Episode 37: Ayat Toufeeq on Clean & healthy skincare and entrepreneurship

Ayat is a leading entrepreneur in the Middle East’s beauty retail industry. A former EY investigative consultant and emerging market strategist, Ayat identified a gap in the local beauty market, after a tumultuous journey through skincare missteps after moving to the Middle East in her twenties. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to ethical consumerism, she began curating beauty products from around the world and bringing them to Dubai for her network, which eventually led to the birth of Powder Beauty. As the CEO at Powder, she applies an analytical approach to solving complex business challenges, optimizing operations and driving growth. Ayat has been based in Dubai for the past 15 years and speaks Arabic and English. Ayat graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with an MSc in Diplomacy and International Strategy and a BA in War Studies from Kings College London.

If you like to learn more about Powder Beauty head over to www.powderbeauty.com or their Instagram page PowderBeautyofficial

Alexandra shares with us her top habits on building confidence and how that can be implemented day to day. She speaks of her arrangements on finding the imperfect work/ life balance of raising 4 kids, working her NVP role at Arbonne as well as managing other working priorities. An NLP coach, Alexandra gives her expert insights on setting goals and awakening people to make plans for the future especially after kids are all grown up. If you want some tips on finding that work/ life balance, building confidence or simply want to hear a good discussion on overcoming the challenges of being a working parent then don't miss out

Marriam Mossalli is an empowered female leader and an inspirational public figure in the Middle East. A mother of two beautiful children, Marriam is also a Creative Director and Fashion Editor working with top luxury brands such as Mercedes Benz, Harvey Nichols and Fendi. She was recently ranked within 50 of most influential women in Saudi Arabia, nominated and included in the prestigious Business of Fashion 500 List, BFC New Wave and awarded in The Fashion Awards in London. Marriam's inspiring work has placed the Middle East on the map. In 2015, she was the only Arab woman to host Michelle Obama in her firm Niche Arabia.

In this second episode with Marriam, she shares with us how to manage health challenges. What she did to channel positive energy at a time when her son was diagnosed with cancer and discusses her recent projects, Kineuthorics, Powder Beauty, Niche Arabia and The Red Sea Project. You can learn more about Marriam on social media @marriammossalli or visit her website www.marriammossalli.com

Dr Myriam Francois is an award winning film maker, BBC journalist and writer.

Myriam’s award-winning, directorial debut documentary “Finding Alaa” (BBC/CBC 2023), under her production company MPWR productions, won the “Special Mention”. The film has been BAFTA Longlisted as “Best Short Film” 2024.

Myriam was nominated as one of only 14 “filmmakers to watch” in 2021. She was nominated as part of the “40 under 40” European Young Leaders (EYLs) class of 2017 and awarded ‘Woman in Media Award’ at the Muslim Women Awards 2021.

Myriam is a seasoned reporter, having reported for BBC World Service. Myriam’s writings are featured widely in the British press, including the Guardian, TIME, Foreign Policy, the Telegraph and CNN online.

On the podcast, Myriam shares with us what it's like to work in journalism, what led her into film making , creating her platform to allow others to speak and learn the truth and more on her podcast "Tea with Myriam Francois".

If you like to learn more about Dr Myriam Francois head over to her social media page

@myzfrancois or

www.myriamfrancois.com

Hanae Bennani, a Lawyer and Mentor talks with inspiring individuals who have found "fulfilment" after their accomplishments and overcoming their biggest fears. From leading professionals, entrepreneurs and health experts from around the globe. Each guest shares how they transformed their struggle into "their success" and used the global pandemic in 2020 as a time to learn and thrive in the face of adversity. Get inspired, grow stronger, more confident and create a life thats fulfilled!

Fadela Hilali, a Well-being Coach in London shares her expertise and insights on how to switch off your inner critic at a time when the world and our daily lives are faced with so much adversity.
Fadela courageously opens up about her own struggles of self-esteem in the past and speaks about emotional eating in her best selling book “Stuffed how to feel so good about yourself you won't have room for cake”. Fadela shares what she did to silence her inner voice and how she overcame her own internal struggle. An unmissable episode packed with invaluable messages and brutal honesty, at a time when authenticity is much needed! If you want to learn more about Well being coach Fadela go to - www.FadelaHilali.com or @fadelawellbeing

Selma Benomar is a renowned "go-to label" for elegance and luxury caftan designs in the Middle East. Her handmade pieces are adored by Arab celebrities and high profile figures, each masterpiece is handmade in the Dubai-based designer's atelier. Born and raised in Morocco, Selma gained her education in the heart of fashion in Paris before she started her couture fashion. Fast forward 8 years later, Selma is widely recognised for her elegant, luxurious and lightweight caftan creations, for creating designs that combine both tradition and modern trends.
In this podcast, Selma speaks openly of how she followed her passion but not at first sight it was only her childhood memories of being in her hometown in Morocco watching caftans being handmade that ignited her flame and brought her passion to life and it was this flame that led her to create her name as a luxury fashion designer. Selma explains how motivation is a temporary measure, that having “discipline” and patience are essential accessories to succeeding in business. That having a solid education supported and provided her with the foundation to build on her skillset as an entrepreneur. If you want to learn about how to succeed in business or how to use social media as a marketing tool then tune in to this podcast. To learn more about Selma Benomar @selma_benomar_caftan or visit her webpage at www.selmabenomar.com