My favourite things: Priya Bhatia

We get to know the owner of Hautletic, a Dubai-based boutique that stocks active wear that combines high-performance technology with fashion-forward trends

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 16th, 2017: Hauteletic store owner Priya Bhatia. Monday, October 16th, 2017 at Galleria Mall, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

What is your favourite city in the world, and why?  

Paris – I lived there for a couple of years and nothing beats walking around that city, any time of year.  

What is your favourite meal?  

Home-made paleo butter chicken. 

What is your favourite book?  

I love memoirs or real-life stories. Some of my favourites are Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and Open by Andre Agassi. Right now I am going though Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss. It's always interesting to see the different ways people focus on themselves. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling is another hilarious one that teaches us to never be too serious with our outlook.

What is your most treasured possession? 

My sense of humour; it’s pretty important when you have your own business.

Your favourite person? 

My dog Max. He recently passed away, at 13 years old, and will always be my favourite.

What is your go-to beauty product?  

Crème de La Mer moisturising cream. I've used it for 15 years and it has never let me down.

What is the best journey you’ve ever taken?  

My journey to opening Hautletic. Quitting a 10-year career that I loved and changing my lifestyle was a big step for me. I finally developed the confidence to leap into opening my own business and also to work out and become a stronger, healthier person.

What’s your favourite item in your wardrobe?  

A long-length mesh bomber from Koral. I like it because I can dress it up, dress it down and take it everywhere I go.

What is the favourite part of your day? 

Those first moments alone with a cup of coffee, where you just take time for yourself.

What is your favourite song? 

That’s impossible. I can only say, any of the Michael Jackson songs or 1990s hip-hop.

Are you a collector? If so, what do you collect?  

Art, but on a smaller scale. I have a few pieces that make me happy to look at [them], so I surrounded myself with pieces that evoke emotion. My latest piece is by Sophia Al Maria and it has the word “purifying” written on it. It’s positioned across from my bed so I see it as soon as I wake up. Otherwise, it’s sneakers, but I don’t think I collect them, I just buy too many.

What is life’s greatest luxury?  

Travelling.

Your favourite piece of advice? 

Most of it comes from my father. There was one thing he once said that always stuck with me: “If you cannot break through the wall, find a way to go around it.” It’s how I look at all aspects of life. If things don’t go your way, there is always another way to look at it or a different way to get there. Or maybe that’s not my wall. Either way, it has kept me calm and optimistic through any adversity.

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