Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart—finding that elusive balance as a woman entrepreneur, wife, mother, and problem-solver for anyone who wanders into my orbit (I see you, kids, and your unending projects!).
Being a woman in business isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about juggling the shards that fall from them too! So many of us are balancing life, love, and ambition, all while running our own companies or chasing that next career milestone. How do we do it? How do we manage a business that’s almost a living, breathing part of us while giving the same energy to the people we love?
1. Creating boundaries (or trying to!)
Let’s start with boundaries—if only they were as straightforward as a blueprint! After nearly a decade of designing for high-profile a range of clients in Dubai’s hospitality and commercial sectors, I founded VS Design Studio in 2015. My goal was to create a career where I could also be present for my children. But, oh, reality has other plans! I can be deep into designing a serene bedroom space, and in bursts my son, declares that Mbappé moved to Real Madrid and his PSG kit cannot be worn (dress up as your fav sports star is tomorrow, of course!). There’s no “pause” button on life, and the truth is, it all blends together.
As women, we often feel compelled to “do it all” seamlessly. But here’s a confession: my “seamless” is more like a beautiful mess of late-night calls, early morning school runs, and the occasional “Aha!” design moment that strikes at the most unlikely times. I’ve come to see this messiness as a part of my strength—it’s where some of my best ideas come from.
2. Learning to say no (and yes!)
Every woman in business knows the power of a good “No,” yet it’s still one of the hardest words to say. When I first started VS Design Studio, I said “yes” to every opportunity that came my way. “Can you deliver a full office redesign in two weeks?” “Yes!” “Do you handle residential projects, too?” “Of course!”
Somewhere along the way, I realized that saying yes to everything was leaving me stretched thin and taking time away from projects I felt truly connected to. It was my family who helped me see that my “yes” should be meaningful, whether in business or at home. These days, I’m more intentional about my “yeses.” I still say “yes” to opportunities, but now they’re ones that align with our values, our vision, and yes—even our sanity.
3. Getting real with expectations
One of my favourite stories is about Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, an American intimate apparel company. She started her billion-dollar company while working her day job, designing her product from her living room, often hearing “no” more than “yes.” For many of us, that’s the journey—late nights, big dreams, and a handful of doubts. The world of entrepreneurship, especially for women, often means working twice as hard to get half the recognition. And yet, we persist.
Like Sara, I have my moments of doubt, too. There have been days where projects didn’t turn out as planned or where I questioned if I was doing right by my team, my clients, or my family. But I’ve come to learn that it’s okay to have off days. Success is about staying in the game, even when the game is playing hard to get.
4. Embracing the ‘in-between’ moments
“Keeping it professional… with a Snapchat filter! #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyFirst #SnapchatFun”
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t only measured by the big milestones—closing a big deal, finishing a dream project, winning awards or expanding our team. It’s also in the small, in-between moments: the times when I’m scribbling design notes with a half-eaten sandwich on my desk or the quiet mornings when I take ten minutes to breathe before the whirlwind starts.
It’s also in the laughs, the tears, the “oops” moments, and the beautiful, chaotic blend of it all. To all the women who are hustling, raising families, or simply trying to navigate this adventure called life—know that you’re seen, you’re valued, and you’re not alone in this journey.
5. Finding strength in community
I want to close by saying how grateful I am for the network of incredible women I’ve met along the way—each one a powerhouse in her own right. Some of my greatest insights have come from conversations with women who know this juggling act well. We share stories, struggles, and successes, and we lift each other up.
If you’re reading this and feeling that same pull between life and work, remember: you’re already doing amazing things. Sometimes the balance won’t look perfect—sometimes, it’ll look more like an abstract painting than a blueprint. And that’s okay.
Here’s to the women entrepreneurs, the leaders, the dreamers, the doers. And here’s to the journey, wherever it takes us. Keep building, keep balancing, and let’s create spaces—literal and figurative—that make room for all parts of who we are.same pull between life and work, remember: you’re already doing amazing things. Sometimes the balance won’t look perfect—sometimes, it’ll look more like an abstract painting than a blueprint. And that’s okay.
Here’s to the women entrepreneurs, the leaders, the dreamers, the doers. And here’s to the journey, wherever it takes us. Keep building, keep balancing, and let’s create spaces—literal and figurative—that make room for all parts of who we are.
#IWD #WomenEntrepreneurs #StrongerTogether #BalanceNotPerfection