Welcome to Emirates Woman’s weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.

This week we chat with the founder of the UAE-based floral studio, The Flower Society, Zoya Sakr.

Her noteworthy concept has her close childhood memories associated with the brand as niche artists design custom vases that make it stand out from the rest. This luxe concept is inspired by her roots in Lebanon and is designed to bring nature’s beauty to life.

Emirates Woman sat down with Zoya to find out more about what initially brought her to Dubai and the inspiration behind launching The Flower Society.

What was your favourite subject at school?

My favourite subjects in school were both sports and travel.

What was your first job?

At the age of 13, I modelled for a high jewellery brand, making that my first official job.

Can you talk us through the inspiration behind The Flower Society?

My mum’s garden in the mountains of Lebanon. It’s filled with Peonies and has inspired me to have my own brand, infused with the free-spirited elements of LA in it. This helped in creating a niche in terms of brand positioning.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

Dubai is the land of opportunities and the people who work here have big dreams. This truly inspired me to launch my second business.

What did you believe was missing in the floral industry and the UAE that inspired you to launch The Flower Society?

I felt there is a gap for luxury contemporary flower brands that can bring a new style and aesthetic to the country.

What are the key elements of your role?

I handle many sides of the business right now. Most of the role entails establishing the logistics, the brand positioning and building relationships with customers and the corporate side.

Talk us through your daily routine.

I try to exercise in the morning and I try to be in early to handle workflow and atelier design as we’re currently in the final stages. I plan my meetings during the afternoon in order to make sure I am home by 5pm for the kids. As we all have an active life in Dubai, around three to four evenings are spent outside based on the events I work at or the ones I’m invited to.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?

My advice would be to strongly believe in your potential as a woman, a strong will can do wonders, and to work on something you love, so that coming to the office becomes a passion.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

To be an independent woman. It’s the best weapon ever.

And what is the worst?

Not exactly advice, however, the worst thing I’ve noticed is that girls shouldn’t be raised by watching fairytales and waiting for their charming prince to change their lives. Young women should watch documentaries about how inspiring women have shaped the world.

What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?

Leaving Lebanon, leaving my family and childhood friends.

What are the future plans for your brand?

I can’t wait to launch my collaboration with Nada Debs, an exclusive vases collection for The Flower Society.

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Images: Supplied