SHEIKHAHUB MODEST FASHION + LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Jul/Aug 16
THE EID ISSUE
Editor's Note
21
The significance of Eid is purely spiritual. It marks the end of Ramadan fasting, a day when we thank Allah for given us the will, strength and endurance to observe fast and obey His commandments during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is also a month of increased blessings (rezki and hopefully barakah) for some doing business, in particular those in the clothing and food36 business. In this issue, under our Getting-to-know, we interviewed two mum-preneurs who find this blessed months truly..blessing And speaking of being blessed and lucky, I have been invited to many high-end fashion and networking events around the globe in the past month. Starting with here at home where I witnessed the collection of Kanzi boutique from United Arab 48 Emirates during the visit of the delegation of businesswomen from Sharjah. Then I flew to Dubai to attend the celebration of Velvet Magazine at the Palazzo Versace. This was followed by the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Doha and my all-time favourite event, the Heya Fashion Exhibition in Qatar. We are proud to have back with us our ardent contributor Liam who shares with us her love for fashion and why she chose to do her internship in Beirut, Lebanon. We also welcome articles from readers, one of which is written by Sue Kamal who penned her thoughts on womenpreneurs with new dimension.. Lastly, feast on some fashion collections from Kanzi UAE, Lully Selb Singapore (seen on cover) and Tsar Malaysia. Happy reading! EID MUBARAK WA ANTUM BI KHAIR
Editor-in-Chief NORZIHAN AHMAD @DNALATT
Send us an email if if you would like to contribute articles, information or be featured in our future issues, sheikhahubmag@gmail.com
Sue Kamal is the Co-Founder & Business Development Director of Solution Makers Consultancy (SMC) United Arab Emirates, Among her many achievements are as the Brand Ambassador Alleem Achiever Award UAE 2014 & 2014 Special Leadership Award of Alleem Business Congress UAE, She is also a council member of many International bodies and is actively involved at international scene particularly encouraging business and trade into Middle East & Africa region.
Disclaimer: Some articles and images are taken from the internet of which are mostly from open sources, and some that we are unaware of their copyrights status. We apologise should there be any infringements, do contact us and we'll address to it with the necessary
C O N T R I B U T O R S
Liamann Mahammadzade or Liam hails from Azerbaijan ,She was a resident of Turkey and now she lives in Beirut. This talented 25 year old fashion designer who founded the label Liam and Jaila has won many accolades. Among them the industry award in Azerbaizan, featured in Russian TV and magazine, and Elle Turkey. She also successfully completed her intership at Tony Ward Beirut . Now she interns at Zuhair Murad.
MY JOURNEY TO FASHION BY LIAMANN MAHAMMADZADE DESIGNER OF LIAM & JEILA Playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends”. These words from Kate Spade probably describes me most. It may sound cliche, but my love of fashion began since I was a child, and it grows everyday with me. Although my degree was in international relations, It didn’t stop me to do what is in my soul. I have always participated in fashion competitions, fashion events and I have always looked for new opportunities in fashion. My endless love and motivation to fashion lead me from Azerbaijan to Turkey to work along with the famous Turkish fashion designer and then I’ve got an opportunity to open our own line “Liam & Jeila” with my sister Jella. This became the start of a new beginning. Since I wanted to broaden my knowledge and experience in fashion, I applied for an internship at Tony Ward Couture in Beirut. And I was invited by the designer himself to Beirut, Lebanon. “
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life”
During my internship I was always asked why did I choose a country as Beirut which is known more for the wars? “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life”. This quote by Bill Cunningham oddly suits like a glove to Lebanon. Because as we know Lebanon’s name has always been synonymous with war, but when it comes to fashion… Lebanese designers as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra, Tony Ward, George Hobeika, Robert Abi Nader and etc. are really very inspiring. I guess it comes from the society itself, the way Lebanese women dress. They’re very courageous, even more than Europeans.
Lebanese fashion is shaped by the country and its people. Unlike many other Middle East countries, Lebanon is an open, pluralistic society with 18 different religious sects and a parliament split equally between Christians and Muslims. It is also the only Arab country with a Christian head of state. The country is believed to be roughly 60 percent Muslim and 40 percent Christian. It is a favorite travel destination because of its European flavor, a legacy of French colonial influence, as well as the stark contrast between women with barely there clothes and others covered from head to toe. While there is sometimes tension, religious tolerance generally prevails, and that tolerance translates into fashion. As Zuhair Murad said “it’s hard to assert oneself on the international scene when coming from a small nation plagued by conflict”. Lebanon has survived the 1975-90 civil war, a 1982 Israeli invasion as well as a fierce monthlong war between Israel and Hezbollah militants two years ago. The Lebanese have a reputation for being among the most fashionconscious people in the Middle East, and liberal in the amount of skin they show. These facts are really inspiring for me. The life stories of these incredible Lebanese fashion designers motivates me and shows me that if the road you are walking on are with obstacles, then you are in the right path. If i were to describe my 3 months of internship at Tony Ward Couture, they were very educational, inspiring and gave me an experience not only in fashion, but in many aspects of life. Tony Ward Couture was founded by Elie Ward and this fashion house specializes in haute couture, ready to wear and bridal fashion.
To get an internship in a country whose language i do not speak was indeed a challenge for me. But as Tony Ward himself said, “when it comes to fashion, the language doesn’t matter. You can communicate with the language of the scissors, with the patterns, with the sketches'. During my internship, although I don’t understand the arabic language, I somehow managed. I had a chance to get to know the world behind the haute couture fashion. I witnessed, how patience is key to haute couture dresses. How hard work pays off, from choosing a collection to sewing until the complete production of the couture dresses. Among my many achievements, I participated in the preparation of the Couture Fall-Winter 16-17 collection and I conducted a research and executed sketches based on Tony Ward’s wishes. I was also selected among 10 potential candidates to design the perfect red dress as part of a media-promotion for the romantic motion picture Me Before You by Joseph Chacra & Sons, Warner Bros. Pictures exclusive licensee in Lebanon. After completing my internship at Tony Ward Couture I applied for another internship at Zuhair Murad, and got accepted. I know that my patience and passion to fashion lead me to the place that I am now. If there is one advice I can give is to believe and chase your dreams.! As Isabel Lopez said in her book Hand-Me-Down Dreams, “If you can’t believe in miracles, then believe in yourself. When you want something bad enough, let that drive push you to make it happen. Sometimes you’ll run into brick walls that are put there to test you. Find a way around them and stay focused on your dream. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
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SH ENTREPRENEUR 1-2-3
WOMENPRENEUR THE NEW DIMENSION Womenpreneur is a woman who has the substances in facing and overcoming real challenges. By Sue Kamal
I love being the woman of this era. Indeed, I am blessed in so many ways. To a certain extent, we are far of better than thirty or forty years ago when women were still limited in their actions, choices and rights. Every each day people throughout the world are getting opened about women in their career especially in being entrepreneurs. Thanks to the level of education awareness, profound influence of social media, information explosion, modern lifestyles, government initiatives, leaders support and positive society view. Women Entrepreneurs or 'Womenpreneur' in short defines, a female gender at her choice in running a business. As an entreprenologist, I would define 'Womenpreneur' in a new dimension as a woman entrepreneur who has the substances in facing and overcoming real challenges, who stands for what she believes in, know what she wants and never give up on her values and virtues.
SH ENTREPRENEUR 1-2-3 Being soft doesn't mean women are weak. And being a tough woman doesn't equate her as masculine. As business grows in the fast lane, a smart womanpreneur will always put herself as a person with knowledge, integrity, expertise, creativity and wisdom. Being a modern woman these days, juggling many roles in business and running a family is not an easy multitasking skill. It certainly drains off a lot of energy, time and even health physically and mentally. However, that is what has developed women to become a highly resilience entrepreneur. They mostly know what has to come into priority. The nurturing instinct of a woman when she operates business and motivates others would shape her, not only to become a successful entrepreneur but exemplary leader in their stream. Womenpreneur in the new dimension shouldn't forget that success in life dictionary is not all about money-making, but loving their own self first and liking what they do. Doing business is a freedom of choice. Even in some scenario, women run businesses due to poor economic status in the family, but later it is her sacrifice and positive determination have made the outstanding achievement. Whether womenpreneur in fashion and lifestyles, technology, food business, manufacturing, services or even building the world skyscrapers, women always have the meaning and positive influence in their touch. As humane entrepreneurship has become the way forward, use that touch to inspire, motivate and spread the great values, loves and virtues to others on being descent human beings. Trust me, the rest of the world success will follow you!
GETTING TO KNOW
CHE YAN CAKE COMPANY
CHE YAN CAKE COMPANY HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN BAKING After a degree in economics from La Trobe University in Melbourne Australia, I came back to work for my father in one of his companies. Baking was just a hobby for family and friends at the time. Somehow slowly I found myself catering for official functions. That was 20 years ago. I stopped to focus on my preschooling kids. Now that both are already at university, I felt the urge to pursue my interest again only this time in customized cakes. Although I still consider myself more of a baker than a cake decorator, i find that i have a natural way with buttercream. It helps that customers enjoy my buttercream work of course. Che Yan Cake Company was created recently to showcase my work.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BAKING JOB, AND DID YOU GO TO CULINARY SCHOOL I am self-taught. I am more comfortable learning from experience than being in a class. My recipes are based on my research according to my own tastebuds. I bake what i myself would love to have for dessert. I read a lot to gain knowledge in various ingredients and understand how different types or brands affect the outcome. My kitchen garbage bin would attest to the spoiled and the failures!
CHE YAN CAKE COMPANY IN YOUR OPINION WHAT WAS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A BAKER Hardest thing? Hmm... so far so good. Minor stuff... nothing major. Alhamdulillah. Or maybe because I try not to concern myself with the impossibles or the problematics... because you cannot create an art if you have issues about something or someone... right? WHAT ARE THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A BAKER? Best thing is the look of amazement and the reaction when a customer walks in and see her cake for the first time. That's always priceless!! WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS TO HAVE AS A BAKER? Ability to multitask! Baking has elevated itself to a higher level. Lots of runing around for just one cake!
CHE YAN CAKE COMPANY ANY ADVICE? You just need to make sure the taste is there for people to want again and again. It doesn't have to be fancy. What you need is a passion for edible art in a simple spread of baked goods. Also patience. Lots of it to withstand the frustrations and failures and last minute changes and demands. Every cake has its 'screaming point'. Every baker has to go through it no matter how experienced she is. Lastly, though maybe the most important of all,which is to figure out WHY you want to be a baker? For the money? To pass the time? Find your purpose. Whatever it is, the main goal should be to help create special moments for customers to cherish as memories. Always remember that every cake bears your name. It is not the end of the story when the cake is picked up. You need to make sure it is enjoyed by the customer, her family and friends.
GETTING TO KNOW
NASZ
NASZ TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF I am Nazirah Ismail and I'm 30 years old. I was told that during my childhood days, I have always been the creative person of the family. Often I will be the person to go to when it comes to decorating the house for Eid or birthday celebrations or as make up artist for my female siblings and relatives. Although I am grateful and humbled by friends and families's recognition on my creative touch, the truth is that I am more interested and passionate about baking and cooking. My mom's kitchen has always been my lab for new recipes. Ever since I graduated from University Technology Mara in mass communication and started my job at IBM and Standard Chartered Bank, but my passion for cooking and baking had only grown bigger. I started to cook for others at my work place for them to try instead just for myself. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THE BUSINESS? WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO START THE BUSINESS After being married with 2 young children I decided to stay home and focus on bringing them up on their early years. Friends and family have been receiving my trials recipes from pastries to dishes. They would give me positive remarks and feedbacks and have assured me to take my talent further to cater it as business. I gave it a long thought and i said what do i got to lose if take the chance? I think it is a good opportunity to challenge my skills to see how far I can go with it especially now that am a staying home mom. Alhamdulillah, from just baking for fun, today I am getting orders almost daily for cakes and desserts.
NASZ WHY DID YOU START THE BUSINESS? WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE Being confident of this new adventure, I'm fortunate to have a consistent support from my husband and family , I started taking orders and at the same time enrolled myself for professional baking classes and online tutorials early this year. I also bake a lot and give them away to friends and family for their comments. Apart from being my food critiques, my family has also been my advertisement channels and agents in promoting my cakes through their Facebook pages. I then went from one office to another for mass quantity order and so far my chocolate brownies budget pack has been a hit. Apart from that , I was approached by food trucks owners and we work together by supplying them a big number of cakes. DO YOU WORK ON YOUR BUSINESS PART TIME OR FULL TIME I was working for Standard Chartered Bank as Personal Assistant to the Country Head of Corporate Affairs . I resigned after my second pregnancy . I now focus on my business full time. HOW DO YOU MARKET YOURSELF I see that cakes nowadays are not only sold for its many tastes and flavors but also for how it is being packaged and decorated. I must say the use of social media is an amazing way of spreading the words about my business. Instagram and Facebook are great examples of free and easy-to-use marketing tools.
NASZ HOW DO YOU JUGGLE BUSINESS AND FAMILY You need to find balance to make sure you can have energy for both parts of your life. I must say that my life is like a constant treadmill- juggling between my business, family and daily chores especially with my 3 years and 9 months old boys but so far i must say it is a fantastic adventure route! Thanks to my supportive family and of course i have to make sure that always know my priority , family first then business . The trick is, most of the time I'll try to finish my orders before my family wakes up.
EVENT & LIFESTYLE
HEYA FASHION EXHIBITION
EVENT & LIFESTYLE
DOHA QATAR
EVENT & LIFESTYLE
DUBAI UAE
BY
Ready To Wear Collection
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