Another special moment for me was my physical transformation. With not having to be always ‘on’ during this sabbatical year that I am on, I didn’t need to be as safe with my style as I have usually been.

When you are representing a company, a brand or even a government you have no choice but to treat your appearance as you would your work. As long as I can remember being in the industry of fashion, I have had to always morph into the brand that I represented - which I loved doing it with conviction and passion. I was the street wear Bershka girl in my 20s, the Ralph Lauren chic woman in my early 30s, and the fabulous Level Shoes woman in my late 30s. I then discovered the corporate woman in my 40s.

Celebrating Myself... Unfiltered

A month ago, I called Fadi Chedid, who has seen me through every phase, to get rid of the look I have maintained for such a long time. I wanted to go back to basics and let my grey hair grow freely. I documented the process with a video, and as soon as I had my new do, I felt another sense of 'shedding what was' and getting ready for what’s next.

A new found sense of confidence, light, and peace in myself lead me to my next personal project. I felt I needed to have pictures taken, ones that weren’t for work or an article - pictures that represented me.

I have been so blessed to work and know some of the best creatives throughout my career. First, I asked Sally Mathews to style me. I have known Sally since her days at Harpers and mine at Ralph Lauren. Not only did I love her personal style, I always felt she understood women, those that are strong, independent, and feminine. Together we chose a few beautiful pieces from Maxmara, Jaquemus, and Attico.

Next, I looked for a unique space for the shoot and we decided on Nasab. Ruthie Qadan gave us access to the most beautiful modern space, one with soft colors and strong lines.

Finally, a photographer that I have had the pleasure to work with since our early Level Shoes campaigns and some of our most exciting shoots with the brand, Moez Achour was my go to choice.

With Fadi who did my makeup and hair on the day and Joelle Haddad who’s always been my support for visual content, we embarked on a photo shoot session where I was the main subject in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

For once, I didn’t have to be representing anything more than myself.

For once I had all the time on my hands; I was relaxed and at peace. I wasn’t rushing to a meeting or in between calls, and that reflected in my pictures and made the rest of the team I was working with happy to be supporting my new visual project. It felt natural and authentic - of course also a little theatrical and dramatic - but that is a side of me that will always be!

Looking back, I wasn’t consciously aware of the impact of these changes, but I remember feeling every day a great sense of positive transformation.

As you read this, you will see that I have now launched my virtual platform that has been a creative journey that will include it all: my past work, my present thoughts, where I can share my voice and engage with old and new friends, where I will keep sharing my journey with my community and where I hope I can inspire or help you discover yours.