Shaikha Taher Ali AlOrrayedh
Creative director at Sokola Chocolates
What inspired you to go into this field?
I have always loved weddings and event organising. Supplying chocolate is within the same category.
Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?
Being a mother.
If yes, how did you deal with them?
I decided to take a step further and go for better management of my daily family commitments against my business objectives. I must say, it is a hard task to manage, but I have to be persistent towards my goals.
What is the most rewarding part of your business?
When your products are recognised by the top experienced chefs in town!
Would you encourage other women to seek careers in this field?
Yes, if they’re passionate about it
If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?
• Never give up.
• Identify the opportunities and challenges.
• Never compare yourself to others. It’s a dead end. Do what YOU are passionate about and work hard for it.
Fatima Rashed
Entrepreneur and managing director at Bloomings Flowers
What inspired you to go into this field?
My passion for beauty and art. I love to be part of people’s lives and happy occasions; therefore, my aim is to be successful in a field which I love and by spreading joy and beauty.
Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?
I wouldn’t say that I have encountered specific challenges because of my gender, but I had some difficulties “at some points” in dealing with people who underestimate me, specially in a masculine environment. At the end, a woman’s personality and her faith in herself win the situation.
If yes, how did you deal with them?
In every difficult situation in life, regardless of whether in business or otherwise, a person should evaluate the situation and him/herself then decide either to try again and gain or to choose another direction.
What is the most rewarding part of your business?
Gaining knowledge and experience in different aspects in life, developing a mature and aware personality and getting to know different kinds of people; some have developed into friendships.
Would you encourage other women to seek careers in this field?
I encourage women to search and experience their passion and interest in life. Each person has different capabilities and potential. Keeping yourself updated and aware and living different experiences will guide you to discover what path in life you should follow.
If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?
In my field, I would say: knowledge, innovation and attitude, including patience.
Nada Alawi
Founder and creative director of Annada
What inspired you to go into this field?
My love of art and fashion. I want to create a beautiful world through art to spread happiness
Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?
I must say that as a culture and a nation we are very good in dealing with biases against women and their capabilities. I would like to see more positive female representation and impact in leadership positions and also more great examples of women that we can learn from
If yes, how did you deal with them?
Be open and only give energy to positive experiences. Work hard and show actions.
What is the most rewarding part of your business?
Each area has its reward. I would say I am completely and totally in love with our concept and idea. This itself gives me a lot of joy, thinking about what I have created and am a part of. I then love the exposure to art and selecting it to be part of our collection. I love thinking of all the possibilities this artwork has. I love creating functional, beautiful solutions for our customers and clients. I love showing our work and I love, love, love seeing it on our clients
Would you encourage other women to seek careers in this or other fields?
I would encourage women to follow their dreams and passions and, if they decide to create a company, to create something amazing and not think of copying someone but follow their own version of what they want and do it very, very well. I would encourage women not to be afraid but also put their full force [into their project] and work hard to achieve their dreams. Think of the customer when they create anything
If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?
• Answer an important need for you and for other people.
• Be yourself and activate your passion.
• Create something irresistible and communicate it.
Dina Shabib
CEO, Farahii (online one-stop bridal shop).
What inspired you to go into this field?
In the autumn of 2016, I was helping my brother plan his wedding here in Bahrain, and I realised how many inefficiencies there were to this process, and how so much of the fun is taken out of the planning by the lack of transparency and convenience. We had to go to 20 places to arrange for a dinner party, all the different vendors telling us they were all ‘wedding planners’ and experts in everything, and then they couldn’t deliver.
Then, one day while I was jogging, I thought “Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was one reliable, easy, fun resource to go to for all the Khaleeji bride’s needs?” And the idea of farahii was born.
Did you encounter any particularly female-specific challenges?
I have never been someone who blamed challenges that I face on my gender, so, to be honest, I cannot say that I faced challenges because I’m a woman. I did face a lot of challenges and every day something new comes along, but they are more entrepreneurship challenges I feel that anyone starting a business would face.
What is the most rewarding part of your business?
Happy brides. It is so satisfying to get a message or see our social media accounts tagged by brides who are so excited and love the product they have just received in the mail from farahii.
Would you encourage other women to seek careers in this field?
LoL, that’s a trick question. Yes and no. It’s not easy and I didn’t expect 90 per cent of the challenges that I have faced (even though I prepared a lot before jumping into this). There are so many parts to ecommerce, from suppliers to logistics to operationa to IT and digital media. It’s been an amazing learning experience, but it hasn’t been easy. So, I guess I can say: “If you are up for the challenge, of course! Go for it!”
If yes, what would you say are three things they will need to succeed?
• Understand your market.
• Decide how you want your operations to be.
• Work with vendors you trust.
For inquiries please contact the brand managers via email:
[email protected] or on whatsapp 34 422-227 / 33 282-228
