#SableBeautyTalks

 

 

A mini series wherein we talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shapes, shades and cultures

#SableBeautyTalks

Chika Russell, Founder and CEO of CHIKA’S – A Taste of the Exotic’ chikas.co.uk

Home is?
Notting Hill

Place you last visited for holidays

Mozambique – Linene Island

Most romantic thing someone has done for you? 

My husband marriage proposal to me in Shanghai, as we dined on a roof top under the stars. He has gone to a great deal of effort to organise the trip which saw us travel across Asia. He kept it all hush, hush too.

Signature dish? 

Steamed fish with lots of ginger and chilli, served with plantain.

You can conquer the world because?

Those who have achieved great heights before me do not have two heads. I can achieve anything I put my mind to.

Most useful beauty tip you ever received? 

To moisturise my face with my wedding finger on right and left hand and never use body moisturiser on my face.

Woman you look to for inspiration? 

My Mum – A business woman, raised 7 children, wise, God fearing and is a strong family leader. She has been a continuous source of support and encouragement. I owe a lot of who I am to my Mum and when it comes to her, I really hope that the apple does not fall far from the tree.

What are you listening to/watching/reading at the moment?

Listening to – The best of Lionel Ritchie

Book - Mindfulness – about how we as humans think

Watching – I have not watched TV in about 8 months but The Real House Wives of Atlanta is my guilty pleasure.

Biggest achievement so far this year? 

Being shortlisted as top 10 Power list for 2016 most influential black woman.

Weekend essentials 

Face wash, Santaverde face moisturiser, shea butter body moisturiser, lip gloss, La Perla negligée.

Life motto

‘Nothing is beyond me. If they can do it, so can I’

 

 

#SableBeautyTalks
We talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shades and cultures

 

A mini series wherein we talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shapes, shades and cultures
#SableBeautyTalks: Tiana Khan – Actress  

Home is?

Southfields, London

Place you last visited for holidays

Sicily. The combination of great food, sun and friendly people just make it work.

Most romantic thing someone has done for you? 

I've had a couple romantic moments however the most romantic things I find are those that are sincere, honest and sometimes completely out of the blue.

Signature dish? 

My secret Chilli recipe! It is basically a normal Chilli recipe but I actually add kidney beans in chilli sauce and I add tomatoes, fresh or dried chilli and garlic. Then just keep stirring to break the mince meat until everything is just nicely cook in this beautiful sauce. I never add any hot sauce as it alters the flavour too much.

You can conquer the world because?

 I work hard, believe in myself and have great people around me. Anything is possible!

Most useful beauty tip you ever received? 

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. That is the one beauty mantra I care most about. Especially when I spend hours rehearsing under bright lights my skin screams for some hydration. 

Women you look to for inspiration? 

There's not really one, as I get older I draw inspiration from a number of women, their experiences and stories some of whom I know- my family and female friends and some of those I do not know Oprah Winfrey, Malala Yousafzai, Emma Watson, Lena Dunham. 
There are so many women I admire and who inspire me.

What are you listening to/watching/reading at the moment?

Listening- I love music so anything and everything
Watching- I'm not following anything at the moment but I think there is a new series of Luther, which I will definitely be watching.
Reading- What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Biggest achievement so far this year? 

Really realising who I want to be as a person- what I stand for and what I believe in and taking the steps to become that person without comprising.

Weekend essentials 

Good food, good music and good company.

Life motto 

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

________________________

#SableBeautyTalks
We talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shades and cultures

 

A mini series wherein we talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shapes, shades and cultures
#SableBeautyTalks: Esther Niko www.estherniko-whatif.com – Singer Songwriter Stage-Persona Actress AKA Esther Seibt owner and designer of the cashmere fashion brand THE KEY To DEAN www.thekeytodean.com 

Home is?
…where my dog is : )

Place you last visited for holidays

Sardinia. I went for a good friend’s wedding and decided to extend my stay. Truly stunning place.

Most romantic thing someone has done for you? 

My ex-boyfriend wrote music for me, about me and with me. A very romantic process, hard to be topped by anything.

Signature dish? 

Figs, burrata and heritage tomatoes. Provided that everything is of good quality and fresh, it is such an easy dish to prepare and always goes down well.

You can conquer the world because?

I trust my instincts, I believe in myself and I know when to move on.

Most useful beauty tip you ever received? 

My grandmother who had the softest skin like a baby used to say: Always wash with cold water, doing too much is same as doing too little and treat your skin like a precious diamond. For me that captures the essence of looking after oneself, in and out.

Women you look to for inspiration? 

Laid back, confident women like Charlize Theron or Stella McCartney. Cate Blanchett for the most honest smile. Drew Barrymore for being young at heart. Liv Tyler for true beauty. Victoria Beckham for reinventing herself. Hard to only name a few, with so many amazing women, whether famous or not, making their mark and inspiring many.

What are you listening to/watching/reading at the moment?

I’m a music addict. Right now it’s New Order and Lana Del Rey’s Honeymoon. I can always go for Nancy Sinatra, Billy Holiday and any OST. Watching: THE WALKING DEAAAAAD Season 6!
Reading: Oscar Wilde ‘Short Stories’

Biggest achievement so far this year? 

I released my record which I am incredibly proud of, expanded my fashion label and I’m moving to London which needless to say I am super excited about.
So far it sounds very good to me!

Weekend essentials 

Me, my dog, a hot coffee, a good moisturiser and take a ride into the deep countryside – ideally with some lovely friends coming along.

Life motto 

Everything has it’s time.

 

#SableBeautyTalks
We talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shades and cultures
Photo: Renske Gosseling for the Newton

#SableBeautyTalks: Kendra Matthews, product developer at Ralph Lauren
Home is?
Manhattan, New York

Place you last visited for holidays 
The island of St Maarten in the Caribbean, the French Side 

Most romantic thing someone's done for you?
Take me to a fantastic sunrise sail, just watching the sun come out and the birds sing their wake up tunes made it feel like magic.

Signature dish?  
My Mexican quinoa and beef casserole. It just combines all the good of the Mexican kitchen without compromising on being healthy. A penchant for healthy food is definitely a trait lot of New Yorkers have which is a great thing. And it is one of my son's favourite dishes which is also always a good indication of a signature dish!

You can conquer the world.. 
 if you believe in yourself. In my opinion nothing is impossible. If you really want something, set your mind to it, be dedicated and you will find a way to achieve whatever you want. And a positive attitude combined with a smile will also go a long way.

Most useful beauty tip you ever received? 
always, always wear sunscreen on your face, neck and chest. It might seem too much of an extra step especially when the sun is not visible but it is really crucial if you want to prevent your skin from suffering unnecessary sun damage.

Woman you look to for inspiration
? My mother, she is my number 1 fan and always inspires me. And in my industry; Anna Wintour, what she has done and continues to do for the fashion industry is amazing and really inspirational

What are you listening to at the moment
Bebel Gilberto, a famous Bosa Nova singer and icon to everyone who loves Bosa Nova and Jazz. I love to listen to her music, it takes me to this divine tropical, relaxed destination.

Biggest achievement so far this year?
 the birth of our second son. Truly amazing.

Weekend essentials
 apart from my family and friends Sunglasses, a good facial moisturiser with spf, a concealer with spf and I always carry Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream which is a long time favourite I can not live without. 

Life motto 
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that your are never alone is having remorses than regrets (Audrey Hepburn)

 

 

#SableBeautyTalks
We talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shades and cultures

#SableBeautyTalksEmelie Ryan, Account Manager at Cuttsy+Cuttsy, a communications agency with a focus on healthcare (I’m a science nerd at heart)
Home is
: Currently Stamford, UK but home-home is Gothenburg, Sweden
Place you last visited for holidays: The Amalfi coast in Italy
Most romantic thing someone's done for you? I have always said that although holidays are amazing I measure my true happiness by how I feel on a random, rainy Tuesday night. Likewise, I will always remember big romantic moments, but what truly makes my heart melt are the daily emails and texts where he tells me how he can’t wait to see me later (and loads of other gushy things).
Signature dish? I cook a mean fish stew!
You can conquer the world.. I have been lucky enough to be showered with love from loads of angles my entire life – my foundations are solid. Add red lips and anything is possible!
Most useful beauty tip you ever received? Of course you can pull that off, why on earth wouldn’t you?!
Woman you look to for inspirationThose near and dear whom I both love and admire. I trust my friends to keep me sane, spur me on and hold me back (if absolutely necessary)
What are you listening to/reading/watching at the moment Anything from old school Cat Stevens and Leonard Cohen to my current faves Ben Howard and Melissa Horn. I can’t shake the music my dad would play when I was little, but I have updated my likes a little.
Biggest achievement so far this year?  My confidence and self-esteem took a bit of a knock a few years back and this year they’ve been returning by leaps and bounds. I’m elated to be finding my way back to my former inner calm.
Weekend essentials Yoga and a long, leisurely lunch with the one I love

Life motto Life is in the little things, and always be kind

 

 

#SableBeautyTalks
We talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shades and cultures
#SableBeautyTalks: Anoushka Silva Gibbs, a former Senior Transport Policy Officer, just back in London from Doha Qatar and ready to take the beauty/skin care industry by storm
Home is?

LONDON! I am definitely a proud British, London girl and this has become even more pronounced having returned from a stint in Qatar. A special place in my heart is however reserved for the lush forests and soothing shores of Sri Lanka where I originally hail from. Whenever I visit it puts a smile on my face.
Place you last visited for holidays The Lake District...We plan to travel around Britain in 2015 and kicked off with the Lake District. They do cracking rum butter scones. To be continued...
Most romantic thing someone's done for you? Hmmm. I like romance to be humorous and with a touch of elegance which does not mean it has to cost the world. Highlight is when my husband and I took a rickshaw after seeing Priscilla queen of the desert. That ride was an absolute hoot, buzzing around London, soaking the vibes, wind in our hair all the way to the Langham where we stayed the night and my husband proposed to me.
Signature dish?  I like to cook and like to try new things. My signature dish would be belly pork, brined for three days and stuffed with caramelized red onion and chestnuts and oven roasted to give that cracking crackling. I have my eye on attempting black forest gateaux which takes an epic 4 hours to make! Just need to find an occasion/excuse to make it.
You can conquer the world.. You have had a strong dark cup of tea, NO MILK  OR SUGAR ALLOWED!! Blush and lipstick always helps! I have my eye on Kevyn Aucoin bloodroses.
Beauty obsession Experimenting with formulations and making lotions and potions at home. I make use of L-ascorbic powder to make a potent vitamin C serum, storing it in a dark bottled glass, and making a new batch every week. It boosts collagen/elasticity, lightens age/sun spots and is an antioxidant. My greatest beauty tip however is to smile! It really completes and brightens any look. 
I also like to watch Wayne Goss make up tutorials, I like his style. He keeps it simple, no nonsense or faffing. There are some real gems, simple tricks and solutions for all. He is also a tease with his smile and naughty winks. I would love for him to work his make-up wonder on me! If you’re reading this Wayne, holler!
Woman you look to for inspirationI’m often inspired by Hindu goddesses; beautiful, intense, with a range of qualities/traits and with many arms juggling a variety of things. I find inspiration from my mum, to the woman in the street, those working in a shop or high powered business women, students, the homeless, survivors. There is a lot to be inspired by and it is also not restricted to women only. If I had to name someone it would be Leila Janah, CEO and founder of Sama Group who use technology and private sector methods in new ways to measurably improve poor people’s access to dignified work, critical medical care, and education. Beauty, brains and a kind caring spirit is intoxicating.
What are you listening to at the moment I love listening to the radio, from all time classics to cool new stuff. Billie Holliday, The Doors, Kate Bush, Kings of Leon, London Grammar, Prince, Jay Z. Am, and the beat goes on. Can I mention what I watch as well? I m a big fan of the series The Knick
Weekend essentials A lie in with a cup of tea made by and with my husband, the papers and all the glossies, researching new beauty tips, oils, ingredients and making potions and lotions, a nice home cooked breakfast , bit of interior design/diy and family and friends. Followed by a cup of tea (I guess you can say that I love tea!)
Life motto treat others as you would want to be treated yourself.

 

#SableBeautyTalks
We talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shades and cultures
#SableBeautyTalks: Nathalie Fouilloux, owner of Youchka, an online store selling upcoming european designers and a contributor for Houzz
Home is?
London but Paris in my heart
Place you last visited for holidays 

A skiing trip in the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus 
Most romantic thing someone's done for you? My boyfriend knew I was fascinated by Japan and always wanted to visit. He bought me a plane ticket for my birthday to go with him and his 6 friends to join them for a 2 weeks trip in Japan.
It was a very romantic gesture and I had a lot of fun with the boys!
Signature dish?  I don't want to boast but I love cooking and people tend to agree that I am very good at it. I have a lot of signature dishes and are notorious for making too much food but if I really have to pick maybe my strawberry and pistachio bavarois
You can conquer the world.. with a smile, a pure heart and a lot of imagination!
Beauty obsession a classic red lip always works for me
Woman you look to for inspiration?  Niki de St Phalle because she is not only beautiful but incredibly smart and creative at the same time 
What are you listening to at the moment
Prokofiev, Duran Duran (my love for them goes way back and is steady) and always Gerschwin
Summer plans? One of the Greek islands or somewhere nice and hot in the South of France
Weekend essentials Jet black mascara (without I am just not awake), red lipstick, miscellar water, sun glasses and my trusted notebook because I am always working on a project and it is great to carry with you and download ideas on to go. 
Life motto Better is having remorses than regrets (I know this sounds very French!)


#SableBeautyTalks
We talk to Sable Beauties in our community from all walks of life, shades and cultures

#SableBeautyTalks: Yassira Zaandam, Co-founder sablebeauty.com
Home is?
London
Place you last visited for holidays
Miami, a great place with the most gorgeous mix of interesting people, great food and fantastic art
Most romantic thing someone's done for you? ask me to marry him
Signature dish? I m not the best cook but my grilled seabass with fresh thyme and lemon wrapped in prosciutto goes down well. And I can make delicious sweet potato chips with chilli flakes and olive oil
You can conquer the world..
When I do Yoga at least twice a week. Yoga is such an all round form of exercise, great for the mind and body. It really helped me throughout my two pregnancies, I was back in shape almost instantly and I credit Yoga for that. But I am most focused when I have at least 7 hours of sleep at night. I always wished I was one of those people who can survive on 3/4 hours but I can't. 
Beauty obsession the sudden darkening of the pores on my legs after years of wearing 70 denier tights without looking after them. Initially I just stopped showing bare legs in the summer but I actually like my legs so now I am on a mission to get rid of them and luckily with a daily session of dry brushing and a body perfecting gel they are fading and my skin tone is getting more even again.
Woman you look to for inspiration? It would be more a collective than a single woman. I call them the 'life changers'. Women who have made a difference for others by being fun, smart, fearless and always up for a challenge. To name a few? My mother who no matter what always stays positive, Oprah Winfrey for changing the perception of what a tycoon looks like and Amal Clooney for giving a whole new meaning to the word top barrister. Her sense of style is even more elevated because you know she is smart and that is hugely inspirational, especially for younger girls to realize that it is perfectly ok to be beautiful and smart and have a profession to match your brains not only your beauty. 
What are you listening to at the moment Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson is going on repeat at the moment as it makes me feel like spring is somewhere out there and in the afternoon always Barrio Tango, please look it up it is too good
Summer plans? working hard to keep improving sablebeauty.com and make it an even better beauty experience for our discerning customers who engage with us from all corners of the world
Weekend essentials family & friends, food, the Saturday paper with all the bits, the Celestial Liquid Lighting which gives me a healthy glow even when I have been living in sin with little sleep and unhealthy food, and a good red lipstick
Life motto always be kind