Out and About STYLE Magazine Issue 5 Vol. 2

Issue 5 Volume 2
June 2020
WHAT’S IN
SEASON
A GUIDE TO
SEASONAL FOODS
THE NATURAL
WONDERS
OF THAILAND
LETTER
TO MY
DAD
A DAUGHTER’S
OPEN LETTER TO
HER FATHER ON
LIFE, REGRETS
AND SUCCESS
ZOOM
READY
MAKEUP TIPS
TAKING LESSONS
DEBBIE
STANFORD-KRISTIANSEN
CEO OF NOVO CINEMAS
1

“I would define a leader as a person who puts
the welfare of the group above himself. It’s the
same thing with fathers.”
Etan Thomas,
Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge
2

Editorial
Editor in chief
Marsha Fry
marsha@outandaboutstylemag.com
Editor
Shella landayan
editor@outandaboutstylemag.com
art
advertising
Art director
nakul thanekar
nakul.thanekar89@gmail.com
sales & marketing director
Andre Marshal
+971 50 127 8820
sales@outandaboutstylemag.com
general enquiries
On this
month's
cover
hello@outandaboutstylemag.com
outandaboutstylemag
outandaboutstylemag
OaASMag
Outandaboutstylemag
www.outandaboutstylemag.com
Interview: Roua Almawally,
Fashion Designer
Photographer: Adel Lavin
Styling: Roua Almawally
Published by Out and About Style FZE
(Registered at Fujairah Creative City)
3

Editor’s
Welcome
The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.
~ Antoine François Prévost
4

The father figure is a quintessential family concept in any
society: he is seen as a dependable man who protects,
works and loves fiercely, leading his children to the right
path with tough love and endless support. Any man who
imparts unrequited affection, care and important teachings
to someone has the right to be called a father: he might
be our uncle, a brother, a stepfather or a grandfather.
Out and About STYLE Magazine would like to say our
heartfelt and sincerest gratitude and greetings to the
fathers in our lives. This Issue is most especially dedicated
to our brave, strong and protective fathers!
Features and Highlights
In our Fashion feature, we interviewed Roua Almawally,
owner of Roua Brand and a talented fashion designer
based in Dubai. She narrates her life journey to success.
Fashion has a very rich and colourful origin. Read 10
Native Textiles and Fabrics From Around The World
and learn about the famous designs, textiles and fabrics
with a preview on their unique origins.
Nowadays, online meetings have become commonplace
and essential for working remotely. We still want you to
get that amazing look even without the heavy makeup.
Here are Zoom-Ready Makeup Tips compiled just for
you. Trying to save some money? We got you covered!
DIY Beauty: Home Care for your Hair Colour is here
to give you suggestions to maintain your beautiful hair
colours. Brace the heat of the unforgiving sun: summer is
exciting, but we need to make sure our skin is protected.
We made a list of organic and nature-friendly sunscreens
so you can Beat the Sun with 8 Safe and Natural
Sunscreens. Find these articles in our Beauty section.
Life is an endless journey, and it depends on you how
you will make the most out of it. In Taking Lessons, we
feature Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo
Cinemas. She shares her amazing and inspiring life stories
that we can all learn from for insight and inspiration.
Asiya Rafiq, a Modern Fashion Designer, wrote a
heartfelt and sincere open letter to her father, featured
in our Voices segment. In our Talent Pool feature, we
speak with Gemma Sexton, a popular radio presenter
in the Capital.
Still having a hard time to manage your wellness
experience at home? Improving the Stay-at-Home
Wellness Experience will get you moving to imbibe
wellness principles to maximise happiness. A useful
article made for your overall emotional and mental
health read: Increasing Emotional Intelligence in our
Lifestyle feature.
We’re here to tell you What’s in Season: A Guide to
Seasonal Foods to help you out in your diet plans for
months to come. In our Food section, we also give you
No Diet, No Detox: The Art of Eating to achieve a
healthy body without any dieting or overdoing it with
exercises.
We all know it’s still risky to visit the gym, so we’ve given
you Stay at Home and Exercise with 10 HIIT Fitness
Exercises for you to stay fit and healthy. Check it out in
our Fitness section!
Updating your travel list? We present to you The Natural
Wonders of Thailand in our Travel feature. Be prepared
to be amazed by Thailand’s wonderful and breathtaking
places.
In our Culture feature, we want to feed your minds and
souls with great articles for life and self-improvement.
Writing a journal is a great hobby and self-improving
activity. Here’s Dear Journal: What’s All the Fuss
About? to learn the benefits of journaling and keeping
one. All of us are aiming to be financially stable, so go
ahead and read Ensuring Financial Security through
Multiple Income Streams for useful advice and practical
tips. Parents should check out the article Raising Men
for the Future. Last but not least, a book review written
just for you: go on and learn more about The Lean
Startup by Eric Ries for inspiration on entrepreneurship.
Dad, thank you for walking with us
through our life’s battles.
Out and About STYLE Magazine, with the team that
made this Edition possible, would like to send our
appreciation and thanks to all the fathers and soon-tobe
fathers all around the world. Let’s return the love and
respect they all deserve to have. Happy Father’s Day!
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www.jacquieaiche.com
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CONTENTS
JUNE 2020
SECTION 1
FASHION
• Fashion Feature: Roua Almawally, Fashion Designer
• 10 Native Textiles and Fabrics From Around The World
36
51
SECTION 2
BEAUTY
• Makeup Madness with Liv: Zoom-Ready Makeup Tips
• DIY Beauty: Home Care for your Hair Colour
• Beat the Sun with 8 Safe and Natural Sunscreens
SECTION 3
TAKING LESSONS
• Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas
60
SECTION 4
VOICES
• Dear Dad: A Daughter’s Open Letter to her Father on
Life, Regrets and Success.
68
SECTION 5
TALENT POOL
• Gemma Sexton, Radio Presenter
98
SECTION 6
TRAVEL
• The Natural Wonders of Thailand
76
SECTION 6
LIFESTYLE
• Improving the Stay-at-Home Wellness
Experience
• Increasing Emotional Intelligence
105
SECTION 8
FOR THE
CULTURE
• Dear Journal: What’s All the Fuss
About?
84
FOOD
• What’s in Season: A Guide to
Seasonal Foods
• Ensuring Financial Security
through Multiple Income Streams
• Book Review: The Lean Startup
by Eric Ries
• No Diet, No Detox: Learn The Art
of Eating
93
FITNESS
• Stay at Home and Exercise with
10 HIIT Fitness Exercises
10
Out and About STYLE Magazine tasks no responsibility
for unsolicited photographs or material. The photographs
in this publication are for illustration purposes, unless
otherwise specified.

BALANCING FAITH AND FASHION
ROUA ALMAWALLY
www.rouaalmawally.wixsite.com/website
roua_almawally
11FASHION

12

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Roua Almawally, and I'm a fashion
designer. I was born in Iraq, where I lived until I
was 18 years old. Our family eventually moved
to Sweden, where I've lived for 15 years and
studied fashion design. I completed my
Masters in Fashion Design in Milan, Italy. After
finishing my masters, I started Roua, my own
self-titled brand, and moved to Dubai.
My dream is to provide the world with my
colourful designs and style, and to inspire
individuals to seek the kind of fashion that
fulfils and fits their lifestyles.
I'm also active in social media as an influencer
for fashion, beauty and lifestyle, showing the
world that culture and fashion are meant to be
enjoyed together.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR
PERSONAL STYLE?
My style is a bit of a mix and match of
everything. Having lived in Iraq and Sweden,
both the Iraqi and Swedish cultures are
embedded in my personality, the way I think,
and my personal style.
My style reflects my personality. It is a mix of
casual, contemporary, trendy and colourful. In
Sweden, where the weather is always gloomy,
people tend to wear black, white or grey; in
contrast, the exotic colours of Iraq give me life,
energy and happiness.
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WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BLOG YOUR
STYLE?
I love photography. Before I started blogging, I
had a personal account. I always take photos of
every outfit I wear when I go out. I love posing,
taking photos and editing them. Editing photos
is one of my hobbies.
When I started studying fashion design, I
decided to do blogs. I thought that this could be
my future—to show people what I do and what
I love. I started getting positive feedback from
people, asking me to continue to teach mixing
colours and styles, and it gave me the motivation
to continue. Eventually, blogging became a part
of my life because I love to do it.
My first tutorial was about wearing hijab with
style. I wanted to show people that we can
always think outside of the box and we can be
trendy while still staying modest.
TELL US ABOUT ROUA THE BRAND AND
WHAT IT REPRESENTS.
Roua the Brand reflects my style, and the way I
see fashion and the world. Mix-and-match is one
of my brand’s themes. For example, adding flair
or versatility to a simple dress can be done by
wearing it as a shirt or by adding another piece of
clothing to create a different look.
My brand is not only for hijabis—it's for everyone.
Many of my clients are not hijabis, so I’m very
happy that I also reach other people. I also want
to show people what modest, contemporary
fashion looks like by keeping in the trend while
looking modest and classy.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?
At the outset, what I considered as my greatest
source of inspiration was the mix of cultures that
I've been immersed in. Swedish and Iraqi cultures
are incredibly different, and yet both cultures
are ingrained in my personality and I wanted to
showcase them in my designs.
I have a big passion for learning about new
cultures. Each culture is unique and rich in many
aspects. I love the colours and history of each,
and I am curious to learn how people lived
before. I’m eager to know why a particular style
is popular in a certain country or region.
My first collection was inspired by Nubia, a small
town in South Egypt. Nubia is famous for its
colourful houses filled with eclectic murals and
the happy music of its people.
My second collection, aptly called Her Soul, was
inspired by Arabian women. The concept started
when I came to Dubai to work. Working in Dubai,
I realised that a woman is capable of achieving
huge success. She can be a businesswoman, a
teacher or a pilot. She's a mother who needs to
wake up early to bring her kids to school and to
work chore after chore.
I believe that the women of today command
respect and admiration from society. That's also
why I put the mix-and-match concept because of
women's need for multi-use clothes.
WHAT DOES HIJAB MEAN TO YOU?
I wear the traditional hijab and turbans. My
turbans have become a part of my identity. I’ve
proven this on many occasions, especially on
one occasion where the designers I met in Milan
Fashion Week visited Dubai for our fashion week.
They said that they remembered me because of
my turban. People are going to remember me
with my turban and I love this idea.
I started wearing a turban as a hijab because I
know I have something different in my personality.
It might be because of the mix of cultures I lived
in and the way I think. I love my turban a lot and
I don’t see myself without it.
HOW DO YOU COUNTER THE
RHETORIC OF HIJAB AS A SYMBOL OF
OPPRESSION? SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE
TO TELL OTHER WOMEN?
Nowadays, I feel like that concept of wearing
hijab is not linked to being oppressed any longer.
I think the world is more open now. In social
media, we can see hijabis who achieved success
in different fields, and we even see models on
the runway wearing hijab.
Many times, I was asked questions about wearing
hijab, like as to why I prefer not to take my hijab
off. Sometimes, I even receive comments that I’m
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more beautiful without it. My only advice to women who wear hijab
or want to wear one is that wearing one is definitely their own choice.
If you want it and you love it, don’t take it off. It will never stop you
from reaching your goals.
You are much stronger when you show your true self. Be yourself and you
will be able to prove to people that you can do it. For me, everything is
equal. To wear hijab or not? Honestly, I don’t see a difference.
SOME WOULD ARGUE THAT HIJAB IS LOSING ITS TRUE
MEANING AS WOMEN ARE NOW WEARING IT IN
DIFFERENT STYLES, SHAPES AND COLOURS. DO YOU
AGREE? IF NOT, WHY?
For me, not at all—as long as we are free to wear, look and decide on
what and who we are. Wearing hijab in a modern way, even adding
colours and styles, is a positive thing, as long as the essence of
wearing a hijab is not being set aside.
I really love my hijab and turban, that’s why I know how to wear it.
Many girls asked me for help on how to wear it the way I do. My
answer is always the same: you need to embrace it whole-heartedly
and love it. After that, you will know how to wear it.
Every time I’m in a different country, people usually ask me about my
turban, my culture, where I am from and why I’m wearing it this way.
I’m always hearing people saying that they are happy to see it in a
modern and new way.
Whatever way you decide to wear a hijab, it will always be gorgeous.
If you’re choosing and doing it with love while expressing yourself,
that’s the most important thing. There’s no right or wrong. People
should choose what they want to do and what they want to be.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HIJABI MODELS ON
THE RUNWAY?
They are absolutely gorgeous. I was looking at Halima—she’s so
beautiful and rocking everything in the best way. I’m so happy to see
her enjoying the success she worked for. There are many models like
her and I love seeing them making their mark.
I love how the brands of today are creating modest fashion with hijab
and making turbans for the runway. I love how fashion has evolved.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING IN THE FASHION
INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
If I could change one thing, that would be the fast fashion trend—
the changeability. Nowadays, even the big brands are creating
new brands with different names to follow street and casual trends.
People want to see new designs and styles all the time. Some brands
are doing this, but at the same time, they’re losing their own identity.
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HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF
GROWING OUTSIDE OF SOCIAL
MEDIA?
I’m growing very well because I’m always
wearing my own designs and style. I’m happy
to see the reaction and hear the feedback of
many people wherever I go.
Late last year, I participated in a fashion event
at the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. It’s a pop-up
store concept and I displayed my collections
there. It was a successful event and I was very
happy. People loved my designs and I got very
positive feedback. I even got new clients.
As you know, I display my collections on
different online platforms. Because of this, I got
the attention of one of the biggest platforms
here in GCC. I was extremely happy because
they saw that I am able to showcase unique
fashion imbibed with youth and energy, as well
as different styles that are contemporary and
colourful.
21

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL
HEALTH IN A WORLD THAT IS SO DRIVEN
BY SOCIAL MEDIA?
When I feel that everything feels too much, I will
stop myself and get a feel of the reality I am in. I
always try to find a balance between being online
and offline. I don’t really like to watch what other
people do or what’s going on. I prefer not to hear
negative things about anything in life. I’m also the
kind of person that is not focused on what other
people think of me, be it about my style or my
personality. I’m confident in myself. If I see any
negative comments about me, I try not to make it
upset me or affect me.
Social media has become an important part of our
daily lives, so I don’t see it as a negative thing. We
just need to make sure that we are using it for our
own good and don’t let our lives circle around it.
WHAT IS THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
If you are afraid to do something and you let that
fear stop you from doing it, then you will never be
able to make it. If you don’t try, you won't know and
you won’t learn anything. Trying is the first step.
Just be yourself and do what you love. Believe in
yourself and it's going to happen.
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Native Textiles
and Fabrics
From Around
10The World
The colourful arsenal of textiles of today is an ode to all the fashion
makers and designers who see to our constant demands and put
in their efforts into creating unique fashion trends. Let’s go on a
journey, exploring the traditional side of textile and celebrating the
uniqueness of each textile design.
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Shisha embroidery is believed
to have originated in India in
the 17th century and is most
dominant in Asian countries,
such as China, Afghanistan, and
Indonesia. The term hails from
the Persian word “shishesh”,
which means glass. Shisha is
partly influenced by the Persian
culture apart from the Indian
aesthetic origins.
Shisha embroidery is a form of
mirror work sewn onto a brightcoloured
fabric in a cross-stitch
embroidery style for a truly vivid
and striking effect. The little
mirrors attached to the cloth
are reflective under the rays
of the sun and the light of the
moon. Mirror work grew during
the Mughal Reign as travellers
from Iran spread this traditional
fabric art.
1. SHISHA EMBROIDERY
Surprisingly, the Mughals didn’t wear mirror work on their garments. It was
used for decor purposes, such as tapestries, home decor items and so on. In
fact, Muslims and Hindus in the Indian community hung shisha embroidery
banners at their front entrances to ward off evil spirits and protect themselves
from ill wishes.
Tartan is a vibrantly-coloured fabric with crisscrossing patterns printed on it.
Closely associated with Scotland, the iconic fabric goes back to the Middle
Ages. Tartan is seen as a big part of the Scottish culture, patriotism and
heritage. It has been adopted as the more symbolic national dress of Scotland
than a daily-wear Highland dress.
The Dress Act of 1746 made wearing tartan or the ‘Highland dress’ illegal
2. TARTAN
in Scotland. When the said
act was repealed in 1782,
tartan turned into a symbolic
fabric. In 1822, King George
IV went on a royal visit to
Edinburgh, wearing a kilt
bearing a tartan design. This
event straightened tartan’s
reputation, and the public
widely accepted it as a
unifying symbol of Scotland.
This fabric is graced with
symmetrical patterns
embodying different colours.
Each pattern depends on the
wearer’s preferences, and
some of them were created
to associate with Scottish
history. Scotland’s tartan is
woven with wool, mohair or
cashmere. If you prefer the
real thing when travelling,
always ask your local fabric
supplier.
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Originally from Ghana, kente
cloth is a silk and cotton fabric
crafted with interwoven stripes.
The natives of the towns of
Asante and Ewe, who invented
the unique kente weaving
process, have been making this
cloth for 400 years. This fabric
sports colourful and complex
designs.
To a foreigner and an untrained
eye, kente designs appear
as abstract patterns, but the
real makers and the people
of Ghana know the meaning
behind their creations. The
bright colours and patterns
used in this fabric represent
different messages, mainly
referring to nature, proverbs,
special events, historical events,
and other cultural artefacts.
The colours, however, stand
3. KENTE CLOTH
for different symbols or concepts. Blue typically signifies peace; black is for
mourning; green stands for spirituality, and so on.
Yuzen silk is made by skilled artisans, so it’s not surprising that it doesn’t come
cheap at all. This fabric is made using the Yuzen-dyeing method which utilises
rice paste in creating intricate designs with the whole painting process manually
done by hand. The Yuzen-dyeing method, founded in Japan in the 710 AD, is
partly influenced by the dyeing process involved in batik-making. It is believed
that this method was developed by an artist named Yuzensai Miyazaki. This
process makes use of various colours and intricate designs mostly inspired by
4. YUZEN SILK
nature. The designs are eyecatching
and mesmerising.
The Yuzen-dyeing method
can be used to work on other
fabrics as well, but silk is the
most commonly used fabric
by artisans. This technique is
largely used for kimonos. If
you’re planning to add Yuzen
silk to your fashion bucket
list, make sure the fabric is
done by a skilled artist or
established cloth makers
since counterfeits exist by a
large number.
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In 2009, UNESCO added the
Indonesian batik to the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity
list. Batik is a part of Indonesian
culture and has strong roots within
Indonesian royalty as well. Batik
comes from the word ‘amba’, which
means ‘to write’, and ‘titik’, meaning
‘dot’. Even though batik’s exact
origins are still unknown, historians
claim that it could be traced back
to Southeast Asian countries,
especially Indonesia, where the art
of batik was first practised.
Batik-making is also considered
an art form expressed upon fabric
using wax. The method is done by
applying wax to cloth, dyeing it,
and then washing away the wax.
Some batik designs are specially
created for royalty. Today, certain
patterns of batik represent wealth
and prosperity.
5. BATIK
Paisley is Persian in origin, notable with the distinctive marks called boteh,
a Persian leaf motif with a curved u end. The name, however, is derived
from the English name of the Scottish town called Paisley. There have been
numerous debates over the symbolic nature of this design, linking the patterns
to Zoroastrianism. Regardless, the design sheds light on birth, spirituality, and
enlightenment.
6. PAISLEY
Even though paisley has an
important part in the history
of the West, the design has
connotations of eastern
beauty and culture as well.
During the 17th century,
paisley was introduced in the
eastern region during the
reign of the Mughal emperors
in the form of paisley shawls.
The Mughals wore the shawls
for beauty and luxury; hence
the popularity grew. In
modern times, most designs
are digitally-printed, and the
designs have spread vastly
over the Middle East and
other Central Asian regions.
Paisley-inspired patterns
have also found their way
in carpets, tapestries,
wallpapers and even bed
covers.
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Suzani is a decorative tribal
textile and a form of embroidery
founded in Central Asia. Its
name is derived from the
Persian word ‘suzan’, which
means needle, the oldest roots
of suzani can be traced from the
late 1700s, but historians claim
that writings from the early 15th
century explain the existence of
this type of textile. This textile
uses cotton fibres as a base
and is embroidered with silk or
cotton threads by applying satin,
chain, and buttonhole stitches.
Most suzanis are created and
stitched together with two or
more portions of fabric to create
a larger piece.
7. SUZANI
Suzani embroidery is traditionally
practised by Central Asian
families. When a girl is born, the
family starts making suzani cloth, continuing the hand-embroidery for years until
the day of the daughter’s wedding. On the wedding day, the groom is presented
with the suzani cloth.
It wouldn’t be fair not to mention Mahatma Gandhi as the person behind the
popularisation of khadi due to his efforts in calling for a mass boycott of English
products, including foreign-made clothing. As a symbol of independence and
political agendas against the British rule, khadi holds national importance in
8. KHADI
India. Gandhi himself wore
khadi, not only to boost its
local sales but as a means to
offer jobs to the unemployed
rural population of India.
Khadi is also known as
khadder, which is created
by spinning the fabric
on a charkha, a spinning
instrument. Khadi is a firm
and coarse fabric which keeps
the wearer warm in winter
and cool in summer owing
to the method with which
the fabric is interwoven. Back
then, khadi traditionally came
in earthy colours. Today, it is
available in various prints and
shades.
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This traditional style of
embroidery originated in West
Bengal. Kantha embroidery is
also known as dorkha, which
means ‘turning worn-out fabrics
into reusable, beautiful-looking
fabrics’. It can also be said as a
‘recycled’ form of art carried out
on long layers of cloth, mostly
bedsheets, cushion covers
and sofa covers. Artisans that
make use of kantha embroidery
sew images of birds, flowers,
humans, geometrical designs,
and more to revive the old
fabric.
9. KANTHA EMBROIDERY
10. SHERMA
Sherma is a Tibetan woolen
fabric made from wool
collected from yak and sheep
which grazes on the highlands
of Himalayas. Sherma, one
of the thinnest wools that
can be created on a loom,
is dyed using natural dyes. It
is typically woven into strips
to be stitched together to
form the traditional Tibetan
apron called pangden, which
are characterised by a three
panel, multi-coloured stripe
design. In Tibet, only married
women wore pangden,
so wearing one signifies a
woman’s marital status. The
stripe colours and patterns
are also unique to different
regions of Tibet.
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ARABIAN
BEAUTIES
Models:
Lili Nagy
Victoria Noori
Photo:
Jozsef Balogh
Retouch:
Anna Petrova
Hair, makeup and styling:
Liv Rideg
Assistants:
Balazs Farkas and Szabo Pal
Location:
Studio Madison, Hungary
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BEAUTY
M A K E U P
M A D N E S S
WITH
ZOOM-READY MAKEUP TIPS
Getting ready for your next video meeting, or preparing
for a social get-together online with friends? Many of
our professional and social activities have moved to the
Internet, so it is still important to look your best. Fret not:
read on our simple Zoom-ready makeup tips to prepare
for your next online meeting!
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR SKIN
Taking care of your skin is the most important thing! Invest in a
great exfoliating scrub, a refreshing toner and a lightweight
moisturiser. This will also prepare the skin for makeup use, giving
you that bouncy, healthy glow on and off cam!
MAKEUP BASE
You don’t need a heavy foundation if you have good skin with no
pimples or major imperfections. Look for a good BB cream and
set it with a lightweight or loose powder to remove unnecessary
shine. This makes you look natural and comfortable in front of the
camera, without the heavy makeup look. Mattifying helps to avoid
looking glassy or shiny, especially when using a direct ring light or
other bright lights.
EYEBROWS
Brush your eyebrows, following its natural shape. If they are too
light, use a natural grey-brown shade to enhance them. Make sure
to remove any harsh lines. Fill in your eyebrows with eyebrow pencil
or eyeshadow, making sure not to put too much product. Use an
eyebrow spoolie to even out the colour and spread the product.
EYES
Eyes are the mirror of the soul. It is important to make them pop
a bit. To keep the whole makeup journey short and easy, take
one eyeshadow with a pearly shine and smudge it all over the
eyelid, but not higher than your crease line. A champagne colour
eyeshadow suits mostly everyone. You can take an eye pencil or
liner to add a bit of a drama to your eyes. Put a thin eyeliner in the
top lash line and apply mascara.
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CHEEK BLUSH
Look for a light-coloured blush for
your cheeks. Make sure not to put
too much blush as camera filters or
the background lighting can make
it more noticeable. Peach and rosetoned
blushes look great on almost
all skin types.
LIPSTICK
Feel free to wear your favourite
nude lipstick in a video call! A nude,
tinted lip gloss will do the trick if
you want a little bit of shine without
the dramatic emphasis.
BEST LIGHTING FOR ONLINE
MEETINGS
During the daytime, natural light
captures natural-looking and crisp
images. Find the best spot in your
house with adequate sunlight
exposure and set up your device
near, but not directly in the light.
Spaces near windows, openair
areas, and translucent glass
awnings are ideal spots to get
indirect sunlight exposure ideal
for video capture. At nighttime,
artificial lights that look effortlessly
natural are the perfect choice for
background lighting.
Keep in mind that facial features
are more prominent in front of
the camera. Keep it simple: never
forget that less is always more.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
SKIN CARE
FACE SCRUB
The Body Shop
Seaweed Pore Cleansing
Facial Exfoliator
TONER
Shiseido Pureness
Balancing Softener
Toner
MOISTURISING
CREAM
Charlotte Tilbury
Magic Cream
MAKEUP
FOUNDATION
Shiseido Synchro
Skin Self Refreshing
Foundation
BB CREAM
Clinique ID
LOOSE POWDER
Laura Mercier
Translucent Powder
37

MAKEUP
EYEBROWS
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brow Premade
EYESHADOW
PALETTE
Tom Ford Eye Quad
EYE PENCIL
MAC Eye Pencil
in Brown
MASCARA
Diorshow
BLUSH
Kevyn Aucoin Neo blush
LIP GLOSS
Fenty Beauty
Glossbomb Universal
lip Luminiser
LIPSTICK
Dolce Gabbana lipstick
Liv Rideg is an award-winning professional makeup
artist and hairstylist with 21 years of experience in the
beauty industry. She is currently based in Europe but
has worked across the globe, including a spell in Dubai.
Liv specialises in bridal, beauty, glamour, creative and
fantasy makeup. She has also been teaching makeup
techniques and different styles since 2010.
38

BEAUTY QUEEN
Model: Csonka Rebeka
Photo and retouch: Andrea Marton
Designer: Nagy Agota Collection
Assistant: Takacs Ferenc
Hair and makeup: Liv Rideg
Location: Studio Madison, Budapest, Hungary
39

DRAMA QUEEN
Model: Erika Torok
Photo: Jozsef Balogh
Hair, makeup and styling: Liv Rideg
Retouch: Anna Petrova
Location: Eger, Hungary
40

41

42

DIY BEAUTY:
HOME CARE
FOR YOUR
HAIR COLOUR
Vibrant-coloured hair looks
gorgeous and tempting. However,
when the tints start losing their
sheen, it does not always paint a
pretty picture. Now, you can visit a
hair care salon to get your tresses
touched up but going to the
hairdressers for colour maintenance
may not always be budget-friendly.
What do you do when your hair
starts to look like it could use a tiny
bit of redoing? We bring you these
effective DIY methods to maintain
your hair colour at home while
skipping the pricey salon sessions!
HENNA
Henna leaves are the most widely used organic hair dyeing
ingredients. Henna is widely available in its powdered form and
is the most long-lasting and brightest natural hair colouring
option. It is usually mixed with water to make a paste, applied
to the roots and allowed to stay for hours depending upon
the intensity of colour preferred. To maintain your hair colour
at home with henna:
1. Mix half cup henna with 1/4 cup water.
2. Stir to make a smooth paste. Let this mixture sit overnight
and add more water if needed.
3. Dampen your hair and put on a headband to avoid it
dripping on your face.
4. Section your hair and apply henna to the roots working
through each section until the whole area is covered.
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the colour
develop for up to 6 hours or more if you wish for deeper
red tones.
6. Wash thoroughly.
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COFFEE
Coffee is a wonderful option to touch-up
those burgundy hues. You may need to
repeat hair treatments with coffee to get a
deep-set colour. Coffee is also great to cover
up stray greys. To whip up a coffee hair mask,
you will have to:
1. Brew a strong mug of dark roast coffee
2. Mix half a cup of coffee and one cup of
leave-in hair conditioner
3. Dampen your hair and apply the mixture
evenly, in sections to your roots.
4. Let the hair pack stay for at least two
hours and then wash thoroughly.
Coffee does not provide a drastic change, and
it doesn’t last long, but it does work pretty
well when you need a quick and affordable
natural redo.
BEETROOT AND
CARROT JUICE
Beets and carrots give you much more than a
scrumptious salad. These two root vegetables
are often used to add natural red stains to your
hair colour. Depending on the shade that you
like, you may choose to mix both beets and
carrots or use them separately. For a brighter
strawberry red or auburn shade, add more
beet juice. Carrot juice will produce a subtle
reddish-orange colour.
1. Juice the vegetables to get about 1 cup
of the juice.
2. Add a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil
to act as a conditioner.
3. Apply the juice to your hair evenly and
throw on a shower cap.
4. Leave in for at least two hours and rinse
thoroughly once done.
5. Rinse your hair with a diluted solution
of Apple Cider Vinegar to seal in the
colour.
6. If you would like a deeper tinge, repeat
the next day.
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SAGE LEAVES
If you would like to darken up your greys,
sage leaves are effective colourants too!
1. Steep about a cup of dried sage in a
litre of water and bring to a boil. Let the
tea boil for about 30 minutes or longer.
2. Once done, strain out the sage and let
the tea cool.
3. Soak your hair in the sage water for as
long as you can.
4. Wash, then dry your hair under the sun
for maximum impact.
LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice helps strip your hair of its
pigments slowly. It is a natural way to achieve
sun-kissed highlights.
1. Extract lemon juice from about three
large lemons.
2. Using a comb, separate sections of your
hair and apply the juice evenly whenever
colour is desired.
3. Sit in the sun and let it dry. This enhances
the intensity of the colour.
4. Wash your hair after an hour, and if
required, repeat the process two to
three times.
45

CALENDULA
FLOWERS AND
HIBISCUS FLOWERS
Flowers smell lovely and they also help impart
colour and life to your lacklustre hair. While
hibiscus flowers lend a red gloss to your
tresses, calendula flowers lighten incoming
blonde hair with golden highlights. It is also
great for turning brown hair into a warm
shade of red.
Make a simple herbal hibiscus concoction by
brewing a cup of hibiscus flowers in boiling
water for at least an hour. Blend this tea
together with the flesh of aloe vera from a
10-centimetre-long stem. Apply the puree
to your roots and ends and let the pack
stay on for 1 hour before you wash it out.
The antioxidants from the hibiscus will leave
your locks healthy and fresh—similarly, steep
calendula flowers in boiling water and make
a strong tea. Add a teaspoon of honey to
moisturise your scalp.
With some innovations and ingenuity, it is very
easy to replicate and maintain your favourite
salon colour at home and even strengthen
your hair in the process!
46

BEAT
THE
SUN
WITH 8 SAFE
AND NATURAL
SUNSCREENS
The scorching summer heat is demanding
us not to go bare and shield-free! Summer
is already here, so make sure to protect your
delicate skin from the harmful UV rays.
Be mindful, however, that most sunscreen
products contain harmful chemicals and other
synthetic ingredients that may potentially harm
wildlife, especially the ocean ecosystems. For
example, harmful substances like octinoxate
and oxybenzone, which are common sunscreen
ingredients, are toxic to most species of coral
reefs as well as other marine life. Taking care
of our skin doesn’t mean we don’t need to
take care of nature as well!
Look out for potential toxins in your sunscreen
products or when shopping for one. We also
recommend using plant-based products
that are skin-nourishing. Here are the best
sunscreen products we compiled that are safe
for your skin and nature.
47

01
Neutrogena SheerZinc
Dry-Touch Sunscreen
SPF 50
This is a mineral sunscreen that provides high
protection against the damaging sun rays. It is
also hypoallergenic, oil-free, waterproof, noncomedogenic,
and of course, dermatologisttested.
Juice Beauty Stem
Cellular CC Cream
CC creams, also known as colour-correcting
creams, are one of the latest beauty and skincare
fads. Juice Beauty created an SPF-30
CC cream that gives you glowing skin. This is
formulated without parabens and pesticides.
This brand claims that their products are
never tested on animals.
02
03
Suntegrity Unscented
Natural Mineral
Sunscreen For Body
If you are looking for a sunscreen that is ideal
for family use, this is perfect for you. This
product is fragrance-free, chemical-free and
has SPF 30, which is good for skin protection.
It is also reef-friendly and cruelty-free that will
make Mother Earth happy.
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Black Girl Sunscreen
04
Though that beautiful melanin protects the
skin from some UV rays, not all are covered;
therefore, black people need sunscreen too!
This product my Black Girl Sunscreen is free
of harmful chemicals and will leave your skin
moisturised and free of white residue.
Tropical Sands
All Natural SPF 50
Mineral Sunscreen
Tropical Sands created a mineral sunscreen
made with natural green tea and no added
harmful chemicals. It is safe to use on children
or if you have sensitive skin. It is perfect to
use on the face and body. This is also reefsafe
and not tested on animals.
05
Vanicream
Sunscreen SPF 50
06
Oil-free, non-greasy, no oxybenzone added
and non-comedogenic: it’s safe for your pores,
so what else to look for? It is guaranteed safe
for the environment and kids can use it too!
It contains SPF 50, which makes it strong
protection against the harsh UV rays.
49

Thinksport Safe
Sunscreen SPF 50+
07
Thinksport concocted a lush sunscreen that is
not so greasy, with a subtle scent suitable for
sensitive skin. This is also a mineral sunscreen
that has SPF 50+ ideal for long exposure
under the sun. Beach lovers will love this as it
is also coral-friendly!
08
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen
SPF 30
Goddess Garden offers an array of sunscreen
products for you to choose from. Their
products, which are formulated with SPF 30
and SPF 50, are organic and contain plantbased
nutrients perfect for sensitive skin.
50

Taking
Lessons
DEBBIE STANFORD-KRISTIANSEN
CEO OF NOVO CINEMAS
dskristiansen
Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen
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52

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, and I’m the CEO
of Novo Cinemas. I’ve been here in Dubai for the last seven
years. Before moving into the entertainment industry, I
worked in tourism and hospitality, which I entered in my early
twenties in Brighton, England. I was part of the team that
launched the business tourism show in Geneva, Switzerland
called EIBTM. Years later, I was part of the leadership team
who launched IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany.
I started my career as an organising executive, moved into
sales and marketing, and worked my way up to global VP
before I left. I loved what I did; it was amazing.
My journey in the Middle East started in 2005, when I moved
to Bahrain with my husband Jacob, my daughter Georgia,
who was 9 at the time and our son Luca, who was just 3
months old. I met my husband in early 2004. My move to
Bahrain was to help establish the Bahrain Exhibition and
Convention Authority.
I reflected on what you can achieve in a short space of time.
It has been a wonderful journey since moving to the Middle
East back in 2005. When I relocated to Dubai, I was in my
40’s, and thinking if I don’t do it, I’ll regret it, so just do it and
if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t matter.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?
Success is being able to bring positive change and impact to
the lives of others. For me, it’s always about the ability to help
individuals or communities. That’s how I measure success.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I am passionate about my job, my family, and my friends.
As I’ve grown and matured, my passion for wanting to help
others also grew. As such, I’ve been doing a lot of volunteering
for mentorship programmes and speaking at events, giving
hope and inspiration to others, as well as sharing my life’s
journey, hoping that it will resonate with somebody else.
With mentorship, I’m always emphasising that it’s important
to have someone who will bring out the champion in you,
support and encourage you, but also to challenge you to be
the best that you can be. I can say that with truth because I
know from experience that you just need someone to give
you that little push for you to step outside of your comfort
zone, bloom and flourish as a person.
53

54

DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS SOME SORT OF
PATTERN OR FORMULA TO BECOMING A
SUCCESSFUL CEO?
It’s about seizing opportunities when they come your way;
being not afraid to jump in, even if it doesn’t work out.
When you’re given an opportunity, there’s always a reason
for that. It’s your life story, and you have different chapters
within your book. Each chapter is a different opportunity
that leads to something else.
I was very fortunate that I had a great mentor who was
my boss at the time, who really helped bring out that
confidence in me. When I was in my early 20s, I really
lacked self-confidence, but he saw that I had potential.
He put me on the way to growth, to give back and to
really develop. I owe a lot of my success to him and the
opportunities that he’s given me.
AS A FEMALE LEADER, WHAT HAS BEEN THE
MOST SIGNIFICANT BARRIER IN YOUR CAREER?
Since moving to the Middle East, I’ve had so many great
opportunities. I’ve met company leaders who are strong
men passionate about supporting women. I never faced a
case of being denied a senior role because of my gender.
There was one occasion when an individual felt a little
threatened by me. Unfortunately, it was a woman and not
a man as many might have perceived. It makes me sad to
think about that. She tried to put obstacles in my way, but
I thought that truth will always prevail, and it did.
I’m a forgiving person, and I believe we need to support
each other, especially us, women. There’s room for
everybody in this world.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE NEXT
GENERATION OF FEMALE LEADERS?
Sometimes as women, we’re our own worst enemies.
We’re able to talk ourselves out of opportunities and like
to bring ourselves down. I would say, have self-belief,
trust in who you are and your ability. Be passionate about
what you do. Be prepared to work hard.
In this industry, I’d say we almost work 24/7, but it’s
because we’re passionate about what we do. When you
have a passion for something, give your everything. Be
resilient. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s
how you learn. Don’t be afraid to take an opportunity
when it comes your way. If you don’t try, you will live with
regret and wish you’d taken that opportunity. Lead with
cause and purpose. Leave ego behind, there’s no place
for that.
55

HOW DID MENTORS
INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE?
I was 23 or 24 when the managing
director gave me an opportunity to
grow. He moved me into sales and
marketing under his leadership.
He was giving a presentation in
Amman, Jordan to around 300
travel professionals with the
Ministry of Tourism. I prepared the
presentation for him to deliver.
Moments before he was due to go
on stage, he said that things would
be different that day and I would be
the one presenting first, not him.
I immediately began feeling sick
because of nervousness.
I was not used to any kind of public
speaking back then. He told me to
breathe, calm down, find a spot at
the end of the room and focus on
that. He said that he would not
put me in that position unless he
believed in me. I didn’t want to let
him down because he’d done so
much for me.
56
After getting off the stage, I
remember him asking how I felt. I felt
elated. He said that even though I’ll
get used to making presentations, I’ll
still have butterflies in my stomach
and that’s a good thing. It means
that you’re not overconfident, so
you’ll always be authentic in your
delivery. I think that was definitely a
pivotal moment for me, in my career,
and I will never forget it.
TELL US ABOUT A TIME YOU
HAD TO DEAL WITH FAILURE
AND HOW YOU DEALT WITH IT.
Prior to coming to Dubai, I was
offered a role in Borneo, which
sounded exciting. I got caught up in
the moment. We packed up and left
Bahrain. My husband said, “If this is
something you want to do, we’ll do
it, I’ll support you.”
Within a few months, I realised I’ve
made a very big mistake. It wasn’t
for me or for us as a family, and I
felt incredibly filled with guilt. My
husband said, “Don’t live with regret;
we made the decision together, and
I support you.”
The next six months were a little bit
of a roller coaster because I had no
idea what we were going to do or
where we were going to go next.
I ended up in Australia, then went
back to the UK, and then back to
the Middle East. Throughout that
period, all of our belongings were
moving from one container ship port
to the next. We finally reunited with
all of our belongings about eight
months later back in Bahrain.
It was a very unsettling time in my
life. I’ve learned that when you’re
making a decision, you must reflect
on it and weigh up all the pros and
cons. Take your time, and don’t rush
your decisions. Sometimes in life,
it’s not about making a bad decision
or failing at something; it’s how you
bring yourself back from that and
how you turn it around.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE
YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Believe in yourself because others believe
in you, and they can see that you have the
ability. Don’t hold back and don’t be scared.
I didn’t think I was capable of achieving what
I’ve achieved, but with someone as a mentor
or support person: someone who will bring
the champion in you, challenge and hold you
accountable at the same time; and someone
who will be your listening ear, you’ll get there.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE
YOU’VE RECEIVED?
The best piece of advice was given to me by
my grandfather. He told me that whatever
you do in life, make sure you give respect
to everybody. Be authentic and be true to
yourself. Never compromise on your values,
who you are, and what you represent. I’ve
tried to do that throughout my life, both in
my personal and professional life.
IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK
ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD
YOU CALL IT AND WHY?
I haven’t written a book yet, but I’m planning
to write one with Nikki Williams, my best
friend who I worked with for many years at
EIBTM and IMEX. Nikki lives in England.
We often talk about the trips we’ve been on
together because we have been able to travel
the world through work. I feel so thankful for
those experiences. We’ve just got so many
funny stories together.
We decided that when we write a book
sharing our stories, it will be entitled Coast
to Coast and Everything Else in Between
because we have literally travelled the world.
I think we’ve been around the world two or
three times now, seeing amazing things and
experiencing wonderful sights together. I’m
not sure when we’ll be able to write it, but at
some point, I hope.
HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR
MENTAL HEALTH?
I’m very conscious about what is happening
every day. It started with the lockdown. One
thing that we agreed on as a family is to
maintain a routine because we’re working
from home and we’re isolated from friends.
We have breakfast together as a family, after
which I’ll come into the dining room, which I consider my office.
My husband’s ‘office’ is in the kitchen. My son will go upstairs for
his schooling through distance learning.
Our daughter is in Bahrain, and I haven’t seen her since Christmas.
It’s been incredibly difficult for me as I have never been apart from
her for this long. I’m very concerned about her mental health and
work, so we make sure that we are pushing her to think positive.
I also calm my mind by walking along the beach, just gazing at the
ocean. We’ll go at 6:00 in the morning for an 8-kilometre walk. It’s
incredibly powerful. The sound of the waves is something special.
As a company, we make sure that we also have a daily connection
with the team. Many of our cinema workers are far from home
already. They’re already far away from loved ones, which also
puts a level of concern and worry in their minds. I don’t want
anybody left out. Everybody needs to call somebody, check on
them, make sure they’re okay. Kindness above everything else is
important.
57

WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU
LIVE BY?
It’s a quote by Archbishop Desmond
Tutu who I was very fortunate to meet
in South Africa. He was speaking at an
event I went to, and one of the things he
said was, “Dream, dream and go for it”.
It resonated with me over these years
because he was such an incredible man
with everything he’d been through in
his life. He was probably one of the
most positive and wonderful people
I’ve ever met.
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59

Voices
A Daughter’s Open Letter to
her Father on Life, Regrets and
Success
Asiya Rafiq
MODEST FASHION DESIGNER
asiyarafiqq asiyarafiqq asiyarafiqq
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61

How are you doing? I am finally at the point
where I can reply to your messages, so here it goes.
I’m doing fine with my life. I grew into a fine and
hardworking mother. By the grace of the Almighty,
I’m blessed with a wonderful six-year-old boy and
married to a very supportive man who is a doctor in
Abu Dhabi. When I got married, my heart ached, and
sadness crept into my soul: the religious rituals that
you needed to perform were there, but you’re not.
You missed so much in my life, so I want to tell you some
of the stories I have. I want you to know that I’ve been
interested in fashion and the performing arts since
childhood. Mum wanted me to become a doctor but I
had different interests. Since I personally experienced
the psychological impact of living without a father, it
was my dream to ease children’s pain brought about
by parental separation, helping them perform better
in their lives—so I took Psychology as my career path.
I also studied Applied Behavioural Analysis Training
in the Applied Behavioural Institute Dubai. I had
the privilege of meeting people in need, especially
children with separated parents and challenged with
other social issues.
I volunteered in the Special Olympics that was held
here in the UAE, and I met people of determination.
Knowing the challenges in their daily lives led me to
decide to specialise in making adaptive clothes for
them. They are the most neglected group when it
comes to fashion choices. I believe that how you dress
can also boost and improve one’s mood levels.
I designed my own clothes, and I wore them to different
functions and got a lot of attention. My friends always
advise me to showcase my designs at exhibitions.
I always dreamt of you looking at my designs and
appreciating my hard work and efforts. I collaborated
with Dream Design for Disabilities in Dubai Modest
Fashion Week 2019. I’ve also been invited to many
international colleges and universities to meet
students of fashion and technology. I have added a
programme in my designing project with the goal of
providing more information about adaptive clothing
for the next generation of designers called “Mission
Make My Style Accessible”. I want to contribute to the
growing society in whatever small way I can. I was able
to achieve things, and I’m hoping that at one point,
maybe not now but someday, that you’ll be proud of
me.
You left us when I was a toddler, but mum raised us so
well. She helped me achieve what I have today. She
tried her best to be a mother and father at the same
time. She continued her own education even in those
trying times and worked so hard to give us better lives.
She also gained the position of being the only female
designated as Scouts and Guides Commissioner of her
state. Aren’t you happy for her?
Mum had to work quite a lot, but grandma was
also there by my side. I learned to raise an alarm if
somebody tried to take advantage of me, thanks to
her. I remember this one time: I was on a bus with my
friend, and a man tried to touch her. I saw my friend’s
helpless expression on her face. I fought back on her
behalf and made him pay for his actions. That incident
made me realise that we might have to fight our own
battles. Dad, if you were there, you would protect me,
right?
When I was a child, the most significant impact of
your absence was missing you each day. As I grew
up, I realised that it is very much more than that.
The challenges and hardships I met were difficult to
overcome, but looking at Mum who taught me to deal
with situations bravely, I learned to look at the positive
side of things which made me stronger each day.
I was lucky enough to have a loving uncle to stand by
my side and helped me with my school cards. I was
supposed to have you during those times, but sadly,
it was impossible. I left my grandmother’s house when
I was 20 years old. I stayed in metropolitan cities to
experience hostel life, which taught me how to lead
my life independently.
My ultimate goal is to become the voice of the
voiceless and help people in need with my professional
experience and personal way of living life. I’m pursuing
it and I’m happy to announce that my dream project
is about to happen soon where I’m the one who will
direct the film, write the story and script, and also act.
I thank the UAE government for providing a platform
for talented people and giving me a chance to be a
62

member of the Twofour54 Creative Lab, a media
organisation in Abu Dhabi. I’m able to nurture my
passion for film directing and continuously learn
about film direction.
so I’m in talks with a London-based film director
to present my film in different international film
festivals which take place throughout the year in the
capital.
My vision as a film director is to paint the cinema
with real stories, instead of fictional ones, stories
that create wrong impressions, or send wrong
messages. London hosts some of the most exciting,
eclectic and ambitious film festivals in the world,
Thank you, Dad, for making me learn poetry. I
experienced so much pain because of being apart
from you, so I kept a diary. Unknowingly, you made
me into a writer.
I want to share with you these lines in one of my poems:
That childhood is lost
So is he
Why is still my heart
Is searching him
In words
Isn’t he mentioned
O Father of mine
I decided to put these words in the teaser for the film I’m currently working on: Father, a short film about a
fatherless daughter. It’s my own story and I want to share it with the world. I aim to spread awareness about
children suffering from parental separation, and to help them overcome mental health issues like anxiety and
depression. As a fashion designer, I see it fit to showcase my artistry in this film as well. I will wear modified
vintage dresses and antique jewellery in the film, owing to my close relationship with my grandmother who I
admire for her way of dressing with the traditional outfits of Kashmir Valley.
There was a time when somebody literally told me that I don’t have a father to love me. That’s not true, right,
Dad? I may not understand why you left us. Your decision gave us a hard life, and if I didn’t have a lot of
support from good people around me, it could have been worse. The tears and struggles I experienced
that were meant to be shared with you made me a strong and positive person.
I was supposed to thank you and Mum for raising me and giving me life, but you’re not here.
I was supposed to share my happiness and success with you, but you’re not here.
Behind those grudges, sadness and pain, I still wish for you to be in good
health. Someday, somewhere, a reason may dawn on me on why you
turned your back on us that may ease my aching heart and soul.
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64

65

VYBE WOMAN
T A P P I N G I N T O Y O U R
Serenity & Strength
5 Powerful Neurolinguistic
Programming Techniques,
Emotional Freedom and
Emotional Intelligence
Techniques to calm busy
minds, instill relaxation
and strengthen the
confidence and ability to
move towards desired life
goals.
Includes:
Circle of Excellence and
Power
The Chocolate Journey
of Pleasure
Building Self
Confidence
Create Your Best Self
Embracing your Power
and your Shadow Self
And a bonus ...
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Sit Back & Relax
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TALENT
POOL
Radio Sexton
Presenter gemma_sexton
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1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I’m an Aussie with an insatiable appetite for worldly
adventure and meeting new people. I enjoy living actively
outdoors, especially escaping to ‘nirvana’ (AKA Gold
Coast, Australia) to walk along The Spit or bodysurf.
I’m a glitter lover and obsessor of all things fashion and
wishing to adopt a fur-baby soon. Currently, I’m residing
and working in broadcast media in the UAE since 2017.
2. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RADIO AND
WHO WERE YOUR EARLY INFLUENCES?
The catalyst was my relocation from working in
Outback Queensland, Australia as a rural radiographer
and sonographer, to Tokyo, Japan, where I first
delved into the entertainment and media industry.
My budding days of radio began at an independent
community station in Brisbane, Australia called 4ZZZ.
I was also a volunteer presenter at 4RPH (Radio for
Print Handicapped) and volunteer narrator at Vision
Australia.
3. WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR MAIN
GOALS WHEN YOU STARTED OUT AS A
PRESENTER?
To prompt my listener to smile or laugh, a
moment’s distraction and relief from life’s worries
and stresses. This remains my objective today, but
now more so with a strong emphasis to positively
connect, engage and uplift my audience.
4. IN WHAT WAYS IS IT HARDER BEING
A FEMALE PRESENTER? AND WHAT CAN
BE DONE TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN THE
INDUSTRY?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s harder, as I’ve
been fortunate not to be subject to any bias.
However, depending who and where you
are, I think there’s the risk of being typecast,
filling a stereotypical gender-based role on
air. It’s imperative to seek a level platform
where all points of view are heard and
respected, irrespective of gender; work in
a progressive organisation that advocates
for equal opportunity.
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU
GIVE TO WOMEN LOOKING TO JOIN
YOUR PROFESSION?
Own your true voice; don’t be shy
from boldly sharing your convictions.
Fundamentally be YOU, authenticity is
paramount.
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6. WHAT PROFESSION OTHER
THAN YOUR OWN WOULD YOU
LIKE TO ATTEMPT AND WHY?
I would like to try children’s TV
presenting. The ingenuity of a child’s
limitless and untainted perspective is
not just inspiring and fascinating, but
personally fulfilling when you nurture
and cultivate their boundless potential.
7. WHO ARE OTHER RADIO
PRESENTERS THAT YOU LOOK UP
TO AS ROLE MODELS AND WHY?
The late James Aramouni: his honest
ability and gift to communicate and
connect with listeners on a genuine and
empathetic level.
Also, the late Lucy Stone: her raw
music passion could fire up any passive
listener.
8. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS
YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO
DATE?
Completing a ten-day absolute silent
retreat known as Vipassana in Bombay,
India, which as you can appreciate for
the fact I talk for a living, was a struggle
and a half!
9. WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO
ACHIEVE AND WHY?
My parents inspire me because of
their endless, unabiding support and
cheerleading of all my pursuits, not to
mention the countless opportunities
they have afforded me, that have
undoubtedly led me here which I am
forever grateful for. I am my biggest
critic so they provide the rationale
and grounding that I sometimes need
reminding of.
10. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF
SUCCESS?
Rising above the inner doubting voice
by ‘leaning in’ and challenging fears
despite their powers to be paralysing on
occasion to embark on personal growth
and development.
11. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU
GIVE YOUR 20-YEAR-OLD SELF?
At the time I was completing my bachelor
of Applied Science, questioning my
choice of study. In hindsight, I understand
that trajectory was not ‘forever’ and career
metamorphosis is achievable and in reality,
inevitable. Three key mindsets I have since
adopted: allow time for success; take the
risk and let go of perfection.
12. HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
I engage in music therapy daily, it’s my
elixir. Importantly, scheduling time to
invest in myself by means of self-care—
examples are massage, time in nature,
Zumba that allows me to recharge and
reboot. Of course, satisfying my sweet
tooth!
13. WHAT IS THAT ONE QUOTE
YOU LIVE BY?
I have to say I live by two quotes:
“My philosophy is: it’s none of my
business what people say of me and
think of me. I am what I am and I do
what I do. I expect nothing and accept
everything. And it makes life so much
easier.” - Sir Anthony Hopkins
“If you don’t have something nice to say,
don’t say anything at all.”
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75

LIFESTYLE
IMPROVING THE STAY-AT-HOME
WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF CREATING A WELLNESS
EXPERIENCE IN YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT?
Now that many of us are spending more
time at home, we need to make necessary
adjustments to turn our homes into not
just peaceful sanctuaries, but as working
spaces, recreational areas, and places for
virtual socialisation.
I want to share with you eight simple steps to
creating or enhancing the perfect wellness
experience in your home, with little or no
added cost. Following the concept of the
Wellness Wheel Model, follow the key
principles of breathing, sensing, drinking
and eating, moving, feeling, thinking, selfresponsibility
and safety.
1. BREATHING
Pollution in the house is two to five times greater
than the outside air because the modern
house is an artificially-built environment
where we store potentially harmful products,
equipment and furniture. Unknowingly, we are
constantly exposed to toxins and impurities
from many typical home products or structures
such as paint particulates, wood preservatives
and fine dust. Remember to invest in natural
and organic cleaning materials. Avoid using
artificial air fresheners and opt for natural
herbs, essential oils and spices to create
potpourri and organic incense sticks. You may
also invest in advanced air filtration systems
which are available for home use, as well as air
conditioning equipment with built-in filtration
systems that rid the air of airborne particles
and germs through the use of ionisation
technology.
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2. SENSING AND GOOD LIGHT
It is very important to adjust your biorhythm following
the circadian light cycle by being awake and active
at daytime and resting or toning down your activities
at nighttime. Unfortunately, the modern lifestyle is
full of digital distractions affecting our biorhythms.
Experts recommend opting for ‘night lights’ when the
sun is down. ‘Night lights’ are multi-tempered lights
radiating orange-yellowish shades which naturally
boosts melatonin levels in the body. Turn on ‘blue
light’ lamps in the morning to promote wakefulness
and naturally overcome morning drowsiness.
Another useful tip is to choose light colours for your
walls and furniture because they tend to reflect the
daylight and visually make the space look much
brighter and bigger, which is especially practical for
living rooms and working spaces.
3. DRINKING
Water is vital to our health. To check the water
quality in your home, schedule a visit with the
lab technician, which offers water quality tests
and analysis. Get advice on the recommended
water filtration systems if you are sourcing
your potable water through a deep well or the
local water provider. These systems can be
maintained monthly or annually, whichever suits
your budget.
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4. FEELING AND COMFORT
“Life takes you to unexpected places; love brings
you home!” When we come home, we seek
that magic place of comfort. Creating an ideal
home where we truly feel at home is a hard but
rewarding endeavour. Start by creating corners
and spots that are enjoyable for the eye and body,
such as small meditation or self-reflection spaces.
Avoid creating too many distractions such as
unmade beds, crowded countertops or TV cords
which can obscure your view and might irritate
the mind. Grouping areas with different activity
levels is not recommended as well. For example,
it is not comfortable to place high-activity areas
next to areas dedicated to relaxation as doing is
counterproductive.
5. THINKING
The easiest way to create spaces that
stimulate deep thought, creativity
and mindfulness is by assimilating
natural elements into your house.
This is largely inspired by Zen
philosophy. Incorporating nature
within your home creates a feeling
of being outdoors, yet protected
and enveloped. Opt for rugs,
pillows and mats in natural patterns
or colours. Indoor plants, aquariums
and calming water features also
allow relaxation paving the way for
quiet focus and rejuvenation.
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6. EATING
Think about this: how likely are you to eat
an apple if it is in the fridge? Always place
your fresh foods on the table centrepiece
or on the kitchen countertops so every
family member will be encouraged to
reach for them, rather than open the
fridge on every food-finding occasion.
Clean the fridge and the chiller regularly.
Avoid using plastic containers as these
can potentially leach toxins into the food.
7. MOVING
As per health recommendations, we need
to ]exercise for a minimum of thirty minutes
every day to combat the sedentary lifestyle.
Implement an active standing desk for your
home workspace.
Fitness rooms are often inconveniently located
at the garage, backyard or somewhere else
hidden. When possible, position them in the
front area of your home to serve as an open
reminder to exercise on the daily. It is also
recommended to start your day with simple
exercises on a stretch bar and yoga mat. If it
is possible in your home, you may also opt to
invest in building active zones ranging from
the use of bosu balls for sitting, and perhaps
installing decorative climbing walls or TRX
bands in the entry spaces, lobbies or backyards.
Practise passive fitness while watching TV by
sitting on the floor and engaging in stretching
exercises to loosen those tight hips.
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8. SELF-RESPONSIBILITY AND SAFETY
Your house is your fortress. Self-responsibility and
safety are the most important principles in homebuilding.
As per yearly medical statistics, 21 million
accidents happen inside homes. Do invest in guiding
lights in the places you are most likely to use during
the night: by the kitchen, stairs and in the bathrooms.
Move away cleaning chemicals under the sink into
a separate shed or storage room created for that
purpose. This eliminates potentially toxic fumes or
smell of chemicals and restricts access for children.
Ensure that poor wiring and defective electric wires
are repaired or replaced. Regularly check cracked
wire insulation caused by heat, age and bending and
install electrical wiring away from water sources.
Make sure to install non-slip mats and grab bars in
showers and tubs. Have your home emergency kit
always available, handy and re-stocked.
A home imbibed with healthy wellness principles
can create the happiness haven the family needs,
nourishing the body, mind and spirit. Find the time
today to incorporate these wellness tips for a better,
healthier stay-at-home lifestyle!
A home imbibed with healthy wellness principles
can create the happiness haven the family needs,
nourishing the body, mind and spirit. Find the time
today to incorporate these wellness tips for a better,
healthier stay-at-home lifestyle!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
VYARA TOSHEVA
Wellness, Spa and Retreats Business Consultant
In over 19 years, Vyara Tosheva has gained
professional experience in hospitality, leisure and
wellbeing. Vyara graduated in Tourism Management
and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
Sociology. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree
in Tourism, as well as internationally-accredited
certification courses in Hospitality and Spa
Management. She travels the world to enhance her
expertise through further certifications in Ayurveda,
Wellness and Fitness Consultancy, Coaching and
Psychology.
She is a certified NLP and EFT master coach and
Reiki practitioner. She also led the opening of The
Retreat Palm Dubai, the first wellness retreat resort
in the UAE and GCC, as well as the Rayya Wellness
and Poli-clinic Centre. She created and managed the
first holistic retreats in a hotel environment where
in-house and visiting master practitioners, energy
workers and doctors combine their knowledge with
fitness, spa and beauty professionals to deliver
transformational retreats.
As a consultant, she advises and consults hospitality
and spa executives on the creation of wellness
projects and their execution.
Vyara’s mission is to empower busy executives to
create or enhance their business models geared
toward a wellness lifestyle on both professional and
personal levels. Her vision, on the other hand, is to
create worldwide wellness and health retreat centres
that provide premium services for its employees,
guests and visitors.
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INCREASING
EMOTIONAL
INTELLIGENCE
In a world where technology and
automation will affect over half of
the global workforce by 2030, how
does one stay competitive in the job
market? What will distinguish you from
the rest of the working individuals with
the same degree, experience and
background? Furthermore, if you are
looking to grow into senior leadership
roles, how will you motivate and
drive your team towards success and
business growth?
Emotional and interpersonal factors
such as leadership skills, openness
and agreeability, resilience and
other attitudinal factors considered
major determinants of career success
and progress. Essentially, these
are personal skills that machines
cannot replace or replicate, at least
not yet and not in the near future.
Hence, emotional intelligence, or
EQ, is essential to gain competitive
advantage and ensure your career
growth.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
(EQ)?
EQ is the ability to understand your own
emotions. It also encompasses self-awareness
or mindfulness, as well as being able to manage
your emotions. EQ also includes your ability to
manage interpersonal relationships.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Emotionally intelligent people are self-aware and
mindful of their own behaviour and emotions.
Self-awareness allows us to be clear on what is
important to us in our personal and professional
lives. It also allows us to manage our emotions
and understand them for the purpose of making
balanced or wise decisions in life. Being self-aware
also allows us to manage our emotions when
difficult or stressful situations arise. For example,
when you have a challenging situation with others,
be it your co-workers, friends or loved ones, it is
essential to understand their points of view on an
emotionally-balanced and unbiased perspective.
According to an article on emotional intelligence
from Robert Tearle Consulting, EQ accounts for
58 percent of performance indicators in all types
of jobs. In a work environment, people with the
highest EQ outperform those with average EQ,
despite high levels of intellect or education.
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HOW HIGH IS YOUR EQ?
Daniel Goleman, one of the foremost experts on the
study of emotional intelligence, says that the following
questions can help you determine your level of
emotional intelligence:
• Are you usually aware of your feelings and why
you feel that way?
• Are you aware of your limitations, as well as your
personal strengths?
• Can you manage your distressing emotions and
recover quickly when you get upset?
• Can you adapt smoothly to changing realities?
• Can you usually sense the feelings of the people
you interact with and understand their way of
seeing things?
• Can you guide a negotiation to a satisfactory
agreement, and help settle conflicts?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you are
well on your way to being emotionally intelligent.
INCREASING YOUR EQ
If you want to increase your EQ, here are things you
can do today:
• DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN SELF-
AWARENESS.
It is important to know how your own actions will affect
the people around you. Self-awareness is a great way
to understand yourself and relate to other people.
• PRACTISE EMPATHY.
Understanding that not everyone is the same helps
bring out the best in people. Every single person you
meet has something of unique value to add to your
own development, so be open to other individuals
who may not be like you: those who have different
lifestyles, different approaches for problem-solving,
different personalities, etc. It is important for you to
step in their shoes and see the world from their eyes
to understand them and to feel compassion for others.
• BE MINDFUL OF YOUR
COMMUNICATION TONE.
When speaking with others, especially when in a work
conflict, it helps to keep your tone calm and rational.
Be mindful of your tone even if other people raise their
voices. Remain calm to avoid escalating the situation.
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• TAKE A MOMENT TO
REFLECT.
When you are experiencing an upsetting
situation, take a moment to reflect
before responding or taking action.
For example, if someone sends you an
unpleasant email or text message, don’t
respond right away. Step away and go for
a walk, or sleep on it before responding
if the response can wait. This allows
you time to reflect on the situation and
prevent you from saying something that
can escalate the situation. For situations
that need an immediate response,
taking deep breaths and a short break
will allow you to relax and contemplate
before responding.
• LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND.
Oftentimes when we speak with others, we listen to
respond. We don’t try to understand the person’s
point of view as we are too busy thinking of our
response back to them. Give it a pause before
responding. Sometimes, if you allow a few seconds,
the other person will continue talking and potentially
give you valuable information that might help you
understand the situation better. Before responding,
count to 5 seconds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elena Agaragimova
Managing Partner at Bessern and Talent Development Specialist
Elena is an entrepreneur, talent development specialist, and
education advocate with a deep interest in neuro and behavioural
sciences. She is known for her ability to drive change within
individuals and organisations that are looking to reach their potential
and maintain their competitive edge in the business world. She has
started her career in higher education, having worked across various
institutions, departments and regions. In her recent years, she dove
into business and joined Bessern, as well as founded a learning and
developing consultancy, as well as several other projects within the
talent development arena.
She is an engaging skilled trainer and talent development specialist,
credited with combining operations, education, and international
expertise to design and deliver programs for diverse audiences.
Elena has a strong passion for L&D, promoting creative and
engaging workplaces and all about optimising performance through
the development of others. As a career coach, Elena has over ten
years of experience working individuals across different generations,
supporting them in achieving their professional and personal goals.
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FOOD
WHAT’S
IN SEASON:
A GUIDE TO
SEASONAL
FOODS
Weather across the world
changes along with the
produce that is available in
local farms. This is a chance
for us to enjoy seasonal fresh
fruits and vegetables. Here
are the amazing benefits of
seasonal foods.
1. FRESHER, PACKED
WITH VITAMINS AND
MINERALS
Since the crops are locally sourced,
it will reach your store shelves
more quickly. Most vitamins and
minerals tend to deteriorate when
stored for longer periods. Out of
season crops require additional
preservation to extend its shelf
life. Farmers may use waxes or
artificial gasses to make sure the
crops will remain fresh longer.
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2. BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Harvesting in-season crops will often require
a low cost of production. This will often cause
the price to drop. Locally produced crops don’t
require a lot of transportation cost, which also
results in lower prices.
3. LESSEN THE HEALTH RISK
FROM POOR HANDLING AND
CHEMICALS
Importing goods from other places requires
more workers which also adds to the risk factor
of contaminants going to the food. Long trips
and artificial preservatives may affect the quality
of the produce.
4. UNIQUE AND BETTER TASTE
Crops harvested in its season are tastier because
of its natural and perfect ripeness. Fruits and
vegetables that are naturally ripened on the
tree or vine contain more nutrients and taste
better. Produce that are not in season are usually
imported from other places. The unnatural
method of exposing produce to a hot or cold
environment may also affect its taste and texture.
5. SUPPORTS THE ENVIRONMENT
AND THE LOCAL FARMERS
Patronising seasonal foods is one way of
supporting our local farmers. Local produce
requires less workload, transportation and
artificial preservatives.
Of course, eating in-season foods is not always
possible. It is your own discretion what to buy
that will benefit you and your family’s health,
and your budget.
Here are the seasonal fruits and vegetables
available in the UAE from June to July.
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APRICOTS
These yummy fruits are good for your
complexion. It also aids in maintaining
good eye and tummy health. They are
also allowed in a diabetic diet because
of its low carbohydrate content. The fibre
content may help in regulating blood
sugar levels. Apricots can be easily added
to your favourite desserts like cakes, ice
cream or pie.
BLACKBERRIES
Blackberries are rich in fibre, manganese
and vitamin K. They also make a great snack
if you’re watching your weight because of
its low sugar and high fibre content.
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that
help boost the immune system. Eating one
cup of this fruit gives you 14% of the daily
recommended dose of fibre that is good
for your gut health. Enjoy blueberries by
adding it to your muffin and cheesecake
recipes.
CANTALOUPE
Love your hair? Cantaloupes are rich in
vitamin A and C that are needed to achieve
glowing and healthy hair. Vitamin A is also
known to help you improve your skin.
CORNS
Corns are rich in folic acid, which plays an
important role in pregnancy. Folic acid may
reduce the risk of birth defects in babies.
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CUCUMBERS
Cucumbers are not only known for
hydration but also for weight management.
You can make an easy, refreshing smoothie
or add it to your favourite salad.
GREEN BEANS
Green beans may help with your eye health.
These legumes are rich in zeaxanthin and
lutein that helps prevent eye diseases.
KIWI
Kiwi is a heart-friendly fruit that may
help with your blood pressure problems.
Kiwis also contain potassium, fibre and
antioxidants.
KOHLRABI
Kohlrabies are high in fibre, which helps
with weight loss and digestion. It is also
high in vitamin C and other immuneboosting
phytonutrients.
LETTUCE
Lettuce is rich in various vitamins and
minerals. It can also be added to your
salad and favourite snacks for an added
healthy crunch of greens.
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MANGOES
These sweet and juicy fruits have high
beta-carotene content that promotes good
eyesight. Mangoes are also versatile as it
makes for a great ingredient in countless
desserts and drinks.
OKRA
Okras are good for pregnant women
because of its vitamin B9 content which
helps in preventing birth defects.
PEACHES
Peaches are juicy, tangy fruits that contain
vitamin C and beta carotene, which
promotes healthy and glowing skin.
PEPPERS
Peppers contain capsaicin which may
help with weight loss by boosting your
metabolism. Put this in your recipe to add
that additional heat and spice.
PLUMS
Plums are rich in antioxidants, which are
helpful in fighting free radicals and lessen
the risk of inflammation.
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RASPBERRIES
Raspberries are known to be rich in
antioxidants that fight free radicals in the
body. Create a smoothie or add it in your
desserts to give your brain a boost.
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries have a high fibre content that
may help with digestion. It is rich in vitamin
C as well.
SUMMER SQUASH
Summer squash contains vitamin C, fibre
and folate. These nutrients may lessen the
risk of heart diseases and cancer.
SWISS CHARD
These leafy green vegetables are packed
with fibre. It also contains vitamin K, which
is important to achieve healthy bones.
TOMATOES
Tomatoes are known for high lycopene
content. Lycopene is an antioxidant that
improves heart health and helps lower the
risk of certain cancers.
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WATERMELON
Eating watermelons is an easy and
delicious way to stay hydrated.
Watermelon is 92% water and is a
great snack, especially during hot
and summer days.
COURGETTE
Courgettes are also high in water
content which is fit for people
watching their weight.
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NO DIET,
NO DETOX:
THE ART
OF EATING
A healthy lifestyle should definitely be everyone's
way of living. Once you get into the habit of living
a constant healthy lifestyle, you will be able to
experience its true benefits, which lies in the 'art of
eating' healthy without dieting or detoxing. The art
of eating could be defined as a unique style of eating
healthy food that supports our mental, physical
and emotional health, along with the food choices
that meet our needs. Living a healthy lifestyle is
sometimes perceived to be an expensive lifestyle,
but in actual fact, it is cheaper.
The real question is, can't we practise a healthy
lifestyle without dieting and detoxing? Absolutely!
We need to learn and understand the art of eating
thoroughly. People these days go through extreme
measures of dieting and detoxing in order to maintain
a healthy lifestyle. Is it affordable for everyone? Not
really! That is why learning how to eat properly is
more important these days.
The art of eating is much simpler than counting those
calories manually or doing vigorous exercises. These
are the basic points that we need to remember:
• MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO
AFFORDABLE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD.
Look for organic and local produce in your local grocery
store. Organic food is generally good for you and
your family because they are grown without harmful
chemicals that may be bad for your health. Supporting
local produce can assure you that you are eating fresher
fruits and vegetables.
• EAT LESS MEAT AND FOCUS MORE ON
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
If you overeat meat, you are more exposed to getting
health problems like heart disease and certain types of
cancers. On the other hand, adding more fresh fruits and
vegetables in your recipes can help you feel full longer
without worrying too much.
• AVOID FATTY AND HYDROGENATED OIL,
MOSTLY FOUND IN BAKED AND FRIED
FOODS.
Consuming fatty oils is already known to be bad for your
health. As much as possible, avoid eating processed and
fried foods. Say no to fast food deliveries and instant
food or snacks.
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We also need to be more mindful of how we eat. We
need to slow down and chew our food carefully. We must
take a few breaths between bites. Eating too fast may
lead to overeating which may give you stomach pains.
It takes some time for your belly to tell your brain that it
is already satiated. If your budget permits, make sure to
eat as many organic food products as possible. Avoiding
fast food restaurants will also help. Stick with homemade
meals to track the food you eat on a daily basis.
Be kind to your body. Not every diet or detox method
is good for you. There are different diets out there,
and the result is also different for each person. Without
proper advice from a doctor, it may actually harm your
body. If you want to go to a vegan restaurant or shop
for organic foods and produce to cook at home, there
are a few places in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that offer great
options and services. Thankfully, an increasing number of
restaurants in the UAE have rolled out healthy alternative
menus with great vegan options to try.
Go ahead and enjoy your summer or culinary delight
experience without worrying about finding a slice of
mozzarella cheese in your sandwich or salad.
About the author
NATA OLATUNJI TAYLOR
Content writer and a Social Media
Manager with a serious sweet tooth
and a passion for food photography.
92

FITNESS
STAY AT
HOME AND
EXERCISE
WITH
10 HIIT
FITNESS
EXERCISES
Amidst what’s happening globally, staying fit and healthy
at home can be challenging if you have not thought about
it before. Therefore, it is important to be creative in your
fitness routine to make sure that you are still burning
calories and remain energetic.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercises are one of
the most remarkable calorie-burner routines that can be
performed even without specialised equipment. These
exercises don’t require too much space, so they can be
done in the comfort of your room, outside the lawn after
watering the plants, or even in your dining or living room
area. You just need a pumping heart and strong will to get
and stay fit! If you are a new trainee, you can start with lowimpact
HIIT exercises that don’t require much strength. If
you have been doing HIIT for quite a while, then you can
increase the interval and strength for every cycle.
Here are the top 10 HIIT fitness exercises that you can do
at home. Turn your music up and move!
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2. MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
Position yourself down in a high plank. Your wrist
should be under your shoulder level. Move one knee
closer to your chest and then draw it back to plank
position. Repeat this move with the other knee. Do
this at a faster pace as if you are running but in a
planking position. Try to keep your pace and not to
move your butt too much every time you bring your
knee up.
1. HAND-RELEASE PUSH-UPS
Position your body flat down on the floor as when you
start doing a push-up. Lower your body flat and lift
your hands off the ground for several seconds. Your
hands will be on your side, levelling on your shoulder.
Exhale as you are pressing your body all the way back
to the top. Do this in 10 reps for each round.
3. SUPERMAN AND LATERAL RAISES
Begin by lying down on your stomach. Slowly begin
lifting your arms and legs off the floor. Stretch your
arms in front of you, like you’re skydiving. This move
squeezes your back and glutes as you try to lift your
legs up. Slowly pull down your elbows, reaching
your waist. Reach in front of you and then back to
your lying down position. Repeat this is 10 reps.
4. PLANK JACKS
Start in a low plank, balancing on your elbow and
finger toes. Your feet must be width-hip apart. Start
by drawing your foot outside and then back to your
planking position. Draw the other foot out and then
bring it back again to the start position. This move
works on your abs by keeping your core tight and
avoiding raising your butt high while you stretch out
one foot. Do this in 20 reps each side to feel the
good pain on your abs.
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5. RUSSIAN TWISTS
Since you started working on your core, it’s good to
push it more for follow-through moves. The Russian
twist is a must for every HIIT workout. Sit on your mat
or floor with your heels slightly lifted, forming your
body a V shape. Put your hands on your chest, forming
a cross. Begin twisting from one side to another.
6. FLUTTER KICKS
This is another core-strengthening HIIT exercise that
works to build your six-pack. Lie down on your back.
Put your hands behind your head or lay it flat on
your sides. Raise one leg up while the other one is
laid parallel on the ground. Raise the other leg as
you bring down the other. Do the switching at a fast
pace, like you are fluttering your feet on the water
while swimming.
7. HIGH KNEES
This HIIT exercise is easy but it burns calories well. It
is like running in place, but in this move, you need to
raise your knees on your waist level for every step.
To keep you upbeat, put your palms down on your
waist level and begin raising your knees, touching
your palms. Do this at a faster pace. It looks like
you’re running but at a higher intensity level.
8. BUTT KICKS
This is like high knees but this time, you will be
kicking backwards. Begin in a standing position,
with your feet hip-apart. Draw your arms backwards
on your butt, with your palms facing outside. Start
hoping, bringing one heel to your butt, touching
your palm. Repeat this move with the other heel. Do
this in several repetitions while building your own
pace. As you speed up, you would enjoy the move
without thinking of getting tired. This move contacts
the hamstring muscle, giving you a better burn.
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9. TUCK-UPS
This is another core-burning move that works on
your abs. Start in a lying position with your back flat
on the floor. Put your arms above your head then
grab your legs and slowly bring them closer to your
chest. Release them and bring back to their starting
position. Repeat this move 10 times.
10. SQUAT THRUSTS
This move strengthens your arms, legs and back.
Start from standing position. Drop your hands with
palms down to the floor and kick your feet back as
you lower yourself in a plank position. Hop to bring
both feet to the centre and then bring yourself up
and return to a standing position.
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD YOU DO HIIT EXERCISES?
If you are new to this training programme, you can do this once or twice a week with enough active
rest to recover. You might want to increase frequency by adding one more cycle each day. You can
also add reps for a higher intensity. The best thing about HIIT exercises is the after-burn, meaning
you continuously burn fats after doing sets of exercise.
These no-equipment moves are easy to do and very suitable for every fitness level. Remember
to keep yourself hydrated before and after doing HIIT. It is also important to listen to your body’s
reaction to every move. If you feel an uncomfortable pain, stop working out, take a rest and evaluate
your vitals. Finally, consult your doctor before beginning any workout regime for your safety.
96

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97

TRAVEL
THE NATURAL
WONDERS OF
THAILAND
A country known for its series of turquoise waves lapping the pristine sandy beaches,
crowned by masses of greats rocks; adorning the flora and fauna in their multiplicity:
Thailand. This is the land of the free, where the languid undertones of the atmosphere are
varnished with the vivacity of its glorious natural sites. Among the plats of paradise, these
10 selected natural wonders of this wondrous Asian country are worth the visit.
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1. RAILAY BEACH
The prime jewel among Krabi province’s chest of
spectacular beaches and considered by the multitude
to be one of the best beaches in the country. Railay is
commemorated for its immaculate white sand, turquoiseblue
waters, and its idyllic ambience; presenting it as a
slice of paradise even before one’s toes prod the fine
sand. The island is travelled via boat ride from Krabi
town and Ao Nang; the sail on a traditional long-tailed
boat conveys the same astonishment as what one
beholds upon arrival on the shores. While the beach
might be the focal point on the island, Railay also boasts
a rock-climbing hotspot, with peaks of fascinating karst
adventurers both experienced and novice, of whom are
ready to conquer the towering limestone cliffs. Among
the activities to partake in, Railay is prominent in its ocean
rafting, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving as well as
an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at cooking
classes or indulge in a massage. Nearby is the touristfriendly
Diamond Cave, reached via a beautiful trail that
is ready to accommodate curious visitors looking to do
some exploring through the marvellous scenery.
2. THAM LOT
Tham Lot is venerated for
being one of the longest cave
systems in Thailand, stretching
a total length of 1,666 metres.
Located approximately an
hour drive north of Pai in Mae
Hong Son Province, roughly 15
km from the border between
Thailand and Myanmar, one
can visit the cave either by
foot or on-board a raft. The
villagers of the area avail
themselves to guided tours in
the rugged caverns. Important
archaeological relics dating
back a couple millennia have
been discovered in Tham
Lot, as well as impressive
limestone stalagmites and
stalactites that glimmer in their
calcium splendour all along
the underground pathway.
99

3. PAI CANYON
Pai Canyon is located 8km South of
the amiable Pai township along the
main highway. The most popular way
to get to Pai Canyon is on a scooter.
Given the lackadaisical pace of the
area, there is no entrance fee to visit
the Pai Canyon; one is free just to
park their scooter, grab a nibble and a
cold beverage from small stall vendors
nearby and begin the walk up the
paved stair trail. The first viewpoint is
approximately a 5-minute walk up the
stairs; which is a popular spot for most
visitors to gather and watch the sunset.
However, the protruding canyons hold
a zestful trail for thrill-seekers and
adventurers who would like to hike
along the slim ridges to farther, less
crowded viewpoints. The ridge trails
are very dusty with unprotected dropoffs
of up to 30-meters on either side,
so it is important to take the necessary
precautions when scrambling around
the dicey Pai Canyon.
4. THI LO SU WATERFALL
It’s the largest and tallest plunge waterfall in Thailand;
Thi Lo Su Waterfall stands at a colossal height of
approximately 250 metres and with a width of 450
metres. Located on the Mae Klong River in Tak
Province, neighbouring the border between Thailand
and Myanmar, the scenery of Thi Lo Su Waterfall is
a true spectacle. With lush trees draping over the
falling torrents as they crash into each other, releasing
a sprinkling mist into the atmosphere; it is certainly a
candid sight. As the waterfall is situated in a remote area
of Thailand, the journey can be rather tedious; but this
stunning 4-tiered waterfall is worth the effort. There are
guides available should one want to experience the trek
in this untampered natural environment.
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5. BE ENTHRALLED BY THE
ELEPHANTS AT KHAO YAI
NATIONAL PARK
Elephants are revered in Thailand, and
ornate statues and paintings of them can
be seen everywhere one goes; especially
in the royal palaces and many temples.
However, for a paramount experience,
the opportunity to see elephants in
their natural environment is generously
provided by Khao Yai National Park.
Here, one is able to witness elephants
roaming near rivers, exotic birds of prey
as they soar vigilantly across the sky,
monkeys in their habitats, and plenty
of other tropical creatures that call the
park home. The park is also a host to
many waterfalls; namely the 150-metertall
Haew Narok and the even more
famous Haew Suwat, most notorious for
appearing in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film,
The Beach. Since a one-day stay is hardly
sufficient to absorb all the park has to
offer, it’s possible to camp out at the
park and get up early enough to watch
the sunrise over the lush landscape.
6. ANG THONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Ang Thong National Marine Park is an impeccable
archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, with
soaring limestone mountains, a pullulating maze of
jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls
and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Within sight of
Koh Samui, Ang Thong Marine Park is a conserved area
of more than 100 sq km of land and sea. It’s also home
to a bountiful variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures.
Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, sailing, or simply
relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches are the main activities
one can enjoy at Ang Thong National Marine Park.
101

7. TONSAI BEACH
With yet another range of stunning
limestone cliffs embrace sandy
coastlines and turquoise waters,
Thailand attracts a multitude of avid
climbers all year long—and while many
destinations offer spectacular routes,
Tonsai Beach has long been dubbed a
climbers’ paradise. One of the amazing
yet convenient things about climbing
these cliffs is that one can climb alone
or find a climbing partner or club upon
arrival. There are also refresher lessons
available that are easily accessible.
Since the area has many climbing
and bouldering schools, easier routes
are often heavily occupied; one
might even have to queue to get
up to the most popular viewpoints.
However, experienced climbers who
can get around the jagged stalactites,
overhangs, and tufa will fare much
better and get the best spots with
stunning open views over the bay all to
themselves.
8. WATERFALLS AT ERAWAN
NATIONAL PARK
Erawan National Park has much to present to visitors,
including a number of caves having paths that cut
through the lush deciduous groves of forests; providing
shelter to wildlife that includes wild elephants, gibbons,
and exquisite hornbills. It is the waterfalls here more
so, the grandeur of the seven-tiered Erawan Falls that
attract the generality of visitors. The waterfall is named
after a sacred white elephant because the tiers are
said to resemble somewhat the shape of an elephant’s
head. Each of the seven tiers has been named, and
reaching each one increases in difficulty as one goes up.
Generally, after the fifth tier, visitors make use of slippery
ladders whilst jolting through thick vegetation in order
to continue. However, this battle is mildly optional as
the first three tiers are actually the most impressive,
adorning emerald green pools, a dinky little cave, and
cool cascading waters. A plenitude of curious fish resides
in the pools, so it isn’t anything out of the ordinary to
feel their glossy bodies swimming between one’s feet.
102

9. PHI PHI ISLANDS
The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand’s most sought-after resort areas; with
great reason- the glisten of the crystalline blue waters, the zephyr-like sand
and the breathtaking views that roll off into the horizon. One can arrive at
Phi Phi Don—the largest of the islands and the only one with permanent
residence—on a rented kayak or by hiring a small wooden boat as transport.
One of the most enjoyable spots on Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where
one can come face to face, with groups of macaques whose fingers are long
enough to snatch and relish a visitor’s lunch. Long Beach is another spectacle
on the island; while it is not a secluded place with the availability of privacy, it’s
great for watching the sunset. If the tide is out, one can enjoy a beautiful walk
back towards the main part of the island. Koh Phi Phi is such a tourist magnet;
there are many tour companies arranging tickets to other beach destinations,
notably; Phuket, Koh Chang, and Koh Lanta. Even though Phi Phi Don is one
of the area’s most drastically affected by tsunamis, it proved to be resilient
with guesthouses, restaurants, and markets having been rebuilt. Crowds still
come in droves to the resort island. There is a small, consecrated memorial
park to honour those who lost their lives in the natural tragedy; otherwise, the
resort areas look revived and as beautiful as ever.
103

10. DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK
The Doi Inthanon National Park comprises rugged
mountainous terrain overlain by profuse tropical forests,
along with mighty rivers and resplendent waterfalls.
The park’s protected ranking makes it a sanctuary for
a wide range of animals. It is perhaps the ideal place
in Thailand for birdwatching. Entitled as the highest
peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon soars to a height of
2,565 meters above sea level. The national park which
contains Doi Inthanon and bears its name covers 482
sq km. The diversity of Doi Inthanon is not limited to
plant and animal species as the park has long been
home to settlements of northern hill tribes as well.
Whether it be the flourishing landscape teeming
with all sorts of organisms diligently keeping up in
their conserved habitats or the impeccable beaches
that entice one to tread into the waters of saturated
turquoise blue, visitors are invited to share in this
banquet for the senses: to be enthralled by the natural
wonders of Thailand.
104

FOR THE CULTURE
DEAR JOURNAL:
WHAT’S ALL THE
FUSS ABOUT?
Are you looking for a more effective way to organise your
thoughts, reduce stress, harness creativity and set achievable
goals? Are you feeling overwhelmed by emotions and feelings
but don't know how to express yourself? Keep telling yourself
you are going to make changes in your life but never see them
through? Well, journaling is for you! You're probably thinking,
"How can journaling help?" Keeping a journal is a powerful
habit that can help you change your life in many ways.
105

Here’s why keeping a journal will help you in your
daily lives:
HELPS YOU REDUCE YOUR STRESS
Journaling serves as a great way to reduce stress.
If you have a problem, you may be stressed
about, keeping a journal can help you pinpoint
the factors that are causing that stress or anxiety.
Writing about anger, sadness and other painful
emotions release the intensity of these feelings
and alleviates the tension of holding onto these
burdens. The act of journaling daily or even weekly
eases the symptoms of depression and anxiety
by allowing you to explore the experiences that
make you anxious. By doing so, you will feel more
peaceful and able to stay in the present, which will,
in turn, directly impact your health and happiness
in a positive way.
KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ORGANISED
Feeling overwhelmed or don't know how to
express your thoughts verbally? Journaling can
help you release those thoughts that are jumbled,
repressed or confusing by allowing you to express
yourself raw, unfiltered and unedited. You can
create journals for specific topics and record daily
thoughts, like the feelings you had about a certain
experience, or the opinions you had about a
specific event. There is no limit as to what you can
write about in your journal. Journals can help you
reflect on the time you spent travelling with family,
remind you of a business you wanted to start, or
lead you to a more grateful mindset with deep
written reflection. Whatever you decide to write
about, writing in a journal helps you go through
your cluttered thoughts by organising them into
daily thoughts, notes, lists, memories, stories and
more.
ALLOWS YOU TO SELF-REFLECT
Keeping a journal is a great way to know yourself
more deeply. By writing routinely, you will get to
know what makes you feel happy and confident.
You will find it easier to reflect on your thoughts
and feelings about certain situations and people.
Journaling may allow you to find triggers or traumas
that hinder your personal goals. Journaling with
complete transparency gives you the chance to
take a step back and self-reflect. You may begin to
see patterns in your behaviour or the behaviour of
others. As you self-reflect, you can also look back
and observe the person you used to be and gain
the necessary inspiration and motivation to keep
on progressing. Therefore, keeping a journal can
improve your self-awareness.
106

SET GOALS AND ACHIEVE THEM
People who journal on a regular basis have greater
motivation to accomplish their goals. Writing about your
goals regularly helps in instilling them not only in your
conscious mind but in your subconscious as well. However,
to maximise this benefits of journaling, it is important to
use it as a tool to help propel yourself into action. You
won't achieve your goals by simply writing about them:
you have to take the necessary steps to accomplish
them. Keeping a journal will help you on this journey. It
will help you pinpoint exactly what your goals are and
the steps you're going to take to complete them. It may
seem difficult to determine what your goals are, and the
steps needed to see them through, but when you journal,
you naturally begin to look forward, and the next steps
become easier to see. You can monitor your progress
and continue to encourage yourself by documenting new
developments and accomplishments, which will help you
complete your short-term and long-term goals.
INSPIRES CREATIVITY
Lacking creativity and feeling uninspired? Journaling
is the perfect way to find inspiration and creativity.
Your journal serves as a place to write down any and
everything that comes to mind. The crazier the idea,
the better! Let your imagination run wild and wander to
those parts of your mind that are untapped. The more
you write with no specific rules or barriers, the more you
will be inspired by the possibilities and opportunities
that only you can imagine. Keeping a journal is a great
way to help your creativity flourish.
ONGOING RECORD OF PROGRESS
Sometimes, you forget those successful moments that
motivate you to continue going when you are frustrated or
unmotivated. There are times when you may feel like you
have not accomplished anything despite all the invested
effort and energy. During those moments, it is helpful
to take the time to look back and be reminded of our
past accomplishments. This promotes personal growth
by developing a record of crucial lessons and ideas that
you've discovered on your own, which will serve as an
ongoing private record to help you remember everything.
HOW DO I BEGIN KEEPING A JOURNAL?
Journaling is most effective if you do it for twenty
minutes on the daily, but it's ok if you aren't able to
dedicate to writing in your journal daily, just as long as
you have a consistent schedule that suits your lifestyle
and routine. There are no rules to journaling; you have
complete control over the types of journal you keep.
From topic-based, like travel or dream journals, to a
general journal where there is no specific topic, you can
write about absolutely anything. Just do what is most
convenient for you. There is no right or wrong way of
keeping a journal.
107

TO MAXIMISE YOUR JOURNALING
EXPERIENCE, KEEP THESE THINGS IN
MIND:
• Commit to a writing schedule, whether it's daily,
weekly or monthly.
• Choose a medium for journaling (blog, app,
notepad, bound notebook, etc.).
• Care more about substance and less about style.
It doesn’t have to be fancy, just write down your
thoughts.
• Be completely transparent with yourself. This is
your special place to allow your thoughts to pour
out without judgement.
• Don’t edit anything. Forget spelling, punctuation
and grammar.
• Keep your journal in a private place.
STRUGGLING WITH WHAT YOU WANT TO
WRITE?
Here are 10 journal writing prompts to get you started:
• Dear Journal, 5 things I am grateful for are...
• I love myself because…
• My favourite memory is…
• 10 things I’m really good at are…
• If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I
would be…
• 1 thing I wish I was better at is…
• I am inspired by…
• I want to be remembered for…
• I feel most happy when…
• My perfect day is…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MONIQUE L. SPEARMAN is a freelance multi-faceted writer,
curator and creator. Blending a passion for content creating,
social media marketing, photography and travel, Monique
created her blog website RaineyAmore.com in the spring
of 2017 as a hobby. Raineyamore.com is a lifestyle, fashion,
beauty and travel brand that encourages men and women
from around the world to live their best lives, out-loud. Inspired
by the aesthetics of different cultures, Monique wants to show
the world, "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it!"
108

ENSURING
FINANCIAL
SECURITY
THROUGH MULTIPLE
INCOME STREAMS
BY: LEISA GRACE WILSON
We are living in uncertain times. I am sure
that you have heard that statement more
than you care to remember in the last couple
of months. Apart from the health fears during
these difficult times, people are also equally
fearful of how their finances will be affected
during this period. The truth is that we have
always been living in uncertain times. The
only certain thing is that things will change.
There are things you can do to make sure
that you lessen the impact of changes in the
world on your personal finances.
Research has shown that the average
millionaire has seven sources of income. You
do not have to be a millionaire to ensure that
you are financially secure in facing uncertain
times. In this article, I will be giving you ideas
of things you can do right now to develop
multiple streams of income to enhance your
financial security for you and your family.
Before I dive in, let me preface this by saying
that all the strategies that I will be sharing
require work, time and effort. They will not
start making you a lot of money immediately,
but if you are committed, then you will reap
the rewards. When people ask me what I
do, I always have to ask them: if they have
time to listen because I am always doing
several things, so the strategies I am sharing
with you are some of the things I have been
doing alongside my full-time job to increase
my sources of income. After all, I would not
be able to call myself a legitimate Jamaican
if I only had one job.
109

BECOME AN ONLINE
FREELANCER
If you have any skill, and I mean any
skill, someone is willing to pay you
to use that skill to help them. It could
be as simple as transcribing audio
to text, writing blog posts, running
someone else’s social media,
graphic design; the list is endless.
People are always searching for
someone to help them do tasks that
they are either unable or unwilling to
do themselves. I enjoy writing and I
have earned thousands of dollars
writing articles for companies for
their blogs or advertisements. A
good place to start is by listing your
skills and bidding for jobs on Fiverr
and Upwork. My top hint when
bidding for jobs on these sites is to
make sure you make a personalised
application, do not copy and paste
the same application from one job
application to another. The job
poster can easily see if you took
the time to apply personally and
to answer their requirements. Be
consistent in applying for jobs on
these sites, and before long, you
will develop a client base and a
steady stream of income.
START A BLOG
You might be thinking that there are
enough blogs out there, but the fact
is there will never be enough. No
one will say things and see things
the same way that you do. When
starting a blog, make sure it is in a
niche that you really enjoy. If you
like cats and you can’t live without
them, and you know a whole lot
about how to care for them, then
start a blog about cats that will
attract fellow cat lovers. Blogging
pays but first you will have to work
hard at it and build up an audience.
Once you have an audience, you can
monetise your blog through affiliate
links, advertising and sponsored
articles. This is definitely something
that you can do in your spare time.
It requires discipline and a regular
posting schedule, but all that hard
work will pay dividends in the end.
If you want to learn more about how
to start a blog, please get in touch
with me at www.leisagrace.com.
BECOME AN ONLINE
TUTOR
The majority of people reading this
article are very educated. You are
fully capable of becoming an online
tutor. People are always looking for
someone to help them learn and
develop their skills online. One on
one tutoring can pay anywhere from
$25 to 200 an hour, and you get to
choose how often you work and with
whom. Teach English to speakers of
other languages from the comfort of
your home or help someone prepare
for their examinations etc. Check out
sites like tutor.com, classgap.com,
yup.com or wyzant.com to get
started.
110

START INVESTING IN PROPERTY
When we hear about property investment, the first thing
that comes to mind is buy to let, but there are several
other ways of investing in property without buying a
house and renting it out to residential tenants. Look up
crowdfunding platforms for real estate investing, and
start there. With these platforms, the amount needed
to start is far less, and the risks are also lower. Do some
research into commercial opportunities in real estate,
for example, investing in nursing homes and long
term medical care facilities. The current climate has
shown us that we cannot only look at the things that
have previously worked; like holiday rentals or buying
a hotel apartment, but we also have to become more
sophisticated and creative in our real estate investments.
Please note that buying houses, especially multifamily
homes and renting them out is still a fairly good
investment as you will gain from the rent and the long
term property appreciation. Spend time researching the
best areas and the type of tenants you want. One bad
tenant can make life miserable and expensive.
START AN ONLINE STORE
Nearly everything can be sold online and thanks to the
recent lockdown, more and more people have become
familiar with online shopping. If you are a good artist,
start an Etsy store and sell your art. If you can design
T-shirts, coffee mugs, you get my drift. Put your talents
to work for you. You do not have to do this full time to
make money. Once you start to build a client base, it
could potentially become your full-time gig.
This list is just a taster to get you started in thinking
about how you can increase your sources of income.
The new era that we are heading into requires creativity.
We cannot rely on our jobs to make us financially secure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LEISA GRACE WILSON is an educator, entrepreneur and
blogger. She currently lives in Abu Dhabi with her seven-yearold
twin boys and husband. Leisa is passionate about personal
development, entrepreneurship, finances and the world of
education. You can connect with Leisa by visiting her blog www.
leisagrace.com or connect with her on Linkedin https://www.
linkedin.com/in/leisagrace/
111

RAISING
MEN
FOR THE
FUTURE
BY JEROME DOUGLAS
Nurturing and developing our children is an important
task to prepare them for the future. As the world
changes, the perception of an ‘ideal man’ also changes;
however, we must not prioritise or focus on how the
new era defines it. We must lead them in the right path
with high morale, and the right attitude and behaviour.
Parents need to make sure that children understand
what the future holds. The way you teach and train
your children is critical in moulding their minds. The
question is: how do we raise our children to be a
responsible, knowledgeable and kind human being?
112

APPRECIATE THEIR SENSITIVITY
In the past, boys were generally raised to be warriors
with tough personalities. Boys were ridiculed if they
showed compassion, cried or cared for other people
or things that the society tagged as feminine. They
were called soft for being sensitive or if they show
appreciation or love for anyone or anything.
It is now time to change this kind of mindset. It is
right to destroy the cycle of boys being forced to
wear the badge of toughness. They must be praised
for showing their softer side. We must applaud them
for showing love for things or people they care for.
They must be emotionally developed to cry without
being ashamed or humiliated. They need room to
show their feelings and emotions as well.
NURTURE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
PROPERLY
Many boys have suffered mentally by living their
lives to satisfy the undying fire of society’s demands.
What is worse is that they have suffered without a
word being uttered. Imagine the pain felt by a boy
who hit his foot hard against a table but is looked
down on if he says anything. This is why most men
are afraid to be vocal about their emotions, resulting
in having an unstable mind.
113

DEVELOPING A BALANCED
LIFESTYLE
Parents need to be reminded that we have an
important part to play with the development of
our children. We must be their first role models.
Children deserve the right to develop and hone
their skills in a balanced way. Society needs to
remove the thinking that if boys didn’t excel in
masculine activities, then they will not be accepted
by others. Encourage them to be themselves and
explain that being unique is not wrong.
LIVES SHARED WITH THE
COMMUNITY AND BUILD
CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE
Boys must develop a sense of community and an
appreciation for nature and their surroundings.
They must be encouraged to share and care
for other people, animals and things in their
environment. They must be trained in the art of
giving without expecting something back. They
must connect with the fact that nature gives back
in ways that we can’t see.
Children will remember things as they were taught,
so we need them to appreciate the society and
community that are designed for them to enjoy
and contribute to. Boys must show empathy,
sympathy and compassion for others. Encourage
them to share their own ideas and opinions.
Boys will become men—that is a natural
progression. If we want a better future, today is
the right time to mould our children with love,
care, and support to help them become wonderful
human beings.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JEROME DOUGLAS
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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BOOK REVIEW
THE LEAN STARTUP BY ERIC RIES
The Lean Startup is featured on the list of the most influential entrepreneurship books published
in the last decade. This in itself gives us a glimpse into the kind of fan following it has garnered.
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries sets out to change the perspective people have
towards the terms ‘entrepreneurship’ and ‘management’. The preconception
that the former term is about being brave, heroic and one’s mythical struggles
while the latter term implies being serious, bland and dull need to be shuffled
and the book is out to do just that.
In this book, Ries lays out the core principles of entrepreneurship, a quality of
leadership and insight, which isn’t mysterious and unknown but one that can
be taught and learned in a systematic manner.
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• ENTREPRENEURS ARE EVERYWHERE,
SO IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The writer defines a ‘startup’ as ‘a human institution
device to generate new products and services under
extremely uncertain conditions.’ Whether it be a large
company or a nonprofit, business organisations require
the leadership of true entrepreneurs.
Lean entrepreneurship is more concrete, more accurate
and faster than market forecasting or classical business
planning. It is the principal antidote to the lethal problem
of achieving failure: successfully executing a plan that
leads nowhere.
• ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS ABOUT
MANAGEMENT
Running a startup is a special form of management and
this is what entrepreneurship is about. Eric Ries uses
his experience as an entrepreneur to explain the main
lessons in The Lean Startup. The choice of words in the
definition, ‘human’ and ‘uncertain’ are deliberate as a
successful startup not only relies on a brilliant idea but
also requires managers who can innovate and grow with
the challenges.
• BUILD, MEASURE AND LEARN
Ideas can be successfully turned into products, and a
startup can only convert to a sustainable business through
rigorous experimentation that is well documented. A
quick feedback loop that allows soliciting feedback and
adapts to it is crucial as well. Eric Ries supports multiple
rounds of small experiments. Entrepreneurs need to
create a 'minimal viable product' as soon as possible
and start intensive testing with customers. Then, they
should repeatedly, 'split test' each aspect of their
business models. Split testing is a technique whereby
different versions of the same product are tested among
varying groups of customers to see which fits best.
• THE TOYOTA WAY
The Lean Startup borrows heavily from the wildly
successful 'Lean Manufacturing' methodology that was
established at Toyota in 2001. The 'Lean Manufacturing'
methodology emphasised on prioritising the knowledge
and creativity of each person in the system. It is a process
design that provides tools for people to improve their
performance continually. Through adopting the 'Toyota
Way', the writer aims to utilise its main principles:
1. Long term philosophy
2. The right process can produce the right results
3. Add value to the organisation by improving your
employees
4. Repeated solving of problems drives organisational
learning
• KNOW YOUR LEAP OF FAITH
This is perhaps the most powerful lesson to take from
the book. Ries defines 'a leap of faith' as both a risk
and a necessary part of business. The challenge is to
recognise the 'leaps of faith' that will lead to success.
This can be done by testing them quickly and with as
little risk and resources as possible.
• VALUE OF MEASUREMENT
Ries is really focused on actionable measurement. If a
metric doesn't exhibit success, it isn't actionable. It is
called a vanity metric. For example, new customers in
one month is a vanity metric. Getting Facebook likes or
having lots of followers on Twitter and Instagram is nice,
but does it pay the bills? The only metrics you should
calculate your success with are those that tell you if
you're profitable or not. Do people recommend you?
Does the rate of recommendations go up or down?
How many of these customers are retained? How many
actually use the product? A collective analysis of classes
of customers might allow for more meaningful data.
These kinds of metrics make or break a business and
should matter more.
• SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Ries asserts that many startups derive their success
from focusing on one sector of growth and mastering it.
Sustainable growth, according to him, is about getting
new customers from the actions of past customers.
Another very interesting part of The Lean Startup is
when the writer urges the entrepreneur to 'ask why five
times'. Problems are bound to arise in any startup. To
make a smart allocation of resources, and be focused on
finding the solution to a problem, ask 'why' at least five
times. The idea behind this is to get to the root of the
matter systematically.
Common mistakes committed by startup entrepreneurs
According to Eric Ries, entrepreneurs in almost every
startup make the same mistakes. They build elaborate
products without proper consumer testing beforehand.
They make decisions based on inaccurate information
and stick behind these decisions longer than they
should. This behaviour stems from rare stories of
some innovators who weathered the storm of endless
rejections to achieve success eventually. Following
these rare scenarios, Ries warns, leads to failure most
of the time.
The Lean Startup is an unusual mix of business stories
and theories that are convincing and realistic. At the
end of the day, when it comes to changing strategic
direction, Eric Ries believes that disagreements are
bound to arise. In the face of problems, usable data will
prove vital in making the right decision based on reason
and not on emotion.
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