Amal Amgaad is the director of communications for Yon-Ka Paris, a skincare brand with a passion for botanicals, designed to enhance skin health. Recently, Amgaad shared news of the brand’s 70th anniversary with some exciting new launches, including new packaging of its popular Lotion Yon-Ka and a soon-to-be launched CBD product.
Before working for Yon-Ka Paris, Amgaad served as a marketing officer at French luxury brands Chanel and Louis Vuitton. She also started her own brand as a small business entrepreneur and held marketing and management positions with Hermes and Balenciaga.
Amal is a double-degree graduate of the French business school ESC Clermont and Tec de Monterrey, a top Mexican university. She has made a name for herself as a contributor to Forbes magazine and many leading beauty outlets including Allure, Well 360, American Spa, and Les Nouvelles Esthetiques. A beauty business veteran known for her expertise in unveiling the unique essence of a brand and creating effective marketing strategies, Amgaad believes that wellness is an approach to the body and mind—a process of self-love and acceptance that we should all allow ourselves to embrace.
Amgaad has worked in beauty and fashion for 10 years. She is focused on nurturing and growing the voice of the heritage brand Yon-Ka Paris and sharing its French phyto-aromatherapy philosophy, science-driven and results-oriented treatments, and wellness-empowered message. Here, she delves into how she maintains her own personal wellbeing.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness, for me, is deeply connected to self-care—embracing my authentic self, often through gentle acts of beauty that bring harmony and balance to my skin, mind, and body. I truly hope more people come to see it this way and understand the importance of not only investing in their bodies but also nurturing their souls.
For instance, when I decide to spritz on some of our healing water, Lotion Yon-Ka, I’m fully aware of this small gesture of love and indulgence for my skin, delivering an immediate mood-boosting effect.
Becoming a mother has also deepened my appreciation for wellness. In the first few weeks after giving birth, I barely had the time or energy for my daily skincare routine. However, the first time I managed to pamper myself with a clay mask, I felt incredibly empowered. I eagerly anticipate the texture and scent of our multi-sensory formulas every day and night—it’s my cherished “me-time.”
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
In a few words: Look real and live effortlessly. We French prioritize enjoying life to the fullest by going out with friends, having a coffee and a croissant, and living in the moment rather than constantly preparing for it. This philosophy keeps me sane.
When you focus more on being happy, loving yourself, and living your life, you’re less inclined to change yourself constantly or reject yourself. Embracing who you are now is essential to self-love. This philosophy aligns with the French approach of effortlessness. We prefer not to spend excessive time layering products in the bathroom. Instead, we opt for an efficient skincare routine with natural products that deliver clinically proven results. We embrace messy hair and prioritize looking authentic and real.
What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?
Tea all the way! I’ve got a tea bag in every purse, and I’m always on the lookout for some hot water. Recently, I’ve fallen head over heels for the Palais des Thés brand. They’re truly passionate and committed to finding the best teas from around the globe. Their dedication to quality and integrity really shines through in every cup. I love adding some goji berries or dried chamomile flowers to my tea. And my little indulgence? A dash of milk! Delicious and simple.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
I have fallen in love with running—a great outlet to relieve stress. I took it more seriously by training for the half marathon. Pushing the limits made me realize that there truly is no reason to fear any obstacles when you set your mind right. I didn’t know if I would finish the race and was overwhelmed by the fear of failing and disappointing, but I made it! Crossing the finish line freed me from the idea that I was not capable and from self-sabotage. Fast forward to this day, I am promising myself to follow my heart, be more in tune with my intuition, and go for it—without the overthinking that blocks me!
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
My favorite piece of advice (it’s a wellness one for sure!) is a life motto from my mother: “It’s never too late to do good,” and it applies to literally everything in life. It’s such a powerful and empowering saying that has been giving me wings to do things I never thought I could have achieved.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
I consider a healthy escape the one that brings me to a level of freedom and discovery, much like an adventure! I am especially attracted to busy urban cities. I recently visited Hong Kong and loved the culture and sensations—it makes you not take anything for granted. You take the time to truly connect with your surroundings and feel present. The energy is incredibly fulfilling!
What is your favorite self-care routine?
Working for a spa brand like Yon-Ka grants me access to one of the finest French skincare brands! I love to indulge with PHYTO-CONTOUR eye cream and HYDRA N1 MASK, a super hydrating hyaluronic sleeping mask, and SERUM C20. It’s among the most exceptional vitamin C serums I’ve ever tried.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
I remind myself to surf my emotions and to embrace the principle of “carpe diem” to truly live in the moment. I’ve learned to not sweat the small stuff, especially things out of my control. I put a lot of effort into managing my emotions and not letting worry take over. It’s clear to me now that I can’t control everything—how people act or how every situation turns out. But I’ve been teaching myself that it’s okay because, more often than not, things tend to work out in the end. Even if the outcome isn’t exactly what I hoped for, things never seem as bad as they first did. So, I keep reminding myself of what I’ve learned through it all and try to take life one day at a time, as naturally as I can.
What brings you joy?
I find myself constantly pondering over those things, convinced that there isn’t a scientific formula for joy. For me, the recipe for happiness is a blend of family, love, saltwater, and the thrill of greeting each new day with passion. Smiling is in my DNA. I couldn’t go a day without laughter. It’s how I stay both sane and sunny.
