Life can teach us so much, but we must choose which path to take. For a long time, I stayed in my comfort zone. Then I started realizing that God created this whole world for us to explore. I imagined one day God might ask me, 'Why didn’t you try that? I sent many people your way, but you rejected them.
God doesn’t always show up in the way we expect. A friend in Kenya urged me to pray. She wasn't from my religion—she was Muslim, and I'm Christian. At first, I was hesitant, but then I thought, 'We both believe in one God, so why not pray together?' And those prayers, let me tell you, were more powerful than I ever expected. It really challenged my faith and everything I thought I knew about God. I had always seen things as black and white, but life has a way of showing you there's more to the picture."
I had so many opportunities in Chicago, but I couldn’t see them because my mind was overwhelmed with things I needed to do. When you wake up thinking the day is going to be bad, it usually turns out that way. But if you wake up expecting a great day, it can change your energy. I think depression, for me, was a mindset.
I’ve been through a lot of phases in business and in life—education, career, and personal growth, all driven by different goals. It got me thinking: What truly makes me happy?
I love to work and to create things. I’m driven in my career, but I want more than just professional success—I want to build a fulfilling personal life too. My family has modeled the work-life balance I’m striving for as I take steps to build my own future family.
When I first started my business, I was young, and people took advantage. For example, I was in Turkey, buying fabric, and the supplier didn’t ship it. I kept chasing after them, but they didn’t take me seriously. I was in my early 30s at the time. Eventually, I had to go back, to set everything straight. It was a tough lesson, but I learned to stand my ground.
In my professional world, I’ve built up a strong exterior because I’ve had to. I’ve learned that in business, especially as a young woman, people will test you, and you need to show that you can hold your own.
Interestingly, people who know me professionally often see me as this strong, resilient businesswoman. They see the brand I’ve built, the success I’ve achieved, and they assume that strength defines me. And while I am proud of that side of myself, it’s not the full picture. Deep down, I’m softer than people might think. I just know how to flip the switch when it’s needed.
I didn’t develop this strength overnight. I had a mentor from Columbia's business department and one piece of advice she gave me: “To be a businesswoman, you need to be firm. You have to be strong because people will test you.” And she was absolutely right. If people see you as unsure or soft—especially as a woman—they often won’t take you seriously. So, I learned to project that strength, even when it didn’t always come naturally.
Life is all about finding balance—between strength and vulnerability, between work and personal life. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential. I want to be fulfilled in both areas, without letting one overshadow the other. And as I continue on this journey, I realize that it’s okay to be both tough and tender. It’s okay to be a businesswoman and a friend, a boss and a daughter, a creator and a caregiver.
For me, that’s the beauty of it all—finding balance and embracing every part of who I am.
So, did I always aspire to be a businesswoman? Well, not exactly. My first love was fashion design. When I graduated, I was all about designing—I had so many creative ideas swirling in my mind. I wasn’t thinking about business, but purely focused on creating beautiful pieces. But that’s the thing—being a designer is only part of the journey.
While I was at school an advisor told me, “You need a mentor. Someone who can guide you in business.” That’s when the business world became more real. I come from a family with a business background, but I realized that it’s not just about making beautiful designs. You have to be able to sell them too.
But that’s just my professional aspiration. Personally, it’s a different story.
When it comes to my personal life, I’m all about family. To me, true happiness comes from building a family with someone who shares my values. It’s not about having the same ambitions or working in the same field— what matters is that we support and push each other forward, creating a solid foundation of mutual respect and care.
Having kids is part of that dream. I believe in the power of family and the joy of creating a home filled with love and growth. I truly aspire to build—both a successful career and a strong, supportive family.
My family has been the foundation of everything I’ve done. Whenever things didn’t work out, they were there to support me, offer advice, and suggest alternative paths. They’ve always had my back with new ideas and because they know me so well - I trust them. Their encouragement is a constant source of strength.
When I first started my company in Chicago, my mom and dad were ecstatic. They were 100% in my corner, full of enthusiasm and belief in my abilities.
My mentor, gave me the realistic perspective I needed. She told me the truth—not just what I wanted to hear. She grounded me in the potential challenges I would face that prepared me for failure as well as success.
And when failure did come, it hit me hard. I thought I could handle anything, and I remembered feeling completely unprepared because I had never anticipated such a setback. I learned that failure is a part of the journey and it’s just as important as success.
Before I moved to London, I wanted to quit. I told my dad, “This isn’t for me. I’m tired.” I was ready to walk away from everything. My dad, with his own experience in business, reminded me that failure is not the end—it's a stepping stone. “I’ve failed more times than I can count,” he said. “But you have to keep going. Every failure makes you stronger. You’ve put in years of effort—don’t waste it now.”
Those words stuck with me. It’s crucial to have a mentor who can keep you grounded and realistic, it’s also just as important to have that unwavering support from your family to lift you up when you feel like giving up.
Looking back, I realize how much both perspectives—family and mentor—have shaped my journey. My family gave me the emotional foundation to believe in myself, and my mentor gave me the tools to navigate the reality of entrepreneurship. Both are essential, and together, they’ve helped me find the strength to keep going, even when the road gets tough.
