Out and About Magazine Issue 5 Vol. 2 by Out and About Mag

Issue 5 Volume 2

June 2020

WHAT’S IN SEASON A GUIDE TO SEASONAL FOODS

THE NATURAL

WONDERS OF THAILAND

ZOOM READY

MAKEUP TIPS

LETTER

TO MY

DAD A DAUGHTER’S OPEN LETTER TO HER FATHER ON LIFE, REGRETS AND SUCCESS

TAKING LESSONS

DEBBIE

STANFORD-KRISTIANSEN CEO OF NOVO CINEMAS 1

“I would define a leader as a person who puts the welfare of the group above himself. It’s the same thing with fathers.”

Etan Thomas, Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge

Editorial

Editor in chief

Marsha Fry

marsha@outandaboutstylemag.com

Editor

Shella landayan

editor@outandaboutstylemag.com

art

Art director

nakul thanekar

nakul.thanekar89@gmail.com

advertising

sales & marketing director

Andre Marshal

+971 50 127 8820 sales@outandaboutstylemag.com

general enquiries

On this month's cover

hello@outandaboutstylemag.com outandaboutstylemag outandaboutstylemag OaASMag Outandaboutstylemag www.outandaboutstylemag.com

Interview: Roua Almawally, Fashion Designer Photographer: Adel Lavin Styling: Roua Almawally

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

Editor’s Welcome The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.

~ Antoine François Prévost

The father figure is a quintessential family concept in any society: he is seen as a dependable man who protects, works and loves fiercely, leading his children to the right path with tough love and endless support. Any man who imparts unrequited affection, care and important teachings to someone has the right to be called a father: he might be our uncle, a brother, a stepfather or a grandfather.

Still having a hard time to manage your wellness experience at home? Improving the Stay-at-Home Wellness Experience will get you moving to imbibe wellness principles to maximise happiness. A useful article made for your overall emotional and mental health read: Increasing Emotional Intelligence in our Lifestyle feature.

Out and About STYLE Magazine would like to say our heartfelt and sincerest gratitude and greetings to the fathers in our lives. This Issue is most especially dedicated to our brave, strong and protective fathers!

We’re here to tell you What’s in Season: A Guide to Seasonal Foods to help you out in your diet plans for months to come. In our Food section, we also give you No Diet, No Detox: The Art of Eating to achieve a healthy body without any dieting or overdoing it with exercises.

Features and Highlights In our Fashion feature, we interviewed Roua Almawally, owner of Roua Brand and a talented fashion designer based in Dubai. She narrates her life journey to success. Fashion has a very rich and colourful origin. Read 10 Native Textiles and Fabrics From Around The World and learn about the famous designs, textiles and fabrics with a preview on their unique origins. Nowadays, online meetings have become commonplace and essential for working remotely. We still want you to get that amazing look even without the heavy makeup. Here are Zoom-Ready Makeup Tips compiled just for you. Trying to save some money? We got you covered! DIY Beauty: Home Care for your Hair Colour is here to give you suggestions to maintain your beautiful hair colours. Brace the heat of the unforgiving sun: summer is exciting, but we need to make sure our skin is protected. We made a list of organic and nature-friendly sunscreens so you can Beat the Sun with 8 Safe and Natural Sunscreens. Find these articles in our Beauty section. Life is an endless journey, and it depends on you how you will make the most out of it. In Taking Lessons, we feature Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas. She shares her amazing and inspiring life stories that we can all learn from for insight and inspiration. Asiya Rafiq, a Modern Fashion Designer, wrote a heartfelt and sincere open letter to her father, featured in our Voices segment. In our Talent Pool feature, we speak with Gemma Sexton, a popular radio presenter in the Capital.

We all know it’s still risky to visit the gym, so we’ve given you Stay at Home and Exercise with 10 HIIT Fitness Exercises for you to stay fit and healthy. Check it out in our Fitness section! Updating your travel list? We present to you The Natural Wonders of Thailand in our Travel feature. Be prepared to be amazed by Thailand’s wonderful and breathtaking places. In our Culture feature, we want to feed your minds and souls with great articles for life and self-improvement. Writing a journal is a great hobby and self-improving activity. Here’s Dear Journal: What’s All the Fuss About? to learn the benefits of journaling and keeping one. All of us are aiming to be financially stable, so go ahead and read Ensuring Financial Security through Multiple Income Streams for useful advice and practical tips. Parents should check out the article Raising Men for the Future. Last but not least, a book review written just for you: go on and learn more about The Lean Startup by Eric Ries for inspiration on entrepreneurship. Dad, thank you for walking with us through our life’s battles. Out and About STYLE Magazine, with the team that made this Edition possible, would like to send our appreciation and thanks to all the fathers and soon-tobe fathers all around the world. Let’s return the love and respect they all deserve to have. Happy Father’s Day!

www.jacquieaiche.com

CONTENTS

JUNE 2 02 0

SECTION 1

11 FASHION

• Fashion Feature: Roua Almawally, Fashion Designer • 10 Native Textiles and Fabrics From Around The World

SECTION 2

36 BEAUTY

• Makeup Madness with Liv: Zoom-Ready Makeup Tips • DIY Beauty: Home Care for your Hair Colour • Beat the Sun with 8 Safe and Natural Sunscreens

SECTION 3

51 TAKING LESSONS

• Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas

SECTION 4

60 VOICES

• D ear Dad: A Daughter’s Open Letter to her Father on Life, Regrets and Success.

SECTION 5

68 TALENT POOL

• Gemma Sexton, Radio Presenter

SECTION 6

98 TRAVEL

• T he Natural Wonders of Thailand

SECTION 6

76 LIFESTYLE

• I mproving the Stay-at-Home Wellness Experience • Increasing Emotional Intelligence

84 FOOD

• W hat’s in Season: A Guide to Seasonal Foods • N o Diet, No Detox: Learn The Art of Eating

93 FITNESS

• S tay at Home and Exercise with 10 HIIT Fitness Exercises

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

SECTION 8

105 FOR THE CULTURE

• Dear Journal: What’s All the Fuss About? • E nsuring Financial Security through Multiple Income Streams • B ook Review: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

ROUA ALMAWALLY www.rouaalmawally.wixsite.com/website

roua_almawally

FASHION

BALANCING FAITH AND FASHION

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

My name is Roua Almawally, and I'm a fashion designer. I was born in Iraq, where I lived until I was 18 years old. Our family eventually moved to Sweden, where I've lived for 15 years and studied fashion design. I completed my Masters in Fashion Design in Milan, Italy. After finishing my masters, I started Roua, my own self-titled brand, and moved to Dubai. My dream is to provide the world with my colourful designs and style, and to inspire individuals to seek the kind of fashion that fulfils and fits their lifestyles. I'm also active in social media as an influencer for fashion, beauty and lifestyle, showing the world that culture and fashion are meant to be enjoyed together.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? My style is a bit of a mix and match of everything. Having lived in Iraq and Sweden, both the Iraqi and Swedish cultures are embedded in my personality, the way I think, and my personal style.

My style reflects my personality. It is a mix of casual, contemporary, trendy and colourful. In Sweden, where the weather is always gloomy, people tend to wear black, white or grey; in contrast, the exotic colours of Iraq give me life, energy and happiness.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BLOG YOUR STYLE? I love photography. Before I started blogging, I had a personal account. I always take photos of every outfit I wear when I go out. I love posing, taking photos and editing them. Editing photos is one of my hobbies.

When I started studying fashion design, I decided to do blogs. I thought that this could be my future—to show people what I do and what I love. I started getting positive feedback from people, asking me to continue to teach mixing colours and styles, and it gave me the motivation to continue. Eventually, blogging became a part of my life because I love to do it. My first tutorial was about wearing hijab with style. I wanted to show people that we can always think outside of the box and we can be trendy while still staying modest.

TELL US ABOUT ROUA THE BRAND AND WHAT IT REPRESENTS.

Roua the Brand reflects my style, and the way I see fashion and the world. Mix-and-match is one of my brand’s themes. For example, adding flair or versatility to a simple dress can be done by wearing it as a shirt or by adding another piece of clothing to create a different look. My brand is not only for hijabis—it's for everyone. Many of my clients are not hijabis, so I’m very happy that I also reach other people. I also want to show people what modest, contemporary fashion looks like by keeping in the trend while looking modest and classy.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?

At the outset, what I considered as my greatest source of inspiration was the mix of cultures that I've been immersed in. Swedish and Iraqi cultures are incredibly different, and yet both cultures are ingrained in my personality and I wanted to showcase them in my designs. I have a big passion for learning about new cultures. Each culture is unique and rich in many aspects. I love the colours and history of each, and I am curious to learn how people lived before. I’m eager to know why a particular style

is popular in a certain country or region. My first collection was inspired by Nubia, a small town in South Egypt. Nubia is famous for its colourful houses filled with eclectic murals and the happy music of its people. My second collection, aptly called Her Soul, was inspired by Arabian women. The concept started when I came to Dubai to work. Working in Dubai, I realised that a woman is capable of achieving huge success. She can be a businesswoman, a teacher or a pilot. She's a mother who needs to wake up early to bring her kids to school and to work chore after chore. I believe that the women of today command respect and admiration from society. That's also why I put the mix-and-match concept because of women's need for multi-use clothes.

WHAT DOES HIJAB MEAN TO YOU?

I wear the traditional hijab and turbans. My turbans have become a part of my identity. I’ve proven this on many occasions, especially on one occasion where the designers I met in Milan Fashion Week visited Dubai for our fashion week. They said that they remembered me because of my turban. People are going to remember me with my turban and I love this idea. I started wearing a turban as a hijab because I know I have something different in my personality. It might be because of the mix of cultures I lived in and the way I think. I love my turban a lot and I don’t see myself without it.

HOW DO YOU COUNTER THE RHETORIC OF HIJAB AS A SYMBOL OF OPPRESSION? SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE TO TELL OTHER WOMEN?

Nowadays, I feel like that concept of wearing hijab is not linked to being oppressed any longer. I think the world is more open now. In social media, we can see hijabis who achieved success in different fields, and we even see models on the runway wearing hijab. Many times, I was asked questions about wearing hijab, like as to why I prefer not to take my hijab off. Sometimes, I even receive comments that I’m

more beautiful without it. My only advice to women who wear hijab or want to wear one is that wearing one is definitely their own choice. If you want it and you love it, don’t take it off. It will never stop you from reaching your goals. You are much stronger when you show your true self. Be yourself and you will be able to prove to people that you can do it. For me, everything is equal. To wear hijab or not? Honestly, I don’t see a difference.

SOME WOULD ARGUE THAT HIJAB IS LOSING ITS TRUE MEANING AS WOMEN ARE NOW WEARING IT IN DIFFERENT STYLES, SHAPES AND COLOURS. DO YOU AGREE? IF NOT, WHY? For me, not at all—as long as we are free to wear, look and decide on what and who we are. Wearing hijab in a modern way, even adding colours and styles, is a positive thing, as long as the essence of wearing a hijab is not being set aside.

I really love my hijab and turban, that’s why I know how to wear it. Many girls asked me for help on how to wear it the way I do. My answer is always the same: you need to embrace it whole-heartedly and love it. After that, you will know how to wear it. Every time I’m in a different country, people usually ask me about my turban, my culture, where I am from and why I’m wearing it this way. I’m always hearing people saying that they are happy to see it in a modern and new way. Whatever way you decide to wear a hijab, it will always be gorgeous. If you’re choosing and doing it with love while expressing yourself, that’s the most important thing. There’s no right or wrong. People should choose what they want to do and what they want to be.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HIJABI MODELS ON THE RUNWAY? They are absolutely gorgeous. I was looking at Halima—she’s so beautiful and rocking everything in the best way. I’m so happy to see her enjoying the success she worked for. There are many models like her and I love seeing them making their mark. I love how the brands of today are creating modest fashion with hijab and making turbans for the runway. I love how fashion has evolved.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

If I could change one thing, that would be the fast fashion trend— the changeability. Nowadays, even the big brands are creating new brands with different names to follow street and casual trends. People want to see new designs and styles all the time. Some brands are doing this, but at the same time, they’re losing their own identity.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GROWING OUTSIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA?

I’m growing very well because I’m always wearing my own designs and style. I’m happy to see the reaction and hear the feedback of many people wherever I go. Late last year, I participated in a fashion event at the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. It’s a pop-up store concept and I displayed my collections there. It was a successful event and I was very happy. People loved my designs and I got very positive feedback. I even got new clients. As you know, I display my collections on different online platforms. Because of this, I got the attention of one of the biggest platforms here in GCC. I was extremely happy because they saw that I am able to showcase unique fashion imbibed with youth and energy, as well as different styles that are contemporary and colourful.

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN A WORLD THAT IS SO DRIVEN BY SOCIAL MEDIA? When I feel that everything feels too much, I will stop myself and get a feel of the reality I am in. I always try to find a balance between being online and offline. I don’t really like to watch what other people do or what’s going on. I prefer not to hear negative things about anything in life. I’m also the kind of person that is not focused on what other people think of me, be it about my style or my personality. I’m confident in myself. If I see any negative comments about me, I try not to make it upset me or affect me. Social media has become an important part of our daily lives, so I don’t see it as a negative thing. We just need to make sure that we are using it for our own good and don’t let our lives circle around it.

WHAT IS THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY? “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” If you are afraid to do something and you let that fear stop you from doing it, then you will never be able to make it. If you don’t try, you won't know and you won’t learn anything. Trying is the first step. Just be yourself and do what you love. Believe in yourself and it's going to happen.

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Native Textiles and Fabrics From Around The World

The colourful arsenal of textiles of today is an ode to all the fashion makers and designers who see to our constant demands and put in their efforts into creating unique fashion trends. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go on a journey, exploring the traditional side of textile and celebrating the uniqueness of each textile design.

Shisha embroidery is believed to have originated in India in the 17th century and is most dominant in Asian countries, such as China, Afghanistan, and Indonesia. The term hails from the Persian word “shishesh”, which means glass. Shisha is partly influenced by the Persian culture apart from the Indian aesthetic origins. Shisha embroidery is a form of mirror work sewn onto a brightcoloured fabric in a cross-stitch embroidery style for a truly vivid and striking effect. The little mirrors attached to the cloth are reflective under the rays of the sun and the light of the moon. Mirror work grew during the Mughal Reign as travellers from Iran spread this traditional fabric art.

SHISHA EMBROIDERY

Surprisingly, the Mughals didn’t wear mirror work on their garments. It was used for decor purposes, such as tapestries, home decor items and so on. In fact, Muslims and Hindus in the Indian community hung shisha embroidery banners at their front entrances to ward off evil spirits and protect themselves from ill wishes.

Tartan is a vibrantly-coloured fabric with crisscrossing patterns printed on it. Closely associated with Scotland, the iconic fabric goes back to the Middle Ages. Tartan is seen as a big part of the Scottish culture, patriotism and heritage. It has been adopted as the more symbolic national dress of Scotland than a daily-wear Highland dress. The Dress Act of 1746 made wearing tartan or the ‘Highland dress’ illegal

2. TARTAN

in Scotland. When the said act was repealed in 1782, tartan turned into a symbolic fabric. In 1822, King George IV went on a royal visit to Edinburgh, wearing a kilt bearing a tartan design. This event straightened tartan’s reputation, and the public widely accepted it as a unifying symbol of Scotland. This fabric is graced with symmetrical patterns embodying different colours. Each pattern depends on the wearer’s preferences, and some of them were created to associate with Scottish history. Scotland’s tartan is woven with wool, mohair or cashmere. If you prefer the real thing when travelling, always ask your local fabric supplier.

Originally from Ghana, kente cloth is a silk and cotton fabric crafted with interwoven stripes. The natives of the towns of Asante and Ewe, who invented the unique kente weaving process, have been making this cloth for 400 years. This fabric sports colourful and complex designs. To a foreigner and an untrained eye, kente designs appear as abstract patterns, but the real makers and the people of Ghana know the meaning behind their creations. The bright colours and patterns used in this fabric represent different messages, mainly referring to nature, proverbs, special events, historical events, and other cultural artefacts. The colours, however, stand

3. KENTE CLOTH

for different symbols or concepts. Blue typically signifies peace; black is for mourning; green stands for spirituality, and so on.

Yuzen silk is made by skilled artisans, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not surprising that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come cheap at all. This fabric is made using the Yuzen-dyeing method which utilises rice paste in creating intricate designs with the whole painting process manually done by hand. The Yuzen-dyeing method, founded in Japan in the 710 AD, is partly influenced by the dyeing process involved in batik-making. It is believed that this method was developed by an artist named Yuzensai Miyazaki. This process makes use of various colours and intricate designs mostly inspired by

4. YUZEN SILK

nature. The designs are eyecatching and mesmerising. The Yuzen-dyeing method can be used to work on other fabrics as well, but silk is the most commonly used fabric by artisans. This technique is largely used for kimonos. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning to add Yuzen silk to your fashion bucket list, make sure the fabric is done by a skilled artist or established cloth makers since counterfeits exist by a large number.

In 2009, UNESCO added the Indonesian batik to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Batik is a part of Indonesian culture and has strong roots within Indonesian royalty as well. Batik comes from the word ‘amba’, which means ‘to write’, and ‘titik’, meaning ‘dot’. Even though batik’s exact origins are still unknown, historians claim that it could be traced back to Southeast Asian countries, especially Indonesia, where the art of batik was first practised. Batik-making is also considered an art form expressed upon fabric using wax. The method is done by applying wax to cloth, dyeing it, and then washing away the wax. Some batik designs are specially created for royalty. Today, certain patterns of batik represent wealth and prosperity.

5. BATIK

Paisley is Persian in origin, notable with the distinctive marks called boteh, a Persian leaf motif with a curved u end. The name, however, is derived from the English name of the Scottish town called Paisley. There have been numerous debates over the symbolic nature of this design, linking the patterns to Zoroastrianism. Regardless, the design sheds light on birth, spirituality, and enlightenment.

6. PAISLEY

Even though paisley has an important part in the history of the West, the design has connotations of eastern beauty and culture as well. During the 17th century, paisley was introduced in the eastern region during the reign of the Mughal emperors in the form of paisley shawls. The Mughals wore the shawls for beauty and luxury; hence the popularity grew. In modern times, most designs are digitally-printed, and the designs have spread vastly over the Middle East and other Central Asian regions. Paisley-inspired patterns have also found their way in carpets, tapestries, wallpapers and even bed covers.

Suzani is a decorative tribal textile and a form of embroidery founded in Central Asia. Its name is derived from the Persian word ‘suzan’, which means needle, the oldest roots of suzani can be traced from the late 1700s, but historians claim that writings from the early 15th century explain the existence of this type of textile. This textile uses cotton fibres as a base and is embroidered with silk or cotton threads by applying satin, chain, and buttonhole stitches. Most suzanis are created and stitched together with two or more portions of fabric to create a larger piece.

Suzani embroidery is traditionally practised by Central Asian families. When a girl is born, the

7. SUZANI

family starts making suzani cloth, continuing the hand-embroidery for years until the day of the daughter’s wedding. On the wedding day, the groom is presented with the suzani cloth.

It wouldn’t be fair not to mention Mahatma Gandhi as the person behind the popularisation of khadi due to his efforts in calling for a mass boycott of English products, including foreign-made clothing. As a symbol of independence and political agendas against the British rule, khadi holds national importance in

8. KHADI

India. Gandhi himself wore khadi, not only to boost its local sales but as a means to offer jobs to the unemployed rural population of India. Khadi is also known as khadder, which is created by spinning the fabric on a charkha, a spinning instrument. Khadi is a firm and coarse fabric which keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer owing to the method with which the fabric is interwoven. Back then, khadi traditionally came in earthy colours. Today, it is available in various prints and shades.

This traditional style of embroidery originated in West Bengal. Kantha embroidery is also known as dorkha, which means ‘turning worn-out fabrics into reusable, beautiful-looking fabrics’. It can also be said as a ‘recycled’ form of art carried out on long layers of cloth, mostly bedsheets, cushion covers and sofa covers. Artisans that make use of kantha embroidery sew images of birds, flowers, humans, geometrical designs, and more to revive the old fabric.

9. KANTHA EMBROIDERY

10. SHERMA

Sherma is a Tibetan woolen fabric made from wool collected from yak and sheep which grazes on the highlands of Himalayas. Sherma, one of the thinnest wools that can be created on a loom, is dyed using natural dyes. It is typically woven into strips to be stitched together to form the traditional Tibetan apron called pangden, which are characterised by a three panel, multi-coloured stripe design. In Tibet, only married women wore pangden, so wearing one signifies a woman’s marital status. The stripe colours and patterns are also unique to different regions of Tibet.

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ARABIAN BEAUTIES Models: Lili Nagy Victoria Noori Photo: Jozsef Balogh Retouch: Anna Petrova Hair, makeup and styling: Liv Rideg Assistants: Balazs Farkas and Szabo Pal Location: Studio Madison, Hungary

BEAUTY

M A K E U P M A D N E S S W I T H

ZOOM-READY MAKEUP TIPS Getting ready for your next video meeting, or preparing for a social get-together online with friends? Many of our professional and social activities have moved to the Internet, so it is still important to look your best. Fret not: read on our simple Zoom-ready makeup tips to prepare for your next online meeting!

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR SKIN

Taking care of your skin is the most important thing! Invest in a great exfoliating scrub, a refreshing toner and a lightweight moisturiser. This will also prepare the skin for makeup use, giving you that bouncy, healthy glow on and off cam!

MAKEUP BASE

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a heavy foundation if you have good skin with no pimples or major imperfections. Look for a good BB cream and set it with a lightweight or loose powder to remove unnecessary shine. This makes you look natural and comfortable in front of the camera, without the heavy makeup look. Mattifying helps to avoid looking glassy or shiny, especially when using a direct ring light or other bright lights.

EYEBROWS

Brush your eyebrows, following its natural shape. If they are too light, use a natural grey-brown shade to enhance them. Make sure to remove any harsh lines. Fill in your eyebrows with eyebrow pencil or eyeshadow, making sure not to put too much product. Use an eyebrow spoolie to even out the colour and spread the product.

EYES

Eyes are the mirror of the soul. It is important to make them pop a bit. To keep the whole makeup journey short and easy, take one eyeshadow with a pearly shine and smudge it all over the eyelid, but not higher than your crease line. A champagne colour eyeshadow suits mostly everyone. You can take an eye pencil or liner to add a bit of a drama to your eyes. Put a thin eyeliner in the top lash line and apply mascara.

CHEEK BLUSH

Look for a light-coloured blush for your cheeks. Make sure not to put too much blush as camera filters or the background lighting can make it more noticeable. Peach and rosetoned blushes look great on almost all skin types.

LIPSTICK

Feel free to wear your favourite nude lipstick in a video call! A nude,

tinted lip gloss will do the trick if you want a little bit of shine without the dramatic emphasis.

BEST LIGHTING FOR ONLINE MEETINGS During the daytime, natural light captures natural-looking and crisp images. Find the best spot in your house with adequate sunlight exposure and set up your device near, but not directly in the light.

Spaces near windows, openair areas, and translucent glass awnings are ideal spots to get indirect sunlight exposure ideal for video capture. At nighttime, artificial lights that look effortlessly natural are the perfect choice for background lighting. Keep in mind that facial features are more prominent in front of the camera. Keep it simple: never forget that less is always more.

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Premade

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Tom Ford Eye Quad

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MAC Eye Pencil in Brown

Kevyn Aucoin Neo blush

Fenty Beauty Glossbomb Universal lip Luminiser

Dolce Gabbana lipstick

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.

BEAUTY QUEEN Model: Csonka Rebeka Photo and retouch: Andrea Marton Designer: Nagy Agota Collection Assistant: Takacs Ferenc Hair and makeup: Liv Rideg Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary 39

DRAMA QUEEN Model: Erika Torok Photo: Jozsef Balogh Hair, makeup and styling: Liv Rideg Retouch: Anna Petrova Location: Eger, Hungary 40

DIY BEAUTY: HOME CARE FOR YOUR HAIR COLOUR

Vibrant-coloured hair looks gorgeous and tempting. However, when the tints start losing their sheen, it does not always paint a pretty picture. Now, you can visit a hair care salon to get your tresses touched up but going to the hairdressers for colour maintenance may not always be budget-friendly. What do you do when your hair starts to look like it could use a tiny bit of redoing? We bring you these effective DIY methods to maintain your hair colour at home while skipping the pricey salon sessions!

HENNA

Henna leaves are the most widely used organic hair dyeing ingredients. Henna is widely available in its powdered form and is the most long-lasting and brightest natural hair colouring option. It is usually mixed with water to make a paste, applied to the roots and allowed to stay for hours depending upon the intensity of colour preferred. To maintain your hair colour at home with henna: 1.

Mix half cup henna with 1/4 cup water.

2. Stir to make a smooth paste. Let this mixture sit overnight and add more water if needed. 3. Dampen your hair and put on a headband to avoid it dripping on your face. 4. Section your hair and apply henna to the roots working through each section until the whole area is covered. 5. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the colour develop for up to 6 hours or more if you wish for deeper red tones. 6.

Wash thoroughly. 43

COFFEE Coffee is a wonderful option to touch-up those burgundy hues. You may need to repeat hair treatments with coffee to get a deep-set colour. Coffee is also great to cover up stray greys. To whip up a coffee hair mask, you will have to: 1.

Brew a strong mug of dark roast coffee

2. Mix half a cup of coffee and one cup of leave-in hair conditioner 3. Dampen your hair and apply the mixture evenly, in sections to your roots. 4. Let the hair pack stay for at least two hours and then wash thoroughly. Coffee does not provide a drastic change, and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last long, but it does work pretty well when you need a quick and affordable natural redo.

BEETROOT AND CARROT JUICE

Beets and carrots give you much more than a scrumptious salad. These two root vegetables are often used to add natural red stains to your hair colour. Depending on the shade that you like, you may choose to mix both beets and carrots or use them separately. For a brighter strawberry red or auburn shade, add more beet juice. Carrot juice will produce a subtle reddish-orange colour. 1. Juice the vegetables to get about 1 cup of the juice. 2. Add a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil to act as a conditioner. 3. Apply the juice to your hair evenly and throw on a shower cap. 4. Leave in for at least two hours and rinse thoroughly once done. 5. Rinse your hair with a diluted solution of Apple Cider Vinegar to seal in the colour. 6. If you would like a deeper tinge, repeat the next day.

SAGE LEAVES If you would like to darken up your greys, sage leaves are effective colourants too! 1. Steep about a cup of dried sage in a litre of water and bring to a boil. Let the tea boil for about 30 minutes or longer. 2. Once done, strain out the sage and let the tea cool. 3. Soak your hair in the sage water for as long as you can. 4. Wash, then dry your hair under the sun for maximum impact.

LEMON JUICE

Lemon juice helps strip your hair of its pigments slowly. It is a natural way to achieve sun-kissed highlights. 1. Extract lemon juice from about three large lemons. 2. Using a comb, separate sections of your hair and apply the juice evenly whenever colour is desired. 3. Sit in the sun and let it dry. This enhances the intensity of the colour. 4. Wash your hair after an hour, and if required, repeat the process two to three times.

CALENDULA FLOWERS AND HIBISCUS FLOWERS Flowers smell lovely and they also help impart colour and life to your lacklustre hair. While hibiscus flowers lend a red gloss to your tresses, calendula flowers lighten incoming blonde hair with golden highlights. It is also great for turning brown hair into a warm shade of red. Make a simple herbal hibiscus concoction by brewing a cup of hibiscus flowers in boiling water for at least an hour. Blend this tea together with the flesh of aloe vera from a 10-centimetre-long stem. Apply the puree to your roots and ends and let the pack stay on for 1 hour before you wash it out. The antioxidants from the hibiscus will leave your locks healthy and freshâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;similarly, steep calendula flowers in boiling water and make a strong tea. Add a teaspoon of honey to moisturise your scalp. With some innovations and ingenuity, it is very easy to replicate and maintain your favourite salon colour at home and even strengthen your hair in the process!

BEAT THE SUN

WITH 8 SAFE AND NATURAL SUNSCREENS

The scorching summer heat is demanding us not to go bare and shield-free! Summer is already here, so make sure to protect your delicate skin from the harmful UV rays. Be mindful, however, that most sunscreen products contain harmful chemicals and other synthetic ingredients that may potentially harm wildlife, especially the ocean ecosystems. For example, harmful substances like octinoxate and oxybenzone, which are common sunscreen ingredients, are toxic to most species of coral reefs as well as other marine life. Taking care of our skin doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to take care of nature as well! Look out for potential toxins in your sunscreen products or when shopping for one. We also recommend

using

plant-based

products

that are skin-nourishing. Here are the best sunscreen products we compiled that are safe for your skin and nature. 47

Neutrogena SheerZinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 01

This is a mineral sunscreen that provides high protection against the damaging sun rays. It is also hypoallergenic, oil-free, waterproof, noncomedogenic, and of course, dermatologisttested.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream CC creams, also known as colour-correcting creams, are one of the latest beauty and skincare fads. Juice Beauty created an SPF-30 CC cream that gives you glowing skin. This is formulated without parabens and pesticides. This brand claims that their products are never tested on animals.

Suntegrity Unscented Natural Mineral Sunscreen For Body 03

If you are looking for a sunscreen that is ideal for family use, this is perfect for you. This product is fragrance-free, chemical-free and has SPF 30, which is good for skin protection. It is also reef-friendly and cruelty-free that will make Mother Earth happy.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Though that beautiful melanin protects the skin from some UV rays, not all are covered; therefore, black people need sunscreen too! This product my Black Girl Sunscreen is free of harmful chemicals and will leave your skin moisturised and free of white residue.

Tropical Sands All Natural SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Tropical Sands created a mineral sunscreen made with natural green tea and no added harmful chemicals. It is safe to use on children or if you have sensitive skin. It is perfect to use on the face and body. This is also reefsafe and not tested on animals.

Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 50

Oil-free, non-greasy, no oxybenzone added and non-comedogenic: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safe for your pores, so what else to look for? It is guaranteed safe for the environment and kids can use it too! It contains SPF 50, which makes it strong protection against the harsh UV rays.

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ Thinksport concocted a lush sunscreen that is not so greasy, with a subtle scent suitable for sensitive skin. This is also a mineral sunscreen that has SPF 50+ ideal for long exposure under the sun. Beach lovers will love this as it is also coral-friendly!

Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Goddess Garden offers an array of sunscreen products for you to choose from. Their products, which are formulated with SPF 30 and SPF 50, are organic and contain plantbased nutrients perfect for sensitive skin.

Taking Lessons DEBBIE STANFORD-KRISTIANSEN CEO OF NOVO CINEMAS dskristiansen

Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

My name is Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, and I’m the CEO of Novo Cinemas. I’ve been here in Dubai for the last seven years. Before moving into the entertainment industry, I worked in tourism and hospitality, which I entered in my early twenties in Brighton, England. I was part of the team that launched the business tourism show in Geneva, Switzerland called EIBTM. Years later, I was part of the leadership team who launched IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany. I started my career as an organising executive, moved into sales and marketing, and worked my way up to global VP before I left. I loved what I did; it was amazing. My journey in the Middle East started in 2005, when I moved to Bahrain with my husband Jacob, my daughter Georgia, who was 9 at the time and our son Luca, who was just 3 months old. I met my husband in early 2004. My move to Bahrain was to help establish the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority. I reflected on what you can achieve in a short space of time. It has been a wonderful journey since moving to the Middle East back in 2005. When I relocated to Dubai, I was in my 40’s, and thinking if I don’t do it, I’ll regret it, so just do it and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t matter.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?

Success is being able to bring positive change and impact to the lives of others. For me, it’s always about the ability to help individuals or communities. That’s how I measure success.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I am passionate about my job, my family, and my friends. As I’ve grown and matured, my passion for wanting to help others also grew. As such, I’ve been doing a lot of volunteering for mentorship programmes and speaking at events, giving hope and inspiration to others, as well as sharing my life’s journey, hoping that it will resonate with somebody else. With mentorship, I’m always emphasising that it’s important to have someone who will bring out the champion in you, support and encourage you, but also to challenge you to be the best that you can be. I can say that with truth because I know from experience that you just need someone to give you that little push for you to step outside of your comfort zone, bloom and flourish as a person.

DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS SOME SORT OF PATTERN OR FORMULA TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL CEO? It’s about seizing opportunities when they come your way; being not afraid to jump in, even if it doesn’t work out. When you’re given an opportunity, there’s always a reason for that. It’s your life story, and you have different chapters within your book. Each chapter is a different opportunity that leads to something else. I was very fortunate that I had a great mentor who was my boss at the time, who really helped bring out that confidence in me. When I was in my early 20s, I really lacked self-confidence, but he saw that I had potential. He put me on the way to growth, to give back and to really develop. I owe a lot of my success to him and the opportunities that he’s given me.

AS A FEMALE LEADER, WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER IN YOUR CAREER? Since moving to the Middle East, I’ve had so many great opportunities. I’ve met company leaders who are strong men passionate about supporting women. I never faced a case of being denied a senior role because of my gender. There was one occasion when an individual felt a little threatened by me. Unfortunately, it was a woman and not a man as many might have perceived. It makes me sad to think about that. She tried to put obstacles in my way, but I thought that truth will always prevail, and it did. I’m a forgiving person, and I believe we need to support each other, especially us, women. There’s room for everybody in this world.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE LEADERS? Sometimes as women, we’re our own worst enemies. We’re able to talk ourselves out of opportunities and like to bring ourselves down. I would say, have self-belief, trust in who you are and your ability. Be passionate about what you do. Be prepared to work hard.

In this industry, I’d say we almost work 24/7, but it’s because we’re passionate about what we do. When you have a passion for something, give your everything. Be resilient. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s how you learn. Don’t be afraid to take an opportunity when it comes your way. If you don’t try, you will live with regret and wish you’d taken that opportunity. Lead with cause and purpose. Leave ego behind, there’s no place for that.

HOW DID MENTORS INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE?

I was 23 or 24 when the managing director gave me an opportunity to grow. He moved me into sales and marketing under his leadership. He was giving a presentation in Amman, Jordan to around 300 travel professionals with the Ministry of Tourism. I prepared the presentation for him to deliver. Moments before he was due to go on stage, he said that things would be different that day and I would be the one presenting first, not him. I immediately began feeling sick because of nervousness. I was not used to any kind of public speaking back then. He told me to breathe, calm down, find a spot at the end of the room and focus on that. He said that he would not put me in that position unless he believed in me. I didn’t want to let him down because he’d done so much for me. 56

After getting off the stage, I remember him asking how I felt. I felt elated. He said that even though I’ll get used to making presentations, I’ll still have butterflies in my stomach and that’s a good thing. It means that you’re not overconfident, so you’ll always be authentic in your delivery. I think that was definitely a pivotal moment for me, in my career, and I will never forget it.

TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU HAD TO DEAL WITH FAILURE AND HOW YOU DEALT WITH IT. Prior to coming to Dubai, I was offered a role in Borneo, which sounded exciting. I got caught up in the moment. We packed up and left Bahrain. My husband said, “If this is something you want to do, we’ll do it, I’ll support you.” Within a few months, I realised I’ve made a very big mistake. It wasn’t for me or for us as a family, and I felt incredibly filled with guilt. My

husband said, “Don’t live with regret; we made the decision together, and I support you.” The next six months were a little bit of a roller coaster because I had no idea what we were going to do or where we were going to go next. I ended up in Australia, then went back to the UK, and then back to the Middle East. Throughout that period, all of our belongings were moving from one container ship port to the next. We finally reunited with all of our belongings about eight months later back in Bahrain. It was a very unsettling time in my life. I’ve learned that when you’re making a decision, you must reflect on it and weigh up all the pros and cons. Take your time, and don’t rush your decisions. Sometimes in life, it’s not about making a bad decision or failing at something; it’s how you bring yourself back from that and how you turn it around.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Believe in yourself because others believe in you, and they can see that you have the ability. Don’t hold back and don’t be scared. I didn’t think I was capable of achieving what I’ve achieved, but with someone as a mentor or support person: someone who will bring the champion in you, challenge and hold you accountable at the same time; and someone who will be your listening ear, you’ll get there.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED? The best piece of advice was given to me by my grandfather. He told me that whatever you do in life, make sure you give respect to everybody. Be authentic and be true to yourself. Never compromise on your values, who you are, and what you represent. I’ve tried to do that throughout my life, both in my personal and professional life.

IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL IT AND WHY?

I haven’t written a book yet, but I’m planning to write one with Nikki Williams, my best friend who I worked with for many years at EIBTM and IMEX. Nikki lives in England. We often talk about the trips we’ve been on together because we have been able to travel the world through work. I feel so thankful for those experiences. We’ve just got so many funny stories together. We decided that when we write a book sharing our stories, it will be entitled Coast to Coast and Everything Else in Between because we have literally travelled the world. I think we’ve been around the world two or three times now, seeing amazing things and experiencing wonderful sights together. I’m not sure when we’ll be able to write it, but at some point, I hope.

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

I’m very conscious about what is happening every day. It started with the lockdown. One thing that we agreed on as a family is to maintain a routine because we’re working from home and we’re isolated from friends. We have breakfast together as a family, after

which I’ll come into the dining room, which I consider my office. My husband’s ‘office’ is in the kitchen. My son will go upstairs for his schooling through distance learning. Our daughter is in Bahrain, and I haven’t seen her since Christmas. It’s been incredibly difficult for me as I have never been apart from her for this long. I’m very concerned about her mental health and work, so we make sure that we are pushing her to think positive. I also calm my mind by walking along the beach, just gazing at the ocean. We’ll go at 6:00 in the morning for an 8-kilometre walk. It’s incredibly powerful. The sound of the waves is something special. As a company, we make sure that we also have a daily connection with the team. Many of our cinema workers are far from home already. They’re already far away from loved ones, which also puts a level of concern and worry in their minds. I don’t want anybody left out. Everybody needs to call somebody, check on them, make sure they’re okay. Kindness above everything else is important. 57

WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

It’s a quote by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who I was very fortunate to meet in South Africa. He was speaking at an event I went to, and one of the things he said was, “Dream, dream and go for it”. It resonated with me over these years because he was such an incredible man with everything he’d been through in his life. He was probably one of the most positive and wonderful people I’ve ever met.

Voices 60

A Daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Letter to her Father on Life, Regrets and Success

Asiya Rafiq M O D E S T FA S H I O N D E S I G N E R

asiyarafiqq

How are you doing? I am finally at the point where I can reply to your messages, so here it goes. I’m doing fine with my life. I grew into a fine and hardworking mother. By the grace of the Almighty, I’m blessed with a wonderful six-year-old boy and married to a very supportive man who is a doctor in Abu Dhabi. When I got married, my heart ached, and sadness crept into my soul: the religious rituals that you needed to perform were there, but you’re not. You missed so much in my life, so I want to tell you some of the stories I have. I want you to know that I’ve been interested in fashion and the performing arts since childhood. Mum wanted me to become a doctor but I had different interests. Since I personally experienced the psychological impact of living without a father, it was my dream to ease children’s pain brought about by parental separation, helping them perform better in their lives—so I took Psychology as my career path. I also studied Applied Behavioural Analysis Training in the Applied Behavioural Institute Dubai. I had the privilege of meeting people in need, especially children with separated parents and challenged with other social issues. I volunteered in the Special Olympics that was held here in the UAE, and I met people of determination. Knowing the challenges in their daily lives led me to decide to specialise in making adaptive clothes for them. They are the most neglected group when it comes to fashion choices. I believe that how you dress can also boost and improve one’s mood levels. I designed my own clothes, and I wore them to different functions and got a lot of attention. My friends always advise me to showcase my designs at exhibitions. I always dreamt of you looking at my designs and appreciating my hard work and efforts. I collaborated with Dream Design for Disabilities in Dubai Modest Fashion Week 2019. I’ve also been invited to many international colleges and universities to meet students of fashion and technology. I have added a programme in my designing project with the goal of providing more information about adaptive clothing for the next generation of designers called “Mission Make My Style Accessible”. I want to contribute to the growing society in whatever small way I can. I was able to achieve things, and I’m hoping that at one point,

maybe not now but someday, that you’ll be proud of me. You left us when I was a toddler, but mum raised us so well. She helped me achieve what I have today. She tried her best to be a mother and father at the same time. She continued her own education even in those trying times and worked so hard to give us better lives. She also gained the position of being the only female designated as Scouts and Guides Commissioner of her state. Aren’t you happy for her? Mum had to work quite a lot, but grandma was also there by my side. I learned to raise an alarm if somebody tried to take advantage of me, thanks to her. I remember this one time: I was on a bus with my friend, and a man tried to touch her. I saw my friend’s helpless expression on her face. I fought back on her behalf and made him pay for his actions. That incident made me realise that we might have to fight our own battles. Dad, if you were there, you would protect me, right? When I was a child, the most significant impact of your absence was missing you each day. As I grew up, I realised that it is very much more than that. The challenges and hardships I met were difficult to overcome, but looking at Mum who taught me to deal with situations bravely, I learned to look at the positive side of things which made me stronger each day. I was lucky enough to have a loving uncle to stand by my side and helped me with my school cards. I was supposed to have you during those times, but sadly, it was impossible. I left my grandmother’s house when I was 20 years old. I stayed in metropolitan cities to experience hostel life, which taught me how to lead my life independently. My ultimate goal is to become the voice of the voiceless and help people in need with my professional experience and personal way of living life. I’m pursuing it and I’m happy to announce that my dream project is about to happen soon where I’m the one who will direct the film, write the story and script, and also act. I thank the UAE government for providing a platform for talented people and giving me a chance to be a

member of the Twofour54 Creative Lab, a media organisation in Abu Dhabi. I’m able to nurture my passion for film directing and continuously learn about film direction.

so I’m in talks with a London-based film director to present my film in different international film festivals which take place throughout the year in the capital.

My vision as a film director is to paint the cinema with real stories, instead of fictional ones, stories that create wrong impressions, or send wrong messages. London hosts some of the most exciting, eclectic and ambitious film festivals in the world,

Thank you, Dad, for making me learn poetry. I experienced so much pain because of being apart from you, so I kept a diary. Unknowingly, you made me into a writer.

I want to share with you these lines in one of my poems:

That childhood is lost So is he Why is still my heart Is searching him In words Isn’t he mentioned O Father of mine I decided to put these words in the teaser for the film I’m currently working on: Father, a short film about a fatherless daughter. It’s my own story and I want to share it with the world. I aim to spread awareness about children suffering from parental separation, and to help them overcome mental health issues like anxiety and depression. As a fashion designer, I see it fit to showcase my artistry in this film as well. I will wear modified vintage dresses and antique jewellery in the film, owing to my close relationship with my grandmother who I admire for her way of dressing with the traditional outfits of Kashmir Valley. There was a time when somebody literally told me that I don’t have a father to love me. That’s not true, right, Dad? I may not understand why you left us. Your decision gave us a hard life, and if I didn’t have a lot of support from good people around me, it could have been worse. The tears and struggles I experienced that were meant to be shared with you made me a strong and positive person. I was supposed to thank you and Mum for raising me and giving me life, but you’re not here. I was supposed to share my happiness and success with you, but you’re not here. Behind those grudges, sadness and pain, I still wish for you to be in good health. Someday, somewhere, a reason may dawn on me on why you turned your back on us that may ease my aching heart and soul.

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Once you place your order, your weekly episodes will be sent to your inbox for the next 5 weeks "TAPPING INTO YOUR SERENITY & STRENGTH" REQUEST NOW Send an email to info@vybewoman.com to receive our full list of services. For inquiries or to set an appointment, call 0559839777 or email info@vybewoman.com 67

TALENT POOL

S e x tgemma_sexton on

Radio Presenter

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. I’m an Aussie with an insatiable appetite for worldly adventure and meeting new people. I enjoy living actively outdoors, especially escaping to ‘nirvana’ (AKA Gold Coast, Australia) to walk along The Spit or bodysurf. I’m a glitter lover and obsessor of all things fashion and wishing to adopt a fur-baby soon. Currently, I’m residing and working in broadcast media in the UAE since 2017. 2. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RADIO AND WHO WERE YOUR EARLY INFLUENCES? The catalyst was my relocation from working in Outback Queensland, Australia as a rural radiographer and sonographer, to Tokyo, Japan, where I first delved into the entertainment and media industry. My budding days of radio began at an independent community station in Brisbane, Australia called 4ZZZ. I was also a volunteer presenter at 4RPH (Radio for Print Handicapped) and volunteer narrator at Vision Australia.

3. WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR MAIN GOALS WHEN YOU STARTED OUT AS A PRESENTER? To prompt my listener to smile or laugh, a moment’s distraction and relief from life’s worries and stresses. This remains my objective today, but now more so with a strong emphasis to positively connect, engage and uplift my audience. 4. IN WHAT WAYS IS IT HARDER BEING A FEMALE PRESENTER? AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY? I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s harder, as I’ve been fortunate not to be subject to any bias. However, depending who and where you are, I think there’s the risk of being typecast, filling a stereotypical gender-based role on air. It’s imperative to seek a level platform where all points of view are heard and respected, irrespective of gender; work in a progressive organisation that advocates for equal opportunity. 5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN LOOKING TO JOIN YOUR PROFESSION? Own your true voice; don’t be shy from boldly sharing your convictions. Fundamentally be YOU, authenticity is paramount.

6. WHAT PROFESSION OTHER THAN YOUR OWN WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEMPT AND WHY? I would like to try children’s TV presenting. The ingenuity of a child’s limitless and untainted perspective is not just inspiring and fascinating, but personally fulfilling when you nurture and cultivate their boundless potential. 7. WHO ARE OTHER RADIO PRESENTERS THAT YOU LOOK UP TO AS ROLE MODELS AND WHY? The late James Aramouni: his honest ability and gift to communicate and connect with listeners on a genuine and empathetic level. Also, the late Lucy Stone: her raw music passion could fire up any passive listener. 8. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Completing a ten-day absolute silent retreat known as Vipassana in Bombay, India, which as you can appreciate for the fact I talk for a living, was a struggle and a half! 9. WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO ACHIEVE AND WHY? My parents inspire me because of their endless, unabiding support and cheerleading of all my pursuits, not to mention the countless opportunities they have afforded me, that have undoubtedly led me here which I am forever grateful for. I am my biggest critic so they provide the rationale and grounding that I sometimes need reminding of.

10. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS? Rising above the inner doubting voice by ‘leaning in’ and challenging fears despite their powers to be paralysing on occasion to embark on personal growth and development. 11. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF? At the time I was completing my bachelor of Applied Science, questioning my choice of study. In hindsight, I understand that trajectory was not ‘forever’ and career metamorphosis is achievable and in reality, inevitable. Three key mindsets I have since adopted: allow time for success; take the risk and let go of perfection.

12. HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH? I engage in music therapy daily, it’s my elixir. Importantly, scheduling time to invest in myself by means of self-care— examples are massage, time in nature, Zumba that allows me to recharge and reboot. Of course, satisfying my sweet tooth! 13. WHAT IS THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY? I have to say I live by two quotes: “My philosophy is: it’s none of my business what people say of me and think of me. I am what I am and I do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. And it makes life so much easier.” - Sir Anthony Hopkins “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

LIFESTYLE IMPROVING THE STAY-AT-HOME WELLNESS EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF CREATING A WELLNESS EXPERIENCE IN YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT?

Now that many of us are spending more time at home, we need to make necessary adjustments to turn our homes into not just peaceful sanctuaries, but as working spaces, recreational areas, and places for virtual socialisation. I want to share with you eight simple steps to creating or enhancing the perfect wellness experience in your home, with little or no added cost. Following the concept of the Wellness Wheel Model, follow the key principles of breathing, sensing, drinking and eating, moving, feeling, thinking, selfresponsibility and safety.

1. BREATHING

Pollution in the house is two to five times greater than the outside air because the modern house is an artificially-built environment where we store potentially harmful products, equipment and furniture. Unknowingly, we are constantly exposed to toxins and impurities from many typical home products or structures such as paint particulates, wood preservatives and fine dust. Remember to invest in natural

and organic cleaning materials. Avoid using artificial air fresheners and opt for natural herbs, essential oils and spices to create potpourri and organic incense sticks. You may also invest in advanced air filtration systems which are available for home use, as well as air conditioning equipment with built-in filtration systems that rid the air of airborne particles and germs through the use of ionisation technology.

2. SENSING AND GOOD LIGHT

It is very important to adjust your biorhythm following the circadian light cycle by being awake and active at daytime and resting or toning down your activities at nighttime. Unfortunately, the modern lifestyle is full of digital distractions affecting our biorhythms. Experts recommend opting for ‘night lights’ when the sun is down. ‘Night lights’ are multi-tempered lights radiating orange-yellowish shades which naturally boosts melatonin levels in the body. Turn on ‘blue light’ lamps in the morning to promote wakefulness and naturally overcome morning drowsiness. Another useful tip is to choose light colours for your walls and furniture because they tend to reflect the daylight and visually make the space look much brighter and bigger, which is especially practical for living rooms and working spaces.

3. DRINKING

Water is vital to our health. To check the water quality in your home, schedule a visit with the lab technician, which offers water quality tests and analysis. Get advice on the recommended water filtration systems if you are sourcing your potable water through a deep well or the local water provider. These systems can be maintained monthly or annually, whichever suits your budget.

4. FEELING AND COMFORT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life takes you to unexpected places; love brings you home!â&#x20AC;? When we come home, we seek that magic place of comfort. Creating an ideal home where we truly feel at home is a hard but rewarding endeavour. Start by creating corners and spots that are enjoyable for the eye and body, such as small meditation or self-reflection spaces. Avoid creating too many distractions such as unmade beds, crowded countertops or TV cords which can obscure your view and might irritate the mind. Grouping areas with different activity levels is not recommended as well. For example, it is not comfortable to place high-activity areas next to areas dedicated to relaxation as doing is counterproductive.

5. THINKING

The easiest way to create spaces that stimulate deep thought, creativity and mindfulness is by assimilating natural elements into your house. This is largely inspired by Zen philosophy. Incorporating nature within your home creates a feeling of being outdoors, yet protected and enveloped. Opt for rugs, pillows and mats in natural patterns or colours. Indoor plants, aquariums and calming water features also allow relaxation paving the way for quiet focus and rejuvenation.

6. EATING

Think about this: how likely are you to eat an apple if it is in the fridge? Always place your fresh foods on the table centrepiece or on the kitchen countertops so every family member will be encouraged to reach for them, rather than open the fridge on every food-finding occasion. Clean the fridge and the chiller regularly. Avoid using plastic containers as these can potentially leach toxins into the food.

7. MOVING

As per health recommendations, we need to ]exercise for a minimum of thirty minutes every day to combat the sedentary lifestyle. Implement an active standing desk for your home workspace. Fitness rooms are often inconveniently located at the garage, backyard or somewhere else hidden. When possible, position them in the front area of your home to serve as an open reminder to exercise on the daily. It is also recommended to start your day with simple exercises on a stretch bar and yoga mat. If it is possible in your home, you may also opt to invest in building active zones ranging from the use of bosu balls for sitting, and perhaps installing decorative climbing walls or TRX bands in the entry spaces, lobbies or backyards. Practise passive fitness while watching TV by sitting on the floor and engaging in stretching exercises to loosen those tight hips.

8. SELF-RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFETY

Your house is your fortress. Self-responsibility and safety are the most important principles in homebuilding. As per yearly medical statistics, 21 million accidents happen inside homes. Do invest in guiding lights in the places you are most likely to use during the night: by the kitchen, stairs and in the bathrooms. Move away cleaning chemicals under the sink into a separate shed or storage room created for that purpose. This eliminates potentially toxic fumes or smell of chemicals and restricts access for children. Ensure that poor wiring and defective electric wires are repaired or replaced. Regularly check cracked wire insulation caused by heat, age and bending and install electrical wiring away from water sources. Make sure to install non-slip mats and grab bars in showers and tubs. Have your home emergency kit always available, handy and re-stocked. A home imbibed with healthy wellness principles can create the happiness haven the family needs,

nourishing the body, mind and spirit. Find the time today to incorporate these wellness tips for a better, healthier stay-at-home lifestyle! A home imbibed with healthy wellness principles can create the happiness haven the family needs, nourishing the body, mind and spirit. Find the time today to incorporate these wellness tips for a better, healthier stay-at-home lifestyle!

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 Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Psychology and Sociology. She also holds a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. 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 workers and doctors combine their knowledge with fitness, spa and beauty professionals to deliver transformational retreats. As a consultant, she advises and consults hospitality and spa executives on the creation of wellness projects and their execution. Vyaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

INCREASING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE In a world where technology and automation will affect over half of the global workforce by 2030, how does one stay competitive in the job market? What will distinguish you from the rest of the working individuals with the same degree, experience and background? Furthermore, if you are looking to grow into senior leadership roles, how will you motivate and drive your team towards success and business growth? Emotional and interpersonal factors such as leadership skills, openness and agreeability, resilience and other attitudinal factors considered major determinants of career success and progress. Essentially, these are personal skills that machines cannot replace or replicate, at least not yet and not in the near future. Hence, emotional intelligence, or EQ, is essential to gain competitive advantage and ensure your career growth.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ)?

EQ is the ability to understand your own emotions. It also encompasses self-awareness or mindfulness, as well as being able to manage your emotions. EQ also includes your ability to manage interpersonal relationships.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Emotionally intelligent people are self-aware and mindful of their own behaviour and emotions. Self-awareness allows us to be clear on what is important to us in our personal and professional lives. It also allows us to manage our emotions and understand them for the purpose of making balanced or wise decisions in life. Being self-aware also allows us to manage our emotions when difficult or stressful situations arise. For example, when you have a challenging situation with others, be it your co-workers, friends or loved ones, it is essential to understand their points of view on an emotionally-balanced and unbiased perspective. According to an article on emotional intelligence from Robert Tearle Consulting, EQ accounts for 58 percent of performance indicators in all types of jobs. In a work environment, people with the highest EQ outperform those with average EQ, despite high levels of intellect or education. 81

HOW HIGH IS YOUR EQ?

Daniel Goleman, one of the foremost experts on the study of emotional intelligence, says that the following questions can help you determine your level of emotional intelligence:

• Are you usually aware of your feelings and why you feel that way?

• Are you aware of your limitations, as well as your personal strengths?

• Can you manage your distressing emotions and recover quickly when you get upset?

•

Can you adapt smoothly to changing realities?

• Can you usually sense the feelings of the people

you interact with and understand their way of seeing things?

• Can you guide a negotiation to a satisfactory agreement, and help settle conflicts?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you are well on your way to being emotionally intelligent. 82

INCREASING YOUR EQ

If you want to increase your EQ, here are things you can do today:

• DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN SELFAWARENESS.

It is important to know how your own actions will affect the people around you. Self-awareness is a great way to understand yourself and relate to other people.

•

PRACTISE EMPATHY.

Understanding that not everyone is the same helps bring out the best in people. Every single person you meet has something of unique value to add to your own development, so be open to other individuals who may not be like you: those who have different lifestyles, different approaches for problem-solving, different personalities, etc. It is important for you to step in their shoes and see the world from their eyes to understand them and to feel compassion for others.

• BE MINDFUL OF YOUR COMMUNICATION TONE.

When speaking with others, especially when in a work conflict, it helps to keep your tone calm and rational. Be mindful of your tone even if other people raise their voices. Remain calm to avoid escalating the situation.

• TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT.

When you are experiencing an upsetting situation, take a moment to reflect before responding or taking action. For example, if someone sends you an unpleasant email or text message, don’t respond right away. Step away and go for a walk, or sleep on it before responding if the response can wait. This allows you time to reflect on the situation and prevent you from saying something that can escalate the situation. For situations that need an immediate response, taking deep breaths and a short break will allow you to relax and contemplate before responding.

•

LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND.

Oftentimes when we speak with others, we listen to respond. We don’t try to understand the person’s point of view as we are too busy thinking of our response back to them. Give it a pause before responding. Sometimes, if you allow a few seconds, the other person will continue talking and potentially give you valuable information that might help you understand the situation better. Before responding, count to 5 seconds.

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. 83

FOOD

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IN SEASON: A GUIDE TO SEASONAL FOODS Weather across the world changes along with the produce that is available in local farms. This is a chance for us to enjoy seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are the amazing benefits of seasonal foods.

1. FRESHER, PACKED WITH VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Since the crops are locally sourced, it will reach your store shelves more quickly. Most vitamins and minerals tend to deteriorate when stored for longer periods. Out of season crops require additional preservation to extend its shelf life. Farmers may use waxes or artificial gasses to make sure the crops will remain fresh longer.

2. BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Harvesting in-season crops will often require a low cost of production. This will often cause the price to drop. Locally produced crops donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require a lot of transportation cost, which also results in lower prices.

3. LESSEN THE HEALTH RISK FROM POOR HANDLING AND CHEMICALS

Importing goods from other places requires more workers which also adds to the risk factor of contaminants going to the food. Long trips and artificial preservatives may affect the quality of the produce.

4. UNIQUE AND BETTER TASTE

Crops harvested in its season are tastier because of its natural and perfect ripeness. Fruits and vegetables that are naturally ripened on the tree or vine contain more nutrients and taste better. Produce that are not in season are usually imported from other places. The unnatural method of exposing produce to a hot or cold environment may also affect its taste and texture.

5. SUPPORTS THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE LOCAL FARMERS

Patronising seasonal foods is one way of supporting our local farmers. Local produce requires less workload, transportation and artificial preservatives. Of course, eating in-season foods is not always possible. It is your own discretion what to buy that will benefit you and your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, and your budget. Here are the seasonal fruits and vegetables available in the UAE from June to July. 85

APRICOTS

These yummy fruits are good for your complexion. It also aids in maintaining good eye and tummy health. They are also allowed in a diabetic diet because of its low carbohydrate content. The fibre content may help in regulating blood sugar levels. Apricots can be easily added to your favourite desserts like cakes, ice cream or pie.

BLACKBERRIES

Blackberries are rich in fibre, manganese and vitamin K. They also make a great snack if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re watching your weight because of its low sugar and high fibre content.

BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help boost the immune system. Eating one cup of this fruit gives you 14% of the daily recommended dose of fibre that is good for your gut health. Enjoy blueberries by adding it to your muffin and cheesecake recipes.

CANTALOUPE

Love your hair? Cantaloupes are rich in vitamin A and C that are needed to achieve glowing and healthy hair. Vitamin A is also known to help you improve your skin.

CORNS

Corns are rich in folic acid, which plays an important role in pregnancy. Folic acid may reduce the risk of birth defects in babies.

CUCUMBERS

Cucumbers are not only known for hydration but also for weight management. You can make an easy, refreshing smoothie or add it to your favourite salad.

GREEN BEANS

Green beans may help with your eye health. These legumes are rich in zeaxanthin and lutein that helps prevent eye diseases.

KIWI

Kiwi is a heart-friendly fruit that may help with your blood pressure problems. Kiwis also contain potassium, fibre and antioxidants.

KOHLRABI

Kohlrabies are high in fibre, which helps with weight loss and digestion. It is also high in vitamin C and other immuneboosting phytonutrients.

LETTUCE

Lettuce is rich in various vitamins and minerals. It can also be added to your salad and favourite snacks for an added healthy crunch of greens.

MANGOES

These sweet and juicy fruits have high beta-carotene content that promotes good eyesight. Mangoes are also versatile as it makes for a great ingredient in countless desserts and drinks.

OKRA

Okras are good for pregnant women because of its vitamin B9 content which helps in preventing birth defects.

PEACHES

Peaches are juicy, tangy fruits that contain vitamin C and beta carotene, which promotes healthy and glowing skin.

PEPPERS

Peppers contain capsaicin which may help with weight loss by boosting your metabolism. Put this in your recipe to add that additional heat and spice.

PLUMS

Plums are rich in antioxidants, which are helpful in fighting free radicals and lessen the risk of inflammation.

RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are known to be rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. Create a smoothie or add it in your desserts to give your brain a boost.

STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries have a high fibre content that may help with digestion. It is rich in vitamin C as well.

SUMMER SQUASH

Summer squash contains vitamin C, fibre and folate. These nutrients may lessen the risk of heart diseases and cancer.

SWISS CHARD

These leafy green vegetables are packed with fibre. It also contains vitamin K, which is important to achieve healthy bones.

TOMATOES

Tomatoes are known for high lycopene content. Lycopene is an antioxidant that improves heart health and helps lower the risk of certain cancers.

WATERMELON

Eating watermelons is an easy and delicious way to stay hydrated. Watermelon is 92% water and is a great snack, especially during hot and summer days.

COURGETTE

Courgettes are also high in water content which is fit for people watching their weight.

NO DIET, NO DETOX: THE ART OF EATING A healthy lifestyle should definitely be everyone's way of living. Once you get into the habit of living a constant healthy lifestyle, you will be able to experience its true benefits, which lies in the 'art of eating' healthy without dieting or detoxing. The art of eating could be defined as a unique style of eating healthy food that supports our mental, physical and emotional health, along with the food choices that meet our needs. Living a healthy lifestyle is sometimes perceived to be an expensive lifestyle, but in actual fact, it is cheaper. The real question is, can't we practise a healthy lifestyle without dieting and detoxing? Absolutely! We need to learn and understand the art of eating thoroughly. People these days go through extreme measures of dieting and detoxing in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Is it affordable for everyone? Not really! That is why learning how to eat properly is more important these days. The art of eating is much simpler than counting those calories manually or doing vigorous exercises. These are the basic points that we need to remember:

• MAKE

SURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD.

Look for organic and local produce in your local grocery store. Organic food is generally good for you and your family because they are grown without harmful chemicals that may be bad for your health. Supporting local produce can assure you that you are eating fresher fruits and vegetables. •

AT LESS MEAT AND FOCUS MORE ON E FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

I f you overeat meat, you are more exposed to getting health problems like heart disease and certain types of cancers. On the other hand, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables in your recipes can help you feel full longer without worrying too much.

• AVOID

FATTY AND HYDROGENATED OIL, MOSTLY FOUND IN BAKED AND FRIED FOODS.

Consuming fatty oils is already known to be bad for your health. As much as possible, avoid eating processed and fried foods. Say no to fast food deliveries and instant food or snacks. 91

We also need to be more mindful of how we eat. We need to slow down and chew our food carefully. We must take a few breaths between bites. Eating too fast may lead to overeating which may give you stomach pains. It takes some time for your belly to tell your brain that it is already satiated. If your budget permits, make sure to eat as many organic food products as possible. Avoiding fast food restaurants will also help. Stick with homemade meals to track the food you eat on a daily basis. Be kind to your body. Not every diet or detox method is good for you. There are different diets out there,

About the author

NATA OLATUNJI TAYLOR

Content writer and a Social Media Manager with a serious sweet tooth and a passion for food photography.

and the result is also different for each person. Without proper advice from a doctor, it may actually harm your body. If you want to go to a vegan restaurant or shop for organic foods and produce to cook at home, there are a few places in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that offer great options and services. Thankfully, an increasing number of restaurants in the UAE have rolled out healthy alternative menus with great vegan options to try. Go ahead and enjoy your summer or culinary delight experience without worrying about finding a slice of mozzarella cheese in your sandwich or salad.

FITNESS

STAY AT HOME AND EXERCISE WITH 10 HIIT FITNESS EXERCISES Amidst what’s happening globally, staying fit and healthy at home can be challenging if you have not thought about it before. Therefore, it is important to be creative in your fitness routine to make sure that you are still burning calories and remain energetic. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercises are one of the most remarkable calorie-burner routines that can be performed even without specialised equipment. These exercises don’t require too much space, so they can be

done in the comfort of your room, outside the lawn after watering the plants, or even in your dining or living room area. You just need a pumping heart and strong will to get and stay fit! If you are a new trainee, you can start with lowimpact HIIT exercises that don’t require much strength. If you have been doing HIIT for quite a while, then you can increase the interval and strength for every cycle. Here are the top 10 HIIT fitness exercises that you can do at home. Turn your music up and move!

2. MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

Position yourself down in a high plank. Your wrist should be under your shoulder level. Move one knee closer to your chest and then draw it back to plank position. Repeat this move with the other knee. Do this at a faster pace as if you are running but in a planking position. Try to keep your pace and not to move your butt too much every time you bring your knee up.

1. HAND-RELEASE PUSH-UPS

Position your body flat down on the floor as when you start doing a push-up. Lower your body flat and lift your hands off the ground for several seconds. Your hands will be on your side, levelling on your shoulder. Exhale as you are pressing your body all the way back to the top. Do this in 10 reps for each round.

3. SUPERMAN AND LATERAL RAISES

Begin by lying down on your stomach. Slowly begin lifting your arms and legs off the floor. Stretch your arms in front of you, like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re skydiving. This move squeezes your back and glutes as you try to lift your legs up. Slowly pull down your elbows, reaching your waist. Reach in front of you and then back to your lying down position. Repeat this is 10 reps.

4. PLANK JACKS

Start in a low plank, balancing on your elbow and finger toes. Your feet must be width-hip apart. Start by drawing your foot outside and then back to your planking position. Draw the other foot out and then bring it back again to the start position. This move works on your abs by keeping your core tight and avoiding raising your butt high while you stretch out one foot. Do this in 20 reps each side to feel the good pain on your abs.

6. FLUTTER KICKS

5. RUSSIAN TWISTS

Since you started working on your core, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to push it more for follow-through moves. The Russian twist is a must for every HIIT workout. Sit on your mat or floor with your heels slightly lifted, forming your body a V shape. Put your hands on your chest, forming a cross. Begin twisting from one side to another.

This is another core-strengthening HIIT exercise that works to build your six-pack. Lie down on your back. Put your hands behind your head or lay it flat on your sides. Raise one leg up while the other one is laid parallel on the ground. Raise the other leg as you bring down the other. Do the switching at a fast pace, like you are fluttering your feet on the water while swimming.

8. BUTT KICKS 7. HIGH KNEES

This HIIT exercise is easy but it burns calories well. It is like running in place, but in this move, you need to raise your knees on your waist level for every step. To keep you upbeat, put your palms down on your waist level and begin raising your knees, touching your palms. Do this at a faster pace. It looks like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running but at a higher intensity level.

This is like high knees but this time, you will be kicking backwards. Begin in a standing position, with your feet hip-apart. Draw your arms backwards on your butt, with your palms facing outside. Start hoping, bringing one heel to your butt, touching your palm. Repeat this move with the other heel. Do this in several repetitions while building your own pace. As you speed up, you would enjoy the move without thinking of getting tired. This move contacts the hamstring muscle, giving you a better burn.

9. TUCK-UPS

This is another core-burning move that works on your abs. Start in a lying position with your back flat on the floor. Put your arms above your head then grab your legs and slowly bring them closer to your chest. Release them and bring back to their starting position. Repeat this move 10 times.

10. SQUAT THRUSTS

This move strengthens your arms, legs and back. Start from standing position. Drop your hands with palms down to the floor and kick your feet back as you lower yourself in a plank position. Hop to bring both feet to the centre and then bring yourself up and return to a standing position.

HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD YOU DO HIIT EXERCISES?

If you are new to this training programme, you can do this once or twice a week with enough active rest to recover. You might want to increase frequency by adding one more cycle each day. You can also add reps for a higher intensity. The best thing about HIIT exercises is the after-burn, meaning you continuously burn fats after doing sets of exercise. These no-equipment moves are easy to do and very suitable for every fitness level. Remember to keep yourself hydrated before and after doing HIIT. It is also important to listen to your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction to every move. If you feel an uncomfortable pain, stop working out, take a rest and evaluate your vitals. Finally, consult your doctor before beginning any workout regime for your safety.

Swimwear designed for all women www.beachseventysix.com @beachseventysix 97

TRAVEL

THE NATURAL WONDERS OF

THAILAND A country known for its series of turquoise waves lapping the pristine sandy beaches, crowned by masses of greats rocks; adorning the flora and fauna in their multiplicity: Thailand. This is the land of the free, where the languid undertones of the atmosphere are varnished with the vivacity of its glorious natural sites. Among the plats of paradise, these 10 selected natural wonders of this wondrous Asian country are worth the visit.

1. RAILAY BEACH

The prime jewel among Krabi provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chest of spectacular beaches and considered by the multitude to be one of the best beaches in the country. Railay is commemorated for its immaculate white sand, turquoiseblue waters, and its idyllic ambience; presenting it as a slice of paradise even before oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toes prod the fine sand. The island is travelled via boat ride from Krabi town and Ao Nang; the sail on a traditional long-tailed boat conveys the same astonishment as what one beholds upon arrival on the shores. While the beach

might be the focal point on the island, Railay also boasts a rock-climbing hotspot, with peaks of fascinating karst adventurers both experienced and novice, of whom are ready to conquer the towering limestone cliffs. Among the activities to partake in, Railay is prominent in its ocean rafting, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving as well as an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at cooking classes or indulge in a massage. Nearby is the touristfriendly Diamond Cave, reached via a beautiful trail that is ready to accommodate curious visitors looking to do some exploring through the marvellous scenery.

2. THAM LOT

Tham Lot is venerated for being one of the longest cave systems in Thailand, stretching a total length of 1,666 metres. Located approximately an hour drive north of Pai in Mae Hong Son Province, roughly 15 km from the border between Thailand and Myanmar, one can visit the cave either by foot or on-board a raft. The villagers of the area avail themselves to guided tours in the rugged caverns. Important archaeological relics dating back a couple millennia have been discovered in Tham Lot, as well as impressive limestone stalagmites and stalactites that glimmer in their calcium splendour all along the underground pathway. 99

3. PAI CANYON

Pai Canyon is located 8km South of the amiable Pai township along the main highway. The most popular way to get to Pai Canyon is on a scooter. Given the lackadaisical pace of the area, there is no entrance fee to visit the Pai Canyon; one is free just to park their scooter, grab a nibble and a cold beverage from small stall vendors nearby and begin the walk up the paved stair trail. The first viewpoint is approximately a 5-minute walk up the stairs; which is a popular spot for most visitors to gather and watch the sunset. However, the protruding canyons hold a zestful trail for thrill-seekers and adventurers who would like to hike along the slim ridges to farther, less crowded viewpoints. The ridge trails are very dusty with unprotected dropoffs of up to 30-meters on either side, so it is important to take the necessary precautions when scrambling around the dicey Pai Canyon.

4. THI LO SU WATERFALL Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the largest and tallest plunge waterfall in Thailand; Thi Lo Su Waterfall stands at a colossal height of approximately 250 metres and with a width of 450 metres. Located on the Mae Klong River in Tak Province, neighbouring the border between Thailand and Myanmar, the scenery of Thi Lo Su Waterfall is

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a true spectacle. With lush trees draping over the falling torrents as they crash into each other, releasing a sprinkling mist into the atmosphere; it is certainly a candid sight. As the waterfall is situated in a remote area of Thailand, the journey can be rather tedious; but this stunning 4-tiered waterfall is worth the effort. There are guides available should one want to experience the trek in this untampered natural environment.

5. BE ENTHRALLED BY THE ELEPHANTS AT KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK

Elephants are revered in Thailand, and ornate statues and paintings of them can be seen everywhere one goes; especially in the royal palaces and many temples. However, for a paramount experience, the opportunity to see elephants in their natural environment is generously provided by Khao Yai National Park. Here, one is able to witness elephants roaming near rivers, exotic birds of prey as they soar vigilantly across the sky, monkeys in their habitats, and plenty of other tropical creatures that call the park home. The park is also a host to many waterfalls; namely the 150-metertall Haew Narok and the even more famous Haew Suwat, most notorious for appearing in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film, The Beach. Since a one-day stay is hardly sufficient to absorb all the park has to offer, it’s possible to camp out at the park and get up early enough to watch the sunrise over the lush landscape.

6. ANG THONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK Ang Thong National Marine Park is an impeccable archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, with soaring limestone mountains, a pullulating maze of jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Within sight of Koh Samui, Ang Thong Marine Park is a conserved area

of more than 100 sq km of land and sea. It’s also home to a bountiful variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures. Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, sailing, or simply relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches are the main activities one can enjoy at Ang Thong National Marine Park.

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7. TONSAI BEACH

With yet another range of stunning limestone cliffs embrace sandy coastlines and turquoise waters, Thailand attracts a multitude of avid climbers all year long—and while many destinations offer spectacular routes, Tonsai Beach has long been dubbed a climbers’ paradise. One of the amazing yet convenient things about climbing these cliffs is that one can climb alone or find a climbing partner or club upon arrival. There are also refresher lessons available that are easily accessible. Since the area has many climbing and bouldering schools, easier routes are often heavily occupied; one might even have to queue to get up to the most popular viewpoints. However, experienced climbers who can get around the jagged stalactites, overhangs, and tufa will fare much better and get the best spots with stunning open views over the bay all to themselves.

8. WATERFALLS AT ERAWAN NATIONAL PARK

Erawan National Park has much to present to visitors, including a number of caves having paths that cut through the lush deciduous groves of forests; providing shelter to wildlife that includes wild elephants, gibbons, and exquisite hornbills. It is the waterfalls here more so, the grandeur of the seven-tiered Erawan Falls that attract the generality of visitors. The waterfall is named after a sacred white elephant because the tiers are said to resemble somewhat the shape of an elephant’s

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head. Each of the seven tiers has been named, and reaching each one increases in difficulty as one goes up. Generally, after the fifth tier, visitors make use of slippery ladders whilst jolting through thick vegetation in order to continue. However, this battle is mildly optional as the first three tiers are actually the most impressive, adorning emerald green pools, a dinky little cave, and cool cascading waters. A plenitude of curious fish resides in the pools, so it isn’t anything out of the ordinary to feel their glossy bodies swimming between one’s feet.

9. PHI PHI ISLANDS

The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand’s most sought-after resort areas; with great reason- the glisten of the crystalline blue waters, the zephyr-like sand and the breathtaking views that roll off into the horizon. One can arrive at Phi Phi Don—the largest of the islands and the only one with permanent residence—on a rented kayak or by hiring a small wooden boat as transport. One of the most enjoyable spots on Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where one can come face to face, with groups of macaques whose fingers are long enough to snatch and relish a visitor’s lunch. Long Beach is another spectacle on the island; while it is not a secluded place with the availability of privacy, it’s great for watching the sunset. If the tide is out, one can enjoy a beautiful walk back towards the main part of the island. Koh Phi Phi is such a tourist magnet; there are many tour companies arranging tickets to other beach destinations, notably; Phuket, Koh Chang, and Koh Lanta. Even though Phi Phi Don is one of the area’s most drastically affected by tsunamis, it proved to be resilient with guesthouses, restaurants, and markets having been rebuilt. Crowds still come in droves to the resort island. There is a small, consecrated memorial park to honour those who lost their lives in the natural tragedy; otherwise, the resort areas look revived and as beautiful as ever.

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10. DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK The Doi Inthanon National Park comprises rugged mountainous terrain overlain by profuse tropical forests, along with mighty rivers and resplendent waterfalls. The parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protected ranking makes it a sanctuary for a wide range of animals. It is perhaps the ideal place in Thailand for birdwatching. Entitled as the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon soars to a height of 2,565 meters above sea level. The national park which contains Doi Inthanon and bears its name covers 482 sq km. The diversity of Doi Inthanon is not limited to

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plant and animal species as the park has long been home to settlements of northern hill tribes as well. Whether it be the flourishing landscape teeming with all sorts of organisms diligently keeping up in their conserved habitats or the impeccable beaches that entice one to tread into the waters of saturated turquoise blue, visitors are invited to share in this banquet for the senses: to be enthralled by the natural wonders of Thailand.

FOR THE CULTURE

DEAR JOURNAL: WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? Are you looking for a more effective way to organise your thoughts, reduce stress, harness creativity and set achievable goals? Are you feeling overwhelmed by emotions and feelings but don't know how to express yourself? Keep telling yourself you are going to make changes in your life but never see them through? Well, journaling is for you! You're probably thinking, "How can journaling help?" Keeping a journal is a powerful habit that can help you change your life in many ways.

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Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why keeping a journal will help you in your daily lives:

HELPS YOU REDUCE YOUR STRESS

Journaling serves as a great way to reduce stress. If you have a problem, you may be stressed about, keeping a journal can help you pinpoint the factors that are causing that stress or anxiety. Writing about anger, sadness and other painful emotions release the intensity of these feelings and alleviates the tension of holding onto these burdens. The act of journaling daily or even weekly eases the symptoms of depression and anxiety by allowing you to explore the experiences that make you anxious. By doing so, you will feel more peaceful and able to stay in the present, which will, in turn, directly impact your health and happiness in a positive way.

KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ORGANISED

Feeling overwhelmed or don't know how to express your thoughts verbally? Journaling can help you release those thoughts that are jumbled, repressed or confusing by allowing you to express yourself raw, unfiltered and unedited. You can create journals for specific topics and record daily thoughts, like the feelings you had about a certain experience, or the opinions you had about a specific event. There is no limit as to what you can write about in your journal. Journals can help you reflect on the time you spent travelling with family, remind you of a business you wanted to start, or lead you to a more grateful mindset with deep written reflection. Whatever you decide to write about, writing in a journal helps you go through your cluttered thoughts by organising them into daily thoughts, notes, lists, memories, stories and more.

ALLOWS YOU TO SELF-REFLECT

Keeping a journal is a great way to know yourself more deeply. By writing routinely, you will get to know what makes you feel happy and confident. You will find it easier to reflect on your thoughts and feelings about certain situations and people. Journaling may allow you to find triggers or traumas that hinder your personal goals. Journaling with complete transparency gives you the chance to take a step back and self-reflect. You may begin to see patterns in your behaviour or the behaviour of others. As you self-reflect, you can also look back and observe the person you used to be and gain the necessary inspiration and motivation to keep on progressing. Therefore, keeping a journal can improve your self-awareness. 106

SET GOALS AND ACHIEVE THEM

People who journal on a regular basis have greater motivation to accomplish their goals. Writing about your goals regularly helps in instilling them not only in your conscious mind but in your subconscious as well. However, to maximise this benefits of journaling, it is important to use it as a tool to help propel yourself into action. You won't achieve your goals by simply writing about them: you have to take the necessary steps to accomplish them. Keeping a journal will help you on this journey. It will help you pinpoint exactly what your goals are and the steps you're going to take to complete them. It may seem difficult to determine what your goals are, and the steps needed to see them through, but when you journal, you naturally begin to look forward, and the next steps become easier to see. You can monitor your progress and continue to encourage yourself by documenting new developments and accomplishments, which will help you complete your short-term and long-term goals.

INSPIRES CREATIVITY

Lacking creativity and feeling uninspired? Journaling is the perfect way to find inspiration and creativity. Your journal serves as a place to write down any and everything that comes to mind. The crazier the idea, the better! Let your imagination run wild and wander to those parts of your mind that are untapped. The more you write with no specific rules or barriers, the more you

will be inspired by the possibilities and opportunities that only you can imagine. Keeping a journal is a great way to help your creativity flourish.

ONGOING RECORD OF PROGRESS

Sometimes, you forget those successful moments that motivate you to continue going when you are frustrated or unmotivated. There are times when you may feel like you have not accomplished anything despite all the invested effort and energy. During those moments, it is helpful to take the time to look back and be reminded of our past accomplishments. This promotes personal growth by developing a record of crucial lessons and ideas that you've discovered on your own, which will serve as an ongoing private record to help you remember everything.

HOW DO I BEGIN KEEPING A JOURNAL?

Journaling is most effective if you do it for twenty minutes on the daily, but it's ok if you aren't able to dedicate to writing in your journal daily, just as long as you have a consistent schedule that suits your lifestyle and routine. There are no rules to journaling; you have complete control over the types of journal you keep. From topic-based, like travel or dream journals, to a general journal where there is no specific topic, you can write about absolutely anything. Just do what is most convenient for you. There is no right or wrong way of keeping a journal. 107

TO MAXIMISE YOUR JOURNALING EXPERIENCE, KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND:

• Commit to a writing schedule, whether it's daily, weekly or monthly. • Choose a medium for journaling (blog, app, notepad, bound notebook, etc.). • Care more about substance and less about style. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just write down your thoughts. • Be completely transparent with yourself. This is your special place to allow your thoughts to pour out without judgement. • Don’t edit anything. Forget spelling, punctuation and grammar. • Keep your journal in a private place.

STRUGGLING WITH WHAT YOU WANT TO WRITE?

Here are 10 journal writing prompts to get you started: • Dear Journal, 5 things I am grateful for are... • I love myself because… • My favourite memory is… • 10 things I’m really good at are… • If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I would be… • 1 thing I wish I was better at is… • I am inspired by… • I want to be remembered for… • I feel most happy when… • My perfect day is…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MONIQUE L. SPEARMAN is a freelance multi-faceted writer, curator and creator. Blending a passion for content creating, social media marketing, photography and travel, Monique created her blog website RaineyAmore.com in the spring of 2017 as a hobby. Raineyamore.com is a lifestyle, fashion, beauty and travel brand that encourages men and women from around the world to live their best lives, out-loud. Inspired by the aesthetics of different cultures, Monique wants to show the world, "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it!"

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ENSURING FINANCIAL SECURITY

THROUGH MULTIPLE INCOME STREAMS

BY: LEISA GRACE WILSON

We are living in uncertain times. I am sure that you have heard that statement more than you care to remember in the last couple of months. Apart from the health fears during these difficult times, people are also equally fearful of how their finances will be affected during this period. The truth is that we have always been living in uncertain times. The only certain thing is that things will change. There are things you can do to make sure that you lessen the impact of changes in the world on your personal finances. Research has shown that the average millionaire has seven sources of income. You do not have to be a millionaire to ensure that you are financially secure in facing uncertain times. In this article, I will be giving you ideas

of things you can do right now to develop multiple streams of income to enhance your financial security for you and your family. Before I dive in, let me preface this by saying that all the strategies that I will be sharing require work, time and effort. They will not start making you a lot of money immediately, but if you are committed, then you will reap the rewards. When people ask me what I do, I always have to ask them: if they have time to listen because I am always doing several things, so the strategies I am sharing with you are some of the things I have been doing alongside my full-time job to increase my sources of income. After all, I would not be able to call myself a legitimate Jamaican if I only had one job.

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BECOME AN ONLINE FREELANCER

If you have any skill, and I mean any skill, someone is willing to pay you to use that skill to help them. It could be as simple as transcribing audio to text, writing blog posts, running someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media, graphic design; the list is endless. People are always searching for someone to help them do tasks that they are either unable or unwilling to do themselves. I enjoy writing and I have earned thousands of dollars writing articles for companies for their blogs or advertisements. A good place to start is by listing your skills and bidding for jobs on Fiverr and Upwork. My top hint when bidding for jobs on these sites is to make sure you make a personalised application, do not copy and paste the same application from one job application to another. The job poster can easily see if you took the time to apply personally and

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to answer their requirements. Be consistent in applying for jobs on these sites, and before long, you will develop a client base and a steady stream of income.

START A BLOG

You might be thinking that there are enough blogs out there, but the fact is there will never be enough. No one will say things and see things the same way that you do. When starting a blog, make sure it is in a niche that you really enjoy. If you like cats and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live without them, and you know a whole lot about how to care for them, then start a blog about cats that will attract fellow cat lovers. Blogging pays but first you will have to work hard at it and build up an audience. Once you have an audience, you can monetise your blog through affiliate links, advertising and sponsored articles. This is definitely something that you can do in your spare time.

It requires discipline and a regular posting schedule, but all that hard work will pay dividends in the end. If you want to learn more about how to start a blog, please get in touch with me at www.leisagrace.com.

BECOME AN ONLINE TUTOR

The majority of people reading this article are very educated. You are fully capable of becoming an online tutor. People are always looking for someone to help them learn and develop their skills online. One on one tutoring can pay anywhere from $25 to 200 an hour, and you get to choose how often you work and with whom. Teach English to speakers of other languages from the comfort of your home or help someone prepare for their examinations etc. Check out sites like tutor.com, classgap.com, yup.com or wyzant.com to get started.

START INVESTING IN PROPERTY

When we hear about property investment, the first thing that comes to mind is buy to let, but there are several other ways of investing in property without buying a house and renting it out to residential tenants. Look up crowdfunding platforms for real estate investing, and start there. With these platforms, the amount needed to start is far less, and the risks are also lower. Do some research into commercial opportunities in real estate, for example, investing in nursing homes and long term medical care facilities. The current climate has shown us that we cannot only look at the things that have previously worked; like holiday rentals or buying a hotel apartment, but we also have to become more sophisticated and creative in our real estate investments. Please note that buying houses, especially multifamily homes and renting them out is still a fairly good investment as you will gain from the rent and the long

term property appreciation. Spend time researching the best areas and the type of tenants you want. One bad tenant can make life miserable and expensive.

START AN ONLINE STORE

Nearly everything can be sold online and thanks to the recent lockdown, more and more people have become familiar with online shopping. If you are a good artist, start an Etsy store and sell your art. If you can design T-shirts, coffee mugs, you get my drift. Put your talents to work for you. You do not have to do this full time to make money. Once you start to build a client base, it could potentially become your full-time gig. This list is just a taster to get you started in thinking about how you can increase your sources of income. The new era that we are heading into requires creativity. We cannot rely on our jobs to make us financially secure.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR LEISA GRACE WILSON is an educator, entrepreneur and blogger. She currently lives in Abu Dhabi with her seven-yearold 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/ 111

RAISING MEN FOR THE FUTURE BY JEROME DOUGLAS

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Nurturing and developing our children is an important task to prepare them for the future. As the world changes, the perception of an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ideal manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; also changes; however, we must not prioritise or focus on how the new era defines it. We must lead them in the right path with high morale, and the right attitude and behaviour. Parents need to make sure that children understand what the future holds. The way you teach and train your children is critical in moulding their minds. The question is: how do we raise our children to be a responsible, knowledgeable and kind human being?

APPRECIATE THEIR SENSITIVITY

In the past, boys were generally raised to be warriors with tough personalities. Boys were ridiculed if they showed compassion, cried or cared for other people or things that the society tagged as feminine. They were called soft for being sensitive or if they show appreciation or love for anyone or anything. It is now time to change this kind of mindset. It is right to destroy the cycle of boys being forced to wear the badge of toughness. They must be praised for showing their softer side. We must applaud them for showing love for things or people they care for. They must be emotionally developed to cry without being ashamed or humiliated. They need room to show their feelings and emotions as well.

NURTURE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH PROPERLY

Many boys have suffered mentally by living their lives to satisfy the undying fire of societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demands. What is worse is that they have suffered without a word being uttered. Imagine the pain felt by a boy who hit his foot hard against a table but is looked down on if he says anything. This is why most men are afraid to be vocal about their emotions, resulting in having an unstable mind.

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DEVELOPING A BALANCED LIFESTYLE

Parents need to be reminded that we have an important part to play with the development of our children. We must be their first role models. Children deserve the right to develop and hone their skills in a balanced way. Society needs to remove the thinking that if boys didn’t excel in masculine activities, then they will not be accepted by others. Encourage them to be themselves and explain that being unique is not wrong.

LIVES SHARED WITH THE COMMUNITY AND BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE

Boys must develop a sense of community and an appreciation for nature and their surroundings. They must be encouraged to share and care

for other people, animals and things in their environment. They must be trained in the art of giving without expecting something back. They must connect with the fact that nature gives back in ways that we can’t see. Children will remember things as they were taught, so we need them to appreciate the society and community that are designed for them to enjoy and contribute to. Boys must show empathy, sympathy and compassion for others. Encourage them to share their own ideas and opinions. Boys will become men—that is a natural progression. If we want a better future, today is the right time to mould our children with love, care, and support to help them become wonderful human beings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JEROME DOUGLAS Jerome Douglas is a 27-year old 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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BOOK REVIEW THE LEAN STARTUP BY ERIC RIES The Lean Startup is featured on the list of the most influential entrepreneurship books published in the last decade. This in itself gives us a glimpse into the kind of fan following it has garnered.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries sets out to change the perspective people have towards the terms ‘entrepreneurship’ and ‘management’. The preconception that the former term is about being brave, heroic and one’s mythical struggles while the latter term implies being serious, bland and dull need to be shuffled and the book is out to do just that. In this book, Ries lays out the core principles of entrepreneurship, a quality of leadership and insight, which isn’t mysterious and unknown but one that can be taught and learned in a systematic manner.

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• ENTREPRENEURS ARE EVERYWHERE, SO IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The writer defines a ‘startup’ as ‘a human institution device to generate new products and services under extremely uncertain conditions.’ Whether it be a large company or a nonprofit, business organisations require the leadership of true entrepreneurs. Lean entrepreneurship is more concrete, more accurate and faster than market forecasting or classical business planning. It is the principal antidote to the lethal problem of achieving failure: successfully executing a plan that leads nowhere.

• ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS ABOUT MANAGEMENT

Running a startup is a special form of management and this is what entrepreneurship is about. Eric Ries uses his experience as an entrepreneur to explain the main lessons in The Lean Startup. The choice of words in the definition, ‘human’ and ‘uncertain’ are deliberate as a successful startup not only relies on a brilliant idea but also requires managers who can innovate and grow with the challenges.

•

BUILD, MEASURE AND LEARN

Ideas can be successfully turned into products, and a startup can only convert to a sustainable business through rigorous experimentation that is well documented. A quick feedback loop that allows soliciting feedback and adapts to it is crucial as well. Eric Ries supports multiple rounds of small experiments. Entrepreneurs need to create a 'minimal viable product' as soon as possible and start intensive testing with customers. Then, they should repeatedly, 'split test' each aspect of their business models. Split testing is a technique whereby different versions of the same product are tested among varying groups of customers to see which fits best.

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THE TOYOTA WAY

Long term philosophy

The right process can produce the right results

The Lean Startup borrows heavily from the wildly successful 'Lean Manufacturing' methodology that was established at Toyota in 2001. The 'Lean Manufacturing' methodology emphasised on prioritising the knowledge and creativity of each person in the system. It is a process design that provides tools for people to improve their performance continually. Through adopting the 'Toyota Way', the writer aims to utilise its main principles:

3. Add value to the organisation by improving your employees 4. Repeated solving of problems drives organisational learning

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KNOW YOUR LEAP OF FAITH

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VALUE OF MEASUREMENT

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SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

This is perhaps the most powerful lesson to take from the book. Ries defines 'a leap of faith' as both a risk and a necessary part of business. The challenge is to recognise the 'leaps of faith' that will lead to success. This can be done by testing them quickly and with as little risk and resources as possible.

Ries is really focused on actionable measurement. If a metric doesn't exhibit success, it isn't actionable. It is called a vanity metric. For example, new customers in one month is a vanity metric. Getting Facebook likes or having lots of followers on Twitter and Instagram is nice, but does it pay the bills? The only metrics you should calculate your success with are those that tell you if you're profitable or not. Do people recommend you? Does the rate of recommendations go up or down? How many of these customers are retained? How many actually use the product? A collective analysis of classes of customers might allow for more meaningful data. These kinds of metrics make or break a business and should matter more.

Ries asserts that many startups derive their success from focusing on one sector of growth and mastering it. Sustainable growth, according to him, is about getting new customers from the actions of past customers. Another very interesting part of The Lean Startup is when the writer urges the entrepreneur to 'ask why five times'. Problems are bound to arise in any startup. To make a smart allocation of resources, and be focused on finding the solution to a problem, ask 'why' at least five times. The idea behind this is to get to the root of the matter systematically. Common mistakes committed by startup entrepreneurs According to Eric Ries, entrepreneurs in almost every startup make the same mistakes. They build elaborate products without proper consumer testing beforehand. They make decisions based on inaccurate information and stick behind these decisions longer than they should. This behaviour stems from rare stories of some innovators who weathered the storm of endless rejections to achieve success eventually. Following these rare scenarios, Ries warns, leads to failure most of the time. The Lean Startup is an unusual mix of business stories and theories that are convincing and realistic. At the end of the day, when it comes to changing strategic direction, Eric Ries believes that disagreements are bound to arise. In the face of problems, usable data will prove vital in making the right decision based on reason and not on emotion.

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DISCLAIMER: The information presented in Out and About STYLE 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 STYLE 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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