We caught up with Kholoud Al Ali, alias @koodiz, to find out what makes her tick.

You’ve been described as the ‘first Qatari female fashion and lifestyle influencer’. When, how and why did you get started?
My journey into the world of fashion and lifestyle influencing began quite organically and was never part of a planned career path. Since I was young, I’ve had a deep fascination with art and a strong desire to express myself creatively. This passion for artistic expression naturally evolved into a love for fashion, style and capturing moments of beauty in everyday life. I started sharing pictures and snippets of my lifestyle on social media, showcasing not just my personal style but also the modern side of my culture. It was my way of expressing who I was and what I aspired to be.
As I continued to share my experiences and style, it resonated with many people. My platform grew, and I found myself becoming an image and an inspiration for others, especially young women in our region. It was never planned, but I embraced the opportunity to be successful in what I do, always aiming to stay authentic to my love for art and expression. Being described as the ‘first Qatari female fashion and lifestyle influencer’ is an honour that reflects my journey – a journey that started with a simple love for art and a desire to share a piece of myself with the world.

The images on your IG page are stunning. How did you learn the art of photographic presentation and how much work is involved?
Thank you for appreciating my Instagram posts! It’s more of content creation and it was a mix of self-teaching and watching trends. It’s not just about taking pictures, but about telling a story or creating an experience. Each post involves planning, capturing and editing to make sure it fits my brand and connects with my audience. It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding to see people enjoy and engage with my content.

You’re usually pictured in traditional abaya and head cover but for some of your collaborations with international brands you debuted a gorgeous, casual look. How did the partnerships come about and why did you decide to go the non-traditional route?
The collaborations with international brands were an exciting opportunity that came about through mutual appreciation of diverse fashion styles. They reached out with the idea of showcasing their collections in a way that would resonate with a broader audience, including my followers. Deciding to highlight a more casual look was a thoughtful choice. Fashion for me has always been a platform for self-expression and creativity. It was important to me that this venture respected my values while also embracing global fashion trends. I saw it as an opportunity to bridge cultural and fashion divides, showing that style can be both respectful of tradition and modern.
It was about striking a balance and demonstrating that fashion is a universal language, capable of transcending cultural boundaries. The response from my audience has been overwhelmingly positive, and I believe it’s crucial to keep evolving and experimenting in fashion to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse styles.

Do you have any hints or tips for people wanting to get into influencing?
If you’re looking to get into influencing, start by finding a topic you’re passionate about. It’s important to be genuine and authentic in what you share. Regularly post high-quality content and engage actively with your audience. Keep learning and adapting to new trends and consider collaborations to expand your reach. Building a community and being consistent in your efforts are key to growing as an influencer.

Do you have a secret talent or something about yourself to share that would surprise our readers and your followers?
Many might find it surprising, but before delving into the world of fashion and lifestyle influencing, I was actually a gymnast. This experience taught me a lot about discipline, grace and the art of presentation – skills that have been invaluable in my current role. Additionally, I have a passion for singing, which not many of my followers know about. It’s a personal joy that I cherish, and it’s these layers of my personality that make up who I am beyond the lens of social media. ✤