Winning Miss Arab USA completely changed Guinwa’s life, and she found herself drawn to the world of pageantry. She is a very competitive person and is continually pushing herself to improve. The pageant also provided her with valuable relationships with other women she competed with, which she still cherishes to this day. Guinwa shares, “It’s funny because sometimes my husband and I wonder, “Was it a blessing or a curse?” because it completely changed my life and what I wanted to do with my career. Winning Miss Arab USA gave me invaluable lessons in public speaking. It’s like going to a communications bootcamp with rigorous interview preparation. It teaches you to think on your feet and to carry yourself with grace.”
Guinwa is also a philanthropist at heart, and she is actively involved in humanitarian work in Lebanon and the USA. She founded Hawiyati, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which focuses on empowering Arab American youth through cultural and language programs as well as humanitarian drives to support Arabs in crises around the world. “I believe in the power of giving back. Not only does it help others but it makes me feel good. I find myself so much happier knowing that I was able to make a positive impact in my community,” Guinwa explained. Guinwa’s reign as Miss Arab USA gave her the opportunity to use her platform to raise awareness about various issues affecting the Arab community. During her reign, she hoped to showcase the Arab culture and heritage to the world, and she also focused on empowering Arab women to be confident, independent, and successful. “I feel like I have an obligation to myself, my daughter, my family, and my culture to succeed in life,” she adds.
Get ready to be inspired by Ilona’s story—one that’s as empowering as it is transformative.
Hi Ilona, it’s a pleasure to see you on the cover of Elléments. How are you? Thank you, I’m doing great! Recently, I’ve had so many new experiences and exciting events. I’m constantly learning new things, enjoying every day, and finding reasons to smile, even in the small, everyday moments. I believe life is all about embracing those little joys that make it meaningful.
For those unfamiliar with trichology, could you briefly explain what it is and how you started in this field? Trichology is the science of hair and scalp health. A trichologist helps address issues such as hair loss, dandruff, brittleness, dryness, oiliness, and scalp conditions like seborrhea or psoriasis.
My interest in trichology began with my passion for healthy, beautiful hair. I wanted to understand why certain problems arise and how they can be solved. At first, it was just a hobby—I read books, attended courses, and explored this fascinating field. But soon, I realized it was more than just an interest; it became my calling. Now, I continue to develop my skills and knowledge to give my clients the best possible care.
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine? What brings you the most joy in your work? To be honest, I never planned to work in medicine. As a child, I dreamed of joining the military, but my parents encouraged me to pursue a medical education. I enrolled in medical college to study midwifery, and although I wasn’t passionate about it at first, over time, I grew to love it.
Before moving to the U.S., I spent 10 years in the medical field. After relocating in 2016, I worked as a medical assistant, dental assistant, conducted medical exams for the military, and even volunteered with emergency services.
The greatest joy in my work is helping people. Seeing my clients regain their confidence and watching their transformations is deeply rewarding. When they return with gratitude and smiles, it reminds me why I chose this path.
Hair and scalp care is a vital part of personal hygiene. What are some common mistakes people make, and what advice would you give? Here are the most common mistakes:
1. Using the wrong shampoo. Many people choose shampoo based on their hair length rather than their scalp type, which can worsen existing issues.
2. Infrequent hair washing. There’s a common myth that washing your hair less often will reduce oiliness, but this often has the opposite effect.
3. Overusing hot styling tools. Hair is 85% protein, and heat can damage this protein. Always use heat protectant sprays and minimize the use of curling irons and straighteners.
4. Air-drying wet hair. This may surprise people, but leaving wet hair to air-dry can harm both your hair and scalp. It’s better to blow-dry at a medium temperature.
You founded Illinois’ first trichology center. How did you make this vision a reality? The idea stemmed from my passion for hair health and my desire to help people. Many individuals struggle with hair and scalp problems but don’t know where to turn. I wanted to create a space where science, innovation, and personalized care could come together to provide effective solutions.
Realizing this vision wasn’t easy—it required extensive education, learning from top professionals, and researching the latest technology. Building a team that shares my values was another important step. I truly believe that proper hair care can transform not only a person’s appearance but also their quality of life.
You’ve accomplished a lot in your field. Could you share some of your key achievements? Thank you for asking! Here are some milestones I’m particularly proud of:
1. Founding Illinois’ first trichology center. We combine cutting-edge technology, scientific research, and personalized care to deliver exceptional results.
2. Continued education and certifications. I’ve studied at leading institutions and regularly attend international courses to stay up-to-date.
3. Developing signature treatment methods. Our programs are based on advanced diagnostics and designed for long-term results.
4. Speaking at professional conferences. Sharing knowledge on international platforms and promoting modern approaches to trichology is very fulfilling.
5. Making a positive impact on clients. Above all, my greatest achievement is helping thousands of people improve their hair health and regain confidence.
How do you build trust and harmony with your clients?
I focus on a few key principles:
1. Detailed consultations. During the first session, I take the time to listen carefully, learn about the client’s history, lifestyle, and concerns.
2. Evidence-based methods. I rely on scientific research and modern technology to explain every step of the process clearly.
3. Realistic promises. I’m always honest about expected outcomes, which helps set clear expectations and build trust.
4. Ongoing support. I maintain regular communication with clients to monitor their progress and adjust treatments if needed.
5. Emotional understanding. Many clients come to me feeling vulnerable, so I create a safe space where they can share their concerns openly.
What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career in trichology?
1. Keep learning. Trichology is a dynamic field that evolves constantly. Start with basic medical or cosmetology education and follow it with specialized trichology courses.
2. Develop empathy. Listening to your clients and understanding their concerns is as important as solving their problems.
3. Focus on practical skills. Practice diagnostic techniques, learn to use equipment, and develop personalized treatment plans.
4. Be patient. Success in this field takes time, dedication, and persistence. Not every case resolves quickly.
5. Build trust through professionalism. Stick to evidence-based methods, set realistic expectations, and always act with integrity.
6. Inspire others. Use your journey to motivate and guide newcomers, creating a supportive community of like-minded professionals.
How would you describe your personal style? My personal style reflects a blend of professionalism, elegance, and authenticity. In my work, I focus on simplicity, attention to detail, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. My style is about staying true to myself while embracing current trends that align with my personality.
Which designers do you wear most often? I choose clothing that makes me feel confident and comfortable, regardless of the brand. But if I had to name a few favorites, I’d say Tory Burch, Valentino, Coach, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Their designs are elegant yet practical, which perfectly matches my style.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? In my free time, I love finding balance between relaxation and personal growth. I enjoy reading books on health, psychology, and self-improvement, which also inspire my professional work. I also love spending time outdoors, taking long walks to recharge. And, of course, I cherish time spent with my loved ones—they’re my biggest source of motivation and joy.
With the new year approaching, what’s at the top of your list of goals for 2025? My top goal for 2025 is to expand my trichology center by introducing new treatments and cutting-edge technology to tackle even the most complex hair and scalp issues.
I also plan to launch educational programs and workshops to raise awareness about hair health and teach people how to care for themselves. Additionally, I want to grow my team by bringing in talented specialists who share my vision.
I’m committed to making 2025 a year of innovation, growth, and even greater care for my clients.
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