Words & Creative Direction: Amy Sessions
Photographer: Sandra Chidiac
Fashion Editor: Camille Macawili
Makeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG
Styling with thanks to Epiphany, Manaal Al Hamadi, and Ounass
For our October cover, we are very proud to have partnered with Chaumet and Mona Bin Kalli, someone who has fearlessness in her DNA. Here, she discusses doing life on your on terms in Strength & Beauty.
What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine?
I roll out of bed to make my morning coffee and plot out my daily agenda accordingly. I actually spend five-ten minutes the night before planning out the next day schedule which consists of three main priorities: the time I’ll wake up, my fitness plan and my daughter’s post-school activities.
Have you always thought outside the box from a young age and when did your inner strength first show?
I was always creative especially as a child, making and creating things. I had a spirit for invention with a big imagination, so I guess that made me think out of the box often. It took me a little while to find my strength, as an adult.
“Actions build courage.”
When else have you had to be fearless in life and how did this materialise?
When I stopped explaining myself. People will understand from their level of perception no matter what you say. How do you approach living life fearlessly and who in your life supports you to do so? Living a fearless life is not about never feeling afraid or taking unnecessary risks. It’s about gathering the courage to face your fears and move forward in spite of them. Feel it, breathe through it and do it anyway. Actions build courage. I am blessed for my family; they are my motivation and inspiration.
Chaumet is a brand you work closely with that combines elegance with edge – can you define the qualities that you have in common?
There’s a special bond and harmony between us. And I couldn’t be happier to be working with a brand infused with so much grace and character. What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? Life is all about the continuous effort required to overcome challenges. My personal go-to is to remain positive and always focus on the bigger picture.
Have you had any mentors in life and if so, what knowledge did they impart?
I’ve been fortunate to have had great mentors back in my career, that taught me to approach work with a level of discipline and humility, and I ended up carrying that aspect over to all elements of my life.
What is a kindness you’ve received or a lesson you’ve learned that you’d like to pay forward?
It’s hard to narrow it down. Kindness always touches me. When someone goes out of their way to do something for you or when you receive help from someone who needs help themselves. It’s love.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Take a break, worry less and create boundaries.
This is The Fearlessness Issue – what does being fearless mean to you?
Fearlessness is about owning who you are, accepting your weaknesses and realizing that it does not hold you back.
