CONVERSATIONS Can you share more about your journey from study<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terior design <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UK to becom<strong>in</strong>g an entrepreneur <strong>in</strong> Dubai? What <strong>in</strong>spired this transition? From <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g, I’ve always had a dream of relocat<strong>in</strong>g to Dubai and establish<strong>in</strong>g my very own bus<strong>in</strong>ess, be it <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field of <strong>in</strong>terior design or any o<strong>the</strong>r area that truly ignites my passion. I firmly believe <strong>in</strong> tak<strong>in</strong>g charge of one’s own dest<strong>in</strong>y and seiz<strong>in</strong>g every opportunity that comes your way. Dubai, <strong>in</strong> my eyes, stood out as <strong>the</strong> ideal dest<strong>in</strong>ation that could turn my aspirations <strong>in</strong>to a reality. Leav<strong>in</strong>g a successful career to pursue entrepreneurship is a bold move. What motivated you to take this step, and what challenges did you face dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> transition? Upon ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g firsthand experience work<strong>in</strong>g for someone else, it became very clear that it was not <strong>the</strong> path I was meant to follow. I felt conf<strong>in</strong>ed, lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> freedom to fully unleash my true passion. While some suggested that it might have been <strong>the</strong> specific company I worked for, deep down, I always knew my motivation lay <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g from scratch. Embark<strong>in</strong>g on this transition was not without its fair share of challenges. F<strong>in</strong>ancial concerns, <strong>the</strong> need to connect with <strong>the</strong> right <strong>in</strong>dividuals, and <strong>the</strong> fear of failure all loomed large. Never<strong>the</strong>less, I recognized that if I didn’t take <strong>the</strong> leap and give it my all, I would forever be haunted by regret. It’s often said that with great risk comes great reward, and I firmly believed that to be true. By ventur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> unknown, I embraced <strong>the</strong> opportunity to carve my own path, pursue my passions, and ultimately f<strong>in</strong>d fulfillment <strong>in</strong> my entrepreneurial journey. Manag<strong>in</strong>g three bus<strong>in</strong>esses simultaneously is no small feat. Could you tell us about each of your bus<strong>in</strong>esses and how you balance your time and efforts among <strong>the</strong>m? In 2020, amidst <strong>the</strong> COVID lockdown, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey fueled by passion. Despite hav<strong>in</strong>g no prior experience, I established an Ecommerce sk<strong>in</strong>care company called Jai & Co. Through extensive research, I began handcraft<strong>in</strong>g a range of sk<strong>in</strong>care products, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g serums and body butters. I created a website, launched social media channels, and successfully sold products through my onl<strong>in</strong>e platform. Additionally, I even opened a pop-up store <strong>in</strong> Boxpark Shoreditch. Simultaneously, I managed to balance freelance <strong>in</strong>terior design projects, <strong>in</strong>itially focused on design<strong>in</strong>g boutique stores <strong>in</strong> London and Oman. However, recogniz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> significant time commitment required, I enlisted <strong>the</strong> help of a graphic designer and social media manager to handle Jai & Co’s social channels. Observ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir workflow, I realised that I could potentially offer similar services with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> realm of <strong>in</strong>terior design. After careful consideration, I made <strong>the</strong> decision to shift my focus towards offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terior and graphic design services. This led to <strong>the</strong> closure of Jai & Co, allow<strong>in</strong>g me to fully dedicate my efforts to design. Relocat<strong>in</strong>g to a new country can be both excit<strong>in</strong>g and challeng<strong>in</strong>g. How did your move to Dubai impact your entrepreneurial pursuits, and what opportunities did it br<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> table? Relocat<strong>in</strong>g to a new country <strong>in</strong>deed br<strong>in</strong>gs a mix of excitement and challenges. In <strong>the</strong> case of Dubai, my move had a profound impact on my entrepreneurial pursuits. Dubai’s dynamic bus<strong>in</strong>ess landscape and entrepreneurial ecosystem presented a multitude of opportunities for me to explore and capitalise on. Of course, challenges were also present, such as navigat<strong>in</strong>g cultural differences and adjust<strong>in</strong>g to a new market. However, <strong>the</strong>se challenges were outweighed by <strong>the</strong> numerous opportunities that Dubai offered, ultimately propell<strong>in</strong>g my entrepreneurial pursuits to new heights. In summary, my move to Dubai had a transformative impact on my entrepreneurial journey. It provided a fertile ground for growth, access to diverse markets, and a supportive ecosystem that nurtured my ventures. The city’s unique blend of excitement and challenges fueled my determ<strong>in</strong>ation to succeed, ultimately shap<strong>in</strong>g my path as an entrepreneur. As a successful entrepreneur and <strong>the</strong> founder of House of Sorority, what advice would you give to aspir<strong>in</strong>g female entrepreneurs look<strong>in</strong>g to start <strong>the</strong>ir own bus<strong>in</strong>esses or communities? Just start! Although daunt<strong>in</strong>g at first, it’s a beautiful and reward journey that you will never regret tak<strong>in</strong>g. Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your journey that has been particularly mean<strong>in</strong>gful to you, both personally and professionally? Start<strong>in</strong>g my own bus<strong>in</strong>ess was huge, but <strong>the</strong> real game-changer was when I followed my dream and moved to Dubai. It wasn’t just a personal w<strong>in</strong>; it seriously upped my bus<strong>in</strong>ess game with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first year, turn<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>in</strong>to a super excit<strong>in</strong>g chapter of my adventure. Your commitment to personal growth and help<strong>in</strong>g o<strong>the</strong>rs is evident. How do you cont<strong>in</strong>ue to evolve as an entrepreneur and <strong>in</strong>spire o<strong>the</strong>rs with<strong>in</strong> your network? By stay<strong>in</strong>g open to new ideas and approaches and designat<strong>in</strong>g strong leadership. In your op<strong>in</strong>ion, how can <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tersection of passion, determ<strong>in</strong>ation, and a desire for connection drive <strong>in</strong>dividuals to achieve <strong>the</strong>ir goals and make a positive impact <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir communities? Passion fuels purpose, determ<strong>in</strong>ation pushes through obstacles, and a desire for connection builds networks of support, creat<strong>in</strong>g a powerful synergy that not only propels you towards your goals but also fosters a supportive community that thrives on shared success. Look<strong>in</strong>g ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations, both <strong>in</strong> your entrepreneurial endeavors and <strong>in</strong> your work with House of Sorority? I’m all <strong>in</strong> with House of Sorority, my most successful venture yet, not just <strong>in</strong> metrics but <strong>in</strong> fulfill<strong>in</strong>g my creative passions and be<strong>in</strong>g able to help o<strong>the</strong>r people, this bus<strong>in</strong>ess blends all my loves <strong>in</strong>to one. My entrepreneurial journey has equipped me with <strong>the</strong> skills to make this a success. I’ve found my true call<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g joy to o<strong>the</strong>rs and pursu<strong>in</strong>g my passions wholeheartedly. My future goal is to make House of Sorority <strong>the</strong> go-to community <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g genu<strong>in</strong>e friendships <strong>in</strong> Dubai. 36 <strong>December</strong> <strong>2023</strong> www.magzoid.com
UNVEILING DREAMS IN DUBAI: Juha<strong>in</strong>a Edres ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP, COMMUNITY BUILDING, AND THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD Meet Juha<strong>in</strong>a Edres, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed her passion <strong>in</strong>to thriv<strong>in</strong>g ventures <strong>in</strong> Dubai. From found<strong>in</strong>g an Ecommerce sk<strong>in</strong>care company to establish<strong>in</strong>g a dynamic community for female expats, Juha<strong>in</strong>a’s journey reflects determ<strong>in</strong>ation, resilience, and a commitment to foster<strong>in</strong>g genu<strong>in</strong>e connections. Her ventures <strong>in</strong>clude freelance <strong>in</strong>terior design projects and <strong>the</strong> empower<strong>in</strong>g community, House of Sorority. Juha<strong>in</strong>a’s story is a testament to <strong>the</strong> transformative power of follow<strong>in</strong>g one’s heart, seiz<strong>in</strong>g opportunities, and creat<strong>in</strong>g spaces where personal growth and shared success flourish. www.magzoid.com <strong>December</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 37
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