Out and About STYLE Magazine Issue 9

Issue 9
Volume 1
October 2019

Quote
of
M onth
the
Creativity is a
wild mind and a
disciplined eye.
~ Dorothy Parker

www.outandaboutstylemag.com
marsha@outandaboutstylemag.com
sales@outandaboutstylemag.com
www.outandaboutstylemag.com

Editor’s
message
Editor’s
message
Welcome to a brand new edition of Out and About STYLE
Magazine! I can’t believe how quickly time flies. Not just
from one edition to another, but also from one season to
another! We have officially entered the new season, which
means a whole new aesthetic—both on the inside and
out: new tastes, recipes, colours, and creative ideas! And
above all, a new season to inspire you to live the best life
that you can for yourself, your friends, and your family.
This edition is packed with creative minds and some of
the best advice that we’ve heard this year! If you’re new
to Out and About STYLE Magazine, allow me to welcome
you to our amazing family of readers and contributors!
We feature real people—with real and functional ideas,
talents, and advice you can easily apply to your own life,
no matter where you are in the world. We’re very proud of
how far we’ve come, and how much we are expanding as
a team with each new edition!

Go ahead and grab a drink, while I introduce you to
the extraordinary people and topics that you’re going
to encounter in this issue.
their business goals and driving their economic
potential by inspiring them to become supporters,
innovators and leaders in their respective communities.
Starting with our Fashion Feature, Nilofar Khan
welcomes us to her world filled with fashion and
blogging advice, as well as her take on sustainable
fashion. Nilofar is one of the top 50 luxury fashion and
lifestyle bloggers in Dubai and knows everything about
the latest trends and happenings in the city.
Next, we move on to helping you pack your wardrobe
with fashion pieces that will never go out of style! We
love sustainable fashion, and we have high respect for
clothing and the people who work hard to produce it,
which is why we believe that it is important to have
clothes that are reusable, durable, and that goes with
almost anything.
Looking for a skin-hydrating foundation that makes
you look your best? Katrina has you covered! She’s
chosen five hydrating foundations that are suitable for
all skin types and is affordable for everyone. In the next
article, we followed up Katrina’s recommendations by
bringing you a list of organic and skin-nourishing DIY
body washes and body soaps.
Our special Behind the Brand feature focuses on Donna
Benton, the amazing founder of the ENTERTAINER.
She shares her inspirational story about how she started
what is now a hugely successful business. Similarly, the
Chairman of Gift Global Initiative, Keith Kirkwood,
shares his inspiring story of helping families by leading
initiatives such as sustainable housing, renewable
energy, clean water, schools for the children, and
mobile clinics for far-flung communities.
We have a great interview with MKO (Maduabuchi
Kingsley Okpor), a Nigerian singer-songwriter based in
Dubai who has worked hard to showcase his own music,
as well as the talents and works of other creatives. He
also led the Art Fusion Night, where music, art, fashion,
poetry, comedy and all sorts of creative performances
are showcased.
Are you looking to meet other women in business? The
International Women Entrepreneurs Show (IWES) set
to take place on 4th and 5th of November at Jumeirah
Beach Hotel is the perfect place to go. The event is
committed to empower and assist women in achieving
Our Lifestyle section will take you through the art
of teaching people how to treat you. We often find
ourselves in a position where we are unsure about how
to act. In this edition, we want to help you overcome
this barrier. We also took the liberties in reminding
men to take care of their mental health, which is an
important topic not discussed enough in this society.
We also wrote down our advice in a special article on
how to deal with grief in relationships.
Even though the new season is definitely going to be
a gastronomic parade of delicacies and cuisines, eat
responsibly and mind your health and wellness! We
want you to feel your best while staying healthy, which
is why we offer you seven sugar-free dessert ideas in
this edition (and help you with that sweet tooth)!
And don’t forget your fitness, of course. We discuss
intermittent fasting for weight loss, and its beneficial
effects, as well as, ideal exercises fit for your body
type and for the fitness goals that you have set up for
yourself.
Yummy Mummy is back with Sadaf Majdy Khan, who
has given us a detailed look into her work-life balance,
diet, fitness routine, hobbies, and love for her family.
She offers excellent tips for staying motivated on days
when we don’t feel like doing anything at all. You have
to check it out!
Our travel section features the adventures of Aahna,
the RedRidingWanderer, who tells us about her
favourite places in the world and how she planned
to visit them. In For the Culture section, we discuss
the reinvention of millennial women and how they
hustle, as well as a look at the importance of “culture
schooling”, especially in an international setting.
Whoo! Jam-packed, or what? I am so proud of everyone
who helped in bringing this issue together, and
grateful to the contributors and readers who are vital
in making Out and About STYLE Magazine a resource
and inspiration for everyone around the globe!
Enjoy! And feel free to reach out to me any time via our
social media channels.

CONTENTS
SECTION 1
FASHION
• Fashion Feature
• Nilofar Khan
• Fashion Pieces That Will Not Go out of Style
SECTION 2 BEAUTY
• Makeup Madness with Katrina - 5 Hydrating Foundations
for All Skin Types
• DIY Body Washes & Body Soaps That Deserve a Special
Place in Your Shower!
SECTION 3 BEHIND THE BRAND
• Behind the Brand with Donna Benton - Founder of
the ENTERTAINER
SECTION 4
• MKO
SECTION 5
TALENT POOL
TAKING LESSONS
• Taking Lessons from the Chairman of Gift Global Initiative -
Keith Kirkwood
SECTION 6 EVENTS
• International Women Entrepreneurs Show (IWES) 2019
SECTION 7 LIFESTYLE
• Teaching People How to Treat You
• Men and Mental Health
• Dealing With Grief in Relationships
FOOD
• 7 Sugar-Free Dessert Ideas
FITNESS
• Intermittent Fasting: A Beginner’s Guide to Scheduling your Meals
• What Exercises Are For Your Body Type?
• Yummy Mommy - Sadaf Majdy Khan
SECTION 8 TRAVEL
• Tales from The RedRidingWanderer (Aahna)
SECTION 9 FOR THE CULTURE
• Of Reinvention and the millennial woman: The “multiple
streams of income” hustle!
• Culture Schooling: Cultural Restoration in a Home Away
from Home

The idea is to get to The Pointe on the 14th of November for a night of Party, Music,
Fashion, Art, Entertainment and Artertainment. The theme is “Party at The Pointe” in
conjunction with Art Fusion Night and Kojac Legacy - brands associated with MKO.
We have partnered with The Pointe Palm Jumeirah (Nakheel) to bring you an
unforgettable experience. Come and experience some of the finest art and
fashion showcase in a more vibrant space. Remember to come with your dancing
shoes. This will cost you nothing. All you have to do is signup through our website
www.artfusionnight.com or email us at info@artfusionnight.com, and you are in for a
night of Party and Artertainment.
FOR TABLE
BOOKINGS,
CONTACT:
Kojac Legacy team
Albert Carter:
+971565241332 or
Nour: +971557228404.

Nilofar
K h a n
Instagram:
@neelu_khan

Style
is a way
to say
who you are
without
having
to speak.

Nilofar Khan is a fashion stylist who has worked with
some of the biggest projects in the entertainment
industry. She hails from India and is based between
Mumbai and Dubai. Khan was raised in Dubai and
worked as a fashion, luxury and lifestyle influencer,
mainly with the Dubai Tourism Brand Ambassador
Retail Programme.
Khan is currently among the top 50 luxury fashion
and lifestyle bloggers for multinational retail chains
and luxury brands in Dubai. She is associated
with more than 100 high-end luxury and lifestyle
brands. Some of these brands include Dubai
Tourism, Emaar Group, Dubai Parks & Resorts,
Dubai World Cup, Rado, Omega, Mercedes-Benz,
Paco Rabanne, Google, Bentley Motors, Burj Al
Arab, Sandro Paris, Stello, among others.
She is currently in Mumbai working on various
projects in the Bollywood industry and involved
in personal and editorial styling. She is also
associated with the Fad International Luxury
Fashion Academy for fashion styling. Recently, she
was part of a fashion event by Vogue Italia & Fad
International, where she worked with some of the
biggest names in the industry.

Khan’s social handles and blog are dedicated
to all things style, as well as her adventures in
fashion, lifestyle, and beyond. She keeps her
followers in the loop with current trends, and
fashion finds via fashion posts.
Describing her personal style, Khan
expressed admiration for the classics while
also staying active with the latest trends.
She is currently obsessed with leather,
power suits, trainers, the punk spirit, prints,
and sweaters. However, her closet staples
include hoodies, pumps, abayas, leggings,
handbags, and a little black dress. Khan
names one fashion rule that she would never
break: she swears that a designer handbag is
the best investment.
Khan mentions that she is very interested
in sustainable fashion, which is booming
for good reasons. Looking at the fact that
the fashion industry is one of the biggest
contributors to climate change and global
warming, she expresses her support for
sustainable fashion brands that encourage
the use of biodegradable fabrics.
Here are Nilofar Khan’s top 5
beauty products that she cannot live
without:
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
• Clinique Toner
• Lush Lip scrub
• Erborian CC Cream.

THIS
OR
THAT?
Heels or flats?
90s grunge or 60s glam?
Neatly done or messy hair?
Jeans or leggings?
Dresses or jumpsuits?
Classic clothing or trendy pieces?
Leather jackets or denim jackets?
Earrings or necklaces?
Mini or maxi dresses?
Massive tote or little clutch?
HEELS
90S GRUNGE
MESSY HAIR
LEGGINGS
DRESSES
TRENDY PIECES
DENIM JACKETS
EARRINGS
MINI DRESSES
LITTLE CLUTCH

Fashion
Pieces
That Will Not Go
Out of Style!

Fashion is constantly changing with a change that could be increasingly
low for one item (say: bootcut jeans, fedoras or graphic tees) and
surprisingly high for another. However, some exceptions may stick
around, mainly because people are not ready to give them up. Some
fashion trends are endowed with universal appeal for all ages: always
‘in’ and timeless as always.
Those are called the ‘classics’: the ones we whip out in times we prefer
to express ‘safe’, acceptable fashion statements confidently. Let’s
connect you with the ten fashion pieces that will never go out of style
- even if you have personally discarded them before.
A single ‘You’ doesn’t matter - the entire circle matters. It’s just that
everybody has a different taste for classic pieces.
1. Jeans
Jeans are essential classics: a lasting symbol of youth rebellion and an
indestructible piece of clothing of flexibility, mobility and hard labour.
Thanks to its form-fitting versatility, jeans work for anybody at any time
of the day.
From the early 1870s, when a major designer brand patented the first
pair of jeans, jeans have never lost their niche in the fashion market.
Today, there are many types of jeans to choose from: boot cuts, slim
types, loose, and flared varieties. An average woman owns seven pairs
of jeans, so make sure to own a favourite pair, or ten—if you rock jeans
every day of the week!

2. Aviator Sunglasses
Fashion gurus can tell that aviator
sunglasses are here to stay. Originally
intended to give pilots clear vision and
protection for their eyes during flight,
aviator sunglasses were developed in
1936 by Bausch & Lomb. Since their
arrival, aviators have become iconic.
They’re unisex (the Ray-Ban version!)
and have remained in popularity ever
since. Grab a pair to keep your eyes
protected from harmful UV rays while
sporting a cool and sexy vibe!
3. Leather Jackets
Action stars, rogue cowboys and badass
motorcycle riders share a stereotyped
fashion statement in movies and
magazines: they love to sport leather
jackets! Whether faded or glossy new,
faux or authentic, leather jackets scream
a strong and intimidating statement—
radiating a raw, masculine aura.
Designed as safety vests for protection,
leather jackets are built to last and are
made from thick and heavy tanned hide
from cows, sheep and antelope. To
some, these are not only flashy fashion
symbols but also reliable protective
equipment to prevent bodily injury
and insulate the body from harsh
temperatures. Paired with a simple tee
and casual jeans, a leather jacket looks
stunning and understatedly fashionable
for both men and women.

4. Trainers
Trainers made for everyday wear and
tear of exercise are glorified basics of the
fashion and fitness world. These basics are
absolute ‘must-haves’ for athletes, gym
freaks and people on-the-go, with many
types and varieties to choose from for every
sport and user. As ubiquitous footwears,
trainers are worn for its practical mobility
and convenience. In the streets, schools,
or even as part of semi-formal office attire,
trainers are perfect for daily commuting
and travel.
Major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and
Skechers release unique and innovative
sports shoes every year, improving product
materials and designs. Most designer
brands add memory foams and recycled
plastics in their trainers to enhance comfort
and promote environmental sustainability.
To spice up your everyday style, pair your
semi-formal sleeved shirts and black fitted
pants with white trainers. Rock the active
look in the day and head straight to the
gym after office hours!
5. Three-Piece Suits
Whether to dress up for a nerve-wracking
presentation or a wedding, men and
women are already up and ready in a threepiece
suit without a moment’s delay. Suits
are established formal classics, defining
sophistication and professionalism.
Before suiting up, we recommend having
your trusted tailor custom-fit your apparel
to enhance your figure. Burly or ill-fitting
suits appear awkward, as well as unusual,
showy patterns and colours. Do button
your jacket when standing, and unbutton
it when you’re seated. The waistcoat
should be kept at length covering the belt
section, but not too long as to drape over
your legs. Mind the fabric as well! During
summer, wear crisp and light fabrics. Go
for textured jackets in winter to add flair to
a cool evening dinner. Remember to keep
a subtle expression and good posture
to do justice to an exquisite three-piece
suit—and be ready to be a head-turner.

6. White Shirts
For days when indecision and lack of
style inspiration strike, a white shirt has to
be the universal answer. White shirts are
popular for their versatility and simplicity,
and mainly because everyone embraces
the concept of having at least one white
shirt in the closet.
Mainly reserved for casual Thursdays,
quick brunches, or when you want to nail
that flawless ‘blogger’ look, everyone
has a different liking to a white shirt.
Most people opt for the basic roundneck
or V-neck T-shirts while others go
for a crispier, button-downs. We love
that everyone can wear white tees the
way they want!
7. Loafers
Let all men and women stand upright at
the mention of loafers. Yes, you heard
us! This style isn’t going to disappear
anytime soon. Men may predominantly
wear loafers, but more women are also
embracing this trend. Just as many men
and women love trainers, loafers, which
are laceless and low, are comfortable,
effortless, and can be both dressed
up and dressed down. Whichever way
you want to wear this classic footwear,
whether paired with suits or jeans,
loafers are versatile items you need on
your shoe racks.

8. Patterned Blazers
Patterned blazers are not only chic and
bold: these eclectic apparel can also bring
out your shoulders and provide a cinchedin
waist, resulting in a taller, slimmer frame.
Blazers are here to stay, and we’re so glad
they are. Not only do they look good on
everyone, but they also make the perfect
fashion accessory to dress up an outfit or
dress down for a casual day.
In the 1960s, striped blazers first became
popular as more icons and celebrities
donned unique patterns and fabrics.
Since then, blazers have stayed in the
fashion niche as a favourite classic. Today,
men and women sport casual and formal
looks with patterned blazers of their
liking.
9. Floral Prints
Floral and nature-inspired prints are
commonly associated with the colours
of fall and summer, but with the right
styling and vibrant confidence, you can
make floral prints an all-season trend!
Floral prints look pretty, delicate and
dainty on everything—be it shirts,
trousers, dresses, jumpsuits, and the
list goes on. For men, donning a
hibiscus-patterned shirt might be a
tricky territory to embrace, but they can
manage to look hot for a casual day at
the beach or a family barbecue. Put on
your florals with a confident smile and
get blooming!

10. Classic Analogue Watches
Classic analogue watches are genuinely
everlasting pieces that will stay in
fashion for years to come. The vintage
appearance of the dial paired with the
warm texture of the leather strap sets
analogue watches apart from even
the most fashionable styles of digital
watches today.
Watches are items of investment which
can be passed from generation to
generation, like a bequest or family
heirloom. Minimalist watch designs
appear impressive without even trying!
Our Message
Classic fashion trends combine the norms of form and function. Wear what makes
you comfortable in your skin: express your individuality and embrace the comfort
you need. You don’t have to become a slave to rages and trends just to be socially
acceptable. Stay classic and timeless!

ORDER NOW

M A K E U P
M A D N E S S
WITH
Hydrating
Foundations
for All
Skin Types
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Are you obsessed with a foundation that
treats the skin while making your skin look and feel healthy? Well, I am.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you will be, too.
We are moving into the autumn and winter seasons so add that
Hyaluronic Acid to your skincare routine and don’t forget to add
foundation that hydrates and keeps your skin looking amazing during
and after wear.

1. Fenty Beauty Hydration Foundation:
Recognising the need for a hydrating
Pro Filter formula that normal to dry skin
types will love.
This foundation was created with Grape
Seed Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate to
give skin the nourishing hydration it
needs to stay comfortable all day.
Longwear, coverage, and hydration:
Now you can have it all in 50 shades—
each one delivered in a portable tube
that makes it easy to take with you
wherever you go.
2. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted
Moisturiser Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
is a translucent shield of oil-free
formula to moisturise, brighten and
protect your skin with advanced
sun protection. Restore your natural
glow with natural ingredients
and reduce the appearance of
hyperpigmentation and dark spots,
too.

3. Beauty Bakerie Aqua
Glass Foundation
A hydrating foundation that serves comfortable
wear and is best applied with a damp blending
egg sponge or your favourite foundation brush.
It is best paired with InstaBake 3-in-1 Hydrating
Concealer for an overall Insta-worthy finish.
4. Hello Happy Flawless
Brightening Foundation
Happiness is a brighter, hydrating, flawlesslooking
complexion. Hello, Happy is made with
photochromic pigments that adapt and brighten
skin in any lighting, flower acids to help boost
radiance, and hyaluronic acid to attract moisture
to the skin’s surface and help maintain hydration.
5. Bobbi Brown Skin
Foundation SPF 15
Key ingredient are Marine Sugar Cane: Helps
control excess oil and shine.
And Glycerin: Delivers refreshing hydration.

Glamorous
evening makeup
Bold eyes and glossy lips
Model: Kiara Kardinal
Photo and retouch: Andrea Marton
Makeup: Anett Hriczo and Liv Rideg
Hair: Liv Rideg
Dress: Charlotte Rose
Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary

Dreaming princess
Glamorous makeup
Bold eyes and glossy lips
Model: Kiara Kardinal
Photo and retouch: Andrea Marton
Makeup: Anett Hriczo and Liv Rideg
Hair: Liv Rideg
Dress: Charlotte Rose
Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary

DIY Body Washes &
Body Soaps That Deserve
a Special Place in Your Shower!
You might have been told that a body
soap might not be enough for your
skin as soaps can be drying and acnecausing.
You have probably never tried
to make a body soap of your own, as
most people don’t. If you happen to be
plagued with pesky body issues—read
on and be enlightened.
Our five DIY body washes and body
soaps will change how you feel about
DIY beauty. They’re not only a fantastic
way to ‘clean’ and ‘green’ your shower
routine, but they are also easy to whip
up in minutes with ingredients that
are readily available in your kitchen
cabinets!
The Benefits Of DIY Body
Washes and Body Soaps
For some of us, shelling out money on trending body
washes and soaps is a guilty pleasure. Oh, how can we
forget about coming upon a steal of a deal? While you
might partake on the joys of fleeting beauty trends,
you might not take into account the questionable
ingredients you’re unknowingly exposing yourself into.
The skin ‘drinks’ up the products applied onto it as its
outer layer naturally absorbs permeable substances.
Later on, these harmful ingredients might accumulate,
which might lead to unavoidable health problems.

Natural is Better
Natural products don’t involve cheap and synthetic ingredients (dyes, preservatives, artificial
fragrances—you get it) which might have adverse effects on your skin. They are generally better
and safer for your body, not to mention for your overall health and wellness.
Natural Heals
While natural products may take considerable time to target skin problems, their healing results
are far superior to lab-created chemicals. Natural products are enriched with organically-sourced
nutrients and antioxidants to banish free radicals and skin issues like acne, redness, dryness, and
other skin problems without potentially exacerbating these problems further.
Safer for the Environment
Green practices are responsible and sustainable, not only for you but for the entire planet. As
citizens, we should be ecologically mindful of potentially damaging products and activities.
The harmful chemicals from cosmetics and toiletries are washed down the drains or dumped in
landfills, contaminating water, air, land and even animals in their native habitat. Natural products
involve safe production and manufacturing techniques that curtail the release of hazardous waste
in the environment, as well as non-invasive testing methods that don’t involve animal cruelty.

1. Homemade Body Wash for Dry Skin
Dry skin ages quicker than other skin types. Inadequate hydration is the main
culprit behind the loss of skin elasticity and tone. This DIY body wash quenches
dull, dehydrated skin while luxuriously pampering your body. Try this now, or you’ll
be missing out a delightful treat your skin will surely love!
INGREDIENTS
1. Coconut oil 1/4 cup
2. Liquid Castile soap 1/2 cup
3. Raw honey 1/4 cup
4. Vitamin E 1 tsp
5. Sweet orange essential oil 10 drops
6. Grapefruit or Lemon essential oil 10 drops
7. Eucalyptus essential oil 15 drops
METHOD
• Melt the coconut oil in room temperature. To speed up this process, you may
heat the oil over medium heat for 30 seconds.
• Mix in Vitamin E, raw honey, and essentials oils and whisk them together.
• Stir gently as you take your time to add Castile soap to prevent suds.
• Transfer the mixture to a glass bottle with a dispenser. Shake well before use.
2. Homemade Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
This body wash recipe addresses skin sensitivity while providing soothing comfort
to tired skin. It’s gentle, hydrating, and won’t aggravate any existing skin problems.
INGREDIENTS
1. Shea Butter 1/2 cup
2. Almond Oil 1/2 cup
3. Rose Essential Oil 10 drops
4. Liquid Castile Soap 1 cup
METHOD
• Heat the shea butter and mix in almond oil.
• Add the liquid castile soap slowly to avoid suds and mix in the rose essential oil.
• Give it a light-handed swirl and transfer to a bottle with a dispenser.
• Shake well before use.

3. Homemade Body Wash Without Castile Soap
Not everyone is a fan of Castile soap. We have included a recipe that does not
use Castile soap while keeping the cleansing benefits of non-organic, sudsy body
washes. It’s a basic homemade body wash—something you and your family will be
pleased to use. This DIY body wash has a naturally invigorating scent and helps
with the prevention of body acne.
INGREDIENTS
1. African black soap 1/4 cup
2. Glycerin 1 Tbsp
3. Distilled water 1/2 cup
4. Vitamin E oil 1 tsp
5. Guar Gum 1/2 tsp
6. Tea tree oil 5 drops
7. Lavender oil 5 drops
METHOD
• Boil the distilled water and add the soap. If the soap is in solid form, grate the
soap block first before adding it into the boiling water. Allow the soap to melt
into the water.
• Add the rest of the ingredients.
• Take a dispenser bottle and transfer the resulting mixture.
• Shake well before use.
4. Homemade Body Soap for Oily Skin
Taking a shower is an energising routine for most of us. Slathering a luxurious body
soap enriches the experience, perhaps making it more relaxing.
This delightful DIY soap can be used on your scalp, face, and body—helping unclog
pores and remove unnecessary oils without stripping off your skin’s natural oil barrier.
INGREDIENTS
1. An opaque melt and pour soap base
454 grams (1 pound)
2. Sunflower or Avocado oil 1 Tbsp
3. Shea butter (melted) 1 Tsp
4. Beeswax (grated or chips) 1 Tsp
METHOD
• Add oil, beeswax, and shea butter into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until
the ingredients have started to melt. Or use the double-boiler technique.
• Melt the opaque base in a double-boiler.
• Add the melted oil, shea butter, and beeswax to the melted soap base. Gently
stir and combine!
• Pour the mixture into the prepared mould and spray rubbing alcohol to prevent
bubbles. Let it cool and harden before use!

5. Homemade Exfoliating
Body Soap for Glowing Skin
This homemade exfoliating body soap is ideal for flaky and dull skin. We
also pride this body soap for use as a daily facial soap as it gently sloughs off
dead skin cells without being harshly abrasive. It nourishes the rough skin on
the hands and feet while replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier. It’s a perfect
present on Mother’s Day, or for any special occasion!
INGREDIENTS
1. Goat’s milk soap base 454 grams (1 pound)
2. Pink Himalayan salt 1/4 cup
3. Grapefruit essential oil 20 drops
4. Silicone soap mould
5. Soap stamp
METHOD
• Either melt the base in the microwave while gently stirring every
30 seconds, or opt for the double-boiler process.
• Place the stamp in the mould - right side up.
• Take off the soap base from heat and stir in the essential oil.
• Add in pink Himalayan salt while the base is still hot.
• Quickly transfer the mixture to the mould.
• Let the soap harden for two hours before taking out of the mould.

6. Homemade Glycerin
Body Soap for Creativity
This homemade glycerin body soap
feels ten times more luxurious, gentler,
creamier, and nourishing than its
chemically-infused counterparts. We
recommend this easy soap recipe to
bring out your innate creativity. The
body soap makes for an awesome,
personalised gift, and making it is a fun,
productive way to spend the holidays!
INGREDIENTS
1. Herbs: dried flowers/leaves, eucalyptus,
hibiscus, juniper berries, rosemary or dried
citrus peels.
2. Glycerin melt and pour soap base (available
from craft stores).
3. Essentials oils (of your choice or eucalyptus,
rosemary, lemon and orange.)
4. Silicon moulds, cups or trays (various sizes).
METHOD
• Follow package directions to melt the base, or follow the instructions in the soap recipes above. Chopping
the base into cubes would render it easier to melt.
• Gently and carefully add drops of essential oils (approx. five drops per ounce of soap used).
• Mix gently to avoid bubbles! Tap the jar or container gently on the countertop to release any trapped
bubbles.
• Place the herbs into the mould and pour in the soap base.
• Let it cool for one hour or more if required. Squeeze the now solid soap out of the mould. Store it in an
airtight jar or create presents.
OUR MESSAGE
Keep in mind that these DIY body washes and body soaps have a
recommended shelf life of six months to one year.

Glitter, Sparkles
& Tears of Joy!
We are all about making your celebrations truly shine. This family
business, started right here in Dubai, is passionate about celebrations,
from surprise engagements to weddings, baby showers to birthdays,
adding a personalised touch to your special occasion. Our fully
customised, reusable cake toppers are our signature product and
started it all. Life is a celebration, the more you celebrate your life, the
more there is in life to celebrate - join the Party!
Follow us on Social Media
@_the_party
the party
hello@theparty.ae

DONNA BENTON
FOUNDER of the ENTERTAINER
Instagram: @donnabentonfounder

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
AND YOUR CAREER
Originally from Melbourne, Australia,
I’ve been in Dubai for almost 20
years. I have two children – Chloe
and Jack, and we live a normal life
in Umm Suqeim. I love exercising,
travelling, socialising and discovering
new restaurants.
I’m very passionate about my work. I
founded the ENTERTAINER in 2001
– the leading Buy One Get One Free
incentive brand in the Middle East.
Last year I sold an 85% stake in the
business, which enabled me to invest
more time in my other businesses,
projects and some new start-ups. It’s
non-stop, and I love it that way.

2. TELL US ABOUT THE ENTERTAINER. HOW
DID IT COME ABOUT, AND WHERE IS IT NOW?
I started the ENTERTAINER in 2001; I was driving
down the then Sheikh Zayed Road, and I was
astounded by the number of restaurants I saw. I
wondered how they entice customers to visit, and
that’s where the idea for the ENTERTAINER came
from. With AUD$3,000 in my bank account and
an internet café as my office, I began my business
proposal. I met with merchants and developed the
Buy One Get One Free concept that is now so loved.
What started as a print publication 18 years ago, is
now an award winning App with over 300 staff and
10,000 merchants in 15 countries. I’m incredibly
proud of what we’ve achieved as a company.
3. WHAT OTHER BUSINESS VENTURES HAVE
YOU ENGAGED IN SINCE THE ENTERTAINER?
Most recently I became a shareholder of the Sunset
Hospitality Group which is involved in some of the
UAE’s latest F&B concepts: Black Tap, Luigia Ristorante,
Azure Beach Club at Rixos Premium Dubai, Drift Beach
Club and SushiSamba (coming to the Palm Jumeirah in
2020). It’s an amazing, supportive team and feels like
family already.
I’m also the owner of Chloe’s Beauty, Hair and Nails in
Umm Suqeim – an affordable salon that opens at 7 am
for working women and busy mums. And I’m an active
partner in Dawson Sports; we supply sports equipment
and apparel to gyms, clubs, schools and nurseries and
have the distribution rights to Suunto sports watches in
the GCC. We are opening our first Dawson Sports retail
store in Mercato Mall on Jumeirah Beach Road at the
end of November, which is very exciting.

4. WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF SUCCESS?
My idea of success is seeing what you
imagined brought to life; right from the
embryonic stage of a project or business
through to execution and profitability. It’s
about having a great idea and bringing
all the elements together to make it work.
I also believe the difference between
success and failure is a strong team.
It’s important to surround yourself with
people who are passionate. Get to know
your staff and understand what makes
them tick. Listen and ask for their ideas
and opinions from the start. The more
you empower your people, the more they
will thrive. They are your human capital.
5. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE
ABOUT?
From a professional level, I’m passionate
about people. Life is about building
relationships, putting trust in your team
and being loyal to those around you. I’ll
take a chance on someone with a ‘spark’
and hunger to learn over a resume. I
surround myself with people who are just
as motivated and determined as me and
who love what they do. I expect people
to work hard and celebrate every small
success with me along the way. Firm, fair
and fun is what I believe in.
Outside work, health and fitness is a huge
part of my life. I love exercise – it’s great
‘me’ time. There are huge health benefits
to being fit and active – not only does it
help me stay in shape; it releases stress,
gives me energy and gets my creativity
going. I also love spending time with my
kids, loved ones and friends.
6. WHO AND WHAT MOTIVATES
YOU?
I’m inspired by people like Richard
Branson and Steve Jobs. Anyone with
money can start a business, but I really
look up to people who start from nothing,
have a great idea and the determination
to make it work – I know what a tough
road it can be.
7. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE
TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO
QUIT THEIR 9-5 TO WORK ON THEIR
PASSION?
If you have a good idea, passion,
determination and a strong work ethic,
then you can do anything. Starting your
own business isn’t easy – if it were easy,
everyone would do it. There’s a huge
amount of research that must go into any
new start-up. You need to find a gap in the
market, conduct a feasibility study and be
guided by the numbers – this is key to
running a successful business. Being an
entrepreneur is extremely rewarding, but
it doesn’t come without risk. You’ve got
to trust your instincts and stay focused on
your goals. Don’t let anyone say you can’t
do it.

8. HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS THE
BUSINESS GREW?
I’m extremely visionary and all about
action, and over the years I’ve learnt that
it’s important to crawl before you can walk.
It’s about the journey, not the destination.
Sometimes it’s worth pausing if it means
getting the job done properly. As I start
new projects, I’m continually learning.
What worked in one environment is entirely
different in another, and I need to be
flexible and adapt. Continuous learning is
essential to reaching your goals.
9. WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT
YOU WISH YOU KNEW EARLIER?
Nothing! Making mistakes along the way is
important. It’s the best way to learn. When
something doesn’t go to plan, I don’t dwell.
I appreciate the experience and move on
quickly!
10. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY
GOALS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
I’m excited about the upcoming launch of
SushiSamba at the Palm Jumeirah – one of
the hottest restaurants in London and Las
Vegas; it’s sure to be a huge success here
with incredible views of the Marina skyline
and Arabian Gulf.
Towards the end of November, we are
opening our first Dawson Sports retail
outlet at Mercato Mall; I’m excited to see
that business grow further and become a
household name across the GCC.
I’m also working on a couple of new
projects. I only invest in things that I love;
I firmly believe you need to be passionate
about what you do, and that means you
also need to enjoy what you do. I’m feeling
energised about what’s to come, and while
I can’t go into details right now, I’m pulling
together a team to help me get started.
Watch this space.
11. HOW DO YOU BALANCE CAREER
AND BEING A MUM?
I have two fabulous children whom I love
and adore. I love being a mum – it’s the
most rewarding job there is. There’s no
denying it can be difficult. You need to
learn to prioritise, multitask and be flexible.
I plan my weeks ahead of time and ensure
I put time aside for my family. I’m an early
riser which also helps – the earlier I’m up,
the more I can get out of my day. I also
have a large support network around me,
who are always there when I need them. If
you want to be a great mum and have a
career too, you can! You must want it badly
enough.
12. WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU
LIVE BY?
“Life is for living”.
I love what I do – I believe there’s no reward
without risk. I work hard, but I don’t take
myself too seriously. I bring a smile to
the office every day and surround myself
(friends and colleagues) with people who
make me laugh. I love to stay fit, exercise
and socialise. And I love food: pasta, pizza,
nachos, cheese and sweets – there’s no
holding back. I have one life, and I plan on
making the most of it.

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Name: Maduabuchi Kingsley Okpor
Stage name: MKO

1. WHO IS MKO?
I am a Nigerian Afro-pop singersongwriter,
entrepreneur, founder
of Art Fusion Night, a self-taught
chef, a people person and believer
in better days ahead—because
everyday is a new opportunity.
As the brand known as MKO, I
have been able to leverage myself
to promote affiliate brands such
as tourism entities, venues and
lifestyle brands.
2. WHAT DOES MKO MEAN?
MKO are my initials. It stands for
Maduabuchi Kingsley Okpor. That’s
a bit of a mouthful so going with
my initials as a stage and recording
name made sense. Besides, it has
a ring to it, don’t you think? By the
way, the meaning of my first name,
Maduabuchi, is ‘No man is God’. In
Africa, we say that there is always a
meaning attached to a name, and
it’s true. Our names play a significant
role in our lives as we grow. My
parents still say, “Remember what
your name means—‘No man is
God’—so, you should never be
afraid to face anybody wherever
you find yourself.” Confidence
should always come first, and this
has always helped me whenever
I go into any situation–business,
creatively or otherwise.
3. WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?
YOUR LOVE FOR MUSIC AND
WANTING TO GET INTO THE
MUSIC INDUSTRY.
Music has always been part of my
growing up. My father has always
been a music lover, and he had
all the classics in the house. From
a young age, I could sing along
to many of the classics—records
that someone from my generation
would probably not know about.
So growing up, I’ve always listened
to good music. When I say good
music, I mean meaningful music—
music in which the lyrics are very
personal and relatable. I would say
I started at a very young age, say, at
the age of six; and by the age of 12,
I had already started performing in
school. I would always do covers
from the likes of Bobby Brown,
Tracey Chapman, The Jackson 5,
and others. Then, I joined a band.
We were having fun getting small
gigs here and there. We were just
happy to be a part of something. I
used to be the one who sang all the
ballads and did the writing, while
the other guys would rap. Many
years down the line, I started writing
for other people, and then I wrote
for a friend of mine—that song was
picked up in Mauritius, her home
country, and that’s when I went
back to music properly because it
just made sense. I can sing and I
can write so I might as well do it for
myself.
4. OUTSIDE OF MUSIC, WHAT
DO YOU DO?
Well, music has always been
a passion, but it came second
because I had to eat. When I
moved out to the UAE, music was
something I was doing, and my
full-time job was supporting me
in terms of paying the bills, studio
time, music videos, etc. When I
first moved to Dubai, I worked for
a few multinational companies
such as PriceWaterhouseCoopers,
Lawrence Graham and Executive
Expatriate Relocations. I did
everything from operations
and quality control, to business
development. Meanwhile, I started
to manage a creative platform
called Art Fusion Night.
Outside of business, I love to
spend time with family and friends,
particularly keeping up with my
dad (who is my role model) and Mr
Babatola Akinkugbe (my mentor). I
also enjoy cooking, hosting people,
and being social.

5. IS DUBAI HOME?
I would say wherever I am is home. I’ve lived here for 11
years, so at the moment Dubai is home. When I moved
out here 11 years ago, I knew no one at all. I was able
to stop being homesick and attached myself to Dubai
by building relationships with the people I worked
with, and they were my first family. Fast-forward a few
years—I started creating my own community, which is
how I was able to put together my own events. So now
when I put on an event, I can rely on my community
to show up to support me. With what I’ve done over
the years, I understand that building and maintaining
relationships is key. As an international artist with a
local appeal, I also feel at home when I travel to Kenya,
Ghana, Mauritius, Seychelles or anywhere else.
6. DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC.
My musical style has developed over the years. When
you listen to my first single “Still Into You”, you’ll be
blown away because it’s completely different from
everything else I’ve done since. I feel I have shown a lot
of growth evidenced in the inclusive nature of my new
album, Diverse, which features many different genres.
I just want people—sometimes, even when they are
dancing—to stop for a moment and listen to the lyrics.
Sure, the beats get you jumping every once in a while,
but when you’re in that quiet moment listening to the
lyrics, you are sure to take something from them.
7. TALK US THROUGH THE ALBUM AND THE
LAUNCH.
My album is called Diverse because I’m based in Dubai,
which is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
One of those places where you learn about different
people and their cultures, without travelling to their
countries—and when you do travel to their countries,
you will feel at home. So I had to create something
just as diverse and relatable to almost everyone. We
have songs in Arabic, Swahili, Twi (Ghanaian language),
Nigerian Pidgin English, Yoruba and Igbo (my mother

tongue). The idea behind the album launch was to
be very inclusive and bring everyone together in one
space. The listening party was not your usual listening
party, where there is only music, drinks, and people
making a lot of noise. We went for a different approach.
We made a strong statement by having an invitationonly
guest list of industry stalwarts: we had the likes of
Abri, DJ Neptune and Adina (as well as some amazing
homegrown talents) all come through, and we held
a panel discussion that covered topics such as the
music scene in the UAE and abroad, and how we can
effectively impact growth. We had a lot of fun, and it
was a game-changer.
8. INSPIRATION: WHAT INSPIRES YOUR MUSIC
AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS A PERSON?
As a person, my inspiration comes from wanting to
learn. I meet all kinds of people every day— people
with different creative ideas and dreams. I get inspired
by looking for innovative ways to come up with creative
concepts or ideas for more opportunities for other
creatives and myself. People’s success stories also
inspire me as a person. In my music, all kinds of things
inspire me: from the beautiful scenery, situations that
surround me, to being in a studio when I hear a great
beat. These things play a big part in my writing. I would
say that in general as a creative, inspiration comes from
anywhere, and when I want to get into that creative
zone and it doesn’t come at that moment, I allow it to
happen naturally, and it comes to me in its own time.
9. MOTIVATION: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU,
ESPECIALLY WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH?
As a creative, my number one motivation comes
from when people tell me that I can’t do something.
That is my number one driver so I’m not afraid to fail.
When I bring my ideas to people and they say, it’s not
going to work, the goal is to make it work. And that’s
what motivates me, especially if I believe in what I
want to do.

10. THE NIGERIAN PARENTS: WHAT
DO THEY THINK OF YOUR CAREER IN
MUSIC?
My father always says to me, “I know that you can
always succeed in anything you want to do, but I
just don’t know why you chose to make music.”
So that made me question him, and I said, “Dad
if you believe that I can do anything I want, why
do you doubt music?” He said he doesn’t doubt
me, but it’s just a difficult path. And I can relate
now. My family has always been very supportive,
but I can assure you that music was never their
first choice for me because I’ve always been
very driven, and they felt I could accomplish a
lot more doing other things. But when I said that
music is the way forward, they allowed me to do
that, which is very unusual. They’ve been very
supportive, and their support comes from them
believing in me because I believe in myself.
11. WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH
- HOW DO YOU KEEP IT TOGETHER IN
SUCH A BUSY INDUSTRY?
It can be hard to keep it together, because it’s
a lot of work, especially when I had my fulltime
job. I would wake up as early as five in the
morning—workout first—before being at work
by nine. Sometimes, I would have conferences
where I had to be at work by seven. Sometimes
I would have been at a music gig the previous
night, which would finish at three in the morning,
and then I would get home by four and still had
to be to work in a few short hours. That was
challenging. I believe mental health comes from
your state of mind. You always have to find bliss
in everything you do. In addition, mental health
is also driven by our physical wellness, which I
maintain through daily workouts and maintaining
a healthy eating lifestyle.

12. WHAT’S THE DREAM?
The dream is to be remembered
as MKO, not just as a singer but
as that guy who made an impact,
who made a change. It could be
in music; it could be in helping
another creative blossom. It could
be growing tourism in Africa. I want
people to be able to show up to a
venue because MKO is going to be
there and not even only because
I’m going to perform, but when I do
perform, it becomes a plus.
If I can speak frankly, I have seen so
many creatives do the impossible,
because MKO made them believe
it’s possible. Even though there
are people who are not aware of
MKO, the change and impact I’ve
had in the creative community in
Dubai make it so that there is always
somebody within the environment
who can reference me. “Have you
met MKO?” “Have you heard about
Art Fusion Night?” “Did you know
he launched his album?” “And
he had a listening party that was
sponsored by Dubai Tourism.” So
somehow, I feel like I am already
living the dream, and the dream is
to make a positive change.
13. WHERE DO WE FIND
YOUR MUSIC?
MKO is on all the major platforms
from iTunes to Amazon to Spotify,
and the list goes on. And on social
media, you can find me @MKO_
world, and I’m on YouTube so you
can look up my music video such
as MKO – “Still Into You” “Good
Lovin,” “Relate” and others. I also
have a new single called Diverse,
which is the first track of my
album. I think it’s going to have
a significant impact on the music
industry in the UAE, so check out
for that as well.
14. ART FUSION NIGHT:
WHERE DID IT START AND
WHERE IS IT NOW?
I started Art Fusion Night about
three years ago with a couple of
other creatives. Our first event got
cancelled, and the second one got
cancelled as well. Why? Because
the venue was not sure what was
required in terms of permits, etc.—
and that demotivated the other
people I was working with, and they
pulled out. Art Fusion Night was a
concept I brought to people who felt
like it was impossible for anybody
to come out and watch creatives
that are not already famous. When
I was asked, I said, “People focus
on who is coming, as opposed to
what they’re bringing to the table.
You’re celebrating celebrities who
don’t even know who you are. But
this time, you get to come up close
and personal with someone who is
probably more talented than a lot

of the people you celebrate.” And that was the vision
behind Art Fusion Night.
So far we’ve had ten editions of Art Fusion Night, and
we’ve seen so many creatives now grow to such great
heights that if they were to send you their performance
rate, you would be shocked at the value they now
command.
At Art Fusion Night, we showcase music, art, fashion,
poetry, comedy and all sorts of creative performances.
When we started, some people had their paintings in
the restrooms, and now they have art pieces in galleries
and prestigious venues and showcased at events like
the Global Business Forum, At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa),
and several other places. We’ve collaborated with
Davidoff, Capital Club, Dubai Tourism/Dubai Foodfest,
to name a few. It’s amazing that in just three short years,
we’ve done so much! Nowadays, we see many people
replicating the concept—but that was the vision—
for more platforms to come up for more creatives to
showcase themselves because we can never do it alone.
So we’ve rebranded where Art Fusion Night now takes
on a more corporate feel, and the reason is, it’s usually
those people that spend on your art. We want people
to buy art pieces from the artists that showcase at Art
Fusion Night so that they can continue their craft. It’s
been a great journey so far, and I am very proud of what
we have accomplished.
15. WHERE IS ART FUSION NIGHT HELD, AND
HOW DO WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IT?
We usually partner with different venues. The idea is,
apart from showcasing art, we also showcase outlets to
people. So we’ve had it at places such as Nikki Beach,
Capital Club in DIFC, Intersect by Lexus, At.mosphere
(Burj Khalifa) and Maison Rouge at the Conrad, but
it all started at Story Rooftop Lounge in Media City—
it’s all about the right venues. It’s all about showcasing
great venues that appreciate local creatives. By moving
the event around, we keep it exciting and fresh for our
discerning audience.
The next Art Fusion Night will be on the 14th of November
at the Pointe on The Palm Jumeirah, in collaboration with
Nakheel and we’re calling it, “Get To The Pointe—Party
At The Pointe,” and it’s going to be epic.
You can find out more about Art Fusion Night on our
website, www.artfusionnight.com. We always post our
upcoming events there. Also, follow us on Instagram
@ArtFusionNight to stay updated. It is a great way for
people to stay plugged into the local art scene and the
locally based creatives.

You can find out more about Art
Fusion Night on our website, www.
artfusionnight.com. We always
post our upcoming events there.
Also, follow us on Instagram
@ArtFusionNight to stay updated.
It is a great way for people to stay
plugged into the local art scene and
the locally based creatives.

Taking Lessons
from the Chairman of Gift Global Initiative

1. TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHARITY, GIFT
GLOBAL INITIATIVE?
GIFT is a nonprofit charitable organisation advocating
and serving the needs of the most disadvantaged
and vulnerable families, with a particular focus on
children, in some of the most deprived areas on
the planet. We believe in preventive measures to
strengthen the family unit, which further allows the
children to have a healthy start in life, the opportunity
to learn, and protection from harm.
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO GET
INVOLVED WITH CHARITY WORK AND
WHY GIFT GLOBAL INITIATIVE?
As Diplomats, we travel to many parts of the world.
When we visited countries that were considered
developing, we asked ourselves why they have
been stuck in the “developing” phase for so many
years. The World Bank has given these countries
millions of dollars to boost the economy and help
families prosper. We found out that most of the
money stays at the top and doesn’t make its way
to the ones who need it most. So, we decided that
we are going to do something different—not write
checks to foreign governments and or villages—but
instead bring exactly what is needed directly to the
people: cutting out the waste, fraud, and abuse
while respecting our donor dollars.
3. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR GIFT
GLOBAL INITIATIVE?
Our vision is to continue to expand GIFT into the
most vulnerable areas of our planet and reach the
highest number of families by building initiatives
such as sustainable housing, renewable energy,
clean water, schools for the children, and mobile
clinics for the communities. We want to create jobs
for these communities so that they can eventually
become self-sustaining places with healthy homes.
The other goal is to educate corporations,
governments and individuals about the importance
of nonprofits in the larger scheme of things. It is also
important to teach other nonprofits structured ways
to build their organisations. Many wonderful people
have nonprofits, many who are even using their own
money to help others, that need proper guidance,
structure, and strategy.
4. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
The ability to know that we can make a real difference
inspires me. When we see families that don’t have
food or are using a bucket for a toilet, it’s hard not
to want to help. We have been able to lift families
out of poverty by giving them the tools today to
succeed for tomorrow and providing a hand up—
not a handout.
5. WHAT’S YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL
PROGRAMME SO FAR, AND WHY?
All of our programmes are successful because we
start them and it is what the area/people are asking
for and need.
Currently, our GIFT of Solar Initiative is my personal
favourite because it does so many things—it
provides light to families, schools, and communities.
It provides the right tool for education for the kids; it
provides hospitals with a cheap source of electricity
that enables to cut cost and allocate that money to

serving the communities. You won’t believe
how cheap solar-powered lights are. A $15
donation can bring light to a home; a $50
donation can bring a solar stove to the
family.
The other hot favourite is the Clean
Water Initiative. With a silver-based water
purification, we are doing the following:
• Eliminating open defecation for
the nearly 900 million people who
continue to lack even the most
rudimentary sanitation.
• Bringing clean water, sanitation and
hygiene within reach of the most
disadvantaged.
• Supporting progress for those who
already have basic services, but still
don’t have truly safe drinking water
or adequate sanitation.

6. WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBSTACLES
THAT STAND BETWEEN YOU AND
YOUR MISSION, AND HOW DO YOU
PLAN TO OVERCOME THEM?
The greatest obstacle we face would be
funding for all these incredible initiatives.
People have a general distrust towards
charities and hold nonprofits to greater
scrutiny than they would hold a private
business. They also have an unrealistic
demand that nonprofits should not pay their
executives. We want to debunk this thought
process, establish trust and transparency
with our donors and be able to sustain the
charitable work by making sure that our
employees can pay their bills, take care of
their families, and sustain the good they are
trying to do out in the field. You can’t just
expect people to spend days and weeks in
the most deplorable horrific environments
helping children and families while they are
themselves getting evicted back home.
It takes a lot of work to be in the field, to
fundraise, to carry out public relations and
to travel. So, the biggest obstacle is time.
7. WHAT WOULD MAKE THE
MOST SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE
IN HELPING YOUR ORGANISATION
GET BETTER AT WHAT IT DOES?
Engagement from the private sector.
Companies typically donate to larger
nonprofits purely based on branding. We
want social entrepreneurs to think hard
about making a change to their corporate
giving by including grassroots authentic
nonprofits in their annual giving. We would
love to speak with the employees to steer
employee engagement through matching
gifts and other such policies. Remember,
75% of millennials show brand loyalty to
businesses with a social cause attached to
them.
We would also like more engagement
from media outlets, newspapers, and
magazines such as yourself, who can steer
the conversation in the right direction on a
much larger platform and help us reach and
serve more people.

8. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU
WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR
ORGANISATION OR THE ISSUES YOU ARE
TRYING TO SOLVE?
Yes, absolutely. Having spent 15 years fundraising
for nonprofits who focus on working with victims (of
any sort), we can without a doubt guarantee you
that PREVENTION is the right way to go. The more
resources we invest in prevention, the better it will
be for our families and eventually the entire planet.
To put that into simple words, why do you want a
child to go through any kind of exploitation if you
can stop it and remove the child from harm’s way?
That is the essence of what we focus on at GIFT.
The media covering this type of work tend to
overlook this genre—which is sad—because it can
bring people together and make the planet a better
place, instead of dividing it.
9. WHERE DO YOU SEE GIFT GLOBAL
INITIATIVE IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS?
We will be in additional countries. Without losing
a sense of our identity, mission, and humanity, we
would love to expand into every area that needs a
hand up.
10. HOW CAN MORE PEOPLE GET
INVOLVED?
Follow us on social media.
Instagram:
GiftglobalInitiative – KeithKirkwood1 and
MannaDabholkar
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GIFTORG.US/
Website:
www.giftglobalinitiative.org
11. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO PEOPLE
WHO WANT TO WORK FOR A CHARITY,
BUT ARE UNSURE, DUE TO FINANCIAL
CONSTRAINTS?
Working with a charity doesn’t always have to be
a financial hit. People can initially volunteer time,
expertise, services, and get to see the inner workings of
the nonprofit before they commit to it completely. Join
an existing nonprofit, one that is in your area of interest.
You must be extremely passionate and persistent
about charitable work as it is what moves others to get
involved and make a difference. So pick a charity that is
close to your heart and start by volunteering.

International Women
Entrepreneurs Show (IWES)
Second Edition
November 4th & 5th, 2019 at Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Cardela Coulson, Co-founder/Managing
Partner of RSVP Events Management,
and Yvonne Spiller, Managing Director
of FCS Consultants, are set to host the
2nd edition of the International Women
Entrepreneurs Show (IWES).
The two-day event aims to create an
ecosystem approach to empower
women entrepreneurs to showcase
their products and services. Through
networking, collaboration, and
partnership, leading business women
catalyse the achievement of their
vision to enable business growth and
celebrate their role as business leaders.
Professionals from different fields of
business and governing bodies will
attend this organised networking venture
pooling innovative minds and creative
ideas. The IWES 2019 organisers are
expecting a footfall of around 1,500
delegates to participate in this leading
trade and networking event in the United
Arab Emirates.
The IWES is committed to encourage
and help women in achieving their
business goals and driving their
economic potential by motivating them
to become advocates, innovators, and
leaders in their respective communities.
As an innovative and engaging forum,
Cardela Coulson
Co-founder/Managing
Partner of RSVP Events
Management
the IWES is organised with exciting panel
discussions, one-on-one interactions
with women entrepreneurs showcasing
their products and services, informative
workshops and inspirational talks, as
well as productive networking and other
interactive activities.
The first IWES event was held at Zabeel
Ladies Club, Dubai last October 1st
and 2nd, 2018. This year’s event will be
held on November 4th and 5th, 2019, at
Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.
The principal sponsor of the IWES 2019
is Del Monte Arabia. Del Monte is an
internationally recognised brand and
one of the best global leaders in vertically
integrated production, marketing and
distribution of processed food, juices,
beverages and snacks.
The organisers of the IWES encourage
aspiring and rising career women to
convene with minds who redefine
business and entrepreneurship, as well
as connect with innovative women who
are inspired to pursue more avenues
of success and fulfillment. Quoting
Cardela Coulson, founder of the IWES:
“When women work together towards a
common goal, so much greatness can be
achieved.”
Yvonne Spiller
Managing Director of
FCS Consultants

Hanan Darwish
CEO
Logic Consulting Group -
Middle East
Jenny Hunt
CEO
Gateway Group of Cos.
Karen Osman
Founder
Travel Ink
Assia Riccio
Founder
Evolving Women
Maya AlHawary
Chairwoman of the
Board of Governors/
Director of planning for
Dubai Carmel School
Dr. Sawsan A. S. Al Madhi
MBBS (Sana’a, Yemen)
MSC Health Care Management (RCSI)
Fellow of the Royal Society of
Medicine (UK)
Dr./Engr. Suaad Al
Shamsi.
First Emirati Aircraft
Engineer
Wendy Shaw
Founder
mBrain.me
Farah Akbar
Senior Faculty Member at
Capital College - Wrexham
Glyndwr University
programme
Anishkaa S Gehani
Founder
Yardstick Marketing
Management
Alice Macris
Corporate and
Commercial Lawyer
Siama Qadar
Founder/Managing Director
Institute of Modern
Etiquette
Simra Samtani
Co-Founder & Senior
Partner
Xcel Accounting
Hanane Benkhallouk
Co-founder & Executive
Director
Sustain Leadership
Deborah Gay Aragon Dayrit
Group CEO- AZAM Holdings LLC
CEO – TFAO Media LLC
Chairperson of Philippine Business
Council
Kate Midttun
Founder and Managing
Director Acorn Strategy
Chairperson of the Australian
Business Group

Adel Awadhi
Founder and Executive
Chairman
The Corporate Group (TCG)
Thomas Paoletti
Legal Consultant at Paoletti Law
Firm/President of the Italian
Business Council, Dubai &
Northern Emirates
Adeshola Helen Onadipe
Serialpreneur – MD/CEO of
Sholskoncept EMC
Founder – Business Innovation
Academy
Priya Telavane
Founder & Managing
Director
361° Design Solutions LLC
Phil Bedford, MSc
Founder/MD
The Rebel Networker
Speaker/Author
Asentive Franchisee’s
Business Development Coach
Theresa Tsui
Co-Founder
Skills3
Sahiqa Bennett
CEO
Searchie
Emilia Ohrtman
Entrepreneur/Speaker
Emilia Ohrtmann
Sehrish Khan
Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
International Coaching
Federation (ICF)
Graham Hughes
Financial Consultant
Abacus Financial
Consultants LLC
John Martin St. Valery
Chairman & CEO
British Business Group
Dubai and Northern
Emirates (BBG)
Viola Nafula
Founder of
New Dawn Foundation Africa
Founder - No Ordinary
Woman Group (UAE)
Danielle Francisco
Founder & Host of The Drive To
Succeed Podcast
Founder & Managing Director of
Dan Media Group FZE

Lifestyle
Teaching People How to Treat You
Knowingly or not, you’re teaching
people how to treat you. So if you’re
feeling unhappy with how others are
treating or even abusing you or how
they’re neglecting you, you might
need to do a self-assessment.

What does it mean to teach people how to treat
you?
You might have heard a couple of times that you teach
people how to treat you. It means teaching them what
you can tolerate and what you cannot, a matter of
acceptable and unacceptable.
However, you need to communicate this to others so
that they know what you expect. In the process, you will
also attract the kind of things and people that will not
add drama in your life.
How you treat yourself is what you teach others
People can easily take advantage of or even abuse you
if you don’t know and practise healthy boundaries–not
resting, not taking care of yourself, and other unhealthy
habits. Show them that you value yourself and that you’re
ready to cut them from your life if they intervene and try
to drain you.
Summing up, you should teach people how to treat
you by starting with yourself. It’s a matter of how you
believe in yourself–and that will be basically what you
will receive from others.
Start with self-awareness by answering the question,
“How am I treating myself? Am I respecting and treating
myself right? What do I think I deserve?”
What do you value?
All of us are defined by our life codes–the principles that
matter to us. These can include reciprocity or loyalty.
Whatever your life codes are, find like-minded people
who share the same values as you do. Be around these
people to bring out the best in yourself.
What’s your take on conflict resolution?
Some people do not own their mistakes and do not
apologise for them, and just simply walk away. These
are immature, cowardly people. If you want people to
behave responsibly around you, then be the bigger
person. Accountability and taking responsibility is
reflective of a person with a growth mindset and
discipline.
Conflicts can be uncomfortable to settle, but wise
people know better than not to face the discomfort
or embarrassment in trying to identify and talk about

the issues and differences to resolve them. You
can achieve a more peaceful personal life by
surrounding yourself with people that maturely
handle conflicts and avoiding those who add
drama–those who leave you cleaning up the mess
and then exit unapologetically.
Communicate your needs. Do not keep
them.
Some people tolerate the abuse they receive
from others because they’re scared or holding
themselves back to communicate their needs.
However, your silence teaches them that their
actions are valid, which are not. You’re likely to
have deeper wounds when you’re not voicing what
you feel and what you need.
Take the time and courage to genuinely express
how you feel and how you want to address it. For
example, “I’m feeling sad and alone. Could you
give me three minutes to talk it out?” Or, “I’m
confused about this concept. Would you care to
share your thoughts?”
Communication is more effective than silent,
unvoiced desperation. Knowing your needs and
expressing them clearly teaches people how to
treat you, too.
Set an example for how you want to be
treated
Be the person you want others to be.
The golden rule will never lose its universal, moral
touch. Treat people how you want them to treat you.
If you want other people to genuinely listen to you,
then be a great listener: pay attention to the person
speaking, ask questions, and be empathetic.
Imagine how you want you to be heard by others.
When it comes to behaviours, you must reinforce
the kind of behaviour you want to get. For
instance, showing constant acknowledgement and
appreciation, even in subtle ways, to a person who
has changed his or her behaviour for the better is a
good example of behaviour reinforcement.
Tune into your thoughts and emotions.
Practise self-respect.
Our cherished values and principles as a person
are not without limitations. Never apologise for
setting boundaries: teach people what you can
and cannot tolerate to earn the respect of others.
Setting boundaries will guide you in your
interpersonal relationships–distinguishing between
healthy and unhealthy habits, behaviours and
attitudes. You’ll be able to distance yourself from
toxic people who don’t respect the boundaries you
set. Upholding your self-respect enables you to not
force yourself in people, situations or environment
that are detrimental to your mental, physical and
emotional wellness.

Set realistic expectations
You cannot teach others how to treat you
overnight, as interpersonal relationships and
interactions is not a one-time thing. Nurturing
healthy relationships require care and
patience and in some cases–like establishing
a friendly working relationship with your boss–
observation, practice and afterthought.
You must accept that in some instances, people
will not stick around even if you try to initiate or
nurture an interpersonal relationship. It may be
useful to ask yourself: “Should I make room for
a future relationship that I deserve, or just stick
with a current relationship that looks bleak and
uncertain?”
Being honest with yourself with the kind of
relationships you want to keep or pursue will
help you heal from the emotional anguish that
you’ve been enduring, and lead to you to the
happiness you deserve.
Check on yourself
Self-reflection allows you to get to know yourself
better. By doing so, you’ll be able to label and
manage your conflicting emotions to identify
their root causes. Your outward behaviour is
greatly influenced by your thoughts, even if you
try to mask them. Consequently, your inner life
reflects on the actions of the people around
you.
Take the time to reflect on your deep-seated
thoughts, no matter how negative they
are, and don’t be afraid to ask advice from
people who know you best. By resolving the
conflict and angst inside you, you’ll gain more
courage and confidence so you can build your
own boundaries and gain respect, loyalty, or
whatever it is you want to receive from the
people around you.
You’ll find yourself happier–and healthier–when
you’re being truthful and honest with yourself.

Men and
Mental
Health
You might have heard that taking care of your
mental health is as important as taking care of
your physical health, especially now that more
and more people are suffering from anxiety and
depression.
While a fit, healthy body allows you to perform
daily physical activities with ease, a well-managed
mental state is what motivates you to plan and
accomplish things and organise your thoughts
and emotions to get by the everyday grind and
stress.
Mental health aggregately refers to the overall
psychological, emotional and social well-being
of a person, affecting three important facets of
behaviour. These aspects include:
1. Decision-making. The mental state of
a person usually reflects on the manner of
planning and decision-making. A healthy mind
is more likely to be decisive, while being open
to rational possibilities, and coupled with
reasonable inhibitions in making decisions in any
circumstances.
2. Handling stress. A person with a good state
of mind knows his or her everyday stressors and
can manage or control them properly. He or she
possesses a degree of calmness and resilience to
face the vicissitudes of life.

3. Social involvement. No man is an island, as the
cliché goes. A person with an excellent mental health
quickly adapts and relates to the people around him or her.
They are more active and productive member of society
because they can easily make friends and value unity.
Why are men not talking about mental health?
Men express their mental health issues differently than
women. Women are generally more likely to openly
discuss sensitive issues involving depression, anxiety
and other mental health issues, while most men choose
not to. Men tend to think of “fixing their issues” on their
own rather than ask for help or advice.
Mental health illnesses affect both sexes, but men are
less likely to receive treatment because of these reasons:
• They fear that expressing their thoughts and feelings
are burdensome or taxing to others.
• They believe that having mental issues is a sign of
weakness or perceived to be less masculine.
• They express a lack of close confidants whom they
can entrust their thoughts and feelings with.
• They might feel embarrassment or shame in openly
discussing their deep, personal issues.
• They tend to believe that some people might
humiliate them if they express their thoughts and
feelings openly.
• They believe that they can fully resolve their internal
conflicts without outside help.
• They fear that they will be subjected to gossip
because of the negative stigma attached to having a
mental health disorder.
Because of a more connected world brought about by
social media, most men are discouraged from seeking
help to avoid being judged. As many of them tend to
be silent about their mental health issues, they are also
more likely to make uninformed and emotionally-driven
decisions. The first step, as we may all agree on, is
recognising the problem.
Why should you ask for help? Here are some
benefits to achieve optimal mental health.
1. Increased productivity. Mentally healthy
individuals are more inspired and motivated to achieve
their goals by working efficiently and in an organised
manner.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the
economic effects of depression and anxiety contribute
a loss of one trillion US dollars per year on a worldwide
scale.
2. Resilience and positive disposition. Happiness
rates of individuals may increase by up to 20% by
alleviating the symptoms of depression and anxiety,
which, in turn, contributes to an increased level of
resilience and overall attitude to combat daily stress.
3. Increase in healthy levels of self-confidence.
An individual with a sense of mental stability tends
to feel good about himself and his or her perceived
purpose in life. The right amount of confidence drives
people to pursue more fulfilling goals and roles fit for
themselves, allowing one to stay more connected with
others and the society in general.

4. Effective crisis management. Everyone experiences
distressing circumstances at some point in their lives, whether
the loss of a loved one, a serious financial or career setback,
or some form of personal, existential crisis. Mentally healthy
individuals can accept the realities of life with reasonable
hopes and expectations, enabling them to move forward and
maintain functional, productive lives.
What Are the Bad Habits Affecting Men’s Mental
Health?
Certain bad habits could be affecting your mental health.
Some of these common habits are:
1. Chronic sleep deprivation. Insufficient sleep may
cause problems in attention or concentration, memory and
mood regulation. Sleep deprivation suppresses the ability of
the immune system to fight off diseases and infections. It has
also been widely studied that chronic sleep deprivation poses
a higher risk of depression, anxiety and mood problems.
2. Lack of Exercise. Sadly, the lifestyle of many people
nowadays includes a lack of physical exercise or activity.
Prolonged physical inactivity significantly reduces muscle tone
and bone density, as well as adversely affecting the efficiency
of blood circulation. Studies reveal that individuals with little
to no exercise are exposed to a higher risk of depression and
other mental health problems.

Regular exercise relieves stress and anxiety
as it produces endorphins, or the so-called
‘happy hormones’, in the process. Make
sure to include regular exercise into your
daily or weekly routine to improve your
overall health and well-being.
3. Poor posture. A person who slouches
each time he walks or sits is more likely to suffer
from poor blood circulation and symptoms of
exhaustion and fatigue. Proper posture improves
confidence and overall mood.
4. Excessive use of smartphones and social
media. More people, especially the younger
ones, are becoming so attached to their gadgets
and are easily hooked on social media. While
staying updated on news and current events is
not a bad thing in itself, the key is moderation in
the dependence on smartphones.
Recent studies show that excessive
exposure in social media triggers lowesteem
and anxiety to some individuals.
It is recommended to make time for
personal connections and real face-to-face
conversations.
5. Messy surroundings. An untidy place
with too much clutter may trigger more levels
of stress. Being disorganised is associated with
lower productivity and high levels of anxiety,
reflecting a person’s lack of mindfulness to his or
her immediate surroundings. Taking the time to
organise and clean your surroundings, especially
where you tend to spend your time the most, will
lift your mood and alleviate your stress.
6. Improper diet. The food you eat affects not
just your weight or waistline but also your mental
health. A poor, imbalanced diet that includes
excessive intake of saturated fat and processed
food may contribute to mental health problems.
It can also lead to a host of other significant
health problems like cardiovascular diseases and
obesity.
7. Substance abuse: Some individuals resort
to the intake of alcohol and drugs to cope with
their emotional issues. This tends to aggravate
the situation. Alcoholic beverages and other
harmful psychoactive substances affect the
normal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Immediate medical intervention in the treatment
of alcohol and drug addiction must be sought
to combat the debilitating symptoms of these
mental disorders.
10 Tips for Men’s Mental Health
1. Know your value and purpose in life.
2. Eat nutritious foods and hydrate often.
3. Get enough sleep to replenish your energy.
4. Do regular exercise.
5. Invest your time in nurturing healthy
interpersonal relationships.
6. Join spiritual, religious or meditative circles to
strengthen your faith.
7. Seek emotional support, advice or help from
your loved ones or a trusted health professional.
8. Combat stress through meditation, travel,
social activities or meaningful hobbies.
9. Avoid addictive and harmful vices or substances.
10. Take your time to unwind or do breathing
exercises, especially on stressful days.
Your mental health matters. Follow the tips
we recommend and skip the bad habits to start
noticing improvements in your mental health and
overall wellness.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for reference
or suggestion only. Do not use this article to
replace medical advice. Consult your doctor for
proper medical advice.

Dealing With Grief
in Relationships
Most of us have experienced grief at some points in our lives. You might have chosen to
distance yourself from a close friend, lost a loved one, or cut ties with a former toxic partner.
The internal void left by someone who greatly influenced you as a person leaves a vague
sense of continuity in our lives. Grief, perhaps one of the most complex emotions known to
us, defines human existence.
We should choose to move forward by recognising this intense emotional experience and
how it shapes our lives.
ACCEPT HOW YOU’RE FEELING.
Grief affects us in unexpected ways. Bereavement, sadness and isolation may momentarily
stop or prevent you from doing your everyday activities. Fixation on these troubling feelings
and thoughts may be unavoidable for some time because of our innate need to undergo
catharsis. Acceptance of the realities of life and the willingness to move forward to find
happiness and fulfilment allows us to heal with time.

FIND PURPOSE AND MEANING
Grief, like a path that opens to a new door, is a reason
to grow and mature as a wise individual. Most people
believe that things do happen for a reason–and perhaps
it is a universal fact of life. Like seeing a picture and
attempting to derive meaning from it, we live to find a
higher purpose in the things we do.
ALLOW YOUR EMOTIONS TO FLOW AND PASS.
Grieving is a complicated process of trying to accept
reality as it is. Acknowledge this experience as a normal
part of life, allowing yourself to process melancholy, or
even anger and regret.
IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY.
Let go of grief by grieving. We yearn for emotional
release as a normal facet of our human psyche–and this
is an important experience we all have to understand.
REACH OUT AND SERVE OTHERS
One of the best ways to heal is to serve others. It gives
you a sense of purpose, channelling negative emotions
towards positive and productive experiences and
making a big difference in other people’s lives for the
better.
Altruistic behaviour and generosity are often sublimated
forms of existential grief for some people with a
deep sense of empathy. Reaching out to others like
volunteering and advocating for a great social cause,
or by simply being a person to whom a friend runs for
support, gives a sense of hope and purpose to people
afflicted with grief.

EXPRESS AND SHARE YOUR
FEELINGS
Avoid compartmentalising your grief
or isolating yourself from others. The
weight of the world should not rest on
your shoulders, or so they say. Share
your feelings with your close family
and friends to help you through
a painful event or circumstance.
Consider joining a support group,
allowing you to freely communicate
with individuals who are facing the
same situation as you.
By letting others know what you’re
dealing with, you’ll feel less alone,
paving the way to healing. Alternatively,
you can write in a personal journal,
blog, or diary to have an extended
‘outlet’ to channel your feelings.
PRACTISE SELF-CARE
Oftentimes, people tend to
neglect themselves when they
undergo depressing situations.
Remember to take care of yourself
to speed the healing process of
your soul. Spend time on soothing
and calming activities like going
for a brief hike, spending time with
close friends, enjoying a hot bath,
or listening to music.
STICK TO YOUR ROUTINE
Grieving can affect your productivity
even after allowing yourself
sufficient time to process your
intense emotions. By sticking to
your established routines and daily
activities, you will return to a cycle
of normalcy, one day at a time.
DON’T CLING TO THE IDEA OF
CLOSURE.
The idea of attaining closure
prevents some people from
accepting the realities of grief,
mourning, or loss. Many people
are mistaken that having emotional
closure will absolve them of pain or
regret.
A sense of completion or conclusion
does not always accompany
the beginning of a new chapter.
Endings are not always known, nor
announced beforehand, and this is
the stark reality we have to accept.
We should focus on self-healing,
instead of having to process our
grief through the affirmation of
someone who already left.

FOOD
7
Sugar
Free
Dessert
Ideas
Are you looking for sugar-free dessert
ideas? If you have a never-ending love
affair with desserts, you should keep
reading!
Today, we’re featuring delectable,
easy sugar-free recipes that won’t add
worrisome inches to your waistline.
They are sinfully delicious yet hearty and
healthy. Plus, you don’t need to be an
expert baker to try them at home!

EASY AND QUICK SUGAR-FREE DESSERTS
1. GLUTEN-FREE COCONUT AND LEMON CAKE
Who says cakes should always have sugar for them to be tasty?
Yes, cakes almost always include sugar, and most of the time
they’re really loaded with it. Our sugar-free version of coconut
and lemon cake is not only low in calories but is incredibly light
and flavoursome! For citrus lovers craving for a tropical twist,
this zesty cake is sure to delight. This recipe is straightforward
to make: simply follow the instructions that you can find in this
video link.
Don’t be shy to add sugar-free fruit sauce (we recommend
strawberry!) to enhance this mouthwatering treat. You can opt for
the gluten-free version too for a guilt-free pastry you’ve always
wanted!
2. COCONUT CREAM PIE
In a few weeks, the busy holidays will come knocking on our
doorsteps. What could be a better way to serve your holiday
guests than with a hearty, low-calorie pie? Start perfecting this
low-carb and sugar-free coconut cream pie recipe to surprise
your friends and relatives.
We just love how this pie’s exquisite filling and light, flaky crust pair
perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa. Coconut cream is also known to
be a favourite among vegans and keto dieters as a popular dairy
substitute. And a bit of trivia as well: Lakanto Monk Fruit, which
is included in this recipe, is a wonderful sugar substitute with no
artificial flavourings and is perfect for a variety of diets!
Be sure to try this wonderful pie and serve it for the holidays!
3. RED VELVET CAKE
Red velvet cake is a classic, vibrant dessert perfect for the
holidays and special occasions. If you’re on a strict diet, fret not
about packing on carbs with one or two slices of this cake! We
made sure to find a sugar-free red velvet cake recipe that you can
view in this link.
This moist and fluffy cake tastes not so differently from the high
carb version, but much healthier as the recipe uses special lowcarb
flour, layered with a diet-friendly cream cheese frosting.
Sprinkle it with your favourite nuts, like hazelnuts and pecans, for
added texture and twist!

4. PUMPKIN PIE
Pumpkin pies are essential autumn and winter baker staples. This
spice-loaded pie, enriched with the warm notes of cinnamon,
nutmeg and cloves, reminds us of pleasant family conversations
over hearty Thanksgiving dinners.
Check out this simple, sugar-free, gluten-free pumpkin pie recipe
flavoured with a hint of bourbon in this video. You may opt to use
pureed or canned pumpkin in this recipe.
5. SUGAR-FREE COOKIES
Cookies are dainty treats loved by everyone, and while we don’t
encourage stealing a cookie or two from the cookie jar when
you feel like it, this sugar-free recipe in this video will leave you
guiltless and satisfied!
This cookie recipe makes for two dozen, is dairy-free, and of
course, gluten-free. Mix in walnuts for added crunch and chew,
and add a handful of tangy cranberries or good old raisins for a
mild kick of tang and tart!
6. KETO COCONUT MACAROON COOKIES
Macaroons are typically small but packs in a good fill of calories.
If you’re a macaroon lover on a diet, prepare your oven soon
to bake sugar-free coconut macaroons! We love to add coconut
meat in a lot of pastry recipes because of its texture and fibre
content, and this video shows you how to bake a dozen servings
effortlessly.
7. TAPIOCA FLOUR CREPES
Tapioca-based delicacies are tropical favourites in different
parts of the world. Extracted from the starchy roots of the hardy
cassava plant, tapioca flour is a good alternative to wheat, corn
and rice flour. Check the availability of this flour in your local
grocer or go online to source directly from distributors or millers.
We love this tapioca crepe recipe because it’s easy to whip and
amazingly gluten-free! Make sure to watch this video and surprise
your loved ones with a serving or two of this crepe recipe on a
nice, weekday morning.

Intermittent Fasting:
A Beginner’s Guide to Scheduling your Meals

Intermittent fasting, or simply ‘IF’, is becoming more popular
as a weight-loss strategy characterised by cycles of fasting
and non-fasting. Contrary to popular belief, intermittent
fasting is not a diet, but a scheduled or timed pattern of
eating. It is akin to calorie restriction diets which lodge on
the same principle of taking in less food.
Unlike other fad diets, intermittent fasting methods do not
implement dietary requirements nor restrictions. The core
‘science’ espoused by those advocating for its effectiveness
in losing weight is that IF triggers a rise in metabolic rate,
causing the body to burn its stored fats faster.
Several types of intermittent fasting methods have emerged.
The following techniques are some of the more popular
ones:
• THE 16/8 METHOD:
Also known as the Leangains diet, this method requires
you to fast for 16 hours a day, with 8 hours allocated for the
non-fasting period. Usually, people using the 16/8 method
consume their meals in the early evening. The next meal
shall not be consumed until noon of the following day,
completing the 16-hour fasting period.
• EAT-STOP-EAT:
This method constitutes a 24-hour fasting period. When
fasting, people usually alleviate their hunger with tea, water
and other similar drinks. After the fasting period, you should
revert to your regular eating schedule for another 24 hours,
continuing the cycle of fasting and non-fasting regularly.
• THE 5:2 DIET:
The 5:2 diet, or the ‘Fast Diet’ as it is commonly known,
involves eating your usual meals for five days and then
reducing your caloric intake for two days. Most people
practising intermittent fasting typically cycle their fasting
days. For example, they may fast on Sundays and
Wednesdays and then eat normally for the rest of the week.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF INTERMITTENT
FASTING?
All types of intermittent fasting involve two states: the fed
and the fasted states.
In the fed state, the body breaks down the food and absorb
it. It commences when one consumes a meal, lasting for
about 3 - 5 hours. The fed state makes it difficult to burn fat
because of the high insulin levels present in the body at this
particular state.
After the fed state, the body goes into a post-absorptive
state where it tries to absorb and use what has been eaten.
This state lasts for 8-12 hours, or until all the food has been
digested.

After the post-absorptive state, the body eventually
goes into the fasted state. In the fasted state, the body’s
insulin levels are very low, allowing the body to burn fat
easier. As the body is not processing any food material in
the digestive tract, the brain signals the stored fat to be
released or ‘burned’ to provide the energy the body needs.
HOW CAN INTERMITTENT FASTING
PROMOTE HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS?
Without the available energy from food, the body is forced
to rely on the stored fats the body to fuel itself, ultimately
promoting weight loss.
Studies show that people who regularly fast have reduced
risks of obesity, diabetes, liver disease, inflammation,
cancer and other chronic diseases. It also boosts mood and
brain function, as well as energy levels.
Many individuals practising IF claimed to have lost ten
pounds in ten weeks, while others stated that about 4 - 7%
of their visceral fat were shaved off through IF. Moreover,
many people claim that intermittent fasting is more
straightforward and easier to follow versus other diets,
which in turn have dietary restrictions to check with every
meal or food intake.
However, as we always say, you should consult your doctor
before starting any diet for safety reasons, especially if you
have a current or serious medical condition.
Remember: not all diets or eating patterns are suitable
for every person. Individuals have different needs and
tolerances based on several factors, not limited to health
conditions, body types, weight, age, gender, and muscle
composition.
WHO SHOULD PRACTISE INTERMITTENT
FASTING, AND VICE VERSA?
If you have certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart
disease, high blood pressure or are pregnant or lactating, it
is advisable not to try intermittent fasting. Fasting for hours
and limiting your calorie intake may do more harm than
good if you belong to any of the aforementioned groups.
Upon receiving your doctor’s advice on adopting
intermittent fasting as a weight loss plan, assess your
readiness and discipline to commit to this strict method.
Surround yourself with other people who are doing
the same, as well those who will support you in the IF
methodology.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Intermittent fasting has several advantages. There
are claims that IF targets visceral fat, or fat stored in
the abdomen. Consequently, prolonged cycles of
intermittent fasting might lower cholesterol levels and
reduce the chances of contracting chronic diseases such
as diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure.
Some people also notice a remarkable improvement in
their overall mood, energy levels and brain functions.
However, intermittent fasting also has its reported
downsides. Intermittent fasting can negatively affect
the social aspect of dining. IF may also encourage
bingeing during non-fasting periods. Moreover, fasting
for extended periods may increase your hunger spikes
and cause irritability, not to mention the overproduction
of stomach acids that may lead to ulcers and other
gastrointestinal problems. Many people who initially tried
IF reported dizziness, lethargy, and even constipation.
Some women who commit to extreme methods of IF
also experience hormonal problems leading to irregular
periods and mood swings.
TIPS FOR INTERMITTENT FASTING
If you’re new to IF, it’s best to allow your body to adjust
to the fasting process slowly. Find out what IF pattern
works best for you and your body. Going straight into
the strictest or extreme methods of
fasting may shock
your
body. It is recommended to begin fasting for 1 - 2 hours,
slowly building up once your body gets the hang of the
fasted phase.
Another essential tip is to stay hydrated. Dehydration
often makes us feel hungrier. By drinking water frequently,
you can suppress hunger and resist your cravings.
Lastly, if weight loss is your ultimate goal, you should try
to maintain a healthy plant-based diet during non-fasting
periods. Plus, it makes you feel fuller for longer.
If you can’t go completely vegan, try as much as you can
to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet.
A fibre-rich, balanced diet, along with fasting, is a great
dietary combination and a surefire way to lose that extra
fat. Follow these tips to get more out of intermittent
fasting today!
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for reference
or suggestion only. Do not use this article to replace
medical advice. Consult your doctor for proper medical
advice.

How
to
exercise
based on your body type

You might have been training hard to gain muscle mass,
achieve workout goals and lose weight. Spending a
few hours in the gym may have also been a part of your
lifestyle for quite some time.
If you’re exercising regularly and religiously, but
struggling to lose fat or gain muscle mass, you might
be doing the fitness basics wrong at the outset: not
minding your body type! To get the most out of your
strict, gruelling fitness routine, you must regularly
commit to ideal exercises that are fit specifically for
certain body types.
There are three major body types, distinguished by
their builds, muscle mass and proportions. Fitness
experts suggest training according to your body type
for best results.
MESOMORPHS
The mesomorphic body type is the most ideal build,
being naturally athletic, muscular and lean. Individuals
with this body type can put on adequate muscle mass
without the need for highly-intensive maintenance.
If you have a mesomorphic body, you can train or
exercise in practically any fitness routine or exercises
you prefer as your body is innately responsive. You can
do light or isolation training, but it is recommended
that you change or switch your workouts to avoid
plateaus.
Big lifts, deads, squats, and other full-body compound
movements are good exercises to maintain your
natural strength, as well as volume training. Moreover,
combine your training with a balanced high-protein
diet to maintain lean muscle mass and high energy
levels.
More tips:
• Combine light to heavy weight training with
bodyweight training to maintain muscle mass and
core strength.
• You can add basic exercises such as deadlifts, squats,
chest presses, rows, and shoulder presses into your
workouts combined with heavy weights, as well as
isolation movements using lighter weights.
• Aim for 8 to 12 reps for every training type. For leg
training, it is encouraged to do heavy weights with 6
reps. You can also add light to no weight at about 25
reps or more for at least three sets at least.
• For cardio exercises, you can do it three times weekly
for at least 15 minutes per session.
• Use a combination of LISS and HIIT training for
better results.

ECTOMORPHS
Known as ‘hard gainers’, ectomorphic individuals are
typically the slim men and women who struggle to gain
weight. Ectomorphic body types are characterised by
having a thin waist and narrow shoulders, and a slender
build with a small percentage of body fat distribution.
To gain weight, individuals with ectomorphic bodies are
encouraged to consume daily sizeable amount of calories.
Ectomorphic individuals may have to work harder to
achieve lean muscle mass, or maintain any gained muscle
with strict fitness routines.
If you have an ectomorphic build, you can do cardio
training limited to one session per week, focusing instead
on weight training to build muscle and increase core body
strength. Typically, there should only be ample time for
muscle recovery, as you also need to commit to brief but
intense training sessions.
An intensive workout routine should be accompanied by a
proportionate increase in carbohydrate and protein intake.
Otherwise, these heavy exercises aided with little to no
highly-nutritive, protein-rich diet will not only deplete your
energy stores but render your weight gain goal futile.
Focus on compound movements, high repetition ranges or
a lift bulk-up workout to boost testosterone levels that lead
to muscle growth.
More tips:
• Work out with heavy weights and take 2 to 3 minutes of
rest in between exercises.
• Aim for up to 8 sets and up to 10 reps of each exercise.
• Avoid too much caloric expenditure by training two body
parts or muscle regions, at most, per day.
• Avoid exercising a sore muscle group. You may also try
foam rolling for a quick recovery.
• Cardio exercises are allowed, but not encouraged to be
done more often than weight training. You may also add
low intensity exercises, brisk walks or bike rides in your
fitness routine.

ENDOMORPHS
Endomorphic body types are characterised by soft and
bulky bodies that are prone to store fat more easily than
other body types. This body type is also likely to be bigboned
frames with innately strong upper body strength.
However, most endomorphic individuals struggle with
finding an ideal workout routine due to the presence of
excess body fat.
If you’re an endomorph, you must focus on doing
cardiovascular exercises more than three times a week to
burn fat, coupled with weight training sessions composed
of compound movements. In terms of diet and nutrition,
stick to high-protein and high-fibre meals, restricting
intake of carbohydrates and sugars. The combination of
intense cardio workouts and lean, low-carb diets promote
fat burning, especially in the middle section, buttocks and
thighs.
MORE TIPS:
• You can focus on total body workouts composed of
compound movements to burn more calories.
• Avoid low-rep heavy weight lifting.
• Focus on achieving 8 to 12 reps and 3 to 5 sets for the
upper body and 12-20 reps for the lower body.
• If you want to enhance specific muscle groups, you may
start to isolate these muscles after achieving your initial
weight loss goals.
• Add up to 3 times cardio per week for at least 20 minutes
using your target heart rate zone.
• Choose low impact and ‘knee-friendly’ cardio training
like biking, swimming, walking, hiking, or the elliptical.
We wish you all the best in your fitness goals! We hope to
see you apply these workout recommendations to achieve
your ideal body weight, muscle composition and core body
strength. Discipline, consistency and dedication will surely
get you on the road to ideal wellness and vitality.
Time to hit the gym!

Yummy
Mummy
Yummy Mummy is a recurring
feature in the wellness section of
Out and About STYLE Magazine.
Yummy Mummy shines the
spotlight on supermoms who
balance raising a family and
keeping up their amazing career
and life goals–looking FABULOUS
while doing it.
Balancing it All
Name: Sadaf Majdy Khan
Age: 34
Marital Status: Married
Number of children: 2 Boys
(4 and 2 years old)

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
Born and raised in Pakistan, I moved to the UAE in 2011 after
getting married. I worked for about eight years in the corporate
sector, both in Pakistan and here in Dubai, until I became
pregnant with my first child. With no family support here, my
husband and I decided that I would take a break from corporate
life and raise our kids.
However, for someone ambitious about doing something
extraordinary with her life, being a stay-at-home mum wasn’t
enough for me. I decided to start blogging because this
was the one thing I have experience with, being good at it
professionally as well.
Besides social media, I have always been passionate about
health and fitness. After having my two babies, I gained a
whopping 20 kilos, and it was killing me that I did not have the
same energy and stamina as I had before having kids. I decided
to work on my fitness and weight loss journey.
Along the way, as I started to learn more about fitness, I just
knew I had to help other women, especially mums who were
struggling with their fitness and weight issues. In good faith,
I could only do it if I had the right qualifications to help them,
so I went on to do my Fitness Training and Nutrition Coaching
certifications earlier this year.
Nowadays, I run an Instagram page as well as a YouTube
channel where I post easy, do-anywhere workout videos for
mums. I also selectively pick a few mums every month to help
them with their fitness and weight-loss journey. As the weather
gets better in Dubai, I plan to do free ‘Mums Outdoor Workout
Sessions’ at various parks and beaches in Dubai.
WHAT DOES BALANCE MEAN TO YOU?
For me, balance is a triangle that comprises of myself, my
family, and the outside world. I wake up every morning thinking
about how to best divide my time into these three key areas of
my life. Happiness and well-being are important—not just for
myself—but also for my family and my engagements with the
world.
So, I try to set aside some time solely for myself. That’s mostly
a good one hour in the gym. I try to make sure that I maintain
a happy and healthy relationship with my husband and kids.
When you are genuinely content with your personal life, the
good vibes easily flow through in all outside relationships. That,
for me, is balance!

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN FIT? WHAT INSPIRED
YOU TO LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE?
I always wanted to be active, but I didn’t know what
fitness meant until I moved to Dubai and went to the
gym in my apartment building for the very first time.
It was love at first sight! My husband was my first big
influencer. He was a runner, and I had never run in my
life before I met him. We would go to the gym together,
and he would guide me on how to run better.
Dubai definitely played a huge role in living a healthier
lifestyle since there are so many health and fitnessrelated
activities happening around the year. After
becoming a mother, my hyperactive toddlers added
to my desire of living a healthier life. I wanted to be fit
to keep up with their activities. I wanted them to grow
up seeing their mom and dad being super active and
healthy so that they would follow our footsteps and live
an active lifestyle.
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU’RE DOING TO STAY OR GET
IN SHAPE. HOW OFTEN ARE YOU WORKING OUT
AND FOR WHAT DURATION?
I work out for an hour, mostly six days a week. My
workout is always a mix of cardio and strength training.
I run 25-30 km in a week if I am not training for a race. If
I’m training for an upcoming event, I bring my mileage
up to about 40 km per week.
Strength training on alternate days—on days when I

am not running, I like to do a good HIIT workout.
Currently, I am training for my first Half Marathon
on November 1st, so I am training extra hard and
increasing the mileage on my long runs.
WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE?
I love food, and I can’t live without desserts. The
beauty of living a healthy and active lifestyle is that
you can enjoy a little ‘treat food’ every now and
then, as long as you don’t feel guilty about it. On
a regular basis, I eat healthy home-cooked food.
We have cut down on eating out and ordering
takeaways a lot over the last two years.
I do not believe in restrictive dieting as it is not
sustainable for anyone. I am a big-time, proflexible
diet person. Eat healthy 80% of the time,
and you can eat your ‘happy food’ 20% of the time.
One of the big things that I rarely compromise on
is calorie counting. I make sure that I stay within
my weekly calorie limit to maintain healthy weight
loss or weight management. I try to limit my carbs
and make sure I am eating protein to keep up
with my active lifestyle.
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?
The mirror and the scale! I weigh myself almost
twice a week. It keeps me on track. Little
fluctuations don’t bother me because I am aware
of the factors that can show the number going
a little up or down. The mirror does the same.
When you see your thighs getting thinner, and
arms looking more toned, and the stomach bulge
reduced—it makes you happy. It makes me want
to continue working on my fitness.
I also put small fitness goals for myself. For
example, I will run 10 kilometers every alternate
day for a week, or I will increase my weight on
deadlifts. These small goals keep me motivated
and on track.
The one thing I remind myself during my ‘feeling
off days’ is how I feel after doing a good workout.
I feel energised, I feel like I have conquered the
world and nothing is impossible.
I also try to picture myself having achieved any
of my fitness goals like I am running happily
towards the finish line of a marathon race, or
standing in front of the mirror wearing the sexiest
dress I bought but haven’t worn yet. Sometimes
when nothing seems to be working, the thought
of enjoying my ‘happy food’ after the workout
always wins.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR MUMS WHO SAY
THEY DON’T HAVE TIME FOR EXERCISE?
If you have time to sit in front of the TV and watch Netflix or
scroll through social media on your phones, then you have
time for exercise. If you say you never have time for TV or
your phones, then I’d say you really need to take some time
for yourself.
But seriously, even if you are super busy and super tired, you
can take 10 minutes out and do a quick workout. Nowadays,
you have so many at-home workout videos you can easily
access on your TV and get going right in your living room.
The point is that you can only NOT have time for exercise if
you really don’t get a few minutes to yourself in a whole day.
If that’s the case, then your first and foremost priority should
be to set aside 30 - 45 minutes every day—only for yourself.
Then, out of those ‘me-time’ minutes, use some to work out!

THINGS YOU’VE TRIED AND HATED—
DIETS AND WORKING OUT?
I can’t do intermittent fasting. I am a big
breakfast person, and I like to wake up,
make a cup of tea and enjoy a healthy
breakfast. I also don’t believe in No Sugar
or No Carbs diets because in my view,
these restrictions are not sustainable. I’d
rather lose weight slowly and keep it off
than lose 15 pounds in a month and gain
them back in the next two months.
On the workout side, I can’t work out
without music. I absolutely detest pushups
and burpees, but as much as I hate
them, they are super effective so they
must be a part of your workout routines.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 TIPS TO
HELP WOMEN GET INTO SHAPE
POST-PREGNANCY?
1. Eat healthily! There is no other way
to lose excess weight and the belly
fat unless you start eating healthy.
Limit your carb intake and up your
protein intake. Protein helps in losing
weight and gaining muscle. Drink
plenty of water and reduce your
sugar intake. You want a dessert, eat
it once a week, but not every day.
Include more fruits and vegetables
in your diet.
2. Try to work out at least 45 minutes,
at least five days a week. If you only
have 30 minutes, use 15 to do cardio
and the other 15 to lift some weights.
You can also alternate strength
training days with HIIT workouts. To
keep things fun and interesting, try
out different types of workouts. Mix
in some Yoga, Zumba, or CrossFit
classes to keep yourself motivated.
3. Multivitamins and supplements
are super important for a woman
bouncing back from pregnancy and
delivery. Our hormones are getting
back to normal, and most of the time,
in our quest to lose weight quickly
after childbirth, our diets fail to cover
our nutritional needs. Include good
multivitamins in your daily routine. If
you work out actively and you think
you might not be having enough
protein in your diet, start including
whey protein in your diet. It will keep
you satiated, help you with fat loss,
and maintain steady muscle gain.
Feel free to get connected with me
on social media. I put lots of workout
videos for mums, and I am always
happy to assist my followers in their
fitness, and weight loss struggles
online absolutely free of cost. Check
out my links below to watch my
workout videos and get free fitness
and nutrition advice.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brownfitgirls
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBvdIRuo_8Wx6us-svP5qSA
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brownfitgirls/

Travel
Tales from The
RedRidingWanderer (Aahna)
HOW I TRAVEL FOR ADVENTURE: HIKING TO THE
TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY
Hi, I am Aahna,
and I call myself
the RedRidingWanderer.
Why?
I like my hair red.
I like the colour red.
Most importantly, I travel with a
red backpack, wherever I go.
This is my first travelogue in a
series of not-so-normal-looking,
crazy travel experiences. I am
going to take you through a
destination popularly known as
the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’:
Bhutan.
Before I begin, let me ask you this:
what do you love most about your
travel? The dreaming phase, the
planning, the journey of getting
to a destination or the destination
itself? For me, it’s the planning and
enjoying the journey altogether.
On the first read about Bhutan,
many things intrigued me, but
the hike to the Tiger’s Nest was
something I wanted to experience
without a doubt. Because not only
did it offer the best views from the
top, but it was quite challenging
too.
And then….
In Paro: A Trek to Remember
and a Guide You’ll not Forget
You must have heard about the
Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro,
but have you ever thought about
how it would be to experience the
journey of getting up there? Due
to its location, the only way to get
to the monastery is by hiking. So
it’s definitely a sweat!
Tiger’s Nest, also known as
‘Paro Taktsang’, is Bhutan’s
prominent Himalayan Buddhist
sacred attraction with the temple
complex located on the cliffside
of the upper Paro valley. Every
traveller visiting Bhutan for a few
days finds time to make it here.
However, for those who cannot
hike the entire way, they can also
hire a horse that will carry you
most of the way up.
So, I visited this happy country
earlier this year and believe me,
Bhutan is literally the happiest
country there is. The people,
activities, and food will give you
an adrenaline rush to explore
every bit of the place at once!
The monastery is 12 kilometres
off the ground, and I wasn’t in the
best shape to trek for hours, but
a first time trip to Bhutan would
not have been complete without
seeing this stunning beauty and
location.
I will take you through Bhutan one
experience at a time so that you
can enjoy the journey steadily.
I needed to be Energised.
Motivated. Determined to
complete this six-hour trek.

WHAT IS THE TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY?
Constructed in 1692, this is a sacred Buddhist site around the
cave where Guru Rinpoche first meditated—the event that
introduced Bhutan to Buddhism. It consists of four temples with
residential accommodations for the monks.
When you begin your hike, you will come across trees that
surround you, and you will get your first glimpse of the Tiger’s
Nest too. In just a matter of hours, you will be up there.
The trail to the monastery is a wide, dirt trail. It is uphill the
entire way but not overly steep. It is doable for most travellers,
but be prepared to take your time.
At the halfway point, you can take a break at the Taktsang
Cafeteria. From here, you will also have a great peek of the
monastery as well. Some people choose to finish the hike here,
electing not to make the final climb.
However, the second half of the climb is a bit easier. The trail
is not as steep and gets less monotonous. You also catch one
of the best views of the hike at a point where you overlook the
monastery. This is where many people snap that iconic photo.
Once you’ve reached the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you will be
guided to take a tour of the temples. Backpacks, photography
equipment, and shoes are not allowed inside the monastery.
After the tour is complete, you can spend some time taking all
the photos of the view you want.
This is something you will want to look back on forever. Cheers!

PLANNING TIPS FOR AN
ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE:
Getting there: Paro is the perfect home
base to plan this visit. The monastery
is located 10 miles north of Paro (20
minutes by car).
BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCTOBER TO
DECEMBER.
Hours of trekking: The visit to the
Tiger’s Nest Monastery takes a full day.
On average, it takes between four and
six hours to do the round trip hike,
including an hour to tour the monastery.
How fit do you need to be to do this
hike? Anyone of average fitness can do
this hike. Take your time; it is not a race!
You may want to carry hiking poles to
help your knees on the descent.
WHAT TO CARRY: Hiking shoes,
lots of water, a few snacks, and your
camera. You can buy lunch or tea at
the cafeteria.
As they say, enjoy the journey rather
than the destination! Hope you enjoy
the read—until my next tale!

For the Culture
Of Reinvention and
the Millennial Woman:
The ‘Multiple Streams
of Income’ Hustle!
Being a successful entrepreneur is a dream for
many millennial women. Don’t we all love the idea
of sipping latte in a coffee shop while working
happily, pushing forward in a career that allows our
creativity and intelligence to shine through? But in
reality, it is going to take a lot more than waiting for
that J.O.B. to cut you that monthly cheque before
you can genuinely enjoy these things: to live well
where you want to live, be where you want to be,
wear what you want to wear, and give back to
the people around you. In my previous article, I
mentioned that we millennials want what we want
now. However, the pursuit of financial stability
limits our material pursuits in the now–and for
good reason: financial independence should not
be overlooked!
The subject of financial freedom has long been
discussed, even before Robert Kiyosaki’s rise to
fame through his book ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ and
other authors who discussed entrepreneurship and
investments. We’ve all heard the familiar lines–
I started my own business after I hit rock bottom
and found myself living out of my car! And how
about this: Do you want to enjoy the freedom of
working from the beach in Seychelles while driving
a Lambo to get there?
I’m going to be straightforward with you: let me share
with you my professional advice as a self-proclaimed
‘hustler’. I’ve come to reinvent my practices over
the past few years to increase my income, looking
forward to my early retirement from the 8-5 grind.
Referencing the Word, my definition of hustling
reads: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding
of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you
like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
If you want to increase your streams of income, or
just simply wondering what you should be doing
to move from being reliant on the J.O.B., then
read on—this article is exactly written for you!

1. BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR HUSTLE AND THE
REST WILL FOLLOW. What exactly do you want to
do? And better yet, why do you want to do it? I started
my career in apparel retail at one of Atlanta’s hippest
malls back in the early 2000s. After a three-year-long
stint folding jeans, tagging markdowns and being on my
feet all day during the holiday sales, I decided it was
time: I need to work on what I really want in the longhaul.
I worked to get the qualifications for the field that
have always intrigued me—which is real estate. Perhaps
the idea of negotiations and closing deals appealed to
me. After all, the concept sounded more glorious than
selling jeans on the weekend while your girlfriends are
recovering from a night out.
I felt the need for a new challenge, and I was clear
about what I wanted to do: to sell houses instead of
selling clothes. The after-work real estate night classes
helped me attain a better understanding of the road
that lies ahead, equipping me with the knowledge
that safely landed me into sales and marketing in a
completely new field. Yes, I’m a publicist–having
ventured more into P.R. and Comms almost twenty
years later, but learning my pulse on property, earning
coin from land and brick—this, my friends—is a hustle.
2. PASSIONATE HUSTLERS MAKE MONEY. You
have to love what you do, and love what you are selling.
If what you’re selling doesn’t excite you, you won’t
convince anyone to spend money on whatever it is you
say you do or sell.
Figure out what people need in which you carry a
genuine interest in—or a trade you’re good at—and
work towards turning this interest into a side hustle.
I have a lawyer friend, a legal counsel for a huge
multinational company, who also designs incredible
African-inspired statement jewellery. During weekdays,
she hustles like a cast from Suits; on the weekends, she
showcases her trendy jewellery at community festivals,
and arts and crafts fairs. And yes, she’s doing so well at
it she even has a storefront, employing people to run it.
Be passionate about your talent and monetise it, my
friends. Don’t sleep on the opportunity to hustle through
your gifts!
3. OWN YOUR HUSTLE. It may be difficult to
continue—especially when you are first starting out, and
aren’t even sure if people will be interested in buying
what you’re selling. Listen here, girlfriend: confidence is
everything if you want to succeed at selling. If you own
your hustle and are amped about it, you can literally sell
sand to a desert—eventually! Whether you are leading
a team of investment fund managers or manufacturing
peanut butter, be confident about what you are doing
and the results you expect to attain. Go for the pitch—
and aim for the close!
I’ve attended countless women’s events (and I still do—
because I’m a sucker for networking!) and it’s always so
inspiring to see a woman up front who is so sure about the
gifts she carries. Trust me—this disposition likely wasn’t
always the case—but with time comes experience, and
with greater experience comes enhanced knowledge.
I wasn’t always comfortable speaking to a room full
of people, but being a best-selling author (another
side hustle!) pushed me to own my gift of writing and
speaking over time. I talk about my experiences because
it’s a narrative I own. Receiving testimonies and feedback
helped me take ownership of the woman I am becoming
still—allowing me to close in on the opportunities that
bring in the deposits. Get where I’m going with this?
4. PERSISTENT, PATIENT AND AUTHENTIC
HUSTLE WILL GET YOU AHEAD. You’ve probably
heard of the adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Yes
queen—neither will your business be built in a day.
Small businesses founded on the principle of doing
what everyone else is doing—and quitting the process
every other day—rarely survive. Most women who
succeed at their side hustle didn’t give up and quit
their day job to win. It took them years of failing and
learning, growing and streamlining, sacrificing and
sleepless nights to breakeven. Even if you ask any of
your successful ‘hustle-preneur’ friends, they’ll have
more stories of growing from the trenches for years—
than they do of instant limelight with all the glitz and
glam. Kinda like being married, right? If you want your
marriage to be beautiful, you’re going to have to be
patient with it—to work hard for it—and to be authentic
in your communication and treatment of your partner/
spouse. Yes, a happy marriage and growing a business
could be in the same Whatsapp group!
However hard you have to work to get things done, be
persistent and be patient with yourself and the people
you serve or work with. Follow up with your clients
and carry out due process. Hustle hard and hustle

authentically, putting in every bit of effort you can to do
things right. As you get better at your craft, the hustle
will eventually get you ahead, and that—girlfriend—
means you’ll be smiling as you sign those deposit slips.
5. BOTTOM LINE: the hustle should always be about
the numbers. You will work, work, and endure more work—
before you can actually start feeling like you are getting
somewhere. Whether you are an employee or running
your own business (and to me, it doesn’t matter which
bracket you fall in), you will almost always have to look
for additional sources of income or create new product
lines for the numbers to balance out nicely. I marvel at
the jobs I’ve worked in my almost twenty years of being
an employee or consultant in one form or another. I am
thankful for the wealth of experience I’ve attained along the
way across numerous sectors, which I now leverage in my
client counsel, and as I help others build their businesses.
I’m always asked, “How do you get your hands around so
many projects?” The answer to that is ‘my bottom line:
the numbers’. The hustle is always about the numbers:
how many dollars your company or client will agree to
pay you for a month’s worth of work; how much you are
able to put away in savings; how many stocks you can
invest in, if at all; how many properties you’ll be able to
buy if any; how many clients you can serve by selling your
products or time to–and so on. Friend–it’s always about
the numbers! I’m not sure if I’m totally sold on the notion
of ‘mo’ money, mo’ problems’. More money solves a
good amount of our problems–and quite frankly–we’ll all
take that over not having any or enough money. And so
we work, and should look for ways to multiply our current
earnings–so when we don’t have the gusto to go out, and
look for the next deal or are flat-out burnt out, we aren’t
pressed because one of our hustles is still churning up the
money we need to keep things going along.
So yes, I do believe today’s women ought to hustle.
Multiple streams of income, work hard to do better, and
progressive change are all mantras we should live by.
Choose your hustle and choose it wisely, as it will direct
your grind. But remember, part of being reinvented is
to move on when something isn’t working–not being
afraid to look for something that could work. Don’t doubt
yourself when you need to stop, regwroup, recalibrate
and reinvent yourself and your hustle. Just ensure that
you are passionate about it, for you will never succeed at
anything you aren’t 100% sold on yourself.
Follow Yvonne on Social Media
Twitter/ @QFYvonne
Instagram/ @Quintessentially_Yvonne
Facebook /yvonnechiedza.mtengwa
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yvonne Chiedza Mtengwa is a Publicist, International Speaker, Amazon best-selling author and Cofounder
of Quintessential F (www.quintessentialf.com)–a testimonial-based blog and movement
that seeks to inspire and empower women to find their authentic selves through spiritual growth
and affirmation. She also provides mentorship and training through her Reinvented Today brand
(www.reinventedtoday.com), which seeks to empower women to transition into their next level
best across all areas of their lives.
Yvonne is also the Founder of Narratives Inc., (www.yournarratives.com) a boutique
Brand Development & Communications consultancy offering a host of social media and
conventional media related services for women-owned and led initiatives, S.M.E.s and
brands across multiple sectors. Narratives Inc.’s formation was inspired by Yvonne’s vast
experience as a Marketing & Communications strategist, with a professional career
spanning 15 years across the U.S.A., Southern Africa, U.A.E. and greater G.C.C. markets.

Culture Schooling:
Cultural Restoration in
a Home Away from Home
By: Jerome Douglas
Quality education is of paramount
importance in restoring the cultural
identity of our children. The values,
norms, morals, and the etiquette
we desire for our children is, for
many reasons, what we wanted for
ourselves. Quintessentially, if we were
to be children in an era where cultural
diversity and the advent of technology
is prevalent, then we would be forced
to understand how millennials act and
think. As adults, we consider the quality
of social interaction and parental
intervention which are essential in
shaping the character of the next
generation.
We, as adults know how the mistakes
we made in our ephemeral youth
built our cherished individuality,
forged long-lasting relationships, and
most importantly, imbued in us the
prevailing cultural consciousness. The
cultural beliefs we have maintained
from generation to generation helped
in maintaining our unique identity,
distinguishing us apart from diverse
cultures and eclectic minorities.
Fast-forward to this century: we are
living in the post-modern era—where
the global landscape is constantly
evolving. Today, people move in
droves, seeking safe havens and novel
career opportunities in cosmopolitan
cities, and answering the call of travel
and adventure. Naturally, globalisation
highly influences the ways of modern
life. The outsourcing of skills, talents,
and knowledge is becoming vital to
achieving a cooperative, productive
global community. Consequently, the
young who travels with the moving
flock at an early age experience
profound ‘culture shock’.
How then do we maintain and maximise
our identity, culture, and heritage when
the impact of globalisation sends us to
live, in many cases, halfway around the
world? How do we keep our children
well-entrenched in our own cultural
roots in a modern society turning into
a melting pot of diverse cultures and
unparallel norms?
Children who are moved from the
comfort zones of their native countries
are a little less enthused about the
challenges of adapting to a new
environment. They are more likely
to struggle with homesickness and
cultural dissonance. We must strive
to make the best of the opportunities
presented to them on social and
educational levels. How do we help
our young to thrive anew? The answer
is ‘home culture schooling’.
Children enrolled in international
schools are naturally exposed to
a culturally diverse environment.
It may be crucial to maintain the
balance in such an environment due
to conflicting practices and beliefs.
With the children’s minds being so

impressionable, it is a burden on the part of the
parents to keep the cultural values fixated in
their children’s minds. With parents making that
extra sacrifice to teach these cherished values,
children are reminded of the importance of their
families’ heritage and the norms they treasured
throughout generations.
Parents may also encourage cultural awareness
by using creative tools such as music, art,
stories and other cultural devices. The children,
in turn, must use these tools to maintain their
home values, while shielding themselves from
distractions that are on parade at school, or
attitudes deviating from their developing values.
Being culturally entrenched allow families to
maintain their core beliefs and values, even
when they continuously interact in a culturally
diverse society. However, it is also important to
imbue values of genuine respect and tolerance
towards other cultures, as responsible global
citizens in a culturally integrated society. Parents
may also encourage their children to meet
new friends and create new bonds, providing
an opportunity for their children to learn other
views, integrating them into their view of the
world in general.
Furthermore, children may bank on their
parents’ wealth of experience and knowledge
from their homelands. They may have to exert
considerable efforts in trying to understand
and assimilate new concepts from other foreign
cultures and societies while keeping their roots
through ‘home culture schooling’.
‘Culture schooling’ is also beneficial for children
as language will not be a considerable barrier:
parents are fully capable of bridging any
native cultural gaps if there are any. This is
psychologically important, especially for children
who experience homesickness. While we know
that children are being educated pursuant to
a standard international curriculum, the first
and foremost ‘education’ must still originate
from their families. Through this setup, ‘cultural
schooling’ at home will also give children and
parents more valuable time to bond, especially
in these modern times of increasing demand
for professional and financial growth for many
working parents.
Parents must also make modern technology
work to their children’s advantage. With
mechanisms put in place for censorship, parents
can monitor their children’s online interaction
with other people, as well as allow their children
to connect with old friends from their homeland.
Culture schooling is also important in helping
children appreciate different cultures and places.
Children learn how to appreciate the beliefs and
practices of other individuals when they are
first able to appreciate their own, providing our
children with insights as to what makes every
individual different and why it is important to
accept these differences. It will also guide them
in identifying attitudes, beliefs and actions which
can potentially negatively influence them
JEROME
DOUGLAS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerome Douglas is a 27-year old trained
teacher, poet and writer from the beautiful
island of Jamaica. His personal philosophy is
“If it is for me to be, then it is up to me.” He
attended the Catholic College of Mandeville
in Jamaica. Additionally, he is a community
builder and humanitarian who volunteers his
time to help with the academic and social
well-being of people in his Central Jamaica
community and surrounding areas.

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