Out and About Magazine Issue 1 Vol. 3 by Out and About Mag

Issue 1 Volume 3

Feb - March 2021

MUST STAY

ABU DHABI HOTELS

VISION BOARDS: DO THEY WORK?

BEHIND THE BRAND WITH

EMMA BARBER MANAGING DIRECTOR, DGRADE

Why the Hustle Culture Could be Killing You and What to do About it

Dorian Rogers Modern Poet and Hip Hop Artist 1

When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Editorial

Editor in chief

Marsha Fry

marsha@outandaboutmag.com

Editor

Shella landayan

info@outandaboutmag.com

art

Art director

nakul thanekar

nakul.thanekar89@gmail.com

advertising

sales & marketing director

Andre Marshal

+971 50 127 8820 sales@outandaboutmag.com

general enquiries

On this month's cover Interview: Kaltham Al Thari

hello@outandaboutmag.com outandaboumagofficial outandaboumagofficial outandaboutmagofficial

www.outandaboutmag.com

Photographer: Ansar Mahmood Styling: Kaltham Al Thari

Published by Out and About FZE (Registered at Fujairah Creative City)

Editor’s

WELCOME “ When we work with love we renew the spirit; that renewal is an act of self-love, it nurtures our growth.” ~ Bell Hooks Fugit inreparabile tempus: it escapes, irretrievable time: its essence, perhaps, is more understood not by overly aspirational words but through our experience of its passage. And here we are, as another year has faded, still strong and moving forward. We are, through our struggles and perseverance, and our communal desires to keep our bonds inseparable despite the challenges of separation and isolation, still standing together. We march forward with time. We grow in courage as we tread. Life, as we know it, should continue. 4

Out and About Magazine marches strong in spirit and heart, together with you, our amazing readers, who never cease to inspire us with all that is good in life and the world, in general. In our Special Anniversary Issue, we invite you to take another step towards positive growth and renewal for us to lead better, fulfilled lives.

Features and Highlights Five awe-inspiring personalities join us in our latest issue to give us lessons of willpower, personal success and individuality. In our Fashion Feature, Emirati fashion designer and entrepreneur Kaltham Altahri shares with us her journey in fashion design. Behind the Brand features Emma Barber, currently the managing director of DGrade, a sustainable clothing and accessories company. Emma has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, and she has extensive experience in managing teams across countries. Serial entrepreneur and senior investment executive Robert Bush of Majlis Partners takes the seat in our Taking Lessons feature, and Robert shares with us his entrepreneurial journey from a small city in the US to the great city in the Middle East. In Voices we feature Helen Maria Tucker, founder of Women Talk. Helen has over 25 years of mentorship and leadership experience with developing women’s skills, knowledge, and passions. Dorian Rogers takes the spotlight in Talent Pool, and he takes us to the world of spoken poetry as a modern art form and a personal lifetime passion. Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s seat of government, is known as a global attraction for both millennial travellers, investors and businesses. This issue also highlights Abu Dhabi as a great urban destination that even Emirati locals should explore and definitely rediscover. Get to know the 7 Must-Stay Hotels in Abu Dhabi in our Travel feature and plan your luxurious ‘hotelcation’ in advance. Revive Your Fitness Motivation At 5 Workout Places In Abu Dhabi: as featured in our Fitness section. Find the nooks and cranny of the Abu Dhabi gastronomic experience by exploring the 10 Best Fish and Chips in Abu Dhabi in our Food feature.

Feel and look your best with these Lifestyle hacks: explore the concept of Ambiguity and Acceptance, and learn mental fitness through The Daily 20-Minute High Vibrational State, Vision Boards, as well as with the 5 Steps to Manifesting Your Desires. We also pose the question, Vision Boards: Do They Work? A great lifestyle, moreover, includes great fashion ideas and a skincare regimen that actually works. For our dear ladies, go ahead and explore the Skirts for Different Body Types and learn the best way to wear one. Our best men will definitely benefit from knowing A Dapper’s Guide to Buttoning Suit Jackets: yes, there are fashion rules too. Find the recommended brands and products that will aid you in taking care of sensitive skin with our Beauty Stash Recommendations. Find these articles in our Fashion and Beauty sections. For The Culture section discusses topics of great depth, featuring the opinion piece of Leisa Grace Wilson, who poses the question, Why the Hustle Culture Could Be Killing You and What to do About It? Leisa discusses the dangers of hustle culture, as it becomes more pervasive in our society. Jerome also discusses themes of revival and renewal as we reach for success through persevering amidst turmoil: Revived and Renewed: Success through Chaos. Finally, to serve us with more philosophical ideals and insights, delve into our Book Feature about the timeless classic of Paolo Coelho: The Alchemist, a bestselling novel for all ages. A Year of Great Renewal and More Positive Growth Claim it, today and tomorrow: we shall rise higher as we grow and renew our lives this year. As we ease back into normal, let’s find the courage to find new opportunities or create new ones: new prospects, better career goals, renewed bonds of love and friendship, as well as connect to new networks and possibilities. Out and About Magazine, with the amazing Team that made this Edition possible, will always accompany you and push you towards a more prosperous year ahead. 2021 is a year of great renewal and more positive growth!

CONTENTS Feb - March 2021

SECTION 1

7 FASHION • F ASHION FEATURE: Kaltham Altahri, Emirati Fashion Designer • Skirting Around: Skirts For Different Body Types • A Dapper’s Guide to Buttoning Your Suit Jacket

SECTION 2

32 BEAUTY

• Sensitive Skin: Beauty Stash Recommendations

SECTION 3

39 BEHIND THE BRAND

• Emma Barber, Managing Director, DGrade

SECTION 4

46 TAKING LESSONS

• Robert Bush, Principal, Majlis Partners, Senior Investment Executive

SECTION 5

54 TALENT POOL

• Dorian Rogers, Modern Poet and Hip Hop Artist

SECTION 6

SECTION 9

63 VOICES

106 FOR THE CULTURE

• Helen Maria Tucker, Founder, Women Talk

• W hy the Hustle Culture Could be Killing You and What to do About it

SECTION 7

• R evived and Renewed: Success

67 LIFESTYLE

through Chaos

• Ambiguity and Acceptance • The Daily 20-Minute High Vibrational State • 5 Steps to Manifesting Your Desires • Vision Boards: Do They Work?

SECTION 10

113 SHELF LIFE

• B ook Feature: The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

88 FOOD

• 10 Best Fish and Chips in Abu Dhabi

93 FITNESS

• Revive Your Fitness Motivation At These 5 Workout Places In Abu Dhabi!

SECTION 8

98 TRAVEL

• 7 Must-Stay Abu Dhabi Hotels

Out and About Magazine tasks no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. The photographs in this publication are for illustration purposes, unless otherwise specified.

BEHIND THE BRAND WITH EMIRATI FASHION DESIGNER

Kaltham ALTAHRI Company name:

KALTHAM ALTAHRI FASHION HOUSE Kalthamalthariofficial

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY. My name is Kaltham. I started my fashion business when I was just 21 years old. My business is now 13 years old. I started my journey with a passion for fashion. My interest sparked when I felt that I could change designs on my own: I don’t like things to be basic. Like, if I see an abaya, and I don’t like it as it is, I can change it: redesign it. This is how I knew that I had the chance to be a designer. As you know, our traditional wear is abayas, and that’s where I started. People always said that my abayas were different. I didn’t opt for the common abaya designs; I would redesign them myself from A to Z. When I wore them, people saw something different. My friends encouraged me to start a business because of this passion. A business actually starts when it creates its own buyers, and that’s how it happened for me. Back then, a friend’s mom who is a famous designer here in the UAE said that I had the eyes of a designer, that I could create my own line. So I started under her mentorship. She gave me the opportunity to start as a parttime worker in her boutique to see how they design, stitch, cut, and even sketch designs. I learned a great deal about the business of fashion and apparel under her watch, and I used this experience to establish myself as a designer.

2. ARE YOU SELF-TAUGHT, OR DID YOU STUDY FASHION DESIGN?

I never went to fashion school. It was, of course, one of my dreams. But I believe that I can see beauty, and I don’t need to study fashion in a school to see beauty. When I see beauty in the material, fabrics and embroideries, and in matching colours and designs, then I know that I can do fashion design. Yes, going to fashion school is also important for a fashion designer because it can prepare one for the

field to thoroughly understand what you are doing. But for me, to have the passion and talent, one does not need to be in school. I did attend some really helpful courses. Before, some clients of mine approached me to do fashion sketches for them. I feel embarrassed that I did not know how to sketch at that time. So I studied sketching, and I learned first-hand that it is a great method for a fashion designer to conceptualise designs. Taking courses helped me in this aspect. I feel that my customers feel more confident when I sketch for them, and they tend to agree with me on the designs immediately, and they directly push through with their orders.

3. TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. Shopping is my creative process. When I go to the market and see the colours, fabrics, and materials, I match everything together rather spontaneously. I conceptualise unique designs by myself. But yes, shopping is my inspiration area.

4. HOW DO YOU TOE THE LINE BETWEEN BEING UNIQUE AND HAVING COMMERCIAL APPEAL? Today, there are many Emirati fashion designers in the field. If I’m going to design something, it should be related to my culture like something traditional and native but I’m going to transform it to something that can go international and one day, I think this is the role that I’m going to play in the field of fashion design.

I worked on designing abayas at first, but now I’m working on designing jalabiyas and couture. I think that people are still going to wear traditional dresses, but they will be wearing them in a different or unique way without saying that this is something traditional, old or common precisely because I transform them.

5. AS A FASHION DESIGNER, HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR ROLE IN SOCIETY? Today, there are many Emirati fashion designers in the field. If I’m going to design something, it should be related to my culture like something traditional and native but I’m going to transform it to something that can go international and one day, I think this is the role that I’m going to play in the field of fashion design. I worked on designing abayas at first, but now I’m working on designing jalabiyas and couture. I think that people are still going to wear traditional dresses, but they will be wearing them in a different or unique way without saying that this is something traditional, old or common precisely because I transform them.

6. HOW ARE YOU USING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS? Instagram is one of the best marketing channels to showcase the work that I am doing. The social media platform can even gain more traction than websites. But I’m also thinking of shifting from Instagram to my own application, which will be easier to navigate and more user-friendly for my clients and for me as a designer.

7. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR COMPANY? Never give up. Yes, I never gave up. It was a really hard time for me, and I am still continuing, even though there are people who challenge us. There

is also an influx of businesses in the market, but still, I learned not to give up because I have my own concepts, and I want my concepts to be a reality. My name will be etched in history one day as a unique fashion designer.

8. WHAT ASPECTS OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE? In our region, I think we don’t have much support for designers, unlike in Paris and London, where there are many fashion weeks and support for local fashion. In our region, a fashion designer has to support him or herself, and work harder to stay afloat and keep the business running.

9. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO UP-AND-COMING EMIRATI DESIGNERS? Everyone can be a designer, definitely. If you can see beauty, then you can be a designer. But to stay for the long term, I think you have to have a passion and talent, and you should not give up. That’s it.

10. WHAT’S THAT QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?

“If you’re positive about the outcome, then be positive in your outlook.” This is the quote that I live by. You might as well say that ‘positive’ is my other name. In this life for sure there will be many things that will drag you down. But if you are positive, really, you will stay and you will survive and you will be good. You will do whatever you are aiming to be one day, so you should be positive.

Skirting Around: SKIRTS FOR DIFFERENT BODY TYPES A skirt is one of the essential fashion pieces in a woman's wardrobe, and finding the right skirt for your body type can be a little tricky. Women come in all shapes and sizes. Whatever your body shape, the key to looking well-dressed is to dress appropriately for your figure. The female body can be roughly categorised into four shapes. However, the difference within these categories is wide, and not every woman fits completely into one or the other. Nevertheless, we can help you find the skirt type just for you! Here are the different body shapes and the type of skirts that complement the respective body shape. We also bring you styling tips and skirts to avoid.

PEAR OR TRIANGLE To begin with, let us get to know the body shape. This is an almost classic English figure, which is narrow at the shoulders and often small-busted. The waist of a pear-shaped woman can be tiny, particularly in proportion to her hips and thighs. Hips being the widest part, you need to choose skirts that accentuate the waist. What flatters a pear-shaped body is an A-line midi skirt. With its neat waist and flared shape, an A-line skirt highlights the waist and drapes nicely over the hips. This creates the perfect balance between the top and bottom half of your body. Wear this A-line skirt with a fitted shirt tucked in, a neat sweater, or a tailored jacket ending at the waist. You can even wear a belt at the waist to put more focus on it. Avoid wearing loose, baggy, and oversized tops with this skirt at all costs; this will only emphasise the difference in the size of both, the top and bottom half of your body. You should either choose this skirt in darker shades or pair it with tops of the same colour as the skirt; this will help minimise the size difference. Another skirt you can wear is a wrap skirt. This complements a pear-shaped body the same way an A-line skirt does. Skirts to avoid are the peplum skirts or any other skirt that adds bulk to your hip area.

APPLE OR INVERTED TRIANGLE Opposite to the pear shape, the main difference is that an apple-shaped woman's shoulders are broad in comparison to her narrower hips. As the top half of your body is larger than the bottom half, you need a skirt silhouette that can help you balance out your appearance. If you are a woman with an inverted triangle body shape, a high-waisted flared skirt is the one for you! A high-waisted flouncy skirt will put the focus on the smallest part of your torso and the flare in the skirt will help you cover your midsection and at the same time, create the illusion of an hourglass figure instead. Opt for a short hemline to show off your slim lower body. The best skirt length for you is the knee length. A great benefit you have as an apple-shaped is that you can pull off skirts with bold prints and patterns effortlessly. Pair your skirt with a top that is neither too tight nor too baggy. Another way to style it is with a lower-cut T-shirt or a camisole beneath a jacket. Paired with a print skirt of bright colours, a shirt with dark colours can help reduce the attention on large busts and wide shoulders. As you carry most of the weight around your middle, avoid pencil skirts, especially with baggy tops. This will only emphasise the difference between your top and bottom half. It is better to avoid skirts with clingy and body-hugging fabric as well. Skirts you can wear other than a flared skirt are A-line skirt, pleated skirts, and circular/full skirts. 17

HOURGLASS If you are an hourglass-shaped woman, then go ahead and dress to accentuate your genetic luck as this figure is traditionally regarded as the perfect female shape. A woman with an hourglass figure has a well-defined waist. The waist is comparatively smaller than the bust and hips, and the hips and shoulders are of about the same size. While dressing for their body shape, most women desire to create the illusion of the hourglass shape. So, if you're an hourglass body, you have a naturally balanced upper and lower body. Hence, you need to wear a skirt that flaunts your curves. Even though you can wear pretty much anything, the best skirt to accentuate your hourglass curves is a tailored pencil skirt. This skirt is perfect for smoothing out your hips and thighs as it does not add unnecessary bulk with any excess fabric. In the pencil skirt, opt for solid, neutral, and rich, deep colours, and avoid wild prints and patterns. The hemline can be just above or below the knees or down at the ankle; the aim is to have a hem that falls at the narrowest part of your lower body. Do not pair your skirt with big belts and voluminous smock tops as these just kill the elegance of your figure. Another skirt preferable to your body shape is the wrap skirt (especially in silk or viscose fabric). A straight skirt is an acceptable alternative if you find a pencil skirt too figure-hugging. Avoid skirts will stiff fabrics as these will only fight your curves rather than flattering them. Avoid skirts with ostentatious details, such as ruffles.

BANANA OR RECTANGLE A rectangle-shaped (even called 'straight shape') woman is one who has a bust line equal in size to her hips. She appears to be 'straight' as there is little to no waist definition. If you have a banana shape, your weight is evenly distributed throughout your body as your bust-line and shoulders are almost of the same width as your hips. Being a bananashaped body, you look best in body-conscious miniskirts. However, within these short skirts, you have lots to choose from. The ideal skirt for you will be an asymmetrical, short wrap skirt. This ticks all the boxes for complementing your figure. This skirt is perfect for highlighting your curves. The short hemline helps flaunt your toned legs and the asymmetry in the hem creates the illusion of slightly larger hips. You can pair your short skirt with a belt to accentuate your waist. Wearing a top with details, such as ruffles, adds fullness to the bust and completes the curvy look. Other short skirts you can opt for are the pencil and tiered skirts. Mid-length trumpet and full skirts also work well for your body shape. These skirt silhouettes work best to give a more curvy appearance. Your body shape is made to rock skirts with texture! A textured skirt or a short skirt with ruffles is perfect for adding volume to your hips and creating extra curves. Avoid skirts that make you appear straighter in the figure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ayesha AR is a fashion design student, working to fulfil her drive for being a part of the creative industry. What began as a hobby turned into a passion as she grew up. Preparing for medical studies her whole life, this brown girl didn’t want to become another involuntary doctor, and so she dropped her passed medical entrance examination and pursued fashion design. She showcased her skills as a designer in the form of her up-cycled, sustainable 3-piece garment in FASTE 2019, which won her awards. She continues to learn and work hard to achieve her dreams.

www.jacquieaiche.com

Super Fresh Models: Kamilla Kiss Csenge Horvath Zsofia Turczer Photo: Jozsef Balogh Assistant: Balazs Farkas Retouch: Anna Petrova Makeup Artists: Liv Rideg Aradi Nora Erdosi Lorinc Nora Hair: Talpai Szablcs Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary

A Dapper’s Guide TO BUTTONING SUIT JACKETS There are rules to buttoning a suit jacket. These rules are regarded as conventional in the fashion field, and it is recommended to follow these guidelines if you want to look your best.

WHERE DO THE SUIT BUTTONING RULES COME FROM? Not just a mere sartorial quirk, there’s some history behind the suit-buttoning rules. When men first started wearing suits, there were no formal buttoning rules. Men button their suit jackets in a way that pleased them. A popular theory credits King Edward VII with starting the trend to leave the last button of a waistcoat, or vest, undone, in the 1900s. With a legendary appetite, Edward became so fat he couldn’t do up the bottom button on his waistcoat. So that he didn’t feel bad about his figure, his court copied this habit, and it soon caught on in all of Britain. King Edward VII also set the trend for unbuttoning the bottom of suit jackets. Edward left the bottom button undone as a throwback to when suit jackets were worn as riding coats and to look less common. In the beginning, suits were meant more for casual wear and were even worn when riding horses. They had three buttons, and as the third button sat below the waist, it had to be unbuttoned for the jacket to be comfortable when sitting atop a horse.

WHY DO WE FOLLOW THE BUTTONING RULES TODAY?

SUIT

Nowadays, it is fashionable for suit jackets and blazers to have two-buttons. However, as the tradition has been to leave the last button undone for such a long time, suits and waistcoats are actually designed for this purpose. Whether it’s a sports jacket, blazer, suit jacket or waistcoat, they’re now cut in such a way as to drape (and look) best when the bottom button is undone.

FASHION TIP:

By following the suit button rules, you’re not only paying homage to the origin of suits but also signalling that you’re in the know. You care about putting effort into your appearance. This small action to pay respect to the past will help you command respect today. What are these rules exactly? It depends on whether you’re wearing a single or doublebreasted jacket, or a waistcoat, and how many buttons your jacket has. Note, this guide applies to a regular cut jacket, and not something like a paddock-cut jacket.

HOW TO BUTTON THE SINGLE-BREASTED SUIT JACKET THE ONE-BUTTON SUIT JACKET •

Button when standing and unbutton when sitting.

THE TWO-BUTTON SUIT JACKET •

When standing, always fasten the top button and unbutton only when sitting.

THE THREE-BUTTON SUIT JACKET • • •

Fastening the top button is optional. Always fasten the middle button. Never fasten the third button.

HOW TO BUTTON THE DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT JACKET

example, a 6x2 jacket has six buttons but only two buttonholes.

The total number of buttons on the jacket front is written first, followed by the number of working buttons. For

Most commonly, only one column, the one furthest towards the edge of the front flap, contains the working buttons. The other visible buttons are for decorative purposes. Quality double-breasted suits will also generally have at least one functional inner button parallel to the working button. This fastens the suit from the inside and helps the fabric drape more nicely over your body.

Double-breasted suits are designed to be buttoned up, because of the overlapping front flaps that would otherwise hang loose if left unbuttoned. Only when you sit are the buttons unfastened. Double-breasted jackets are described according to their button configuration.

THE TWO-BUTTON DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT JACKET A two-button 2x1 double-breasted suit is not commonly seen today because it’s thought of as a relic of the 80s. However, it’s the least uncomplicated button. •

Button the one (and only) working button

THE FOUR-BUTTON DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT JACKET

Though not the most popular style, four-button double-breasted suit jackets are timeless and classic. The 4x1 is more common than the 4x2. • For the 4x1, you only need to fasten the bottom working button. • For the 4x2, fasten either the top, bottom or both buttons.

THE SIX-BUTTON DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT JACKET

The most popular style of six-button doublebreasted suit has the top two buttons on the jacket breast spaced more widely apart. This creates a very flattering silhouette by accentuating a man’s V-shape figure. You’ll most likely see 6x2 doublebreasted jackets, but other variations are possible. Though it’s traditional to button the bottom button, most men leave the bottom button undone for a more nonchalant air. • For the 6x2, fasten both of the buttons for a classic look or leave the bottom button undone for effortless suave.

MORE THAN SIX BUTTONS

Double-breasted suit jackets with more than six buttons do exist, but they’re rare. When buttoning up, it’s important to pay attention to how you button both the inside and outside buttons, as the wrong button fastened can pull the fabric and make it look off-kilter.

HOW TO BUTTON A VEST

The rules for buttoning a vest or waistcoat are much easier to follow. No matter how many buttons your vest has, the following guidelines apply.

SINGLE-BREASTED VEST •

Fasten all buttons except for the last bottom button.

DOUBLE-BREASTED VEST

• Fasten all buttons at all times. • For comfort when sitting, you can undo the bottom button on the outer edge.

With the knowledge on how to button your suit jacket or vest, you’ll always pull off a suit impeccably. It’s the small details that count, and will make the most of your effort to dress up. 29

Modern Nefertiti Model: Renata Hamikus Photo: Jozsef Balogh Retouch: Anna Petrova Headpiece: Virag Kerenyi Makeup and Concept: Liv Rideg Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary

Sensitive Skin:

BEAUTY STASH RECOMMENDATIONS

Skincare is an essential activity in taking care of our aesthetic wellness. Healthy and glowing skin is our main aim to achieve. For this reason, we make sure that our hygiene and beauty routines are fit for our skin types. Some skin types need less treatment and maintenance, while others may need more due to specific concerns borne by genetics and environmental effects. In this article, we will talk about products you can use if you have sensitive skin.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED ‘SENSITIVE SKIN’?

Sensitive skin is a common condition, but it should not be regarded as a medical diagnosis in itself. People with sensitive skin are prone to inflammation, redness or strong side effects, and they may have strong reactions to chemicals, dyes, and fragrances present in products that come into contact with the skin. If your skin becomes inflamed or stings after using a formula, especially one that contains fragrance, alcohol, or harsh exfoliants, you are generally considered to have a sensitive skin type.

THE SYMPTOMS OF SENSITIVE SKIN MAY APPEAR IN MANY WAYS, INCLUDING: • rashes or hives • patches of redness • breaking out • stinging or burning sensations, with or without noticeable changes in the skin

BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR SENSITIVE SKINCARE CLINIQUE REDNESS SOLUTIONS SOOTHING CLEANSER

Most toners and cleansers are formulated for normal or combination skin types, and some even contain alcohols that may cause stinging and inflammation. Clinique has developed an ideal cleanser for sensitive skin perfect for keeping your skin clean from dirt, bringing together a soothing sensation that calms redness and soothes irritation.

CETAPHIL GENTLE SKIN CLEANSING CLOTH

This brand has cemented its name in gentle skincare. Its cleansing cloth is ideal even for the most sensitive skin types.

NATIO SENSITIVE SKIN DELICATE EYE CREAM

The eye area has the thinnest layer of skin in the face. To avoid irritation, use an eye cream fit for sensitive skin like Natio Sensitive.

BURTS BEES SENSITIVE NIGHT CREAM

A beeswax-based regenerative formula for overnight moisturising for sensitive, reactive skin.

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS RED - BETTER FLARE-UP BALM

A perfect balm to soothe skin irritation and inflammation with its moisturising and antiinflammatory ingredients.

AVENE INSTANT SOOTHING MASK

Dry and sensitive skin go hand-in-hand, so adequate hydration is also crucial. Avene Instant Soothing Mask instantly delivers soothing moisturisation without the irritation.

KIEHLS CALENDULA HERBAL EXTRACT ALCOHOL-FREE TONER AESOP CAMELLIA NUT FACIAL HYDRATING CREAM

Camellia Nut, which has calming and restorative properties, is one of the ideal ingredients in this ultrahydrating cream that is perfect for both dry and sensitive skin.

Most toners in the market have added alcohols and parabens, which makes them irritating to sensitive skin. Adding this alcoholfree toner in your sensitive skin care routine is worth the deal.

LUCAS PAWPAW OINTMENT

This multipurpose ointment is a cult-favourite around the world. Use it as a hydrating base under your lipstick, or apply it in skin rashes and minor irritations as a skinsoothing cream and protectant.

JOSIE MARAN 100% PURE ARGAN OIL Made from 100% pure organic argan oil, this multipurpose beauty oil offers wondrous benefits to hair and skin with its anti-inflammatory properties and Vitamin E-rich moisturisation.

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY TWINKLE POP STICK EYESHADOW This wonderful eye product is free from parabens and sulphates, perfect for those with highly sensitive skin in the eye area.

BOBBI BROWN FOUNDATION STICK

SKIN

Sensitive skin can also find relief in wearing this hydrating and weightless foundation for all-day wear.

PHYSICAN’S FORMULA ORGANIC WEAR CC CREAM Ideally formulated for even the most sensitive skin types, this lightweight CC cream delivers colour correcting coverage and skin-nourishing benefits, and certified cruelty-free and hypoallergenic.

ALCHEMY UNSCENTED VERY GENTLE SHAMPOO INIKA MINERAL FOUNDATION

Mineral foundations like Inika offer lightweight wear and superb satin finish that is non-comedogenic and natural.

The scalp is often neglected as a sensitive skin area. Consider trying gentle shampoos like Alchemy which is unscented and ideally formulated for hypersensitive skin.

KORA ORGANICS DAILY HAND CREAM

Kora Organics Daily Hand Cream is rich and replenishing, with restorative ingredients that are also natural and organic.

NEUTROGENA SENSITIVE SKIN SUNSCREEN BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 60+ Sensitive skin is most vulnerable to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Get a broad-spectrum sunscreen fit for sensitive skin like Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ for high protection.

DOVE SENSITIVE BODY WASH

SKIN

A drugstore and supermarket favourite, Dove offers soothing hydration with its sensitive care range that includes a creamy body wash.

Liv Rideg is an award-winning professional makeup artist and hairstylist with 21 years of experience in the beauty industry. She is currently based in Europe but has worked across the globe, including a spell in Dubai. Liv specialises in bridal, beauty, glamour, creative and fantasy makeup. She has also been teaching makeup techniques and different styles since 2010.

Sparkling Beauty for Inglot Model: Renata Hamikus Photo: Jozsef Balogh Retouch: Anna Petrova Hair and Makeup: Liv Rideg Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary

Royal Beauty for Inglot Model: Model: Kiss Kamilla Headpiece: Millasonjascouture Photo: Jozsef Balogh Retouch: Anna Petrova Hair and Makeup: Liv Rideg Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary 37

Al Huwelat Street, Villa No 15 - 4 Al Bateen , Al Falah St - Abu Dhabi, Tel: 02 666 0175

EMMA BARBER Managing Director:

DGrade

dgradeclothing dgradeclothing

www.dgrade.com 39

1. Tell us about yourself and what brought you to the UAE. I moved to the Middle East 15 years ago, initially to Kuwait and then to Dubai in 2010, where I was Director for leading retail fashion brands including Reiss, Lipsy, Koton and New Look. I do love the fashion industry; but the more I learned about the industry’s environmental impact, the more I wanted to move to a position where I could do something about it. Overconsumption and many of the current manufacturing methods are unsustainable. So, in 2017, I left fashion retail to join DGrade, the company my husband Kris set up to provide sustainable clothing manufacturing solutions. The UAE has been my home for over ten years. I love it here, and I love the environment which fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. There’s also a real passion from the government and communities to improve sustainability and reduce our impact on the environment. 2. Tell us about DGrade and its mission. Our mission at DGrade is to divert plastic from landfill and provide a sustainable solution for clothing and accessory production. We do this by recycling plastic bottles, a Type 1 PET plastic, into high-quality yarn, which is woven to create more than 200 types. By recycling, we are diverting plastic from landfill and saving oil a finite resource from consumption. Compared to virgin polyester yarn, our manufacturing process uses 50% less energy, 20% less water, and produces 55% fewer carbon emissions. We primarily serve the B2B market, helping companies close the loop by recycling their plastic into uniforms and branded clothing and accessories. 3. Tell us about how DGrade supports the community. In addition to providing a greener method for yarn production, which is better for the environment, we also run our #SimplyBottles recycling initiative. This initiative works with events, companies, and 200 schools in the UAE to collect and recycle plastic bottles. Recycling rates currently sit at about 8% for plastic in the UAE, so through #SimplyBottles, we run educational programmes and facilitate plastic recycling making it easier for communities to recycle. This programme aims to capture as much PET plastic as possible to prevent it from going to landfill, as well as educating people about plastic. The initiative also supports the government’s UAE Vision 2030 to divert plastic from landfill. Reducing landfill and reducing our reliance on resources is a positive outcome for all communities. We also run activities like desert clean-ups which help make our communities cleaner and safer.

4. Talk to us about your involvement with Expo 2020. Sustainability is a key pillar for Expo 2020 Dubai. In 2018, we were awarded the license to produce sustainable merchandise for Expo 2020 that includes t-shirts, caps and other clothing made from recycled plastic bottles. By selecting DGrade to produce these products, Expo 2020 provides a sustainable solution for merchandise that otherwise would have had a higher environmental footprint. DGrade’s production also reduces waste and saves resources. 5. Tell us a surprising fact about the market you work in. In 99% of cases, plastic is by far the greenest packaging option as long as it is recycled being much more environmentally friendly than paper, glass or aluminium all of which require much more energy and release more carbon emissions in production and transportation. PET plastic is incredibly easy to recycle; plastics, in general, were made to be recycled again and again. The problem with plastic is really about human behaviour: people create litter and need to take more responsibility to ensure that the plastic they use is eventually segregated and collected. 6. What would you say is the biggest common misconception that you encounter in your business? The biggest misconception is that most people believe that plastics are the biggest pollutant of the planet. In fact, plastic of all kinds makes up only 15% of all waste but tends to get 100% of negative press coverage. The fact that plastic is so visible on beaches, deserts, seas, etc. is light and can be blown around, unlike glass and tin that sink or remain in the rubbish dumps. We need to focus on cleaning up all kinds of waste and ensuring that plastic is being collected and recycled as it is a valuable resource. 7. How do you envisage your company changing the industry in the coming years? Companies and individuals are really beginning to see the value of recycling and producing clothing more sustainably. We focus a lot on education through events, companies, schools and our digital platforms to not only create awareness for recycling

but tangibly demonstrate that when people make a choice to recycle, they can be confident that their plastic waste is, in fact, being recycled into new, high-quality useful products. Because of this, we believe we will see more companies switching to sustainable uniforms and merchandise. We are also working on providing quality recycled plastic as a solution for local beverage companies to utilize recycled plastic in their beverage containers. 8. What are your thoughts on the current pace of digital transformation in your industry? This past year, industries across the globe felt the need to increase their reliance on digital technology due to the pandemic and our industry is no different. In addition to meetings, we’ve also had to adapt our workshops for delivery via online platforms. In terms of marketing, digital was already a core component of our marketing strategy but we’ve increased our focus on this area as it provides an important means of engaging our audiences. The other important element is CRM, though CRM has been around for some time. Software developers are improving the way we can utilize marketing data to reach customers more efficiently and effectively. In terms of the recycling industry itself, there are a lot of exciting things happening. We’re currently working on a reverse vending machine programme which will reward customers for recycling. The partner we’re working with is working on developing a digital platform that enriches customer experience by rewarding people for recycling. 9. What advice would you give to women looking to move into c-suite positions? Many women suffer from ‘imposter syndrome’ where they feel that they don’t deserve to be in a senior role. We need to believe in ourselves, using the experience that took us here to boost our confidence. We also need to truly understand the value that a female perspective can have on making important business decisions. Any woman given an executive position is there through merit, hard work and ability and she needs to own that right. She is as valid as any male counterpart. 43

10. Any major lessons you’ve learnt along your career journey? You can’t please all the people all of the time. Sometimes, you do have to make difficult decisions for the good of the company, and you cannot be everyone’s friend. Sometimes, being the boss means being tough. However, it is also crucial to be open and honest, and create teams, so employees feel they are part of something and set clear goals to know what is expected of them. While it is not always easy to make work fun, it is important to keep a good team spirit going and create lighter moments whenever possible. 11. How do you look after your mental health? It’s been such a tough year for everyone and my coping mechanism is definitely exercising. I find it’s good to release tension through doing a regular workout routine. I also try to stay healthy through home cooking, and I also find chocolate helps! 12. What’s that one quote you live by? I’m not sure if this is a quote, but I try to live my life by the saying, “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” It’s human nature to want to be respected and valued; we expect others to treat us this way so we should do the same. The world needs more love and respect.

TAKING LESSONS

ROBERT BU SH Company name: MAJLIS PARTNERS www.cajarymajlis.com

robertbushjr

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY.

At 13 years old, I got up early in the morning during my high school days and took 2 to 3 buses to school. I travelled for 3 hours a day by myself. This journey taught me discipline and independence, and I learned that the world was much bigger than the small city in which I lived. My first entrepreneurial venture was selling rap lyrics in 1980. I was 14 years old at a boys’ school run by Jesuits. My friends were trying to understand what the rappers were saying in their songs. A very famous song called Rappers Delight came out. It was a smash hit. I wrote the lyrics. I asked my mom to make 50 copies and sold them for $1 apiece. $50 was a lot of money for a 14-year-old in 1980. After 20 years, I co-founded a company called Marco Polo Network, a fintech company before fintech was a thing. We connected US investors to stock markets and local brokers in the emerging and developing markets in more than 20 countries. Fortunately, we sold the business, but it came at an incredible cost of personal relationships, poor work-life balance, and opportunity cost. My entrepreneurial journey is filled with a lot of bumps and mistakes along the way. I tend to remember my mistakes more than my successes, but that does not mean that I learned more from my mistakes. I think that most people have it wrong when they say you learn more from your mistakes than successes. Maybe for some that is true, but for me, it is clear that it is better to learn how to do a thing well rather than learn how to do a thing poorly.

WHY BANKING AS A CAREER?

I never choose banking as a career, per se. Banking, like law, or teaching, or whatever profession, should be about service. Choosing a profession that allows one to use his or her skills to positively impact others is really my career objective. At different points in my career, I focused on law, technology, banking, or government advisory. They all had a common purpose: to figure out how to add as much value as I could to clients or customers.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A STARTUP AS YOU EVALUATE IT FOR A POTENTIAL INVESTMENT? There are three primary things I evaluate.

The main one by far is market timing. The data is pretty clear: in the startup space, it is better to be in a growing market and invest in a competent company than be in a failing market and invest in an excellent company. A rising tide tends to lift all boats, yes; the better boats rise faster, but even the not so good boats can do well. Then, there is this so-called entrepreneur product fit, which is all about team and team chemistry: do they have the skills required? The right temperament? And also, access to the right network. Lastly, I also look for evidence of product-market fit: is there demand? Is the startup able to offer real differentiation? By the way, sometimes the differentiation is not necessarily innovative in the sense of novelty; sometimes, the startup offers something that a lot of people already consume—it is just manufactured faster, offered cheaper, or even distributed smarter.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST APPROACH TO PITCHING? The best pitches start with asking this question prior to the pitch itself: why would the person you want to pitch to care about the problem you are trying to solve? I rarely listen to pitches. I prefer to see the presentation first. Remember that most consumers of the product or service will never see the pitch. So, how your idea, or product or service, translates in the most sterile, most challenging, and the most competitive environments is the real test.

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET YOU EXCITED AND WILLING TO COMMIT? Evidence of their commitment. Did they quit their job or is this just a side hustle? What evidence is there that their commitment is contagious? Do they have clients, employees, or other investors as enthusiastic or committed as they are?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAROLD SELF?

Why would I want to give my 20-year-old self any advice? At 20, I was a sponge. Learning everything, taking chances, optimistic—even friendly. So, I suppose that the best advice I could give my 20-year-old self is not to let life with its deadlines and mortgages steal my joy. Just do it! So long as the “doing” does not compromise my ethics and principles—do it. So in a way, it is my younger 20-year-old self receiving advice from my older 55-year-old self not to forget my 20-year-old self! 50

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE UAE AS A PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK?

I never felt that the UAE was an active decision, actually, and similarly, how my career has developed. I try to ride the tide and do a good job at whatever I am focusing on, and it always leads to more opportunities.

I came to visit the UAE in 1990 and fell in love with the people and culture. I remember meeting this older gentleman who was in his 70s; he asked me what I was doing in the UAE. I told him I was on vacation. He laughed. The advice he gave me has stuck with me for 30 years. He said, “We don’t need you here. But we want you here”. I am paraphrasing the rest of our conversation, which was essentially him saying that I should connect with the Emiratis or Arabs, or whatever people, with my heart and not just with my head. I have used that approach ever since. And so far it has served me well.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I believe that the secret to sustainable success is service. The more people you are able to serve, the more money you can make, and the more intangible rewards will come your way: friendships, gratitude by others, status and earnest money, which all stem from giving. People often underestimate the power of giving the first gift.

We are all human. We all have serious flaws. I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting some truly awesome people, so I tend to take traits or characteristics from many people to serve as my inspiration.

I am motivated by trying to create an impact. I believe that we all have a duty to try to affect this world in some way that goes beyond ourselves. The impact does not have to be measured in scope–as to millions of people, or millions of dollars, or over a long period of time. But true impact is measured in intensity: did you alter someone, anyone’s life for the better today?

Prayer, lots of prayer. As a Christian, we are taught to pray in the evening, and say grace before dinner. I find that if I don’t constantly pray, I will do stupid things.

WHO INSPIRES YOU WITH AWE, AND WHY?

I am not easily awed. One of the reasons why I spend so much time in the UAE is because of the leadership started by Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid that has continued with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid.

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

I remember my first month in Dubai, working for the Government of Dubai. Sultan bin Sulayem stopped our meeting so that he and the team could say their prayers. I did not want to look out of place by sitting at the table alone, so I kneeled down beside him and the team and said my Christian prayers while they said their Muslim prayers. It was a very special moment for me. Or maybe I am just competitive and did not want them to get to heaven before me! 51

WE ARE NOW IN A POSITION WHERE THERE ARE VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR COVID-19. HOW DOES THIS IMPACT THE SPEED AT WHICH THE ECONOMY WILL RECOVER, AND WHAT DOES THAT PROCESS LOOK LIKE? On a historical perspective, the challenges and outcomes of past public health crises are instructive. Take, for example, the influenza pandemic from WWI, just over a century ago. But there are limitations in using historical analogies, so it is important to understand both the similarities and differences of the events you are comparing. The similarities, as I see it, is that there is no vaccine at the height of the pandemic, as well as an overwhelmed US healthcare system and lack of medical supplies. The circumstantial differences, on the other hand, include the speed and efficiency of the information exchange brought about by the 24-hour news cycle and an active, thriving social media cosmopolis; significant scientific advancements over the last century, and the dramatic improvement in the ability to efficiently organise an internationally coordinated response. With regards to the prediction of community or mass behaviour, we should look into the contrast provided to us between the community responses of the cities of Philadelphia and St. Louis. In Philadelphia, the health commissioner ignored medical experts’ warnings and proceeded to have a parade to support the war effort, claiming that everything will be okay, and it will “just go away”. Two hundred thousand people packed the streets. A few days later, every hospital in the city was overrun with infected patients. Thousands died. St. Louis, on the other hand, heeded warnings almost immediately: the city banned public gatherings exceeding twenty people, and closed schools, theatres, and churches for several weeks. The death rate per capita was less than half of Philadelphia.

THE BEHAVIOR ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE

Crisis: highlight strengths and highlight weaknesses. Very few people, companies, countries, can shift their mentality or operations to act differently before the crisis. As I see it, there are four basic levels of responsiveness: Fast Movers, Fast Followers, Slow Movers, Slow Followers.

WHICH SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY ARE LIKELY TO RECOVER THE FASTEST? AND WHICH IS THE SLOWEST? The same sectors of the economy that have recovered during previous crises will also recover the fastest in this pandemic. These are the characteristics that successful sectors have: assetlight, top quartile in cash position, hence the financial stamina, and low debt burden. Following the ‘Power Law’, 10 percent of the world’s companies will also recover the fastest. The Power Law states that 90 percent of economic profit is earned by about 10 percent of the companies, and we see it across most industries and sectors. On the other hand, hierarchical, matrix-driven organisations tend to move more slowly.

WHAT STRATEGIES SHOULD BUSINESSES BE PUTTING IN PLACE TO HELP THEM MAKE A FULL RECOVERY? There are tried and true strategies. First, create a unique or differentiated product or solution. Secondly, do so with the lowest cost of capital possible. Then, scale comes because your customers or your stakeholders are your ambassadors. Lastly, rinse–and repeat.

WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

Quotes are like music and food. It depends on one’s mood. At the moment, given this interview, the following quote comes to mind: “It takes a boy three years to learn how to talk. But more than fifty to learn when to shut up.” On that note, are we done yet? 53

TALENT POOL Dorian Paul Rogers pauldtheripy pauldtheripy

www.rooftoprhythms.org

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE UAE.

My name is Dorian Paul Rogers. I’m an educator, hip hop artist, poet and events curator. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Albany, Georgia. I moved to Abu Dhabi in 2011 to get a change of scene in the educational field, and to have an international travelling experience to try new things.

HOW HAVE THE PERFORMING ARTS IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?

Performing arts have impacted my life tremendously. As a freshman at Florida State University in 2001, someone introduced me to performance poetry. I was just blown away that you could do something that’s socially seen as hip or cool, and at the same time have an intellectual, artistic experience. It was a perfect balance for me to find an art form that was

cool, hip, and positive. I met so many people by joining various communities.I joined BackTalk Poetry Troupe in Tallahassee, Florida, and the Southern Fried Poetry Slam community. I started competing, which led me to university bookings, to perform as a featured artist. It led me to travel all over the world. Once I moved to Abu Dhabi, I was able to visit different countries and perform. It really has brought me into a community into an extended family of poets and artists, as my own family really didn’t have reunions, and things of that nature. To join a larger community of poets and artists, it really made me feel welcomed. It helped me to develop my identity, and individuality as well as creative, and critical thought. It helped me to grow as an artist and a person.

TELL US ABOUT ROOFTOP RHYTHMS AND ITS IMPACT. Rooftop Rhythms started in 2012, as I wanted to bring a lot of the Western-style poetry open mics that I was used to in America. I wanted to bring it to the UAE, as there were a lot of Westerners here. It really just took off, and it just started as a monthly open mic. In America, if you have 30 to 40 people at an open mic, that’s a success, as there’s so much to do there socially, as many people know. There are a lot of poetry open mics. When I moved here, that was kind of the bar that I set. It would be good to have an intimate crowd of people and professionals that can come together in a positive way. From the first show, it was just a major success at about 100 people. It has grown so much since, but bigger than the numbers, I think the impact of the show is that it gave people a platform to share positive self-expression. We know poetry and positive self-expression reduces depression and lowers incidences of suicide as people feel like they have a voice. From this platform, I believe we’ve inspired other open mics as there are multiple events and porch open mics around the UAE. I believe that we have helped to improve the craft of poetry as having this monthly platform, which is welcoming to so many artists. I believe they have the opportunity to improve their art and their craft and become professionals. Many poets now can command pay fees for their performances. We hope that we have helped impact the artists’ economy in the UAE. Ultimately, we hope that we also have been able to promote locally based artists to the world, especially with our virtual events that we do now. We’re able to show lovers or portray around the world that we have a cosmopolitan community in the UAE, and we have talented artists. It’s just great that we’re able to share all of the talent that is here in the UAE.

HOW IS BEING A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT TO OTHER FORMS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP? I think creative entrepreneurship is very similar to other forms of entrepreneurship. I know that when it comes to poetry entrepreneurship in the UAE, I really felt like I had to do a lot to educate potential clients and partners about how poetry or performance poetry should be viewed as a fine art. If you research the definition of fine art, poetry will be there amongst visual art and theatre. I think a lot of times it is a forgotten art form. Often, people in the traditional establishment tend to look at poetry as a street art; for example, like how graffiti may have been viewed in the early to mid-80s. The establishment saw it more as a poor man’s art form, until people like best guys came along and lifted it to a higher platform and proved that it was a fine art.

A big part of my work has been to establish spoken word and performance poetry as a fine art and many institutions in the UAE such as the Art Centre at NYU, US Embassy, Louvre, Mother of the Nation Festival, and Warehouse Four to One. Many other institutions have supported performance poetry and brought it into their spaces and galleries, which has helped us get poetry the proper respect. I think a lot about creative entrepreneurship is about helping people realise the beauty and importance of your work, as opposed to other entrepreneurship fields. Often, there are already markets, supply and demand chains already set up. I feel like the creative industries a lot of times have to, build the groundwork and build from the bottom up and build the respect and appreciation so that you can be valued for what you do.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ASPIRING CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR? One of my mentors, Alton Ramsey, told me that you always have to focus on your name, character and reputation, as that will open many doors for you. I think many of us get caught up in the opportunity; we run into opportunities. We can become opportunistic at times where we may take certain things for the money, or we do things to have come up, and so on another promoter or events planner. When you get caught up in the competition or the opportunism, you can often compromise your name and your reputation. Sometimes, if you take the long game, or keep the long game in mind, and understand that business is more of a marathon, you invest more in your brand and your reputation, and you try to do things, or make decisions that can reflect well on who you are as a person. Ultimately, when opportunities may come about. Hopefully, people will reach out to you, if you focus on your name, your reputation and character; they may reach out to you, win their opportunities, and not the person that’s making $2 million, or has the biggest events with the biggest crowds, they may want someone that they can trust. It’s important that you focus on good customer service and professionalism. Whether it be the person who walks in the door or every performer that you encounter, treat them with the same respect, and hopefully, this attitude will stay with you throughout your career and give you longevity. That’s the biggest thing I recommend to a young creative entrepreneur: to focus on your name, character, reputation. Lastly, do not be afraid of failure. I failed

many times, but each time I would go down the road and realise that, okay, that particular road is a dead end. There was no shame or disappointment in that failure because it helped me to refine my vision. Although, I don’t succeed at everything I do now, that lack of fear, and making sure you’re well-researched, and what you’re trying to do, it helps you because you will be able to find the right opportunity that fits you and your brand if you’re not afraid to fail.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN ASPIRING POET? You have to love reading if you love writing. I encourage people to find poets, who they feel set a certain bar or standard in writing. Do not copy their style, but to learn techniques from different artists. Also to appreciate the art form in general. Another thing for an aspiring poet is don’t get caught up in comparison and attachment. It is so easy in life to want and be like poets. You may lose the fact that you have a great story and a voice.

The more a person detaches from other people’s approval, the more that they can find their own voice. I would highly recommend aspiring poets to dedicate time to the craft, learn the tools, become a strong writer and performer, and not get caught up in comparing or attaching their satisfaction or happiness to what other people think of them. Also, don’t be afraid to get the work out there because many of us are caught in perfectionism. Maybe, we say I can’t release a book because it’s not good enough yet, or I can’t record an album because I don’t have enough money for the right equipment. You have to document the journey of your legacy. Ten years or twenty years from now, you can look back and have evidence of your growth and your journey.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE POEM? IF YES, CAN YOU PERFORM IT FOR US?

My favourite poem is called How to Draw a Blank. It’s probably one of my signature pieces, which I’m most known by. It’s about a writer’s block or the concept of writer’s block where I basically tried to establish that as a myth, it doesn’t really exist and that we all need this time of hibernation or space, when we feel frustrated, to just rest, and rejuvenate. If you take pressure off of yourself, one day, you will create again.

A POET NO ONE’S HEARD OF BUT SHOULD. WHO IS IT?

I’m a big fan of Pages Matam. He’s a dynamic performer. He’s mastered the art of page poetry, and stage poetry. Stage is the performance side and pages is how it looks if it’s published. That’s something I’ve always admired as I mostly started as a spoken word artist, and I’m trying to establish myself as a page poet. It’s very rare that same poem can be read well on paper, and it sounds great as well. Pages Matam I would say is one of them. He’s a Washington, DC-based poet. In the UAE, I would say Ziad Gadou. He’s an Egyptian poet. He’s growing as far as notoriety—a very talented young man, very humble, and very creative.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK. My new book is called The Million Mile Stare. I’m very excited. It’s a collaboration with my sister Gabrielle Flores. It’s four years in the making. It’s a portrait collection and adult colouring book. During these tough times around the world with COVID-19 and a lot of people dealing with mental health stress, we thought it would be great to have a book where people could also contribute to the art by having these somewhat intricate black and white drawings done by my sister. While they’re

reading the poetry, they can reflect on some of the illustrations and colour them. Although the idea came way before the pandemic, we know that adult colouring can reduce stress. When the pandemic happened, we felt motivated and inspired to finish the project and to get it out during these tough times. The Million Mile Stare is based loosely on a war term called The Thousand Yard Stare. That’s related to soldiers at war, when they face traumatic incidents. You may see this like a soulless-looking gaze. It’s like a military-related term for people who have suffered some type of shell shock and are like gazed off and lost. It is an exaggerated form of that term, relating to how many of us oftentimes face trauma and stress because of things that we’ve seen in our lives. It kind of covers some of my childhood and adulthood as a bi-racial child growing up in South Georgia and some of the issues I face as well with my father. The book touches on some of those experiences or some of my life experiences. Hopefully, it can resonate with others who have also faced personal struggles in their lives and can use this book as some form of catharsis, to heal from their own experiences.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I always felt misunderstood as a bi-racial child growing up and not feeling like I ever fit in, or I was never understood, or I didn’t have a voice when I was younger. Through poetry in the arts, I feel like I’ve really developed my voice as a person. I’m motivated to share my story and my creativity. Creativity motivates me. Sometimes it’s an idea; it’s the name of an event that may pop into my head or a name of a book or a phrase that becomes a song. I get excited about the arts in general. It may be an art exhibit idea or an event concept. I feel like I’m cool. If this idea is cool to me, then I believe it will resonate with others. At times it does. It’s just fun to create.

FINISH THE QUOTE, “POETRY IS………..”

Poetry is a calling. Some people tell me they are thinking about writing poetry, or they think they want to be a poet. My natural reaction is to say that if you think you’re a poet, you are a poet. I think it’s one of Allah’s many gifts that he gives to people. Some people are meant to be great teachers, or mothers, or business people. I think the reason that Allah gives these talents is for us to glorify Him and to bring others to God. You’re a poet if you see the world differently. A leaf could be dangling from a tree limb, without a branch or anything like that. It’s just dangling and ends up being a spider or a spider web attaching it to the tree. The way it moves freely may inspire someone. Many other people may walk by and say, okay, there’s a leaf dangling from a tree, but a poet sees the world differently and may attach that mental image to something way deeper, or like birth, or an umbilical cord or something. I think poets are born that way. We have this unique gift of seeing the world differently and being able to express things in ways that others may not be able to naturally.

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Voices

HELEN MARIA TUCKER Founder & CEO of Women Talk™ UK & UAE helenmariatucker.com womentalktodayuae meetup.com/Women-Talk-Today WomenTalkTodayUAE 63

Award-winning entrepreneur and CEO Helen Maria Tucker, recipient of the 2020 Dubai Awards GCC ‘’Woman of Wonder (WOW) I Conquer’’, has over 25 years of mentorship and leadership experience with developing women’s skills, knowledge, and passions. As an author and career expert, she inspires, encourages, and stimulates women’s development acting as a catalyst for change, making a difference in their lives. Under her guidance and mentorship, the Women Talk team organises and delivers networking events, personal and professional skills development seminars, courses, coaching sessions, entrepreneurship programmes and work-life and selfcare retreats. Out and About Magazine is proud to present Helen in our Second Anniversary Issue to highlight the strong roles of women in the world that we live in today.

I would describe myself as a person who is futurefocused. I’m driven by having a strong sense of selfmeaning. I’m an expert in career management and a catalyst for women’s development. I have always had a passion for women and young girls’ progress, especially encouraging women to find their voice. My purpose has been to create award-winning programmes, courses and seminars that help them consider other options in life, and take control of their career, lives, and business. On a personal level, I have three adult children and four grandchildren, living in the UK and Dubai. My parents are from West Africa and Sierra Leone. My grandfather, being a ship engineer, settled in Liverpool because it was the port he was familiar with whenever he travelled. When my mother came to the UK to pursue her nursing career, she settled in Liverpool, met my father, where my twin sister and I were born. I have a younger brother and younger sister. Growing up in the north of England (Liverpool) was very challenging, we went through trying times, and we experienced high levels of racial discrimination, lack of jobs, and for a young girl growing up, I guess I had to develop a strong sense of self-belief and identity. This has shaped my career and helped me to develop strong leadership skills.

WOMEN TALK UK & UAE

I’m so pleased to be introducing you to Women Talk, a network of women which spans across three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, supporting and promoting 64

issues that matter most to women. This includes health, mentorship, entrepreneurship, work/life balance, personal branding, confidence-building, management/ leadership and career development. Our aim is simple: to help women feel positive and confident by encouraging them to reach goals and recognise their strengths. Women Talk has been making a significant positive impact on women in various countries, and we are increasingly receiving amazing stories of how our monthly events, retreats, chapbooks, coaching sessions, and more recently, our accountability sessions, have inspired women to share their stories and take control of their lives, business, and careers. Our successful Women Talk Chapbooks have grown out of something more than what the group intended: demonstrating and showing us that everyone just needs to be listened to, and to share and be acknowledged. We promote talent and have supported women who have published books, poetry, and helped women to develop entrepreneurial skills to start their own businesses. Women Talk UK is a Community Interest Company, a legal entity operating as a not-for-profit organisation. We scooped the UK Bedfordshire and Luton Community Champion Award in 2014 and we’re the runners up to UK Luton’s Best Community Achievement Award 2017

organisation. In 2020, we gained our IPO Certificate giving us the Trademark Certification needed to protect the Women Talk™ brand.

careers, get promoted, create courses, enrol on courses and take control of their lives, careers and business.

Women Talk UAE has organically grown to over 3,000 members and followers on social media since March 2019. Throughout the pandemic, women have been receiving a succession of daily motivational quotes sent out by myself reaching out to women who have faced so many battles, challenges, loss, increased mental health issues, and domestic abuse to help give them some hope that things will and does get better. Women have gained invaluable insights to themselves by attending organised MeetUp events face to face and more recently via zoom, with guest speakers from around the world equipping them with the tools to achieve their goals. As part of our ethos to share, we have collaborated with other organisations to deliver face to face and more recently virtual retreats.

We are working with a hotel on the Palm to deliver Work-Life Balance and Self-Care Retreats for women as we also believe that taking care of our minds and emotional state as well as our physical being is paramount to becoming the best versions of who we are as women.

My series of Podcasts interviews also gives a voice for women to share and be heard, allowing other women to know that they are not alone. From the latest series of Women Talk chapbooks, we have women from across the world who have dared to share their stories published as an e-book. Women need to recognise their own inner power and tenacity that lies within them when they give themselves permission to do so; however, sometimes it takes a network to remind them that they can.

THE CHALLENGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE PANDEMIC

Living and working in the UAE is an amazing time to showcase what Women Talk is all about. I was recently awarded the GCC ‘’Women of Wonder (WOW) I Conquer’’ Dubai Award 2020 in recognition of actions, conduct, diligence and determination to strive for excellence despite and during COVID-19. This has given us the opportunity to expand our services to a much wider audience reaching more women globally. We are also so pleased to be working in partnership with other recipients of the award to deliver business breakfast meetings, to network and increase their self-worth, be motivated and inspired to change their circumstances, and to help them unleash their wealth of experience and latent talents. We have helped women start their own businesses, change

Over the last few years, I am proud to share the successes and the positive changes the women have undergone and recognise that we have been a catalyst for change for them. Women Talk will continue to advocate for women to be informed, inspired and ignited and their right to be much more visible allowing them to have a voice. Women can be strengthened by their struggles and challenges and lessons can be learnt; accomplishments achieved.

The pandemic affected everyone in a variety of ways. I witnessed loss, friends and colleagues who lost their jobs; others had to move countries; and of course, separation. It was and continues to be extremely challenging when planning your life and career goals as they must change due to daily everchanging circumstances outside of our control. However, I did start off by saying living each day has been a blessing and that’s because it has given me an opportunity to expand the Women Talk brand connecting women from all over the world via Zoom. Our members have shared stories from East, West Africa, to Europe, Asia and the UK.

The lessons that 2020 have brought to our attention are more than just the recognition of the importance of career stability and wealth-building and the understated value of companionship and social networks. I’ve been much more grateful, humbled and appreciative of family and friends and new acquaintances that have turned into great friendships. Whatever challenges and tough times that have begun and still will continue, I’m motivated and optimistic about life because I know bad times do pass and good times are there to be grateful for and to enjoy.

I believe leaders should show more consideration to their people as they now must make significant changes in their working lives and adapt to an ever-changing landscape of work, life, and business. To be less focused on achieving set targets and dedicated on how the targets can be achieved by becoming a lot more accommodating and flexible to what people are going through. People can change and only need to be shown greater appreciation of what they can offer and not feel as though they have been taken advantage of due to the pandemic. As a leader, I would like to share my three tips

for staying focused on one’s goals. First, start with small goals or tasks. Get into a habit of achieving them, and once you do, then start working on bigger goals and tasks. You will soon find it becomes a daily habit. Second, find out what motivates you. Music, your faith, positive words, affirmations, or podcasts. In today’s society, we face so much negativity and it can be easy to lose sight of what you want to achieve and become stagnant. Last but not certainly the list, learn to reward yourself. Take time out to be still, to reflect and refocus and give credits to yourself. When we do, our sense of self-belief increases and we become a lot more centred.

Lifestyle AMBIGUITY AND ACCEPTANCE Aside from perhaps select groups of scientists and other professionals around the world, the majority of us could not have predicted this pandemic to happen and for the whole world to pause, affecting every aspect of our lives. We are now all faced with ambiguity of what is next, and none of us can really be sure. We must accept that things have changed and that the future as we know it has been essentially postponed until further notice. Negativity is not the only perspective. It is easy to get into the negative zone when ambiguity hits us close to home, but this is an opportunity to see things from a fresh perspective and even perhaps start over. Dwelling on what has happened and what the effects were, only paralyses us to stay in the same place, while using our creativity and exploring different possible perspectives and outcomes for the future will allow us to create the future we want to thrive in. This is the best time to take transformative measures. Some ways you can use ambiguity to work for you is by doing the following:

• Explore potential alternative outcomes • Be clear on what is true and what is an assumption or fear-induced thought Embrace risk-taking and try new things • Engage with others and exchange different perspectives • Embrace growth mindset • Innovate and engage in creative work to get new ideas to experiment

CURIOSITY AS A WAY FORWARD IN YOUR CAREER AND BUSINESS The future of work is here. The place of work has completely shifted in the way we do this in just a matter of days, and it will stay this time for the near future. Many companies have a hard time keeping up with changing technologies, and thus they go bankrupt and shut down altogether. This current situation will be the end of many businesses who were not equipped to quickly take their operations online and empower their teams with the right innovation.

Prior to this situation, we still saw this happen in business, and this is due to various factors, of course, but a big part of it is due to lack of digital adaptation, lack of ability to create strong teams to move things forward when markets get challenging, etc. On the other hand, some roles are simply becoming irrelevant due to business shift in demands and skills. Today, we are all forced to either adapt or go extinct. Again, the choice is ours. The key is to stay curious and keep discovering all the unknowns that your career and personal life have to offer amidst what is happening. As discussed earlier, we have many opportunities for growth and creativity. We don’t know what we don’t know. And, in the world of information access, knowledge, people and networks, we don’t have an excuse not to explore something we should be curious about. Stay up to date on business and customer trends, especially in your area of work. How is this affecting your business, what are you doing to adjust, what is your competition doing, where are customer preferences going, what are new areas this might open up for

you, what technologies can you explore to keep your business going? With the world being online full time now, there are great opportunities to connect with others, expand your network and knowledge, learn something new, access various learning platforms now open to the public and share various learnings to help you upskills, among other ways to make the most of your isolation. Here are a few ideas to explore: • Be aware of what will be needed in the future job market. What new technologies are coming out that you need to be knowledgeable about? What do you need to succeed in this new world of work? • Upskill. With the world going online, many universities, educational sites and other platforms are offering great courses and content to get your brain juices flowing. Enrol in an online programme to get further education (executive courses, certifications, skill-building courses). Money is no longer an obstacle to learn with platforms like Coursera and Udemy that are available and cover many areas of knowledge.

• Connect. People come up with innovations by exchanging ideas with people outside of their immediate industry or line of work. Get in touch with an artist or a startup or a business owner and have a chat! • Maintain a healthy lifestyle. In order to make sure we are curious about the outside world, we need to maintain curiosity in our own minds and bodies. Are you your best self physically and mentally? Have you discovered what else you can do when it comes to maintaining a healthy, vibrant, and energised body? Stay with a regular exercise programme, eat healthily, explore your body, protect your energy, take time to meditate, take a vacation, do things you enjoy, write a journal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELENA AGARAGIMOVA Managing Partner at Bessern and Talent Development Specialist

Elena is an entrepreneur, talent development specialist, and education advocate with a deep interest in neuro and behavioural sciences. She is known for her ability to drive change within individuals and organisations that are looking to reach their potential and maintain their competitive edge in the business world. She has started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions. In her recent years, she dove into business and joined Bessern, as well as founded a learning and developing consultancy, as well as several other projects within the talent development arena. She is an engaging skilled trainer and talent development specialist, credited with combining operations, education, and international expertise to design and deliver programs for diverse audiences. Elena has a strong passion for L&D, promoting creative and engaging workplaces and all about optimising performance through the development of others. As a career coach, Elena has over ten years of experience working individuals across different generations, supporting them in achieving their professional and personal goals. 69

The Daily 20-Minute HIGH VIBRATIONAL STATE

A super powerful colour-, affirmations- and aroma-inspired yoga sequence I have always been a big believer in the importance of a good start of the day on physical, mental and emotional levels. While being a full-time employee, I often made excuses for not having the time and space for it and always ended up regretting my decisions. Frequently, many women around me complain not to have the time to do something for themselves by being overloaded with the roles of mother, housewife and a full-time employee. Years ago, I was a follower of long and difficult gym training at a minimum of an hour as I was told that’s what delivers the results of a great body and energy. However, that did not always deliver the results I was aiming for. Today, with the busy, hectic lifestyle, we all have to spare that time becomes a “mission impossible”. My overwhelming agenda as a working professional made me often think about how to fit my self-care routine in the day, including body-mind-emotion rituals in a most efficient way. Challenged with all that, I came up with a 70

20-minute programme that is even simpler than it initially seems as once a disciplined habit is formed you will find it easier to focus on more than one level at a time. The routine is done best in the morning, and if for any reason not possible, you can do it anytime, except before bedtime due to its energising effects. If you have to perform it during your lunch break, do it at a quiet place to allow you to relax and focus at the same time. To be able to do exercises with 100% productivity, it is very important to connect each physical exercise with the energy centre that relates to it simultaneously on mind and body level. Once you master the exercises, the routine will be really easy and intuitive to follow and tailor the exercises as per your own capabilities and needs. If you may have any health-related concerns, please consult your physician. This article provides general guidance only and not a one-fits-all approach. Before you start exploring, remember always to be gentle and considerate of your own limitations and capabilities.

THE DAILY PROGRAMME: SEQUENCE AND EXPLANATIONS

The daily sequence consists of 7 exercises to be performed, starting from the lower to the body’s highest energy level or chakras. Each exercise consists of a physical part explained in text and shown in pictures, colour and aroma experience related to it as well as affirmation of a mantra that vibrates on the level of the relevant energy centre. Initially, you will perhaps not remember to do all at the same time, and that is fine as long as you keep training your mind to relate colours, aromas and affirmations to the physical posture you are performing. Later with time, you will become more confident and even choose your own rhythm and pace as well as perhaps play your favourite music while performing. At the start, you can begin with simply following the seven exercises and have fun while being present in the moment.

EXERCISE 1: MULADARA CHAKRA

Essential Oil: Spray or rub on the spot or simply recall the aroma of cedar, geranium or lavender essential oil Colour: Visualise a purple-red colour and concentrate on the level of the lower abdomen Mantra: Say in your mind or aloud “I am innocent.” • Sit on the ground in a lotus position or half-lot position. Place one ankle on top of the opposite thigh, and the other up to the crease of the thigh and pelvis if possible. Otherwise, just cross your legs in front. Relax your hips and knee as much as you can do without experiencing pain. Straighten your spine and lower your arms to your knees, as shown in the photo. • Close your eyes and concentrate on your breath. First, exhale slowly until you empty all the air from your stomach, then slowly take in the air, counting at least to 4, hold for 16 counts and exhale slowly, counting to at least 8. Close your eyes, and do that breath sequence for 5-10 rounds. Allow your mind to calm down and draw attention to yourself. • Visualise a red colour and concentrate on the area of the lower abdomen. Say the mantra “I am innocent. I am grounded and balanced”. 71

EXERCISE 2: SWADISTAN CHAKRA

Essential Oil: Spray or rub sweet orange or sandalwood essential oil Colour: Visualise orange colour and concentrate below the navel one level below the navel. Mantra: “I fully trust and am guided by my intuition.” • Lie on your back, arms close to the body and legs bent at the knees. When your pelvis is on the ground, take a deep breath and exhale when pushing your pelvis up. Activate the pelvis muscles when you are in the highest position. Starting the movement from your back slowly lifts the body up and exhales. At the end of each exhale, slightly press your feet to the floor so that your pelvis is as far as possible from the ground. Slowly inhale when up and exhaling lower your body down until you touch the lower back to the floor. • Visualise orange colour concentrating on the area below the navel and repeat the series twice for 10-15 counts. Affirm the mantra “I fully trust and am guided by my intuition.”

EXERCISE 3: NABI CHAKRA

Essential Oil: Spray or rub bergamot, grapefruit or tangerine essential oil Colour: Visualise yellow and concentrate in the area between the navel and the solar plexus Mantra: “I am satisfied / I am satisfied with everything I have.” • Lie on your back, exhale and bend your left knee to your chest, hold it two seconds then stretch your right knee parallel to the ground. Inhale and change legs. Do the same with the right leg. Stretch your left leg and press your right knee to your body. By every switch of the legs inhale and exhale. Keep changing your legs and repeat ten to twelve times the move with each leg. • Visualise yellow colour while you do this at the level of the chakra. • Repeat the round twice, remembering to concentrate on the chakra. Affirm the mantra: “I am satisfied / I am satisfied with everything I have.”

EXERCISE 4: THE ANAHATA CHAKRA

Essential Oil: Spray or rub fir, rose or eucalyptus tree essential oil Colour: Visualise green colour and concentrate on the level of the heart Mantra: “I am an unconditional love.” • Start with a kneeling position with your hands on your hips. Exhale and bend over the upper body forward, touching the head to the ground. Slide your hands on the floor in front of you and with the palms facing down, touch the floor. Keep your forearms as much as closer to the floor. • Keep your thighs firmly glued to the calves by gently pushing your pelvis to your heels and at the same time, keep your back straight. Let the forehead touch the ground. The upper chest should lie as much as possible closer to the floor. Stay in this pose and breathe normally and slowly for at least 3-5 minutes. • To release the position, slide your arms back to baby pose and finally sit down in a kneeling position. • Visualise dark green while doing the pose on your heart chakra level and repeat the posture at least twice. • When leaning forward and downward, exhale, hold on and inhale while releasing the posture. Affirm the mantra “I am unconditional love.”

EXERCISE 5: VISHUDI CHAKRA

Essential Oil: Spray or rub ylang-ylang oil or peppermint essential oil Colour: Visualise turquoise blue colour Mantra: ”I am unattached whiteness of the universal play. I am diplomatic in my language, behaviour and communication.” • Start by lying down on the floor. Let your hands rest on the floor next to your body and breathe normally. Lift your legs slowly until they are almost 90 degrees from the floor. • Now place your hands under the lower back, at the waist level. Use your hands and your elbows as a support to lift your body further.

• Use the palm rest to lift the pelvis up until it is about 45 degrees from the ground. At this point, body weight rests on your shoulders. The forearms and elbows remain as supports for maintaining the balance of the body. • Stay in this position about 2-3 min. Breathe normally. • As you release the position, the breath is held, and the body slowly returns down in a supine position. • Repeat twice, remembering to concentrate on the throat level and visualising blue colour. Say the mantra:” I am unattached whiteness of the universal play. I am diplomatic in my language, behaviour and communication.”

EXERCISE 6: AGNIA CHAKRA

Essential Oil: Spray or rub neroli, mint or eucalyptus essential oil Colour: Visualise the indigo colour and concentrate on the level of the third eye- the space between the eyebrows. Mantra: “I forgive myself and everyone else.” • Sit in a comfortable position with your legs crossed as shown, in lotus or half-lotus as per your comfort. • Rub the palms of your hands vigorously till they

are warm. Place them on the closed eyes until you experience complete darkness. Feel the warmth and energy transmitted by your hands towards your eyes and behind to the muscles of the eyes. • Visualise indigo colour while doing that on your forehead area. • When the heat from the hands is absorbed, repeat at least three times. Stay in the pose for 1-2 minutes concentrating on the point between the eyebrows. Affirm the mantra: “I forgive myself and everyone else.”

in the absence of thoughts. • Stay in the pose for at least 5 minutes and gradually increase the time to 10-15 min a day. With this exercise, the practice ends, but you can easily extend the meditation to another 5- 10min.

EXERCISE 7: SAHASRARA CROWN CHAKRA Essential Oil: Incense oil, rose, lotus essential oil

Colour: Visualise a light violet colour and focus on the space above your head. Mantra: “I am protected by the power of God / I am overcoming all obstacles with the strength of God/ I’m self-realised. “ • Sit cross-legged or lay down in the yoga pose of Padmasana or dead body posture on the floor. • Start with a deep inhalation, hold your breath and exhale deeply and longer. Over time, try to lengthen your exhalation and practice to hold on the moment

We all have often experienced how after a long and difficult training at the gym or with our favourite fitness programme, we rather feel energy depleted than charged. The programme I am sharing with you is tried and tested by me while juggling between family and work duties, increasing my energy and sustaining it for the day ahead. The beauty of the programme is really its short and effective method, combined not only to train your body but as well as balance your emotions and uplift your spirit at the same time. Concentrating on the energy centres while performing the exercises, along with visualising the corresponding colour and affirming the mantra will help you do your “physical, mental and emotional fitness simultaneously”. You may choose to play your favourite music and experiment with a different tempo and rhythm till you find your own pace. Make this your time full of joy, fun, and explore what is resonating with you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

VYARA TOSHEVA

Wellness, Spa and Retreats Business Consultant In over 19 years, Vyara Tosheva has gained professional experience in hospitality, leisure and wellbeing. Vyara graduated in Tourism Management and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism, as well as internationally-accredited certification courses in Hospitality and Spa Management. She travels the world to enhance her expertise through further certifications in Ayurveda, Wellness and Fitness Consultancy, Coaching and Psychology.

workers and doctors combine their knowledge with fitness, spa and beauty professionals to deliver transformational retreats.

She is a certified NLP and EFT master coach and Reiki practitioner. She also led the opening of The Retreat Palm Dubai, the first wellness retreat resort in the UAE and GCC, as well as the Rayya Wellness and Poli-clinic Centre. She created and managed the first holistic retreats in a hotel environment where in-house and visiting master practitioners, energy

Vyara’s mission is to empower busy executives to create or enhance their business models geared toward a wellness lifestyle on both professional and personal levels. Her vision, on the other hand, is to create worldwide wellness and health retreat centres that provide premium services for its employees, guests and visitors.

As a consultant, she advises and consults hospitality and spa executives on the creation of wellness projects and their execution.

5 Steps TO MANIFESTING YOUR DESIRES

From the ancient Egyptians to the ancient Hawaiians, manifestation has been around for a long time the ability to co-create whatever it is that we want in alignment with the universal laws. The law of attraction is one of the universal laws that states attract what you like, and you get what you focus on. The secret here is that you have to believe what you’re seeking is possible to obtain, thus introducing the concept of certainty. Before we begin, I want to note

two things. First, your mind is extremely powerful, and once you believe in its powers, your life truly changes. Second, we live in an abundant world, and abundance is your absolute birthright. Lack and scarcity is just a mindset; it is not the objective truth. There is more than enough for everyone to have all that they truly desire. You receiving your piece of the pie does not mean that someone else won’t get theirs. There is an abundance of abundance for everyone to tap into. Hold this truth close to you as you start the process.

HOW CAN WE ACTUALLY MANIFEST OUR DESIRES? STEP 1: GET CRYSTAL CLEAR ON WHAT IT IS THAT YOU TRULY DESIRE AND NOT WHAT YOU THINK YOU WANT. In order to manifest, we first need to ask yourself: what is it that I truly desire - not what others want for us, but rather what our soul truly wants for us. Ask yourself, what is it that brings me happiness and joy? One great way to find out what your soul desires is to ask yourself if those desires hold inspiration and service within them? If you can envision yourself happy and joyful with that desire, and if that desire serves the highest good for all, then there’s inspiration. Ensure that you are not focusing on the lack of your desire during the manifesting process, but rather on presence. For example, If we want love, we need to be loving to yourself and to others, instead of focusing on being lonely. If we want abundance, we need to respect money, instead of focusing and thinking about debt.

STEP 2: ASK FOR IT

Ask, and it is given. When you write down your desires, you are signing a contract with the universe, and the universe is always impeccable with its word.

STEP 3: SURRENDER YOUR DESIRES TO THE SOURCE During this time, we need to avoid trying to control or manipulate the outcome and simply allow the universe to do its job on divine timing. You are not supposed to know the ‘how’ and ‘when’. After all, if you had all the answers, where would the fun be in that?

STEP 4: THERE IS NO ATTRACTION WITHOUT ACTION. Almost every single time I do a presentation on mindset and manifestation, I get the same question at the end – the question is “I’ve stopped thinking negatively, and I’ve been focusing on positive thoughts, but I’m still not manifesting my desires”. I understand this question so well—growing up, I witnessed a lot of people in my life be super positive but not be able to manifest their desires. Let me ask you this: if you’re a student and you have an exam coming up if all you do is ask the universe for good grades, and just meditate or feel relaxed—will you get a good grade? No. You cannot get good grades without actually putting in the work and studying. Yes—asking the universe for good grades will plant the seed of intention into your subconscious. By saying it out loud, you let the universe know that you feel deserving and worthy of it, and it will boost your self-confidence. Yes—by meditating and feeling relaxed, your mind will be able to absorb the information better as it’s not in a state of fear. The more relaxed you are before and during the exam, the better you’ll do. Without actually showing up to study, chances are you won’t do that well Become an embodiment of your desires. Show up to the best of your ability. Your best can be different every single day; some days you might be on fire and supercharged, some days you might feel like you need a break, but as long as you show up to the best of your ability, that is all that matters. It’s important to show up and take action. Be intentional with your thoughts and actions. Ask yourself, am I acknowledging the fears that I’m having right now and what baby steps can I take towards the ones that I do have control over? If I want to make an x amount of money and set the intention and I’ve surrendered it to the universe, and I walk with faith and trust, am I actually showing up to my life by taking action? Am I working on my skills? Am 80

I open to new opportunities? Am I willing to listen to the universe when it is speaking to me through family/friends and random coincidences? If I want to become fit and healthy, am I mindful of my eating habits? Am I trying to put in 30 minutes of movement every day? Am I drinking enough water? If I want to attract ”the one”, am I working on becoming an embodiment of my desires by working on my own personality traits? Am I putting myself out there? Am I open to meeting my significant other online?

STEP 5: HAVE CERTAINTY

Have certainty that your desires have already manifested in the metaphysical realm and are on their way to the physical realm. That is why we always say “and so it is” after a prayer. Start living life as if it has already manifested. Be in a state of joy, and gratitude so that the universe is able to deliver your desires into your life. The universe cannot deliver our desires if we are vibrating at a low frequency. Energy attracts its likeness, so as long as we’re in that low energy state of doubt and fear, our desires will be blocked too. There is no space for doubt and fear on this journey—just love, intention and certainty. By the way, manifesting is meant to be FUN! Remember, the universe doesn’t listen to your words, but rather to your feelings, so don’t forget to feel good on the journey.

About the author Tannaz Hosseinpour, founder of Minutes on Growth Coaching, is a Dubai-based certified life coach specialising in mindset and relationships. She helps millennials manifest and cultivate empowered lives through one-on-one coaching, online programs, podcast episodes and social media content. She is the host of her self-improvement podcast, Minutes on Growth, available on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcast. She holds a Masters of Law degree in alternative dispute resolution, specialising in family mediation. Since 2017, she is also the CEO and founder of TP Education Consultants, an educational consultancy firm based in Toronto, Tehran and Dubai. Website: www.minutesongrowth.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/minutesongrowth 81

Vision Boards: DO THEY WORK?

Do you remember when, as a child, you read bedtime stories and fairytales and gazed at the illustrations to visualise the characters and their actions? Do you remember drawing doodles in your notebook, reflecting your thoughts and dreams? You felt enchanted. The images drew your attention and amplified your imagination, making it feel all the more real. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, famously banned PowerPoint from corporate meetings. Instead of simple data, he sought to paint the full picture with detailed, descriptive, and vivid words, letting the audience visualise the scenes and connect to the narrative. Our subconscious mind tends to interpret imagery in the same way as real-life action. We activate the same part of the brain responsible

for visualising action and performing an action. We connect what we see with what we believe we already have. Some of us create and store desired images and stories in our minds, and some create vision boards. In recent years, vision boards (also called manifestation boards) reflecting images of our goals, dreams, and wishes have become very popular. The release of a wellreceived motion picture titled The Secret and a book by Rhonda Byrne of the same title has spurred our interest in the power of manifestation. By channelling our thoughts, cultivating a positive attitude, improving our personal vibration, and drawing on the power of visualisation, we have a potent ability to change our lives, influence the realisation of our dreams, and attract what we desire.

YouTube has plenty of how-to videos with various popular YouTubers showing their colourful collages of Pinterest pictures and showcasing their cut-and-paste creative process. Some have a habit of designing a new board at the beginning of the calendar new year consisting of images of as-yet-unfulfilled projects and dreams for the upcoming year. Many speak to the effectiveness of these mood boards. They often talk about wishes manifested through a daily routine of looking at their imagery map. Viewers have limited capability to verify and confirm the presenters’ manifestation technique except to take their word for it. Was it pure luck or their hard work in achieving a set goal, or a mix of both? Perhaps none of the above, with the project being a marketing tactic to sell a possibility. Endless books and articles on this topic provide examples of how to create vision boards effectively portraying visual boards as a magical wand making our dreams come true. As good as it sounds and as wonderful as it appears, some experts do not share the enthusiasm of vision boards proponents’. The scientific community has shaken up the multi-billion-dollar personal development

industry and has questioned some of these endorsements, indicating that visualisation and vision boards do not help us to realise our dreams. Often, they call them a fantasy, which in reality can work against us and prevent us from achieving success. Setbacks and loss of motivation, together with self-blame for ineffective vision boards, are only a few observed effects that have the potential to impact vulnerable individuals blindly trusting the process. When we visualise success and see our final goal as complete, our brain can process it and perceive it as real, and as such, can cause a reduction in our drive and energy to work towards that goal. We may focus on a finite goal instead of focusing on the process of achieving it. If that is the case, expecting vision boards to do the work for us, waiting for our goals to be miraculously fulfilled, and remaining in a blissful dreaming state can have the opposite effect than what we want to accomplish. Evidently, some see vision boards as an effective tool in fulfilling our dreams and wishes, and some are at the opposite end of the spectrum. There are few opinions inbetween that view vision boards as “sort of”, working. Perhaps the key to using these boards is not if we create them but 83

how we create them. Instead of being passive idealists, waiting for a miracle, we can be active realists in charge of our progress. No doubt that we are a visual species. Images, whether in our mind or on a vision board, help us to focus on what we want and dream of. Yet, we could balance and offset our tendency to dream with a well-designed plan of action. Oprah Winfrey, a famous media personality, endorsed vision boards at one point. Yet, not long ago, in one of her interviews, she indicated that she no longer creates vision boards since she is already a powerful manifestor. Having a plan might be sufficient. However, some of us might feel the need for tangible visual expression of our desired goals. We might recourse to choosing images to reflect our dreams and use our creative juices to design a collage to help us feel and relate to our goals. If you decide to create a visual board, do not overcrowd it. Keep your images and set up simple. Stay focused. Concentrate your energy on specific targets. Add measurable and manageable steps to each image and set a concrete timeframe for each level of your mission. Have a Plan B to reflect on alternative ways to reach your goals. Be flexible on how you want to define and accomplish your objective. Most importantly, keep your body and mind active. A nutritious diet, healthy habits, regular exercise, and relaxation are necessary to rejuvenate and recharge your energy.

We should also remember that not everything is meant to happen. Sometimes there is a reason why we cannot achieve our goals despite our efforts. We might be disappointed at the time, and later view our failure as a blessing as we come across more interesting opportunities. Being patient and tolerant with ourselves and our surroundings often can be a saving grace. Dreaming and setting up our goals should be light, fun, and energising. The same applies to the gradual completion of our plans. Over-stressing, tension, and frustration takes away our energy and slows us down. Enjoy creating your vision boards either in your

mind, on a physical board, or in a virtual space. Be creative and dream big, yet do not wait around for things to happen. Play an active part in fulfilling your dreams, and you may find them becoming a reality – and if not, trust the process as an opportunity to learn about yourself and explore your passions. “To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe.” – Anatole France “To accomplish great things, we must not only dream but also act; not only believe but also plan.” – Anna Niemira

About the author

ANNA NIEMIRA Anna is a corporate consulting professional experienced in international capital markets, finance, and innovative technologies. Being an effective communicator, negotiator, and strategic management ambassador focused on growth and development, she served as a Director of Business Development at various organisations and has been called upon to serve as a judge and mentor at various financial and entrepreneurial competitions. She studied Blockchain technology at York University, Lassonde School of Engineering, Strategic Business Management and Negotiations at Harvard University, and received her accreditations from the Canadian Securities Institute. Fascinated with a holistic approach to life and business, and wanting to understand the human mind and human behaviour, Anna studied foundations of psychology at Yale University. She is a media personality known for her stage presence at various speaking engagements, popular talks, and interviews with progressive, innovative technology entrepreneurs, industry influencers, and idea trendsetters. 85

Boutique No.8, Aswaaq Center, Al Badaa, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Boutique 13, Building 8, Golden Mile Galleria, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. www.mokha1450.com

Best Fish and Chips IN ABU DHABI

Different cultures worldwide are slowly embracing the quintessential British comfort food – fish and chips. It is most popular in former British colonies, like Abu Dhabi. With the fish-rich Persian Gulf supplying shops with the freshest daily catch, this oilrich region has become one of the most coveted places to enjoy a platter of fish and chips. Expect to get only the crispiest fish crust that elicits a music-to-the-ears kind of crunch and the most delicate fish flesh that slides down your throat when you dine at any of the ten best fish and chips in Abu Dhabi.

THE CHIPPY

Brits with a serious case of homesickness can always find comfort in every platter that The Chippy serves to its customers. This joint offers one of the most authentic fish and chip experiences you can ever have outside the British Isles. With speciality British and Irish products that make your longing for home more unbearable, a plate of crispy haddock or cod and scrumptious chips is all you need to calm your nerves. Without the unpredictable weather, of course. Prices start at AED 47. Open Sun-Mon 12 noon - 11 pm, Thu 12noon midnight, Fri 12 noon - 10 pm, Sat 12 noon - 10:30 pm. 23 Al Reema St., Jazeerat Al Reem. (02 444 7066).

APPALOOSA

People have this idea that only the Brits make the best fish and chips. Do not count the Americans out just yet. With its creative craft drinks and an ambience that is perfect for engaging the Emirate’s sports-minded folks, Appaloosa is one of the most unlikely places you can get exciting fish and chips. You would be surprised. The sports bar offers one of the most delectable fish and chips recipes on the planet. AED 95. Open daily 12 noon -3 am. G/F Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City. (02 201 4131).

THE CAPTAIN’S ARM

If you are craving for a traditional English pub experience, The Captain’s Arm is the place to go. Not only does the pub provide excellent beverages. They also offer one of the largest servings of fish and chips in the city. Get ready to be mesmerised with its perfectly cooked fish after treating your ears to the delicious crackling sound of crispy crust. Do go there early as the place can get crowded very fast. AED 60. Open daily 12 noon - 2:30 am. Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Tourist Club Area, Al Zahiyah. (02 697 4482).

BELGIAN CAFÉ

Belgium is more famous for its waffles, chocolates, beer, and fries. However, the Belgian Café makes one of the most fascinating fish and chips in this region. The café relies on its age-old beer crafting tradition to produce the best beer batter for their North Atlantic cod. If you substitute the chips with classic Belgian fries and dip the fish in their secret tartar sauce, you will know this is a fish and chips dish like no other. AED 120. Open Sat-Wed 12 noon - 1am, Thu - Fri 12 noon - 2 am. Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. (02 656 2406).

FISH AND CO.

One bite, and you will get hooked. Such is Fish and Co.’s promise whenever somebody new wants to try their signature fish and chips recipe. The restaurant has one of the oddest possible flavour combinations that reflect the city’s multicultural characteristics. For starters, you can try either the Bombay or Singapore version of fish and chips. If you want a more European flavour, get the Swiss or Danish. There is a New Yorkstyle recipe, too. Prices start at AED 73. Open daily 11 am - 11pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island. (055 172 3368).

EASY TIGER

Known for its elaborate menu, fabulous weekend brunches, and good music, the Easy Tiger is another place to enjoy a huge platter of crispy fish and chips. While it is more expensive than other places, the serving you get is enough for your gang of hungry Brits and Irishmen who long for the simple joys of home cooking. AED 260. Open daily 12 noon - 3:45 am. Al Ain Palace Hotel, W Corniche Rd. (02 678 0522).

THE SPORTSMAN’S ARM

Very few British comfort foods can bring the family together like a good, old-fashioned fish and chips. With its family-friendly ambience, The Sportsman’s Arm is one of the best places to let your kids and loved ones enjoy smacking their fingers with the bar’s luscious tartar sauce. Feast at the golden-brown crust and marvel at the sensory experience that the crunchy cod provides. There is a dizzying selection of booze to make the crunch more satisfying, too. AED 48 Open Sat-Wed 12 noon -11 pm, Thu-Fri 12noon - 1 am. 1/F International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City. (02 447 1066).

THE COFFEE CLUB

Not a fan of a raucous crowd? Want to enjoy your fish and chips as you do at home? There is only one place to go. The Coffee Club might not specialise in this British food. However, it does provide its customers with a delectable slice of fresh fish covered in a delicious batter that turns a golden brown once it gets off the vat. It is a quaint little place that offers a homey experience to savouring fish and fries. AED 32. Open daily 9 am - 11pm. Level 1 Yas Mall, Yas Island. (02 565 1171).

FADO’S

Some say the Irish make their fish and chips better than the Brits. There is only one way to find out if you are in Abu Dhabi. Head to Fado’s and get a unique Irish pub experience like no other. Their fish and chips come with house-made tartar sauce and a unique take on fresh-made slaw. Savouring the flavours of sustainablycaught North Atlantic cod is so much better when done at Fado’s. Prices start at AED 54. Open Fri-Tue 12 noon - 2 am, Wed-Thu 12 noon - 3 am. Oryx Hotel, Corniche Road- Zayed the First Street. (02 692 2218). 91

10. JONES THE GROCER

If you decide to feast on a crispy North Atlantic cod, make sure to check Jones the Grocer’s Gone Fishin’ offering. The homemade tartar sauce is to die for. The pea puree has a nice kick to it that coats the mouth with a savoury and minty flavour. What you will appreciate is the attention to detail that Jones cooks put into every platter they serve. AED 71. Open Sun-Thu 7:30 am - 11 pm, Fri-Sat 9 am - 11 pm. G/F Pearl Plaza Tower, Khalidiya St. (02 639 5883). 92

REVIVE YOUR

Fitness Motivation AT THESE FIVE WORKOUT PLACES IN ABU DHABI!

Maintaining a regular exercising schedule— mentally and physically—does you good. Your utmost motivation to working out should not be in the idea of keeping fit; instead, fitness is a commitment to a complete lifestyle that holds the reins to more intrinsic reasons: stress management, happiness, motivation, and being open to challenges, according to a study. Whatever may be your particular reason, working out can get boring when always done at home. Especially with the pandemic situation, people lack their will to remain fit. You might be missing out on your gym sessions, and the satisfaction garnered from going out and social interaction. Here’s the thing: if you’re going through the above, picking places other than your gym for a workout could bring your lost determination back with plenty of fresh air to boot. The sites we recommend are better and cost a quarter of what gyms do.

THE CORNICHE

All residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi who haven’t worked out The Corniche yet, are missing out big time. This area is along the waterfront with a long stretch for taking a stroll, jogging or just

enjoying free time. You can visit The Corniche for the beautiful views at any time of the day. Most people go there early in the morning for jogging, walking, and strolling. The place also carries a separate area for cycling where you can

rent the bicycles, and it’s home to several cafes and ice cream parlours in case you want to enjoy a meal there as well. It’s a familyfriendly spot that provides you with a sense of affiliation and an excuse to feast your eyes on the green landscapes while you burn calories. 93

YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

A great place to get back into shape is Yas Marina Circuit where you can walk, jog and cycle thanks to their TrainYas programme. It’s actually the world’s most advanced race track for a bike, run and walk as early as 5:30 am in the mornings, all for free on Tuesdays and Sundays. This wonderful place serves as an inspiring behind-thescenes of F1 racetrack and even offers the opportunity to hire a bike and a safety helmet. All equipment is sanitised to ensure the well-being of all visitors. You can register online on their website for an entry to avoid any delays.

AL HUDAYRIAT ISLAND

A beautiful place for both athletes and family. You can swim, run and bike over there as the place holds a cycling track and has the availability of bicycles on rent, or simply you can bring your own. If cycling is not your thing, you can get your exercise fix in the open water swimming. Basketball, volleyball, and football courts

also prove helpful for sweating those muscles. You want to catch a sunrise or a sunset? Al Hudayriat Island is the place to go to. Furthermore, food trucks and restaurants makeup for a quick breakfast and brunch. It opens at 6 am, though because of COVID-19, there are entry restrictions, so check their social media before you off.

THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH ISLAND

One of the most popular shopping malls in Abu Dhabi: The Galleria lets you take a break and enjoy some quality time with over 400 shopping stores and 100 food and beverage options. With all the entertainment, culinary, and lifestyle choices at your service, it wouldn’t be surprising to tell you about the gorgeous sports park to unwind after a long day and be fit as a fiddle. More to this scene is their sky park open from Sat to Wed at 10:00 am and Thu to Fri at 12:00 noon. The free yoga classes are one of the many activities to look out for, starting even earlier from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. You must register yourself through yoga@thegalleria.ae and get additional details of this opportunity. For starters, you must bring your own mat and water bottle. Once you’ve reserved your spot, you can easily go from a yoga class to the various food outlets to treat yourself to a healthy meal afterwards.

AL WATHBA CYCLE TRACK

Al Wathba Cycle Track is not your usual cycle track. It’s actually a camel race track with a gorgeous display of sand dunes, and while you’re cycling there, the stunning view won’t make you complain of feeling tired later. It’s worth a visit and allows both intense and normal cycling sessions. The wide one-way track is well-maintained, safe for all ages of visitors, generous parking space with well laid out direction signposts, so there’s nothing to worry about. The track is divided between 8 km, 16 km, and 32 km. Plus, the facility of convenience stores, bike shops, toilets, and showers nearby really makes the experience well worth it. These are some of the best sites we recommend for sports lovers. You have the option of eateries as well as flexing those muscles to your required need. For those of you who just wish to get away from the laziness at home would find all five of these places ideal for an energy boost, fresh air, and lots of peace. Refrain from visiting these places without booking and confirming opening details beforehand. Don’t pollute the areas by dropping food, plastic wrappers, and plastic bottles to keep the environment clean and safe as much as possible. Be mindful of others and wear masks unless you’re working out. Maintain a safe distance from other people and follow all the recommended guidelines prior to the visit. We’re sure by the end of your time; you’ll be more content with yourself. If you like any of the places on your first visit, you could easily make them a part of your daily routine to get de-stressed.

Must Stay Hotels

With the world slowly easing back to normal, it truly is the perfect time to plan your next getaway! However, don’t shy away from taking adventures in the busy city. Look no further and pack your bags for a night or two in one of the country’s busiest and awe-inspiring metropolises: Abu Dhabi.

one of the best in the world, is also the seat of the UAE government and houses several local and government offices. Aside from the magnificent city of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is easily the best pick in choosing a modern city to spend a worthwhile vacation while hopping in between the city’s parks, museums and galleries, as well as its world-class restaurants and hotels.

IN ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi, besides being the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, is the welcoming home of Middle Eastern travellers looking for luxurious and trendy ‘hotelcations’. This hustling urban destination,

Planning to stay in Abu Dhabi? Check out our quick travel guide for the Top 7 Must-Stay Hotels in the city!

EMIRATES PALACE

Operated by Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace is a luxury five-star hotel located on the western end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, which is adjacent to the Royal Palace. It is renowned for its gold-laden interior and ultra-spacious leisure offerings. Aside from its palace-inspired architecture that prides of a truly Middle Eastern experience, the rooms of Emirates are heavily ornate and opulent. Emirates Palace is world-famous and deserving of praise, as the hotel has been featured in several Hollywood films in recent times. With 394 residences that include 92

suites and 22 presidential suites, Emirates Palace residences are spread over two wings. The main primary building features an expansive marble floor and a large patterned dome, laden with authentic gold. The penthouse floor has six Rulers’ Suites reserved exclusively for dignitaries, such as royalty. The luxury hotel is also known for its breathtaking facilities. The facilities include two spas, over 40 meeting rooms, a long beach, a marina, two helicopter landing pads, a lavish ballroom that accommodates up to 2500 people, various luxury shops and international restaurants.

Recommended Experience: Check in the regal Khaleej Suite. Located in the West Wing, this magnificent room is twice the size of a standard room. Amenities include a super comfortable king bed and an opulent marble bathroom with a Jacuzzi-style tub, as well as a separate dining and lounge area. Expect elaborate interiors with chandeliers, sill adornments, and high-end furniture.

JUMEIRAH AT SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT

Island-style relaxation coupled with the authentic UAE experience is the prime signature of Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island. The complex has eight villas, over 70 panoramic suites featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a total of 293 rooms. Sitting at the country’s prime beach locations, the hotel-resort complex is one of the first resorts in the region to ban single-use plastics. Guests are given refillable water bottles, and sustainability comes through in the minimalist design. Nature

lovers will be in their element, with hawksbill turtles seen here during breeding season. The amenities and interiors of this exclusive hotel getaway exude a refined, modern style that seamlessly weaves into it the familiar Middle Eastern warmth. The prime beachfront hotel-resort complex is surrounded by 400 meters of pristine sands and turquoise-blue waters. Moreover, a chance to see rare wildlife awaits guests for an experience of a lifetime. Hawksbill turtles traverse the beachfront during the turtle nesting season, and this is regarded as a spectacular wildlife sight every year.

Recommended Experience: Indulge in the spa-of-a-lifetime experience at the spa. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort’s Spa was recently awarded ‘World’s Best New Resort Spa’ at the fifth annual World Spa Awards. The luxurious spa, which has 15 treatment rooms, is centred around a grand Moroccan hammam and includes hydrotherapy pools, a steam room, a salt room and a traditional Arabic rasul room, while a VIP couple’s spa suite has its own private entrance.

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THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT

One of the grand island resorts of the exclusive Saadiyat Beach enclave, this 376-room resort complex boasts some of the best views of the Arabian Gulf and an elite athletic club. The fivestar hotel’s impressive culinary offerings are led by its Buddha Bar Beach lounge. This luxurious, Mediterranean-style beachfront hotel is 9 km from Abu Dhabi Mall, 16 km from Emirates Palace and 27 km from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.

With custom-designed furniture and colourful accents, the luxe rooms come with Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, minibars and private balconies. Upgraded rooms offer ocean views, and posh suites add separate living areas. Some suites include terraces and treatment rooms with whirlpool tubs, and one features a minicinema and a private pool. Butler service is also available 24/7. Amenities include five chic restaurants and three outdoor pools, plus a private beach and a spa.

Recommended Experience: Enjoy exquisite dining experiences at the resort’s restaurants. Extending over the beautiful resort, individually crafted dining venues leave captivating experiences for guests of all ages. Experience exceptional taste at Sontaya, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi and Olea, savour a bespoke Afternoon Tea Ritual at The Drawing Room or relax with a refreshing drink at the Manhattan Lounge. The culinary concept of The Signature 3 brings together the best dishes from Sontaya, Buddha-Bar Beach and MAZI, presenting a chic dining experience in a sophisticated and elegant ambience.

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SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, ABU DHABI

Located on the banks of Abu Dhabi’s Maqta Creek, the hotel provides a front-row seat to the city’s best views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Photography lovers will be in their element here day, and night. Nestled between a pristine 1-kilometre-long private beach and lush gardens, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi is truly an oasis in the heart of the Emirates. Each room is luxuriously equipped

and adorned with modern facilities and Arabian architectural flair. Traditional abra boats help guests travel through the waterways of the Qaryat Al Beri complex, where they can shop at the souk or visit the nearby Traders Hotel. The hotel offers 213 rooms and suites, six private villas and 160 serviced apartments, as well as seven restaurants and bars which include the renowned Shang Palace. A private beach and infinity pool await those who want to soak under the sun.

Recommended Experience: Relax and unwind with a slow and tranquil boat ride in the abras, which could take you to the local souk or the north promenade. The hotel also offers majestic views of the ethereal Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a landmark to behold both in the day and night.

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QASR AL SARAB BY ANANTARA

‘The Empty Quarter’, the world’s largest sand desert located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, is home to one of the most unique five-star hotels in the Middle East. The one of a kind experience of staying in the desert hotel captivates every Middle Eastern traveller, with the experience of dining, relaxing and travelling under desert skies and over the sands. The hotel’s location, set in the middle of fine desert sands, cemented the hotel’s status

as one of the most IG-worthy hotels in the world. This literal oasis, coupled with incredible desert-inspired architecture, ultra-comfortable interiors and relaxing amenities, earns every traveller’s lifelong admiration. The desert hotel’s accommodations include 140 rooms, 14 suites, and 52 pool villas: all luxuriously spacious, with gardens, balconies, or terraces. Villas have private pools fit for families. The interiors and exterior feature terracotta tones, as well as neutrals and Islamicinspired furnishings.

Recommended Experience: Desert adventures are the best activities to do while staying at the Qasr Al Sarab. The hotel offers adrenaline-packed desert drives, as well as the mystical experience of walking in the desert sands, camel riding and archery, and many more.

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ZAYA NURAI ISLAND

Off the shores of Abu Dhabi, another exciting hotel getaway awaits the curious traveller. Zaya Nurai is a boutique private island resort that boasts of a world-class oceanside spa, fine and casual food and beverage outlets and a beach club. The hotel-resort complex is the

only resort in the capital that requires guests to arrive onboard a speedboat. The hotel has a selection of 34 villas, which offer a dramatic seascape and refreshing landscape greenery. The pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf is home to friendly dolphins in the area.

Recommended Experience: Escape to the wonders of the sea and try the resort’s assortment of water adventures. Explore the Arabian Gulf on amazing scuba diving and snorkelling adventures, or glide through the sea in a jet ski or water ski. From classic pastimes like kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and flyfishing, to thrilling pursuits like windsurfing and wakeboarding, banana ride, there’s something for everyone to try and enjoy.

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THE RITZ-CARLTON ABU DHABI, GRAND CANAL

You can also find a taste of Europe in the very heart of the capital. Within the 57 acres of property, over 500 hotel rooms await the parched city adventurer. The Ritz-Carlton is regarded as one of the most opulent hotels in Abu Dhabi. However, Venetian in its facade and interior glam, this crescent property prides

itself with the warm hospitality of Emiratis. It also boasts of a private beach and suites where you can admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from a distance. The hotel is also 20 minutes away from the airport. Its amenities include over 23,000 square feet of event space. You can also enjoy live entertainment while dining luxuriously in the hotel’s fine restaurants.

Recommended Experience: A quiet, romantic stroll will make hearts flutter amidst the resort’s enhancing grove of centuryold olive trees, all while admiring the view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

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WHY THE

Hustle Culture Could be Killing AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT BY: LEISA GRACE WILSON Are you busy? That is not a trick question. Many people pride themselves on always being busy; in fact, they wear it like a badge of honour. People are working themselves to the bone, and they are proud of it. The hustle culture has become so prevalent, especially in the entrepreneur community, but it is a death sentence as far as I am concerned. People are happy to let others know that they work 60 or even 70 plus hours per week. They are proud to talk about how little sleep they are getting and some are even delighted to disclose the fact that they have not eaten a proper meal in days. This culture is so pervasive that many people, especially entrepreneurs, feel less than or are even pressured into adopting these habits in a bid to keep up. For those not so familiar with it, the hustle culture is the belief that the most important thing in life is to achieve professional or financial success at all cost. People who subscribe to the hustle culture are of the idea that all self-fulfilment is tied to the grind and personal sacrifice in order to achieve their “goals”.

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I was recently on a webinar in which a woman was boasting about the fact that she had not moved from her computer since 7:00 am, by then it was 6:30 pm, she went on to say that she had not seen her husband and children all day even though they were in the same house. Another person on the same call was happy to let others know that she was willing to do what others were not willing to do. She proclaimed that she would not be outworked and she was happy to die trying. That last statement stuck with me. What was it that she was so willing to die for? Was it a multimillion-dollar business? A nice house? A fancy car? More money than she could spend? Were those things worth missing out on life? I know what you might be thinking. What if she enjoys what she is doing? Well, if she does, then it should not feel like a sacrifice nor a burden. It should have little or no detrimental effects on her life, but for many, they are literally dying to get rich. In this article, I will outline why this is dangerous or dare I say, deadly behaviour. I will also offer some often common-sense solutions to ensure that you do not get caught up in the so-called hustle culture.

DANGERS OF THE HUSTLE CULTURE

I am sure you already know the dangers of overworking, but for the purpose of this article, I will list a few.

• Physical Illness

Your body needs rest. Working long hours without rest can lead to various illnesses. Overworking can lead to stress, and stress can have devastating physical effects.

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Mental Illness

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Loss of relationships

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Personal neglect

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Loss of self

In countries such as Japan, where there is a culture of overworking, there is also an alarmingly high rate of suicide. When you have some time or should I say, when you take some time, do some research on the suicide forests in Japan. There have been several studies that show the relationship between working overly long hours and an increase in anxiety and other mental illnesses.

This might sound morbid but imagine you are at your own funeral. Imagine the people closest to you getting up one by one to give their most recent memories of you. What will they say? Will they only be able to talk about how hard you worked? Will they be able to say how much you cared and how you took time out to nurture your relationships. Don’t get me wrong; no one expects you to spend all your time with your loved ones and not work. It is all about finding some kind of balance. Relationships, when lost, cannot be replaced. The hustle culture is responsible for the breakdown of many marriages, the distance between parents and children, as well as the loss of many great friendships.

Many people are so focused on where they are going and what they want to achieve, that they are not living in the present. We have all heard about that person who suddenly passed away without warning. These are always hard to handle, but they are even harder to handle if that person was delaying their life, waiting for someday to enjoy themselves, someday to enjoy their family, waiting until they achieve this or that before they do something fun. Living in the present, planning for the future and learning from the past must all coexist.

One of the saddest effects of the hustle culture is the loss of one’s own identity or sense of self. There are many people who are caught up in the hustle culture, living a life that is not their own. They are so busy competing to have the biggest and the best that they have essentially lost sight of who they really are. Many people hustle and indeed achieve all the things they dreamed of, only to end up more empty and miserable than they were before. 107

TACKLING THE HUSTLE CULTURE AND TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE

If you are reading this article, then it is not too late to take your life back and exercise some amount of control. This starts by acknowledging that as much as you want to work hard and achieve great things in life, you do not want to do so at the expense of your mental or physical health. You also are not willing to sacrifice yourself or your relationships for material or even professional gain. Here are a few things that you can start doing now to reverse the effects of the hustle culture in your life. Remember I told you that many of these are common sense, but that does not mean that they are easy to do.

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Work smart

Working smart starts by taking a look at all the things that you spend your time doing. Evaluate them. Are they really worth your time, could you do less and get the same results? Could you

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delegate some of those tasks to someone else? I am a strong believer in automation. Find out if your tasks can be done via software. Try to automate as much of what you do as possible. If you are an entrepreneur, think about getting an assistant or two who can be doing some of the more mundane tasks that you have to do. This will free your time and allow you to work on your business instead of working in it.

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Be Intentional

Many of the times, we get bogged down with things that are not a part of our overall plan. Being intentional means that you know exactly what you are doing, when and why. This helps you to say no to the wrong things and yes to only the things that will move you in the direction of where you want to go. Being intentional with your time is also key. It is the foundation of time management. If you intend to do two hours of focussed work, it means that you will say no to the things that will distract you. Remember common sense, sounds easy but it is not.

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Have non-negotiables

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Do things that keep you grounded

Time for exercise is a non-negotiable, eating healthy food and getting enough rest should not be negotiated, and work should never ever get in the way of these things. Finding time to just chill is also non-negotiable. Taking care of yourself should be your top priority. The great thing is that you get to decide what goes on this list. You could decide that reading for an hour a day or walking your dog or talking to your parents or siblings are all nonnegotiables. When things are nonnegotiables, they are added to your agenda, time is allocated to them, and everyone around you knows that these things are off-limits.

I could easily pay someone to clean my house or even cook for me, but I enjoy doing them because they keep me grounded. I also make sure that I give my kids a bath every single evening because that also keeps me grounded, and I get a chance to talk with them about their days. It is our special bonding time. Sometimes you should continue to do some of these personal, often menial tasks even if you can pay someone to do them for you, because they will serve to keep you grounded.

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Be Clear About Your Goals

One of the saddest things I have discovered is that many people have no idea where they are going or what their goals are. If I were to ask you right now, how much money you need to live comfortably for a year without working, what would you tell me? Do you know the exact number? Many people are hustling and killing themselves without even knowing what the endpoint is. How much do you really need? Get clear on your goals. I mean really clear. Be very detailed on how much you need to live the life of your dream. You may discover that you do not need as much as you think or better still, that you already have more than enough.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR LEISA GRACE WILSON is an

educator, entrepreneur and blogger. She currently lives in Abu Dhabi with her seven-year-old twin boys and husband. Leisa is passionate about personal development, entrepreneurship, finances and the world of education. You can connect with Leisa by visiting her blog www.leisagrace.com or connect with her on Linkedin https:// www.linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/

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Revived and Renewed SUCCESS THROUGH CHAOS As a young boy, I was fascinated by a children's TV show with a protagonist who has the best fighting skills and the undefeated champion of all the galaxies. I was one of those boys who want to be like him. Eventually, I realised he was always in the business of self-renewal. His character's dynamism brought me to the realisation that he was determined to achieve success in the presence of chaos and strife. He exhibits character traits that are important for the modern citizens of this world to not only survive by thriving in the centre of turmoil. He showed he was curious, motivated intrinsically, strong-willed; emotionally stable, and had a growth mindset. Let us see success through every situation, but how are we going to do this?

Curiosity

The saying "Curiosity kills the cat" always seemed to scare me. It felt like we were told not to seek new information and develop new skills to apply to our daily lives that may help us with our success. However, I have grown up enough and observed that in times of difficulties, it is important to be inquisitive; develop that mindset of seeking out and applying it to ourselves to change. Curiosity will help us learn new things, classify information from situations, and analyse them to become part of our strengths.

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When you allow yourself to learn a variety of new things after every defeat, then your problems and difficulties become easier to deal with. If we resist change or deflect from the fact that we need to grow, then we cannot reach a positive result not even by luck. It is vital to show the courage to be curious and ultimately act upon it. The aim should be to stay ahead of the tide and not behind it. Be curious enough to see these challenges coming and be ready to act upon and gain from the process of being inquisitioned.

Intrinsic motivation

Stay ahead of the chaotic nature of life by being intrinsically motivated. Many people do not know what motivates them. Remember to binge on things you find meaningful and enjoyable. You should seek to enjoy the effects your work does for you and others. Incentives are excellent drivers for developing motivation but what happens when there is nothing physically placed for you to achieve? How do you survive in a situation like that? You aim to challenge yourself. When you are intrinsically motivated, you are taking control of the situation without a reward. It will help you to maintain the changes you were curious enough to add to your repertoire for success. When you are motivated by the power in you, you will not be afraid of anything.

Exercise your will

You will need to depend on your own willpower. Always remember the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." There is no limit to what you can achieve if you

display the willpower to survive and thrive. Challenges are meant to stop you from achieving whatever you want. Your willpower will toughen you up mentally too. With fortitude, willpower and mental stability in times of trouble, you will look at the hurdles and say, "the harder they come, the harder they fall."

Emotional maturity

Your emotional maturity is of utmost importance. In times of crisis, we must depend on our ability to appreciate and use our emotions in a positive way. Your maturity will be more complete if you are not only able to understand and regulate your emotions, but you can do the same for others. Your focus should be on managing your emotions. Try to see a variety of points of view on the same situation. It is easy to bottle your emotions in times of trouble; but like a soda bottle, when shaken up too much and the cork is released, there might be an explosion. Ensure that you are calm and remember to trust the process. You will grow, revive, and attain renewal when you are cool, calm and collected. 111

Mindset for growth

We seek success through the opportunities the chaotic nature of life will give us. A mindset for growth is extremely important in this regard since situations and circumstances constantly change. You should accept the fact that people who seek to grow by learning from their circumstances will most likely find success. Having this mindset says that you have control over your circumstances, even when the odds are stacked against you. You will never fixate on the past, nor will you derail your efforts in the present by fantasising about the future. People with a growth mindset are focused on making

the proper decisions now because they know the result of these current decisions will affect the future how they more or less would want it. Additionally, people with a mindset for growth may right some wrongs that were done in the past in their pursuit of success. Courage is important to manage the changes. Change is inevitable, but a positive reaction to it is your choice. Life on its own is a chaotic series of events that make up what we know or call our reality. Be courageous! Accept change and learn from it, which will eventually save us and help win our own battles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JEROME DOUGLAS Jerome Douglas is a new dad, trained teacher, poet and writer from the beautiful island of Jamaica. His personal philosophy is “If it is for me to be, then it is up to me.” He attended the Catholic College of Mandeville in Jamaica. Additionally, he is a community builder and humanitarian who volunteers his time to help with the academic and social well-being of people in his Central Jamaica community and surrounding areas.

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SHELF LIFE Frederick Douglas is quoted to have said: “Once you learn to read, you will forever be free.” Books open us to a world of dreams and possibilities, of alternative realities and universes, and the boundless stream of consciousness and human experience. Such is the magic that books in library shelves tell: of open secrets and the many, many worlds one is yet to experience and encounter. Shelf Life brings you to the world of reading where we review, recommend and write about literary masterpieces and bestsellers that could possibly change your life, too. Explore exciting titles and published works every issue to add to your must-reads.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts. 113

SAADIYAT ROTANA RESORT & VILLAS SAADIYAT ISLAND, ABU DHABI UNITED ARAB EMIRATES T: +971 2 697 0000 | F: +971 2 697 0123 114

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DISCLAIMER: The information presented in Out and About Magazine does not constitute a replacement for financial, health, legal, or other professional advice and is instead general in its nature. We do not take into account your specific needs or circumstance and you should not act upon any advice without fully understanding your current legal, health, financial or other situations. Although we always do our best to bring high-quality information to our readers, we reserve the right to augment or delete information in any way and at any time. Out and About Magazine accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may arise from the use of any element of our website or magazine.

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