ENTREPRENEURSHIP
What unique opportunities do you believe Dubai provides for entrepreneurs, particularly those from diverse backgrounds like yours? Bring international best practices and standards to the emerging market while understanding the regional needs and culture. How has the definition of luxury evolved in recent years, and what does it mean to you personally? To me, luxury is time! I have lived in Dubai for almost 20 years and feel I use my time effectively here. The malls and grocery stores are open late and pretty much everything can be delivered. It is a very service-oriented city. We also have the nicest and most efficient airport in the world and the best technology to give the traveller a seamless experience. What emerging trends do you see in the luxury market, and how do you think entrepreneurs can adapt to stay ahead? For service-based industries, entrepreneurs must invest in technology and cyber security for the end customer. What are your aspirations for the future? Where do you envision the luxury lifestyle industry heading in the next decade? My next project is my beauty brand, Rosemin Beauty. Out in 2025, Rosemin Beauty is a perfectly curated capsule collection of products for South Asian women that are practical and effective. As an entrepreneur in a demanding industry, how do you balance work and personal life? It took me a while to understand the word ‘balance’ because many times, your work as an entrepreneur often blurs with your personal life. It is never a traditional 9 am to 5 pm and for me, work is a passion and obsession is an all-in-one - in a good way! From day one, I was so excited and motivated by being a part of this region's growing dynamic fashion industry. Scaling and evolving my business has led me to other opportunities like TV presenting and working as the longest-running luxury contributing editor at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave in the luxury lifestyle space, and how do you want people to remember your contributions? I am always so proud walking through the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates and seeing all the brands that RR&Co. has worked with from the beginning, either through PR, advisory or my role at Harper’s Bazaar and supporting activations in the retail sector.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Let’s start with your journey as an entrepreneur. What inspired you to carve your path in the luxury lifestyle sector? I never thought I would end up as an entrepreneur. Looking back, I have come from a family of self-made businessmen as my family immigrated from East Africa to Canada and didn’t have a choice but to start from scratch. I guess you could say it was instilled in me early on. As I started travelling to Dubai over 25 years ago, I began to recognise the growth of the city, the rise of the luxury consumer and the incredible potential of the media space. I was living in London working with a top luxury brand at the time and knew how fashion PR showrooms worked and I immediately recognised a gap in the market for PR and the disconnect between a brand’s head office and its local franchise partner. That is how RR&Co. bespoke luxury management was first born. What role does the Indian community in Dubai play in your entrepreneurial journey, and how important is networking within this community? The South Asian community has been vital in building the country's growth. What I truly love about the UAE is the respect for all religions, cultures, and family values. There is an innate tolerance to co-exist for prosperity and safety, and I feel blessed to call the UAE home.
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