I was originally born and raised in Kuwait, but later relocated to London. I grew up with three sisters, two of which are twins, and a brother. I am a law student at the University of Westminster, London and also learning how to be a pilot at Oxford Aviation Academy, aiming for a Private Pilot License. One of my proudest moment was spearheading the first Kuwaiti Female Lawyers Association. To me, education comes first. Whether you are financially stable or not, you’re nothing without education (this is my personal opinion - agree and disagree). Moving forward: I used to be obese but I managed to lose a lot of weight. I always underline that I am not ashamed of how I used to look but rather happy about my current healthy lifestyle. In 2016, thankfully I became the face of Maybelline in the Middle East. That opened opportunity to collaborate with Gucci, Lancome and Charlotte Tilbury, to name a few. Having worked with so many brands worldwide, I have had the experience and knowledge of what the market likes and don't. Secondly, being a woman who loves beautylines and fashion I always knew that one day I would have the opportunity to create my own line - just having a perfect vision of my product. That is how I started House of Rawan. The vision entails quality beauty product as a RIGHT for every girl, every woman at all stages. The brand’s creativity lies in my Middle Eastern roots with its rich and diverse notions of beauty, collaborated with the minimalistic, distinctive vibe of the west, to ensure her ideas of beauty and fashion for all keep pace with my vision.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle that I faced was creating a quality product and also affordable for every girl and women out there.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
One of my favourite movie is Oliver Twist, but currently the novel by Charles Dickens is my to go book.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Being transparent and 100% honest with my social media followers. I don’t have double standards, that is one qualities my followers resonate with, especially when someone is being fake or not! Being relatable is the key, infusing that attitude into everyday lifestyle is what I thrive for!
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
When I started as a social media influencer, I wish I knew that this was a huge responsibility and that everything that we see and do can sometimes backfire or go wrong. I would have been more careful in my decision making etc. But saying that, nothing bad has happened to me, Thank God!
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Dream big, work hard and the sky is your limit. You can really do anything you want by educating yourself and have the ambition. Keep your private life private. Remember you’re a role model. Don’t let the haters get you down. Know your audience. Have an interesting story.
