Sarah Yousef is co-founder of skin brand De L’Arta. As the first Emirati personal care brand, De L’Arta relies on using local flora to manufacture its products. The brand prioritises sustainability and has partnered with mobile application RECAPP, which provides free door-to-door recyclables collection. In keeping with its sustainability initiatives, De L’Arta hopes to encourage customers to recycle their own packaging.
What is the best way to start your day?
Warm lemon water together with some gentle movement and stretching to get the blood flowing really nicely.
If you could be any character from a movie, who would you be?
Hmmm… I choose Moana. Does that count as a movie? It’s more of an animation. She’s the first thing to pop up in my head. Let’s go with that, love it.
What is your greatest achievement?
Honestly, this is very difficult to pinpoint. I appreciate every little achievement as a great one because each only propels you to the next step or to that next goal or target. In saying that, perhaps my greatest achievement is my conscious awareness of always finding that next opportunity or being open to life with whatever it throws at you. It’s a wisdom that comes with experience when you learn to take the hard things easier because you always trust the good things will come. This achievement is a mental one, you know? I think it’s important to have a positive personal discourse – that voice that speaks in your head. Remind yourself of your daily achievements, no matter how small or big, like “Hey, you did good today. I’m proud of you”. It’s that heightened sense of self awareness that I personally did not always have but definitely feel like I’ve strongly achieved.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
This is a tough one because there is so much I would want to tell her and I am sure so many could relate. To keep it short, I would say, “Always out in the time to check in with how you feel. Your intuition is incredible, don’t ever doubt it and don’t ever let anyone make you doubt yourself.”
If you had 24 hours left on Earth, what would you do?
Nothing out of the norm, I would probably rather not know it is my last day on earth. Depends on the day of the week. This question is impossible.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
I find inspiration in many people and many things. I do not find it fair to give it all to one thing or one person. If you are open to receiving inspiration, then its source is absolutely endless. Stay open.
What would you like to achieve in the next 10 years?
Everything could change direction in an instant. I’ve never been one of those people with a 5-year or 10-year plan. Just do good and good will flourish!
