Brains & Beauty

Ola Farahat is a rare combination: educated, beautiful and incredibly down to earth. We discussed what it takes to stay mindful and grateful when you have 1.2Million followers

What do your first 30 minutes of the day look like?

I start off with a big cup of water followed by vitamins and coffee. I then start my day and focus on work.

You’ve skillfully mastered growing your brand as well as the launch of an e-commerce business. Which practices allow you to peacefully manage your day?

It took me a while to understand that growth can be slow and step by step. I always tell myself consistency is key

You have an MBA in strategy consulting. How has studying to such a level helped you grow further in your industry?

My MBA is from the University of Monaco. After graduating I started my first desk job at one of the Big 4: Deloitte. Working in corporate taught me how to manage myself and be more independent. I think it helps you take things less personally and focus more on success and trying to add value for your audience.

Who have been your mentors to date and what have you learned from them?

My father is a self-made entrepreneur. He started his first business at the age of 23 with hardly any support and he guides me every step of the way.

Have you encountered any hurdles in your career to date and how did you mindfully overcome them?

Always. I try to handle it in the best way I know how. It’s a continuous learning process for me but the most important thing is to love yourself and believe in yourself because if you don’t nobody else will.

When we approached you for the cover we were so impressed by your lack of entitlement – it’s rare in the blogging community. How do you manage to stay so grounded?

This whole thing still feels like a dream to me. I don’t feel entitled because my job doesn’t save lives. At the end of the day I just pursued my hobby and believed in it. I appreciate every person who admires me because they made my dreams come true.

How will you celebrate Ramadan this year?

My husband and I decided that with everything going on we still want to celebrate the proper way. We have Skype calls scheduled with our families every night and we will try our best to make it a very happy Ramadan.

During this time of reflection, are there any little luxuries you still allow yourself to make you feel at peace?

I ordered gourmet dinners a few date nights at home. I’ve allowed myself the occasional break from work to try to relax.

Can you recommend any books or podcasts we should be reading and listening to?

I love spirituality and the book The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield is a game changer. It’s about a man who goes on a spiritual journey.

Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?

I love nature accounts. And I also love Princess Diana outfit inspiration. What does mindfulness mean to you? Empathy. Gratefulness and refection are important

year-round. How do you practice this at this special time of the year?

Every day and every minute I remind myself to be grateful. Gratefulness is the door to more goodness.

What advice would you give to women who want to empower each other?

Honestly, to just do it! I think social media, magazines, designers and brands talk about it a lot and I’ve had meetings with people who live by the women empowerment mantra but don’t practice it. Women empowerment starts with us. Women who feel empowered can uplift others.

Skincare

Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?

to the max – it relaxes me.

What’s a beauty buy you cannot live without?

Lipstick.

How have you approached growing your following and what works best with your followers?

There are ways where if you post a certain type of controversial short fun video you can grow in numbers more quickly. Although it works, this year I decided to stop and post things that represent me more even if it means I won’t grow as fast.

your younger self Just start. Coming from a traditional background I didn’t get much support. But I stayed consistent and found my niche.

What advice would you give to starting out? In a time when we have been confined to the home, where’s on your travel list?

I love the sea, mainly the Indian Ocean – so anywhere that takes me there.