Raphael Stevens
More stories
How this UAE brand is taking a fresh approach to self-care
Lifestyle
by Dan Robinson
31 mins agoKintsugi offers a wide range of services and workshops for the body, mind and soul and the brand’s founder Metanoia takes us through this innovative concept.
How do you start your day?
There are 1,440 minutes in a day, and I use every minute wisely, beginning with my essential morning rituals. I’m passionate about the benefits of routines and forming habits to structure my day. First, expressing gratitude lays the foundation for a meaningful day and being thankful for the day to come ensures a higher vibration. After that, I like to sip some alkaline water, loaded with a high pH, to neutralise the acid levels in my body. I then practice some stretching exercises, letting go of any tension. This is followed by a self-face massage to improve my circulation and detoxify my skin. I use the power of aromas and plants to raise my vibration before my morning prayers and meditation. The Kintsugi body mist composed of rose and tuberose is my go-to. Then, to ensure my vibration is aligned with my goals visually, I dedicate some time to adding to my creative vision boards. My morning routine isn’t complete without a moment to savour a good cup of coffee as it sets the mood for a great day. I used to think that you wake up with an empty mind, but the concept of morning pages by Julia Cameron taught me the power of emptying my mind before the day begins, which is an excellent tool for success. After that, I am ready for my excitement levels to go through the roof as my body receives its daily dose of endorphins with the Tracy Anderson Method, which enables you to achieve the goals you have in mind for your body, but you have to sweat and feel the burn. Meaningfully created playlists power all this because, to me, music is a pathway to utter joy.The Kintsugi Space is seven years in the making. Can you tell us more about it?
Kintsugi began as a desire to share my experiences with my micro-community as I stumbled across education, wisdom, travel, experts, healing, mind mastery and spirituality. I was compelled to share it with more than myself. This was the beginning of many long days and nights using the power of visualization, a positive mindset, and many other tools I had embodied to build this brand piece by piece. I’ve discovered the significance of the number seven, be it Rudolf Steiner’s theory, the power of the number seven in numerology, or the importance of seven years cycle in the human body. The number seven seems to be orbiting me. I am excited about the next chapter; as we complete this cycle, we have already achieved so much greatness.
How does your role as a founder play into the Kintsugi universe?
There are many leadership styles. Although I use my left brain to structure my day for success, my essence as a founder is that I lead with the heart. This leadership style allows me to tap into the attributes of that I believe all women embody: kindness, compassion, passion, humility and dedication.
The Kintsugi Space brings together the elements of mind, body, and soul. What can we expect from the launch?
You can expect a space that honours community, conversations and deep healing. You can expect a space that will transcend far beyond the four walls in Abu Dhabi. You can expect a sacred space for women that helps fulfill their mental, physical, and spiritual potential. A physical space that showcases bespoke pieces of art evoking a feeling of community and combining energies. This includes an incredible artwork by Mark Evans, illustrating the transformational journey of the feminine sacred depicted in the form of a swan. All women need a safe space to just be, be themselves, be vulnerable and connect to their purpose. We provide that.
How do you main clarity in life and work practice?
I created a business that I am passionate about, and it challenges me and pushes me to grow. I am a super self-motivator which enables me to optimize and structure my day for success, rejuvenation, healing and balance. Fitness is my go-to feel-good. It activates energy not just in my body but also in my mind. I believe in the power of movement as a tool to create energy and balance in my life. I also know the value of sleep for rest and recovery. I use the power of prayer to connect to my higher self, finding answers and guidance for all areas of my life.
What sets Kintsugi apart from other wellness concepts in the Middle East?
Kintsugi is a new concept for the UAE; it doesn’t exist here. The brand culture, technologies and programming are what sets us apart. Those programmes are designed to take you through the human experience with its success and failures. Kintsugi is an entire universe that is built to support your breakthroughs. Kintsugi is a community, a mindset and a place to discover your greatness.
Kintsugi also has its own line of artisanal products, what does this entail, and can you describe a few benefits?
I am particularly fond of our line of teas which I was inspired to create as tea rituals are a big part of my daily routine. When I enjoy a cup of Kintsugi tea, I use the moment as a gateway to connecting with myself, practising mindfulness, and allowing the beautiful plant actives to work their magic. Inspired by numerology, each tea is influenced by the number it bears. From the bold energy of number one to peaceful number six and finishing with number seven, my personal favourite – the most spiritual number of all – is named Joy. The ingredients have been selected from around the world, and curated by me, then hand-blended in the heart of the English countryside.Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what knowledge did they impart?
My mentors have come in all shapes and sizes. From all corners of the world. I am grateful beyond measure for the many lessons life has taught me in the forms of challenges and highs. Their impact on me is multi-dimensional, just like us. Their words of wisdom continue to shape me. I’m still working through this question: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
How did your previous roles support you in being able to work on the launch of Kintsugi?
My journey has been the seed that began Kintsugi. As I became more curious and committed in life, the more knowledge I gained. Kintsugi was born as a natural progression of wanting to share my findings with other women. My career has not taken form through any one role or mentor but through the series of teachings that my decades on earth have given me. This has taught me patience, resilience and, most importantly, to lead by heart. I love more than anything when I see my growth journey mirrored in the Kintsugi women around me. I know these women will not keep these secrets to themselves but instead spread them like mycelium to the men, women, and children in their lives.
This is The Pioneer Issue – what does this mean to you?
The late Sheikh Zayed is a real visionary. As an Emirati woman, I am inspired by his legacy every day. To be a pioneer means to lead with the heart, and with that comes great responsibility. My mission through Kintsugi is to empower women to create a shift in their lives so they can be the torch for other women.
What does the future hold for Kintsugi?
Although I have an abundance of visions of how I would like Kintsugi to thrive, one of my greatest teachings has been to remain in the power of now.
October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied MoreSay This Not That: The Only Email Writing Guide You’ll Ever Need
Writing a professional email can leave you feeling like you’re walking on eggshells. Especially if you’re new to the working world or have a few prickly coworkers. While no one email is the same, if you master a few basic and professional openings and closings and know what phrases to avoid when writing emails, you’ll soon find that you don’t have to nervously edit every email you send.
Picking up good professional habits now will make all of your following workdays so much easier. That’s why we created the only email writing guide you’ll ever need. We’re going to break down the phrases you should avoid in the opening, body, and closing of your emails—as well as what phrases you should use to make sure you nail the landing every time.In this article
Openings
How you start an email sets the tone for your entire communication. When writing your next email, consider skipping these intros.
Sorry to bother you. Are you sorry? Are you bothering them? Probably not. Start off all of your emails from a confident place and never use language that can convince someone they should feel bothered by you. Instead of saying “sorry to bother you”, you can say “I appreciate you taking the time to help me with this presentation before our all-hands meeting.” You can show gratitude for their collaboration without implying you did anything wrong.
Per my last email. If you’re following up on a request, this is one of the worst ways to start your follow up email. By now, everyone knows this is a form of not so passive aggression, so instead try “I still need last quarter’s sales numbers. Can you take care of this by the end of day tomorrow?” There’s no need to beat around the bush, you can circle back to what you need without potentially causing any office drama.
Hey. Stick with “hello” or “hi” so you don’t give off any of those “fresh out of college” vibes.
Hey guys. Even worse than “hey” is “hey guys” if you’re emailing multiple people. It sounds too casual and while most people won’t assume you mean to exclude female colleagues, this phrase can rub some people the wrong way. Go for “Hi team” or “Hello all” instead when emailing a group.
Hope this email finds you well. This greeting is an infamously cliche opening and one that doesn’t really benefit anyone. It comes across as something you have to say, not something you genuinely mean, so usually you’re better off just jumping straight to the point. If you want to add in some pleasantries, try to make it a bit more specific. Like—”I hope your vacation in Hawaii was really relaxing.”Body
As easy as it is to sweat the small things—like whether to start your email with “hello” or “hi”—it’s the meat of your email that really counts. The point of the body of your email is to clearly and concisely relay what you need to say to your recipient, whether that be a request, submitting work, or asking a question. Knowing what phrases to avoid can make the body of your email so much stronger and more effective.
You will want to pass over this language whenever possible:
Just. The word “just” weakens your language greatly. You don’t say “I just want to check-in on the status of your deliverables.” That makes it sound like you’re apologizing or as if you feel bad about making your request. Instead you can say “I am checking in on the status of your deliverables.” This language makes it clear you expect a status update.
Maybe. Using the term “maybe” in email communications like “Can we maybe meet on Tuesday” or “Can you maybe get your final edits to me by the end of the day”, doesn’t do you any favors. You don’t need to give someone the chance to drop the ball. You will always benefit from clearly asking what you want. They may respond with a “maybe” answer, and if they do, that’s on them.
Apologies for the delay. Unless you truly are late on something, there’s no need to apologize in an email for not responding immediately. We live in a world where it feels expected to always be online, but in reality you don’t have to respond to someone’s email within the hour or even within the same day. So you really have nothing to apologize for in most cases.Closings
If you write dozens of emails a day (which many of us do), it can feel like your email closings are getting stale. But just like how now one notices when you wear your favorite pair of jeans three times in a week, no one will notice if you close your email with the same turn of phrase repeatedly. Point being, choose a salutation or two that are professional and that you feel comfortable with and use them as much as you’d like. To remain professional, refrain from using these endings:
Sincerely. You would use the word “sincerely” when writing a condolence card to a dear friend or a letter to your grandmother, not when communicating with a business colleague. This turn of phrase is way too familiar—try “best”, “regards”, or a simple “thank you”, and then you add your name.
Love. Just in case you didn’t know, don’t ever sign off a business email by saying “love”, no matter how good of friends you are with the person receiving the other email. If you want to show some warmth in an email to someone you’re close with, you can say “warm regards”.
Cheers. Again—this option is just too informal and personal. If you want, before you close out your email, you can add a quick line wishing them a great weekend or that you hope they enjoy that vacation they’re about to embark on, and then you can add a normal salutation.Other Helpful Email Tips to Keep in Mind
Since we’re already on the topics of mastering email communications, let’s run through some other helpful quick tips that can make your emails as polished and effective as possible.
Keep it brief. People tend to skim emails for high-level details, so whenever possible cut the fluff and keep your email as brief as possible. Bullet points are your friend here.
Dive right in. Along the same theme of keeping your email brief, dive straight into your request or debriefing as quickly as possible. We’re all inundated with too many emails, so the easier you can make it for people to process what you need, the better.
Cut the exclamation points and emojis. Written text can feel harsh, but trust us, no one will think you’re rude if you don’t use exclamation points or emojis. Professional emails don’t need to be dressed up to be considered friendly and appropriate.
Tread lightly with reply all. Does everyone on an email chain really need you to respond to every group message with “thanks” or “got it”? Probably not. If you really want to confirm something with the sender, you can remove everyone else from your reply to save their inbox from further clutter.
Don’t forget to set your OOO. When you’re going to be out of the office for an extended period of time, it’s important to set an out of office (OOO) message. This message should be brief and clear (this is a running theme) and should address what dates you will be out of the office and who they should contact instead if they need help immediately.
Keep the recipient in mind. We’re not going to pretend like every single email you send at work has to meet the highest office etiquette standards. If you’re sending your work bestie a quick note about donuts being in the breakroom, it is okay to use an emoji or exclamation point. Just be careful that you don’t fall into bad habits and accidentally send too casual of an email to someone you don’t know that well or who is much higher up the chain of command than you. Email lives on forever in our digital world, so be careful what you write and who you write it to.
Best of luck with all your future email endeavors! MorePeople Are Opting for a ‘Soft Life’–Will It Really Transform Your Wellbeing?
The hustle culture. The nine-to-five. The daily grind. Whatever you call it, we’ve been conditioned to work, work, work, work, work (cue RiRi). It’s no wonder quiet quitting took off and made headlines. Another viral TikTok trend is taking it a step further by renouncing the stress and hamster wheel of the traditional job. Coined the “soft life,” the term refers to a lifestyle that embraces rest and ease, a notion that has gotten lost in today’s toxic productivity shuffle. So is living the soft life all that it’s cracked up to be? Read on to learn the ins and outs of the soft life’s MO and how to adapt it to your own life.
@rmg.__
My vibe right now is just living life🌸 #fyp #minivlog #softlife #aesthetic #blackgirltiktok #miami #vacation #lifestyle #summer
♬ som original – crzWhat’s the soft life?
Originating in the Nigerian influencer community, the term “soft life” or “soft era” describes living a life of enjoyment and comfort, while limiting stress. With 378.1 million views and counting on TikTok, there’s no shortage of content depicting the stress-free #softlife, popularized namely by Black women creators and influencers who are putting themselves first–and for good reason–in response to the hustle and “girlboss” culture of the 2010s. According to the Transparent Black Girl page, soft living is about Black women no longer accepting strength and work ethic as their sole identities.
While some paint an extravagant picture of the viral trend with glimpses of fine dining, upscale vacations, and luxury everything (cars, clothes, workouts), others pass over the consumerism of it and focus on self-care (think: writing down affirmations, delegating tasks, setting firm boundaries). In other words, living the soft life is subjective, and anyone can experience it. The purpose of the soft life is to reject struggle, stress, and anxiety that comes with the rat race, and instead prioritize joy and experience.
It’s not about scaling back on your career efforts like quiet quitting–it’s about prioritizing your joy first, which can mean quitting a toxic job or leaning into the aspects of your job you genuinely love. It’s not anti-work; it just means setting boundaries where you need (work, relationships, housework, etc.) so you feel less stress and more joy in your life overall. Soft living can look opulent, but at its core, it’s a mindset cultivating balance, self-awareness, intentionality, and joy.@enashaolivia
soft life living only🥹
♬ original sound – Music tableHow do I live the soft life?
If the soft life movement blew up on TikTok, there’s got to be some truth behind or benefit to it, right? Much like self-care and wellness overall, no matter what the soft life means to an influencer or how it’s portrayed, you do you—do what brings you joy and what works for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Ahead, hacks to embrace the soft life in your own way.Make time for rest
PSA: Rest is productive. The laundry, work emails, and grocery shopping can wait. There will always be something demanding your attention or to check off your to-do list, but your mind and body aren’t built to run on empty. When you take the time to unplug, be still, and relax, not only will it pay off for your mental health, but also your creativity, productivity, and mood. To ensure you fit in your R&R, schedule your breaks and treat them as mandatory appointments, just as you would a health check-up or work meeting.Manage stress
A key component of leaning into the soft lifestyle is taking stress out of the equation (I know, that seems impossible). Because, as we can all attest, the “fight-or-flight” reaction of stress wreaks havoc on our well-being, often leading to migraines, digestive issues, and anxiety. We all handle stress differently, so it may take experimenting with different techniques to reduce it. Some tried-and-true methods? Therapy, meditation, breathwork, walking, and getting optimal sleep.Establish boundaries
Whether we’re talking work, relationships, or sex, setting boundaries is a non-negotiable for maintaining balance in your life and caring for your mental health. First things first: learn to get comfortable saying “no.” If you’re a people-pleaser (same) and the word doesn’t exist in your vocabulary, remember that by always saying “yes,” you’re also turning your back on things that are important to you—be it time off or respect. Instead, honor your needs and wants by being upfront and clearly communicating what is and what isn’t OK in your book, especially in regards to how you want to be treated. The result? You’ll create trust, foster healthy connections, and be more appreciated.Live intentionally
Sure, having a routine takes the guesswork out of your day-to-day, but when you’re running on autopilot, how much are you focusing on the present moment? The first step in practicing intentional living is clearly identifying your values and what the best, higher, happiest version of yourself and your life embodies. Then, actively work towards them.
One misconception of soft living is that you have to be swimming in money to enjoy life fully. Rather, it’s about being deliberate in how you spend your hard-earned cash and time (time is money after all). What experiences are important to you and make you feel good? Hone in on and go after those.Don’t be afraid to enlist help
The common theme of the soft life manifested in yachts and skincare routines seen on TikTok alike? There’s no “hustle hard” narrative. That’s partly because the soft life way of life includes allowing yourself to be vulnerable and asking for and accepting help when you need it. Whether you have too much on your plate at home or you can’t keep up with work deadlines, we all have breaking points. And seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity to build relationships and learn new skills from others. It’s an all-around win-win.5 Tangible Tips To Recover From Burnout More
5 Italian Girl Wellness Hacks I Learned in Italy That Improved My Life
If I could live out of my suitcase, I would. Trying local food, visiting new places, and meeting interesting people fills my soul with happiness. However, the late nights, heavy meals, and few too many cocktails that usually accompany vacations leave my body feeling a bit blah. So, after visiting Italy this fall, I was surprised that I came home leaner and more energized. How could eat pasta, gelato, and unrestricted amounts of cheese and actually feel…healthier?
It turns out this is a pretty common experience for gals who visit the Land of Romance and Wine (AKA Italy). While many popular diets demonize Italian staples like pasta and pizza, Italy is one of the world’s healthiest countries. But you don’t have to live there to reap the benefits of the Italian lifestyle. Here are five wellness hacks I picked up from women in Italy that I’ve started incorporating into my life since I got home. Trust me–they make a huge difference.1. Live an active lifestyle
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of busting your butt at a workout class only to sit at your desk the rest of the day. While some movement is better than no movement, living an active lifestyle is far healthier than only exercising an hour a day. In Italy, I didn’t maintain my usual structured workout routine, but I walked everywhere. Many of the Tuscan towns we visited didn’t allow cars within the city, so we explored the picturesque cobblestone paths by foot.
Although it’s challenging to move as much as we did on vacation on a daily basis, my husband and I did bring one habit home with us: la passeggiata. La Passeggiata is the Italian ritual of going on a leisurely evening stroll. The goal of this walk isn’t to break a sweat, but rather to catch up with loved ones. We’ve found that this moment of calmness after the workday gives us a chance to reconnect and easily increase our daily movement.2. Enjoy carbs in all their forms
Before Italy, I’d fallen for the lie that carbs are the enemy, so my meals would solely revolve around veggies and protein, leaving me emotionally and physically unsatisfied. The lack of enthusiasm I had for my “healthy” meals and the level of intense restriction I put on myself set the groundwork for major carb cravings and late-night cookie binges.
When we got to Italy, I removed all of the restrictions I had set around food. I was determined to allow myself to fully experience all the cuisine Italy had to offer. I started my mornings with a ham and cheese croissant with a side of unlimited fruit and I ended my days with a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine. Contrary to what the diet industry says, I wasn’t left feeling sluggish and bloated. Rather, my energy improved, and allowing myself to indulge in foods I used to deem off limits eliminated the urge to binge eat.
Now that I’m home, I focus on cooking meals that make me feel my best physically and emotionally. For me, that means including carbs at every meal. If you’re still worried that carbs will wreck your wellness goals, you should know that dietitians have debunked the myth that carbs cause weight gain. In fact, restricting food groups in order to lose weight may actually backfire.3. Eat locally-sourced foods
The Tuscan countryside is scattered with intimate Italian getaways known as agriturismos. These little retreats tucked away in the rolling hills are working Italian farms offering visitors dining and lodging. The one we stayed at produces its own wine that we enjoyed nightly. Others we visited produce their own olive oil and serve meals using ingredients grown on their property or sourced from nearby farms. These meals often included homemade pasta with a simple sauce, local veggies, cheeses, meats, and truffles they’d hunted that morning.
As Americans, we don’t often stop to think about the quality of food we eat. We look for hyper palatability first and foremost, which leads to an overconsumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy cooking oils. However, in Italy, local ingredients take center stage at every meal. Since the ingredients are so fresh, meals are delicious without the need to add filler ingredients. This leads to both a tastier and healthier diet. Since we got home, I’ve focused on purchasing as many ingredients as I can from my local farmer’s market. This has encouraged me to get more creative in the kitchen and drastically increased our fruit and veggie consumption.4. Romanticize your meals
If you’re anything like I was, you scroll Instagram while eating breakfast, work on your computer while shoveling down lunch, and curl up to Netflix at the end of the day for dinner. While it’s tempting to multitask while you eat, it can work against your wellness goals. Research has shown that looking at screens while eating can cause overeating, plus you are just not fully mindful to allow your digestive system to relax.
Italians approach eating differently. You won’t find them eating in front of a laptop at lunch or staring at a TV screen during dinner. They approach meals with a reverence we’ve lost in the United States. There’s no eating on the go or while distracted. Instead, Italians have long lunches and dinners, taking the time to savor each bite and catch up with friends. I don’t always have the time to dedicate an hour of enjoyment to each meal, but I have started romanticizing my food. This means no more screens at mealtime and focusing on what I’m eating. When the weather is nice, I’ll enjoy my meals outside, and in the evenings, I may light a candle and turn on my favorite Spotify playlist to accompany my dinner.5. Prioritize leisure
I occasionally fall into the productivity trap. Eight-hour workdays easily become twelve-hour workdays, and Saturday mornings turn into an opportunity to squeeze in a couple of hours of writing. While I love my job, overworking leaves me uninspired, tired, and depressed. But after returning home from my trip to Italy, I noticed both my energy levels and excitement for my career rise.
Italians have perfected the art of relaxing. Long lunches, evening strolls, and kicking back with a few friends and a glass of wine aren’t occasional treats. They’re the norm. This balanced approach to life can help reduce stress, ultimately making you happier and more productive when you need to be. I now prioritize little pockets of relaxation throughout my day, which can look like reading a good book or ditching my laptop for a snuggle session with my dog.It’s Time for a Life Edit—Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide More
Your Zodiac Sign Might Be the Secret to Feeling More Confident and Happy—Here’s How To Tap In
If you know the basics of astrology, you know that your zodiac sign can tell you a lot about your personality traits or who you’re most compatible with. Whether you’re a secret-keeping Scorpio, adventure-seeking Sagittarius, or initiative-taking Capricorn, there’s no denying the insight the stars can give into our truest selves. But did you know that each star sign has a color associated with it? And by tapping into your sign’s specific hue, you can level-up your best qualities, self-awareness, and confidence? “Representing the zodiac sign’s overall feel, certain colors can highlight the most powerful attributes of each sign,” explained Maria Hayes, an astrologer and tarot reader. “Knowing your zodiac color is crucial, as you can feed it to your subconscious energy, further bolstering your inner talents.” Bottom line: Wearing your color can empower you to live your best, happiest life.
But there’s more good news: Not only can you harness your power color through what you wear, but also via your decor style and wellness practices. So take this as a sign to go paint the town [insert your color]. Read on to find out which color is best for your zodiac sign and how to bring out its good vibes for optimal energy, abundance, confidence, or happiness–straight from astrology experts.How do I harness my zodiac sign’s color?
Lucky for us, there’s no special formula for activating the energy of the colors written in the stars for our signs. Whether you decide to go the fashion or decor route, you can’t go wrong. “Wearing your power color through clothes, accessories, makeup, and nail polish is a classic choice to channel your sign’s innate energy, but there are many other options, especially for those days when you just can’t get away with wearing bright blue eyeshadow,” said Charlotte Kirsten, a psychotherapist and master astrologer. Kirsten also suggested surrounding yourself with your power color in your home with objects like wall art, flowers, cushions, curtains, or books to help welcome and absorb your sign’s positive energy.
Amy Zerner, an astrologer and author of Astrology for Wellness and Mindful Astrology, recommended further channeling your power color through meditation. “Clear your mind, take a few deep breaths, and stare at an object in the color,” she described. “Breathe in the color until you can feel it deep inside of you. Repeat this ritual whenever you feel as if you need to bring healing, happiness, prosperity, or any other good thing into your life.” Sound intriguing? Kirsten breaks down each sign’s inner color below:Your Power Color
Red
Red reflects Aries’ bold and brazen nature and amplifies their natural courage, desire for adventure, and reverence for life. This headstrong ram loves nothing more than being in charge of their own destiny! Ruled by the fearless and feisty planet of Mars (AKA the Red Planet), Aries are strong-initiative takers and aren’t afraid to make risky decisions in pursuit of true freedom.Green
Being an Earth sign, it’s no surprise that the color of nature—green—reflects Taurus’ down-to-Earth and practical side. It’s no coincidence that green is also the color of money, wealth, and financial security, which fits this luxury-loving bull sign and its affinity for being pampered and the finer things in life. Green helps Taureans channel their innate prosperity and natural gift for creating and attracting abundance.Yellow
The inspiring and life-giving yellow reflects Gemini’s childlike wisdom and curiosity. Yellow, the world’s happiest color, helps the dualistic twins learn new things, channel their intellect and mental prowess, and keep their spirits high even on the darkest of days.Silver
Ruled by the silver-hued Moon, the comfort-seeking crab is deeply in tune with its motherly, caring instincts. Silver not only reflects Cancers’ calmness, serenity, and higher spiritual self, but it also helps them connect with their intuition and effortlessly pick up on the energies in a room. Tied to many mythological stories and tales, the color silver also acts as a guard, helping Cancers ward off evil spirits and malice.Orange or Gold
Lively and vivacious, Leo knows exactly what it takes to be the life of the party. These lovable lions channel their warm, friendly, and infectious energy to inject spontaneous fun into any situation. Ruled by the luminary sun, Leos are incredibly outgoing and aren’t afraid to give new experiences a whirl. Orange and gold help Leos channel their inner confidence, reveal their true selves, and show off their warm and generous nature.Brown
An earthy, life-giving color, brown reflects Virgo’s practical, grounded, and systematic approach to life. This analytical and data-driven sign prides itself on its ability to act independently and the color brown aids in fulfilling that goal. Virgos can use brown as a symbol of personal growth, helping them work through even the toughest of problems, obstacles, and challenges.Pink
Pink reflects Libra’s delicate and soft, yet charming nature. Obsessed with beauty and symmetry, Libras are the true aesthetes of the zodiac. They adore fine art, intellectualism, and nurturing deep bonds with others, and pink helps them tip the scales in their favor. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, Libras can use pink as a way to strengthen relationships, promote self-love and compassion, and even enhance their diplomatic skills to solve conflict in the lives of others.Black
Black represents Scorpio’s powerful, demanding, and mysterious aura. Ruled by shadowy Pluto, the color black helps Scorpios build deep and soulful relationships with those around them, bringing out their passionate side. It also has a guarding and grounding effect for this water sign, aiding it in an emotional and physical rebirth after times of disaster or upset.Purple
Engaging and inspiring, this wanderlust-driven sign is known for its freedom-seeking and independent nature, and purple only enhances it. A symbol of elegance, royalty, and scholarship, purple helps Sagittariuses tap into their creative energy, allowing their most brilliant ideas to shine! It drives them to venture into a journey of self-discovery and continuously seek new horizons.Grey
The epitome of responsibility, this hard-working and pragmatic Earth sign knows exactly what it takes to become self-sufficient in this world, and grey only serves to bolster this energy. Grey enhances Capricorn’s logic, traditionalist views and utmost determination. Some may say it’s a boring color, but sometimes it’s the boring, nitty-gritty tasks that get us to where we want and that’s exactly the energy that grey brings into a Capricorn’s life.Blue
Aquarius has a rebellious streak running through their veins, both in action and thought, and blue allows the sign to tap into its imaginative and free-spirited personality with ease. Whenever they feel their innovative side is stifled, Aquariuses can tap into their power color to release creativity and new ideas. Blue helps this eccentric air sign thrive on individuality and uniqueness, allowing them to march to the beat of their own drum.Aquamarine or Light Green
Ruled by dreamy Neptune, the god of the sea, this visionary fish derives its energy from its deeply felt emotions. Aquamarine enables Pisces to tap into their sensitive, intuitive, and deeply imaginative self. Pisces should especially embrace light green when they need the courage to go after what their heart desires.What Astrologists Say To Add to Your Wellness Routine RN More
The internet’s best reactions to the premiere of Netflix’s Dubai Bling
Lifestyle
by Sarah Joseph
2 hours agoThe latest reality show to premiere on Netflix is all about Dubai.
Showcasing the opulent and affluent side of the emirate, Dubai Bling has already taken the world by storm after launching on October 27.
As one of the most highly anticipated shows, the emirate’s exuberant displays of wealth were accompanied by drama, drama and more drama as each episode progressed.
With rivalries, romance and a lavish lifestyle being the focal point, the world had a lot to say about the diamond city’s high-flying social circle and whether it’s a façade or not.Each protagonist is known for their strong character leading its own dose of friction amongst them and more entertainment for the audience.
The world binge-watched the show and so did we. By taking the streaming platform by storm, here’s what the internet had to say.Zeina will say how she feels to your face and I love that. #DubaiBling pic.twitter.com/iAqAmQlVun
— maya own business (@saltybuthappy) October 27, 2022“My love language is receiving gifts 🎁”
Say what? How is that YOUR love language, or am I missing something? 🤔 #DubaiBling
— Nicola Ellegaard (@banafsaji) October 28, 2022Dubai Bling is not for financially weak people like myself.🤣🤣
— Sania (@notyoursania) October 28, 2022I’m glad there are more and more reality shows where the men are gossiping and causing drama #DubaiBling #blingempire #sellingoc
— Basically Like Heather (@maaagicadespell) October 28, 2022Ebraheem on Dubai Bling Netflix is just like Kane on Bling Empire. There has to be that one guy that gossips and I’m here for it. pic.twitter.com/RMfcFMQOm3
— Hachi (@_PetiteAda) October 27, 2022– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram MoreMeet Najla Al Ansari, co-founder of pioneering UAE concept NOT a SPACE
Lifestyle
by Olivia Morris
3 hours agoNajla Al Ansari, co-founder of NOT a SPACE, discusses cultivating communities through creativity throughout the UAE.
The Story
A graduate of the American University of Sharjah, UAE, I’m an Emirati serial entrepreneur and co-founder of NOT a SPACE, alongside other side ventures. As an explorer of life, I never intended to become an entrepreneur but I always had the fire in me to take risks. Venturing into my first business, a day spa that was built in 2011, was the biggest risk at only 21 years old. It was hard for me at the beginning with sleepless nights and limited resources but eventually, it all fell into place when you put the hard work into it. Now, I’m creating more spaces and taking more risks has become an addiction and I’m loving it. I believe everyone has a purpose in life and when you connect with that love, that’s when the magic unfolds.The Concept
NOT a SPACE was launched in 2019 right before the pandemic hit with a focus on creating a community to work and play, eat and shop, and get groomed. A space for all to enjoy good music, great coffee and creating more stories and friendships. It is NOT your ordinary hangout place, NOT for egos, NOT for perfection… but a space to feel free and be you. Simply, NOT is a space with a heart, one that brings wild and kind souls together. At NOT, you can find a barbershop, a parlour, a pet grooming spa, and a community cafe right in the centre that brings all humans and pets together through the different events we create and host from music, fashion, wellness, sports, talks and workshops. During winter and summer, NOT pops up in unique locations around the UAE. One that is most popular, is our Al Faya winter annual and magical pop-up located far away in the desert where you can enjoy the breeze, live events, and peaceful mountain views attracting the sunrise explorers, sunset lovers, and the night owls under the starry skies.
The Creative
I’ve got both a creative and business mindset. Without being able to explore and create new ideas, I wouldn’t be able to run the business and vice versa. I spend most of my time being inspired by what’s out there and then strategically putting it into a plan to make sure it is feasible and makes financial sense. Especially, in our line of business and space, we rely a lot on creativity which gives us a competitive edge by always being different and ahead of the game in offering new experiences to the community.
The Philosophy
I’m a true believer in doing good and it will come back to you in time. And to always go after your dreams because it’s a chance you take on yourself and you are the driver of your own future. Only you can decide what’s good for you, control the speed and be responsible for the choices you make. You are you and that is your superpower to be truly happy.The Advice
If you’ve got an idea but are not sure if it will work, go ahead and jump right in if you truly believe in it. It starts with the first step and the rest will follow. It doesn’t come easy, but it’s a beautiful journey if you do what you love.
The Hurdles
When we weren’t generating any revenue, my first business was coming down really fast and almost crashing before I re-strategized and started to look at things differently. This changed my perception of things and I learnt that we need to listen to the market more, invest in the right team and then put a system in place but most importantly, to keep moving and never stop believing.
The Milestones
I’m happy with how from starting my business at such a young age to being selected as a board member at the Sharjah Business Women Council, to organizing the first and fastest growing Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival that takes place every year gathering thousands of like-minded individuals, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Running my own business is a full-time job now at NOT a SPACE and I have never been happier!
The Mentors
People from all around the world of different backgrounds, mindsets, cultures and experiences that I meet and learn from every single minute of every single day. Saying yes to new adventures all the time guides you to opportunities, experiences, and learnings to be better every day.
October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More
