Radiate Good Feelings

As you know, at OHLALA, we love anything that makes you feel good in your own skin, so we were delighted to chat with Najla Al Fardan, founder of the platform Qiyorro, which is focused on conscious and holistic beauty care.

@najlaalfardan
@qiyorro

OHLALA – You were born and raised in Qatar; how was the experience? What do you like most about your country?

Najla Al Fardan – I’m so proud to call Qatar home. Anyone who grows up here will tell you how amazing it is to be exposed to so many different cultures at such a young age. This country is a melting pot of people from so many different backgrounds. Yet, there’s such a solid and beautiful emphasis on family and local traditions that keeps you grounded and gives a sense of belonging. I appreciated this more while I was away at university. And now, on returning home, I have begun to love how much women’s entrepreneurship is encouraged in Qatar. We’re leading the way for the rest of the region, and it’s genuinely a matter of pride.

O – Who are the women in Qatar that inspire you?

NF – Her Highness Sheikha Moza has been a pillar of inspiration to me and, I believe, to all Qatari women. She truly leads by example, and I admire her commitment to higher causes like providing quality education to children worldwide.

My sisters have also inspired me tremendously. They followed their own paths and emerged as pioneers in their respective fields. Dana is Qatar’s first female composer, Joujou was the first to usher in a wave of well-being and fitness, while Noor founded the sought-after jewellery brand, Noudar. They’re all trailblazers and watching them carve their own niches instilled the notion in me that I can accomplish my greatest goals and desires.

O – How did wellness and health become a subject of your interest?

NF – At a young age, I was obese. By the time I got to university, I was riddled with acne and was diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). After years of struggling with my weight and my appearance, I began to educate myself and learned that everything that’s going on within us is interlinked. How you nourish your body will impact your gut health, which will affect your skin, which in turn influences how you feel about yourself and your overall mental health. This learning marked the beginning of my holistic healing journey. I beat my acne, controlled my IBS symptoms, and ultimately discovered a better quality of life.

O – How did you come up with Qiyorro? And what is the primary purpose of it?

NF – I wanted to create a platform that would empower men and women to feel more confident in their own skin. The notion of beauty being solely based on looks has to change. With Qiyorro, we’re shedding light on the fact that beauty truly is the sum of parts – your diet, mental well-being, health, and the products you use.

We’re here to empower our community, share stories, educate on skincare, and astutely curate the highest quality beauty products that are as effective as they are gentle.

O – What are the key points you consider when choosing brands for the Qiyorro portfolio?

NF – I have a personal connection with all our hand-picked brands. They have either been part of my healing process or have been recommended or cited while I learned more about skincare. When looking at brands, I don’t focus on whether they are 100-per-cent natural or not, but whether they, like Qiyorro, are conscious. I mean the safety and quality of ingredients, in addition to whether they are gentle, effective, and irritant-free. I also look at the ethos and values of the brand and its founders. People don’t trust or connect with brands; they connect with people. Creating that long-lasting relationship, therefore, is crucial.

O – Which Qiyorro products do you highly recommend?

NF – It depends, all our products give outstanding results. We have something for all skin types and concerns, and it’s entirely personal. I’m an absolute fan of iS Clinical Cleansing Complex and Georgia Louise Stemcell Renewal Elixir. I also get a million ‘thank you’ DMs for recommending iUnik’s Rose Galactomyces toner and serum.

O – Ramadan is around the corner; what wellness and beauty tips can you share?

NF – There is a sense of stillness and depth during Ramadan that we don’t experience throughout the year. I would say take full advantage of that and allow yourself to spend some time in reflection. Be mindful of how you break your fast and don’t overwhelm your gut all at once. Think of your digestion as a fire. During Ramadan, while we’re fasting, our internal ‘fire’ runs relatively low, we don’t want to overwhelm our stomachs by introducing a large amount of food that is hard to digest all at once. Break your fast with something small, like dates. This way, you’re saying “good morning!” to your stomach and then have a nice warm, home-cooked meal. Also indulge in some self-care. Whether it’s soaking in long baths, putting on sheet masks or giving yourself a home spa with body scrubs and oils, these small rituals will help you nourish your skin and soul.

O – What are your plans for the future?

NF – My wellness and holistic health journey has just begun. While I continue to nurture and grow Qiyorro, I do have a few more ideas brewing but it’s too early to reveal any plans.

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