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    8 UAE-based places to order bespoke premium cakes from

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    We’re all tired of the same old off-the-rack cakes and want to make each celebration even more memorable.
    Finding a trusted baker who can make your dream cake a reality, might sometimes be too much to ask for. Be it a specific baby-shower-themed cake or multi-layered decadent sponges decorated with edible flowers, there are endless options of cake ateliers in the UAE that can seamlessly execute the job.
    Be it birthdays, weddings or personal milestones, no cake is too hard to create for these well-established patisseries and talented bakers. From design and flavour to tasting, each customer is taken through the journey to be certain of the outcome and celebrate their big day without an inch of doubt.
    To help you narrow down the process, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate premium cake guide for bespoke offerings in the UAE.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @avonnestalling More

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    9 unique staycations in the UAE to book ASAP

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    When you plan a staycation, it’s all about an escape from the mundane routine for something fascinating with experiences that offer a respite from the ordinary.
    In the UAE, there are a plethora of escapades that include everything from caravans to glamping grounds for a truly memorable experience.
    Longbeach Campground, RAK

    This is the perfect getaway to get close to nature with various recreational facilities such as beach yoga, sea view aerobics, kite flying and exhilarating water sports. If you’re looking for a fun-filled camp, kids will be far from bored with all the host of onboard activities for them to try out during the stay. There’s also a pleasant site of farm animals for kids to interact with at the petting zoo. Starting at Dhs249 for the authentic deluxe tent with a comfortable setting, this will make the perfect home for your next camping trip in Ras Al Khaimah.
    For more information visit bmhotelsresorts.com 
    Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, Sharjah

    Offering a unique getaway to a world of conservation, this natural retreat is the perfect haven to slow down and relaxes it’s set on the east coast of Sharjah with a pristine beach with a private boat to take you to an island with amazing views of the Indian Ocean. It will allow you to reconnect with yourself as you embrace the true Arabian heritage with a world-class luxurious experience starting at Dhs1690 for a one-bedroom tent with a sea view.
    For more information visit myskhotels.com
    Also read: Inside the UAE’s luxury new ‘Moon Retreat’
    Al Seef Heritage Hotel

    You can witness the charm of Dubai’s ancient culture at this hotel which emulates a rustic charm as you witness the breezy winds from the Dubai creek. With a haven of detailed architecture added to each corner, this retreat is the perfect getaway while still being located in the city. There’s also an array of restaurants available closely, you’re sure to swoon over the Middle Eastern dishes served at the hotel. Prices for a room start at Dhs299 without service tax.
    For more information or to make a reservation visit hilton.com
    Côte d’Azur Monaco Hotel

    Inspired by a journey along the French Riviera, this adult-only beach resort is located in the Heart of Europe, World Islands with its picturesque interiors. With the best of French cuisine and entertainment, this is the property to be at. Enjoy your breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at La Brasserie, have a dip at The Grand Azure Pool, and stroll around the unique one-of-a-kind Rainbow beach and the climate controlled Raining Street. Adding to the hotel’s charm is its 1-kilometre-long climate-controlled street where it rains and snows on demand with its climate-control feature signals. The Luxury Rooms start at Dhs999 and all bookings can be made online.
    For more information visit thoe-hotels.com
    Hatta Terrace

    If you’re in need of some refined escapism, Hatta has the perfect solution for you with its newly opened adventurous hotspot known as Hatta Terrace. As travelling to different cities might come with its own set of imposed challenges, heading to Hatta is no tough feat, as this relaxing destination encompasses everything from glamping, lodging in trailers to now also unwinding at this luxe urban venue with your loved ones in order to get a little break from the hustle and bustle of Dubai with it just being a two-hour drive away. With its own dedicated camping site, this majestic staycation amidst the mountain top it’s the ideal blissful getaway to enjoy with your friends and family, as this spacious venue comes fully equipped with all the required materials for an enjoyable trip. From a fully equipped kitchen to a dedicated BBQ area with a fully installed TV entertainment system, luxury lodging has now taken on a new meaning with this contemporary layout. Prices start at Dhs4,000 per night from Saturday to Wednesday and Dhs5,000 per night from Thursday to Friday at Hatta Terrace, which is located in the upcoming developing location which borders Oman.
    For more information visit hattaterrace.com
    Hatta Sedr Trailers

    While now being home to the region’s first trailer hotel, guests can camp alongside the banks of Hatta Dam with these innovative trailers to have a truly memorable experience. With luxurious facilities on board, it’s all set to feel like a thrilling adventure with all the necessary amenities provided as you’ll be nestled in the heart of the mountains starting at Dhs986 with prices varying.
    For more information regarding booking and details head to visithatta.com
    Bedouin Oasis, RAK

    You can live like a bedouin for a day with luxury in the middle of nowhere with thrilling desert experiences, traditional hospitality at its best all set in the dunes of Ras Al Khaimah with a traditional style setting offering a host of exciting activities as you witness a touch of the Arabian culture with beautiful landscapes on the trip starting at Dhs750 for three adults.
    For more information visit bedouinoasis.org
    Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel-Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi

    You can lose yourself to nature’s beauty as you embark on this wonderful journey in a wildlife sanctuary as you explore this distinct escape from the world inspired by the sights of Africa. Seclude yourself in the utmost privacy in the resort with one-of-a-kind facilities and you also dine in a secluded villa beneath the stars on your terrace starting at Dhs1,840 depending on availability.
    For more information visit anantara.com
    JA The Resort, Dubai

    Offering activities for those of all ages, this leading luxury family resort is an all-inclusive hotel with lush gardens, an equestrian centre, a golf course, a shooting club and a range of other rejuvenating activities to help you unwind, while being located at this picturesque area in Jebel Ali.
    For more information or to make a reservation visit jaresortshotels.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature image: Instagram @myskkingfisherretreat More

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    Who is Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum? 5 things to know about this UAE royal

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
    As a keen advocate for women and known to empower the community of local designers in the UAE, Sheikha Mahra is always inspiring her 172k followers on social media.
    With news about this Royal recently getting married to Sheikh Mana Al Makhtoum, her fans are eager to know more about this Princess.
    To find out more, Emirates Woman shares everything that you might not know about Sheikha Mahra.
    She gives back to the community

    Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is no stranger to giving back to the local community. Known for her philanthropic efforts in the region, she is always spreading joy and was also seen spending many afternoons with children of determination. Known to never shy away from affect, Sheikha Mahra also shared an emotional moment where she stopped and reached down to hug a young child, with all smiles in a heartwarming portrait. With her philanthropic efforts playing a key role to raise awareness about different issues in society, her kindness and generosity are truly irreplaceable.
    She loves horses

    It’s well-known horse racing is a major passion of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and it’s clearly a love he has passed on to his children. Sharing his love for horses is his daughter, Sheikha Mahra, is often seen attending the races and posing with her favourite animals.
    She supports local designers

    Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is one such person that is continuing to champion regional designers and their flawless creations. Known to attend the Icons Exhibition, Sheikha Mahra is a regular visitor of its different locations around the UAE, as it shines a light on different designers in the region. The Icons Exhibition is an event held multiple times a year showcasing local designers and talent and is run by Emirati designer and creative Roudha Al Shamsi. She always shares series of photos and a video of her visit to any exhibition where she is seen learning about various local businesses visiting different booths at the event, from jewellery to food to makeup to clothes.
    She’s known for her sartorial choices

    More and more nowadays we’re seeing abayas come in an array of different colourways and patterns – far from the traditional all-black ensemble – and one individual known for her sartorial choices is Her Highness Sheikha Mahra al Maktoum. Her Highness is known for effortlessly playing with different patterns and colourways and always knows how to carry it off. Whether attending exhibitions or posing with her favourite horses, she continuously stuns with every different look.
    She completed her Bachelor’s in the UK

    Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has a degree in International Relations from a UK university. The royal princess also has a college degree from Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration.
    She recently got married

    According to an official statement on the Sheikha’s official Instagram account, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Al makhtoum and her fiancé Sheikh Mana Al Makhtoum have signed the marriage contract. On April 5, 2023, both Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana shared that they celebrated their Katb Al-Kitaab — the official marriage ceremony and signing of the marriage contract through social media.
    Swipe through the gallery to look back at Sheikha Mahra’s key moments:

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @hhshmahra & @marwa.alzarounii More

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    The ultimate Easter restaurant 2023 guide in the UAE

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    As an occasion to celebrate with your loved ones, this festive opportunity falling on Sunday, April 9, 2023, is a time to bring everyone together.
    From a beautifully curated afternoon tea with delectable delights to savouring a traditional Sunday roast.
    Whether you wish to relax with your friends or plan on celebrating the occasion with your little ones, Emirates Woman has curated a list of activities as you unwind this Easter.
    Hell’s Kitchen

    Feast on a special Easter Roast at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen on April 8th and 9th, with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s selection of signature delights like Roasted Lamb Leg and Prime Rib. Parents can relax while kids play, decorate Easter eggs, and await a visit from the Easter Bunny. This exquisite meal is offered on Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and April 9, 2023 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and is priced at Dhs275 for 2 courses, Dhs325 for 3 courses and Dhs125 for children. Located at Caesar’s Palace, this renowned restaurant is one to visit this weekend.
    For more information visit caesars.com
    Scalini

    If you’re looking to celebrate Easter the Italian way, Scalini serves a selection of iconic Pasqua dishes throughout the festive weekend. Guests can enjoy Casatiello Napoletano – delightful savoury bread, lovingly stuffed with an assortment of cured meats and cheeses, baked to perfection, and crowned with cooked eggs. La Fellata Napoletana is another culinary appetiser ritual to delight the tastebuds – A neapolitan cheeseboard featuring an assortment of textures, flavours, and styles of mouth-watering cheese. Paying tribute to Easter, Scalini also serves a selection of iconic Pasqua dishes throughout the festive weekend. Guests can enjoy Casatiello Napoletano – delightful savoury bread, lovingly stuffed with an assortment of cured meats and cheeses, baked to perfection, and crowned with cooked eggs. Located at Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah, this takes place throughout the month of April from 12pm onwards.
    For more information visit scalini-dubai.com
    Fi’lia

    This Italian restaurant brings this tradition to the forefront for some quality time with your family. With an exclusive menu curated specially for the day, guests can savour a variety of dishes such as cheese-stuffed ravioli, potato gratin and more. The convivial atmosphere amongst the lush green décor and expansive windows 70 floors up, presents a perfect setting for Easter lunch or dinner inside or outside on the terrace. Fi’lia’s Easter menu is exclusively available on Sunday, April 9th during lunch and dinner, and guests can opt for à la carte dining from Fi’lia’s regular menu, which also includes a special menu for children and starts at Dhs295 per person with drinks not included from 12pm to 3:30pm for lunch and 6:30PM to 12am for dinner. Located at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, this restaurant has a view that you simply can’t miss.
    For more information visit book.ennismore.com
    Tasca

    Pay homage to Portugal’s authentic culinary traditions and celebrated cuisine with chef José Avillez. Bringing families and friends together, guests can enjoy the indulgent Easter Lunch on Sunday 9 April, with a four-course sharing-style menu paying homage to the country’s authentic culinary traditions and celebrated cuisine. The Easter feast begins with a selection of moreish appetisers: highlights include Wagyu Croquette with yuzu and truffle mayo and more, with delicious Portuguese delicacies to savour. For endless vistas of Dubai’s skyline, guests can sit on the outdoor terrace as they enjoy their meal. The packages start at Dhs595 per adult including Sangria, Portuguese house wines, select beers and cocktails and soft drinks, Dhs495 per adult including non-alcoholic beverages from 12:30pm to 4pm on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Located at Mandarin Oriental, it’s time to book this one-of-a-kind experience ASAP.
    For more information mandarinoriental.com
    Basta

    The city’s lively eatery serving Italian cuisine with a modern twist is set to host a two-weekend celebration for Easter Sunday on April 9th and 16th with a delectable grill platter. As friends and families gather to feast and rejoice this Easter, Basta! has curated an exclusive grill platter, featuring succulent baby chicken, chargrilled beef, lamb cutlets, and an assortment of antipasti vegetables. The exclusive sharing-style platter is priced at Dhs249 per couple with children under ten years old dining for free, available from 12:30pm to 4pm on April 9 and 16, 2023. Basta! at the St. Regis Downtown Dubai is definitely one to visit with its beautiful outdoor seating to cherish the weather.
    For more information visit basta-dubai.com
    Piatti by the Beach

    Experience the beachside with your loved ones this Easter as Piatti by the Beach welcomes all for an indulgent brunch. On Sunday April 9,, the stunning beachfront restaurant honours spring’s most festive holiday with a menu of special dishes. Signifying a time of abundance, hope and new beginnings, Piatti encourages friends, family and loved ones to revel in an afternoon of Easter celebrations, with a festive feast and wonderful ambience of joy. The packages are priced at Dhs540 per person including soft beverages, Dhs720 per person including House Grape, Dhs920 per person including House Spirits and Dhs1,500 per person including Champagne.
    For more information visit rafflesthepalm.com
    Vinesse at Oberoi Al Zorah

    For a relaxing afternoon, high tea is the perfect way to unwind. Served in an elegant and tranquil setting, the Easter high tea features a selection of savory and sweet treats that are sure to delight your taste buds. From delicate finger sandwiches to freshly baked scones, the menu has been crafted to offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Easter high tea menu is available from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm daily. During this period, guests can also select from weekly promotional menus and savor the best of gourmet cuisine. Located at The Oberoi Al Zorah, Ras Al Khaimah, this
    For more information visit oberoihotels.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Want to plan ahead for the long weekend? UAE astronomer confirms Eid Al-Fitr dates

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    47 mins ago

    If you’re looking for a quick escape this month, you can now plan for a long weekend away based on astronomical calculations.
    As per the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society Ibrahim al-Jarwan, “Ramadan’s full moon will be on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 8.36am local time, while the crescent of the moon of Shawwal will be born on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 8.13am, and will set 22 minutes after sunset.”
    To further explain, Jarwan states that Friday, April 21 will astronomically mark the first day of Shawwal and the blessed Eid Al Fitr.
    If the government confirms and agrees to the dates mentioned above, it will be a four-day weekend with Friday, April 21 and Monday, April 24 off, knowing that both Saturday and Sunday are a weekend in the UAE.
    What is Eid Al Fitr?
    In the Islamic Calendar, Eid Al Fitr marks the official end of Ramadan and is the first day of Shawwal.During the Holy Month Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset for around 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
    Eid Al Fitr marks the end of fasting, and literally translates in English to the “feast of breaking the fast”.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @visitabudhabi More

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    How I got my job as… UAE-based health and mindset coach

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour 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 chat with Danielle Françoise, UAE-based Health and Mindset coach who works on helping clients heal from the inside out. Through breathwork, meditation and gut cleansing, she’s able to guide her clients to live a more fulfilling life.
    After launching Coached by Françoise, her clients have access to her services at Dubai’s all-in-one wellness destination, Blended and can practice the art of meditation through different techniques.
    To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with this Mindset coach to find out more about her health and wellness journey.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    Art. I loved having the opportunity to be creative and express myself.
    What was your first job?
    After I graduated from Leeds University in the UK and I was a dance teacher for two years in a secondary school academy. I had grown up dancing at a stage school from the age of three years old so at the time this was my dream job.
    What brought you to Dubai?
    Change of lifestyle, the weather and new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
    What inspired you to become a health and mindset coach?
    I have been on my own personal health journey since the age of 15 when I was diagnosed with chronic anxiety. With a range of health issues that then followed over the next 15 years including insomnia, skin issues, alopecia and depression, once I finally found a health protocol that helped me heal naturally from the inside out with a huge focus on gut health, I wanted to be able to share and help others – especially those who were going through the same or similar issues. It took me years and years to finally crack it, from poor advice to getting stuck in the pharmaceutical system which is even more motivation to share what I have been through to help others fast-track their healing compared to my long journey.

    Talk us through the inspiration behind your sessions? Tell us more about your gut health plans.
    I guide people through meditation and breathwork online and in person here in Dubai, privately and in groups. Breathwork is an incredible way to relax and reset the nervous system and is something that personally helped get my anxiety under control. My personalised gut health plans I offer online for those who want to cleanse, repair and heal their gut which is the root cause of a lot of peoples issues so it will reduce any physical symptoms but also improves mental health as the gut is connected to the brain through the vagus nerve. Heal your gut, heal your whole body.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    To support, guide and educate those who want to heal their body naturally, long term and look at getting to the root cause of issues and not just temporarily treating the symptoms. I also love to share and relate my coaching approach to my own health journey and experiences so that it can inspire and motivate others. I give people the tools and knowledge they need to live a healthier and happier life, with no fuss or fluff, straight to the point. I also like to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible. healing yourself really is a vibe!
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    I like to wake up, get out into the sunlight, warm lemon water, take my supplements and then do a 10k walk around Dubai Marina while plugged into a motivational podcast. Sometimes I grab a matcha latte on the way back home (obsessed!) and then my schedule day to day can look slightly different. But on average, I will have meetings, online client calls, write up client plans, or preparing for a meditation and breathwork session at Blended Wellness or Nao Dubai. In the evening I like to join a reformer pilates class, a bike ride to Kite Beach to watch the sunset or catch up with friends over food. I’m a big foodie!
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Research your course thoroughly and make sure it covers all the areas in detail that you want to learn and practice. For me, it was super to important to study gut health in-depth as that was the missing piece of my health journey and something I am super passionate about. I am a qualified Nutritional Therapist and a Transformational Life Coach and I love to combine the two disciplines within my work as I am a big believer in treating the whole person and offering a full body experience to heal and thrive long-term.

    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    ‘If we want something we have never had, we must do things we have never done.’ I repeat this to myself a lot when faced with new opportunities, challenges or things that take me way out of my comfort zone.
    And what is the worst?
    To just wait until you feel you are ready. In life, we will never feel ready, for anything. So go with your gut, push through the harder moments and there will be a stronger version of yourself waiting on the other side.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    Probably my own mindset at times during challenging experiences with depression and anxiety. But I know from hitting rock bottom and pulling myself out of those dark places, (most of the time on my own as I didn’t want to worry anyone) that I wouldn’t be where I am now, doing what I love, helping and guding others. I am now grateful for my journey and those hard times for helping me to grow and become more fearless and resilient.
    What are the future plans for you as health & mindset coach?
    To continue working on myself – healing is a journey, not a destination so that I can serve and help heal others as my happiest and highest self. To broaden my business online so I can reach more people globally and just to carry on being the person I needed when I was younger – I became a health and mindset coach to help others but also as a big giant hug for my younger self.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @coachedbyfrancoise More

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    How I got my job as… Founder of this sustainable homegrown candle brand

    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; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat with candle maker, Jacklyn McCulloh, Founder of Inner Alchemist. For a cruelty-free home, she believed in the powerful combination of candle and crystal, to curate a beautiful addition to any home. With the beauty of affirmations kept at the forefront, the brand transforms your inner self with its positive energy and ethical materials.
    Designed with 100 percent soy wax, these vegan-friendly candles come with a wooden, lead and nickel-free wick and a produced in Dubai with fine attention to detail by keeping the environment in mind.
    To delve further, Emirates Woman spoke to McCulloh to understand how she converted her passion into a full-time business.
    What was your first job?
    A waitress in a small Scottish restaurant when I was 17 years old or technically it was when I was 8 and set up a “business” in school selling homemade CDs which lasted a couple of days until I was caught and suspended and my entrepreneur dreams were crushed.
    What brought you to Dubai?
    When I was 21 my friend was going to the Emirates cabin crew open day in Glasgow, I went along with her and ended up getting the job and left for Dubai pretty much as soon as I could, because I was going to university at the time and really really hated it with a passion, so moving to Dubai was my way out of uni. Plus an amazing, magical adventure! I was crew for a few years then became Executive Assistant to the CEO of a Financial Planning company for years after that too. 10 years on and I’m still here.

    What inspired you to enter candle space and launch Inner Alchemist?
    My laptop has lots of unfinished business plan folders because I’ve come up with so many over the years, and my mind is always thinking of business ideas in everything and anything. At the end of my last job as an Executive Assistant, I was coming up with a new idea every month because I was starting to get restless and knew I had so much more to offer than what I was doing…even though I loved my job and my boss so much which I was so so grateful for, I’d started to outgrow it and wanted to create something I was more passionate about. Crystal-infused candles happened to be my business idea of the month when I was made redundant, and also one of my more long-standing business ideas, as I get really into one for a period then get bored of it, but crystal-infused candles stuck with me for a long time. My boss had moved to another country a year prior and I had been working for him remotely from Dubai, and despite his attempts to get me to travel to the country he moved to, I wanted to stay in Dubai. I was excited (with a hint of anxiousness) when I was made redundant because I felt like this was the universe pushing me in the direction I wanted to go in…and like I had a new blank slate to do or create anything I wanted to. So Inner Alchemist was born!
    Talk us through the inspiration of your candles?
    The name Inner Alchemist means “inner magic”, which I believe all of us have, we just have to activate it and work on it – through meditation, prayer, rituals, gratitude, mindfulness etc. And I want my products to help bring out and inspire the “inner magic” in everyone. I suffer from allergies quite badly and whenever I used to light a well-known candle in my house it would set me off into a coughing fit and feeling short of breath. I started looking into what exactly is put into candles and it led me to a little project of making my own non-toxic and vegan ones at home because I refused to let my allergies get in the way of letting me use candles. They just do so much in a room, something so simple but it creates so much ambiance, changes the whole aura of space and makes it so cosy and this was important as my surroundings are so important to me. I also used to suffer quite badly from anxiety and affirmations have helped me so much in the past to overcome that. I still write affirmations daily and feel like they’ve helped me so much, so I wanted to incorporate that into the candles too. I feel affirmations can magically change your energy and my candles are all about “Inner magic”, so I wanted to incorporate that into the candles too. I’ve always been obsessed with crystals since I was young I used to collect them. Both candles and crystals I feel are a perfect combination for meditation and rituals which is why I feel they’re so perfect together. Additionally, the crackling wooden wicks.for me this is the ULTIMATE noise for meditation as it’s perfect too. I’m also against animal cruelty and so without a doubt, I’d never create something that wasn’t vegan. So that was a no-brainer.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    I’m involved with everything – design & production of the candles, web development, social media and marketing, sales, customer service & accounting. I’ve had a bit of difficulty with delegating and it’s something I’m working on this year as a top priority, because I can’t do everything I’m doing everything myself. It’s been really difficult for me to trust people to hand over my “baby” to, even though I also know that there are so many people out there who will be so much better at certain aspects of the business than I am. I’m extremely impatient so if I have an idea, I want to make it happen instantly. If it’s a design for example, I’ll convince myself that it will be faster for me to stay up all night training myself on Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (via YouTube videos) to make it myself rather than hiring a graphics designer. Or I’ll convince myself that it’s faster to train myself in Facebook ads than to hire someone in Marketing. I have “do everything myself” syndrome, but I’m working on it!
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    I wake up at 6-7am (depending on what time I finish work the night before). I do my gratitude journal and affirmations followed by 15 minutes of meditation. I have to force myself to do this because usually, I wake up wanting to get straight into work knowing I have so much to do. But I think it’s so important to set your energy and intentions for the day. I take my little dog peanut on a walk and listen to an audiobook. This part of my day is the only “set” part of my day – the rest really varies day by day. Sometimes I am involved with candle production and decoration, sometimes I’m out at a venue creating content for social media, scheduling social media, tracking and amending Facebook ads, invoicing and chasing overdue invoice payments (constantly), designing new products, customer service, sales/speaking with potential customers/event planners/brands or wholesalers, amending proposals and catalogs, calculating and sending quotes, liasing with the warehouse on any orders that need special attention, inventory and raw materials management, accounting and looking for people that can help me in specific areas that I can’t do myself. So, I don’t have a specific routine, I’m drowning in work at the moment, but I love the fact that every day is different and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I also love being able to work from anywhere a lot of the time and on my Admin days I normally sit on my laptop at Blended/ULA – one of the venues that stock my candles and it’s such good vibes that I like to spend the whole day there on my laptop.

    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    To stop caring what people think, because it keeps you trapped in an unhappy box. If someone speaks badly about you it is essentially just a reflection of them – not of you. If there’s something you want to do then just leap and do it. It’s your life and if you’re passionate enough about it you’ll find a way to make it work. You’ll regret looking back and wondering what might have been. “You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into the shadows of fear and self-doubt” – Oprah Winfrey
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    Feeding the trolls is a waste of your time. Ignore them and allow mastery to be your response – Robin Sharma
    And what is the worst?
    To be honest (I think due to the fact I’ve been an anxious person in the past), I’m selective of who I allow in my space and I’m so lucky that everyone I have around me is so uplifting and inspiring and doesn’t tend to give out particularly “bad advice”. When I was in high school all of my friends were aiming to become Doctors (and they did) and I was aiming to become a Dentist because that was what I was taught success and happiness was from school. All of my cousins are also Doctors and Dentists. I didn’t even think of or know there might be another option, other than maybe becoming a lawyer as a “back up”? I was one “A” short of making it into Medicine/Dentistry and I was devastated at the time. I went to uni to do Biomedical Science as the long way into Dentistry (9 years of being a student to become a Dentist). I hated it so much I quit and started Business Law, thinking it was something that is also “accepted and respected” by society. Then I moved to Dubai and left the university. When I came back to Glasgow for the first time I bumped into some old school friends and I’ll never forget one of them asking me what degree I ended up getting and if I was a Dentist or Lawyer yet. When I replied “no, I dropped out of university and moved to Dubai”, he replied by patting me on the head and telling me “don’t worry, at least you’re pretty”. It’s probably a moment that has driven me for a long time, I was furious at the time but I’m still grateful that it gave me the drive to prove that I am worth something more than face value. I guess it’s not bad advice as such, but more bad guidance…I’ve learned that you do not need to be a Doctor, Dentist, Lawyer or anything perceived in other people’s eyes as “success or happiness” to be successful. It’s what makes you happy and passionate that counts. I was living to make other people happy or impressed, and I wasn’t happy. Now I do what makes me inspired and passionate, and I am so happy I’ve been brave enough to take the risk.

    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    Trying to juggle everything and time management. At the beginning, I was almost proud to say I did everything myself with no help from anyone, which yes I did, but it’s not productive. Everything ends up being done mediocre because your time and is stretched so finely, instead of each area getting the attention it needs and deserves. I also have ADHD and I find it difficult to jump about different tasks – for example, if I’m in the middle of something and get distracted by something else briefly, I completely forget whatever I was doing in the first place. This is why I’m prioritising finding the perfect team this year. It’s also been difficult (and still is) to find a balance. Sometimes I’m working so much that I turn down every invite to get work done. But going out and relaxing a bit from work has led me to meet the best connections, contacts, and sales and ended up being even more productive than staying home and doing work would have been. It’s also just healthy to give your brain a break from work sometimes because you come back even better and recharge. So finding this balance has been really difficult.
    What are the future plans for your brand?
    So many plans! One big plan I have is that I’d like to expand more on my bespoke candles and collaborations. I recently worked with Christian Louboutin and made bespoke candles for their Ramadan collection launch in Dubai Mall. I’ve been in contact with more luxury brands about future collaborations and I’d like to work with event and wedding planners to create their bespoke crystal-infused candles for their occasions or brand. This will eventually come under a sister company – www.bespokecrystalcandles.com – but I enjoy working with people and creating something together, and of course, it’s a dream to work with Christian Louboutin! I’m also in the process of making some design adjustments which I can’t wait to launch! New fragrances and crystals coming soon. I’ve been working on a few new wellness products, one recent one has been the Love Potion Botanical Soul Soak bath salts. International shipping is on the to-do list.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    UAE announces the official start date of Ramadan

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    43 mins ago

    The most sacred month of the year begins this week in the UAE on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
    Depending on the moon sighting, the Islamic months last for 29 or 30 days, marking tomorrow as the start of a month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, which was not spotted on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 night.
    Special Iftar tents will be set up outside mosques and prayers will last well into the evening as this sacred month begins tomorrow.
    Marking the first holy month this year without any COVID-related restrictions, residents will be able to host Iftars along with gatherings and family. Additionally, masks are not required to be worn by worshippers inside mosques or any public places in the country.
    For those abstaining from food and drinks from dusk to dawn will observe shorter working hours during this period.
    Shorter working hours

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced a reduction of 2 working hours per day for all employees in the private sector in the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/ukHWkyo19h
    — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) March 13, 2023

    According to the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the official work timings for private sector employees during Ramadan have been reduced by two hours. Government employees will work 9am-2.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am-noon on Fridays while private sector workers will see their hours reduced by two hours per day.
    Eid Al Fitr break
    If you’re looking to plan ahead for this year’s first long weekend. The official Eid Al Fitr holiday in the UAE will commence from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. As per the current astrological predictions, the break will take place from Thursday, April 20 to Sunday, April 23, 2023.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @visitabudhabi & Feature Image: Instagram @mindz.eye More