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    Nisreen Shocair on her pioneering vision and amplifying the brands of tomorrow

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    3 hours ago

    A combination of remarkable leadership history, razor-sharp instincts, and exceptional vision make Nisreen Shocair an unstoppable force in the luxury, tech, and entertainment industries.
    Here, Shocair gives insight into her success, touches on her time at NET-A-PORTER, and shares how she’s amplifying the brands of the future.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    Of course, life is not static, so every day is very different. What doesn’t change is getting up with the light as it’s the calmest and most beautiful time of the day. I have my morning playlist on, no social channels for me in the morning as it’s a brain and time drain. I read and then get the kids off to school, walk the dogs, and I’m off to work.
    You’ve had a prolific multi-hyphen career built around the fashion, retail, entertainment, and technology industries. Talk us through your career journey.
    I started in the music industry in New York City because it was the 90s. It was the era when you could walk into a tiny club on the Lower East Side and listen to the best band you’ve ever come across that you’d sign up months later and the rest is history. But then the internet era came, and change was difficult. With a sense of responsibility towards the artists, a lot of work was put into protecting their rights which led to digitizing their content and giving them rights to them. Those who embraced it became acclaimed designers and creators in their own right and used technology to amplify their reach. A fashion show is about the music as much as the fashion. A designer is a musician as streetwear is an extension of a genre of music. Artists are followed as much for their music as for their sense of style. Technology is simply an enabler for them to do as much or as little as they want to reach a larger audience. AI and metaverse is the now. Imagine what the future holds. I cannot wait.
    Common theme: embrace change and work your hardest in what you love and bring purpose and love into it – and you’re all set.

    “I hope to show that you can be a person (male or female) from the Middle East who can make it globally if you choose to accept the challenge.”

    What has been the most pivotal moment of your career to date and how has it shaped your understanding of success?
    Success: Having to shut down a bad business taught me how to build a good business.
    Abundance: Starting my own business taught me financial management more than my MBA ever did.
    Joy: Going through a divorce forced me to find my way to happiness and love.
    Peace: Having a very clear sense of purpose in my personal and professional life gives me inner peace.
    Tell us about the businesses you’re involved in.
    In tech, Beyond One is a phenomenal business that I’m very excited to be a part of. The team is brilliant. We are a digital platform that offers community-led products and services. In fashion, Shocase is close to what I was doing at NET-A-PORTER. Launching brands globally and putting all the pieces together to ensure the success of the business for both the designer and buyer. In art, Art of Rare & Vintage is a circularity concept built around a concierge service for the collectors in the region. We’ve built the concept around events with exclusive access.
    As a female in the tech industry, what have been the challenges you’ve encountered and how did you overcome them?
    Beyond One is an incredibly empowering culture where over 30% of our C-suite are female, but the ecosystem around us is not the same. Does it matter? It does when you’re not being heard. Overcoming it by starting internally first with our own organization was important. We consciously hired females in key positions. Sponsoring companies and startups and pitches that are female-led, hosting events that openly discuss the topics we’re facing all help. But there’s a lot more we can do as the gap is wide and widens at the top.
    How do you aim to amplify and shape the future of women in tech in the region?
    Mentorship. Sponsorship. Returnships. Funds for females in tech are important. Training programmes to allow more women to cross over from other industries into tech. Lastly, programmes that actively maintain females in middle management, so they make it to the top.
    What does innovation look like for you these days?
    It is endless. We’re doing it with the tech platform, the content, the campaign creation, the compensation, and the way brands are being presented. We are building solutions around problems, and we’re doing it in a fun, young, and creative way that allows our users to benefit from the growth of the brand they choose to buy into.
    What did you learn during your time at NET-A-PORTER?
    We are a region with great talent and taste. We are influencers in our own right. We are major players in the global market if we choose to be. We need someone to open doors for our great talented designers, artists, and musicians as our market is too small to sustain them and allow them to grow. The next generation of artists has finally arrived, and I am so excited to see what they’re going to do with that talent that merges art, music fashion, and tech.
    This is The Trailblazers Issue – how do you hope to support future trailblazers?
    I hope to show that you can be a person (male or female) from the Middle East who can make it globally if you choose to accept the challenge. I hope to be a mentor and a sponsor to businesses, so they don’t suffer the pitfalls and lose faith in themselves or their ideas. I want to attract capital and good ideas to the region and from the region. And we need more vocational training opportunities to give every person with potential the opportunity to grow by learning and training.
    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
    Images: Supplied More

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    8 incredible women share what small things elevate their own lives

    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