Welcome to the Emirates Woman 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 Doaa Alghouti, the founder and creative director of Dubai-based fashion brand Anatomi.
Born and raised in Dubai, Doaa first launched the contemporary label in 2015. Now, six years on, it’s become a leading modest wear brand in the region and recently opened its flagship store in Dubai’s City Walk.
Emirates Woman sat down with Doaa to find out the inspiration behind Anatamoi and her journey to becoming an entrepreneur.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Science, Mathematics and Art.
What was your first job?
I worked as a junior Interior Designer for a company in Dubai in 2012.
Can you talk us through the inspiration behind Anatomi?
I loved designing and anything that came with it. But I didn’t feel like I belonged to the field of Interior Designing. I was lost at some point and I thought that I didn’t fit anywhere. I was always complimented on how I styled my clothes and made a modest outfit out of anything. So I started researching and found out that there was a big gap in the modest fashion industry. That’s when I began to dream of filling this gap by creating comfortable, elegant and trendy modest outfits. This dream of mine came into existence in 2015 with Anatomi, my brainchild. I used my architectural design background to outline the aesthetics of Anatomi’s pieces.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
What inspired me the most is my passion to create something new and to experience the growth of creation. I wanted to be different, I liked the feeling of success. I really feel proud when I can take an idea to execution.
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What are the key elements of your role?
I have played a lot of roles since I began this brand, but the ones I enjoy most is Creative Directing and Designing.
Talk us through your daily routine.
My day begins in Anatomi’s design studio at 10 am. I brainstorm the ideas with my design team to sort out our creative direction with a fresh mind. I start answering my emails after that. I list all my daily goals and targets and try to accomplish them one by one. This helps me in being as productive as possible. I try to wrap up my working day by 5pm most days, after which it’s relaxation time with the family over a warm dinner and a Netflix and chill session.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Believe in yourself and your ideas. Make it happen by investing your time in it. Treat it as your baby and you will be successful.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
To be patient.
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And what is the worst?
“This can’t be done”, or “It’s impossible”. I believe that everything is possible.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Materialising an idea into life is very challenging. Thinking about every single detail from silhouette to fabric to embroidery to finishing is a humongous task. Getting your imagination to manifest is tiring but a rewarding process.
What are the future plans for your brand?
I have so many plans for the brand but the most important goal is to be known globally.
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