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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
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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! MoreThe 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 MoreExclusive: At home with… Founder of Klekktic, Heba El Habashy
Lifestyle
by Dan Robinson
2 hours agoNothing excites us more than aesthetic interiors and clean spaces.
One place that stands out prominently is Heba El Habashy, founder of Klekktic, Dubai’s customizable home furniture store that makes aesthetic interior pieces available to all. With made-to-measure pieces, El Habashy is redefining the Middle Eastern interior space with quality pieces and has seamlessly incorporated the same in her home.
Every room is tailored to complement her sought-after interior choice from clean, wide spaces to carefully curated furniture pieces.
Emirates Woman shares all our most loved elements from El Habashy’s home for an exclusive peek.
How long have you lived/worked in this space?
I have lived in this space since March 2020 – we moved in exactly three or four days before the first covid lockdown was about to begin!
Did you have a clear concept from the outset, and which key pieces are your favourite?
Actually, this space is constantly changing – it’s almost like a living, breathing evolution of Klekktic. I get very bored with pieces quickly, so I change things around all the time, especially since it’s so easy to change the colours of elements or switch around fabrics. I also love to try out all the newest samples here and live with them before they launch online or in the showroom. Before this current setup, we had a different colour scheme with dark greens and more deep tones, and now we have brightened the space up for Dubai “summer” and in preparation for some new pieces we recently acquired on a trip in CPH.
Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
Everything in this house is bespoke, with the exception of a few lights and carpets. Fadi Sarridine, a genius, made the TV unit; the rest of the furniture is mainly from Klekktic, of course. The carpets and other vintage pieces are either passed down from family or purchased from antique stores. The art is the same or done by my husband, an awesome photographer. We also have a few pieces by Ali Shahabi, another favourite photographer, with very interesting pieces.
How do you think your interior reflects you/your brand?
I’m not a huge fan of minimal and monotone spaces. I find it a bit expected and boring. It’s always nice to add character to a space and make it unique to yourself by incorporating fun and happy colours and, if not colours, then at least interesting textures that aren’t traditionally paired together. Of course, I also appreciate art, great carpets, and other vintage and heirloom pieces. Describe your taste in three words. Eclectic, lighthearted, moody (constantly changing).October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Photography by Mark Mathew MoreGCC residents can now enter Oman visa-free
Lifestyle
by Sarah Joseph
2 hours agoFor those thinking of hassle-free escape, Oman’s visa rules have now been updated for all GCC residents.
Per an official announcement by Oman’s airport authority, all GCC residents have the right to enter the Sultanate for commercial professions without a visa.
GCC residents in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can pay for visas on arrival for a more seamless travel experience.The circular issued by the Directorate General of Passports and Residence regarding the visa of residents stated.
All residents of the GCC countries have the right to enter the Sultanate of Oman for all commercial professions.
It is not required for people to come from the country of residence. For example, a resident of any GCC country is not required to arrive directly from that GCC country to avail of this facility.
It is permitted at any time and from any destination they arrive from.
For the application of what is stated in items 1 and 2 above, it is required that the residence visa be valid in the GCC for a period of no less than three months.
The procedures mentioned above referred to are applied, taking into account the importance of following the policy of granting visas to restricted nationalities.Known for its bustling hotspots, the country attracts tourists all year round to visit some of its most fascinating sites including Musandam, Wahiba sands, Jebel Akhdar and more.
Implemented to boost tourism in Oman, the new visa scheme will now allow enhanced corporation between states in the region marking a new era of travel.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram @visitoman MoreAn exclusive interview with Mimi Bouchard, founder of Superhuman
Founder of Superhuman app, Mimi Bouchard discusses her pioneering approach to meditation.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
I’m a big believer in a strong morning routine. I always say that your mornings create your days, your days create your weeks, your weeks create your months, your months create your years – and you guessed it – your years create your LIFE. Seeing your mornings from a bird’s eye view really helps you understand the compound effect of how powerful your mornings really are. That being said, my mornings always consist of low screen time, writing and some kind of meditation. Some mornings I combine the last two by doing a Superhuman Writing Meditation™, which is amazing for the mornings I’m not feeling like free-writing. I also love a classic motivational morning seated meditation, but lately I’ve been veering towards the Getting Ready Meditations™, especially if it’s a busy AM. One more type I often do in the mornings is our famous Superhuman Walking Meditations™ – I couldn’t forget to mention that! My morning routine has a lot of general consistency but with wiggle room on the details, depending on how I’m feeling each day. I’m not naturally that consistent as a human so doing it this way helps me actually commit and it feels intuitive to my needs.
You previously had a very different life – tell us what the key to transformation was for you?
The key to my crazy “before and after” transformation is simple: I simply became the kind of person that had what I desired. By becoming that person, creating the new “self-image”, and effortlessly taking the actions that new Mimi would take… I transformed every single aspect of my life. I radically changed my body and health, my relationships, my career and finances, the impact I had on the world and the relationship I had with myself. Everything changes when you change your identity. Nothing changes when you continue being the “old self”. This realization alone was the catalyst to my success. This is what “manifestation” really is: become the kind of person that has what you want, and soon enough you’ll create the life you seek.What were the steps to launching Superhuman and do you remember the day you decided to take the leap of faith to launch an app?
My experience as an entrepreneur was not a linear journey to success. I tested many different businesses before getting into the app space, all of which I am so deeply grateful for as they taught me a lot about myself, business, failure and ultimately what it takes to create a massive success.
I decided to launch an app after much trial and error and experimenting with what stuck with my audience. The more I tried, the closer I got to the clarity I seeked. V1 of Superhuman was actually a health and wellness subscription platform called Mimi Method. I had offered my unique guided meditations right at the bottom of the platform to add some extra value to my subscribers, not thinking much of it. Fast forward six months, the meditations quickly became the most popular category in the platform and I decided to relaunch as solely a meditation app, called Superhuman. I wanted to go global and removing myself from the brand would help me get there. When it comes to developing the app, I definitely didn’t have $300k+ laying around at the beginning to custom develop the app from scratch. I had to get resourceful! I ended up negotiating a licensing deal with an overseas development agency to kickstart Superhuman. I knew there had to be a way to create a custom experience until I could afford my own app. This was a year-and-a-half ago. Now, I’m proud to share that we are launching a new version of the Superhuman app in November 2022, 100% owned by us, created by an epic team of California-based developers. It’s wild how fast everything has grown.
There were so many steps to creating this business. I don’t even know where to start! But yes, to answer your question, I do vividly remember the day I decided to switch everything over to the new Superhuman brand. I was sitting in my parked car on a quiet road (this is always where I do my best thinking) and I felt the enormity of this decision, ready to go all in. I knew, deep in my gut, that this was just the beginning of something way bigger than me.
When you launched were you surprised by how quickly it scaled?
My honest answer? No. I wasn’t surprised. I knew it was going to happen. I have a strong intuition and I am genuinely the poster child of this work I teach. I attracted my company’s success in every way possible. Superhuman is only aligned with success. Big, quick, epic success. We haven’t even done any paid marketing yet. The wild growth has been 100% organic up to this point. If this isn’t proof that the work works, I don’t know what is! Owned and earned media have been how we’ve grown so quickly. Word of mouth has been HUGE for us. The product is life-changing, and when people consistently use the meditations – they see radical change. It’s just what happens. That being said, we are now exploring paid media and can’t wait to reach more people with this work!
Your meditation technique is pioneering. Tell us more.
Superhuman is different to every other meditation app out there in more ways than one. I like to say it is the meditation app for “people that don’t like to meditate”. The main differentiators are how you use these meditations and how they feel to listen to them. I almost didn’t even call the product “meditations” because they’re so much more than that. Ultimately, I wanted to meet the customer where they are so we are calling them meditations for now – but they really are a totally new pillar in the sound industry. I like to call our content “functional audio”. Listen to it wherever, whenever and feel the shift instantly. We offer 16+ different categories of meditations for every single moment of your day. From Cooking + Cleaning Meditations to Workout Meditations… to Getting Ready Meditations and Legs Up Wall Meditations (for lymphatic drainage!). This app quite literally has it all.
Here at Superhuman, we don’t believe your eyes need to be closed and you need to silence your mind to meditate. We are redefining meditation by offering energizing, motivational content that is designed to give you the benefits of changing your energy without needing to change a behavior Most of us have downloaded and even paid for a meditation app without ever sticking to it (myself included). I found that many of these traditional meditations weren’t fun to do. They just added another layer onto my to-do list, which ended up stressing me out more because I would resist doing them. They weren’t enticing, I hated thinking about nothing and I didn’t feel different after. I created these Superhuman meditations for people just like me – people that want to visualize their abundant, wealthy and blissful futures in a way that feels good. And effective. Superhuman meditations are backed by science. They truly transform you by helping you change your self-image. Check out our website to see videos from our scientists + researchers!
What is the most popular meditation, and can you see when the majority of people meditate?
The most popular meditation changes week-to-week. We upload new content every single day so our users are always trying something new. Some weeks it’s a Walking Meditation (the one titled “Transform Into Your Future Self” is amazing), other weeks it’s one of our OG Morning Seated Meditations. A popular topic is Wealth + Abundance – our listeners love money manifestation meditations. They really help you uplevel your vibration, opening you up to new potentials and opportunities in your life. I love those, too. Magical things always happen when I do them consistently. Everything is energy. When it comes to time of day, we generally see a spike in the mornings as our listeners like to set the tone for their day with Superhuman. A huge chunk of our members actually use the app 2-5 times per day. Our MAU + DAU stats are very much above industry standard because of this.What has been the scariest moment to date and what enabled you to move through that fear and continue to scale and grow both professionally and personally?
There have been so many terrible moments where something’s gone wrong and it’s been anxiety-inducting to deal with. That’s just life running a tech startup! This stuff happens all of the time. From protecting ourselves legally when being attacked for no reason, to dealing with an old contractor that went rogue and deleted hundreds of our mediation files, to suing copycat businesses, to worrying about user migration when moving from developer-to-developer… The “stresses” are seemingly endless. There isn’t just one that comes to mind. We haven’t had one disastrous problem and we’ve persevered for all of the “medium” to “small” ones. I feel thankful that we’ve set ourselves up very well from the start, which mitigates a lot of risk for future issues. When it comes to me dealing with all of this fear and stress that comes with running a fast-growth business, I just do it. I move forward no matter what the emotions. There’s no other option for me. I just need to continue building my thick skin and put my CEO hat on whenever a problem needs to be solved. This attitude of “keep moving forward and finding solutions” is what has got me here, and what will continue to help me and my business succeed. Giving up is not an option.
How do you balance the creative and commercial sides of the business and do you feel more drawn to one than the other?
This is a great question! I’m a visionary. The creative stuff is what I thrive doing most. I can do it anytime and I can get into the zone fast, it’s what I’m drawn to. Most days I work on the business during the day and then record the meditations in the evening when the rest of the world is asleep. Most of my focus actually needs to go into the high-level parts of the business. I feel the product creation is effortless for me, it really just flows out super easily. I’ve grown to love the more commercial side of it all, but it is a lot to work on both at the same time. Thankfully I have a great team member that takes on more of the “integrator” role, and we are continuing to hire fast to give me more “visionary” time. I try to work on the business, not in the business. This is how I move the dial.
What would be your advice to others wanting to launch an app? Should they have a website first as it’s such a huge investment – how can you help guide others to grow organically?
My best advice would be figure out your USP (unique selling proposition) and offer something that is different to what else is out there. Uniqueness is massively important in the wellness industry. It’s saturated. It’s the best way you’ll truly stand out. Make it something that you’re passionate about, that helps others. The more people you help, the more your business will grow.
I’m a big believer in testing your product and the market diligently before investing a large amount of money into it. I’ve learnt this the hard way from my involvement in other business in the past, it’s essential. Even if you think your product is absolutely incredible, you must test it and see how the public reacts before you invest your life savings into making it work. Start with a website. There are loads of subscription-template sites you can use for a minimal monthly fee. See how people react. Take note. Pivot. Repeat. Superhuman is not just a creation I blindly came up with. It’s a creation influenced by the feedback I got along the journey, too.If the product is good enough, you’ll get all the organic marketing you’ll need through word of mouth. Make it so good that people can’t stop talking about it! If you’re needing guidance and wanting to go all in on a career in wellness, I highly suggest checking out www.yessupply.co/mimi – it’s a certification programme that’ll help you step-by-step get to where you want to go. I’m also recording an exclusive masterclass on this exact topic, “creating a multi-million dollar wellness business”, for users that sign up through that link.
What have been the biggest challenges to date and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges has been hiring. I have very high standards for the people I take on my team. There’s a lot of potential being part of the core Superhuman team right now, and the fact that this business is doing so well is making me really picky. The team is everything. It’s been a challenge hiring because I’m looking for extraordinary humans that fit the roles perfectly. I don’t want to have any doubt when hiring, which isn’t great because I tend to overthink things. It’s time consuming interviewing so many people, and it’s something that is difficult for us right now because we are so darn busy. I’m hopeful we’ll continue finding amazing talent soon! It’s a priority for us right now.
How have you found social media in terms of supporting brand growth?
Social media has been huge for our growth. The virality of our customers’ organic content has created a major buzz around the brand. We definitely wouldn’t be where we are today without our customer’s love for the product and social media’s ability to share that love on a major scale.
How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality?
One of the reasons I love the business model of a digital product paid via subscription is because you can scale really easily. Unlike a physical product that needs inventory and manufacturers, the app business is a lot more forgiving. We could gain 10,000 new members overnight and be fine. Of course, our devs are always on call for any new bugs, but ultimately the product is built well and there’s low risk for quick growth. The beauty of consistent revenue every month from the subscription model means that we have stability as a business and can project future minimum sales well, resulting in investment decisions to continue improving quality. It’s only getting better and better from here!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Only take advice from people that have what you want and start taking 100% responsibility for your life. Those two pieces of advice are life-changers.
When you travel – how do you stay consistent in your morning routine and what essentials do you need to take with you?
I’m constantly travelling – I’m actually in an airport right now as I write this! It’s incredibly important for me to stay consistent while on-the-go. I try to uncomplicate things and keep it super simple as this helps me stay consistent. I’m not perfect and definitely still go days without my routine sometimes, but keeping it simple reduces the amount of days that happens. All I need to keep my routine going when I travel is headphones, my Superhuman app, a notebook + a pen.
If you could recommend a game changer (or three) of a book that truly helped you change your life what would it be?
There are so many incredible books to choose from! If you’re just starting out on your personal development journey, I always suggest The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. I call this one my bible. It’s so easy to read and digest and it’s great for beginners. If you’re looking for something with more depth, read Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza.
This is The Pioneer Issue – what does this mean to you and who else to you is pioneering?
To me, being a pioneer in an industry means creating something through “out-of-the-box” thinking that can help more people around the globe. Pioneers are opportunity-seekers and industry disruptors. Pioneers teach us that we don’t need to stick to what’s always been done. Improving and adjusting where needed is essential for growth. I believe being a pioneer is the greatest way to have as much impact as possible. There are so many incredible “pioneers” – it’s tough to just think of one. Sarah Blakely pioneered the shapewear industry, Jeff Bezos pioneered the e-commerce industry, etc. Each and every one of these “pioneers” in business inspire me greatly.
October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
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