Can we start at the beginning: when did you first become interested in starting your own company?
Back in 2009, when I was still working in corporate banking, I decided that I was an entrepreneur. I'm a risk taker. I was willing to wait and learn. I thought I had the qualities to become an entrepreneur. I made mistakes in my first company that I believe, ultimately, have led to my current success. I'm enjoying the experience. I’m enjoying the daily challenges that are taking me closer to my ultimate goal. I have a plan to go global and I’m working hard to achieve this.

Did you see a gap in the market and decide only you could effectively fill it?
I belong to a family business, the Al Khonji Group, which has been around since the 1920s. Even though I’m part of its board, I’ve always believed that it’s a good idea for me to have a “project”. Other than learning the hard way, it also allows me to enjoy making decisions independently, unlike with the family business where every decision is sensitive to investments or share price. This is one of the reasons why I have decided to prove myself by finding success independently.

What experience did you build upon?
My first business didn’t take off – however, it was a great learning platform. I imported goods from China that weren’t available in our local market which taught me many lessons, most importantly that it’s better to start your business in the service sector, not in products. It is really important to focus on marketing techniques, especially when operating in a small market, so as to reach your target clients. Otherwise, you won’t sell anything.

Viewed By: