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

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      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
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      Founder of Impact School, Lauren Tickner on taking a risk thinking outside the box

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      Millionaire by 23, Founder of Impact School, Lauren Tickner talks to Emirates Woman about thinking outside the box and scaling using a smart mindset.
      What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
      This really depends where I am in the world. Because I travel a lot and my team members are primarily in the UK and USA, my mornings in the UAE look very different to my mornings in South America. When I’m in Dubai, I have 4-6 hours of uninterrupted time when no one else is online where I write, go to the gym, and do deep focused work. When I’m in US time zones, I have calls starting as early as 6am so I do 5-10 mins of stretching, then go out for a walk where I take my calls. Either way, morning meditation (I like Joe Dispenza) is a non-negotiable for me.
      How did you know it was the right time to launch your platform and what made you finally take the leap of faith?
      If I’d waited until the right time, I probably still wouldn’t have started now! Back when I got started (almost a decade ago now), my single aim was to connect with other people who were working towards the same goals. Through sharing what I was doing on social media, people began asking me for coaching. I was resistant to doing so for three years. But when I did start offering coaching (back then I was in the fitness space), it was only because there was so much demand.
      You were a millionaire by 23 years old —canyou expand on how this happened and whatsteps led you to such early success?
      No one is as surprised as me. My younger brother is disabled (epilepsy and autism) and althoughhe’s 2 years younger than me, his mental age is 2-3 years old. I saw him have his freedomstripped away from him so I believe the reasonI actually gained success in business isbecause I wanted nothing more than freedom.At the age of 18, I had a job in asset management at a FTSE 250 firm in London. All the people “ahead” of me were miserable, making a ton of money but somehow still broke, and unhealthy. I was literally looking at my future right in front of me. They didn’t have freedom and that was my pathway that lay ahead for me. People online were asking me for coaching (back then I was in the fitness space) and because the job was so drainingand, frankly, boring… I knew then that I needed to start my own business. At first, I partnered up with a friend who had already been doing online coaching successfully and I coached the girls and he coached the guys. From there, I had spent so many years offering free content that when I launched my own services, I was able to generate a huge volume of sales very quickly. It was really only myself and a video editor on the team, so my profit margins were really high.
      How did you impart knowledge to support your clients to do the same and are there any particular success stories that are special to you?
      Taking feedback from the market has been my best winning strategy. To this day, we survey every single one of our customers every quarter. Since helping people package and sell their knowledge and experience online, what we’ve always done: 1. Test strategies on one business; Get the strategy to work; Make the strategy better; And then even better again. 2. Test the strategy on multiple different businesses of ours (which are in multiple different industries); Get it working on those businesses; Make it better in those businesses; Then teach it to our customers. That way, we know it’s absolutely battletested and will win for them, too. What’s interesting, though, is that I never intended for this to be my business. After a short while of running my online fitness business, a lot of influencers and trainers were asking me how I did it. I honestly didn’t even know there was such a thing as the online consulting industry back then, so I shared what I was doing and the exact “copy and paste” posts with a few of my friends. And they each made more than $50,000 in their first month (they all had 100,000+ engaged followers online). I thought nothing of it for a while, but then one of themshared on their social media that I had helped them and I had a huge influx of people asking me if I could help, too. That’s when I put together a “sell online products” course for $2000 and used the same methods I was using for my fitness business to sell it. In my first week, I generated more than $20,000 and it was only up from there. That meant I had validated that my systems didn’t only work on my fitnessbusiness or my friends’ fitness businesses. But also to sell other types of courses, coaching or consulting online. Can you tell us more about what Impact School does? Impact School gives entretentially preneurs the systems, support and network to sell their knowledge and expertise online. We install the processes that build your audience and authority, convert your audience into sales, and that ensures your product is packaged in a way that delivers value to your customers while creating freedom for you. You can learn more at impactschool.com.

      What is key in social media sales and client acquisition?
      Authority. Most people don’t get results because they aren’t seen as an authority figure by those who find their content. Instead of “talking at people,” you need to get them to listen to you first. Adding social proof, testimonials, and sharing your story (with evidence) is fundamental. People will stop scrolling when they see your posts once they know you’re a true authority. From there, you can make offers for them to opt-into things you’re selling or your lead magnets, and they will actually take action.
      What’s the fastest way to grow your social media following to build an engaged audience?
      No one remembered the TikTokker who blew up overnight. I’m honestly not the best person to ask about growing a social media following fast. My belief is in playing the long game:1. Share value (when building an audience, I see “value” as giving without expecting anything in return). 2. Segment your audience into three groups: a) Those who don’t know you yet; b) Those who know who you are but don’t know what you sell; c) Those who know what you sell and love you. Each week, make a minimum of three posts, and in each post, speak only to one of the three groups at a time. 3. Copy and paste the posts onto every platform. I don’t understand why people don’t do this. It takes about two minutes more and can help you reach 100,000s more people. A lot of people will take this advice and then continue to write super salesy/corporate captions and content. Organic is meant to be that: organic. People are on social media to be social and to see what their friends are up to. If you look at my socials and model what I’m doing for your brand, it will really help. Do you feel more drawn to the creative or the business side of your brand and how have you grown the team to support this? Every month, I do a two week “revenue review”. This is where I list everything I’m doing in 30 minute increments and then next to each activity, I write: 1. $ if it’s a revenue generating task; 2. + if it gives me energy; 3. – if it takes my energy Anything which takes my energy and isn’t revenue generating, I delegate immediately. This often means offloading it to someone on my team or creating a new role and hiring someone for that role. Anything which takesmy energy and is revenue generating, I create a 1-3 month plan to offload it because doingsomething just because it makes money is not healthy in the long run. Personally, my zone of genius and passion is in marketing and content creation. That’s how I started all of this without ever imagining it would become a business! Finding a “right hand” who is literally the Yin to my Yang has been so important for me. Every visionary needs someone who can provide the structure and organization to make the dreams happen!
      You have clients the globe over – what are the most common mistakes you have seen in business?
      Businesses who don’t know their numbers. It’s shocking. You may see $50k in sales but then there’s actually $40k in marketing, delivery, and operational costs. So you spend an extra $30k and now you’re actually $20k negative. As soon as businesses really know their numbers and make decisions based on cash flow versus accounts receivable, everythingchanges for them.
      What is your trailblazing approach to business and how do you support others to transform their mindsets?
      Something I learned early on is that you cannot convince the un-convincible. After getting really frustrated when people (who were clearly in need of a health upgrade) would not listen to my advice, I decided to focus only on those who are ready to hear what I have to say. That said, my belief is truly that you never lose, you learn. Every hardship in life is simply personal development packaged up in a real world example.
      What have been the biggest challenges to date and how did you overcome them?
      The more you have, the more you have to lose. There are people who were once in my life who have tried to sue and blackmail me to get money from me… People I’ve known for years. The thought still hurts but I got over it fromspeaking to a group of entrepreneurs I’m in and hearing they’ve had the same happen to them. It’s rough but I think sometimes when you know other people have been through the same thing it makes it easier to get through. What tips would you give to anyone wanting to launch their own business, is it all about scalability? In the launch phase, doing “scalable” things is where most go wrong. You don’t need to focus on “scalability,” you need to focus on getting cash in the door and making your customers happy. In the beginning, you have the ability to do the unscalable which ultimately sets you up to scale way bigger in the long run. Examples include: sending personal messages to anyone in your phone book who could poentretentially be a good customer; reaching out to all of your customers and getting on 15 minute calls with them to collect feedback; sending a message to anyone who’s commenting on your social media posts – these are the activities which allow you to know your ideal customer better than anyone else which allow you to scale in the long term. But it requires a large amount of effort so most people won’t do it. And that’s how you can win.

      How do you scale without compromising on quality?
      First, it’s all about hiring the right people. In our hiring process, we make sure every potential team member shares the company values. No matter their skill, if they don’t share our values, it will not work out. What we look for is that our team members would make the decision I’d make when I’m not in the room. Second, we survey all of our clients every quarter to find out what they want that we’re not delivering on. That way, we can be proactive and ensure we’re delivering the best experience possible. Third, systems. We have systems set up for anything and everything. That way, the system makes the decision rather than a person needing to make the decision.
      What advice would you give to your younger self starting out?
      Advice I would give to my younger self starting out: 1. Relax more, it won’t hold you back; 2. Be very careful with trusting people: you never know their ulterior motives; 3. Always be testing: trying new things in business allows you to innovate and come up with more efficient ways to do things; 4. If there’s someone who’s done it, you can too. Don’t let your imposter syndrome hold you back; 5. Confidence comes with success: get some wins under your belt early on and it’ll set you up for your future success; 6. Hire the most experienced lawyer who understands your industry.
      This is The Trailblazers Issue— what does it mean to you to be a trailblazer?
      Being a Trailblazer is about showing what’s possible for other people. It’s about taking your failures and extracting the lessons, and empowering others to follow the path you’ve laid out for them. To be a trailblazer requires a level of leadership most are afraid to take on. But when you do, believe me, there’s a new level of fulfillment and happiness that will unlock for you. Get out there and show the world what’s possible.
      September – The Trailblazers Issue with Amira Sajwani – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      7 inspiring female Saudi artists you need to know about

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      With a budding art culture sweeping the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are several noteworthy artists who have made an impact in the creative industry.
      From paintings to installations displayed at various exhibitions, these artists are part of the Kingdom’s urban landscape as important messages are conveyed through each piece created.
      Manal AlDowayan

      From capturing highly skilled women working in her highly acclaimed I Am series (2005) to recording fatal accidents involving women school teachers, Manal Al Dowayan highlights unjust social customs through her pieces while also offering channels for women in the Kingdom through her workshops. By addressing her plea of change through her works of art, Manal has also participated in exhibitions regionally at renowned institutions such as the Sharjah Art Foundation.
      To find out more details about her work visit manaldowayan.com
      Huda Beydoun

      The Saudi artist and photographer began her career by teaching children with autism and then eventually ventured into her passion for photography. Capturing the images of the lives of illegal immigrants in Saudi Arabia, her work was published in a series entitled Documenting The Undocumented. After honing her craft, Huda has also started her own agency.
      Mawadah Muhtasib

      Jeddah-based artist Mawdah Muhtasib has always been passionate about art since an early age and has been celebrated for her distinguished paintings across the globe. she also created the first-ever Arabic Calligraffiti typeface that is a combination of Calligraffiti paintings and mirrored Arabic letters. Madwash’s Calligraffiti is a beautiful decorative contemporary Arabic handwritten typeface that is exclusively and exceptionally written from left to right. It is a celebration of a merge of two eras, the legacy of Arabic Calligraphy and the progressiveness of graffiti Art.
      To find out more details about her work visit mawadahmuhtasib.com
      Noura Bouzo

      While not only co-founding the first Arts and Culture magazine in Saudi Arabia and becoming its creative director, Noura is a full-time artist who presents her work at various exhibitions. Known for her most recent exhibition ‘A Miniature (Af)fair, Noura’s works largely cast light on modern Saudi society, making her one of the most playful artists of her time.
      To find out more details about her work visit nourabouzo.com
      Raeda Ashour

      Specializing in miniatures, motifs and Islamic decorative units, Raeda Ashour uses her strong visual sense to incorporate elements inspired by the old Arabian cities with its famous architectural and aesthetic features, as she closely delves into the subject through her practice. By honing her own style through her background, Raeda is highly respected in the art realm for her impactful work.
      For more information visit raedaashour.com
      Sarah Al-Abdali

      Emerging as one of the kingdom’s first street artists, Sarah’s work explores Arab culture and Islamic philosophy in every realm through innovative sources of demonstration such as illustration, painting, ceramics, woodwork, drawing and painting. With her deep appreciation for the land and heritage of her home, Abdali experiments with traditional crafts of the Islamic world as seen in exhibitions around the country.
      To find more details about her work visit sarahalabdali.com
      Lulwah Al-Homoud

      Known as a pioneer in the art industry in Saudi Arabia, Lulwah Al Homoud explores the world of calligraphy and Islamic philosophy carefully through her work. Having published books organizing exhibitions and promoting cross-cultural research, Al Homoud presents a fluid movement through her work which represents both simpleness and complexity, as each piece is balanced.
      To find out more details of her work visit lulwahalhomoud.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @lulwah_al_homoud More

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      7 inspiring Emirates flight attendants establishing new career paths

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      Today, May 31, 2023, we celebrate International Flight Attendant Day.
      Balancing two careers doesn’t come easy, but Emirates cabin crew members show us how it’s done.
      From launching their own fashion labels to jewellery brands, these talented individuals have made a mark for themselves beyond the world of aviation.
      To champion these talented cabin crew members, Emirates Woman has curated a list of flight attendants who prove that you can do both.
      Luciana Tanase

      Besides her full-time career as an Emirates cabin crew member, Luciana Tanase has also founded her own fashion label, I-LO. This Romanian-based fashion label offers an array of everyday wardrobe staples such as crop tops and partywear pieces. With a passion for travelling, she’s managed to garner a massive fan base and dedicate time to growing her fashion brand’s presence online.
      Yassmine El Kholy

      With a passion for yoga and other meditation practices such as sound healing, Yassmine Elkholy is a part-time yoga instructor and an Emirates cabin crew member. She has been part of several campaigns for brands such as Reebok and Alo Yoga, making a mark for herself in the world of fitness. With a focus on complicated poses, she has garnered a dedicated audience who are keen to learn about the practice.
      Maria Soldatova

      With over 11 years of flying experience, Maria Soldatova is a long-standing Emirates cabin crew member. With her dedicated love for travelling, Soldatova decided to launch her own jewellery brand, Zoldi Jewels, designed with all the wanderlust inspiration. The pieces consist of airplanes, seashells, a map and various countries she’s visited around the globe. The pieces are sustainably produced in a conscious environment for the workers. As an entrepreneur, she has learned the art of dedicating her efforts to both her profession and brand.
      Danai

      Danai has visited over 48 countries as an Emirates flight attendant. Originally from Greece, she has established herself as a travel content creator with her pictures from around the globe. From surfing to skydiving, she’s always on a mission to try out new activities while sharing her fashion inspiration. Her loyal fan base is always keen to see where she’s off to next and what her outfits are.
      Margot

      With long-haul flights and numerous hours spent on air, Margot started her own YouTube channel and is now a part-time vlogger. With all the new countries she has visited, she shares snippets of her life as a cabin crew member, her channel has reached over 51,000 subscribers.
      Hana Brvar

      This Slovenian cabin crew member has travelled to a host of countries around the world. After pursuing her law degree, she decided to become a full-time flight attendant and makes time for her hobby as a professional ski instructor. From Portugal to Sri Lanka, she has seen the world and constantly shares photos of her travel experiences.
      Olia Podvolotskaya

      Podvolotskaya wears many hats. Along with being an Emirates cabin crew, she has been a dancer for 18 years and is also a part-time English and German teacher and interpreter. In May 2022, she officially completed her training programme and is now a full-time flight attendant for Emirates.
      So, who says you can’t do two things at once?
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @luciana_tanase More

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      How I got my job as… founder of this one-stop-shop party supplies store in Dubai

      by

      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 Emirates Woman spoke to Aisha Leitner, CEO and Founder of Party Camel, a homegrown party supplies brand in the UAE.
      Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, this e-party and brick-and-mortar shop has partyware for people of all ages.
      The idea was born when her daughter turned one, it took her one more baby and a few more years until Aisha took the plunge and started as an online Party Shop. What started from her storeroom has now grown to be one of the largest platforms for party supplies in the country.
      To learn more about her journey as an entrepreneur, Emirates Woman sat down with Leitner to understand how it all began.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      I grew up in Kashmir, Pakistan and my favourite subject was languages. I loved my native language Urdu and could read Urdu literature for hrs and loved poetry too.
      What was your first job?
      I worked in a community centre in Youth & community development, in the north of England and absolutely loved my job helping other young people to find their way.

      What brought you to Dubai?
      I came to Dubai with Emirates Airlines to travel the world and live in Dubai for one year and 20 years later I am still here! My background is in HR and I was also lucky enough to work with Emirates Airlines recruitment, flying around the world recruiting both cabin crew and pilots. It certainly was a very glamourous job.
      What inspired you to enter the events space and launch Party Camel?
      While planning my daughter’s first birthday party in 2009, I struggled to find pretty things locally to celebrate her ‘fairies in the garden’ themed party. I faced the same problem soon again in 2010 while celebrating my son’s first birthday the hungry caterpillar theme. This inspired me to start a party business in 2013 and bring design-led and trendy party products to the region. We started life as an e-commerce online party shop from my store room at home.
      Talk us through the inspiration behind your themes and supplies.
      I always look to my kids and see what they are into, and also what is currently trending. This shapes all the decisions on what products we should carry in our shop.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      I am involved in all daily operations of the business. From marketing, buying, recruitment and managing the day-to-day running of the business. No two days are the same and I love what I do.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      My day usually starts at 6am with a cup of tea and journalling. Then I help get my kids ready for school although they are getting very independent now. Once they are off to school I take some time for myself, I like to then exercise if I can before I head out to work. I sometimes pick up the kids but more often than not I finish work around 5pm. I then take the kids to their late afternoon activities. They are both super sporty and play all sports for their school! and have very busy schedules. We all make a point to have dinner together in the evening and focus on family time. Weekends are filled with sports, friends and lots of outdoor activities, from hiking, and beach days to triathlons and much more. We are a very active family.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      I would say go for it. Starting your own business can be daunting but so rewarding too. It’s very important to surround yourself with the right people. This includes a supportive network of family/friends but also a good team. Take time to build and then nourish this, it’s the only way to succeed.
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      To take the leap and sign up for a warehouse! I outsourced this at the beginning and for so long, as I found the responsibility to manage this overwhelming. When I did take this on, I wondered why I didnt do it earlier. It changed everything and having all stock and staff under one roof made things so much easier to manage. A friend encouraged me to do this and I’m thankful for this advice.
      And what is the worst?
      You can only trust yourself, Absolutely no way. There’s only so far you can go when you try to control everything and all the details. Especially, if you are a perfectionist but you have to learn to let go and pick your battles. Understand what is important to you and let others take responsibility for certain areas of the business.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      To build a good team! And this is still a work in progress. You have to find the right people and they are out there. People who are passionate about what you are trying to do and achieve. Setting a clear vision and focusing on this.
      What are the future plans for your brand?
      I feel like we have come a long way as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary this month. Getting this far has been a huge achievement and we celebrated with a BIG party including covering our whole warehouse in Balloons. We hope to continue t be a source of ideas and inspiration for busy parents in the region and to provide them with beautiful products and help them to celebrate all of life’s special occasions in style. After all, life is to be celebrated, and we help you to do so with style.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @partycamel More

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      How I got my job as… a luxe UAE-based interior stylist

      by

      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 chat with Ale Aster Akinbiyi, a luxe interior stylist based in the UAE with clients from all around the world. From offices to retreats, her vast portfolio of clients features VIP gala dinners for brands such as Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols and Erdem.
      With over 13 years of experience in the industry, Akinbiyi launched her business three years ago and since then has never looked back.
      To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with this interiors and events styling expert out more about the journey and entrepreneurial vision.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      My favourite subject at school is sport. Maybe because I was incredibly good at it. Even to this day, it brings me immense joy, ranging from Wakesurfing and Tennis to Stand up Paddling, Skiing, Running, and cycling.
      What was your first job?
      I was a wedding planner in Barcelona. I had the chance to work with a Wedding Agency for three months over the summer and it was magical.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      I worked with Avantgarde, a German-based creative agency that has a presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. At the time, their client was Mubadala, and they needed support with organising Formula 1 Gala Dinners and VIP Events.
      What inspired you to enter the interiors space and launch your brand?
      As someone who has designed temporary spaces such as pop-ups, exhibitions, events, and fashion shows for a long time, I wanted to expand my scope to something more enduring. I wanted my design to have longevity. My experience of working with Al Tayer and designing spaces for Crate & Barrel solidified this desire. Obtaining an Interior Design Diploma became a natural progression for me. Once I familiarized myself with the various facets of interior design, I quickly realized that furnishing and styling, also known as FF&E and OS&E in industry parlance, was my calling. I had no interest in demolishing walls. My desire is to fill this specific niche was what inspired me to launch my own brand. Given the rarity of such a focus, starting my own brand was the only viable option for me.
      Talk us through the inspiration behind your aesthetics.
      Growing up, beauty and creativity were ingrained in my family’s DNA. My mother is a florist, and my father’s family has been in the jewelry business for generations. My aunts and uncles are architects, artists, and painters. It’s not surprising that creating beauty in any shape or form is in my blood. Being a Libra, I just have a special place for aesthetics in my heart and I love to experiment and express beauty in all forms. In my work, I find inspiration in the tiniest of details. Deep conversations with my clients to understand the emotions they want to evoke is usually what inspires me the most. While many look for beautiful spaces, my contribution to the world is making spaces look beautiful.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      I sometimes simplify my role by saying that I “place cushions for living.” However, my responsibilities go way beyond that. As an Interior Stylist, I am responsible for improving the overall aesthetics and functionality of a space without altering its fundamental structure. I don’t engage in major renovations like knocking down walls. Instead, I help determine the look and feel of a space by selecting, placing and styling furniture, paint, textiles, décor, plants, flowers and fragrances. Many people feel overwhelmed by an empty space. My role is to fill the space with carefully selected items that they will love, need, and that will complement each other.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      As a working mama to a 4-year-old, my husband and I enjoy a delicious breakfast together before I hop on my bike to take my little one to Kindergarten. Once back, it’s time to get ready for work and kick-start my creativity. I love to read up on the latest interior design news. Browsing magazines, platforms, and newsletters for at least 30 minutes each morning is a great way to start the day off right. Depending on where I’m at with a project, I might hit up some shops or showrooms in the morning to scope out some products. It’s usually quieter in the morning, so it’s the perfect time to double-check things like finishings and comfort levels or find some new items to propose to my clients. If I don’t have any projects on the go, I’ll usually tackle some admin work or trying to push my marketing and social media content creation. As an entrepreneur, I’m constantly juggling a million things at once. From marketing to new business to finance and admin, it’s all in a day’s work for me. Oh, and I also do some interior styling on the side. I spend a good part of my day in front of my laptop doing things like furniture layouts to scale or sourcing items online. Before my day wraps up I spend some time getting organized for the next day, making lists, and setting reminders. Evenings are all about friends and family. I’m Italian, so I absolutely love good food. I’m always on the hunt for new places to try out and check out their interiors. At least once a week, you’ll find me out and about. Other than that, I love to cook and spend time with my family at home.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Discovering your niche and specialisation is essential. It’s important to accept that not everyone will appreciate your work and that’s okay. In fact, don’t try to cater to everyone’s preferences. Go find your fans, they will motivate and inspire you to keep going. Then, seek out your audience, they will appreciate what you have to offer. Finally, find the right clients, those who recognize and value your unique talent. They will be eager to pay you for the exceptional work that only you can deliver.
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve ever received was to tune out the competition and concentrate on my goals, on what I aspire to accomplish, rather than what others are doing. The market is flooded with noise, particularly on social media, and it’s too simple to get sidetracked, compare yourself to others, and lose sight of your objectives. I’ve personally unfollowed accounts and blocked out all the noise, which has allowed me to remain focused on my work and what I want to achieve. It’s a humbling experience to recognise that success is not about how you compare to others, but rather about staying focused on your own ambitions and working hard to achieve them.
      And what is the worst?
      The worst advice I received was people saying ‘Just Follow your Passion’ ! It’s wonderful to have a passion for something, but being obsessed with it is what truly makes you excel. So instead of “just following your passion,” I suggest making your passion your hobby and turning your obsession into your profession. Remember, it’s the drive and determination that comes with obsession that leads to success.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      I would say for me there were two major challenges. First, I have experienced the journey of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, and that was not easy. Suddenly, I found myself with no title, no one recognizing me and the absence of a monthly income. I also realised that if I didn’t work one day, I don’t get paid, which made me view my free time differently. It took me a while to enjoy weekends, and holidays again instead of worrying about no income during the ‘rest time’. The second challenge I had to overcome is linked to the advice I have given. When I started out, I thought I needed to cater to everyone and offer every service related to interior design. It took me a while to build up the confidence to only offer what I am truly good at. Finding my niche was a big step, but being comfortable with saying no to projects that don’t align with my strengths was not easy. Even now, I sometimes still have to fake it until I make it. But I’ve learned that being true to myself and offering what I do best is the key to long-term success.
      What are the future plans for your brand?
      A field I would like to explore is the Hotel Industry. There’s a huge potential for collaboration in this field, and I feel that the work I do, can help hotels stay trendy and up-to-date with the latest in styling, season after season. The work of an Interior Stylist can inject fresh and new energy into these properties and help them continue to shine in the hospitality industry. Another field we are exploring is the launch of a product. It’s a little piece of furniture that brings together the expat experience with local heritage. It’s been a couple of years in the making, but we’re just a production facility and strategy away from getting it out there in all its glory. Fingers crossed, we’ll have it ready to rock by 2024.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      8 incredible women share what small things elevate their own lives

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      2 hours ago

      Words by Sarah Joseph & Camille Macawaili 
      We ask some of the most incredible women we know, what small things elevate their own lives and how they uplift all the women they’re surrounded with.

      Zoya SakrFounder of The Flower Society

      What small things elevate your life?
      Spending time with my family and friends elevates my life morally and emotionally, listening to my kids, advising them, discussing my worries, my plans, and things that give me drive in life and taking the opinions of my loved ones elevates me.
      How do you elevate the lives of people around you?
      I love taking care of my family, making my mom happy means the world to me, we just came back from an escape in the Maldives for her 80th birthday, and spending full days with my family brings joy to everyone. Being there for family, colleagues and friends elevate their lives, time is the most precious thing you can offer them.
      Amna Mohammad KarmostajiFashion designer & founder of Elna Line

      What small things elevate your life?
      Every morning, I make it a priority to start my day with a fresh and optimistic mindset. I believe in clearing my mind of negative thoughts and accepting what I cannot change and so my social circle consists of individuals who bring positivity, happiness, and joy into my life. I am a firm believer in setting personal and professional goals, and I find immense pleasure and satisfaction in achieving them. I am also a believer in constant growth and development, both mentally and physically, and I strive to learn new skills and acquire knowledge by surrounding myself with individuals who have similar aspirations and goals. Doing so motivates me and offers fresh perspectives and inspiration. It is a fantastic way to grow and share ideas with like-minded individuals. In my free time, I engage in activities that bring me pure joy, such as practicing yoga, going on beach trips, spending girls’ nights with my closest friends, and exploring new places.
      How do you elevate the lives of people around you?
      I always strive to maintain a positive outlook, as I believe that positivity is infectious. Leading by example is also a principle that I adhere to and make a point of keeping my promises and showing that I am committed through my actions. This builds a strong foundation of trust and loyalty, which is crucial when building and maintaining relationships. My loved ones know that they can always count on me, no matter how trivial their problems may seem as having a support system is essential. While it’s easy to celebrate success, true friends are the ones who stand by you during your lows and lift you up when you’re feeling- ing down. Small acts of kindness can go a long way, and I try to make it a habit to give compliments to my colleagues, peers, and friends as little reminders of their worth. As part of the Elnaline brand, we have always been involved in social causes to uplift and support women. I feel privileged to be in a position to positively impact the lives of those around me through small gestures. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s the little thoughtful things that people remember and appreciate the most.
      Nayla Al KhajaFirst Female Film Writer, Director and Producer in the UAE

      What small things elevate your life?
      Welcoming my children with open arms every day after school invigorates my life with joy and purpose. Strolling through our lovely neighbourhood in the morning while chatting with my dear brother uplifts my spirits and sets a positive tone for the day. Receiving an unexpected “I love you” message from my beloved husband fills my soul with an elevated sense of love and contentment.
      How do you elevate the lives of those around you?
      My mission is to uplift and inspire those in my circle by sparking innovative ideas and collaborating to bring them to fruition. Sharing delicious meals and performing small acts of kindness are just a few of the ways I seek to elevate those around me. However, I believe that the most powerful tool for elevating the human spirit is laughter, which has the ability to heal, connect, and transform lives.
      Nadine KansoFounder of Jewellery Brand Bil Arabi

      What small things elevate your life?
      I think what elevates my life is my need for human interaction. I love to socialise, meeting new people and learning about new things truly inspires me and allows me to foster my personal growth and development. I love to be surrounded by positive and loving energy. That, I believe really elevates life! Having a support system builds resilience. When we choose to surround ourselves with positive and loving people, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and potential. It all starts with the energy that we choose to bring into our lives. I thrive on what adds value to me and allows me to grow.
      How do you elevate the lives of people around you?
      In return, I elevate the lives of those around me by making sure to be there for them when they need me, always trying to offer all the love and support I have. Giving love and support to those around us is one of the most powerful ways to make a positive impact. When we take the time to show kindness and compassion to others, we not only elevate their lives but also enrich our own.
      Honayda SeradiFashion Designer

      What small things elevate your life?
      Any positive gesture elevates my life. And it is indeed the smallest things that elevate it. Like waking up to a shining sunrise, listening to music, dancing, seeing people happy, doing sports, and accepting life as it is! But also whatever nourishes my soul. I long for adventures, discovering new cultures and visiting heritage sites. Every trip brings inspiration and elevates my mind.
      How do you elevate the lives of those around you?
      From a philanthropist perspective, I thrive to always make an actual positive change in the lives of those in need. Whether through my activities with the children of AlOula NPO, or the craftswomen of Alwaleed Philanthropies. I believe myself to be lucky, to be able to impact other people’s lives positively through my brand, specifically women, as well as the young talents of the Kingdom who I accompany as a mentor through my role with the Saudi 100 brands programme and King Abdul Aziz University.
      Arwa AlKadiFashion Designer
      What small things elevate your life?
      A good cup of coffee in the morning, writing three things I’m grateful for everyday, exercising, focusing on my spirituality and spending quality time with family and friends. Working in a creative industry with like-minded people also really inspires me.
      How do you elevate the lives of people around you?
      My relationships are important to me, whether that’s family, friends or colleagues. I try to be there for the people around me, support them in what they need and lift them up.
      Sophie Bille BraheJewellery Designer

      What small things elevate your life?
      The colour of the sky, a walk with my dog, a drawing from my daughter. I try to remain sensitive to all the beautiful things surrounding me.
      How do you elevate the lives of people around you?
      Taking care of the people around me is the most important thing I can do. I want to be as present as I can for them. I try to see people where they are and meet them at that exact moment. It can be difficult, but it is so important. Time is so scarce, so giving your time to others is the best gift you can give. I try my best to be there for the ones I love, to gather them around the table to share as much as can be.

      April’s – The Elevate Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More