These inspiring women emphasize the importance of trusting your instincts and pursuing your passions in the world of entrepreneurship.
In a bold move toward self-determination and fulfillment, several expatriate women in the UAE are leaving behind secure corporate jobs with salaries exceeding Dh10,000 to embark on entrepreneurial journeys. Their stories highlight the risks and rewards of following one’s passion, with many now earning nearly ten times their previous salaries.
Among these trailblazers are Hollie Briant and Amelia Smith, who took significant steps to redefine their careers in Dubai. After spending six years together at a well-known beauty brand, they decided to transition from the corporate world to pursue greater professional freedom. Hollie, a British national, recalls her journey, saying, “Leaving the corporate world was a big step, but it was necessary to pursue my passion.” Her first job in Dubai as an assistant manager had earned her Dh12,000 a month, but she felt a deep calling to forge her own path.
Amelia, who has British-Canadian roots, launched her marketing consultancy, while Hollie opened a bridal boutique. Their conversations during breakfast meetings often centered around their shared desire to create additional income streams. “I’ve always believed in having multiple sources of income,” Hollie explained, which led to the creation of their joint venture, Dazed and Engaged—an e-commerce platform designed to provide unforgettable experiences for brides and their friends.
Both women leveraged their backgrounds in visual merchandising and marketing, having played key roles in launching a global beauty brand. Their personal experiences fueled their motivation: Amelia sought flexibility to spend more time with her two children, while Hollie drew inspiration from the loss of her father to cancer, recognizing the fleeting nature of life.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Entrepreneurial Path
Starting their business was not without obstacles. “One of the biggest hurdles we faced was finding the right suppliers,” Amelia shared. It took them a full year to partner with suppliers who met their high standards. “Once we did, it made all the difference. Now, we consider our suppliers an integral part of our company,” she added.
Overcoming the fear of leaving stable jobs was also part of their journey. “Being an entrepreneur can feel incredibly lonely at times,” Amelia admitted. However, their supportive network helped them confront those fears. “We believed in the importance of following our passions,” she emphasized. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality hen party accessories and supplies in the UAE, they aimed to create a one-stop e-commerce destination for brides and their friends.
Their initial goals evolved as they recognized the brand’s potential, and they prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their advice to other women considering entrepreneurship is simple yet profound: “Trust your instincts and follow your passion.”
Sherry Gupta: A Journey of Ambition and Resilience
Another inspiring story comes from Sherry Gupta, who, at 35, took a leap of faith to establish her own PR agency in Dubai. Her lifelong ambition to start a business came to fruition during the Covid-19 pandemic when her salary was halted for five months. Beginning her career in the UAE with a salary of Dh6,000, she later earned Dh10,000 in her last job. Today, her revenue nearly reaches ten times that amount, thanks to her courageous decision to launch her own business.
Sherry’s transition was smoothed by her media background, even though she had limited PR experience. She began her professional journey in Mumbai, moved to NDTV in New Delhi, and later worked for a newspaper in Qatar. Yet, it was the realization that she was not reaching her full potential in traditional roles that pushed her to take the leap. “Coming from a business family, I knew I wanted to try something different,” she remarked.
The journey to entrepreneurship was not easy; Sherry had to learn about client pitching, contracts, and networking from the ground up. Relying on friends from India for support, she created media lists to help her get started. Although the first six months were tough with minimal income, Sherry began to find her footing as word-of-mouth inquiries increased. “Now, I earn more than I did before, which boosted my confidence,” she said.
As a woman entrepreneur, Sherry shares valuable advice for those contemplating a similar path: “You need to be mentally strong and have family support. Managing both business and personal life is tough, so commitment is essential.”
These stories of courage and perseverance serve as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the UAE, inspiring others to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
