Abdullah Bahabri
Founder, Nota Nota
Abdullah Bahabri is an Electrical Engineer by profession graduated from King Saud University (KSU) in 2007. He has joined the Entrepreneurship fellowship program in KSU in the year 2007. Abdullah worked as a Business Development officer in EBRAM Investment before he founded NOTA NOTA in 2014.
At EBRAM Investments Abdullah has been involved in developing projects in various sectors (Logistics and Housing). In 2008 he established with other entrepreneurs a startup named "Add Harmony" with a new concept of services providing a complete solution for visitors and delegations to the Kingdom.
Abdullah got inspired by an interest in 3D printing and a conversation with a perfumer to create what he envisions “perfume Printer.” Then for three years, Abdullah hired the best teams around the world to create a NOTA NOTA concept. Abdullah’s passion for Design, led NOTA NOTA to get the “IF Award” the famous, prestigious product design award. NOTA NOTA had successfully launched summer 2018 in Selfridges-London, Printemps-Paris, and Papillion- Riyadh.
Ali Junaid
Owner, Junaid Perfumes
As a Fourth Generation Perfumer and Owner of Junaid Perfumes, the oldest fragrance house in the Middle East, my life’s every moment has been surrounded by fragrance. From the age of 9, my journey started with cleaning our shops over the weekends and vacations, then moving into sales as a teenager. The advantage of being able to interact with customers on the front line at such a young age and gaining insider knowledge of the fragrances we were selling and how they were made from the generations before us – helped us tremendously in understanding the taste and trends of fragrance for the Middle East. As an adult, I completed my Bachelors and Masters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, all while working at the same time in Junaid’s laboratories, where the past 100 years of formulas created by my forefathers paved the way forward for maintaining the essence of tradition over the course of more than a century, while at the same time following a modern approach to fragrances, both Arabian and European. Today, we aspire to make our mark in history as a pinnacle of the art of Arabian Fine Fragrance by bringing the best of what the Old World, and New World has to offer.
Alice Abdel Aziz
Entrepreneur, Digital Influencer & Media Personality, Take Me To Wonder
Alice, a leading force in Middle Eastern influence, seamlessly weaves entrepreneurship and style.
Founder of ‘TAKE ME TO WONDER’ beauty brand, she graced Forbes' list of top "50 women behind Middle Eastern brands.”
Together with sisters Nadine and Farah, she pioneered the first Middle Eastern reality show, "The Sisters,” earning the title "Digital Princesses" from Vogue Italy in 2016 and clinching Cosmopolitan's International Social Media Stars of 2018.
Alice, a cover star for Elle, Cosmopolitan, L’Officiel, and more, has proven her influence extends beyond borders.
Beyond the glamour, Alice co-founded the Lebanese NGO "Bird Of Lyf," dedicated to empowering the less fortunate to overcome poverty.
In a new chapter, she recently ventured into acting, making her debut in the Amazon Prime series "Girls Play" this year, showcasing her multifaceted talent.
Amandine Galliano
Perfumer, Robertet Group
As a child, Amandine discovered the world of perfumery thanks to her father. It was therefore quite natural that she joined the Robertet School of Perfumery in Grasse when she was an adult. She spent two years with senior perfumers Michel Almairac, Jean-François Latty, and Jacques Flori to learn the profession of Perfumer creator. “Humility, perseverance, and questioning” will remain the three most important values for Amandine.
“Perfumery is a family affair. Since I was five years old, I have learned to appreciate the nobility of natural raw materials.”
Amandine joins the UK creative team near London, where she works as a perfumer. Passionate about travel and keen on new experiences, she enriches her creativity.
Amandine Galliano returns to the heart of the city of Grasse, to the Robertet head office, where she works as a perfumer and has met with many creative successes.
Andrea Fetzer
VP Strategy, Chalhoub Group
Andrea is the Vice President of Strategy at Chalhoub Group, a leading partner and creator of luxury experiences in the Middle East. She is responsible for shaping the Group’s corporate strategy, driving long-term growth, and ensuring data-driven decision-making. Her role encompasses strategic planning, business unit advisory, and research, supporting the Group’s continued expansion and adaptation in a dynamic luxury market.
Beyond her core strategy responsibilities, Andrea leads the Group’s Asian Beauty acceleration task force, working closely with commercial beauty teams to expand the presence of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese brands across the GCC.
With over a decade of experience in management consulting, Andrea has specialized in luxury retail and personal luxury goods across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. She holds a Master of Science from Brunel University London and has completed the advanced program in organizational strategy at Harvard Business School.
Ayat Toufeeq
CEO, Powder Beauty
Ayat Toufeeq is the Cofounder & CEO of Powder, the region’s first and most comprehensive destination for insanely good beauty and wellness products, hand-picked from around the world by beauty devotees who want to educate and empower everyone to shop based on their personal values, without compromising a thing. Ayat's personal journey intricately connects with the birth of Powder Beauty. After a tumultuous journey through skincare missteps after moving to the Middle East in her twenties, her experience ignited her quest for a gentler, more enlightened path. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to ethical consumerism, she sparked a movement curating exceptional products from around the world and bringing them to the Middle East market. Today, Powder champions a culture of mindful shopping, enabling beauty devotees to align their values without compromise.
Charbel Watfa
Senior Spa Director MEA, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
As the Senior Spa Director for the Middle East and Africa region at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, I lead the Spa operations and wellness programs across multiple properties, ensuring they uphold the highest standards of luxury, innovation, and guest satisfaction. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have built a proven record of opening and managing award-winning Spas, driving revenue growth, and crafting personalized wellness experiences that redefine industry benchmarks.
My passion for wellness is deeply rooted in my background as a physiotherapist, where I honed expertise in manual therapy, anatomy, and biomechanics. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the Lebanese University and a Master of Science in Manual Therapy from Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. Additionally, I am certified in the McKenzie Technique, a specialized approach to treating musculoskeletal disorders. This unique foundation enables me to design transformative Spa treatments and effectively train and mentor Spa professionals.
I am continually inspired by emerging trends in the Spa and wellness industry, blending innovation with tradition to create meaningful guest experiences.
When not immersed in my professional pursuits, I enjoy capturing moments through photography, painting, cooking, reading, and playing tennis. Above all, I am a proud father to Cyril and Caline, whose love and inspiration drive me to pursue excellence in every aspect of life.
Farrah Qureshi
CEO & Founder, Inclusion Intelligence Practice
Trusted advisor to CEOs and C-Suites across the world with leading brands and companies such as Walmart, Samsung, Facebook, London Olympics 2012 Delivery Authority, World Bank, Petroleum Development Oman, and Shell. Accomplished and respected global consultant, futurist, keynote speaker, author, investor, thought and practice leader and Executive coach.
Committed to leveraging tried and tested expertise and impact with leading brands, companies and countries to accelerate the UAE’s Vision 2030, Nationalization strategy,strengthening social bonds, foster shared responsibility in 2025: the Year of Community inthe UAE to unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth, and economic ambitions.
Extensive and relevant experience in delivering on market fundamentals, such as profitmaximisation, increasing market share, growth and expansion, innovation to continueto position the UAE as a pioneering, future-proofed powerhouse.
Positioning inclusion intelligence as a critical component for twenty first centuryleadership and organizations.
Unique methodology: identifying and overcoming organizational Blind-Spot consultancy,diagnostic and action-plan for leaders and companies. Contributing to world-classexcellence, impactful and measurable outcomes and significant return on investment.
Based on ten years of observation and work in the region, have critical insights whichwould accelerate the existing pursuit of excellence and maximise and meet all nationalpriorities in a sustainable way.
Utilizes a unique perspective based on combining the latest behavioural economics andneuroscience leadership research, with innovation, operational excellence, business acumen, commercial and market mapping, to deliver effective solutions that create resultsfor governments and companies.
Pioneered ‘Global’ strategies across the world for the last thirty years.
Haifa Addas
Founder & CEO, INSTAGLAM
The journey that led to the birth & concept behind INSTAGLAM.
I grew up with a passion and great sense of appreciation for beauty and glamour. I was also lucky enough to be surrounded by women who inspired me on a daily bases. My mother, a makeup artist and hair stylist, had an influence on me in every aspect of my life. My grandmother, who was Miss Lebanon at a very young age and who still had her hair and makeup perfectly done until her last days, was an example that a woman can take good care of herself and her image at any age, anytime and anyplace.
As a child I lived in many different countries and learned many cultures - Saudi Arabia, the Levant, Europe and Canada - which led to a multicultural upbringing in which I discovered that the demand for beauty is universal. The desire to look good and feel good about oneself is essential for every woman.
As a teenager it was as if I was preparing myself for INSTAGLAM; I was always applying makeup for my friends, cutting and dying their hair, recommending beauty salons and hairdressers and makeup artists, and I would help them book appointments in different places around the world.
As I grew up and entered the work life, I worked as a marketer for luxury brands like L’Oreal, Lancôme, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Helena Rubinstein, and I worked with celebrities for leading Pan Arab magazines, where I got to take care of the celebrities' beauty needs while they were in town. I also met so many talented professionals, each unique in her/his own way.
I truly came to understand that these professionals have visions, skills, abilities and ambitions.
Whether they were beginners or half way through their careers, these artists all have talents to share and grow.
Half way through my journey, It became pretty clear to me that no matter where, when, or who, everybody needs to be pretty and glammed from time to time, and more importantly, everybody has the right to look great and to feel great about themselves, regardless of their age, circumstances and size of their wallet.
Which is where the idea for INSTAGLAM came in.
An online portal that can bring beauty experts together under one roof, and closer to anyone’s reach.
INSTAGLAM envisions revolutionizing and simplifying the way we use beauty services, turning around the usual clients-go-to-experts model the other way around.
It is my vision and my hope that as many people as possible, if not the entire world, can get a chance to enjoy the soul-enriching rewards of beauty and glamour. It is also INSTAGLAM’s vision to give artists the opportunity to reach their potentials in every way possible.
Be it thorough our exposure or the opportunities that they may find through us, I hope the experience is fulfilling and rewarding in every aspect of their life.
Harsh Sajnani
Founder & CEO, Kingpin
Founder & CEO of Kingpin, an AI-powered B2B platform transforming wholesale distribution across emerging markets in the Fashion, Beauty, and Sports sectors.
Previously built and scaled a $10M fashion distribution business in just 4 years, managing 35 brands across 150 accounts in 22 countries, with 0 inventory.
Exited his family business at 25, betting on the power of technology to streamline operations, reduce inventory risks, and maximize cash flow for wholesale businesses.
Kingpin now empowers 200+ brands, processing $500M in annualized transactions, with a 50% month-on-month growth rate, recognized as the #1 platform for global brands in emerging markets.
Passionate entrepreneur and advocate for growth, having held leadership roles in the Entrepreneurs Organization UAE; also training for the Ironman 70.3 in Nice and Antalya in 2025.
Hayat Belhadji
Global Certification Programmes Manager for Cosmetics and Drugs, Intertek
Over 20 years of experience in Regulatory Affairs for Cosmetic Industry within l’Oréal Group in France.
Ensuring the compliance assessment for cosmetic finished products prior & post market access.
Managing Regulatory process & strategy trainings to the 53 Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Network of l’Oreal Group.
Ensuring support for access to market to B2B, D2R and E-commerce, mainly in Europe, Middle East & Africa countries.
In contact with R&D Labs, Plants, Marketing, Business and Operations in worldwide scope; over 120 l’Oreal Subsidiaries.
Laurene Joie
Founder & CEO, Gaudia Beauty Trading L.L.C
French beauty entrepreneur Laurene Joie founded Gaudia Beauty, the first dates-infused haircare brand in the GCC, after experiencing the region’s unique hair challenges firsthand. Inspired by Arabic heritage and cutting-edge science, she developed high-performance formulas that stimulate hair growth, reduce hair loss, and restore scalp health. Blending the exceptional benefits of local dates with powerful active ingredients, Gaudia offers a luxurious, results-driven approach to haircare.
Layla Alhajjaj
Serial Entrepreneur, Business Mentor & Industry Leader
Layla Alhajjaj is a serial entrepreneur and business strategist with a corporate background in the oil & gas, government, and non-profit sectors. After transitioning from the corporate world, she built a name for herself in the beauty and service industries by founding and scaling multiple successful businesses, including:
Boho Salon – A sustainability-driven salon concept in the UAE.
FRQNCY Salon – A bold and innovative brand redefining the salon experience.
SAGE Business Management & Mentorship – A consultancy that helps business owners build profitable, scalable businesses aligned with their vision.
Layla leads with transparency and authenticity, believing that a successful business isn’t just about making money—but about creating impact, culture, and a purpose-driven brand. Her expertise in leadership, operations, branding, and financial strategy has made her a sought-after mentor for entrepreneurs and business owners.
She is passionate about elevating industry standards, helping salon owners and service-based entrepreneurs navigate business challenges, and shifting the mindset from technician to entrepreneur.
Her insights on scaling businesses, leadership, and personal branding have made her a respected voice in the industry. Layla is also a speaker, frequently invited to share her expertise on business growth, leadership, and the evolving beauty industry in the Middle East.
Lena AlAmeel
Founder & Creatrix, Barriya
Mazing in between trees with her head in the clouds since childhood, then later in life gaining practical experience in crafting strategies, product development, and creative thinking. Mostly within the tourism, environmental sustainability, and social industries. Her current focus is within the landscape of creative wellness.
At Barriya, Lena crafts nature-based practices and solutions to help organizations and individuals get clear on their why and what they want to create. She helps them learn what it takes to stand out creating the work that matters most to them.
Mehr Shafiei
Beauty and Fashion Consultant, Euromonitor International
Mehr Shafiei is a consultant at Euromonitor International, covering beauty and fashion industries and payments and services. With a focus on the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, she provides global and regional clients with valuable insights into consumer behaviour and market trends.
Mohamed Hassan
CEO, Glamera
Mohammed is an experienced executive with 14 years of expertise in operations and financial management. He co-founded two companies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Recently, he established Glamera Technologies, a specialized beauty and wellness company. It enables thousands of Customers across 7 countries to efficiently manage and operate their businesses.
Mohamed Marei
CCO, Nice One
I am the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of NICE ONE, Saudi Arabia’s leading online beauty retailer, with over 20 years of experience in retail, business development, and strategic leadership.
Prior to my role at NICE ONE, Mohamed held senior leadership positions at Nahdi Medical Company, where i managed a billion-dollar business category, led the company’s expansion into international markets, and implemented transformative operational frameworks. My contributions included the establishment of strategic category planning, omni-channel distribution strategies.
A certified Professional Strategic Advisor, Category Manager, and Analyst, I combine technical expertise with a strategic mindset, I am recognized leader in business transformation and growth in the retail and beauty industries. My experience spans category management, sales and marketing strategies, and client relationship management, with a focus on creating sustainable value in competitive markets.
Muzon Ashgar
Founder, MZN Body Care
Muzon Ashgar is a distinguished entrepreneur and consultant in the health and beauty sector, with significant contributions to the manufacturing and cosmetics industries. Beginning her journey as a lecturer in 2005, her academic experience at the Design College in King Faisal University laid the groundwork for her future success. In 2015, she founded MZN Body Care, a leading manufacturer of natural body care products in Saudi Arabia that has also developed products for luxury brands in the hospitality sector. As a trusted consultant, Muzon has guided clients across various industries, offering expertise in production optimization, digital marketing, and operational management. She has held prestigious memberships with the Industrial Council and Ministry of Industry, among others, reflecting her dedication to industry development. In 2022, her significant contributions were recognized when she was named 'Woman of The Year' in the startups category at the KSA Women Excellence awards by Arabian Business. Muzon Ashgar's blend of academic and practical experience, paired with her innovative approach to business, positions her as a respected industry leader and advisor.
Mohammed Kahlani
CEO, GSS Commerce Saudi Arabia
Created several entrepreneurial initiative, Mohamed is Managing Partner of GSS Group. He the cofounder of Digital Istanbul Community in Turkey. He launched Angels Board company with reputable mentor startups and investors consultant in the MENA region. He also co-founded REACH for Marketing to assist SMB and New project launching and growing in Turkey.
Mohamed Alif Kahlani is combining a strategic view with operational Know-How. He is leading now the operation of the group in Saudi Arabia through its different entities, Technology, Logistics and Commercial arsm. He is experienced in FMCG management, coaching business, commercial development, Marketing and have a good verbal communication. Analytical thinker, Mohamed is also creative in spirit. He is a committed individual who can multi-task andstay focused and has the ability to produce compelling content, in long or short form.
He Has Held various executive positions in marketing and management in several companies in Tunisia i.e. Head of Marketing and Sales Department within ZEN & ZEN Home retails chain, Expert Reseller of TOPNET/ Tunisia, Project Manager of Angel Team/ Tunisia, Marketing Manager of Al Qalam TV/ Tunisia, Head of PR / IR & Communications Department of Maghreb 24 Television - M24/ Canada and Media and Communications Officer of Electoral Reform International Services (ERIS)/ UK.
Nouran Ghannam
Co-Founder, Stllr Network
Nouran Shawkat Ghannam (also known as Nono) is the cofounder of Stllr Network, the next-gen creative platform that combines AI with user-generated content (UGC) to deliver multiple ad variants, driving genuine engagement and boosting ad performance.
She believes the Arab World is entering a new golden era, with Nono advancing prosperity through innovative content and empowering the creator economy.
Ralph Bou Nader
General Manager, General Manager, Arabian Oud International Company
Ralph Bou Nader, a distinguished executive with over 25 years of international experience in General Manager and VP roles at prestigious companies such as L’Oréal and VF Corporation, is a specialist in high-level brand strategy, development, and global sales. Proficient in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, and Italian, he offers a sophisticated intercultural perspective. Ralph directly collaborates with businesses, providing strategic counsel on executive-level strategy, product development, and channel optimization to elevate brand presence. His expertise spans market research, value proposition, brand naming, emotional connection, and consistent communications, showcasing his VP and GM-level proficiency in steering effective brand development and business growth. Beyond sales, his competencies encompass executive-level business development, category management, and adept navigation of diverse markets.
Reham Al Aumary
Chief Operating Officer, TopTalla Holding Ltd.
Reham is a Beauty Tech leader and digital strategist driving digital transformation in the beauty industry. She is the acting COO of توب طلة (TopTalla), an Innovative Digital Platform for the Beauty Industry designed to redefine how beauty professionals and entrepreneurs manage, grow, and scale their businesses in Saudi Arabia. Through advanced digital solutions, smart automation, and seamless connectivity, TopTalla empowers salon owners, beauty experts, and brands to navigate the evolving market with efficiency and innovation.
With a background in Computer Science and expertise in business strategy, market expansion, and technology integration, Reham has worked across diverse sectors, always driven by the goal of making technology more accessible and impactful. Choosing to enter the Beauty Tech space was a deliberate decision—one that allows her to support women entrepreneurs in adapting to the country’s fast-moving digital economy.
As a Syrian-Canadian professional who calls Saudi Arabia home, Reham brings a global perspective while staying deeply connected to the region’s culture and aspirations. Her work aligns with Vision 2030, reflecting the growing role of digital solutions in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.
Sadeqa Mohammed
Consultant - Hospitality Spa & Wellness, Luxury Brands
Sadeqa Mohammed is a highly accomplished hospitality leader with over 14 years of expertise in luxury hotel operations, spa, wellness, and recreation management. Throughout her career, she has successfully led pre-opening initiatives and managed prestigious wellness destinations across Saudi Arabia, consistently driving revenue growth and elevating guest experiences through innovative wellness solutions.
Nominated for Hotelier of the Year in 2023, Sadeqa has played a pivotal role in developing award-winning spa operations, earning multiple prestigious recognitions, including the World Luxury Spa Awards and Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards. Her comprehensive expertise encompasses strategic sales, marketing, and corporate memberships, making her a recognized authority and sought-after speaker within the hospitality, beauty, and wellness industries.
Driven by a passion for the fusion of luxury and well-being, Sadeqa is dedicated to shaping the future of spa and wellness experiences through industry-leading insights and best practices.
Sameh Megrhi
Founder, O My Note
Dr. Sameh Megrhi is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision, with a career spanning over 12 years in advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and statistics. She earned her Ph.D. from Université Paris 13, where she specialized in spatio-temporal descriptors for human action recognition. Her research has been published in renowned journals and conferences, focusing on areas such as image and video indexing, multimedia fusion, and machine learning for human action recognition.
Currently, Dr. Megrhi is working as a Senior Gen AI Product Strategist and Manager, leading the development and strategy, architecture and Target operating models of generative AI products.
In 2020, Dr. Megrhi founded O My Note (OMИ), an innovative application that leverages AI to assist users in selecting perfumes that align with their emotions and preferences. The app analyzes users' moods, memories, and scent preferences through various input methods—such as video, text, or audio—to recommend personalized fragrance recipes from a database of 40,000 products. This approach aims to bridge the gap between consumers' emotional expressions and suitable fragrance choices, offering a personalized and enriching experience.
Sanjay Vadera
MBE – Entrepreneur, CEO, & Philanthropist, The Fragrance Shop
Sanjay Vadera MBE is a renowned entrepreneur and leader in the global beauty and fragrance industry. Born in Uganda, he arrived in the UK as a refugee in 1972, embarking on a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to steering a £250 million enterprise—a testament to his resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Whilst studying Computer Science & Physics, Sanjay founded Per-Scent, elevating it to become one of the UK's largest fragrance distributors, supplying to leading global retailers. In 2008, he took full ownership of The Fragrance Shop, revolutionising it into the UK's largest independent fragrance retailer, with 215 stores and a thriving online presence. Sanjay’s strong partnerships with some of the world’s prestigious fragrance brands have driven innovation and sustainable growth, culminating in the 2023 relocation of the business to a cutting-edge, net-zero carbon headquarters and fulfilment centre in Manchester.
Sanjay is also deeply committed to philanthropy, having raised over £2 million to support children’s charities, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the community.
In recognition of his contributions to international trade, Sanjay was awarded an MBE in 2023 by King Charles.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Sanjay is a devoted family man, fitness enthusiast, and connoisseur of fine food and wine. His expertise in retail, brand-building, and distribution establishes him as a highly respected figure within the beauty industry.
Shari Jafari
Founder, One-Eleven
Shari Jafari is a strategic leader in beauty, wellness, and business expansion. With a proven track record in driving growth for global brands, she has led transformative initiatives at the intersection of technology and skincare.
As Co-Founder of Simon Ourian M.D., Shari integrated AI-driven personalization into skincare, expanding its global reach. She also Co-founded the Beyond Beauty Club, fostering community-driven beauty innovation and scaling its impact significantly across the EU.
Previously, Shari held leadership roles for 17 years at the Estée Lauder Companies, spearheading market growth and strategic brand development. Her tenure, of over a decade, in the Middle East saw her successfully navigate high-growth markets, expanding beauty and wellness brands across the region.
Now based in Zurich, Shari continues to lead international business expansion, focusing on personalization, innovation, and high-performance brand strategies, through her Advisory company, One Eleven.
Soraya Jouzy
Founder, Pearl Tree
Soraya’s passion for clean beauty and appreciate for nature stems from her mother, a keen botanist and her early exposure to natural remedies.
Her appreciation for wellbeing grew out of her long working hours for the Gordon Ramsay group and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts; using her knowledge of essential oils to help reduce stress, low and energy and overcome disrupted sleeping patterns.
Determined to share this knowledge with the Middle East, a region addicted to chemically induced instant results and growing obsession with cosmetic surgery, including within her own peer group, Soraya resigned from her career and found Pearl Tree distribution. Her mission – to help local women lead naturally healthier lives.
Soraya is now recognized as a regional champion for clean beauty, sustainability and holistic wellbeing regularly working with Media, Corporates and Government to help change mindsets and raise awareness across the Middle East.
She is super passionate about each Brand she distributes and loves sharing the beautiful stories of the amazing pioneers behind each of them.
Tara Rose Kidd
Managing Director, Tara Rose Salon
Tara Rose Kidd is a true leader in the hair and beauty industry, with over 20 years of experience working alongside some of the most renowned names in London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Frustrated by the lack of spaces that aligned with her vision and values, Tara took a bold step in 2015 to create her own brand, launching the first Tara Rose salon in Abu Dhabi.
Her journey is not just about building a successful business; it’s about fostering an environment where both clients and staff thrive. In 2021, Tara expanded her mission by founding the Tara Rose Academy, driven by her passion for education and mentorship. She is dedicated to coaching her team towards management and artistic excellence, ensuring that they have the tools to grow in their careers.
As a highly regarded educator in the region, Tara is committed to elevating industry standards. Her latest venture, a cutting-edge salon in Dubai’s Al Quoz district, exemplifies her vision for growth. This innovative space combines a women’s salon, Fratelli Barbershop for men, and a dedicated Academy area, all designed to focus on education and training.
Tara Rose Kidd’s journey is a powerful reminder that with passion, dedication, and a commitment to nurturing talent, we can create spaces that not only succeed but also inspire career growth for everyone involved. Her story encourages us all to pursue our dreams and build a legacy that empowers others along the way.
Tonya Tan Lay Tin
Founder & Business Development Director, World Future Enterprises Pte Ltd
With over three decades of leadership experience in the FMCG, beauty, and lifestyle sectors, Tonya Tan is a visionary CEO who has transformed global brands, scaling them from $1 million to $50 million and expanding their reach from one country to five continents. Her unparalleled expertise in market entry strategies, brand and product management, and business development has earned her the reputation of being a trusted partner to industry leaders worldwide.
Tonya has led ministerial and high-level business delegations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, opening doors for brands to thrive in highly competitive markets. Her strategic insights and ability to connect businesses with the right opportunities have been instrumental in fostering cross-border collaborations.
A distinguished leader, Tonya has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Retail Leaders in Singapore and a Top Womenpreneur in the Middle East. She also serves as a member of the Saudi-Singapore Business Council, reflecting her pivotal role in advancing global trade relations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tonya is a passionate mentor and advocate for nurturing future leaders. Her dedication to fostering innovation and excellence has made her an inspiring figure in business and a catalyst for sustainable growth in the industries she serves.
Valérie Kaminov
Founder & Managing Director, IL Brand Consultancy
Beauty industry veteran Valérie Kaminov’s experience in the world of international cosmetics has led her to develop highly successful collaborations with a global portfolio of beauty and wellness brands. For over 25 years she has been helping businesses establish their name, grow their commercial structure, open new markets and expand their distribution strategy.
Valérie’s innate understanding of luxury beauty is combined with an exceptional industry insight, global market expertise and enviable connections; these valuable assets have resulted in her being a much sought-after consultant for well-known businesses, new start-ups, corporate investors and governmental agencies across a range of different mandates.
Valérie’s impressive track record of successes reflects her extensive knowledge of multiple beauty categories which include haircare, make-up, skincare, fragrances and devices. Her skilful and often innovative approach has been a key part in the transformation of names like REN Skincare, Babor, Penhaligon’s, Orveda and many more. Creativity, individuality and the consumer opportunity are cornerstone qualities she looks for in her brand assessments.
A regular columnist, industry commentator and speaker Valérie brings a global perspective as well as a future-facing focus which saw her be an early champion of increasing the influence of sustainability within the beauty industry.