By running her own brand and selling her own specially-formulated creations using high-quality natural ingredients, Sarah Al-Wassia, founder and owner of Nanu Body products, shows that a little innovation can go a long way.
The beauty entrepreneur set out to create a brand that focuses on creating natural, handmade products in Saudi Arabia in 2014, but launched it to the public in 2015 and has not looked back since.
“Skincare is my passion! I always had an interest in creating something related to it and the transition from being a graphic designer to creating natural body products was a big decision,” she told Arab News, explaining that as well as being a wife, mother and entrepreneur, she is also currently studying for a master’s degree in nutrition and herbal medicine.
The road to success was not easy, however.
“It had some level of turbulence, but as the saying goes ‘rough seas make better sailors.’ I worked hard and learned to appreciate my unique journey in the skincare industry,” she said.
“Besides being interested in nature and natural products, health and nutrition have always been a major part of my life… I wanted to take it further by focusing on what I apply on my skin. Hence, the idea of creating my very own natural handmade body products came and Nanu Body was launched.”
When asked about her inspiration, Al-Wassia said that her family and her love for nature inspired her the most. In addition to this, certain essential oils motivated her to develop products for the benefit of people’s skin.
“Every recipe starts as a vague idea, which is transformed into a prototype that undergoes several testing stages. Also, most of the time, I use them on myself for a while before it gets commercialized, in order to ensure a high quality natural products,” she said.
The first product line that Nanu Body released was the body scrub collection, which was a great success. By then, other products, including body butter, deodorant, soap, fragrance and lip balm, had completed the testing phase and were released.
“Though the formulation development process is extensive, I make sure to take notes as to what I feel is missing and then slowly add more components to the products,” Al-Wassia explained.
She advised customers wanting to transition from conventional cosmetics to natural products to be aware and attentive of natural products and keep a track of what they hear and read about natural beauty products as well as do their own research. It is important to have an understanding of particular ingredients or to have knowledge about what to avoid in order having a true conviction that natural beauty care products are right for anyone.
The beauty businesswoman is involved in every step of the process, from product concepts to sales plans. She even played a major role in sourcing raw materials from the US to ensure all her products are natural.
“I have no other go-to beauty products. I am 100% natural and this motivates me more to create natural products that are chemical free. Besides, I am obsessed with quality so I can make the best, most effective skincare. If there is something in my life that I would like to replace with a handmade alternative, it would be make-up. (I would like to introduce) natural cosmetics at Nanu Body. Thus, we are looking at possibly launching that in near future,” she revealed.
Sharing her opinion on being compared to high-end makeup brands, she said that Nanu Body is a natural, handmade body product and cannot be likened to any make-up brands on the market.
When asked what her favorite product is, she chose Nanu Body Butter due to its rich texture and the natural ingredients that moisturize the skin. She also shared news of the recent launch of Nanu Body’s latest product, a body salve that also acts as a natural mosquito repellent — perfect for the winter months when many across the region spend more and more time outdoors.
“This year, it’s been tough, we have gone through many ups and downs like any other business,” she revealed. “But the key is to accept that life will not always be perfectly balanced. The most important thing in life is to focus and not sweat the small stuff. We managed to launch our products in two shops in Jeddah and that was a goal we achieved against all odds.
“I was up for the challenges and could surpass them with hard work and effort,” she added.
Al-Wassia says she has been surprised by the number of people in the country who have shown an interest in handmade natural body products and the level of brand loyalty that has been shown to Nanu Body.
“At Nanu Body, the customer is always right and we love to hear feedback from our customers, whether it is good or bad. We take our costumers comments into consideration and use the feedback in our product development,” she said.
Reinventing Jeddah’s beauty industry
Reinventing Jeddah’s beauty industry
Saudi content creators win big at TikTok Awards in Dubai
DUBAI: Two Saudi content creators made a mark at the TikTok Awards ceremony on Wednesday.
Mohammed Hemex was honored with the Sports Creator of the Year Award, while Emad Ramen earned the title of Food Creator of the Year.
The event drew a star-studded crowd, including US-Iraqi entrepreneur and fragrance mogul Mona Kattan, accompanied by her co-stars from Netflix’s “Dubai Bling.” Among them were Ebraheem Alsamadi, who decorated the venue with centerpieces from his brand Forever Rose, Safa Siddiqui, Danya Mohammed, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Jwana Karim. Also in attendance were “Love is Blind Habibi” stars Mohammed AlKiswani and Nour El-Hajj.
The Creator of the Year award was presented to Yara Aziz. Ahead of her win, Aziz, who boasts 6.5 million TikTok followers, told Arab News: “I started everything on TikTok. It’s been five years now, and this is my first award ever with them. I am nervous, I am excited, I am happy, I am content and I am grateful.”
Originally a medical student, the TikToker attended the event wearing a dress handmade by her grandmother, a process she documented on TikTok for her followers.
Reflecting on the experience, Aziz described the process as “extremely stressful.” She explained, “Honestly, it was stressful for my grandma, she felt like she was under pressure to make something quick and fast. But honestly, it turned out perfect.”
Before the announcement, Aziz mentioned that winning this award would mark the most memorable moment of her social media career — and it did.
The night included performances by Haitian-French artist Naika, known for the viral hit “Sauce,” and Egyptian rapper Marwan Moussa, a TikTok favorite, who thrilled the audience with tracks such as “Tesla,” “Batal Alam” and “Hob Khenaa,” joined by co-singer Nourine Abouseada for the latter.
The night celebrated other talents including Syrian Canadian Osama Marwah, who won the Video of the Year, while Egyptian singer Tul8te was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Lebanese chef Abir El Saghir received the Visionary Content Award, Abdullah Annan was honored as Changemaker of the Year, Shihab Al-Hashemy won Education Creator of the Year, and Nouran El-Sayed took home the Fashion & Beauty Creator of the Year award.
Lavender carpet fashion: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025
DUBAI: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025, held on Jan. 18 in Riyadh.
Zainab Alblushi
The self-proclaimed Saudi “It Girl” wore this striking floor-length backless lilac gown with oversized, voluminous sleeves to the ceremony. The dress was created by Riyadh-based designer Khawla Alaiban, who founded her eponymous label in 2017. She stayed local with her accessories too, opting for diamonds from Saudi fine jewelry brand Lustro.
Annabella Hilal
The Lebanese model and TV presenter was fulsome in her praise of the awards, saying, “Every year this experience gets better and better.” She also thanked Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad — “a true artist” — for her “incredible dress,” this deep blue flowing gown which included intricate leaf-like embroidery on see-through fabric. Like Zainab Alblushi, Hilal went with jewelry from Lustro. She also carried a metallic silver Jimmy Choo bag.
Mila Alzahrani
The Saudi actress selected this beautifully tailored purple gown from Lebanese designer Sara Mrad. The dress featured an asymmetrical sheer corset with ruffled sleeves running into a dramatic skirt filled with feathers and eye-catching floral embroidery, and surrounded by a pleated train.
Nour Ali
Assisted by Dubai-based Lebanese stylist Cedric Haddad, the 29-year-old Syrian actress — shortlisted for the Best Actress in a Series award for her role in “Lo’bat Al-Hob” — chose this elegant all-black number with intricate tailoring and cut-outs from acclaimed Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad and accessorized with jewelry from Chopard.
Aseel Omran
The Saudi singer and actress looked chic in this timeless black gown with sculpted bodice and mermaid skirt from Lebanese designer Charbel Karam, who launched his namesake label in 2006 in Abu Dhabi. Omran also wore jewelry from Roberto Coin.
Stephanie Atala
The Lebanese actor and singer looked radiant in this pink dress with bejeweled bodice and voluminous skirt created by Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi. The awards came just two days after Atala announced her engagement to her long-time musical partner Joseph Abboud, aka Zef.
Zeina Makki
The Kuwait-born Lebanese filmmaker and actress hit the lavender carpet in this glittering golden gown with chainmail-style top and flowing see-through skirt from Georges Hobeika’s Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collection. Stylist Ibrahim Fakhereldine paired the dress with jewelry from Marli.
Nelly Karim
The beloved Egyptian actress made a splash in this bright red couture gown with accentuated boat neckline from Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward. Her outfit was almost as dramatic as her surprise appearance on stage to duet with pop superstar Tamer Hosny.
French Algerian model Loli Bahia celebrates Pharrell Williams’ fashion vision
- French Algerian model attends menswear show in Paris
- Williams teams up with Japanese fashion designer Nigo
DUBAI: French Algerian model Loli Bahia continues to strengthen her ties with Louis Vuitton, months after walking for the brand, by showing support for its menswear creative director Pharrell Williams.
This week, Bahia attended the menswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, which runs through Jan. 26.
Williams hosted the event in a rear courtyard of the Louvre Museum after dark, setting the stage for a vibrant fall-winter collection that reimagined streetwear.
Models strode around the set to marching music, parading chunky wool suits, short bomber jackets, leather bermudas and coats in pastels, autumn tones and psychedelic renditions of the brand’s signature logo patterns.
There were colorful speedy bags, lobster-claw charms, pearl embellishments, thick jewelry and utility pockets in suede leather.
Bahia shared highlights from the show on Instagram, offering her followers a glimpse of the night’s fashion and energy.
For this collection, Williams, who is also famous as a musician, teamed up with his longtime collaborator, Japanese fashion designer Nigo, currently creative director of another LVMH-owned label, Kenzo.
The pair have been active in street culture for decades, founding the label Billionaire Boys Club in 2003 and playing a role in streetwear’s rise to prominence with their blend of music and fashion.
In the front row, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault sat between his wife, Helene Mercier, and NBA basketball player Victor Wembanyama, who was seen tapping his foot to the music.
The show was also attended by Hollywood stars Adrien Brody and Bradley Cooper, K-pop sensations J-Hope and Jackson Wang, and rap legends Travis Scott, J Balvin and Future.
Bahia last walked for Louis Vuitton in October, showcasing their spring/summer collection.
She graced the runway wearing a black jumpsuit with a relaxed, tailored fit and a deep V-neckline, allowing a metallic, iridescent top to peek through underneath. The shiny fabric of the top, visible on the sleeves and chest, contrasted with the matte texture of the jumpsuit.
Beyond the runway, Bahia has also appeared in Louis Vuitton’s campaigns, including the Spring/Summer 2024 campaign released in February 2024.
In the promotional clip, she showcased the brand’s creations, pairing a vibrant orange Dauphine bag crafted from supple leather with an oversized blazer dress featuring multiple buttons.
The look was completed with white stockings and heels.
Tiffany Trump stuns in Zuhair Murad gown during inauguration week
- Tiffany is married to Lebanon-born Michael Boulos
- Married in 2022, they are expecting their first child
DUBAI: Tiffany Trump, the daughter of US President Donald Trump, turned heads this week in a dress by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad at the Inaugural Candlelight Dinner, hosted at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Traditionally held on the eve of a US presidential inauguration, the black-tie event honors the incoming administration with an evening of celebration and speeches.
For the occasion, Tiffany, who is expecting her first child with husband Michael Boulos, chose a custom, chocolate-brown chiffon gown with an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, and a cape-like sleeve that flowed dramatically.
The dress was cinched at the waist and highlighted by intricate draped detailing on the bodice.
On Monday morning, Tiffany and Boulos attended services at St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., a longstanding tradition for incoming presidents and family members.
Later in the day, she joined her family at the swearing-in ceremony, which was held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold weather.
She also attended the inaugural parade at the Capital One Arena and the inaugural balls that evening.
For the day’s events, she wore a velvet navy-blue coat cinched at the waist, accessorized with minimal jewelry and leather point-toed stiletto boots.
Tiffany and Boulos tied the knot in 2022. For her special day, the bride wore a custom-made Grecian-style gown by Lebanese designer-to-the-stars Elie Saab.
Tiffany chose her wedding dress as a nod to Boulos’ heritage. “It’s a Lebanese-American wedding, so we were so happy to have Elie Saab create the magic,” said mother of the bride Marla Maples at the time, according to People magazine.
Boulos is of Lebanese and French descent and grew up in Lagos where his father, Massad, runs Boulos Enterprises and is the CEO of SCOA Nigeria.
The family is also linked to the world of Hollywood through Michael’s brother Fares, who is an actor and appeared in a 2017 episode of “The Crown.”
Boulos and Tiffany were engaged in January 2021, the day before Trump left office following defeat in the 2020 election.
Camila Alves McConaughey shines in Elie Saab at Riyadh event
DUBAI: Lebanese couturier to the stars Elie Saab took to Instagram to give a shoutout to model Camila Alves McConaughey, who wore the label to the recent concert “Life is a Dream,” led by Hollywood giant Anthony Hopkins in Riyadh.
“@camilamcconaughey attended the ‘Life Is A Dream’ concert composed by Sir Anthony Hopkins with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra alongside her husband Matthew in an ELIE SAAB Spring Summer 2025 look,” the label captioned the Instagram post.
Alves McConaughey, who attended the event with her actor husband Matthew McConaughey, wore a striking yellow gown to the event, with flowing caped sleeves and a plunging neckline.
Meanwhile, US pop sensation Christina Aguilera, who performed at the Joy Awards ceremony over the weekend in Riyadh, also opted for an Elie Saab creation for the first part of her performance.
Aguilera took to the stage in a dramatic burgundy gown from Elie Saab’s Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2024 collection. The glittering gown saw Aguilera channeling old-school 1920s Hollywood glamour. The dress flowed into a feathered train, and she completed the look with a chiffon scarf, draped over her head and shoulders.
The same event saw Alves McConaughey opt for another yellow gown, this time from Oscar de la Renta.
As for the symphony concert, in a captivating blend of art and humanity, Hollywood icon Hopkins graced the Bakr Al-Shaddi Theater in Boulevard City, Riyadh, with a performance titled “Life is a Dream” as part of the Riyadh Season festivities.
Introduced by fellow actor Morgan Freeman, Hopkins opened his speech with the Arabic greeting, “As Salaam o Alaikum,” setting a tone of cultural respect and unity.
Hopkins shared his reflections on life and art, drawing from the words of Edgar Allan Poe: “I have always believed that all we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.”
Reflecting on his life, he described the path from “the son of a simple baker” in South Wales to a world-renowned composer and actor.
“My life, to me, is a profound mystery,” he said. “It’s impossible to understand or take credit for the blessings I’ve been given. That’s why I believe life is a dream, and this piece, ‘Life is a Dream,’ was inspired by my dreamy childhood in South Wales, my wonderfully supportive mother and my father, who was larger than life and worked tirelessly throughout his life.”
