“Action is the foundational key to all success” Picasso

Many are fueled with ambition, passion and an S that screams “strive” for success or a chance in life. Not fortunate enough to try throwing out what they have with in.

Definitely not the case with the gorgeous Farah Al-Humaidhi. A young, self motivated entrepreneur, has an interest in eye pleasing colors, modernism and a leap towards global recognition.

A few weeks back, she held an exhibition showcasing her take on furniture, titled simply “Pieces”. The demand was great and she had to rebook the place for one more day.

On a personal note, nothing pleases me more than when Kuwaitis use built in gifts, mix and match it with studies, inspiration and finally combined with a lot of personality.

Please click away, have a glimpse at Farah’s work, aim for an inspiration and a change in mind set.

Know Farah more !

Please introduce yourself

I am Farah Najeeb Al Humaidhi & 29 years of age. I did my Bachelor of Interior Design from American University of Sharjah & Master of Business Administration from Kuwait – Maastricht Business School.

My interest has always been in Art & hence the career option. I also love fishing & all kinds of self development activities.

I am basically an entrepreneur with diversified businesses. Amongst them being, Presentation Art which is an Architectural illustration Co. that specializes in Modelling & Animation; Interior Art, my design studio which creates innovative & functional designs which recently launched the new Furniture Line “Pieces by Farah”.

Going back in time, what was your childhood like ?

Ever since my childhood I remember myself owning a drawing board & even a drawing room. My earlier memories revolve around my “artistic” family. I remember wanting to be a dentisit,,, and that reflects my love of details…  I also once wanted to be lawyer, I love to defend people and fight for them.  Today there is nothing I want to change of who I have become.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?

Striving for the best & my focus on attaining my goals has brought me to where I am today. Any Successful person, pursuing his dream is my inspiration.  Art and the detail within it is another inspiration board for me. Right from the moment I ventured into the world of Interior Design, the passion of having my own furniture line accompanied me and it had been an aspiration to create my personal furniture line that reflects a more vibrant style of designing. The launch of “Pieces by Farah” is a dream come true.

Tell me more about pieces by FARAH?

Pieces by Farah, is a concept I wanted to do a very long time ago and only a  year ago did I think about it seriously and started taking the first steps in establishing this line. I wanted to create beautiful looking pieces yet functional at the same time. I wanted to create pieces that made sense.  I really tried to explore each piece’s form and function for them to obtain different purposes than what one would just see. I also wanted to cater to those living in tight spaces, as these pieces become space saving.

I also wanted my pieces to be unique meaning because you can actually custom select the colors and finish and pattern of your selected piece the probability of having more than one completely identical pieces is very low…we have more than 10 options for every finish we use…our line has tables, seating, lighting and home accessories.. and hope full the line will grow in the future to accommodate more essential home furnishing pieces.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

A: When It come to my career My Aim is sky high. I seek to attain International standards not just in my design, my creativeness, my perfection but also by standing out of the norm. I strive to meet the deadlines. As an individual I worry a lot, that also includes my clients, which I consider an asset as it enables me to relate to my clients & their needs. It also makes me care more about myself & my reputation in specific & in general.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them?

Kuwaiti culture or society to my knowledge is not appreciative of designers as consultants to a certain extent. Their understanding is limited to a designer as a contractor & not as a Consultant precisely . The concept of an Interior Designer vs. a Contractor is ambiguous. A design is not only about colors but also adapting space to the function. I could overcome these by explaining it to the Clients. Quality is one factor that distinguishes a contractor from an Interior Designer. As an Interior designer I try to connect the space with ambience & its function, while as a contractor I execute what I have designed.

Your support system?

All I can recall is extreme support from every quarter. Be it family or friends or even the Kuwaiti society. Kuwait is a very small community with common friends, most of them highly intertwined. Being a part of such a group has distinct advantage of being under scrutiny followed by personal support & encouragement.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

Career wise – “Pieces by Farah” to go International.  As for the Design Studio I desire to spread out & not just limited to Middle East but across international borders. Secondly, I want shake off my administrative duties towards the Company & envision a smooth sail without my interference so that I can concentrate more on polishing the creative urge within me.

Throw something for p0ach readers

Never, ever give up on your dream. Even when you hit the dirt road, always try hard to push ahead & move, because momentum lost, is double the work during the next try. If you strive & succeed it is incredible, but if you fail remember it is an Experience.

Contact

Web

Facebook

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Everytime my senses are blessed with artistic exposure, all I think of is sharing that vision with everyone else.

A few months back we were honored to highlight some of Dana Al-Nafisi’s fine jewelry line on p0ach.com – I remember how women in my life were discussing how beautiful her pieces were, intricate, sophisticated, gold platted with  a hint of indian royalty. They urged me to have the beautifully talented Dana on p0ach’s front page. Glad I did.

Humans are wrapped with layers and layers of goodness. Dana may be a fascinating young woman with a beautiful presence, however her soul matches that and more. Inner beauty reaches its maximum level when talent & passion are mixed to serve humanity. She did that with her charitable efforts through the sales of her products.

Thats a small glimpse into Dana’s life.

Please go ahead, have a look at today’s interview, get to know Dana more.

Please introduce yourself Dana ?

Dana Al-Nafisi a young Kuwaiti jewelry designer that launched my collection in 2007.

Late 2009, I completed several courses at Central Saint Martins and the world renowned GIA, The Gemological Institute of America, which aided me to develop skills from experts in the field.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now ?

I have the passion for jewelry since I was little and this passion is growing with me. I’ve  used to design for myself simple daily jewelry pieces and I got really good feedback from family, friends and random people. 2007 I took an immediate decision without planning that I would like to give myself a chance in one of my friends solo expo by displaying my master pieces and the result turned out  good.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

Focusing on introducing an innovative way to view jewelry through  unique and exquisite designs, which elucidate a story line behind each design to suits modern day lifestyle.

I have successfully participated in a number of solo and group exhibitions, where DANA NAFISI was able to personally interact with her customers and provide them with outstanding quality of jewelry, each with a distinctive style.

2011 Events: 

October, 2011. Speaker at Ghalia Club workshop.

October, 2011 Aziza Ya Kuwait Exhibition. Riyadh Four Seasons Hotel.

September, 2011. Eclat De Mode. Paris.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?

I wont say difficulties ,but ill say challenges that I faced during my journey in that field.

Micro managing & putting my hands on every single detail.

Designing ,marketing my business, interacting with event organizers, customers, printers and workshops. As the business is growing and to overcome these challenges I have the ability to delegat and being visionary.

Lets go through your latest projects.

Breast Cancer Awareness: designed a simple jewelry piece to raise funding and help women in Kuwait. Percentage of the sales will be donated to Hayatt Breast Cancer Foundation. Sales are still on.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

Who knows thats the most thrilling part. Looking forward for great opportunities in the that industry.

Throw something for p0ach readers.

Take risks, keep learning “ Educate yourself “, its never to late to find what you love doing and keep following your passion.

Contact & Info:

One of the many places I go to whenever I think of renovation, recreate, overlay and design, I rush to sun city, shuwaikh. I bet most of you do too.

I don’t know if its the location, store size or colors that call me in, but Artecasa is one of those iconic stores you can’t miss. Notorious for its posh and upscale edge, jump right in and it’ll rub on you. Truly beautiful elements aligned together in one space.

Very pleased to have Mr.Ala’a Hayat here, owner of Arte Casa on p0ach.com

“From the very start, Arte Casa has established itself as a renowned retailer, known for its quality, its craftsmanship and its customer service. 

Dreaming of a space synonymous with sleek stylish living, Ala’a Hayat established Arte Casa is 1994.  He wanted to offer classical and trendy products to help create a comfortable and enjoyable personalized space for people in Kuwait.

Today, Arte Casa remains a premier retailer, recognized for its international designer collections, and helped by its expertly edited assortment of wall and floor coverings, sanitary-ware,  wellness products and architectural lighting”

Its very interesting how random, yet important their clients are. A look at some:

• Al-Fanar Complex
• Amiri Diwan
• Bayan Palace
• Kuwait Society For Handicapped
• The Sultan Center
• The Scientific Center
• Seif Palace
• Porsche Showroom
• Al- Sayer
• K.N.P.C Projects
• Al-Awadi Complex

Ofcourse, there is more to read and explore. Have a go on some quick glimpses into Mr.Ala’a's career, his business and future vision.

What inspired you to tap into this sort of work ?

The way this industry (outdoor and indoor tiles, mixers, and sanitary ware) was viewed was that it was more of a need rather than a luxury, and that reflected the suppliers that provided the products for this genre of retail business.  They tried to fill the gaps of that need with out taking into account that not only your “personal space” has to be functional but also beautiful and personalized.  Markets were lacking the idea of a lifestyle area, therefore, I found an opportunity to bring that into the region.

Your store is well known for its posh and edgy items. For those who are not familiar with Arte Casa, can you explain the concept behind it briefly ?

Arte Casa offers more than just finishing materials. By using classical and trendy products, for your entire home, We create a lifestyle, that allows people to enjoy their personalized space.

We provides options for all wall and floor coverings, sanitary ware, architectural lighting, as well as designs that are personalized for each customer’s lifestyle, and individuality.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

We set trends, and we are up to date with the latest international product designs.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?

The difficulties I faced were the imitations; being compared t oa lower quality of imitations, and the only way to overcome them is to be avant guard and to keep changing to the better.

Support system ?

Without the feedback of close ones and their support, it wouldn’t feel satisfactory. They appreciate my work and efforts, that is why the results of ARTE CASA kept going for the better.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

In 5 years, I would like to see ARTE CASA in Riyath and Qatar, and maybe in emerging markets like India.

Throw something for p0ach readers.

Do not give up, work hard, and what ever it is you do, be the best at it.

Every time you are locked in day to day problems, step out and look at them through a macro level, and think of your original passion and goal.

Contact info:

Adress: Sun City Block (B), Shwaikh Industrial Area

Tel: +(965) 24848000

Find them on Facebook & Twitter

Who is Tareq Sultan?

- Well, I am a 31 year old who lives in Kuwait working as a freelancer for the past 3 years or so. I like to have fun with art, be visually entertained, and a big movie and tv fan.

There is definitely more to know and see from Tareq (a.k.a KooKee) on Q8RedFlag. Described as “a brilliant and creative graphic designer”.

check out the full interview HERE

p.s: Q8redFlag, in my view is one of those promising spots that represents the country well. I am very pleased with their approach and overall originality. They have my full support and everything else needed. Congrats on the new layout. Peace and blessings.

A very beautiful day sets upon your gorgeous souls, beyond thrilled and happy to have today’s guest, Chef Danna Al-Tourah to grace the front page of p0ach.com

I always relate people to beautiful natural forms, definitely find Danna a human “Humming Bird” with good reason. Her presence is light, yet heavy and rich in gesture, she personally greets everyone, moves from table to another just like humming birds do from one blooming flower to another. Big energy in a very  cute tiny frame. Gives recommendations, shares a laugh, stays for a while just to make sure all your requests are fulfilled, attended to then gracefully leaves right after.

Being a woman with a light human touch, taking in feedback, being there everyday, thats what makes everything amazing. On top of that, understanding how society works.

Love to catch up with her everytime I visit Tatami. “The way I wrote my answers for you was very straight forward, I don’t know, I felt I was uptight” Danna giggled with her eyes glowing.

I understand how she felt, simply because when you meet her, you comprehend how easy going and casual she is. Here is a little secret, she speaks eye language. HAH! Honestly, a beautiful woman, full of life, has so much to give ahead, witty and knows how to cook. Brilliant.

A bit of Tatmi talk. The way I get down is very simple. Just like mere human beings, if we like what we experience, we go for a merry go round. Delicious food, very light, very healthy, never felt full. Amazing. Also, I remember just like yesterday, how people blew up everybody’s twitter timeline talking about it or asking for a detailed p0ach review. Personally, saw many posts, thought they did a great job.

With that being said, please go ahead and have a look at Danna’s successful career and beautiful, yet short story. Hope her words & energy catch up to you, hopefully push your inspiration buttons !

Dana, please introduce your self.

Danna Al-Tourah.  I am the Executive Chef at Tatami Japanese Restaurant in Kuwait City.  Before becoming a chef, I was an Investment Banker for a few years and decided to change my career. I then moved to New York City for a bit, where I completed the Chef’s Training Program at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health & Culinary Arts.

Childhood flashes?

There are so many.  My brothers and I spent all our time playing outdoors, biking around, playing in parks, I don’t remember us ever sitting still.

As a little girl, I remember mother playing vinyl records in the morning when my father went off to work, it was how we started the day off. And we had lots of pets as kids too, our house wasn’t a quite one!

I also remember how my older brother and I used to always tease our younger brother with these drawn out pranks, poor guy… sorry Hamad!

Please talk about your latest project Tatami ?

I’m so proud of this restaurant, and I’m grateful that I was given an opportunity to work with the guys that put it all together.

I created a menu that features Japanese ingredients used in a contemporary way.  We’ve got something for everyone on the menu; for those that like to keep it simple and light, and for those that are looking for something that’s bolder in flavor.

At Tatami, everything is made from scratch, even our ginger for the sushi is homemade, and we don’t use any MSG, or any other refined or processed ingredients. We’ve also started making our own dough for the dumplings on the menu, the gyozas.

For our customers that want to learn how to make new dishes, we’re doing cooking classes at the restaurant, which are so much fun!

If you don’t mind Share with us some of your shocking or controversial moments of your career?

When I left my job and moved to New York to change my career.  I guess at the time I did it, it seemed shocking to a lot of people.  I knew that I wanted to pursue building a career that would involve a creative interest of mine.  NY is a great place for that, there’s something for everyone there.

I think it’s important that your work is interesting enough to you that you would want to be challenged so that you have the opportunity to continuously develop, it’s healthy. There’s nothing worse than spending your day being indifferent about the work you’re doing, it doesn’t make sense.

Support, family & friends?

My family has been very supportive and encouraging.  My nieces get excited about my work… Hi Fayoona & Samooree!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

This sounds like a 1990’s job interview question!

I’ve never actually sat down and done an interval-based life plan. Off the top of my head though, I hope to have developed a few more restaurants, a food product line, and to have initiated a food education program of some sort.

Throw something for p0ach readers !

Trust your intuition.  Push yourself.  Take a few risks.  Exercise.

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Check His and Hers blog for a set of awesome food pictures.

Interested in Tatami’s interior design, click here.

This friday’s been very kind to me so far. I don’t know about you folks, but I sense things around me and let me just say, this friday is beautiful.

Speaking of beauty, we have the gorgeous, down to earth, glama princess and fashionista, Hala Abu Al Hassan. A fierce social media muse, a wife, blogger and self motivated fashion designer. I may add, funny, outspoken and free spirited.

First met her at Zain’s headquarters for a meeting I had with the boys over there, we exchanged hellos and goodbyes with a formal tone. Her personality really came through when we met again at a big social event a few months ago. We talked about EVERYthing. She now calls me a Janet freak, with good reason though, HAH! We talked about her experience, work, fashion journey, how and where should she pursue her dreams, with a very small recommendation from my side.

Gathered a nice set of pictures from her latest Ramadan-y collection, she states that this collection is different, vibrant and blazes a trend of its own. Cant wait for you guys to see it.

I know many young women who run a business or two. To me, if you have a job, a husband and lord knows what kind of social and personal commitments, and still CREATE a space to do what you love, then you are honestly a live, soulfully. You, my dear, are doing what your soul wants you to do.Many spiritual seekers call it “Spiritual fulfillment”, most people don’t know what that is. Look it up, try to align yourself with whatever makes your dreams come true. Its a truly beautiful achievement.

Hala has it.

Want to know what she has in store for you ?

Read on !

Hala, speak !

My name is Hala Abu Al Hasan , Im 25 years old , Went to Kuwait English school for a good 11 years ( Yes lasted that long without switching) Went to GUST university, majored in MARKETING , I Love psychology my dream was to major or minor in it but unfortunately they didn’t have the major back then, Fashionista  that always get a dose of shop therapy every day , I’m a blogger that loves to blog Guess who? –  and leave the best for last , MUSIC! I live on it,   “ Music is my sanctuary .. Music is my blanket.

Lets go back in time, a bit of childhood flashes ?

All I can say that,I loved to Dance. My favorite dancing songs were a mix of Nabeel  and almost all the songs on Michael Jackson Moon walker movie.  I was naughty I remember when

Guys used to yesalmon 3alay I smile and when Ladies kiss me I cry HAH! I also had a zoo at home from cats to dogs to birds.

I Loved my childhood memories , we used to live in ahmadi in a beautiful house with a beautiful garden with an amazing family so my childhood was a pocket full of good memories!

I wish I can go back in time.

Please talk about your latest project?

I woke up one day and decided I want to do something different for Ramadan this time, I don’t want to do the usual dara’ah cuts , I wanted to combine a dress cut with a dara’ah and this is what I came up with, most of the design’s concept this year is off shoulder, I think it’s perfect for a good summer Tan. *she chuckles* It’s also nice to  shine among the crowd and look different in  “Zwarat o Ghabgat” of family and friends.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now ?

Honestly I inspired myself , No one really gave me the support at first , Now I have the support from my husband (Hubby) 7amdillah.

I had passion for what I do and I believe this is how it works, sometimes you just need to believe in yourself that you can do it , of course support is always nice but if you believe in something do it whether you have support or not.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

The style and the price tags , I’m really against having a style that follows the trend and prices now a days are just ridiculous, I love always coming up with new concepts and ideas even if I know they might not work in this market ,  I love to risk and stay positive, You can tell  from my Ramadan collection I tried to combine a dress with a touch of dara’ah patterned theme which to some is a weird idea – to me, I find it creative.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?

Finding the right place here , I don’t want to open a boutique anywhere just because I have a boutique , I’m taking my time to find “The” Place . One more down fall  is TAILORS .. They really do stress you out when you deal with them sometimes, because ”Time line” doesn’t exist to them and it’s really hard finding a good tailor with perfect finishing here. My ultimate rule is to have perfect quality and finishing in your designs.

If you dont mind Share with us shocking or controversial moments of your career ?

MY WEBSITE Got Hacked, but inshallah were working on a new website coming soon !

Another shocker is when a girl  approached me in one of my exhibitions to buy a sequined gold dress and wanted to add purple green and blue flowers all over it – I went -  WHAT?? AH HELL NO !  If you pay me all the money in  the world I’m not going to give you something tacky under my brand , Sorry.

Your Support system ?

My husband, and My mum always pushed me .. Love you Mama :*

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

A fashion designer that owns a boutique in KUWAIT and LONDON. To become a social media representative for good young fashion designers that need help locally and internationally , I don’t want to stay the rest of my life with strict working hours looking at a laptop half of my life, I want to do something I have passion for which is fashion !

Throw something for p0ach readers !

I have a confession to make , Me and My cousin repeated your Janet Jackson post like 10000 times a day and I decided I want to call you Janet Jackson Freak – She is talking about this video.

Love P0ach , Love his character , Hate Reading but he makes reading FUN, I Read his posts from the first word to the last ( Including pictures of course, hah)   He’s not afraid of saying what he feels whether people like it or not , always being himself and that’s why I am proud to be featured in your blog Abdullah. 

For P0ach readers – Love what you wear and if you don’t get the confidence buzz and feel lusciously good, simply change !

“Hello ? Can I please speak to you ?”

Thats how I approached her, just like that.

I remember I was at the avenues mall presenting a product to the masses here and there. Was really occupied with a lot of things to do, communicating, making sure everything is there, auto smile and every other thing expected to guarantee a successful event.

The day before, I was flipping through favorite clips of mine on youtube. Was going back and forth, laughing hysterically on some of the scenes I came across.

It was some clips from Hanan’s “Jaad oo li3ib” I kept saying “how did she keep a straight face ?” throwing all those remarks, without a script, without anything in hand, just out there, spontaneously. Not to mention correcting vocabulary, accents and the guts to be just bold with an in your face attitude dealing with all those people. Those very interesting people *ahem*

Call it the secret, call it a mystery, call it whatever you want – whenever I am in a state of joy and talk or discuss a topic, traces of it appear the a few days later or the person shows up. Thats exactly what happened with Hanan.

I recall her being extremely polite, down to earth and very friendly in the most loving way imaginable. Not to mention how gorgeous and outstandingly stunning her presence was.

I was showing her the product, explaining stuff, till she went “So wait a minute, you are p0ach and you work in this bank ? how come ?” HAH! I felt I was participating in one of her episodes. We discussed stuff and I immediately told her how big of a fan I was, kept throwing scenes I liked from the show that even she does not recall.

**Hold everything** Do you know she is only 19 ? and will celebrate her 20th birthday nearly 7 days from now, 6th of August. **Okay, resume**

Say what you want, to me, Ramadan will always be the month of love and joy. I could not care less about over produced materials that bring forth nothing but drama, conflict, unrealistic situations, slaps, violence, fake so-called realities, unimaginable vocabulary and manners that are below low.

Hanan’s show and “Saaher AlLail” were productions that I had to see everyday last year. Her bit was nothing but laughter, innocence, random thoughts and an escape from everything else that was on TV. Thats how I honestly feel. I was smiling and enjoying the show from beginning to end, minus the ads.

I urged her to have something this season but she told me she was full with school. Bummer right ? but then again, I’m happy for her, you’ll know why in the interview. Plus, I wish TV networks would adopt her to be something great, real and original for the future. I really do.

Enough of me and what I think, get to know p0ach’s guest even more, you’ll be surprised !

Hanan, please spread the love !
My name is Hanan Jaber, I come from a conservative family, 19 years young, have two sisters and two brothers. I love to cook and am obsessed with shopping – It heals me, as most girls would agree with me *hah* I also Love to read a lot of books, I learned that from my father.

Right now I am studying business Management at AUM university. I have always loved learning new things and I still do.

A TV presenter as you already know and I always make sure I am included in the decision making process of choosing my new program and who to work with.

Let’s go back in time a bit, how were you as a child ?

I have always been a social person, I love making new friends no exceptions. I believe every person has a good and bad side but I always try to see the good in each person and the positive vibe they have. I was really naughty as a child when it comes to jokes and fooling around with friends and family, but nothing really changed ever since.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?
A lot of friends and family inspired me to aim to be the best TV presenter out there. Also, Inspiration came from my general interaction with those who were good people and bad because I was able to learn from their mistakes and my experience overall. I believe I’m too mature for my age. When I was 12 I had a long term vision and always thought of the future and what I wanted to accomplish. I am extremely happy with my accomplishments and I aspire to achieve more, for there are endless inspirations around me each day that help me stay motivated.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

Well, I have always wanted to be a TV presenter and planned this ever since I was a child. I began at a very young age, presenting 8 programs so far working with Kuwait TV, Funoon TV and Al rai TV which enabled me to learn the “tricks of the trade” like they say and gain a lot of experience over the years. I have also presented two radio shows which were a big success on 103,7 Kuwait FM. I also participated in numerous events such as P2BK and Wataniya Loyalty program.

In my opinion there aren’t many competitors out there that started at a young age and were able to host a lot of programs before they hit their 20′s, I am still a teen. Therefore I am one of the very few young TV presenters to hold such a recognizable name in the media industry.

I thank god for that but still, my work isn’t done quite yet.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?

Coming from a conservative family, every one was worried about me presenting at private channels and thought I would just present kids programs at Kuwait TV. But I continued, with other channels on different genres because I really loved the media industry as a whole. I thank god that my family are understanding and supportive of what I do completely and I always take their advice on which show to do and who to work with because I respect their opinions and take them seriously.

“Jad oo li3ib” on funoon was one of my favorite spots in Ramadan to follow. Please share with us your highlight of the show, mine are countless!

Thank you so much, you are too kind !

Well one of the Top highlights was a young man posing as a kuwaity. I dont know if he was joking or being serious but it seemed like he was not kidding around, his name was “mohammed Makbool” and it was probably the viewers favorite highlight of the program because they were sending it on the blackberry messenger service and whats app on the I-Phone, It was really entertaining for me and I could not control my self had to let my laugh out after I asked a question in English about him liking Raspberries when I actually meant Strawberries but was too confused to differentiate the two. I was too occupied laughing out loud to even think about what I was saying.

That was one of the things I really could never forget, but there were many many other situations that were funny and somewhat uncontrollable.

Anything planned for Ramadan or the upcoming period?

Everyone is expecting me to present “jad o le3b, Season 5″ this year but unfortunately I will not be doing so due to the fact that I love change and trying new things. My second reason for not participating in any program are my summer courses and classes, time conflict, you know the drill.

No to mention, that program took a lot of my time and energy. I think right now it is best if I start focusing on my studies and summer courses. As much as I love presenting, it is not my priority, my studies are. Media is more of a hobby and a career for me when I am done with my studies.

Fame and beauty were kind to you, I’m sure you have an incident or two to share, something that made you happy deep with in ?

Abdullah, you are too kind, thats a big complement !

Well It was the 3^rd day of last Ramadan and it was also the 3^rd day of viewing my program “jad o li3b” and I left my aunts house late, actually 30 minuets before prayer time for “fu6oor” and a police officer stopped me.
I was really scared and also worried about being even more late. He was going to giving me a ticket for driving a car that had all the windows super tinted but I was surprised that he said he was a fan of the show and he let me go without a ticket which was nice of him, it wasn’t even my car !

Another situation I was in that I would never forget is being at a restaurant with my friends and this religious looking man looks at me as if he has something to say. I was pretty anxious to hear him out, thought he would advise me on something he thinks im doing wrong but shockingly he was being so nice and actually complementing and encouraging me to do more of my show because he likes it a lot.

Last situation was with a 50-ish year old woman while I was shopping somewhere. All of a sudden she comes up to me and gives me a great big hug and says “thanks for a great show that made us laugh and enjoy our selves during ramathan” which really touched me and made my day. I was really happy that people were able to recognize me but I was shocked of the  number of fans that know me in public and didn’t really know that I was that popular”

How is your support system ?
I get a lot of support from family and friends and I thank god for that each day. Also if it wasn’t for my fans and their encouragements then I would have probably quit a long time ago, that gives me more inspiration to do my best and try harder and hopefully be able to satisfy them.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

I will be 24 years old. Inshalla I will be done with my masters and preparing for my PHD degree in business management and economics. Also hopefully I would be a known business woman and a newlywed !

Throw something for p0ach readers !

Actually 2 years ago, I was reading your blog and interviews and thinking to myself ” I wish I could do something that makes me, my family and my country proud and be featured on P0ach and have my own interview there” I guess my wish came true now and I am so ecstatic for that I have never said that to you but when I saw you in avenues and you told me that you wanted to interview me, I was just speechless so thanks a lot for this opportunity Abdullah.

As for p0ach readers, when you set a goal and try your best to accomplish and reach that goal, nothing, I mean NOTHING will get in your way and eventually if you want it bad enough you will get it.

I would like to thank you again for this opportunity and thank all my fans for the support and I hope p0ach readers will enjoy this as much as I did.

“Ahmad ! Ahmad ! Sheelneee !!” Thats my first memory of ahmad, Want me to Geo-Tag that ?

Switzerland – Montrouex – By the lake – 1989

I remember how sweet he was, always smiling, lifted me up and took me to where the kids were filling their water guns/spraying/running and yes they’d torture each other, I always ran to the big guys to keep my cheeks dry, HAH! (who says that ? seriously p0ach ?) Anyway, thats why I asked Ahmad to lift me up. I loved that golden community of Kuwaiti families, the youth, everybody knew each other, great time, great country. Beautifully sublime.

Thats my very first memory of Ahmad.

Well, interviews are back, people are coming back to the country, back from the heavy heavy vacation load right into a clear blue sky Kuwait, can we say FINALLY ? While we at it, Can I get an AMEN ?

Honestly, I believe this is the right time to bring forth highly talented Kuwaitis who stay behind the scenes, entertain, create and produce what they think will impress us. Ahmad sure did, with a name attached to favorite joints in K-town like  Pizzetta, Burger Hub, Bistro 86 and Prime N Toast, I highly appreciate and admire the beautiful energy and final outcome of what he does. For everybody to go back and forth to what you create, in my opinion, is the biggest praise and THANK YOU to whatever energy you bring to the table.

Sure that as I am finishing this mini intro, you guys are already having a seat in one of his creations, one of his restaurants, having a mighty good time, talking, mingling, asking for your favorite dish while your eyes are wandering everywhere, waiting and anticipating, who’s coming in next ?

I know it, I’ve seen it.

Get to know Ahmad, an entrepreneur, a bit more – You’ll definitely be inspired !

Ahmad, Speak !

My name is Ahmed Khalid Al Bader, a 34 yrs young Kuwaiti who started journey obtaining a bachelor’s degree in B.S. Finance, Minor Marketing at the Suffolk University, and continued my  journey into much training and courses varying from Restaurant Management Diploma, The Essentials Course, Le Cordon Bleu, to the Parisian Bread Certificate and , French Culinary Institute.

Besides being a Chef, I also hold interest in Badminton, languages and cultural exchanges.

I worked for various Organizations like the Gulf Bank, Global Investment House, and the Securities Group, but my aim was to offer upscale casual dining concepts that Kuwait lacks. Now I operate a variety of stores like Izakaya, Prime and Toast, Pizzetta, Wasabi and Butcher’s Den, including Mearmisha. The outlets reveals rave reviews from diners in Kuwait, who seem genuinely impressed with the restaurants’ creative dishes and energetic ambience.

Pizzetta was the first pizza on the grill in the MENA area, flavorful, rustic pizzas with a proprietary crust that is grilled and not baked,

Lets go back in time, what pops up there in your head ?

• Fillet de perches dining with my dad in Villeneuve,  Switzerland
• Room service in “The Rodania hotel” in Crans Montana, specifically the spaghetti bolgnaise and the veal escalope
• The bakery down the road where I lived in  Montreux, Switzerland, the old lady that run it, I use to converse with her based on sign language and modest French phrases  on how she runs her day in the bakery, I use to be 12 years old. I use to gulp a full fresh bread rolls from the oven on my way back to the apartment without my mother knowing.
• And of course the Mille feuille  at the Zurcher Cafe

I lived most of child hood summers in Switzerland, inspired by the artistic gardens and the artisan food.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?

My dad and mom have always been part of who am I now.

My dad culinary lust and owning the kitchen in our day to day lives. His Art work which includes his random portraits, scrap books, funky tools in the kitchen or his home office have always inspired and lead me to the path of being and making a difference towards life and others. He taught me to always give and never take.

My mom’s endless love and generosity towards her siblings. Her strength and wisdom which was the median and support for me to succeed in what ever I have chosen to be my destiny.  She’s the one who made it happen!

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

Our concepts with a contemporary blend of international cuisine, in a relaxed, humble, warm environment with friendly, attentive service, which offers fresh and a wide palette of unique and innovative dishes.

Today, your name is attached to different restaurants like Pizzetta, Burger Hub, Bistro 86 and Prime N Toast – How do you create all these different menus – who’s your muse ?

Traveling have been always been my muse. I do research a lot in eating habits, culinary history, cooking resources etc……

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?

Every day there is a new obstacle, as a person evolves in how to deal and overcome these obstacles, and the main result is a better “you”

Prime and Toast is up 24 hours non-stop. I think its a GREAT idea. That statement in your mind that said “Yes, I want it to be open 24/7 ! ” how was that statement created?

We lack good food joints in Kuwait that opens 24hrs, its everywhere in the world so why not do it in Kuwait. Personally speaking I am a McD cheeseburger fan !

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

Opening more restaurants.

Throw something for p0ach readers !

Think blue!

p0ach dear readers know how much I appreciate people who are gifted, beautiful inside – out and are just plain down to earth.

Today’s guest is a beautiful, 27 summers young mother of two with a career that reached international new grounds before its even done yet.

I had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with her in her glass/all white/ splash of black office at AlHamra HQ – while I was being dominated by a futuristic metal/glass/mirror/granite material outside by the reception right before her office. I felt like I was on board of The Visitors mothership. Minus the feel good smell of coffee surrounding us.

I must say that her french household name set of wisely chosen accessories and her semi indian beauty fused with arabian elegance blew me away. Professionally speaking. Then again, her wit takes her higher in my book, she became soulfully human.

The reason we met is because she wanted to tell me all I needed to know about AL-Hamra, with usual suspects like who – what – why – where and HOW. The designers/firm who built this building are international pioneers – Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. They create nothing but the best and have already received awards on this particular building. Please click on the link provided to go through their body of work, then revert back here in appreciation of what we have right here in the heart of Kuwait.

Dana showcased nearly everything to me from A-Z in a mini presentation covering everything followed by a grand tour all the way till the top of the building. Dont believe me ? HERE !

See that ? now thats how high I was. Literally. Oh and see how small that COBRA is ? *side note* why do the lovely peeps of this country love to give everything a name ? why do you call it a cobra ? AAH! – Well, your cobra now is a lizard, happy now ? I wonder what you’ll call our first ever sky scraper, El yanna ? *snap*

- Back to the future -

I already have favorite spots and ideas she threw my way like the SKY LOUNGE and the brand new AlHamra cinema – I was thinking of you readers, I was thinking of the places i’ll see you at, talking, socializing and throwing nasty remarks on the latest trends you saw at p0ach, Ansam and ilsula6an, yes ?

Honestly though, I love that ALHAMRA will have its own line of movies. Meaning, the movies you’ll see there are not the same everywhere else in Kuwait – this is the same chain you run to in Dubai minus the 30 mins cut/paste job done locally *ahem*

In other words, think UK – think Odeon and VUE – both have awesome movies, yet both are completely different. *we there yet ? I think we are*

You have to understand that Dana is the face of Al Hamra today. Its easy throwing words when you describe someone, however, please invest some time and think of her as a woman who meets people nearly everyday, making business, managing, presenting, arranging PR sessions and making sure every point is well recived from the other party.

I congratulate you and I am beyond honored to have you on my humble grounds. Positively sure you’ll inspire all my female readers and challenge those boys to come steps closer to where you are today.

We talked about everything, she knows my secrets & Im glad to call her a friend.

Please read on and fix your eyes on the beautiful pictures Dana shared with us all !

CLICK CLICK

Dana, please blow us away !

My Name is Dana Faisal Madouh I am 27 yrs old and I work as the PR executive in Al Hamra Real Estate Company , the Developer of Al Hamra Project the 1^st Kuwaiti Skyscraper.

Khalil Al-Hamar is young entrepreneur founder/owner of Edges Company and Q8path blog. Born in February 1990 (21 years young). Earned his Diploma – Business Management in Australian College of Kuwait and on his way finishing his B.A Degree. Interested in graphical design, web development, information technology, networking and swimming.

Khalil has won different exhibitions and competitions in graphical designing. In one of the popular competitions organized by Cinescape, Khalil was certified with the top 10 winners.

Abdullah sat down with the shy web developer for a short one on one interview.

Childhood flashes ?
In my childhood, I brought my first Acer Laptop when I was 7 years old, which is my interest and represented my future goals. I joined the Scientific Club for one year to be educated in computer science hardware and software. Mostly, I’ve learnt about computing through daily life experience and reading books.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?
The difference is that we deliver high quality, cost effective, reliable, result-oriented multimedia and web solutions for global customers. In addition, to provide unique services in the market such as the iPhone apps which this service is getting more popular in the Kuwaiti smart-phone market.

Who have you collaborated with – your clients ?
We have developed and designed different projects, you can find out our portfolio online. Here are a few names:

- Kuwait Towers Project (Kuwait Touristic Enterprises Company)

-  Small to big (Pink Coffee & VIVA)

- Mutubtub

- Dr.Peter Bullock.

- Aymstrong

- Bayt Abdullah

Your Support System?
In the beginning of building my business I’ve got a full support from my parents to start-up. In the mid of the business, I had a support from my friends and professors in college. Most of the support are the strategies and feedbacks to change in the business to get into the right path.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

From now till 5 years, I see myself finishing my education, searching for a career that adds up value to my experience and expand my business in Kuwait and the Middle East. My future goal is to open my personal holding group co.

Finally, Thank you p0ach for your supporting me and my business with this interview.

Contact
Website
Email: info@edges-kw.com – khalil.alhamar@edges-kw.com
Tel:

One of the main reasons why I love doing what I do is the fact that I get exposed to people from all walks of life.

The graceful and highly talented Ms.Dana Al-Otaibi is a breath of fresh air. Sits on the throne of PINK COFFEE marketing and PR company as a partner and operational manager, only 23 years young.

I met her twice, I remember one day when I went to their head office she held the iPad (back when it first came out) and was so proud of it, she and Shamlan gave me a semi-walk through on the intricate and different levels of sophistication the iPad had. I remember how nice and kind she was to me. She even gave me the iPad to try which pissed Shamlan off, HAH! I love them both, dearly.

Honestly though, for DANA to be involved in programs like The Proteges, Mtubtub and everything else PINK COFFEE does is a form of beauty. Why do I say that ? Because I sincerely believe that camps that raise awareness, entrepreneurship, health, well being and a BIG chunk of value back to the country do not succeed unless people running it are Philanthropists. To me, thats the highest form of beauty ever in existence. Then again you’ll explore her different talents as you read on. Not to mention she owns sole copyrights to a smile that heals all.

I hope her presence here will help nagging men and women who doubt our youth, stating through sharp, cutting edge facts, that those who can help, inspire, be there and uplift us with their energy, physically EXIST. Miss Knowles was never wrong with her latest effort “Girls Who Run The World” Women and young ladies like Dana are definitely a main inspiration.

I love the direction of Pink Coffee and will always be one of the main supporters if they allow me. One look at that mashed up piece of art you have up there says everything.

Dana is part of this creation.

Get to know her more …

Dana, Speak !

My name is Dana M. Al Otaibi, am 23 years young. I graduated from KU College of petroleum and engineering majored in industrial and management system engineering. Currently I’m a partner and the operation manager in Pink Coffee Marketing and PR.

Earlier years, any flash backs that come to mind?

I consider my early years normal and as typical as it could be, living a normal life like any other Kuwaiti girl having fights with my sister on daily basis on silly stuff but also I remember the good times when I started horse riding.

I’ve gained a lot of patience and calmness from horse riding and it was my escapism from all surrounding life issues. Another highlight of my childhood is being forced to have piano and French lessons, it was a painful experience, I used to cry after each lesson all because I haven’t felt passionate about doing it. But one day I decided to force myself into learning and exploring it to prove to myself that I can do it and that all the difficulties are only in my head. Till alhemdela I mastered it. Today I can play anything I hear.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?

The way I’ve been taught in my early days was to be independent and as the eldest child in my family I’ve always been the person my mother and father depend on. Lately I’ve been inspired by Mr. Shamlan Al Bahar. Who encouraged me to start a company immediately after graduation which was a very difficult decision at the time but as they say our life is all about the journey we take not the destination we reach, and I’ve decided to take a different path in life after graduation.

What differs PINK COFFEE from the rest of the competition out there?

Pink Coffee is considered one of the most growing PR & Marketing companies in Kuwait for many reasons. I would like to share a couple of them with you.

First, the main asset in Pink Coffee which is” People” . We tend to create the closest to perfect environment where employee and employer relation diluted to represent one soul one spirit one team that can best achieve our goal which is our slogan also “ Create the nonexistent”.

Another important aspect of Pink Coffee is Client Relation. We don’t work with them at a corporate level however we go deeper than this, we share the best interest of their products along with them. We tend to give advises even if it will negatively impact us on the short term, however a trustworthy long term relation is what we seek.

We have received a lot of valuable testimonials from clients of ours telling us about how our ideas have significantly pushed them closer to their objectives. Thats what we’re proud of.

A key difference that set Pink Coffee apart from other companies is that we have 2 divisions under our umbrella 1- Pink Coffee PR and Marketing 2- Pink Coffee initiatives

In PinkCoffee PR & Marketing we are working hand in hand with our clients to help them reach their goals. While in PinkCoffee initiatives we are creating new concepts and ideas. That goes from scratch to physical creation and operation. That gives pink coffee a sophisticated edge.

You can know more about PinkCoffee through our WEBSITE.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?

Difficulties are there every day specially when we first started. It was a new market to me, I wasn’t  even majored in marketing, I had no basic knowledge on how the business is running but working hard along the side with Mr. Shamlan Al bahar whos an expert in the field, made it worth the try.

We were the only two employees in the company, worked for more than 12 hours a day. Part of the time spent operating the business, meeting client, planning, and also educating ourselves in all marketing aspect to give ourselves an edge on marketing and branding.

Coming from an engineering background I’ve never thought I would do accounting entries. And I did! Everything seemed to be impossible at beginning but once you actually start doing it, It’s really simple and get easier by time.

Please talk about your latest project?

We’re currently preparing for the Proteges second generation which will start in june. for more info www.theproteges.org p0ach I know you are a great supporter of the program so thank you for that !

If you don’t mind, Share with us shocking or controversial moments of your career?

Every day we come across so many incidents, an outsider may think it’ll kill us. They may be right, but only if we were weak. We had the courage to keep looking at our big pictures, never divert from our path. We are only human and it’s a right to make mistakes and have our shares of other people’s mistakes also.

I remember one incident when we’v been backed by only one sponsor for our project and one week before launching this product they called us saying “sorry guys we can not sponsor you due to budget issues” . We had two choices then. It’s either we breakdown, live in misery, close down the project Or we work harder finding ways of making it happen.

Life is full of obstacles, there’s no formula or a definitive road to success but facing obstacles and getting through each issue one by one.I guess you know which path we took.

The path that made protégés exist and become a huge success today.

How was your support system like ?

At the beginning, being different, having a different start than the majority of your friends is not something that will let them clap for you. If it would, they would have joined you instead. For that many ,of my friends and colleagues seemed worried about my future because I didn’t had a clear career path. My decision involved a lot of risk and up ‘n’ down moments. But thankfully many of them now are appreciating my decision and admitting they didn’t believe in me then. Now its different, completely different.

I am very thankful for having my family, very understanding, I think its because my parents too started their careers from scratch. Which motivated me the most.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

In 5 years time. I want to see PinkCoffee a well-known player in the world of marketing and branding sector.

Throw something for p0ach readers !

Trying to do something from scratch is hard, really hard. But when you see the result it will make you the happiest person in the world. Being an entrepreneur, working for your own will make you wake up every morning with a big smile in your face. Failure, stress and pressure are hard but when you know your doing something you love, its is the best feeling ever.

I’v always wanted to interview the people behind Ekelni.com , for some reason I though i’d delay contacting them till they’r all done and settled. They came a long way and im very happy with their over all results.

Its very important to go through what Mr.Hamed had to say about his latest successful venture into the world of E-Commerce. I am sure and confident you’ll find what he brought to the table very enlightening and has lots of hard hitting lessons. Some elements may sound too academic, but if you want to make it, dip in, these thoughts, specially from someone who shares regional backgrounds like you dear readers. I advice you to take your time and squeeze all the juices out.

With that being said, I must say that my dear guest was extremely cooperative, down to earth and very giving, you’ll observe that while reading. It does not hurt being ambitious with realistic future goals like seeing your company’s name in one of the GCC’s stock markets, this is his wish. Well, why not ? when you have a succesful model to build upon like Ekelni.com !

Get to know Hamed a bit more then dive more into Ekelni’s creative creation.

Hamed Yousef Al-Rushaid Al-Bader, 27 year-old, graduated in 2006 from the Marketing Department, College of Business Administration, in Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). Hamed is currently continuing his studies in GUST too aiming to gain his M.B.A degree.

From 2007 to 2010, Hamed worked as a portfolio and funds manager at Athman Investment Company. Currently, Hamed is focusing on his private business ownerships that vary from e-business, real estate, and stock market.

Hamed is very much interested in the areas of economics and finance that led him to focus on a very large number of short courses in these fields, specifically modern ones, such as e-business.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?

I have been aware of e-business since the day I graduated from GUST in 2006 and focused on studying e-businesses within the region. I acknowledged the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of these e-businesses and visualized the potential for some of them. Therefore, because I thought I can be of an added value to any new e-project, I made myself open and searched for an opportunity to begin.

I have realized that e-businesses run differently. They are basically not like other real-life businesses, and all their financial figures, plans, strategies, and forecasts are ruled in a different manner. What simply inspired me is that such e-projects require less capital and their returns are much higher than other typical businesses.

Eventually, I was contacted by a close friend, Abdullah Salim Al-Salloum, regarding a new e-project called Ekelni.

Ekelni is basically a web system that allows users to order food online using different channels such as computers, mobile and media devices. I did not hesitate to be part of this project and had a fair share in it.

As Ekelni founders, we have focused on doing everything from scratch, internally. We did not hire any expertise to achieve what we have achieved today. Our team is specialized in all areas that are needed to raise Ekelni.com to the extreme level of efficiency, from programming to e-managerial decision-making to marketing.

Doing everything from scratch was what inspired me and made me realize that success does not come by itself, but I must go for it.

What differentiates you from the rest of the competition out there?

First of all, everybody knows that any business will not last if it does not have a competitive edge. Therefore, we have considered many things such as the following:

1. Typical Figure: Spend more on fixed assets, rather than variable ones. We could have created a simple web system that gets orders from customers and assign employees to do the rest. This can cause a limitation to our expansion, and a heavy operational cost. Therefore, we focused on investing heavily on our web system to eliminate the expansion limitation, and to reduce our operational cost as we ensured everything is automated. That is why our prices are low compared to our competitors.

2. Portability: Today, Ekelni can be accessed from almost all devices around the world such as computers, smartphones, and media devices.

3. Media! Because of the success achieved by Ekelni startup, Alwatan newspaper and TV have reached us to do a semi-partnership. They believed such partnership can satisfy a mutual interest, so did we! Today, any restaurant joins Ekelni can have the public exposure based on the partnership between Ekelni and Alwatan.

4. Because our system is almost fully automated, we operate 24/7.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them?

Although Ekelni is doing much better than expected, two primary difficulties were faced since startup:

1. Absence of E-Business Legislations in Kuwait: Everybody noticed that Kuwait is around 10 years late than the west in the field of e-business. And of course, there are issues rising every day within our operations. Some of them cannot be handled due to the absence of e-business law in Kuwait. One of these issues is the exclusivity terms in the contracts of our competitors.

We have been contacted by many restaurants that are interested to join Ekelni, but they cannot because they are currently vendors in some of our competitor. They could simply move to us, which might cost them the number of daily orders from that competitor in addition to the amount of yearly subscription they have paid. Or they might remain on that competitorís web system and lose the opportunity cost the exposure and benefit they will get from Ekelni.com.

At the end, the only party benefited from these terms is that competitor by trying to eliminate all its competitors. Restaurants can react, but that competitor is strong enough because it had enough time to grow. This way, although it has a high pricing mechanism, all restaurants are engaged to either benefit from this competitor or nowhere else.

We are currently overcoming this issue by creating a union of restaurants who are currently vendors in our competitors and aiming to eliminate the exclusivity terms from their contracts. All parties in this union commit to its board decision and accept it. The union aims to be stronger than Ekelni and its competitors to set an agreed standard for online food ordering in Kuwait.

2. Absence of Modern Business Thinking: Most restaurant owners lack the modern business thinking. They believe that revenue channels do not change, or distributed during time. Unless a restaurant comes to you and is interested in joining Ekelni, convincing it to join Ekelni is a bit difficult. Our e-business is modern somehow and typical regional restaurants are not that modern and, accordingly, you may not find a thinking intersection between the two paths of these businesses. Using presentations and discussions might help, but who is going to give you a chance to elaborate this unless they are a bit interested. Such issue should be gone through time and we have not decided whether to make it faster or not.

Your support system ?

I have been supported by my family of course. Some close friends even appreciated Abdullah Salim Al-Salloumís idea and became part of Ekelni too. But the public still needs time to acknowledge the importance and the benefit can be gained from e-businesses.

Currently, I see Kuwaiti people investing on e-businesses because it is within my field. But it is difficult to have it seen publically, not even five years later.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I believe Ekelni.com will be one of the first e-businesses that are listed in one of the GCC stock markets.

Throw something for p0ach readers !

Success is a hundred-step path, your idea is worth a step, and your commitment is worth the other ninety-nine. Everyone has a talent in some field, search for your appropriate field and focus on it. When you focus on that field, you will not cover it all until you reach its borders and start having unsolved problems ñ here the one-step idea comes up ñ and the rest of your life is the other ninety-nine.

Thank you p0ach for this interview!

Watch the team’s interview on Alwatan TV:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ekelni’s first TV commercial:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Contact:

iPhone App link

Website: http://www.ekelni.com

E-mail: info@ekelni.com

A magnificent spirit shines upon you’re beautiful eyes today, the highly talented and down to earth artistic muse, Ms.Manayer Al-Sharekh.

She has an event thats coming up TODAY (27th March, 2011) showcasing contemporary Arab artists. It’s going to be at the FA Gallery (Next to Amiri Hospital) from 7:00 to 9:00pm.

What I like about her project/vision is how much she understands that artistic potential does exist in the country for those who are unable or lack communication with people in high places. She wants to make small dreams happen, educate the masses and in my opinion she wants to be the hope/voice and light for those who are in the dark.

I think that Art is one of the most beautiful exists away from reality. Whatever it is and whoever you are, if you can apply art in your life to communicate a message thats lingering in your head, you’ll be free.

Cant wait for you guys to get to know Manayer and explore her success story.

Make sure you check out her event tomorrow, she’ll be there !

Manayer, Speak !
My name is Manayer AlSharekh, I’m 27 years old, and my Blackberry is my lifeline. I’ve always liked creativity as whole from a very young age, from art to music to even poetry and advertising. My dad’s been a patron of the arts since as long as I can remember so I guess I just inherited that. I went to school at Central Saint Martins and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art & Design in London but when I graduated I couldn’t pursue a career in Art and went to work at an investment company. There I decided to get my post-grad in business so I can be better equipped to make money with my Art Degree. I got my MSc. in Technology Entrepreneurship from UCL which is a joint program with LBS where I studied the business part of my program as an MBA student. I wanted to start ARTSHARKS on my own without any help from my family so I asked them to give me my MSc graduation gift in cash (whatever they were gonna get me – even iTunes gift cards) I used that as a startup capital.

What are your childhood flashes ?
After the liberation in ’91, my brother Abdullah and I found ourselves in the middle of a minefield with him a good 10 meters ahead of me. Thankfully, he had his new “Nike Air” shoes on and he backtracked his footsteps to where I was and gave me a piggy-back ride back to safety. So now we always say “Nike saved my life”

Who is your inspiration in life?
My mother. I know it might seem cliche but it’s true. She has always pushed me to do better, didn’t take no for an answer and always led by example.
She is an amazing woman oo Allah ikhaleelna iyaha.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?
I believe that my concept in new and unparalleled. We are not an Art Gallery, and we are not Art Brokers. We are an ARTHouse that support only aspiring/budding artists. People who don’t have the clout (was6a aw ma3arif) to ‘make it’. We want to ‘Bridge the Art Gap’. We want to show people who say ‘ana moo mal Art’ that Art isn’t just for the elite or connoisseurs, that you can have Art in your lives for mere aesthetic purposes.

You have a big event coming up, can you please tell us about it ?
On Sunday, March 27, we’re going to have our first exhibition showcasing some of our Contemporary Arab Artists. It’s going to be at The FA Gallery (Next to Amiri Hospital) at from 7:00 to 9:00pm. We’re also going to be selling the first edition of our book “The ARTSHARKS Blog”.

Whats your support system like ?
I am very blessed with a family that does not just include my relatives. My friends and family have been very supportive and encouraging from day one. They have given me advice, helped me out, gave me ideas, and told me to stop messing around whenever I got lazy. I would, however, like to take this opportunity thank my parents, siblings – Fahad, Anoud, and Abdullah, and the love of our lives Jude for believing in me and my idea. Without them I would be nowhere.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?
In 5 years InshaAllah I hope to see The ARTSHARKS ARTHouse a reality in all it’s aspects. I would like to have a base where we can support artists through studio workspaces, facilities, and workshops where they can add skill to their talent through trained professionals.

Throw something for p0ach readers!
I live by two mottos in life: “the Sky’s the limit” and “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”.
Whenever you think you’ve failed at something and can’t go any further, think of it as “now you know what to avoid and can do it better”.
Never give up on your dream, there’s always a way to make it work.

“I awaken people, Abdullah, that’s what I do, I awaken people”

That’s the phrase that caught my attention.

That’s what I am interested in, awakening. I guess readers are pretty familiar with how much im attached to Mr. Eckhart Tolle’s message in awakening earthlings. Spiritually, that’s what Eckhart Tolle does. He awakened me for sure.

Mr.Ahmad Al-Mutawa aims to awaken those with potential, passion and fire within them, those who want to make and do things out of themselves, but lack the “know how” guide.

He aims to bring out the entrepreneur in you, show you what you are capable of, the power and greatness in you, unleashed.

I loved how we sat down, went to “vent mode” talked about everything and anything, I even got my thoughts analyzed by Ahmed, which felt great. He’s very open, extremely honest and simple. He has a message,

In my humble opinion, I found him doing a job that cannot be executed by many. I think he knocks out and completely eliminates the voices in the head that scream “You can’t do it, you are not good enough, you will fail”, he’s been successful so far.

I don’t want to ruin fun and successful stories you’ll go through below

Get to know Ahmad

Ahmad, please introduce yourself.
My name is Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Mutawa and I am 28 years old. I have gathered interest in playing American Football, Sports, Rifle Shooting, Horse Riding, Photography. I have degree from the University of Southern California (USC) located in Downtown Los Angeles and doubled major in Engineering and Business Administration (with emphasis Business Communication). Currently running my family business, Al-Mutawa Consulting Group (ACG), which has three subsidiaries and one of them is MUBAADER Enterprises. I also provide seminar and workshops, free talk, public speaking events in entrepreneurship for small business owners. At the same coin, I consult business owners and provide packages and per hour consultation depends on the need of the small and medium businesses in Kuwait/region.

Your childhood, give us a glimpse of it.
A Main childhood flash and dream is that I ve always liked to do something that offer an impact on people’s lives (Since the very early stages and unconsciously). So, I challenged myself to grow and adapt to other cultures, languages and learn as much as I can to materialize my skills into life-long chains of success. I realized that staying in Kuwait earlier won’t allow for diverse types of experiences and exposures and this was the beginning of my journey. One lesson I learned at the minute is to never stop taking risks and in this remain the secret of learning languages and being adaptive. Childhood to me was divided into three periods: Kuwait, Spain and U.S.A. while I was 8 and in Spain, I remember waking up one day watching some huge artillery and helicopters moving around Kuwait on SkyNews and was asking my father: I want to buy one of those when I come back to Kuwait. Another flash was during my elementary school; where one of my teachers stopped me once and whispered something into my ears that I didn’t understand back then. The word she whispered was “Ambitious”

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?
I have many in different areas. First of, my Father! Even though I haven’t seen him for almost half of my life due to spending it outside of Kuwait, he has the passion for what he does. Wisdom, knowledge, and drive are some words I can describe my parents with. Some Names are popping up now: Guy Kawasaki as one of the top creative minds out there ontop of being a Macintosh evangelist who I learned from and Steve Jobs as an innovator that I look up for. Randomness and names: Ghazali, Almutanabi, Hamza Yusuf, Toni Robbins, S. R.Covey, P.F. Drucker, G. Kuoyozaki, J. Budd

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?
My firm has been supporting entrepreneurs in so many levels on top of the businesses am running that complimenting the daily need of running a startup in Kuwait market. I am running based on innovation and entrepreneurship which means that there is always improvising, innovating, adapting and growing as core principle of what I do. To me, an entrepreneur is a passionate visionary who doesn’t take a no for an answer to his dream that he want to live.

In 2007, I launched a group called “Kuwait Entrepreneurs” based on a quote I wrote contemplating about the awakening moments and origin of change in someone’s life, having my life to be on the verge of that change from an employee to an entrepreneur and after writing it down, everything changed. Here is the quote for you to draw on the map of your mind:

“Entrepreneurship comes with a vision, a vision comes with passion, passion comes from heart, heart comes with patience, patience is bridged with will, will result in action, action will be associated with risk, risk will allow for an opportunity, opportunity opens recreation, recreation surfaces innovation, innovation will be initiated with creativity, creativity sourced from ideas, ideas are driven from passion, passion flow from heart, heart will progress the vision, vision will flourish entrepreneurship” – Ahmad Al-Mutawa.

Can you please tell us about MUBAADER Enterprises and the meaning and values you are inserting here in the Kuwaiti Market?
MUBAADER Enterprises is the center for all-in-one solutions complimenting all entrepreneurs (Mubaadereens) in Kuwait market. Through my connection with more than 3700 members and entrepreneurs in Kuwait Market through my social networking activities, I was able to archive those list and connect them together. Kuwait Entrepreneurs Group now remains the 1st and biggest online group in Kuwait that has gathered (Mubaadereens) and their websites with one another while having each and everyone able to grow their businesses in parallel direction. With MUBAADER Enterprises, this need is primarily met through aligning our vision with our client’s vision. By providing the Mubaadereen with all the services they require such as investor connectivity, innovative marketing solutions, social media enhancement, financial guidance package, business planning, consultation packages, marketing strategies and business model creation, we are establishing a consulting hub for our beloved country. In MUBAADER Enterprises, you will be able to also showcase your portfolio and any other relative information of your business (service and product). The website is coming soon as it is in the development stages right now but we have launched our social media campaign as a lean business with more than 2500 fans within less than 2 months from launching.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them?
The #1 difficulty was coming back to Kuwait after spending almost half of my life in California, Spain and Dubai. This was a challenge to me especially that I was given the chance to live a very upscale and unique lifestyle out there during the very BOOM of the city Dubai in 2005 and LA in 2000-2005 before the economic crises. But, I realized that this is it for me as “Ghurba” and I must return to my beloved homeland and really make things work the way I envision them spending those years there. So, I started a group called “Kuwait Entrepreneurs” and in it I started establishing my first few connections and facilitate free talks and certified trainings. I then built a family firm ACG where I structured the organization to grow in a direction that I envision for the next five years. All those decisions weren’t easy to take but with god blessings and guidance and family support and friends, things started brighten up along and the doors of opportunities opened up while on the go. Am happy and in-love with what I do and that’s all that matter these days. To have a passion for what you do. Lesson learned here is this: If you want to succeed, you must FALL in love with what you do. If you don’t, never expect SUCCESS to be delivered to you on a plate of gold.

If you don’t mind Share with us some of your achievements or awakening moments of your career?
To build a network that has highly selective entrepreneurs from scratch on a belief that Kuwait can and will is something I feel very strongly about. But to do it over and over again with other means is an achievement. The awakening moment that I have is when I realized the quote that I wrote above about entrepreneurship and change in someone’s life because I do, deep down, believe that everyone of us can reach out to their highest potential if they do what they are really passionate about because passion is from heart and there is no way someone can break this relationship with our passion by trying to say negative things to us. The passion will immediately repulse and return you to your original state of mind for what you love to do.

Your support system, did it help you ?
Definitely !! My family played a major role into my success and what I have accomplished the past few years of my life. Family and friends is the root for success in anything in life. I believe that you need to stand up by and for yourself first for others to stand behind and with you including your friends. Because the source of leadership is having those principles that abide our characters and be who we are and allow us to stand out from the crowd. I have some great positive energy around me right now such as my Project Coordinator, Sebecha Alfzai, Faith Alfahad as PR, and Creative Director & the creative artist behind the establishment of my company logo, Hamad to name few. Also, am currently establishing a great connection with architect, Interior Artist & Engineer, Farah Alhumaidi as she has the drive and passion to what she is doing and part of MUBAADER team. . Also, a special one to my my parents and my twin brother, the MED Dr. Mohammad Al-Mutawa and his wife Zaina who are currently in Canada completing his Post Dr.!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
On a personal level: Owning a house in Kuwait and another in Westwood, LA and married with someone I admire and care about. On an Entrepreneurial level: Support the young, positive and fresh energy in fostering an entrepreneurial hub in Kuwait and expand to GCC and MENASA region after. On Professional level: To never stop developing, learning and to give a 120% of everything I come across even if I have to work on weekend nights!

Throw something for p0ach readers!
The only expectation I have being an entrepreneur is to work as hard as I can and for as long as it takes to achieve the goals that are getting bigger and harder to achieve every single day. I learned the past few years running my own business, that as long as your passion is in your heart and as long as your skill is within your hand, then you are an unstoppable force of success ☺

Thanks for the interview Abdullah and great to discover your “awakening” moments at the Burj ☺

My 2 cents of advice for those who are into establishing their small business and be their own boss is:
To Never let your EMOTIONS control your ACTIONS
To Never let your FEELINGS control your mind.
To Never let your action become FASTER than your thinking
To Never allow anyone to TELL you what to do if you have the freedom of choice
To Always LOOK beyond no matter what happensTo have a vision, plan, and ACTION following it.

Contact:
MUBAADER
Facebook Page
Twitter
Address: 8th Floor, Abeer Tower, Jaber Al-Mubarak St.
Across from new Alhamra Tower, Sharq, Kuwait
Email
Mobile: +965 55990313
Office: +965 22498598

I love books, I love to read and I definitely would LOVE to meet the authors of my favorite books. Its always special to get to sit down with an author, hear his take on something you interpreted from his own words. Its fascinating actually and a very rare experience. To me at least.

Im very pleased to have the kind and talented author Mr.Hamad AlZemami as a guest on p0ach.com

His latest effort, Tarateel, shot to #1 on local charts, critics fell in love with it and sales went pretty well.

This single, 25 years young author, Mr.Hamad was kind enough to share lots of insights into his personal, future perspectives, success story and his philosophy in life.

Try and get to know him yourselves a bit better.

Meet Hamad

Hamad, Speak.
My name is Hamad Bader AlZemami, I’m 25 years of age, a graduate of the Australian College of Kuwait as well as the American University of Kuwait, majoring in Business Management. I currently work at EQUATE as a Human Resources officer.
As for my preferred hobbies, I love reading, traveling, and listening to music. As for writing, it’s my biggest passion. I’m also interested in social & cultural matters, as well as social activities & getting involved in experiences that can add value to my
life. As a person, I try extremely hard to be ahead of my age, to accomplish, and to give more to this world.

What was your childhood like ?
A person’s childhood is often one of the best stages in his or her life because it is one of the purest. My childhood is one of the main reasons to where I am now. I was raised to be someone who can be admired; I think that all parents see their children in that light, but the significant difference in this situation is how each person looks at him/herself and how they deal with it even as a child.
One of the things that my mother once told me was that my speech started at a later age. I used to be a very quiet child and spent most of my time absorbing my surroundings; everything amazed me.

My childhood was more or less filled with the usual innocent mischief, as I was the eldest and only boy in a family of three sisters, which is a fact that has played a big role in the way I was raised.

My grandfather, Khaled AlZemami, is one person with whom I share a very special bond. I derive my strength from the way he helped raise me; he reminds me that I should be strong and patient when the going gets tough. While I was thinking of answers to these interview questions, I recalled the first poem I had written which was dedicated to my grandfather. It was under the title “Al Noukhetha” and I was around twelve years old when I wrote it, and it pleased him so much that he still holds on to it to this day.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?
I was inspired & motivated in more than one way. I believe that the more important factor is my ambition to aim high, which is something that demands a lot of hard work & creativity. My main goal in life is to try to make this world a better place. This is my approach to life and you may glimpse that in my writing, which always encircles three main topics: our love, our nation, our humanity.
The encounters that I have been through, whether good or bad, have all played a role in creating my personality, till I was convinced that being passionate is a gift on its own. I use this in reality because it can add a lot if I use it to achieve high aims and to deliver my message about humanity.

One last addition: I am a person of principles, and my principles are one thing that I never give up on because a person who gives up on their principles, gives up on themselves.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

The only people who can answer this are my friends and my readers; I cannot judge myself. All I know is that I am a simple man with a deep faith in the message that I am trying to convey through my writing, and that I do not like to attack anyone in specific, but I try my best to my abilities & creativity to commit to society. I enjoy serenity and meditation very much, and I like all people and see them as a valuable treasure: from them I can always learn. I would hate to part ways with any of them, for we are all humans in the end.

Can you please tell us about your latest book Tarateel?
Tarateel is my second book, although I consider it my “real” start. It is a collection of simple poetry that consists of the three previously mentioned topics: love, nation, humanity, and comprises of eighteen different poems.

When I was done writing it, I immediately felt that it was somewhat “blessed”,and I can now see that with my own eyes when I read my fan mail which I receive (and reply to) to this very day.
The most recent Book Fair showed me that people really did enjoy my writing. I felt ecstatic as well as thankful when I saw them asking for me specifically and waiting to talk to me. What those people don’t know is that each of their visits was like a celebration on its own; it meant the world to me. I would especially like to thank my friend Ahmad Al-Ahmad who showed my book in a great, artistic perspective.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them?
Let’s replace the word “difficulties” with “choices” instead. The reason I’m saying this is because I think that each obstacle, or
difficulty, is a test from God to test our faith. With this test, one can truly see what he is made of, and it’s these that help a person look inside himself and see something that he might not have seen before.

This puts our strengths and faith to the test.

As for me, I consider my first book as one of the more important tests in my life. It was my first published piece and I didn’t have any experience before it in that area. I had a very hard time when it came to finding publishers because most of them turned me down.

What they didn’t know is that their refusal only made me more determined and in the end I paid for it by myself. Thankfully, the feedback I got back was very positive and the success of my second book “Tarateel” was also due to my faith in myself.

Lastly, I think that God has granted me with success and the love and support of the people
all because I had faith in myself.

If you don’t mind, share with us some of your shocking or controversial moments of your career.
After the success of my first and second books, I received a few offers from publishers who had refused to publish my books in the past, and offered to buy them from me now, but this time I was the one who refused. I then decided to be a freelance writer and to commit my writing to all people and society instead of writing for the sake of profit only.

Whats your support system like ?
God has rewarded me with the love of people for me and my writing, which has pushed my friends, colleagues, and readers to stand by me and support me unconditionally through words of encouragement.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I don’t know exactly where I’m going to be after 5 years from today, but I’m aiming to be a unique, young, Kuwaiti writer, with
different perspectives and discussions concerning our society, and to be a role model to my generation.

Throw something for p0ach readers!
Each person should have a message in life, something they should work hard to achieve, and they should all have faith because once they believe in themselves, everybody else will start to believe in them too.

“Wow, these pics are great, who took’em ?” I kept asking the first time I laid eyes on the wonderfully talented & “B”eautiful Miss Dana Al-Ghanim’s pictures. A few days later I received an email from a friend telling me about her & the exhibition she held “wild eyes”. I smiled and kept my mouth zipped. Kuwait is so tiny and people are extremely meshed and mashed all together.

Aside from her talent as a photographer, courage and photogenic-fit-for-a-fashion-magazine-cover-full-10-page-spread, was her honesty. You’ll read her answers and feel you’v known her years ago. She opens up about her childhood, current state of mind and future vision, all of that and she’s still 17 years young.

Why am I excited about this ? Well, if you are that young, a woman, in a male dominated society, holding your own exhibition, bold enough to say YES thats my creation in a calm but an in your face attitude, what do you want me to expect of her and young women like her when they reach 27? These young people are success formulas, only the wise will comprehend.

This is where a salute comes to the parents, I call them the hit makers, they brought in to that young girl’s soul a seed called “I BELIVE IN YOU” “I trust you” “Yes, you are talented”, you can only imagine what the outcome will look like. Better yet, stop imagining and look at this live example, look at Dana.

Some say tell me what cologne you wear and i’ll predict your personality. With Dana, a glimpse of her photos gives you a full understanding of what she is. Full of life, hope and definitely a fearless spirit.

Introduce yourself Dana.
My name is Dana AlGhanim and I am a seventeen year old high school student. I love to paint, take pictures, meet people and go horse riding.

Childhood flashes, first thoughts that come to mind ?
I remember when I was about 5 or 6 and we’d dress up for Eid, I’d see my dads uncle, and he used to always call me Latifa. I would get so mad and frustrated telling him that my name was Dana not Latifa, and he would just laugh about it. This cycle went on for years until my freshmen year of high school. I asked him why he always called me Latifa, and he said that I reminded him of my great grandmother, Latifa. I was so curious to know why, and he told me that she was a free spirit, always stood up for what believed was right. I hope I still remind him of her.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now ?
Moments. Moments inspired me to start photography. I noticed I saw things others didn’t, and I wanted to share that. I find the idea of capturing a moment and freezing it forever to be so magical. It fascinates me. A camera would grasp an instant and allow it to be relived over, and over again. In the summer of 2008, I bought my first camera.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?
I honestly cannot think of something that differs me from others except for one thing really… usually when I take a photograph that pleases me, I would have taken that photograph during “the rush of the moment”. I don’t like to stage my photographs, or set the scene for a certain moment or feel to occur, and even if I do, those photographs wouldn’t really appeal to me.

Can you please tell us about your latest projects ? Since you made lots of projects, focus on the big ones.
This year, I started a business with a friend of mine, Farah AlReshaid, who is also a photographer. A lot of emotion and motion could be found within my photographs whereas Farah’s photographs would have a much more tranquil, vintage feel to them. Wild Eyes is about merging both of our photographic techniques into one big piece of art. We would showcase our photographs in exhibitions and people interested would be able to buy some on the spot, preorder them or contact us on wild.eyes.snapshots@gmail.com

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?
One of the greatest difficulties I am facing is balancing between my love for photography and school. I find it very hard to equalize between them as I wouldn’t mind ditching school and going on a photo-shooting adventure any day. To be honest, I still didn’t really overcome that, but I just have to remember that in order to reach my goal, I have to make some sacrifices, and waking up in the morning is my sacrifice, haha

Your’e support system, family and friends ?
I am very lucky to have such friends and family as they both support me all the way. I honestly believe that support is one of the most important components to success because when you start to lose hope in yourself and you find the people you love believing in you, you can’t help but start believing in yourself too.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
5 years from now I want to be studying special needs education and specializing in marine biology. I also want to be someone others would look up to and help people as much as I possibly can.

Throw something for p0ach readers.
Be true, always. No matter what they say, or do. Be true to you, be real. It is okay to fall sometimes, and you might feel like you’re about to give up… but please, don’t ever give up, if you must, let go, but don’t give up. Remember that the downs make the ups.

Whoever you are, you are great.

52 Degrees took kuwait by storm. Lots of exposure versus lots of mystery. Thats how I saw it.

Im fortunate enough to have friends from every field imaginable in the country. Thats how I am able to bring you lots of dishes that are interesting, fresh and somewhat amusing.

Today’s guest is Mr.Hamad Sami Al-Ali, a single local sweetheart, has energy for days, in a jolly good mood almost always with the biggest smile imaginable. That does not strip away his serious, career focsued persona. As you’ll explore below, he’s been working since he was 18 years young till date, professional resumé has most major big players in the business including NBK and ZAIN.

52 Desrees is his latest project. He’s been kind enough to let me into his personal and professional state of mind and so you know what I’d do next right ? leak it to you, HAH!

Seriously though, for those who still did not get 52 Degrees, the concept, idea and overall vision behind it clean and clear, this is your chance to know what its all about, ask questions and share your thoughts.

Hamad is one of the men working behind the scenes in this brand new establishment. Get to know him a bit more.

Hamad, please introduce yourself.
My Name is Hamad Sami Al-Ali . I’m 24 years old. Graduated from Kuwait University in 2004 majoring in Mass Communication. During my college days I founded (The media club ) in Kuwait university. I used to work for (National Bank of Kuwait) since I was 18 years old and I stayed there for 3 years. Once I graduated I joined Cinemagic as a PR manager for one year. Later on joined ZAIN for one more year. Before joining my current job in Al-Watan TV as a team leader in the web department and PR/Marketing Manager for 52 Degrees Company.

I have so many interests but I adore Traveling and Media!

Childhood flashes, what do you remember the most ?
The thing I remember the most from my childhood is participating in the strikes at hyde park – London during the Iraqi invasion, BBC camera guy asked the reporter to interview us and I didn’t want to let go of the MIC while screaming ” SADDAM BOM BOM!”

What inspired you to tap into who you are now ?
While growing up my family always supported me to with my interests. They noticed that my potentials are inline with mass communication, I directed plays and video clips with my brothers and cousins. During high school I was the president of students council for two years, I used to create the slogan for the whole campaign and till now my high school friends still reminds me of it
((‬حــمــد العــلـي يا بــعــد أهــلــي))

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?
Personally, I’ll start off with my position as a PR/Marketing manager in such a young age, I have gained so much experience and learned a lot within short a period of time.

I believe I have the ability to find unique solutions, enhance, create new ideas within my field and our results has spoken for itself, professionally speaking.

Can you please tell us about your latest project, 52 Degrees? What can we expect?

Here is a little quote that has loads of details on what to expect:

“52 Degrees is a first of its kind concept store for the limitless imagination and creativity of the Kuwaiti entrepreneur. We are the grounds where people will witness the debut of original Kuwaiti creations that include but are not limited to Fashion, Arts, and Cuisine.  52 Degrees is an independent entity, an establishment that provides Kuwaiti businesses with a platform to launch their ventures on a higher scale.

52 Degrees is multi-brand organization that adds value to the Kuwaiti entrepreneur and to the society.  We offer the beginner a platform to enter the retail market.  We wish for these original local businesses to be under 52 Degrees’ umbrella.
We believe that we have a social responsibility towards our clients, customers and the society we live in. We want to help build local brands because we believe in them. We want to empower these small businesses by oft ofering them a long term plan allowing them to bloom.
52 Degrees is a store, and not a temporary display area. We offer our participants extensive services such as branding, sales staff, packaging, marketing, media coverage, sales analysis, financial reports and business education courses.
We look for quality beyond everything.  We have a Service Quality department that specializes in product quality.  As for the businesses that did not meet our standards, they will also be offered business education courses to help develop their business in order to join us afterwards.
One of our main goals in 52 Degrees is to promote healthy business growth and cultivate them so they can reach international standards required once we open more branches locally and globally”

The latest project I am working on is 52 degrees. Which is a new concept not only in Kuwait but worldwide. Our aim is to reach a global appeal, we believe it already started after organizing a trip to Madrid fashion week, back in september 2010.

The feedback from local society and the media in Kuwait – Middle east – Spain and Brazil, gave us a boost to continue chasing our vision.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle for us was misunderstanding 52 degrees concept. It comes naturally, because this is a first of its kind multibrand-store mothering top notch Kuwaiti talents under one roof. Misconception was there but it got solved by having the message sent across different media outlets and social spots.

If you don’t mind, share with us some of your shocking or controversial moments of your career ?
I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but certainly there have been situations where there was a disagreement that needed to be resolved. I’ve found that when conflict occurs, it’s because of a failure to see both sides of the situation.
Therefore, I ask the other person to give me their perspective and at the same time ask that they allow me to fully explain my perspective.
At that point, I would work with the person to find out if a compromise could be reached. In the end, you have to be willing to submit yourself to the directives of your friends, whether you’re in full agreement or not.

Your Support System?
I am very flexible with sharing ideas with friends and family, I take criticism positively which basically makes me grow in my personal and professional life ,,its somehow team work on a different level. Family and friends come first.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?
Some people are moving from opportunity to the other without much thought about the future. Some want to keep advancing and making more money, thats probably because it’s almost impossible to predict what’s going to happen during five years. but for me In five years, my plan is to start my own, successful, media company.

Throw something for p0ach readers!
popularity is not always successful.

Contact info:

Facebook

Twitter

Alright you guys, here is a quick interview highlighting Mr.Mishaal Al-Jarki, a young business enterpenur, with two business outlets.

Divine Sweets Bakery and Movement Logistics.

Read on and get to know Mishaal, a young, self motivated Kuwaiti individual

Introduce yourself Mishaal

Mishaal ahmad al jarki  born in 1981, MBA degree, started working as a stock broker in 2005 and got the international stock trader with an honor from kuwait stock exchange, currently working in warba investment as the asset management department manager  and im the owner of two operating business movement logistic company and Divine bakery and in the process of creating something new that evolves around the stock exchange market coming very soon.

Im quiet taken away with anything that revolves around investments and finance, in addition to this i love all kind of water sport, kick boxing, speeeeeeeeeeeeed, fishing and i looooove to travel

Childhood flashes, what were you dreams like ?

from 5 years to 10 i wanted to be a doctor

from 10 to 15 i wanted to be an air force pilot

from 15 to 18 police officer

and from 18 till date, I guess Buffet (Warren Buffet) would be the target.

Its interesting how our dreams change as we grow.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now  ?

Wanting to reach my goals is my inspiration… i have many dreams and goal and every day i wake up in the morning to be a step closer to my goals.. good and bad things inspire me, when i see people who have created something out of them selves im inspired to be like them, and when i see others who basically have no dreams they inspire me to be the opposite. failures that i have struggled with have also inspired me to continue dreaming and fighting for what i want to become.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

Wether it movement or divine, i try to be different and professional in every aspect i can. i always strive to satisfy all my clients and that is why i have a large base of returning clients that are loyal .. as an owner, i love what i do so i do it with passion and any thing done with passion will be done the right way.

Can you please tell us about your business Divine sweets & Movement ?

Divine sweets is a bakery devoted to basboosa, an old dessert that originated in the middle east.. divine basboos is different than the traditional basboosa as it produced in two  small sizes, and stuffed with fruits and deferent flavors. in divine i strive to come up with new sweets that originate from traditional  sweets, so basboosa will not be the only sweet in my menu in the short future. we cater individual orders and we also cater occasion needs.

Movement, is a logistic company that is ready to move and store any item, wether it moving furniture from on location to another or  shipping a car to any location around the word. for example we have just finished the moving of the complete Safat tower from al Dera to Hawally.

If you don’t mind, share with us some of your shocking or controversial moments of your career ?

I don’t think i have anything more than what anyone has faced in the previous years, to me 2008 was one of the most difficult times in my career however both business happened after 2008.. the shock we all faced in the stock market crash has made me think more seriously in taking my career in a deferent path and be more operational or service oriented,, therefore divine and movement were created.

Support, family & friends ?

I had a lot of moral and emotional support from all my family and friends,, and like any other business in kuwait start up is never possible without the support of your family and friends and good word of mouth.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

Inshallah i want to see my career grow like any one else,  and the vision i have for these two business become reality. i want  movement to be one of the leading logistic companies in the gcc and have a large share of the market and similarly Devine in which it become on of the leaders in catering traditional sweets with a twist.

Throw something for p0ach readers!

Life is full of struggles and struggles make us appreciate the good times… so when you fall down let it be your push to run that extra mile again. get up and try to learn and use your experience as a block which you step on to reach the highest goals. and always Dream Dream Dream .. and see your self shine and never ever underestimate your self.. what you dream can become reality but reality doesn’t not happen without a dream…. so again.. dream and smile while you dream.

CONTACT

Divine Sweets Bakery

Movement Logistics

P2BK was a portal for me to meet lots of wonderful talents in the country. F20 Designs was no exception, however I never knew who was behind it, the whole concept and what’s it all about ?

I met this wonderful spirit, the gorgeous and talented FATIMA AL-OTHMAN, electronically on twitter, we became friends almost instantly. The energy she brings about is amazing. For instance, i’d read tweets that’d go like this:

“Im having a great day//im about to meet a client//Green Apple//preparing a package//having breakfast” Its so refreshing to read tweets that are hate/complaints and drama free. I think it shows in her smile.

The iconic AFRO character she brought into the world is just beautiful. She created a guy who looks good in any hair style and anything he’s wearing. This iconic figure is the face of F2O designs, seen in nearly all her creations, here’s a quick sample:

This character is her own creation, nothing copied or duplicated, lets get that clear and out of the way. She went ahead and made lots of amazing artworks that are definitely creative, IN and current.

She even made something really special for *ahem* yours truely, the dinosaur, Mr.P0ach. HAH! But I cant share anything with you guys just yet, ITS A SECRET.

I hope you understand that this young woman, out of her own mental daydream series, created her own empire pursuing what she loves which came from within. She established a name, character, creative outlet and a loyal fan base. That, to me, is success.

Externally, she may be awesomely HAWT. What’s inside is double that and more. Beautiful, full of light and wonderful energy are only small fractions of what she is, get to know her yourselves !

Fatima, drop the fro, pen ‘n’ paper and just talk to us !

My name is Fatima Fawzi Al-Othman, I’m 26 years young. I have a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the American University of Sharjah. I used to work at KNPC; I quit last June and I am now working full time on my business, F2o Designs. Interests? I LOVE cartoons – comics, animations. I like to learn new things everyday, travel, bake every once in a while and spend quality time with my family and friends.

What was your childhood like ?

I’ve always been the quiet, moody one (still am), with a sketch book and a pencil glued to my hands most of the time. I also remember scribbling on the walls with my sister, and then later on being secretly excited about discovering that I can still scribble on the walls using a key. We always played house (barrooy), and were quite creative at it, like building our own tent (club house) out of bedsheets and ropes. I had a great childhood el7emdellah.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now  ?

Well, some of you might wonder, “She’s an engineer, how come she left her profession for cartoons?”

I’ve always loved to draw ever since I was a little kid. Back in Summer of 2004, I entered a t-shirt designing content organized by Villa Moda and I won 3rd place, which was totally unexpected because I never intended on participating.

2005 was the official start for F2o Designs; I participated in the AUS Global Day, and started to take orders from people in the UAE and Kuwait.

After earning my degree in Engineering, I returned to Kuwait and worked for 1.5 years in KNPC. This past April, I was lucky enough to be one of the 50 participants in Small To Big, organized by PinkCoffee and Viva. It was then when I realized that this is what I really want to do – F2o Designs! I knew that my utmost passion is and always will be to draw cartoons, and this is what I should be doing. So, I took the decision and resigned from my job as a Contract Engineer and became my own boss for good.

Ever since, I’ve been working on developing F2o Designs as a professional business rather than just another home-based business. I now have a license, and am in the process of finishing the rest of the paperwork. In addition to that, I expanded the services from just designing t-shirts to offering professional cartoon illustration services. I also invested into taking a couple of training courses, which I believe is essential to every individual who is going through any transition in his/her life.

Long story short – I’m pursuing my dream!

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?

I believe it’s my passion that differs F2o Designs from the rest of the competition. I consider F2o Designs to be my baby who’s turning 6 next year. Each year, it develops into a more mature business.
Also, it is important to note that all cartoons by F2o Designs are purely ORIGINAL. I refuse to copy any cartoon characters and insist on creating my characters myself. To some, this is trivial; however, to others, this might be a surprise. I actually get lots of shocked reactions (good-shocked) when people find that all F2o cartoons are original. Sadly, there are some t-shirt businesses out there that copy famous cartoon characters onto t-shirts and claim that their business is “creative.” I’m totally against that, and I strongly advise them to find their own niche and work harder if they really want their business to succeed.

Im in bliss mode so I have to ask you how you came about with the creation of p0ach’s T-shirt ?

I was developing some characters for an upcoming comic series, and I was extremely inspired by P0ach’s personality. He has an amazing vibe that affects everyone. It’s a great honor to have such a character as one of the main characters in the new F2o comic series.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?

One of the main difficulties in the beginning was actually getting used to painting on fabric. All F2o t-shirts are hand-painted, and it took me quite a while to get the hang of it. The earlier t-shirts were very simple with the least amount of detail, which is the opposite of the current ones. I also faced a slight obstacle with the colors washing off the t-shirts, which is when I started doing some research and found ways to cure the fabric paint onto the t-shirts more effectively. I’ve always believed that ‘practice makes perfect’ and that you should strive towards achieving your goals no matter how many trials or failures you go through.

If you dont mind share with us some of you’re shocking or controversial moments of your career ?

Well, I still haven’t faced major shocking/controversial moments (el7emdellah!). I can recall a couple of incidents which taught me that not everyone will love F2o, and there are some difficult customers.

- When I first started, I had a customer return her custom order, claiming that she never asked for the F2o logo to be painted on the garment, and that she “doesn’t want to wear the training suit to advertise F2o.” I was quite shocked, to tell you the truth, and a bit let down by her reaction. But I explained to her that F2o is a brand name just as any other brand name in the market, and with that she returned the training suit and I refunded her the amount.

- Another incident happened when I participated in P2BK-2009. An older woman came in through the crowd, grabbed a t-shirt, and asked about the prices. When I mentioned my price range, she almost yelled at me in front of the crowd of people, telling me that she is an artist herself, and that my prices are too high. I just smiled, politely.

Your Support System, what’s it like ?

My late father, who passed away in 2006, was one of my biggest fans. He was so proud and supportive of my work. My mother is also a huge fan; every time she sees a new drawing, she gets so excited and happy as if it is the first time she sees my work. My two sisters support me 100%, and I feel like jumping up and down when I see them wearing F2o t-shirts! The same thing goes for my close friends.
I won’t forget to mention the ever-increasing F2o fan base, that has been growing since 2005, el7emdellah, to which I am greatly thankful for their never ending support. I absolutely love meeting F2o fans!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?

This is the picture that I always see: F2o Designs is a renowned cartoon design firm, which is not only expanded in Kuwait, but in the rest of the region. I also see myself working on my very first animated cartoon. I also strive to become one of the influential personalities in Kuwait, and be able to stand some day in front of thousands of people to share my story.

Throw something for p0ach readers

“If you can dream it, you can do it!” – Walt Disney
It’s never too late to do what you REALLY love, and when you do what you REALLY love, it’s called passion, not work!

*I would like to take this opportunity to announce to your readers that there will be an F2o Designs solo exhibition, November 23-24 (after the Eid holiday).

This time, you’ll find a variety of items to choose from, along with t-shirts of course. Like what? Hoodies, Cushions, keychains, and tumblers, to name a few!

An official announcement will be posted soon!

Contact

Office location – KCZ2 Office #13,The 7 Zones, Shuwaikh

Website – Twitter – Facebook

Blog – YOuTube

Its friday, a blessing indeed on so many levels for sure.

Many of you asked me where on earth are the interviews? Well, everything is here, I have everything archived and I have many guests that are about to strangle me for not publishing their stories yet, some im about to contact, lots of exciting stuff to come, BUT here’s the thing:

Most of you were out of the country, school started like 2-3 weeks back so I was waiting for everything to go back to normal for one reason and one reason only. GIVE THE BEST EXPOSURE POSSIBLE TO MY GUESTS. Thats what I do incase you didn’t figure that out by now.

*Fast Forward/Tape Sound*

Today, I have Mr.Yousef Al-Roumi, Co-Owner of Venyooo.com . A website offering multiple sections and categories to choose from i.e; Electronics, clothes, accessories and food too. I personally love the color layout and how clean everything’s presented. As a blogger, I understand how hard it is to come up with clean layouts. Here’s how you should see it “The cleaner it looks, the harder it takes to create”, trust me.

Honestly im so happy and pleased by how the youth of this country are moving ahead with whats new and hip even on Electro/technical levels. I mean pushing up the E-Commerce envelop ahead by young brains is always refreshing to me and challenging for a society that was used to always choose cash, use the internet just to chat or *ahem* wasting electronic abilities on some electro trash non-sense. Trust me, im not pointing my fingers at the society, im including myself in that, simply because I did not know what else to do. I used the internet way back in 95, started a semi blog by 2003, im not getting into that right now, unpleasant productive stories for sure, HAH!

Seriously though, change is always hard but wonderful, vibrant and simply exciting on the long run, and to have that change revamped by fellow citizens that young is a blessing itself.

Many things came to mind like what is the meaning of Venyooo, how they did it, what boundaries came ahead and so forth, Yousef was kind enough to answer all my questions and some more.

Go ahead, get to know Yousef a bit more and check out his successful story.

Alright Yousef, Floor’s all yours
I’m Yousef Salman AL Roumi, 27 years old, graduated in 2005 from The University of Toledo – USA – majoring in Management Information Systems and minor in Business Law.

I currently work in Coast Investment and Development Company as an investment analyst and portfolio manager. Besides that I’m a managing partner of Senyar Innovative Media.

My interests are music, Oud playing, reading, politics, architecture, dewaniya chilling, and trying out new stuff.

What inspired you to tap into who you are now?
Other than building up my career in the investment sector, I and my partners always had the time, energy, and passion to have some other contributions along the side. Starting off with student organizations during college and moving on to achieving new goals on the business level in Senyar Innovative Media.

Please explain what Venyooo means ? What kind of services do you offer ?
“Venyooo” is spelled as the pronunciation of “Venue”, meaning “A place combining an organized gathering” – Dictionary.com. In that sense, Venyooo is a website that offers a selling platform for vendors/merchants to display their logo and items in a comprehensive layout to be viewed by customers, allowing them to place orders online. By that, we are creating a “venue” that combines many vendors under one website.

As a selling platform, Venyooo offers many services and features such as market exposure, marketing, delivery, customer care, PR, online payment (soon), one shopping cart for different items from different categories and more.

What differs you from the rest of the competition out there?
Given that the online shopping market is in its growth stage, I think that in this early stage competition is a solid proof that such market is highly active and demanded by customers. Whether the competition is direct or indirect, and regardless of who are the competitors, we think that Venyooo possesses some competencies that make it a standout within the market.

As a feedback from customers, such competencies are the user friendly layout, design matches with any type of business, comprehensive illustration of the items, easy order processing flow, professional back office management to guarantee quality control, offering vendors to clearly present their identity, and specially our unique participating vendors with their unique items.

What were the difficulties you faced and how did you overcome them ?
Well the main challenge was to implement the concept at the utmost user friendliness for customers, and customized to meet online shopping standards and for all types of vendors. That took us many intensive brainstorming sessions.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?
Expand Venyooo to be the largest online retail community in the Middle East.

Throw something for p0ach readers!
Never be hesitant to do what you believe in no matter how small it is, and don’t fear failures as they are only obstacles towards our ultimate goals.

Thank you P0ach for the interview.

Be sure to check out their website

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