Beauty & The Burj

How Breast Cancer Changed My Life & Led Me to Launching a Beauty Brand

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:15:52 +0000

On this episode of Beauty & The Burj, we’re joined by Lauren O’Connell—breast cancer warrior, public speaker, beauty editor at Cosmo Middle East, and founder of Three of Cups.Lauren opens up about her breast cancer journey, the challenges she faced, and how the experience reshaped her outlook on life, beauty, and purpose. We also dive into the launch of Three of Cups, her innovative beauty brand, and the creation of its debut product: a first-of-its-kind shower mask designed to transform everyday self-care.From navigating diagnosis and recovery to building a business with meaning, Lauren shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and turning adversity into impact.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about beauty, healing, entrepreneurship, and finding strength through life’s most difficult moments.#BeautyAndTheBurj #LaurenOConnell #BreastCancerAwareness #ThreeOfCups #BeautyFounder #CosmoMiddleEast #Podcast

How Breast Cancer Changed My Life & Led Me to Launching a Beauty Brand

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:39:40 +0000

On this episode of Beauty The Burj, we’re joined by Lauren O’Connell—breast cancer warrior, public speaker, beauty editor at Cosmo Middle East, and founder of 3 of Cups. Lauren opens up about her breast cancer journey, the challenges she faced, and how the experience reshaped her outlook on life, beauty, and purpose. We also dive into the launch of 3 of Cups, her innovative beauty brand, and the creation of its debut product: a first-of-its-kind shower mask designed to transform everyday self-care. From navigating diagnosis and recovery to building a business with meaning, Lauren shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and turning adversity into impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about beauty, healing, entrepreneurship, and finding strength through life’s most difficult moments. #BeautyAndTheBurj #LaurenOConnell #BreastCancerAwareness #3OfCups #BeautyFounder #CosmoMiddleEast #Podcast

The Biohacking Expert Who Says Your Bedroom Is Making You Sick | CJ Malhotra

Wed, 20 May 2026 16:52:41 +0000

This week on Beauty & The Burj, we sit down with CJ Malhotra, founder of Bio Hackn, Dubai's number one anti-ageing and biohacking company, and host of The Shift With CJ podcast, for one of the most eye-opening conversations we have had on this show.CJ has spent over two decades in the health and wellness space, travelling the world, learning from leading experts, and building a business in Dubai that is backed entirely by science. In this episode, we get into all of it.We cover his journey into the world of biohacking, what Bio Hackn actually does and why he built it, and the real morning and night routines that are worth adding to your life. We get into why sleeping with your electricity switched on and your devices around you is doing more damage than you think, why the Dubai wellness industry is full of things that look healthy but are not, and the fascinating science behind why we forget something and then remember it later out of nowhere.Plus biohacking tips and knowledge that most people in this city have never heard.If you live in Dubai, care about your health, or have ever wondered whether your lifestyle is actually working for or against you — this one is for you.Watch the full episode now and subscribe to Beauty & The Burj on YouTube.#biohacking #dubai #wellness #beautyandinsta #dubailifestyle #longevity #shiftwithcj #biohacknshop #dubaihealth #sleepscience

From Closing Deals to Empowering Women’s Wellness

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:22:46 +0000

What happens when real estate expertise meets a passion for women’s wellness?In this episode of Beauty & The Burj, Shereen sits down with Catherine Stewart — co-founder of Emiga App, Dubai real estate agent, and fitness enthusiast — to talk about building a career and a mission in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.Catherine shares how her journey in Dubai real estate evolved into creating a platform designed specifically for women’s wellness, while maintaining a strong commitment to fitness and personal growth.In this episode:✨ The reality of Dubai’s real estate market✨ How fitness shaped her mindset and discipline✨ The story behind building Emiga App for women✨ Why women-focused platforms matter✨ Balancing business, wellness, and life in DubaiWhether you’re into property, startups, or prioritizing your health, this conversation brings all three worlds together.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with inspiring founders and industry leaders.#BeautyAndTheBurj #DubaiRealEstate #WomensWellness #WomenInBusiness #DubaiLife #FitnessLifestyle

How Nasab Yehia Built 3 Businesses While Working Full-Time

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:39:26 +0000

What does it really take to run multiple businesses while working a full-time role?In this episode of Beauty & The Burj, Shereen sits down with serial entrepreneur Nasab Yehia, who’s building an impressive portfolio across industries — from a healthy dessert brand to a water filtration company and a marketing agency — all while working in production for Emirates Draw.Nasab shares:✨ How she manages multiple businesses at once✨ The mindset behind being a serial entrepreneur✨ Lessons from building in completely different industries✨ Time management tips for ambitious founders✨ The realities of balancing passion projects with a full-time careerWhether you’re starting your first business or juggling multiple ventures, this episode is packed with real, practical insights.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with inspiring founders in the UAE and beyond.#BeautyAndTheBurj #Entrepreneurship #DubaiPodcast #WomenInBusiness #StartupLife

Skincare in the Middle East What Actually Works

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:51:48 +0000

On this episode of Beauty The Burj, we speak with Jittin Jaggi, Managing Director of Circadia Skincare SAMENA, about what healthy skin really looks like in the UAE.From pigmentation and melanin-safe treatments to circadian rhythm skincare and ageing well, this conversation blends science with lifestyle.Topics include:The biggest skincare mistakes people make in the Middle EastHow Dubai’s sun and air conditioning affect your skinCircadian rhythm explained in simple termsProfessional treatments versus retail skincareSkin longevity and anti-ageing strategiesSkincare during RamadanEntrepreneurship in the beauty industryThis episode is for anyone living in the UAE who wants practical, science-backed skincare advice tailored to their environment.

Advaita Shetty: First Indian Woman to Represent Bahrain at Miss Supranational

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:30:49 +0000

Hey Sleepover fam 🤍, today I’m catching up with Advaita Shetty, my former Miss Universe Bahrain first runner-up and the first Indian woman to represent Bahrain on the international stage at Miss Supranational.Advaita shares her incredible journey, from her early attempts at pageants to finally landing the Miss Supranational crown after years of perseverance. We talk about her advocacy work, what Bahrain means to her, and how she plans to represent the country on the global stage.We also get real about her past pageant experiences, handling criticism and negativity about not being Bahraini, and how she turned challenges into motivation. This episode is about resilience, self-belief, and breaking barriers, all with a little fun and honesty along the way.Grab a snack, get cozy, and join us for this one, it’s inspiring, heartfelt, and full of lessons about chasing your dreams no matter the odds.

Style, Confidence & Body-Shape Styling with Ghinwa Nawwar

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:06:47 +0000

Today we hang out with Ghinwa Nawwar, celebrity and TV stylist and the genius behind Styled by Ghinwa. We've been dying to pick her brain about style, confidence, and all the little tricks that actually make you feel good in your clothes.We talk about everything from dressing celebrities and TV talent to helping everyday people figure out what works for their body shape through her website. Plus, she shares how she’s brought a bit of glam into her clients’ lives with her eyelash line — because why not?This one’s full of fun, honest stories, styling tips, and little moments that’ll make you see fashion in a whole new way. So grab a snack, get cozy, and let’s dive in.

From Sri Lanka to Dubai: The Spa Ceylon Story

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:35:01 +0000

In this episode of Beauty & the Burj, we sit down with Stalin Balisuriya, co-founder of Spa Ceylon, to explore the journey of bringing Sri Lankan Ayurveda and wellness to Dubai and the wider region.We talk about the origins of Spa Ceylon, the philosophy behind Ayurvedic healing, and how traditional wellness practices have found a place in the modern beauty and self-care industry. Stalin shares insights into building a globally recognised wellness brand, navigating the evolving wellness space, and staying rooted in authenticity while scaling internationally.Shereen also shares her personal connection with Spa Ceylon, how the brand became part of my own wellness routine, and why its approach to holistic self-care resonates so deeply. Together, we unpack the future of the wellness industry, mindful living, and what true self-care really looks like today.

Period Care, Dignity & Building Fizabelle

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:24:13 +0000

On this episode of Beauty & the Burj, we sit down with Hafiza Mohamed, founder of Fizabelle, for an honest and necessary conversation around period care, women’s wellness, and dignity.Fizabelle is a purpose-driven period-care brand offering certified organic cotton pads and thoughtfully curated flow boxes, while actively advocating for period equity and girls’ education. In this episode, Hafiza opens up about her personal journey, what inspired her to create Fizabelle, and the realities of building a values-led brand as a woman, mother, and entrepreneur.We also explore why period care deserves a seat at the wider wellness conversation, the stigma that still surrounds it, and the work that remains in creating access, comfort, and awareness for women everywhere. A conversation rooted in honesty, impact, and empowerment.Follow Fizabelle: @fizabelleofficialFollow Beauty & the Burj on @this.is.dubai.official x @shereenahmed

Behind the FMM Label: A Designer’s Reality in Today’s Fashion World

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:13:38 +0000

Join me as I sit down with Fatma Al Mulla, the visionary Emirati designer and founder of FMM Dubai. Known for her pop‑culture inspired designs, cultural storytelling, and bold statement pieces, Fatma masterfully blends heritage with a contemporary edge.In this episode, we explore her personal journey—from growing up immersed in Emirati culture to studying visual communication and photography—and how it shaped her transition into the world of fashion. Discover how she weaves art, nostalgia, and cultural insight into everything she creates, from graphic-heavy shirts and dresses to daring accessories that resonate with a new generation. If you love fashion, culture, and creative storytelling, this episode is for you!Follow FMM Dubai: @fmm.dubaiConnect with me: @shereenahmed Beauty & The Burj#FatmaAlMulla #FMMDubai #EmiratiFashion #FashionStorytelling #CulturalFashion #DesignJourney

Back to Basics with the Bestie

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:58:43 +0000

In this two-part special, the second part delves into the unboxing of the Marks & Spencer Sleepover Kit and share our firsts: first bras, first sleepovers, first pageant experiences, and all the little moments that shaped us.Joined by Hiedy Riyan, we spill the pageant secrets no one talks about and open up about insecurities, self-belief, and how feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing can quietly change everything. From M&S’s base layer philosophy to using clothing as a tool for confidence, we explore how the right outfit, or even the perfect pyjama set, can make you feel unstoppable.

The Confidence Conversation We All Need

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:24:47 +0000

In this special episode, brought to you by Marks and Spencer's UAE, we’re talking about confidence: where it comes from, how we build it, and how much of it is learned along the way.Joined by Hiedy Riyan, we open up about insecurities, first bras, and the quiet power of feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing. From Marks & Spencer’s base layer philosophy to dressing well as a tool for self-belief, we unpack how clothing can shape the way we show up in the world.We also talk about the reality of “fake it till you make it”, why it works more than we admit, and how confidence often starts before you actually feel ready.An honest, relatable conversation about growing into yourself, one shapewear, one outfit, and one mindset shift at a time.

The Real Face of Beauty with Dr. Afaq Al‑Mashari

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:10:20 +0000

In this episode of Beauty & The Burj, we sit down with Dr Afaq Al Mashari, Founder of Be You Clinic, for an honest conversation about confidence, self-image, and the relationship we have with our bodies. We explore the emotional side of beauty, the pressure to “fix” ourselves, and how intention, education, and ethical care play a role in feeling truly comfortable in your own skin. From redefining beauty standards to choosing treatments mindfully, this episode is about empowerment, balance, and learning to show up as the most authentic version of yourself.

Fast Facials & Fearless Entrepreneurship with Laura Krajewski

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:31:06 +0000

This week on the sleepover, we sit down with Laura Krajewski, the founder of Flash Facial, Dubai’s express skincare revolution. Laura opened a first‑of‑its‑kind walk‑in facial studio offering 15‑ and 30‑minute facials for AED 149, making professional skincare accessible for busy women on the go.We go beyond the glow to explore who Laura is behind the brand, her journey from a small town in the U.S. and a decade in corporate life to building something of her own in Dubai. We talk vulnerability, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the power of community on social media, and what it really means to create a business that serves women’s lives, not just their skin.

Hanna Bouchouicha: Why the UAE Her Needed Curly Hair Products

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 07:40:24 +0000

Curly hair isn’t “just hair," it’s identity, confidence, and a lifelong relationship that so many people have had to navigate without the right products or education. In this episode of Beauty The Burj, we sit down with Hanna Bouchouicha, founder of Zaphira Nature, to talk about the curly hair struggles so many women in the region silently face such as dryness and frizz to damage, build-up and product confusion.Hanna shares the emotional side of curly hair care, the moment she realised the UAE needed better options, and how Zaphira Nature was built to fill the gap with clean ingredients, science-backed formulas, and products designed for curls that live in GCC weather.She hopes to create more than a product line, she’s building a movement that empowers women to understand their curls, embrace them confidently, and finally feel seen.

Lessons for First-Time Entrepreneurs: How Jessica Jazaela Built Her Businesses Through Social Media

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:35:32 +0000

Jessica Jazaela is a digital content creator and multi-entrepreneur from Switzerland who now calls Dubai home. She’s passionate about helping aspiring and novice entrepreneurs take their first steps, learn from real-world experience, and build businesses that last. Follow her for actionable advice, motivational tips, and behind-the-scenes insights into entrepreneurship and digital content creation.

How High-Achieving Women Build Fitness That Lasts

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:55:57 +0000

Doing everything right and still stuck? This is why fitness fails busy women. Leila Layana breaks down how busy, high achieving women can build real fitness without extreme diets, endless cardio, or burning themselves out. In this episode, she explains why doing more is not the answer, how stress and structure impact results after 30, and what actually works when work, travel, and life never slow down. Leila shares her journey from corporate burnout to coaching women who want strength, confidence, and consistency without obsession. We talk strength training for women in their 30s and 40s, food myths that sabotage progress, the truth about carbs and supplements, and why systems matter more than motivation. This conversation is about sustainable habits, smarter training, and fitness that fits real life.

What Being Half Emirati Really Looks Like

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Beauty & The Burj, Jamila Al-Harthi joins the sleepover with host Shereen Ahmed to explore what it truly means to grow up Emirati–Filipina.They talk about the layered reality of navigating two cultures, two identities, and finding belonging in both. Jamila opens up about her interracial marriage and the beauty, honesty, and cultural conversations that come with it.She shares her journey to becoming an air traffic controller, stepping into one of aviation’s most intense fields with purpose and pride. Together, they reflect on what it means to pave the way for young Emirati women and show them that no dream is too high.

Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz on Overcoming Hate, Pageantry, and Inspiring Young Girls

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we sit down with Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz to discuss her life before pageantry, the challenges she faced, and the hate she encountered along the way. We dive into the highs and lows of pageants, what she’s learned, and how she hopes to inspire young Pakistani girls to believe in themselves and see their place in mainstream media. A story of resilience, empowerment, and hope.

How Abbie Kadom Gave Hope To Single Mums In Dubai

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:03:45 +0000

Abbie Kadom has spent years quietly building Hope-Amel, a community-powered initiative that supports single mothers and families across the UAE. In this episode, she shares the moments that shaped her: growing up in Toronto, finding belonging in Dubai, navigating loss and motherhood, and discovering the purpose that would change everything. This is an honest and deeply human conversation about integrity, empathy and the power of one woman deciding that no mother should ever feel alone.

From Island Girl to Dubai Powerhouse: Gee’s Unfiltered Glow-Up

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:39:52 +0000

Gee’s story doesn’t start on a runway or in front of a camera. It begins in a tiny martial-arts academy above her home, where discipline was her daily oxygen and confidence wasn’t something she was born with, it was built.From a life that moved slowly to a city that never stops moving, Gee reveals the mindset shifts, the emotional rewiring, and the inner work that shaped her rise. It’s the kind of conversation that pulls back the curtain on what becoming yourself really looks like.

Maria Escobar on Gut Health, Hormones, and How to Eat for Real Balance

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:51:47 +0000

Your gut might be the reason you feel tired, moody or bloated. Nutritionist Maria Escobar joins Beauty & The Burj to explain what your digestion, hormones and cravings are trying to tell you and how simple changes in your daily meals can completely shift your energy.She breaks down how to eat in sync with your cycle, what foods actually balance your hormones, why fiber is non-negotiable and how better gut health can mean clearer skin, better sleep and a happier mind.

#BeautyAndTheBurj #thisisdubai #dubai #dubailife #nutrition #guthealth #wellness #hormonehealth #womenshealth #uaewellness

Logina Salah: Life After The Crown

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:22:41 +0000

In this cosy Beauty The Burj sleepover episode, Shereen chats with her pageant sister, Logina Salah about life after the Miss Universe spotlight, from Milan Fashion Week runways to rewriting beauty standards and launching her new children’s book The Shining Star.

How Dunesi Is Redefining Fashion in Dubai

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:05:01 +0000

In this episode of Beauty & The Burj, we sit down with Hanné Ripsaluoma, the Finnish founder and creative director of Dunesi, the Dubai-born fashion brand making conscious clothing cool again.From leaving a successful corporate career in telecoms to building a circular fashion label loved across the region, Hanné opens up about her design philosophy, the challenges of conscious production, and how Dunesi’s “Dubai dream” blends ethics with elegance.

From Finance to Fame: How Ola Elsharef Turned Relatability Into Her Power

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:56:23 +0000

When a Sudanese girl with a finance degree started posting cooking videos for fun, she had no idea it would make her one of Dubai’s most-watched creators. In this raw, unfiltered sleepover chat, Ola Elsharef opens up about building confidence in the age of hate, how trauma became her teacher, and what it really takes to survive the influencer industry in Dubai. It’s deep, funny, and painfully real, the kind of conversation that leaves mascara streaks on your pillow.