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      8 inspiring women tell us how they’ve adopted the abundance mindset

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      These inspiring women share what approaching life with an abundance mindset means to them.
      Marina RaphaelFashion Designer and Founder – Marina Raphael

      What does abundance mean to you?
      Abundance to me is about generosity of spirit, particularly focusing on how you make people feel. The ability to make people feel warmth, excitement , energy and passion creates the space for some truly memorable encounters. It is an energy that we try to distil in our designs and brand ethos. It also resonates deeply with the legacy of my family. Daniel Swarovski’s ambition to create “a diamond for everyone”, for me, really encapsulates the spirit of abundance and openness.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      I am a very ambitious person by nature, I love to dream big and set ambitious goals for myself so, to stay in a positive, growth mindset, it is important for me to take the time to reflect and celebrate the small victories, as well as the big ones. Growth is incremental and big things don’t happen over night so I really focus on small and consistent steps, when you look back over time you are amazed at how far you have come! Surrounding myself with people who inspire and lift me up is another key one for staying motivated to commit to those big, long-term goals and I am a big believer that a positive environment breeds growth! When I have those great days where I feel truly curious and inspired, it reminds me of the boundless potential that lies within us all and this motivates me to keep going. Finally, keeping an open mind, never think you have learned it all. When you lose your curiosity that’s when you stop growing.
      Duha AlRamadhan,Founder – Aubade
      What does abundance mean to you?
      Abundance to me is all about contentment. To be content with what is given to you and to see your life’s blessings as more than you can ever ask for. We all have an abundance in life if only we looked beyond material things and appreciated all the small joys.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      Don’t settle. Accept challenges, feed your mind, body and soul by constantly working on yourself. Whether it’s doing something new for your business, trying a new class, learning a new language. There are so many unique experiences in this lifetime waiting to be had that we shouldn’t take any of them for granted.
      Beenish MahmoodJewellery Designer
      What does abundance mean to you?
      For me, beyond the basic essentials of life like food, water, shelter and the air we breathe, lies abundance. It encompasses good health, the love of our cherished ones, our family, the meaningful relationships we cultivate and above all, the precious time we are gifted to nurture them. This abundance forms a vast reservoir, continuously nourished by a cascade of gratitude. The more we appreciate this wealth of abundance and the more we share it, the deeper and more profound this reservoir grows.
      What are the key tips to harboring a growth mindset?
      I try to embrace setbacks as integral to my growth journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, I see them as gateways to personal evolution. I also stay adaptable in challenging times, to explore diverse solutions. And I treasure humility as a fundamental element of my path. I think it’s essential to remember the endless expanse for learning; to be kind in our self-reflection. To trust in our intelligence and creativity and to have faith in our resilience to overcome obstacles.
      Jennifer ChamandiFounder – Jennifer Chamandi

      What does abundance mean to you?
      To me, abundance embodies a richness of life that includes fulfilling relationships, a sense of purpose, and personal growth. Abundance means having enough to share and the capacity to contribute to the well-being of others. It’s about experiencing gratitude for the present moment and maintaining an optimistic outlook for the future.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      One of the most important aspect is to embrace challenges, see challenges as opportunities to grow and learn, as each challenge is a chance to expand your abilities. Persist despite obstacles: Obstacles are part of the learning process, use them as feedback to learn and improve. Always develop a curiosity, it’s important to cultivate a genuine curiosity for learning and exploring new things.
      Hala AbdallahJewellery Designer and Founder – Ofa

      What does abundance mean to you?
      It’s believing in the infinite possibilities, the infinite love, the infinite good that is around us. Resources are endless and it never runs out, and it keeps moving around chasing the most creative of us humans.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      It’s knowing that our perspective is nothing but a slither of reality, and it’s 100% shaped and formed by our past, which means it’s completely changeable once we understand 1st: how our subconscious work, and 2nd: how does your primal survival instincts look like in your daily life as habits that limits your growth.
      Zeynab El-HelwFounder – Reborn Society

      What does abundance mean to you?
      Abundance, in my perspective, extends beyond material wealth. It embodies the richness of love, the warmth of relationships, and the joy of shared experiences. It’s about being surrounded by healthy, beloved ones, relishing in the simple pleasures of life, and finding contentment in each moment. Living in Dubai, where extravagance often takes center stage, abundance, to me, is finding fulfillment in the beauty of everyday life amidst the glitz and glamour of the city.
      What are the key tips to harboring a growth mindset?
      Cultivating a growth mindset is a journey rooted in pragmatism and resilience. For me, it’s about leveraging the diverse experiences and lessons gleaned from my corporate and influencer endeavors to fuel my entrepreneurial pursuits. This involves harnessing my knowledge and skills to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Additionally, maintaining a busy schedule helps channel my energy positively and combat the anxieties that come with the influencer lifestyle. Ultimately, fostering a growth mindset is not just about staying motivated, but also about embracing change, continuous learning, and unwavering optimism in the face of adversity.
      Courtney BlackFitness Instructor & Entrepreneur

      What does abundance mean to you?
      Making the most of every situation and trying to excel in anything you try to do.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      Growth is endless. It is hard to achieve ultimate growth but it’s not impossible. My top tip is to realise there are going to be many set backs in life and you have to be willing to find a solution to work past them.
      Linda HausserFounder and CEO – JANTHEE Berlin

      What does abundance mean to you?
      Abundance to me signifies having an excess or surplus of something, be it love, wealth, opportunities, or success. However, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a positive impact on your life. Instead, I view it as a wildcard—a chance to create something meaningful. I believe that with abundance, especially when it arrives rapidly or unexpectedly, comes the potential for it to vanish just as swiftly. Thus, it’s crucial to treat our abundance with respect and mindfulness.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      Start by listening to yourself and ignoring distractions. Take control of your feelings and focus on what you want to achieve. Remember, you’re in charge of your life, happiness, and success. Stay positive and avoid complaining—it won’t help you grow. Treat each day as a chance to start anew. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Remember this quote: ‘I’d rather be the worst of the best than the best of the worst.’ Don’t be afraid of challenging situations—they help you grow.
      Rebecca TrestonLaser Skincare Expert

      What does abundance mean to you?
      To me abundance means to love and to be loved totally, to have good health, to have great peace of mind, to have dreams and aspirations, to have the ability to strive and reach my goals in life, to have the financial freedom to travel and explore the world, to live without fear and to experience the joy of giving to others.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      For a growth mindset, it’s important to feel the fear but find the strength to do it anyway, to do the things that you need to do, but make you uncomfortable, by setting goals to overcome the obstacles, to embrace new opportunities and challenges as they will make you learn and grow, to value effort and persistence and to surround yourself by growth minded people.
      Lina MalaikaCultural and Creative Consultant

      What does abundance mean to you?
      Abundance comes as a result of inner and outer work; a constant conscious effort. To create or attract abundance in your life, you need to adapt an abundant mindset, which is the belief that there are enough blessings in the world for everyone with no limits and the most crucial recipe is (gratitude) in all its forms – being grateful for whatever comes your way. Refrain from thinking and talking about what you’re lacking and what you don’t have – You need to constantly shift your perspective from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset by focusing on what they already have and make peace with the present moment. You need to then go out and be open to creative possibilities for abundance, there is no one way, you need to open up your landscape to what’s possible because anything you put your mind to is possible.
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      To harbor a rowth mindset is also constant conscious effort – there are no shortcuts or instant remedies to get there – first, you must put in the inner work to learn about who you are, once you have the awareness of who your truly authentic self is, then you will be able to navigate through both your conscious and subconscious. Overall, it’s important to not fear failure, embrace challenges, recognize fixed mindset traps, continue to learn – it never stops, value effort, cultivate persistence, celebrate your small wins and the success of others, seek out constructive feedback and ask for help and finally to surround yourself with growth-minded people
      Nat MorcosFounder- Goshá and Skooni
      What does abundance mean to you?
      Appreciation and gratitude of what you have , to all the small and big things you have achieved is the ultimate way to being happy in life . the chase for bigger and better is endless and leads to eptiness as in reality their will alsways be something to reach on your horizon and the hunt can go on and on and on. I practice gratitude and selflove and teaching myself to feel that I am enough , I have enough .
      What are the key tips to harbouring a growth mindset?
      It’s important to fall in love with challenges, as they are part of process, courage is must, say no to fear, believe that you are guided and protected, find inspiration in success of others, learn from your failures , love them and say thank you, accept criticism, keep continuing to learn everyday and find your army of supporters and value them the most.
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      How I got my job as… a pastry Chef at Dubai’s exclusive experiential dessert haven

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      This week, we speak to Chef Carmen Rueda, who’s regarded as one of the most innovative pastry chefs in the UAE. As a renowned chocolatier and two-time runner-up at the prestigious World Chocolate Masters. She has studied culinary science and worked with some of the best dessert chefs in the world.
      Chef Rueda first moved in 2019 to Dubai as an Executive Pastry chef for Five Hotels, where she continued creating new items, combining innovation and with traditional baking styles. With a stint at Nobu Hotels in June 2020 teaching and creating new desserts concepts, she’s now settled in at BRIX dessert bar in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour.
      To delve into her journey, Emirates Woman spoke to this renowned chef to see how her journey in the F&B industry began.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      Math and history were always my two favorite subjects, I love learning about the past and how we move forward. We often don’t realize math is part of our everyday lives, in everything we do – however, as kids the complicated equations feel unnecessary.
      What was your first job?
      My first job ever was a nice small restaurant near in the beach in Spain where I had the chance to cook in their kitchen and start my culinary journey and drive my passion for food.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      My journey In Dubai started with Brix Café, after being presented with the opportunity it seemed like such a great journey I wanted to embark on and experience a new territory in the F&B scene.

      What inspired you to enter the F&B space and work at BRIX dessert bar?
      I always loved creating with my hands, I used to play with chocolate as a kid and with any other ingredients around me. It’s another form of art where you can express yourself and your emotions through food and desserts.
      Talk us through the concept of Brix Desserts?
      BRIX Desserts provides a diverse dessert experience for anyone seeking something extra special. At BRIX Cafe, guests can savor fresh pastries and an all-day breakfast menu. For a truly memorable experience, they can embark on a BRIX Journey, where they’ll be transported back in time, to another place, enabling them to taste flavours never tasted before with a unique menu that tells a captivating story by myself and my BRIX team.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      My main role at Brix Journey is to create new experiences including at the BRIX journey. One of my key roles as well to lead my team and help them improve their skills every day. One of the main stand out points at Brix Journey is the unique experience, so I am always looking for new ideas and resources – how to improve the overall experience.
      Talk us through your daily routine
      First thing I head to the bakery, plan out the day for me and the team. I am often testing new items and experimenting in the kitchen. After that i go through the stack and finances, then when i finish around midnight (hospitality hours) i go to the gym – I try to have some sort of balance and get my body moving after a long day at the bakery.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      My advice is simple yet highly effective – learn, travel and eat as much as you can, take in all the experience, the income will come but you need to learn first. Traveling allows you to explore diverse ingredients, flavors, and techniques, inspiring you to create innovative and unique desserts/ pastries/ etc.
      Tell us more about the pastries offered?
      BRIX is a place where you can enjoy a large variety of fine desserts, from the exclusive story-driven set menu experience at BRIX journey – which is one of 10 only in the world – to the simple yet memorable pastries at BRIX Cafe, where you can enjoy a slow morning or day, soak in the natural light that hugs the space, the greenery the wholesome set up by the water. We’re always innovating our pastry offering, we just launched the flat croissant which has been going viral however, we made sure we add our own Brix touch to it.
      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
      We often find ourselves in rush to get to places, whether in your career or personal life and we can’t help but compare ourselves to people around us. My best advice is one step at a time, we don’t have the same journey as the others’ and everything happen for a reason… enjoy the journey that comes with each step
      And what is the worst?
      This might sound odd by constant getting compliments such as ‘you are great’ or ‘you are the best’ could limit your mind set. We always need that push to be better, a motive to out-do ourselves and get better. Once we believe we’re the absolute best, we get comfortable which is the worst enemy.
      What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
      Once you decide to go global, you need to act local in order to appeal to the demographics of that country you’re working & living in. So, I would say finding new flavors and implementing it in my creations as I traveled throughout my career.

      What’s your future for the brand?
      Growing and spreading the concept of BRIX around, both BRIX Cafe and BRIX Journey, ensuring everyone can enjoy our experiences and leave with a memorable and elevate dessert experience. The concept of a dessert-only set course menu still seems unorthodox as diners immediately associate it with an overload of sweetness when it fact it’s quite the opposite and it’s part of our journey is to educate people on our concept and slowly integrate it to become a as popular as a regular dining experience.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Inside the office with Himyan Al Qubaisi, founder of Koncrete

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      Life by Camille Macawili 9 mins ago VIEW GALLERY/ 5 IMAGES Founder Himyan Al Qubaisi shares the conception of Koncrete, a design-led multifunctional coffee and creative space in Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah. How long have you been in this space? It’s been three months since we officially opened. Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces? We curated our space thoughtfully, ensuring that each element harmonises with our design approach, resulting in a cohesive and effortless aesthetic. How do you think the interior reflects you? The interior mirrors my personal style, combining modern simplicity with personal touches and elements of raw minimalism, resulting in a sophisticated and inviting space. My brand aligns seamlessly with this aesthetic, reflecting the character of the space through a language that resonates with the community. Describe your taste in three words. Refined, eclectic, and sophisticated. Emirates Man The SS24 Issue – Download Now – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram Photography by Mark Mathew More

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      5 interesting things to know about Salama Mohamed

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph3 hours ago From being the founder of a clean skincare brand to creating statical content on a daily basis, Salama Mohamed has made an impact in the world of content creation as she continues to inspire her audience on a daily basis.Seeing as we’re huge fans of the Emirati content creator and all that she’s achieved, here’s some things to know about her.She launched her own beauty brandLaunching exclusively at Sephora, Salama Mohamed has managed to create a skincare brand that is specifically designed for sensitive skin and is purely made with love. With a sustainable line that primarily addresses people’s skincare concerns, Peacefull promises products with active ingredients while consisting of a natural formula. With the brand that adjusts accordingly to the extreme temperatures in this part of the world, as it consists of healing properties, to keep your skin at peace.The brand is available in all Sephora Middle East stores and online on peacefull.comShe’s “blessed with vitiligo”Salama previously opened up to Emirates Woman about being on a continuous journey of self-love. Having been diagnosed with vitiligo – a skin condition that causes the loss of skin colour in patches which can get bigger over time – when she was young she’s learned to embrace her condition. “It was a struggle growing up, when you feel you are different and don’t fit in it is easier to think there is something wrong with you,” she previously told EW. However, despite the uncertainty, Salama has managed to overcome her challenges and embrace the power of self-love.She’s garnered an impressive social media followingFrom her travels to humorous videos that constantly make her audience laugh, Salama has a fanbase of over one million followers on Instagram, where’s she is seen doing various collaborations with beauty brands, posting hilarious reels on globe-trotting the world with her husband.She’s a doting motherWhile she’s a successful entrepreneur, Salama is also a doting mother to two boys. She and her husband regularly enjoy family time together, sharing photos on social media constantly seen with their cheery faces on camera as the family displays love and affection.She and her husband are masters in content creationHaving cultivated a huge online following, Salama and her husband, Khalid Al Ameri, constantly produce innovative content on a daily basis, with a satirical approach to married life along with lighthearted videos that they continually share on TikTok and Instagram. In particular, Khalid is known for being an avid storyteller, sharing heartwarming and inspiring video on YouTube and Facebook.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @salamamohamed More

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      How I got my job as… Head of Marketing at this premium global chauffeur service company

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph5 hours ago Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.This week, we speak to Rakhee Raval Shepherd, the Head of Marketing & PR at Blacklane Middle East. Blacklane’s Chauffeur Service delivers an unparalleled ride experience so you can optimise your travel time. All the chauffeurs are meticulously trained to provide a seamless and safe experience for each passenger.With a strong background in marketing, Shepherd has garnered the right skillset over the years in her field as a professional. To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down and spoke to to see how her entrepreneurial journey began.What was your favourite subject at school?There were quite a few subjects I enjoyed, from physical education to geography and learning about different countries and cultures. But I would say that Oral English and Business Studies were my favorite, expressing yourself through words and learning about the origins and growth of businesses fascinated me.What was your first job?My very first job was with Ipsos, a global market research firm engaged by brands to understand their audiences better. It was quite challenging as it involved cold calling people, which is never fun, but back then people had more time to conduct these types of surveys. This led to me working as promotional staff in London whilst I was at university, working with beauty and perfume brands to promote their products at Heathrow Airport, which was perfect for me as I love speaking with people.What brought you to Dubai?After university I worked for a fashion accessory supplier, the company wanted to expand into Asia and the Middle East, so I moved to Hong Kong for two years to lead the growth of the business in these markets. One of my key clients was the owner of a leading fast fashion retailer based in the UAE, we built a strong connection, so I ended up moving to Dubai to support in the execution of the new retail concept the group was launching. It was the right move for me, a great opportunity presented itself combined with the year-round sunshine and tax -free earnings, I would have been crazy not to move to Dubai, I’ve now been here for 14 years.What inspired you to enter the mobility space and talk us through your role as Head of Marketing & PR at Blacklane Middle East.When I looked back at the roles I’ve previously had, it was working with start-ups that I enjoyed the most. So, when I was approached by a recruiter about Blacklane entering the market and the Dubai project being the testbed to launch the companies enhanced business model, which would later roll out into other cities, I felt that same level of excitement. When I joined Blacklane, my objective as Head of Marketing & PR was to launch Blacklane in Dubai, generate brand awareness through multiple marketing channels and work with media to target a B2C audience. We also spent a lot of time looking at our brand positioning and how we could differentiate ourselves from other existing players.Talk us through the concept of Blacklane?Blacklane is an award-winning global chauffeur service operating in more than 50 countries and 200 cities worldwide. Last year we launched in Dubai with an all-electric fleet of luxurious Mercedes-Benz EQS vehicles, driven by our team of Academy-trained male and female chauffeurs. Our chauffeurs work exclusively for Blacklane and receive a monthly salary and we provide upgraded accommodation with amenities so that they are well looked after. We invest heavily in their training so that they can perfect their driving abilities and learn about chauffeuring etiquette which results in providing an exceptional service ensuring that every guest feels safe and comfortable when riding with us. Our services are available through our mobile app making it stress free and convenient to book a professional chauffeur.What are the key elements of your role?I work across all elements of the marketing function, starting from developing both the marketing and PR strategies, supporting the overarching business objectives. Ideating and executing creative content like our OOH campaigns, brand shoots, developing both B2C and B2B marketing collateral, and creating compelling digital content. I manage my team and oversee all brand partnerships, collaborations, sponsorships, tradeshows and activations as well social media and influencer management. In addition, I manage the PR agency and engage in media relations, and of course I am responsible for the budgets, KPIs and reporting.Talk us through your daily routine.Honestly, every day is different which is something I appreciate but generally I start my day with a 15-minute meditation before my kids wake up to prepare myself for the day ahead, I get the kids ready for school and drop them off, and if I’m lucky I manage to squeeze in a quick run or work out before I catch up on emails, align with my team and lay out the priorities for the day.What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?My role is an all-encompassing role and involves multi-tasking at every moment. Attention to detail is key and having good people skills, most importantly having a motivated and engaged team is crucial. It is highly rewarding when you see the visual outputs or when projects are executed well, and you see the objectives set out being met.Tell us more about the servicesTypically, limousine services that offer professional chauffeurs and luxurious vehicles require pre-booking via the web or by phone, but Blacklane brings this level of service excellence to guests via a mobile app, which is very convenient. We offer a range of services includes one-way and return journeys, airport transfers, hourly bookings, as well as inter-emirate travel. Guests also have the option to book a ride now or to schedule one for later. It makes me proud to say that 50 percent of our chauffeurs are female and that we offer premium quality child car seats, both preferences can be requested via the app.What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?When making decisions, quiet your mind and follow your instincts.And what is the worst?Just do what they tell you to do.What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?Balancing work and home life as a new mum.What’s your future for the brand?Our vision for the future of the brand is rooted in promoting an ethical and eco-conscious way to travel. We aspire to lead the industry by example, setting new standards in safety and sustainable travel. Our goal is to redefine luxury travel by intertwining opulence with a commitment to the planet, offering our guest a travel experience that is not only luxurious but also socially and environmentally responsible.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Instagram @blacklanemiddleeast More

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      12 inspiring women from the UAE making a big impact on the world

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph2 hours ago Women from the UAE are consistently making exceptional contributions to society, inspiring us all daily.Their invaluable role in modern society is not to be underestimated as we constantly learn from them.Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al MaktoumOur cover star of November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum is inspiring the new generation of incredible women have risen to great heights in the aviation industry.“I’m most proud of becoming the first Emirati woman to join the Dubai Police as a helicopter pilot,” she told EW of her proudest moment. “Serving my country by doing what I love doing most is simply the best feeling, and I am deeply grateful for it.”Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al MaktoumAs a truly powerful and inspirational figure, Her Highness – who graced the cover of EW’s September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – knows exactly how to keep her mind in champion mode. Sheikha Latifah has spearheaded sports for women in the UAE. She’s an equestrian athlete who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, becoming the first woman to represent the UAE at the Olympic games.Her Excellency Dr Maryam MatarHaving had the dream and desire to serve in the medical field since she was young, Her Excellency Dr Maryam Mohamed Fatima Matar MD, Ph.D. has become a pioneer and a visionary in the healthcare space in the UAE.Not only is Her Excellency a pioneer in the medical space, but she is also a role model for many women in the UAE seeking to succeed, whether that be in healthcare or other industries. Additionally, she’s able to facilitate change, paving the way for other women and girls in the region.Captain Salma Al BaloushiAs the first Emirati female to rise to First Officer’s rank at Etihad Airways, Captain Salma has had a long sparked interest in aviation while also completing her higher education in Aviation Management, forming the face of the modern woman in the UAE as it has taken years of hard work and dedication.Amna Al HaddadAmna al Haddad has defied stereotypes by becoming a positive figurehead for women in the region. As an Olympic weightlifter and also by being the first Emirati and GCC national to compete in Asia’s regionals, she later on also became a part of Nike’s latest campaign on inner strength, as she continues to push herself to the limit.Nayla Al KhajaShe is the first female film director-producer in the UAE, while also being the CEO of Nayla Al Khaja films. Having directed several movies, they have been presented with awards at various international film festivals as she is also very active in the TV commercials domain, while also constantly directing for various international brands.Asma Hilal LootahAs the founder of the Hundred Wellness Centre, Asma Hilal Lootah is paving the way in the wellness space in the UAE. The Hundred is the first fully certified health clinic and wellness centre, which opened in 2008, and now champions wellness in the mind, body and soul for all around the UAE.Dr. Sara Al MadaniWhile being a well-known entrepreneur and motivational speaker within the UAE, Dr. Sara Al Madani was selected as a board member at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, making her the youngest member on the board inspiring women everywhere since 2014.Dr. Suaad Al ShamsiDr. Suaad Al Shamsi is the first UAE female aircraft engineer. With a degree in aviation management and in aerospace engineering, Dr Al Shamsi has reached great heights, inspiring the younger generations of the future.Fatima Al QubaisiFatima Al Qubaisi is the first Emirati woman to graduate from Harvard Law School. She is now a fully qualified lawyer practising in the UAE and continues to champion and advocate for fellow females in this country.Zahra LahriKnown as UAE’s first female professional figure skater to compete in a hijab while also being titled as the ‘Ice Princess of the UAE’. With her growing prominence in the sport, she has defied all odds and broken down barriers to inspire generations of athletes to chase their dreams.Amna Al QubaisiKnown as the first Emirati female racing driver, especially as she’s no stranger to breaking new ground in motorsport with the Emirati driver making her name during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Al Qubaisi’s success at Yas Marina Circuit was one of the major milestones in her motor racing career.– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.Feature Image: Instagram More

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      How I got my job as… Founder of a scandi-coastal furniture company

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      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      This week, we’re giving the spotlight to Rozina Stefan, Founder of The Loom Collection – a design-led furniture company that captures the peaceful ease of the coast fused with a Scandinavian aesthetic.
      To find out more about how she got the company started, Emirates Woman talks to the female founder behind the brand to share the finer details that exemplifies the minimalist perfection of The Loom Collection.
      Scroll through to read the interview below.

      What was your favourite subject at school?
      Languages have always been my favorite, in particular, English and Italian. Growing up in a small Romanian town, I realized very young that there was more to what lay beyond our horizons. Little did I know then that this passion for languages would eventually translate into a burning curiosity to travel and explore borders and cultures.
      What was your first job?
      My journey into the working world began like many others – with a part-time job. I started tutoring English to a younger student when I was around 15 or 16. It was a humble beginning, but it taught me the value of hard work and sharing knowledge. However, my first ‘official’ job was as a flight attendant for a local airline. It’s funny how life takes unexpected turns, isn’t it? You see, I initially aspired to become an architect, but my love for travel ultimately took over.
      What eventually brought you to Dubai?
      As I began to travel, I started hearing whispers of the Middle East and the incredible opportunities it held. Naturally, Dubai emerged as the favorite destination to settle into. What captivated me most about Dubai was its unique blend of modernity and dynamic design landscape. I saw it as a place where creative innovation thrived, and I wanted to be part of that energy.
      What inspired you to enter the interior design space?
      I developed an insatiable curiosity about the way people shape their living spaces throughout the world. It was very interesting to see how people lived globally, from Copenhagen, Tokyo, Sydney, Hong King, etc… There are so many things I could tell you about it. As I settled into Dubai, making it my long-term home during my years of globetrotting, the need for a true home retreat became increasingly essential. My first apartment in the Greens was that sanctuary, a place where I could finally anchor myself after a long-haul flight and exploration.

      But amidst the comfort of my home, I yearned to contribute to the creation of living spaces that resonated deeply with individuals, homes that didn’t just follow trends but also told unique stories. I felt that the limited furniture options available in the UAE at that time did not reflect the modern, casual, and coastal vibes that the UAE has to offer. It was this realization that ignited my passion for curating exceptional designs and making them accessible to the people of the UAE through The Loom Collection.
      Talk us through the concept of The Loom Collection.
      The concept of The Loom Collection is deeply rooted in the fusion of passion, functionality, and storytelling within the realm of contemporary design. Co-founded by myself, Rozina Stefan, and Brad Wissink, our journey began with a shared fascination for modern aesthetics and a collective desire to address a unique challenge we faced when settling into our homes in Dubai – the absence of furniture that resonated with our lifestyle.
      Our vision was to create more than just a furniture brand; we aimed to establish a narrative through each piece, weaving a story that reflects the diverse inspirations drawn from our global experiences. The Loom Collection became the canvas on which we could express our love for contemporary, functional designs that not only enhance the visual appeal of a space but also encapsulate the essence of the individuals who inhabit it.

      Every piece within The Loom Collection is a result of meticulous curation, driven by a commitment to quality craftsmanship, comfort, and a keen understanding of the practical aspects of modern living. We carefully select materials that not only speak to the aesthetic vision of our brand but also cater to the unique climate of Dubai. From linen fabrics and wool fibers to solid wood like oak and teak, Italian marble, high-quality leather, New Zealand wool, and more recently, materials like Travertine stone and Tadelakt finishes – each element is chosen with purpose.
      The Loom Collection is not only about aesthetic appeal but also about embodying the dialogue between modern urban architecture and the natural, sun-kissed landscapes of Dubai. Our designs are grounded in the practicality of daily life, ensuring that every piece serves as both a work of art and a comfortable, functional addition to real homes.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      As the co-founder and design director of The Loom Collection, my role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities, a bit like weaving the threads of creativity and business together. It’s a diverse mix of responsibilities that keeps things exciting. One of the key parts of my job is curating our furniture collections. Think of it as being a curator in an art gallery, but instead of paintings, we’re curating beautiful pieces of furniture. I need to stay in the loop with design trends, have a keen eye for quality, and make sure each piece fits into the bigger story we’re telling through our collections. I work closely with our design team, both in-house and external designers, and with our suppliers to make sure everything aligns with our commitment to contemporary, functional design.
      But it’s not just about furniture. Building and nurturing relationships with our designers and customers is at the heart of what I do. It’s all about fostering creativity and innovation while ensuring our brand stays true to our vision. In essence, my role as co-founder encapsulates a holistic approach to business—one that seamlessly blends creativity with strategy, ensuring that every piece of furniture we offer is not just an object but a reflection of our passion for design, functionality, and the art of creating spaces that tell a compelling story.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      It usually starts off with a catch-up with our internal team, where we set the tone for the day ahead. We make sure to check in on current projects with our partners, shipments, and photography sessions for our website. Then, it’s a deep dive into the world of design. I thoroughly enjoy checking on the progress of our current and upcoming collections, ensuring they align seamlessly with our vision.
      One of the perks of my office being at the heart of our studio is the spontaneous interactions. I often run into our designers and clients, which gives me a real feel for their feedback and, of course, those welcome compliments when they see the furniture in real life. A typical day at The Loom Collection is a mix of creativity and strategy. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas, meeting with our fantastic design partners and suppliers, or exploring the latest trends, it’s always a dynamic journey. Striking the right balance between artistry and operational excellence is key to our success.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Embrace curiosity and never stop learning. In the dynamic world of design, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’ve mastered it all. However, this is a field that’s constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover.
      Surround yourself with a network of inspiring individuals who challenge your thinking and push you to explore fresh ideas. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks in pursuing your creative vision, but always be open to learning from your mistakes. Sometimes, our most valuable lessons come from the unexpected. Stay curious, stay humble, and keep pushing the boundaries of what you think you know.
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      The best advice I received is to trust the process. In the journey of building The Loom Collection, there were challenges and uncertainties, but staying true to our vision and persevering through obstacles has been key to our success.
      And what is the worst?
      The worst advice, perhaps, is to conform too much to existing trends. While it’s essential to be aware of industry trends, staying true to your unique design perspective and taking calculated risks can set you apart in a competitive market.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      The biggest challenge at The Loom Collection wasn’t defining our identity, but assembling a team to bring it to life. Our quest was to find individuals who not only had the skill but also shared our vision for contemporary design and storytelling. Building this team of creative, dedicated minds who truly understood and embodied our ethos was both challenging and rewarding. Their unique perspectives and commitment have been pivotal in transforming The Loom Collection from a concept into a vibrant entity in the design world.
      What are your future goals and plans for your career?
      In the future, The Loom Collection aims to build further on its presence in the Middle East, introducing innovative designs and forging collaborations with creative talents. Our goal is to be a hallmark of distinctive design in the region. We’re also committed to sustainability, integrating eco-conscious practices into our design philosophy. While details of our upcoming projects are under wraps, they’re set to bring fresh perspectives to contemporary interior design. Expect groundbreaking developments that will enlighten the design world.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      in lifestyle and culture

      How I got my job as… Founder of this bespoke fitness studio in Dubai

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      This week, we speak to a three-time Olympian, Sarah Lindsay who is a personal trainer like no other. A European gold medalist, 2x world silver medalist and 10x British speed skating champion, Lindsay is an inspiration to anyone looking to reach their full potential.
      Roar Fitness’ personal training in London and Dubai offers clients a bespoke gym environment that is truly conducive to achieving optimal results with cutting edge training.
      To understand more, Emirates woman spoke to Sarah Lindsay on how it all began.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      To be honest I struggled a lot with concentration at school. I think fast but lack focus and my brain bounces around constantly. I always found that my creativity was stifled, and I just spent most of my time at school trying hard to pay attention and not get into trouble. At 43, I still find it impossible to sit still for more than 30 mins so what hope did I have as a hyperactive child? If I had to choose, I would go with history because I had an amazing teacher who was extremely enthusiastic and fun. I did love it when a teacher was particularly engaging because I was interested, and I did want to learn I just couldn’t sit still and be quiet.

      What was your first job?
      When I first made the National Team at 16, I had to move out of home to be closer to the training facilities. As I wasn’t yet funded, to pay rent I needed to work so I started working as a waitress in a restaurant. Not just any restaurant but a Hawaiian-themed restaurant where the uniform was a hula outfit, and an Elvis impersonator was singing on a stage of sand while I was encouraging mostly hen parties to take shots while I shook their heads and blew a whistle in their ears. Four shifts, 7pm to 1am covered my rent and bills and allowed me to train pretty much full time at the start of my journey to the Olympics. Luckily that season I won the National Championships and started showing promise on the world circuit so I qualified for a small living grant and as the program was fully funded, I could just about get by and no longer needed to work late night restaurant shifts.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      Me and my husband spent some time here in lockdown as the UK winter lockdown was just too depressing and we fell in love with Dubai. We always wanted to expand the business abroad but were unsure where until that trip. We had a conversation, made a fast decision and didn’t look back. We came back the following year to look at properties, picked our favourite, put in an offer and signed 2 weeks later. We regularly travel back to the UK, but we are based here in Dubai as I think the quality of life really is some of the best in the world.
      Talk us through the concept of Roar.
      Roar is a private personal training gym exclusively. We now have 3 London gyms and Roar 4 in Downtown Dubai and we’ve always been known for delivering amazing results. When someone enquires about our services, they are first invited in for a free consultation with myself, my partner Rich or my PT Manager to discuss their specific goals, previous training experience, expectations, packages and of course to see the facilities. Before anyone starts a training plan we conduct a movement screening and a nutrition assessment so that we can build a specific training and nutrition plan to facilitate the client’s goals. Most people train 3-4 times per week and meet with their nutrition coach every three weeks to evaluate how their body is responding to the programme so far, then we can decide how to progress their nutrition and training plan.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      In house, I do all the female client consultations which I love! I want to be able to meet everyone who trains at Roar Dubai and maybe somewhat selfishly be part of their fitness journey as it is the most rewarding job in the world. Seeing someone achieve amazing things and grow in confidence changes them in such a positive way. I still do a limited amount of training sessions on the gym floor because personal training is my craft and my passion post my sporting career which I never want to forget.Behind the scenes, I am an active member of the international management team and speak with our Dubai and London Managers daily. I am also very hands-on with the creative and PR side of the business which really is a lot of fun. I have been extremely lucky with the people I have got to know and been friends with in the media and the public eye over the years who have helped me so much with spreading the word of the brand and helping Roar become so well recognised.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      What I do changes day to day but my morning routine is important to me. Now I am aware that I sound like a mad old hippy but this routine changes how I feel for the whole day. I wake at around 6am, drink water, take my supplements and walk for an hour. I come back and take my MCT coffee barefoot into the park next door and do just 10 minutes of meditation and grounding. Then I have breakfast and head into Roar Dubai for consults and catch up with the team and clients. I’ll spend a few hours on emails and calls, hopefully get a 40-minute workout in and try to leave before rush hour as I live out in Jumeirah Golf Estates. If I don’t have an event then I will cook dinner and eat outside in the garden and discuss the day with my husband. We are so lucky to be partners in business as we have this shared enthusiasm for a common goal so always plenty to discuss. I’ve recently taken up golf so I might practice my swing for an hour at the Tommy Fleetwood Academy or on the home golf sim before trying to finish my emails. The reality is I stare at my laptop for 10 minutes before giving up due to lack of evening concentration and falling asleep on the sofa by 9pm.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      If you weren’t to start a business, I believe that you must understand people and be passionate about your product, not the money – people can tell if you don’t care. Once you have written your model (thoroughly) then you just have to start. People can plan forever but you can never be completely prepared for what will happen. There will be curve balls, problems, and failures but you have to just accept that as part of the journey and not give up. It’s not over until you say it is so do not quit. I know there is this statistic of 25% of businesses fail in the first 12 months but I think we can completely change that if we all keep trying.
      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
      There are no failures, only lessons so enjoy the whole journey.
      And what is the worst?
      Trust me.
      What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
      From sport coming back from a serious back injury that left me unable to even stand for weeks and unable to train for 15 months. I was told I wouldn’t be able to skate again but 2.5 years later competed in my 3rd Olympics skating the faster I’d ever skated.
      What’s your future for the brand?
      To open more gyms, next will be more in UAE. We have deliberately taken no outside investment so far which although I don’t mind a risk or two, it means that each gym has to be successful. It’s important to me that we don’t dilute the service so I would rather move slower and keep it the high-quality product and amazing experience for our clients that we are so proud of.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More