Whether in the realm of art or design, food and fashion, these talents have stayed true to themselves and, in doing so, have pushed the boundaries of their respective fields.
To delve into their story, speaks to them to understand what keeps them inspired and how they continue to empower women around them.
Layla Kardan
Artist, Creative Director & Entrepreneur
What inspires you to be creative?
Everything – from beauty, my family, nature, my experiences – good & pain, grief and loss and all the emotions in between. A lot of my first music was inspired by personal loss & pain into growth and blossoming as a woman. My second project was more about heartbreak and also standing for my beliefs with a kind of aggressive tone, and my latest project is so much about the world as I see it. It really just depends on where I am in life and what I’m experiencing. Now that I’m settled as a wife and mother I feel I’m making music from a more grounded place. Creativity fuels me and makes me feel so much elation and release. I guess it’s so much a part of my DNA that if I’m not being creative in one form or another I start to feel stifled.
In which space do you feel most creative?
The studio – be it a music studio or a dance rehearsal space where we create our shows. I recently traveled to an amazing music residency studio in the South of France called Limusic and produced 5 songs in 4 days – that kind of setting is ideal and being in nature surrounded by the most amazing talents is so good for my soul and freedom of expression, but I don’t always have that time, space and luxury so I have learnt how to work from wherever possible. Being home is just the biggest challenge as I get distracted by my son and wanting to play with him.
How do you refuel your creativity?
Travel for sure. Experiencing new cultures and elements of culture like music, dance and visual arts is so inspiring for me and ignites creativity within me.I also feel really recharged when I get space and time to relax and reflect on my thoughts and what I want to express. Michaelangelo and other great artists/thinkers used to carve out up to 4hrs a day for just creative thinking, so I try to draw inspiration from greats and look for moments where I can explore concepts in my mind and share these ideas with my nearest and dearest creators I collaborate with to bring these ideas to life. It’s also important to have daily practices like journaling and play to keep the spark alive.
Tracy Harmoush
Co-founder – Mamabooza
What inspires you to be creative?
The success stories of people who have done it before me. It maps out the possibility of who I can be. It sometimes takes 1 sentence in a book or 1 story of someone’s journey, to ignite a little fire in me that opens up my creativity. When I’m feeling stuck or uninspired, without fail, a new book, a new course, or a new success story opens my mind to new possibilities.
In which space do you feel most creative?
In building a brand and its story from the ground up. And as a writer and speaker, finding the right words and message to motivate the power of adopting a growth mindset.
How do you refuel your creativity?
A really good book. A really good podcast. A great adventure trip where I reconnect to earth, out in the wild, in the jungle, the dessert, the mountains, or the beach. Take me out of the city and I’ll find my fuel.
Dr. Rhona Eskander
Founder – Chelsea Dental Clinic
What inspires you to be creative?
My creativity is deeply rooted in nature and biology. The vibrant trees, delicate flowers, and dynamic wildlife in my surroundings constantly fuel my imagination. In my dental practice, this translates into a quest to mimic nature’s intricacy and beauty in every case I handle. My approach integrates the precision of dentistry with the aesthetics of the natural world. Additionally, my Instagram presence is influenced by other content creators, where I strive to blend scientific insight with visual appeal, creating content that educates and fascinates.
In which space do you feel most creative?
The place where my creativity thrives the most is in my dental clinic, which was exquisitely designed by my sister, Tanya Eskander. Drawing inspiration from elements like enamel and bone, she has created a space that embodies beauty and tranquillity, enhancing my ability to focus and innovate. This serene environment is pivotal in my creative process. Additionally, I find creative solace near water; walking along the canal in Warwick Avenue is a ritual that helps me clear my mind and gather new ideas.
How do you refuel your creativity?
To replenish my creative energy, I make it a priority to step away from urban settings and immerse myself in tranquil, natural environments. This detachment from the hustle of city life allows me to reconnect with my creative sources and return refreshed. Whether it’s a quiet retreat into the countryside or simply a day spent by a serene lake, being in nature is essential for rejuvenating my creative spirit and maintaining my mental well-being.
Sarah Al Alagroobi
Socio-anthropological researcher, Educator, Author & Artist
What inspires you to be creative?
Creativity is a state of mind. I find creativity moves alongside curiosity. If you are inherently a curious person, then you will constantly be calling things into question and wanting to understand the world around you. Your understanding will be whatever is projected out into the world and so the ‘inspiration’ is the ‘interpretation’ of that curiosity. Exploring this curiosity allows you to form new ideas and see things from different perspectives, transforming ordinary observations into creation.
In which space do you feel most creative?
I feel the most creative when two completely unrelated constructs collide in a space. That space could be hypothetical, if you were to picture it as a Venn diagram, it would be the part that intersects, the middle ground, which is unchartered territory. This intersection is often described by Carl Yung as the integration of the shadow or rather the reconciliation of the ‘third’, you have the first construct, the second construct and then the third, which is how both collapse into one another to form this new normal. That ‘sweet spot’ is the space where I feel is the most creative.
How do you refuel your creativity?
The most important thing you can do for yourself is keep your head down and focus on your craft. I also find that stepping away from work and engaging in completely different activities can replenish my creative energy. Whether it’s reading, drumming, or spending time in a new environment, these experiences refresh my perspective and motivate new creative insights. You need to take time for yourself in order to regroup, and sometimes that means doing nothing at all.
Nina Briance
Founder – Cult Mia
What inspires you to be creative?
As the founder and CEO for a fashion brand, my inspiration for creativity comes from the intersection of passion and purpose – a desire to create an exceptional platform that celebrates unique fashion, underpinned by the right values. Every opportunity and challenge that I have encountered as an entrepreneur has been an opportunity for innovation. I’ve taken inspiration from a wide range of sources: discussions with entrepreneurs that I admire, insights from industry leaders, and moments of introspection. As a leader, I’m committed to nurturing a culture of creativity within our team, with the aim of empowering them to push the Cult Mia boundaries. Together, we share the passion for building a purpose-driven business that ultimately is what propels my creativity.
In which space do you feel most creative?
As a founder, I feel most creatively charged in dynamic environments that pulse with energy and innovation. Whether it’s the buzz of our office during brainstorming sessions or being challenged by our advisors on our growth plans, I thrive on the excitement and exchange of ideas. I’ve discovered that my creativity comes to life most when I’m navigating uncharted territory, challenged to unearth bright spots, and asked to tackle fresh problems. Being able to wear different hats and knowing that no day is the same in my role gives me the most energy and is the space where I feel most creative.
How do you refuel your creativity?
Refuelling my creativitiy has been essential for sustaining momentum and innovation. I’ve found that immersing myself in experiences completely unrelated to Cult Mia, whether it’s exploring art galleries or simply spending time outdoors, sparks refreshed perspectives and renewed inspiration. I also try to carve out time for introspection and self-care. Whether it’s through exercise, or just disconnecting from my phone, some down time allows me to recharge mentally and emotionally, refueling my creativity.
Lilian Afshar
Founder & Creative Director – L’ Afshar
What inspires you to be creative?
I have this innate drive to weave together sources of inspiration and transform them into tangible creations. Creating is simply my passion.
In which space do you feel most creative?
Specifically at Paul Bert Serpette, an antique market in Paris.
How do you refuel your creativity?
By feeding my curious mind either by going to a museum, diving into a topic that interests me, the opera. When I’m in a new city that element of discovery and the unknown instantly refuels. I will never forget my first trip to Tokyo, it’s my favorite city to get lost in.
