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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.