For April’s – The Design Issue cover, Emirates Woman is proud to have partnered with Louis Vuitton to share its SS25 collection and Dima AlSheikhly who is living life on her own terms.
How does your morning routine set you up for optimal success?
Having a solid morning routine is super important to me. Without it, I struggle to stay disciplined and focused. My mornings usually start with an early wake-up and a little moment of prayer to help me centre myself. Then it’s time for a workout – whether I’m jogging, playing tennis, riding horses, or hitting the gym. I really believe that moving my body energises both my mind and spirit. After that, I like to have breakfast while journaling my thoughts. It’s a great way to clarify my intentions for the day and get ready for whatever’s coming my way. I truly believe that when I take the time to nurture myself, I’m way better equipped to tackle challenges and pursue my goals with enthusiasm and determination.
How have you designed the life you want to live?
Creating the life I lead today has been a journey shaped by dedication and personal sacrifice. It took time and effort to cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment. I strive to navigate life with intention, remaining mindful and cautious in my choices. My guiding philosophy has always been to embrace the flow of life, allowing me to adapt and grow through every experience.
How did you navigate the transition from being a content creator to a brand in your own right?
Navigating the transition from content creator to building my own brand has been quite the adventure! It’s definitely not a walk in the park – crafting a personal brand takes grit and determination. Over the past seven years, I’ve immersed myself in a world of fashion, created incredible connections with amazing people and brands, and gathered experiences that have shaped me in profound ways. Every interaction and opportunity has added to my strength and vision for Dima as a brand. I’m constantly exploring new avenues in fashion, acting, and more, which keeps things exciting. This journey has allowed me to dabble in various creative outlets, and I truly love that about my job. Building my community took time and effort, and I’m endlessly grateful for the support I’ve received along the way. As I look ahead, I can’t wait to unveil whatever my brand evolves into – it will be a true reflection of me.
Louis Vuitton is known for pushing creative boundaries. How do you see yourself contributing to that vision through your work with them?
Sometimes I have to pinch myself because working with Louis Vuitton feels like a dream come true. Growing up, I admired the brand so much that I filled my walls with cutouts from their runway shows. Now, years later, collaborating with the incredible team is surreal. They have always been incredibly supportive of my creativity, allowing me the freedom to express my vision in a way that feels authentic. I’m continuously inspired by their innovative collaborations and projects, and I feel truly grateful to be part of the Louis Vuitton family. This cover with Emirates Woman marks my second collaboration, and it’s a testament to how much Louis Vuitton means to me. They’ve always believed in me and provided opportunities for me to grow alongside them.
What’s your favourite Louis Vuitton piece or collection, and why does it resonate with you?
My absolute favourite Louis Vuitton piece has to be my Louis Vuitton Vernis Astor Place Vanity Bag in that vibrant yellow patent leather. I stumbled upon it at a vintage store, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it! Yellow has always held a special place in my heart – growing up, it was my favourite colour. When my mom was pregnant with me, she wanted to keep my gender a surprise, so instead of choosing pink or blue, she went all out with yellow. Everything in my childhood was drenched in yellow. This bag not only captures that nostalgia but also embodies a fun, cool vibe that I adore. It’s a perfect blend of style and sentiment.
With social media constantly changing, how do you stay ahead of the curve?
Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media can be quite overwhelming, but I’ve found that staying true to my unique voice is key. While I make an effort to keep up with trends, I focus on what resonates with me and my audience. After seven years in this space, I’ve learned the value of sticking to my strengths while remaining open to new experiences and opportunities. This approach has allowed me to carve out my niche, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
You’ve built a strong personal brand – what do you think are the key elements of a successful brand today?
The key elements of a successful brand today really boil down to staying true to yourself and being willing to take risks. I believe that navigating your own path, even if it means stumbling along the way, is essential for growth. Embracing failure is part of the journey, and I’m always ready to tackle whatever challenges come my way. Having an open heart and being receptive to criticism is equally important. Constructive feedback can be a game-changer, helping your brand evolve and improve. I’ve learned that the more I invest in my personal growth, the better everything else in my life becomes – my work included. So, it’s all about balancing self-awareness with a dash of my adventurous spirit.
How would you describe your signature style, and how has it evolved over time?
My signature style is a mix of classic elegance with a modern twist. I thrive on experimentation, so I love switching things up and keeping my wardrobe fresh. Comfort is key to me, so you’ll always see me in cosy trousers, soft sweaters and my Niké, depending on my mood. My style reflects on how I’m feeling on that specific day. However, I have a particular fondness for vintage pieces. There’s something magical about garments with a rich history or unique stories behind them – they really resonate with me. Overall, I like to think of myself as a classic yet adventurous style enthusiast, always ready to try something new.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was gaining acceptance and convincing others – whether it be brands or individuals – that I was capable and skilled in my field. The term “influencer” often carries a stigma, and I encountered my fair share of skepticism. However, my mission has always been to redefine that narrative by approaching my work with authenticity and a sense of joy. I’ve focused on building genuine connections with incredible brands while maintaining a grateful and positive mindset. Each experience has been an opportunity to grow, and I strive to embrace them fully. I believe challenges will always come our way but the key is to remain calm and composed when they do, allowing you to navigate them effectively.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to go more with the flow and embrace life. Back then, I used to always be quite hard on myself and I wish I had spent more time enjoying the moments as they came. Life is such an amazing journey and it’s so important to appreciate every step when things get tough. I’ve learned that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and that perspective has really guided me. Overall, I’d tell my younger self to soak in every moment and trust that things will work out on in the end.
This is The Design Issue – who to you is inspiring aesthetically and why?
When it comes to inspiration, my sister Mina Sheikhly is my number one. She really inspires me both aesthetically and intellectually. Seeing her grow up, make mistakes and always bounce back has been truly amazing. Her passion for chasing her dreams is very motivating and I’ve always admired her for her fighting spirit. We’re definitely two different sides of the same coin, but somehow we always meet in the middle. No matter where life takes us, she’s my go-to source of inspiration.
Creative Direction: Amy Sessions
Photographer: Ziga Mihelcic
Fashion Editor: Camille Macawili
Makeup & Hair: Karolina Kurowicka
Videographer: Mark Mathew
Location with thanks to The Opus By OMNIYAT
