Her current role follows stints at Gucci in Dubai and Gianfranco Ferre in New York.

CV: A self-proclaimed “brand-trepreneur”, Dubai-born Parsons graduate Samara is the buyer and owner of Manolo Blahnik for the Middle East. Her current role follows stints at Gucci in Dubai and Gianfranco Ferre in New York.

Where it began: “I’ve always loved shoes. I was a huge fan of Manolo Blahnik and it was one of the few brands at that time that didn’t have any representation here in the region. We approached them, and that’s how it all began a decade ago.”

Dreaming big: “I have always dreamed of building my own brand from scratch. I’m excited that this is slowly but surely coming to fruition. Hard work, a solid brand vision, having the right team and a lot of positivity helps.”

What winning means to me: “I’d like to inspire other women and show them that by working hard and following what you love you can achieve success both at home and at work. Also I feel I’d be setting a wonderful example for my young daughter – by letting her know that anything is possible.”

Photographed by: Farooq Salik  | Assisted by: Kristina Nabieva