These women made courageous decisions to leave stable corporate positions and venture into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. Their bold moves have paid off, as they now earn nearly ten times their former salaries. Hollie Briant, a British national, and Amelia Smith, a British-Canadian expat, are carving out their entrepreneurial paths in Dubai. After six years of working together at a prestigious beauty brand, they chose to leave the corporate sector in search of greater career autonomy.
Hollie shared her journey with Khaleej Times, recalling her initial job in Dubai as an assistant manager at a private firm, where she earned Dh12,000 per month. “Stepping away from the corporate world was a significant leap, but it was essential to follow my passion,” she explained. Amelia started a marketing consultancy, while Hollie launched a bridal boutique. During a breakfast meeting, they discussed their successful ventures and the desire to create another income stream. “I’ve always advocated for multiple income sources,” Hollie noted. This conversation led to their joint venture—Dazed and Engaged, an e-commerce store focused on creating a memorable brand experience.
Both women brought backgrounds in visual merchandising and marketing, having played crucial roles in launching a global beauty brand. Their personal experiences fueled their drive: Amelia sought flexibility to spend time with her children, and Hollie was inspired by the loss of her father to cancer, realizing the brevity of life. Launching their business came with challenges. “One of our major obstacles was locating suitable suppliers,” Amelia recounted. It took them a full year to find partners who met their exacting standards. “Once we did, it made a world of difference. Now, we view our suppliers as vital to our company,” she added.
Overcoming fears about leaving secure jobs was also part of their journey. “Being an entrepreneur can be incredibly isolating at times,” Amelia admitted. However, their supportive network helped them face these fears. “We believed in the significance of pursuing our passions,” she emphasized. The duo identified a market gap for high-quality hen party accessories and supplies in the UAE. “We aimed to create the ultimate e-commerce hub where brides and their friends could find everything needed for the perfect hen party,” Amelia explained. Initially, their goal was simple, but it evolved as they recognized the brand’s potential. They also maintain a balanced work-life rhythm and advise aspiring female entrepreneurs to “trust your instincts and follow your passion.”
Meanwhile, at 35, Sherry Gupta set out on her entrepreneurial journey by founding her own PR agency in Dubai. Her lifelong ambition to start her own business gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic when her salary was suspended for five months. Starting in the UAE with a salary of Dh6,000, her last job paid Dh10,000. Now, she earns nearly ten times her annual salary, thanks to her bold decision to start her own business. “My media background facilitated the business transition despite my limited PR experience,” she explained. Sherry began her professional journey in Mumbai, followed by stints with NDTV in New Delhi and a newspaper in Qatar. However, it was the realization that she was not achieving her full potential in conventional jobs that spurred her to take the leap. “Coming from a business family, I knew I wanted to try something different,” she remarked.
Transitioning to entrepreneurship was challenging. She had to learn about client pitching, contracts, and building a network from scratch. “Being new to Dubai, I leaned on friends from India for support while compiling media lists,” she recalled. The first six months were difficult, with minimal income, but as word-of-mouth inquiries increased, Sherry found her footing. “Now, I earn more than I did before, which has boosted my confidence,” she said. As a female entrepreneur, Sherry offered valuable advice to others considering a similar path. She said: “You need to be mentally resilient and have family support. Balancing business and personal life is tough, so commitment is crucial.”
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