Born in Canada, and raised in Paris and Lebanon, Sarah Akkari is well versed in adapting to different culturesaand keenly understanding the needs of consumers from all walks of life. As the C.E.O. of the brand her mother lovingly created, Akkari has tapped into her beauty background in global marketing and product development to bring Senteurs daOrientas modern take on Eastern and Middle Eastern bathing rituals to the world. aJennifer Henderson

Name: Sarah Akkari

Occupation: C.E.O. of Senteurs daOrient U.S.A., a company that a?presents a modern and relevant view of eastern bathing tradition and oriental beauty.a?

Women on top: a?We are a women-centric Middle Eastern company. Most of our employees back home in Lebanon are women from different religions and social backgrounds, and we give 10 percent of sales to the program we created with the United Nations to empower women in Lebanon through education.a?

Beauty from the beginning: a?As a child, we spent our summers in the south of France. My mother, sisters, and I would cut lavender and spend the entire afternoon making sachets to give away to our family.a?

In three words: a?I would like to believe that I am authentic, positive, and simple in the way that I hate drama and I tend to be very straight-forward.a?

Must-haves: a?Rose water spray. My 3.1 Phillip Lim leather jacket and Twins for Peace sneakers. Headphones. Orange blossom water a itas called a?white coffeea in the Middle East and thatas what we drink after dinner. Itas the equivalent of an herbal tea; it smells and tastes so good!a?

Her look: a?It depends on how I feel, really. In general, I would say minimal elegance: tailored pants, APC sneakers, and a loose shirt paired with an elegant jacket.a?

Influenced by: a?Any experience that triggers an emotion, from a scent; to sharing a deep moment with friends or family; an exhibition, a movie, a play; or simply a talk I had that touched me in [some] way.a?

Listen to your mother: a?When we were younger, my mother would tell my sisters and I that we had to find what we love in life and pursue it. Work is a big part of your life and, if you love what you do, you will enjoy the entire journey, even if there are bumps in the road.a?

Her definition of beauty: a?When you feel good about yourself, you project positive energy to those around you. And that is what makes you look beautiful.a?

Best practice: a?To always be authentic in whatever you do. When you are authentic, you get much more back in return.a?