I speak at universities, conferences and corporate organisations about personal development, lifestyle and wellbeing. Topics include: • Embrace your differences to stand out in the world • Arts, culture and me I have partnered with Nottingham Trent University, The University of West London, University of Bolton and British Islam conference. For more information pls email me using the address below.

The Design Your Life programme is a series of Personal Development and Wellbeing sessions which enable you to find clarity and direction in your life, develop self-awareness in order to become conscious of your behaviours, emotions and limiting beliefs and, manage your wellbeing in order to create a calm and peaceful inner and outer life. I offer four sessions that can be booked individually or as a complete programme. These are called: • Restore and Replenish Wellbeing Session • Visualisation, Intention and action • Self-Discovery • Overcoming your limiting belief's For more information, please email me at the address below.

This is for you if: • You feel stagnant in your current life situation and know that with the right support you could move forward. • You're ready to face and work through your limiting beliefs in order to make progress in your life. • You would like to discover who you truly are and what matters most to you. • You want to recognise your uniqueness and place in the world. • You want to create a clear vision for your future. • You'd like to set tangible goals and learn how to achieve them. • You'd like to recognise your true worth and beauty. • You want to stop existing and start living. Together we will: • Implement new lifestyle choices that will serve you going forward. • Reprogram your mind and change thinking patterns. • Help you get your mojo back and shine in the world just like you are supposed to. • Equip you with the knowledge and tools so that you can live an authentic life. Package includes: • Eight one-hour coaching sessions every two weeks. • 1:1 support using coaching and NLP models. • A weekly progress update and support going forward. • Notes from the session if relevant. • Audio recording of the session (optional) • Worksheets to implement learning and forward planning. To find out more about this programme, please contact me directly using the email address below or via the contact form.

There is great power in being brought to your knees by life. To the depths of despair. In becoming so lost in the abyss that you find yourself wading through the darkness trying to find the light. 'The dark night of the soul' is how this is described by 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet St. John of the Cross. 'A phase of passive purification of the spirit in the mystical development'. This is what happened to me. Without knowing it, gods plan to elevate me to a greater level of consciousness. ' The search for truth or my truth, began nine years ago...… Along the spiritual path, there were questions and BIG QUESTIONS. There was doubt, deep sadness and loneliness. A rocky road to say the least. Just when I thought I had found the answers, the rug would again be pulled from underneath me, plunging me back into the abyss. Last Ramadan, something changed drastically. Things began to make sense in a way they had not previously. The more I became submerged into my spiritual life, the more sensitive I became to external noise. I no longer felt the urge to be visible. My ego very slowly stopped desiring the need for recognition, external validation or to be seen as ‘somebody’. At times, the prospect of being a nobody felt preferable. My 'mask' was dissipating, bringing my 'shadow' to the light'*. No easy feat in a society which values worldly success over spiritual expansion, visibility over anonymity. The process of surrender was painful on epic levels and the work is still nowhere near done. In fact, this need to be seen as 'someone' rears it's ugly head now and again. I'm human after all! Last Ramadan however, gave me the permission to disappear. Ramadan said, ‘I hear you, I understand'. It allowed me to honour the path I was on. I fasted for the very first time at the age of six. Prayer came later but I completed reading the Quran (in Arabic) at six and a half years old, shocking the community around me. As a child, this was exciting but as I got older, it became a sense of duty. Coming from a cognitive place of ‘I should’ rather than ‘I know’. Until of course, the breakdown or…’ breakthrough’. It is not that I had 'not' known piety throughout my life, I had just not paid attention. To that retiree who quietly devotes his time to charitable community causes. The rapper with his tens and thousands of fans who disappears to support refugees on the borders of France without a word to anyone. The talented photographer who elevates those he photographs but himself peacefully remains on the periphery. Instead, I favoured those, like myself, in the pursuit of ‘worldly’ greatness. Ramadan taught me that ‘fulfilling your life and soul's potential’ can be sought from a humble life. It can be sought from the simple act of being grateful. Submitting before God in prayer (Namaz) is an act which brings you closer to your humanity than any other. This is a gift. Abstaining from food and water (Roza) for sixteen hours a day alongside Muslims all over the world is a miracle. Donating money (Zakat) to those in need does not take away from you but gives a greater sense of peace. On a worldly level, Ramadan has allowed me to accept and fully own the things which give me joy and meaning. Those things are cooking a delicious meal for the ones I love. Creating opportunities for others to shine. Buying gifts from the heart. Seeking beautiful conversations regardless of where people come from or their way of life. From smiling at a stranger whilst looking them in the eye. From a stranger smiling at me. From being absorbed in a book, music or doing work that I love. From being supported by those around me. This is what I have learned is the true meaning of Ramadan If you'd like to hear more about my journey, please go to about me Saima x *The shadow and mask principles are from the work of Swiss Psychologist Carl Jung

I recently took myself off for a quick getaway to the medieval city of Limoges, France. I had no idea of what to expect from this city. It was convenience over dream destination that determined my choice. The plan was to walk and ‘be’. Different environment, different culture, different people. And maybe, even be surprised. And surprised I was. The city did not disappoint. What a beautiful four days I experienced. I’m a sentiment soul, and find myself falling in love with history more and more. I love story telling and hearing stories, and in the same way I love to hear a person’s story (hence podcast and coaching) I love to learn about a city’s story. About the people that once inhabited it. What they created. What they left behind. I find that these stories bring a city to life. So, let’s talk about Limoges… Limoges is a city with a population of 131,000 located in south-west central France. It was founded in 10 BC and became an important Gallo Roman city. Gallo I learned, refers to the Gauls or Gallic in Latin. A group of Celtic people's in mainland Europe that were conquered by the Romans. The city is known for its decorated porcelain and in the 11th century, Limoges became a flourishing artistic centre. From the 12th century onwards, its porcelain was exported throughout the Christian world, and in fact, more than 50% of all porcelain made in France comes from Limoges. In 2018, it was named as a UNESCO creative city. You can feel this creativity buzzing through the windy small picturesque streets. With quirky and tasteful boutiques and delectable eateries around every corner. These gems are endless and just when you think ‘you've done it all’, you discover another artisan patisserie, chocolatier, perfumery, or gift shop. What the French do so effectively in contemporary design, is combine ‘fun’ and sophistication perfectly. Despite the small scale of the city, it is steeped in history. Below are just some of the historical sights that really tantalised my senses. Quartier de la Boucherie had to be my first stop as this is what captivated me in the few images I'd seen before my trip. Boucherie refers to butchers and as the name suggests, this was the butchers quarter. You can feel the medieval atmosphere amongst these old streets and can imagine that once, there would been a hive of activity here. Now you find charming boutiques housed in these buildings. I discovered the most amazing little concept store selling designer gifts by French brands only. Cathedrale St-Etienne is a Roman Catholic Church in the Gothic Renaissance and Romanesque styles. It’s construction began in 1273 and finished in 1888. Because of the time of year I visited, there was no one else in the cathedral and upon entering this vast stone structure, the temperature was cold, it was dark in there and felt eerie. This also made it exciting and awe inspiring. What struck me the most, in addition to the architecture were the organs, the incredibly detailed and vibrant stained glass windows (just how did they do these?) and the surface patterns on the walls and columns. So much contrasting but also complimentary design detail within one space. Gare de Limoges Benedictins, designed by architect Roger Gonthier and inaugurated in 1928, was the first stone built station in the city. On two occasions during my trip, I was told by the French, that this was the most beautiful railway station in the whole of France and indeed, it was stunning. I loved not only the exterior of the station but also the art deco stained glass in the station, designed by artist Francis Chigot. I’ll be referring to more of his work later in the post. Pavillon du Verdurier is now used as an art exhibition space, but was once a space for refrigerating meat imported from Argentina. The purpose of this; to put an end to the butcher families who monopolised the sector in rue de la Boucherie. It was designed by the same architect who designed the Gare de Limoges Benedictins. I fell in love with the colour palette as well as the intricate mosaic work. Musee des Beaux Arts De Limoges had to be one of the highlights of the trip. Located in the former Episcopal Palace, it opened in 1912. There are four collections in the museum; Enamels both contemporary and old, Fine Arts, The history of Limoges dating back to it's Gallo-Roman times and, Egyptology, which was gifted to Jean-Andre Perichan, a Limousin manufacturer who spent time in Egypt in the early 20th century. I felt very fortunate as there was a temporary exhibition based on the work of Francis Chigot. Chigot was a painter born in Limoges in 1879. He went onto become the leading French stained glass artist. I'd not heard of Chigot before my trip but I'm over the moon that I got to see his work as his use of colour and painting style was just delectable. Francis Chigot 1879-1960 Around town There was so much to see in Limoges that to put it all into categories would have been an endless task, so below, I have shared photos I took around town including some of the treats I may have sampled :) I hope you enjoyed reading. If you'd like to watch the video version of this blog, pop over to my Instagram feed. I would also love to hear any feedback you may have in the comments section.

In the spring of 2022, I was invited to participate in the Empowered Adornment project as part of the British History Makers exhibition at Derby Museums. The goal of the project produced by jewellery designer and artist; Anisha Parmar, was to celebrate culturally diverse women of Derby and increase representation, through group discussions about adornment and identity. The project culminated in a reclaiming photoshoot in the World Collections Gallery with objects that have links to empire & colonialism. Over the course of the project, a number of deep discussions took place at the museum. We were asked to share our thoughts on the colonisation of the countries of our heritage, mine being Pakistan and formally Hindustan (India). Personally, this pushed me to challenge my own limited knowledge on the subject as I'd always romanticised the British 'Raj'. Having been to Delhi and visited some of the buildings left by empire, I had thought of the British as the ones who'd bought this beauty to India as opposed to them having taken from the country. We were then asked to select objects we felt a resonance to. I was drawn to those objects that had ties to my Islamic roots. One of the objects I chose was a beautiful necklace thought to be from the Middle East or North Africa in the 19th century. It's metal discs were inscribed in Arabic with the words 'in the gathering of love' and ‘find your destiny'. This gave me goose bumps the first time I learned it. The other object, which I thought was a Middle Eastern Oud (guitar like string instrument), was in fact made in Dublin, Ireland. Showing just how closely cultures can cross over. Collaboratively, with Anisha and photographers; Chevy and Sofia, we talked about how we would want to bring life to the objects in our own unique ways. The below vision board is my inspiration for the shoot. The project finally resulted in this beautiful photoshoot set within the World Collections gallery. Anisha styled the background whilst Chevy and Sofia took the photo's. I chose my outfit as well as the objects. I feel so grateful to have been a part of this project in so many ways. Firstly, because by giving such opportunities to artists from minority backgrounds, I feel that the city in which I was born is opening up to and 'seeing' the diverse communities within it. The shared experience gave birth to a beautiful community of strong, unique individuals who are unafraid to be who they are It was a privilege to work with talented artists who are committed to creating social change through art and beauty. And finally, the collaborative nature in which this project developed meant I personally felt fully 'seen' and 'heard'. Project production and photography: Anisha Parmar Chevy-Jordan Thompson Sofia Yala N'Lolo Funded by Derby Museums and Artfund

A Bit About Me I have been coaching since 2016. I have a respect for all modalities of healing and personal development which enable us to overcome our inner struggles, create peace within and meaningful change in our lives. My inward journey began in 2014. After a string of life challenges, I had become lost and disconnected from the world around me. I felt like a spectator watching the world operate without any desire to participate. My saving grace were two kind souls who recognised that things were not ok and pointed me in the direction of help. My healing started with meditation and therapy. These began to unravel parts of myself that had been suppressed for as long as I can remember. I had never really felt comfortable in the world. Often a social misfit and outsider. This process bought my unconscious thoughts about myself and my behaviours to the surface, That is when real change took place. ​ It wasn't a quick fix and nor should it have been. It was painful and messy. I was once told, 'from pain, comes beauty' and that is what manifested. I left a career I'd worked in for a decade and a half and started my own business. I left a city I had once adored but had desperately grown out of. I left a string of toxic relationships and sought out a tribe of authentic souls that I could be my whole self with. ​ I also feel fortunate to have been led to this path of coaching and mentoring and over the last few years, have had the privilege of working with a global one-to-one client base including; experienced professionals from all over the world, students wanting direction post studies and, organisations to whom I've delivered my personal development programme, 'Design Your Life'. Collaborations include Nottingham Trent University, The University of West London, University of Bolton, British Islam conference and the National Trust. My work has been developed from a blend of Jungian Psychology, spirituality; in particular Sufism, World Arts and Culture and, my own lived experience. I have not formally studied Jung (it's on the wish list), but his psychotherapeutic approach to the human experience/transformation, resonates with me. I value all world religions, spiritual traditions and individual beliefs but, the beauty I have found in Sufism, has captivated my spirit. The beauty that Sufism refers to, is that found in nature, art, music, poetry, literature and human connection. Very similar to Jung's approach. I love that Sufism spans across the world and transcends religious belief. ​ If you are at a cross roads in your life, I couldn't recommend coaching enough. It's had a huge impact in my own life which is why I am so passionate about sharing it with others. My qualifications July 2019- December 2019 June 2019 December 2015- May 2016 September 1999- July 2002 Diploma in Performance Coaching accredited by the (NCP) National Council of Psychotherapists Simply Changing Teachers Diploma in Meditation Tuition Gateway workshops Level 3 Personal Trainer | Level 2 Gym Instructor Premier Training International BA (Hons) Textile Design (Grade: 2:1) Loughborough University School of Art and Design To book a FREE twenty minute consultation Please take a moment to fill out this form First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Start your transformational journey today LET'S GO Services 1 One-to-one Coaching I work with clients on a one-to-one basis who are ready to face and work through their limiting beliefs in order to make progress in their lives. Want to discover who they truly are and what matters most to them. And recognise their uniqueness and place in the world. More info 2 Group Coaching The Design Your Life programme is a series of Personal Development and Wellbeing sessions which enable you to find clarity and direction in your life​, develop self-awareness in order to become conscious of your behaviours, emotions and limiting beliefs, manage your wellbeing in order to peaceful inner and outer life and much more. More info 3 Speaking I speak at universities, conferences and corporate organisations about mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, harnessing the courage to live a truthful and authentic life, crossing divides in communities and the importance of meaning and purpose in your life. Collaborations include Nottingham Trent University, The University of West London and British Islam Conference. More info Clients Say "Saima is safe space. In such a short time, she created an environment where I felt safe to share what was truly going on in my mind and heart and helped me dig deeper letting me guide my own experience." Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza, Chemical Biologist and National Geographic Explorer Blog How I finally came to know the meaning of Ramadan There is great power in being brought to your knees by life. To the depths of despair. In becoming so lost in the abyss that you find... A quick getaway to the charming medieval city of Limoges I recently took myself off for a quick getaway to the medieval city of Limoges, France. I had no idea of what to expect from this city.... Empowered Adornment Women of Derby In the spring of 2022, I was invited to participate in the Empowered Adornment project as part of the British History Makers exhibition... Instagram Working With the Best Clients and Partners

One-to-One coaching Ninety-Minute Introspection Session If you're feeling stagnant in life, this ninety-minute session may be the perfect remedy for you ​ In this ninety-minute introspection session, we will explore: • An area of your life where you require support • Where your heart is and where you 'really' want to go • What is going on internally that’s stopping you from moving forward You will receive: • Actionable steps to start implementing change • An email check in from me, four weeks later ​ Cost: £129 Ten Week Soul Evolution Programme This is for you if: • You feel lost and confused in your life and would like some support to move forward • You're ready to face and work through your limiting beliefs in order to make progress in your life • You would like to replace self-sabotaging behaviours so that you can start showing up authentically • You would like to discover who you truly are and what matters most to you • You want to recognise your uniqueness and place in the world • You'd like to go from procrastinating to actually taking action • You'd like to set tangible goals and learn how to achieve them • You want to stop existing and start living Together we will: • Work through unhealthy thinking patterns • Help you get your mojo back • Equip you with the knowledge and tools so that you can live an authentic and peaceful life • Implement new lifestyle choices that will serve you going forward Package includes: • Five one-hour coaching sessions every two weeks using • A weekly check in from me and support if needed • Ongoing WhatsApp support ​ Sixteen Week Transformation Programme This is for you if: • You are serious about investing in your wellbeing and personal development by committing to this four month programme • You're ready to face and work through your limiting beliefs in order to make progress in your life • You would like to discover who you truly are and what matters most to you • You want to recognise your uniqueness and place in the world • You want to create a vision for your future • You'd like to set tangible goals and learn how to achieve them • You want to stop existing and start living Together we will: • Implement new lifestyle choices that will serve you going forward • Reprogram old thinking patterns • Equip you with the knowledge and tools so that you can live a healthy, authentic and peaceful life Package includes: • Eight one-hour coaching sessions every two weeks • 1:1 support using coaching and NLP • A weekly progress update and support going forward • Notes from the session if relevant • Audio recording of the session (optional) • Ongoing WhatsApp support To book a FREE twenty minute consultation Please take a moment to fill out the form. First Name Last Name Email Subject Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting!