Best and Worst: Saudi fashion influencer and TV personality Nada Baeshen talks trends and travel

Nada Baeshan, founder of The Huntress, delves into trends, travel and strategies for productivity.  
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Updated 16 April 2024
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Best and Worst: Saudi fashion influencer and TV personality Nada Baeshen talks trends and travel

DUBAI: The Saudi fashion influencer, TV personality and entrepreneur, founder of The Huntress, delves into trends, travel and strategies for productivity.  

Best film you’ve ever seen?    

“Legends of the Fall” is one of my favorites. It shows you how a person changes through wars and time. It has a lot of pain. It’s also a sad love story, it portrays a bond between a father and his boys, explores abandonment, and so much more. It resonates with me. 

Worst film you’ve ever seen?   

Many. I couldn’t pick one. But I think we’ve all wasted two hours on a bad movie at some point. 

Best personal style moment so far?    

I think my yellow David Koma look during Paris Fashion Week this past season was a memorable one. 

Worst personal style moment?    

The Miss Sixty colorful denim pants was my thing during my college years in Boston in the early 2000s. I think it was a major disaster, but I guess it was in at the time and I was perceived as stylish… 

Best accessory for a little black dress?    

A nice choker can add a simple touch, or you can make it grand if it has precious stones or diamonds.  

Worst accessory for a little black dress?    

Overdoing the accessories. Less is more. 

Best fashion trend of 2024?    

I think brown and maroon is very in at the moment and they’re easy to wear. Monochrome color matching in general is a trend. But personally, I don’t follow trends. I like to wear whatever suits me. 

Worst fashion trend of 2024?    

I can’t think of a specific one, but, to me, overdoing any look is a bad trend.  

Best advice you’ve ever been given?   

I think the best advice is what I tell myself personally. I have a strong work ethic and I’m an overachiever, in any situation. 

Worst advice you’ve ever been given?  

I don’t listen to irrelevant advice. Sometimes you have to let things pass over your head. 

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?    

Get on a plane and travel. Or constantly stay focused with work and continue to strive towards new achievements. Or spend time with my family for a recharge.  

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?    

Talk about a subject that puts you in a bad mood.  

Best holiday destination?    

Colombia. It was one of my most memorable trips of 2023. 

Worst holiday destination?    

Bali, surprisingly. I visited recently for the first time in 12 years and, unfortunately, it had changed so much.  

Best subject at school?    

History. I have a fascination when it comes to dynasties, kingdoms, royalty, wars and stories from the past.  

Worst subject at school?    

Math. I didn’t test well. 

Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?   

Start your day with a workout to get energized. 

Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?    

Oversleep and start your day late. It automatically puts you in a bad mood.  

Best concert you’ve ever been to?   

Madonna for sure! 

Worst concert you’ve ever been to? 

None! I don’t go to a lot of concerts, the ones I have been to have been amazing. 


here We Are Going Today: Minaa Cafe in Jeddah

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here We Are Going Today: Minaa Cafe in Jeddah

Minaa Cafe is a specialty coffee spot in Al-Balad, on the left side of Bait Naseef, the well-known historic Hijazi house. It stands out as one of the most interesting concept cafes in the area.

At the weekend, I headed to Al-Balad as I usually do to enjoy the atmosphere around iftar.

And of course, after iftar comes coffee time. I am not usually picky with cafes, but this time my friend — who was visiting from Riyadh and is a passionate cafe explorer — insisted that we visit Minaa Cafe.

The cafe is about a 15-minute walk from Al-Bay’ah Square. The walk itself was part of the experience, as we passed through some of the most visually charming alleys of Al-Balad.

When we arrived, we found the cafe tucked inside one of the old historic buildings. To enter, we had to climb a narrow staircase that led up to the small space.

The moment we stepped inside, I was surprised by the cosy interior, featuring a blue and white wood-and-cement theme inspired by Jeddah’s coastal identity.

Despite its very small size, Minaa Cafe offers much more than just coffee. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)

The name Minaa, which translates to sea portal in Arabic, reflects this maritime inspiration.

Despite its very small size — barely accommodating seven people — it offers much more than just coffee.

The space has a strong artistic touch and even includes a small concept store on the side.

There you can find T-shirts featuring characters that represent the people behind the cafe, who are also the ones working behind the coffee counter.

The cafe is owned by Jeddah’s well-known latte artist, Mohammed Jojo, and if you are lucky, you might even get your brew prepared by him during your visit.

I ordered my usual flat white, this time with coconut milk, and it was excellent. What truly stood out, however, were their freshly baked cookies.

They are made on order and served with a Mastic-flavored soft serve on the side, which adds a unique local twist to the dessert. The combination was so good that I ended up ordering another one for my friend to try.

Opened in 2023, Minaa Cafe also offers small souvenirs including keychains and magnets inspired by elements from Al-Balad, and miniature sailing ships, allowing visitors to leave with a little piece of the experience.

For more information, you can visit their Instagram page: @minaacoffee.