Tell me a bit about yourself & what you do?
I’m Suhaila, a Lebanese-Australian Muslim, born and raised in Australia. In 2018 I started an online company called Nisaa, which is a subscription box service for feminine hygiene and sanitary products. In my spare time I design websites for family and friends, and am also an avid (if not currently active) writer who loves all things fantasy, fiction and history.
Did you always see yourself in your current role and if you could do something completely different what would it be?
Not at all. With my passion being in creative writing, I always thought I would be writing books/novels or blogs as a living, however Nisaa snuck up on me and I am so grateful for it! I started Nisaa because I was so fed up with running out of pads at work and not having such a basic necessity easily accessible. Since then and starting Nisaa in 2018, my previous workplace has constant sanitary products available for the staff in the female bathrooms and are constantly replaced as needed. I am very proud to see this change brought about, even if it’s only something small.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud to be in a space that is able to help educate other women and girls as I educate myself. I always say that Nisaa Box is not just about getting your pads and tampons every month, it’s about joining a community of women who are here to learn and grow together.
Who inspires you and why?
I have a lot of strong and inspiring women around me, who I look up to and work with quite closely. Seeing their drive and determination, also inspires me to be the best version of me and to give my all. Also, my nieces and nephews inspire me to better myself, to become a role model they can be proud of.
What does wellbeing mean to you?
Healthy mind, body and spirit and finding balance between the three.
What are your favourite ways to move your body?
Yoga! I have always hated exercise, but after finding the calm and trial of Yoga, I have found a new me!
How do you stay motivated?
I have always loved giving presents and seeing happy and excited faces of recipients. I think this is why I love doing Nisaa and what motivates me to keep improving.
What does a day on your plate look like?
A green smoothie to start the day, maybe with a bowl of muesli and almond yoghurt. A coffee instead of lunch because I have terrible eating habits (Angelica-Hazel, I AM trying to fix this!) and then meat and three veg or salad for dinner… Oh and maybe some popcorn here and there.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
I find a gentle Yoga stretch to be relaxing, also a good book and a cup of Saha Botanica tea.
Please share your favourite book or podcast
I mostly listen to Audiobooks as I drive or workout and at the moment I am listening to Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. I have found this to be a very insightful book, which presents a lot of theories around sleep, illness and memory loss, most of which is backed by research. I love books like this that make me think… It gives fuel to my expansive imagination
Do you have a favourite travel destination and if so why?
I really want to go to Japan! I have always been very intrigued by the Japanese culture and natural beauty of this island.
What’s the best health advice you have ever received/ do you have a motto that you live by?
‘Everything happens for a reason’ and ‘You are only given trials in life that you can handle, so do not be afraid of them.’ This is a rough translation from the Arabic origin, but I hope it makes sense!
Connect with Suhaila
Website: www.nisaa.com.au
Instagram: @nisaa.box
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nisaa.box
