Egyptian-born Abeer Al Otaiba is a mother of two, the wife of the UAE Ambassador to the United States and founder and creative director of the celeb-favoured fashion brand SemSem. Abeer, who now resides with her family in America, tells MOJEH about her life in lockdown.
I’ve lived through lockdown at…
My home in Washington, DC with my husband and two children.
I’ve remained motivated by…
Maintaining daily contact with my team. I’ve also set aside time in a special place within my home to reflect and design daily. Creating a daily routine for me and my family has allowed me to stay focused. Meditation is a huge help to stay centred.
I’ve been most inspired by…
These days I’m finding inspiration from the strong women who are serving on the front lines. I’ve been blown away by their strength and perseverance in the face of all the unknown. They are heroes in every sense of the word.
The one non-negotiable element of my daily routine…
Yoga and meditation. Maintaining a routine helps clear my mind and take time to focus on myself. I’m a better mother, wife and business owner when I carve out some daily ‘me’ time.
On the reading list…
I’ve been focusing on spirituality and enlightenment. I love Eckhart Tolle, I read The Power of Now, Living a Life of Inner Peace and The Art of Presence. I also read The Conscious parent by Dr Shefali Tsabary. While I have been reading more, I’ve also devoted some quiet time to large puzzles. I love the satisfaction of finishing one and moving to the next!
Podcasts on repeat…
I enjoy listening to Ted Talks from people I admire, respect or would like to learn more about. I appreciate the format and stories from men and women from all walks of life. My favourites are: any Trevor Noah podcasts, Under The Skin with Russell Brand, and Poetics hosted by Omari Hardwick.
Most-used app…
Headspace for meditation and relaxation
Most-watched TV shows…
I love shows where I can get lost in the characters. Little Fires Everywhere, High Fidelity and The Last Dance are current favourites.
My greatest lockdown lesson is…
Staying home has reminded me of something I’ve always known to be true: there is nothing compared to the gift of health and family. This is what matters the most. My desire to create a safe, energetic and purposeful routine for my family has also been a welcome outcome during this time of isolation.
As a designer, I’ve learnt to…
Take a step back. I’ve been going back to the basics and the reason I started SemSem in the first place: to create beautiful pieces while also championing the rights of women and children around the globe.
Read about Abeer Al Otaiba and SemSem’s charity initiatives and protective masks here
SemSem has donated over USD40,000 to Covid-19 relief efforts as well as creating protective masks
Abeer Al Otaiba is the founder and creative director of the SemSem fashion brand, worn by celebrities such as Blake Lively and Taylor Swift
I’m mostly missing…
I miss hanging out with my friends, whether staying home and watching movies, going to a Pilates class, or checking out a new restaurant. But what I miss the most is hugging my friends when I see them.
I can’t wait to hang-out with…
My girlfriends. We all lead busy lives but always made a habit to get together at one of our homes.
My typical daily outfit has consisted of…
For the most part, I’m in a variety of athletic, lounge clothes, pyjamas or sweats. I like comfort and bright, jovial colours so have been leaning on Sleepers for pyjamas, Electric & Rose for great sweats, Nike for workout gear and Alo Yoga for leggings.
Go-to beauty look…
A ponytail and light moisturiser has been my staple for the past three months.
Go-to beauty products…
French pharmacy names such as La Roche-Posay and Avéne. I also love The Cream by Augustinus Bader and Sun Drops by Dr Barbara Sturm. For a little lockdown beauty lift, I’ve been using face masks by 111Skin and Cle de Peau.
Most-loved iso moments…
The time that we’ve been given to spend with family, particularly my children. Spring and summer are usually full of activities, but we’ve made our own activities from puzzles and playing UNO to long evening walks and more meals together around the table.
I can’t wait to get back to…
Any place with a sea view, my children and I love to be in the water. The ocean inspires me more than anything and I can’t wait to safely travel again!
