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 Natasha Zaki, the founder of Dubai-based activewear and loungewear brand Glossy Lounge.
Having first relocated to Dubai nine years ago, Natasha, a beauty entrepreneur and makeup artist, launched her brand just six months ago. The aim was to create a modern and sustainable loungewear brand with an elevated feel, which she has certainly achieved. Less than a year into Glossy Lounge’s journey, the brand has already partnered with one of the Middle East’s biggest influencers Noor Stars.
Emirates Woman sat down with Natasha to find out the inspiration behind Glossy Lounge and the recent collaboration with Noor Stars.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subject has always been Art, it just gave me so much inspiration.
What was your first job?
It was at Barry M Cosmetics Topshop Oxford Circus.
What eventually brought you to Dubai?
A holiday here made me fall in love with Dubai 9 years ago – I am still as in love with the city as I was when I first moved here.
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Can you talk us through the inspiration behind Glossy Lounge?
The inspiration behind Glossy Lounge came from post-pandemic life, where there was a huge need for people to find something to wear that combined both comfort and style. Something you can wear lounging at home, but also to work, running errands, or even going out. Something versatile, and that’s how Glossy Lounge was born. And it’s all about bringing people together, building a community based on positivity, empowerment, and self-confidence.
Can you talk us through your recent release with Noor Stars?
We decided to partner with Noor Stars for our launch campaign, a real woman who represents Middle Eastern beauty and has full confidence in her body. She has also been very open about her journey in life and it is a very empowering story, with her being stronger than ever now. And that’s the message we want to convey, a message of style, empowerment and self-confidence.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I am a risk-taker I love to inspire other people and see them wearing my creations. Fashion is a form of self-expression and it’s beautiful to see how different people like to dress.
What are the key elements of your role?
To bring the vision to life! To give people something they want and to ensure it’s always glam and luxurious while maintaining ethical practices and making our processes as sustainable as possible. I design the clothing with body confidence, style, and empowerment in style. Something that will lift up your mood, and encourages you to get out there and chase your dreams.
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Talk us through your daily routine.
I am an early bird, I usually wake up at 6am. I go for a walk in the morning then head to the office. I really am putting everything I can into this brand and I am extremely excited for all the things that we have coming up. I also like to cook at home and join different gym classes. But these days I’ve been more fond of relaxing at home after a long day
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
It’s not easy so make sure you have a good support system around you! Don’t be afraid to take risks and give it 110%. Anything is possible and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
To just go for it!
And what is the worst?
To give up!
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Being an introvert and trying to get your brand out there in a very way, it forces you to be out there and open, especially in the digital world we live in.
What are the future plans for your brand?
To expand our product range, give back to our community and to less fortunate people…I would love to see a wide range of people wearing our brand and feel good about themselves. This brand is all about positivity and would love to see this spread everywhere in the world.
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