Asma Hilal Lootah On Trusting Gut Instincts, Life-Changing Books and The Key To Success
Bazaar Arabia speaks to the Emirati founder and owner of The Hundred Wellness Centre about her biggest motivations and best piece of advice
Since founding her award-winning holistic centre in 2008, 47-year-old Asma has been at the forefront of the wellness movement in the region. The George Washington University graduate, who was born and raised in Dubai, turned her personal passion for fitness into a flourishing business. Although it originally started as a Pilates studio, The Hundred now offers therapy, a plethora of treatments and houses a nutritious cafe within its serene Jumeirah space.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Who is your role model?
Asma Hilal Lootah (AHL): My father. He has always instilled in me an incredible work ethic through his own dedication to his career and family. The entrepreneurial spirit was ingrained from a young age. He taught me that integrity is the most valuable asset one can possess.
HBA: What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
AHL: I love the creative aspect of my job – turning my ideas and vision into reality. From designing and writing our website, drafting menus, curating the interior aesthetic, the creative process, and self-expression is incredibly rewarding.
HBA: Best piece of advice?
AHL: Trust your gut instinct, it is your inner compass. Eliminate the noise and believe that intuition will guide you.
HBA: What changed the way you think about everything?
AHL: The pandemic. What is remarkable about this moment in history is that just about everybody experienced a major life transition at the same time. It was a brutally disorientating and difficult time, from losing loved ones, financial and economic woes and being physically distanced from family. For me, it reinforced the importance of resilience, and really redefined how I look at life.
HBA: Describe yourself in three words …
AHL: Kind, generous, and honest.
HBA: The book that changed you?
AHL: Angela’s Ashes. Whilst it is a deeply harrowing story it is also incredibly uplifting. I was so emotionally attached and immersed in the story of courage and survival despite overwhelming odds. It impressed on me that there will be times when you are powerless, but in that powerlessness, you can always find a way to move forward.
HBA: Which experience taught you most about yourself?
AHL: Working through two divorces led me through a deeper discovery of myself, and through the process of healing and self-reflection, it enabled me to unearth my own worth, to honour myself and prioritise my own happiness. It also gave me the opportunity to build my life on my own terms, to rediscover my passions and create a future that is truly aligned with my authentic self.
HBA: The key to success is…
AHL: Taking 100 per cent responsibility for your actions.
HBA: What motivates you?
AHL: As a keen runner, and having completed several half marathons, I am aware of the arduous training and dedication it takes, however there are days when it is hard to motivate yourself. When I see sportsmen and women who have physical impairments completing marathons and pushing through the boundaries of what seems impossible, it is extremely powerful and motivating. Those individuals are living proof that there are no barriers to achieving your dreams and goals.
HBA: What do you listen to most?
AHL: Gut – it never fails you…
HBA: Favourite adage?
AHL: “All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this situation only good will come. I am safe!” by Louise Hay.
HBA: If you wrote a book one day, what would it be about?
AHL: A memoir of my life, my experiences, and my encounters – under a pseudonym.
Lead image supplied.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s January 2024 issue.