1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a citizen of the world who cannot rest in one position. I'm an intentional learner driven by curiosity and purpose. After three decades in academia and supporting countless entrepreneurs, I've learned that my life's work centers on creating a positive impact for people and the planet through whatever form it takes.
As a phenomenologist, I see the world through the lens of lived experience and interconnectedness. This means living without judgment, accepting experience as it comes, and understanding how to put preconceptions in brackets. I believe our world is damaged by ego - by humanity's desire to dominate over nature and other species. If we had less ego, we'd be much better off. I'm also a devoted cat lover with a deep connection to all beings who work for animal welfare. This wholeness – being 100% myself in all aspects - defines who I am.
2. Can you share a pivotal moment in your life where you defied traditional societal norms and challenged the status quo? What are the values and beliefs you were representing at this moment?
During my PhD, my supervisor told me I was saying exactly the opposite of all established theories. He was a proponent of mainstream thinking, and here I was, challenging the very foundations of accepted wisdom. The president of my defense committee later said: “One day Nihel Chabrak woke up and decided she will criticize the most prominent theory in accounting. I don't know if she was aware of the risks, but after 6 years, she did it!”
What drove me wasn't just academic rebellion! I couldn't be satisfied by simple theories that connect variables to explain complex phenomena. I was searching for something that could capture the depth of what actually happens in organizations and life. This led me to the International College of Philosophy in Paris, where I discovered phenomenology and met Francisco Varela. I immersed myself in cognitive sciences, psychology of organizations, psychiatry, and sociology.
The values I was representing were about understanding rather than explaining, about seeking depth rather than accepting surface causality. It was about wholeness and authenticity and refusing to fragment complex realities into neat boxes just because it was easier or more accepted.
3. How do you define being a "rebel" in the context of your industry, and how does your business embody this?
Being a rebel means questioning the taken-for-granted. I was deeply influenced by Bourdieu's work on habitus and how things become so naturalized that they seem inevitable and go unquestioned. My work helps people see this dimension of “doxa” and understand how it shapes our lives and choices.
What others see as risky, I consider necessary. Throughout my career, when I've stood for my values and beliefs, I've been able to transform individuals, behaviors, practices, and even strategic choices and policies at the deepest levels. My company embodies this rebellious spirit by refusing to accept that things must be done as they've always been done. We challenge assumptions and create new possibilities.
4. As a busy professional, you probably spend a lot of time going from meeting to meeting and traveling. How do you maintain your skincare routine on the go and what are your go-to products?
As someone constantly moving, simplicity is my philosophy. I've learned that consistency matters more than complexity. My phenomenological approach extends to skincare. It's about being present with the ritual itself, creating a moment of mindfulness in busy days.
I keep my routine minimal but intentional: cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting. Clean Rebel products have become my travel companions because they're compact, effective, and align with my values. The simplicity allows me to maintain the ritual without it becoming another source of stress or complexity.
5. What motivated you to adopt a clean beauty lifestyle, and what attracted you to Clean Rebel?
My journey to clean beauty parallels my personal evolution. Just as I questioned accepted theories in my academic work, I began questioning why beauty products need harsh chemicals or animal testing. It's about applying the same critical lens to all aspects of life.
What attracted me to Clean Rebel is its authenticity: it's founded by a woman who genuinely understands our concerns, embraces our heritage with traditional recipes, and commits to sustainability. As someone who supports small, purpose-driven brands, I see Clean Rebel embodying principles that matter: local innovation, minimal environmental impact, and products that deliver without compromise.
6. Can you share which Clean Rebel product is your favorite?
I actually use their entire range, but my favorite is the oil, particularly because it includes jojoba oil produced by Dr. Assaf's farm in Palestine. There's something powerful about this connection. It represents wholeness, supporting not just my skin but also my principles. It's a perfect example of how our choices can create ripples of positive environmental and societal impact.
7. What is a myth about clean beauty that you would like to see busted?
The biggest myth is that expensive international brands are inherently superior. Good skin comes from balanced lifestyle, some genetics, and consistent habits, not from the price tag. Being authentic and aligned with your principles creates a kind of beauty that reflects from within. When you're at peace with yourself and your choices, it shows.
Clean beauty is not about perfection; it's about intention. Just as alternative models can outperform conventional ones in any field, clean beauty proves that natural, ethical products can be just as effective, if not more so, than their conventional counterparts.
8. What advice would you give to others aspiring to make a real difference in their industry? And why do you believe that each one of us should express ourselves as the individuals that we are?
First, embrace your wholeness. Be 100% yourself in everything you do. Authenticity is simply powerful.
Second, don't fear standing alone. When I challenged established theories, I was virtually alone. But that solitude forced me to dig deeper, learn broader, and ultimately create something transformative. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset.
Finally, remember that real change requires both intellectual rigor and emotional courage. Question the taken-for-granted. Look for depth, not just surface explanations. Let your values guide you. Each of us has a unique lens through which we see the world. When we express that authentically, we create possibilities that others haven't imagined.
9. Anything else you would like to add?
Supporting brands like Clean Rebel is part of a larger movement toward conscious consumption and local empowerment. Every choice we make, from the theories we challenge to the skincare we use, either reinforces old patterns or creates new possibilities.
I've spent my career demonstrating that alternative models can work: that growth can flourish within social and planetary boundaries rather than just maximizing shareholder value, that organizations can thrive while serving society, that education can transform rather than conform, that entrepreneurship can
be inclusive and purpose-driven, that innovation can come from diverse voices and perspectives, and yes – that beauty can be both clean and effective. Clean Rebel embodies these same principles in action. By choosing purpose-driven, local, sustainable brands, we are caring for our skin, surely, but also voting for the world we want to see.
