The Icon Edit: A Dubai-based podcast for, about, and with women
Episodes - Season 2
Episode 29 | Emilia Ojasolo - Founder of SIMBLY
What happens when AI knows your style, your budget and maybe even what you want before you do? I sit down with Emilia Ojasalo, founder of AI-powered shopping platform SIMBLY, to talk about the future of fashion and beauty shopping, personalization, privacy and whether AI could one day shop for us entirely.
Episode 28 | Saima Salma - Podcaster
Why are we suddenly so tired of influencers? In this episode, Iwona and Saima unpack influencer fatigue, fake relatability, oversharing, constant selling, public filming, parasocial relationships and the growing role of AI influencers, while asking what authenticity even means anymore.
Episode 27 | Bhagyashree Rangwani - Makeup Artist
Professional makeup artist Bhagyashree Rangwani shares her best tips for better, more natural-looking makeup: From foundation and undertones to mature skin, bridal beauty, filters and making makeup last in Dubai. We also talk about why great makeup should enhance your features rather than hide them, and why real skin should still look like real skin.
Episode 26 | Selene Kepila - Founder of Global Quantum Healing Sanctuary
Iwona sits down with Selene, founder of Global Quantum Healing Sanctuary, to explore wellness, longevity, stress, sleep, nutrition and the way our bodies change as we age. They also discuss Dubai’s growing wellness scene and why curiosity should always come with a healthy dose of skepticism. A conversation about health, lifestyle and the future of wellness.
Episode 25 | Saima Salma - Podcaster
A playful pop-culture debate about what makes someone truly iconic. Iwona and Saima put some of the world’s biggest celebrities through The Icon Test, exploring fame, originality, confidence, controversy and cultural impact.
Episode 24 | Anastasia Gomzova - Entrepreneur, Philantropist, Twin
Entrepreneur Anastasia Gomzova joins Iwona for an honest and entertaining conversation about giving away up to 20% of her income, navigating Dubai’s dating scene, and the unique bond she shares with her identical twin sister. A candid episode about generosity, red flags, trust, and the people who truly value your time.
Episode 23 | Natasha Mahtani - Money Mindset Expert
Drawing on her experience of living in eight countries, Natasha explores financial dependence, status and appearances, money conversations in multicultural relationships, and the beliefs that often hold women back from investing. A thoughtful conversation about creating financial confidence, independence and the freedom to make choices on your own terms.
Episode 22 | Oriana Suarez - DJ
Colombian DJ Oriana Suarez joins The Icon Edit to talk about music, courage, and building a life far from home. In this episode, we explore what it means to start again in Dubai, find confidence outside your comfort zone, connect through music, and create opportunities before you feel fully ready. A conversation about passion, purpose, culture, and the reminder that there is never a perfect time to begin.
Episode 21 | Marina Polta - Cosmetologist
In this episode of The Icon Edit, I sit down with Marina Polta, a Dubai-based cosmetologist, for an honest conversation about beauty, ageing, confidence and the pressure women feel to look perfect. We talk about skincare, treatments, social media beauty standards and why true beauty is not about looking flawless, but about feeling happy, confident and at home in your own skin.
Episode 20 | Sanaiyah Gurnamal - Love Alchemist & Relationship Coach
Iwona speaks with love and relationship coach Sanaiyah Gurnamal about modern dating, self-worth, and the relationship patterns we keep repeating. Together, they explore why we often attract what feels familiar, how heartbreak and childhood dynamics shape love, and why self-love goes far deeper than self-care. A thoughtful conversation about breaking old cycles and choosing healthier, safer love.