As Christmas approaches, the festive season brings with it the joy of creating memorable moments. Central to this celebration is the Christmas tree, a symbol that evokes nostalgia and promises of joy. For Simone Jucker and Christian Lear, an Abu-Dhabi-based British-Canadian couple, the holiday season is even more special as they not only decorate their own tree but also spread cheer by selling Christmas trees.
Their journey began 15 years ago when Simone, originally from Nova Scotia in Canada, noticed the lack of quality Christmas trees in Abu Dhabi. Nova Scotia is renowned for its fertile lands and ideal soil conditions for growing Christmas trees, with Lunenburg County even dubbed the 'Christmas tree capital of the world'.
Simone's business trips to Nova Scotia led to discussions about importing fresh Christmas trees to the UAE. She partnered with Oleander, a UAE-based florist with a 40-year history of importing fresh Christmas trees. Simone's challenge was to convince Oleander's Emirati owner of the superior quality of Canadian trees over those from Europe. A sample branch of Balsam fir sent from Lunenburg County sealed the deal.
Today, their business, Christmas Trees UAE, successfully imports up to 2,000 trees annually. Due to climate changes, they switched suppliers to a cooperative in Quebec, focusing on the Fraser Fir variety known for its needle retention and fragrance.
Simone and Christian's business, Clear Solutions, is registered in Abu Dhabi and offers e-commerce, AI, technology solutions, and consultancy. They met in Costa Rica in 2002 and have been living in Abu Dhabi since 2003 with their three children. Simone's extensive experience in international marketing and trade relations, combined with Christian's background in business operations and technology, has greatly influenced their entrepreneurial approach.
Their collaboration with Oleander has been crucial, ensuring the proper care of the trees. Oleander's meticulous handling, including freshly cutting the tree bases and rehydrating them, ensures the trees' longevity into January.
Simone and Christian's weekends are filled with outdoor activities, reflecting their love for the UAE's vibrant lifestyle. Their journey in bringing the Canadian Christmas spirit to Abu Dhabi is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating memorable holiday experiences.
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