IL MUSES: CONVERSATION WITH MIMI ELASHIRY

@mimielashiry is a dancer, model, and advocate for conscious living who embodies unapologetic self-expression.

In our recent conversation, she shared how her journey has intertwined movement, fashion, and spirituality, creating a holistic lifestyle. Mimi’s insights on self-discovery, sustainability, and the power of dance offer a refreshing perspective that reflects her unique vision and values.

Movement seems to play a big role in your life. Can you describe what movement means to you on a personal & spiritual level?

Since I was very young, Dance has been my solace- a way of expressing emotions that I had no other place to release. Playing characters allowed me to tap into different emotions - anger/fear/frustration/sadness/grief/sorrow ... Also Joy/love/happiness!

As an adult, Contemporary Improvisation and incorporating Somatic Release/TRE techniques with my dance allows me to fully Release, Create Space and Call in! Which is how my Workshop - Move & Manifest came about. Now I share this 90 minute Journey with people all over the world, online and in person. Movement is magic!

When do you feel most authentically yourself?

Honestly, When I am dancing, in either of two places. In a studio taking class, usually Contemporary or Improv Chunky Move or Ballet Lucy Guerin Inc with Yuiko Masukawa. Alternatively - Camping, Relaxing & On the dance floor anywhere within the Psychedelic Music Festival Community.

How does your journey of self-discovery influence your fashion choices and the way you express yourself?

Two ways - Fashion has always been a way I have expressed myself since i was a young girl, my mother worked in fashion and has a real talent for styling, designing and making clothes.

The first way My journey of self- discovery - which includes beginning to understand myself in relation to other people and the planet... is a more conscious approach to dressing. Considering the planet and people when buying, even if items are for example, designer - there are many multi-faceted ways of dressing to consider. Buying Second hand, Upcycled Materials, Repurposed or re-worked looks, Rental, Vintage, A forever piece and so on. These topics are covered in more depth with the LOVE YOUR MAMA ongoing partnership i have with my friend Celeste Tesoriero, who runs her own sustainably consultancy (@sonzaistudios)

The second way my Journey has changed the way I dress is... By becoming more and more confident in my own uniqueness and dressing in a way that I love, regardless of how I think I should dress, or what is trending etc - even if my style stays the same through trends.. It is my own style - why should it follow?! Sometimes trends do inspire me, but I always try to use what I already have in my wardrobe and rework it/alter it instead of buying something new.

What's your favorite Indigo Luna product and why? How does it make you feel when you wear it?

I love the Full Moon Tube. Because, not only is it such a versatile top, but I actually wear it under clothing, around my stomach on my period, to keep my belly and back warm during my bleed! The material is so cozy and soft. Sometimes I even sleep with it there if I can't make my hot water bottle!

Are there any words of wisdom or insights that have been resonating with you in this current season of your life?

This season of my life has been a real roller coaster, rebirth and death and ... Then around again! Really truly... Maybe it's that Saturn Return thing? I am 28..29 in October! I have been traversing through re-evaluating what I REALLY want in life. More truthfully, what I would really regret not doing on my deathbed? This thought, so real and yet so easy to avoid or feel afraid of, (Inspired by Deja Blu Podcast LIVE The LIFE Of Your DREAMS - with Ben Nemtin) Really helped me re-evaluate and re-prioritize my time, work, admin, life, play, hobbies, passions & being of service - "Utilizing the tools and talent given to me in this lifetime" to DO THOSE THINGS!

I have had the opportunity to spend more time with my family in Egypt, which led me to connect with wonderful young entrepreneurial women my age there with thriving businesses, Farrah Elashiry (@shopfufa) Nour El Ganzoury (@eatducate) namely - who hold such beautiful wisdom culturally around family, community, connection, uplifting and supporting others, quality time, and helping those in need. These Values they have sprinkled into my life just through being friends with them - Morals I feel can be diluted in the West... Have truly shifted my perspective on family, and enlivened a desire to spend more quality time, being brave enough to share the interest I genuinely feel deep down for everyone in my family's life, plans, challenges, and dreams.

Another huge thing this year has been reclaiming my real name, Ismeen. Friends of mine with stunning and unique names were instrumental in this journey, Selenge, Sejin. We connected over the choice in the past to use an "Easy nickname" alias "so it is easier for people".. And our journey to finally Feeling Brave enough. To say my name, as I introduce myself, a name that was teased for as a young girl. To finally own its beauty and uniqueness even if I have to stand there for 2 minutes gently but firmly helping people until it is pronounced correctly.

Favourite word of wisdom that you like / mantra

My mantra for Vedic Meditation! Which I cannot share. The Sanskrit word given to me by my teacher. I meditate 2x a day for 22minutes each time, everyday. This mantra takes me into a deep restful place, and sometimes lifts, unsettled and expels excess thoughts. Magic!