word-ofmouth recommendations from clients. Can you define the DNA of this brand? The DNA of Sosaï is rooted in creativity, innovation, and commitment to attention to detail. We take pride in crafting unique and unforgettable experiences for our clients, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional event planning to deliver truly extraordinary results. What sets us apart is our expertise in both corporate and private events. This unique combination allows us to infuse corporate events with intimacy and meticulous detail while bringing professionalism and organization to private events. Our brand DNA is all about delivering exceptional, tailor-made experiences.

How did you know it was the right time to launch on your own, and where did the fearlessness to do this come from? Launching my own event company during a pandemic was certainly an unconventional and unadvised move, but it felt like the right time because I saw an opportunity to adapt and innovate in a changing landscape. My fearlessness came from my passion for event planning and my belief in the value I could bring to clients, even during challenging times.

You have a living/working villa – tell us about this concept and the benefits? Due to the nature of our industry, we found ourselves constantly on the move, shuttling between clients and event setups. When we weren’t on-site,

A Brave Move

Founder of Sosaï Events, Sofia Sayah tells us what it takes to build a brand from scratch and how to dare to be different when it comes to event planning

we were working from home. While this setup worked initially, we reached a point where we needed a dedicated space to meet a few times a week. I’ve never been a firm believer in the traditional 9-6 office routine, especially considering the physically demanding aspects of our work. Leasing a conventional office space didn’t seem like the right fit for us. That’s when the idea of a living and working villa in a residential/commercial neighbourhood emerged. We transformed the first floor into a modern office space, where we now hold our bi-weekly workdays and client meetings. Through this setup, we’ve successfully crafted a cozy yet structured work environment. It offers the comfort of ‘home’ combined with the essential elements of an office, enhancing our team’s productivity.

How does Sosaï think outside the box when it comes to events? At Sosaï, we think outside the box by focusing on creative concepts, interactive experiences, cutting-edge technology, unconventional venues, personalised touches, and collaborations with experts from various fields. We’re committed to delivering unique and memorable events that go beyond traditional expectations. You are detail focused – where does this make the most difference for an event that is vital to get right? Attention to detail is paramount in all aspects of event planning, but it is absolutely critical during execution. Our goal is to deliver on every promise and exceed expectations, leaving no room for oversight, no matter how minuscule. It’s often the smallest, nuanced details that set our events apart and leave a lasting impression, even if only a select few notice them. Which qualities do you look for most when hiring? When it comes to hiring, my approach has evolved over time. Initially, I believed that hiring individuals with extensive event experience was crucial. However, I’ve come to realize that event planning isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset. What matters most to me now are the qualities that candidates bring to the table. I look for individuals with a positive, open attitude, natural drive to excel, a warm and welcoming demeanour, the ability to thrive under pressure, and exceptional organizational skills. I’ve found that with these qualities, everything else can be developed and refined. What is your biggest strength? My biggest strength has always been my ability to establish and maintain trust with my clients. In the event planning industry, trust is the cornerstone of successful partnerships. Clients need to feel confident that their vision and expectations will be met, and that their event will be executed flawlessly. What sets me apart is not only my commitment to building trust but also my innate ability to understand what clients want and

need, often even before they fully articulate it themselves. I excel at tuning into their needs, preferences, and desires, helping to shape their vision into reality. This is what I call my sixth sense, and it’s a quality that I believe truly distinguishes me in this field. How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? At the moment, scaling isn’t our top priority. We’re focused on organic and steady growth. While we currently have a core team of six, and we’ve been working together for over a year, I continue to be involved in all events to oversee every aspect and ensure the delivery of top-quality service. While I do envision future growth for our company, it will never come at the expense of the quality we pride ourselves on. Quality remains our foremost concern, and we are prioritising taking on interesting, creative events that align with our vision rather than pursuing a high volume of events. What has been the biggest challenge to date, and how did you overcome it? It’s quite a task to single out the biggest challenge among the many I’ve faced on this journey. In reality, it often feels like the entire journey has been a series of challenges and overcoming them has become a mindset – a commitment to always being in solution mode. Rather than succumbing to panic, I’ve trained myself to immediately shift into problem-solving mode when challenges arise. If I were to recall one particularly challenging moment, it would be when I produced my very first brand event entirely on my own. I made a promise I believed I could deliver, even though I had never undertaken such a task solo before. What made the difference was the immense pressure I placed on myself, which led me to become more organized than ever. As a result, everything ran smoothly, demonstrating the power of determination and adaptability in the face of challenges. Have you had any mentors in life, and if so, what knowledge did they impart? Expected as

it may sound, my life mentor has always been my mum. Not just because she’s my mother, but because she’s an extraordinary businesswoman who has achieved all her dreams and lives her life with fearless determination. I’ve absorbed numerous invaluable lessons from her, but if I were to distill her wisdom into a few words, it would be this: ‘Hard work and discipline are the only pathways to success.’. What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? The events industry in Dubai is truly a tight-knit community filled with kindness and a strong sense of camaraderie among professionals. We all understand the unique challenges and pressures we face in this line of work. While it might seem like we’re competitors, there have been numerous occasions when I’ve witnessed remarkable acts of generosity and support from fellow industry peers, and I’ve been fortunate to receive such kindness myself. In times of need, I’ve had many people come to the rescue, offering valuable advice, resources, and assistance, and I’ve reciprocated by extending a helping hand to others facing similar challenges. This sense of unity and willingness to support one another has not only made me appreciate the strength of our industry community but has also instilled in me the importance of paying forward the kindness and knowledge I’ve received.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? To me, being fearless means embracing the unknown – the very thing that used to scare me the most. When I made the decision to embark on this entrepreneurial journey, I knew I was signing up for a world filled with uncertainties. Everything was uncharted territory, and to some extent, it still is and always will be. Living in this unknown realm is the ultimate act of fearlessness because it means believing in myself, having faith in my abilities to overcome any hurdles that may come my way, and trusting that, regardless of the obstacles, everything will ultimately have a positive outcome. Looking back at when I first started, I can’t help but feel proud of the fearlessness that has guided me throughout this entire journey. I’ve encountered numerous challenges along the way, and each time I felt the weight of doubt, I dug deep to find the inner strength required to push through. Fearlessness, to me, is not the absence of fear but the courage to confront it and keep moving forward.

“Being fearless means embracing the unknown.”

The Match Maker

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

Christiana Maxion aka The Dubai Match Maker, on how her pivots led her to finding her path, including being the Founder of an AI-powered social matchmaking app

to the masses. As a first-time tech founder, there have been many highs and some lows, but entering a new world of tech forced me to learn and learn quickly! I’ve had people try to scam me, purposefully lead me down the wrong direction, and steal ideas… but I am so firm in my belief that I am going to change so many people’s lives with the connections that MAXION will create, that I have been so focused and only see success for us.

MAXION is an AI-powered social matchmaking concierge. How can AI help in analyzing potential relationships? AI is a term that is now used too loosely. MAXION is using AI to master compatibility and concierge, so that all our members have to focus on is connection. I can share that our members’ feedback from their meets will curate their entire dating and social experience to help them find success. Our systems are based on the 96% success rate of my core business of matchmaking HNWIs.

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I hate to say but the first thing I do is reach for my phone. With clients all over the world and a team in all time zones, I check my phone first to see if I need to address anything critical. This is then followed by walking my toy poodle Toby in the garden then a coffee on my terrace with a view of the Burj Khalifa journaling. I journal every single day — my gratitude list, goals, and ways to contribute/ add value to others. The more you give, the more you receive. You’ve been fearless in changing your career – can you expand on this? My early studies and career were in Finance, but I changed course into Education. I had a very successful career as a curriculum coordinator, teacher trainer, school leader, and published author. I used to run a former Instagram account. I ran ‘dating in Dubai’ and what l learned from having that account was that people hated dating in Dubai and I was baffled! You can literally date the entire map here and the most incredible, ambitious people I have ever met have been living in Dubai. I’ve always been a solution seeker and took this as my next challenge to overcome… I’m going to solve dating in Dubai!

With the introduction of new long-term visas, the amazing way the UAE dealt with the pandemic, and new laws promoting more freedom in dating and partnership, I decided to consult a legal team about the legalities of opening a professional matchmaking business here in Dubai. I got the green light in 2021 and opened my agency: Christiana Maxion Solutions. Only seven months into the launch of my agency, I was contacted by matchmaking giants Patti Stanger’s Millionaire’s Club and Cinqe Matchmaking to join forces to expand globally and enter into a formal partnership. This new affiliation not only marked a significant new milestone for Christiana Maxion Solutions, but also provides our clients with unlimited matchmaking opportunities across the globe, giving our clients an even greater chance of meeting “the one”.

We work with the most sought-after HNWIs and UHNWIs in the world. Each has built empires with undeniable levels of success. Hiring a matchmaker isn’t their last resort, it’s their only option. The extreme success and high demand of my core business as a matchmaker to HNWI and UHNWI have led to the creation of my app: MAXION: Match & Meet. It is the first AI-powered social matchmaking concierge app, and a way to bring my niche services

How has this been optimized to ensure the product is user-friendly? We are sharing our app with 500 selected beta testers. The team that built the billion-dollar app Calm, Gymshark, Marks & Spencer and many others, is now building MAXION: Match & Meet. This beta testing will ensure we can optimise the UX – we are working with both AI and real-life humans and connections here, so yes, it has to be right, and it has to provide the convenience and concierge we are promising, exactly what time-poor people need. This beta testing with founder members will be crucial for further developments. What metrics do you use to measure a successful match? There are several factors and with the app, there will be an algorithm that I can’t share publicly but I will share that feedback is super important for a successful match. The more you date, the more curated the experience becomes to find success in both your social and romantic lives. Feedback is everything! What are new product features that set it apart from other apps? Besides our unique compatibility algorithm and AI enhancements, it’s in the tagline: Match & Meet. No more ghosting, flaky daters, and swiping from an endless pool of incompatible partners. All MAXION Members are extensively verified. We are NOT a free-mium product and will ensure that all MAXION Members are of a calibre that is up to your personal standard. We advise all our members to never settle. We love picky people. How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? MAXION: Match & Meet is a way to reach a wider audience and to create so much more connection in the region. Our extreme vetting process is still a handpicked process and our tech aides in all other aspects. For the core business of the personalised matchmaking of HNWIs, I am currently expanding my matchmaking team in UAE and UK in order to keep up with the demand for our services at Christiana Maxion Solutions. This is The Fearlessness Issue – What is your advice on how to fearlessly approach making real-life connections? Be fearless in who you are and what you bring to the table. Your successes, accomplishments, achievements, character, and values are what make you unique and special in every way. Stand firm and be proud of YOU. This will attract your ideal partner.

Another bit of advice that I give to daters and entrepreneurs is to be a duck. Everything rolls off your back like water off a duck’s back. Don’t let the ups and the downs get you too low or too high and keep swimming along. Stay focused on your pursuits.

“Be fearless in who you are and what you bring to the table. Your successes, accomplishments, achievements, character, and values are what make you unique.”

“Don’t let the ups and downs get you too low or too high and keep swimming along.”

How long have you been in this space? I moved in earlier this year but intend to make it a long-term home. Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces? I’ve had custom tables created to match my specific vision where I was seeking unique table legs, something I couldn’t readily find in the market. Although not a piece per se, my favourite addition to the villa is my window which I transformed into a single glass panel which floods the space with sunlight all day.

How do you think the interior buys reflect you and your brand? Every item I’ve chosen to furnish my space with is a true reflection of both me and my brand’s essence, which centres around a minimalistic and neutral aesthetic. Through our events, we aim to steer our clients away from excessive clutter and extravagant décor and instead encourage a focus on meticulous details and uncompromising quality. Describe your taste in three words. Organic, natural and contemporary.

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

Facing Your Fears

Helen Pleic, Clinical Hypnotherapist

RTT & NLP and Founder

Your

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I am up at 5.30am to get to the gym 4-5 times a week. Feeling strong in your body translates to feeling strong and focused in your mind. I find the days that I work out, I have more energy and am more productive. On the other days, I listen to an audio book while having a coffee and get some morning sunshine to wake up my body.

Can you expand on why it is important for us to face our fears and look at old trauma? Your fears impact the actions you take and the experiences you create in life. And when you consider the regrets of people who are dying, they regret the things that they did not do. They also regret not giving themselves the permission to be happier and to spend more time with their loved ones, so, if you want a great life and you are not living it, then it is important to make changes.

Looking at old trauma with Coaching is necessary if you are not moving forward. When you understand that trauma informs your mind-body of what to fear, and that this stops you from thinking clearly and taking action, you will want to address it. Outside of real physical threats which are warranted and rarely occur, your ego fears are primarily a culmination of all of your experiences of confusion and neglect. These typically occur in earlier years of life and

become the foundation of your actions and identity. You may be consciously or unconsciously aware of these.

If you are not achieving what you want to achieve, you need to remember that your body is designed to keep you safe, which means that you become a creature of habit. While we may be living in a modern world our brain and body survival instincts do not align or support this. So, it takes concerted effort to release old trauma that is stored as primarily reactions in the deeper parts of your mind.

How can past experiences have an effect on how we live now? Past experiences determine your identity, your self-worth, your levels of satisfaction and they can keep you behaving the same way. So, without intentional living and goals, this means your life is essentially a series of habits. It’s habits of thinking, feelings and habits of reactions. You may be growing and satisfied, and this is great, however you may be growing and achieving and not feel satisfied and this could be due to past conditioning where nothing was ever good enough.

What are the most common areas that people wish to improve upon? Most people would like to improve self-esteem and confidence and reduce anxiety, guilt and shame. If people don’t know where to begin, releasing guilt

and shame are a great starting point. They are dense, heavy emotions that are typically unnecessary and drive self-judgement which is detrimental to an individual and can drive other poor behaviour. Learn the lesson, seek forgiveness and be respectful.

When have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialise? I think the first time you are fearless is the most important. It allows you to break internal and external conditioning. For me, being raised in a strict, very traditional household, it was moving overseas in my mid 20s.

What is your biggest strength? Combining an ability to think differently, perseverance and compassion.

What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? The dynamics of big challenges test who you are at your

of

Liberated Mind discusses what it takes to face your fears and how it can impact next level living

core. I have had a few and the ones that are the hardest are the ones where there was little or no external support.

Studying and practising hypnosis has been one of these. It has given me incredible insights into the human experience of life and what impacts us at a deep level, which is intense! Being willing to let go of what does not align and embracing what does has been challenging. It’s a lot of self-motivation, self-questioning and taking one step at a time on an ever-evolving path. Have you had any mentors in life and if so, what knowledge did they impart? I would say the most important piece of advice is to be true to yourself. What I would now advise anyone based on what I do now, is to invest in releasing the past where it is stopping you from being authentic, vulnerable and taking action.

What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward? I always remember when I first graduated, the time and compassion that the Head of the Department always had for me. This is something I have always done with others.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Invest in eliminating selfdoubt as quickly as possible. Life is too short to second guess yourself.

You’re launching an app – can you tell us how this will support personal growth? The app has a strong focus on releasing unconscious blocks and ties to the past that limit your identity. I am leveraging my business and change management skills which have allowed me to analyse and put in place strong processes in business and combining this with hypnosis and identity creation so that individuals can change in quicker and more effective ways.

This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you? Living and acting from a place of love and compassion with no regrets.

“Living and acting from a place of love and compassion with no regrets.”

The Wanderlust

The newly-opened Bulgari Tokyo fearlessly combines style from both east and west for a truly unique stay

Bulgari Tokyo is the eighth addition to the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection, bringing Bulgari’s contemporary Italian style and glamour to the capital of Japan. Occupying the 40th to 45th floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, an ultra-skyscraper in the Yaesu 2-Chome North District, the hotel is located within walking distance of the vibrant shopping areas of both Nihombashi and Ginza and boasts panoramic views of Tokyo including the Imperial Palace.

THE STAY

Distinctive details make the difference. From the symbol of the hotel, based on a 1970 Bulgari brooch featuring Mount Fuji, to the iconic sanpietrino paving stones that line the street in front of it and the eight-point star that graces the vestibule of the 40th floor entrance, elements of Bulgari heritage are interwoven with Japanese tradition. Eastern influence can be seen in the Japanese calligraphy art gracing the Suites, the hinoki wood bar at Sushi – Kenji Gyoten and the zen garden on its terrace. This truly feels like home and a sanctuary, even in the heart of such a metropolis. The beds are next level —so post long-haul flight, you will feel well rested and ready to explore.

THE DINING

Located on the 40th floor of the hotel, Il Ristorante - Niko Romito combines both. Interior and exterior dining for those who prefer al fresco. The space incorporates Japanese design elements such as exquisite silk furnishings and a curved wood ceiling, however the menu is classic Niko Romito with its contemporary expression of authentic Italian cuisine. After dinner, head to the rooftop bar for unbeatable views.

THE WELLNESS

An 800-square-metre area on the 40th floor of the hotel, the Spa features nine treatment rooms, including a spa suite and a double treatment room. The 25-metre indoor pool is ensconced in floor to ceiling glass windows, giving guests a breath-taking view of

the skyline. Innovative treatments, grooming, and the latest wellbeing therapies ensure an extraordinary experience for both men and women. If you’ve over-indulged, Workshop Gymnasium will get you in shape with a bespoke, results-driven programme during your stay.

THE DIRECTORY

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