Combining health and beauty has been a lifelong mission for Ouidad, founder of the professional products company that bears her name. “A mindset of giving, nurturing, teaching and growing is the internal lens through which I see life,” Ouidad says. “Mindset influences everything we see and do.”
With Ouidad (the company) as this month’s Healthy Hairdresser sponsor, founder Ouidad gives a peek into her healthy mindset.
What healthy foods do you think taste best? Tabbouleh, hummus, baba ganoush—the middle eastern diet I grew up on.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate!
What’s your worst health habit? Not taking care of myself first—I always put my team and my clients first. I’m learning that now—it’s never too late!
What changes have you made to be healthy? In 2002 after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I started exercising more, meditating and eating well and at regular times. One of my clients had done this and she’s still going strong.
What time of day do you exercise? I take an 8:30 a.m. class and then always get in a walk at the end of my day.
What body position would you like to see hairdressers correct? Straighten their backs and lower their shoulders.
How would you describe the shoes you wear to work? Comfortable and well-fitting. My days of high heels are over!
Where specifically in the world would you love to be right now? I am at the beach!
How do you pamper yourself? I walk on the beach, take an outdoor shower with a body scrub, get facials and do a yearly spa getaway.
What are your best professional skills? Cutting and styling all curl types, and mentoring.
Who has been your emotional rock? My husband and business partner, Peter Wise.
Throughout your career, who has been your professional mentor? David Shawery from Squires, my first boss when I came to the States.
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