From Conversations with K, these are storyteller moments shared by some remarkable women who dream big and make things happen here in Dubai. Their inspiring stories of strength, passion, and creativity empower millions and make us change how we see dreams and what they offer within the dynamic city of Dubai.
On this day, we explore the journey of Chandini, a woman whose itinerary includes Dubai as her home for the last nine years. Here, she has donned so many hats - adding to this unique tapestry she calls a life. It brings forth a chaos called culture and connection, with dreams sewn with resilience and stitched together with innovation. Therefore, let us celebrate her journey and the spirit of women in Dubai who chase dreams.
A Childhood Dream, Inspired by a Stylist Grandmother
Growing up in Mauritius, Chandini was surrounded by the gentle hum of sewing machines and the magic of fabric brought to life by her grandmother, a stylist. Watching her grandmother craft pieces that sparked joy in people’s faces ignited her early love for fashion. Like many teenage girls, she experimented with her mother’s wardrobe, letting her imagination run wild as she modeled in front of mirrors.
The love of fashion inspired her to participate in beauty pageants while school at Mauritius. It was at the same that she made the top five with the title "Beauty with Brains." It was during this time that she developed a marketing strategy to raise awareness about autism by working with agencies and businesses to create universal campaigns in this regard. Early on, she learned the combination of creativity and strategy- something that would become her foundation for dreaming.
Chandini is wearing The Falak Coat from our Abr Collection
From IT Support to Marketing Maven
The move to Dubai was tough for her. That was her first time traveling from her home country. She went through cultural shocks and challenges. "Initially, I didn't like it," she says. Her resilience, however, carried her through, and eventually, she grew to love Dubai. Today, she calls it home.
With a starting point in IT support. Chandini's vocation was miles apart from her interest in fashion. But of course, curiosity and determination led her to experiment with digital marketing which saw her excelling in organizing sports events for government agencies across the Gulf countries. All these shaped invaluable experiences toward her entrepreneurship ambitions. "It's been a journey of ups and downs," says Chandini, "but there have been stepping stones along every way to my dream."
Fashion as Self-Expression
Her take on fashion is rather personal, emotional, and reflective of her mood and her personality or creativity. "I don't see trends than follow them," she says. "I just want people to dress according to how they feel, and I'd like this line eventually to inspire women to do the same." Her idea is to create a brand through which she can tie her love for fashion to business acumen; a brand that's an embodiment of women doing multitasking from boardroom meetings to catching gala dinners.
Her aspirations are beyond just designing clothes. she aims to apply technology particularly, in enhancing the entire fashion industry. “I want to innovate- from designing patterns to making sustainable collections-and technology is going to help me bring that dream to reality,” she says with a strong determination.
Her goal? To have women all over the world don her designs and in pride say, "This is her."
Chandini is wearing The Maham Coat from our Abr Collection
Why Dubai Inspires
The dynamic and unique potential of Dubai has played a very important role in shaping the journey of Chandini. "It is the most spoiling city the best way," she says with a smile. Not just the security but also the patronizing community and creative ambiance facilitate nurturing dreams in Dubai. For her, the encouraging city for experimentation and innovation qualities she cherishes as she embarks towards launching her brand.
Celebrating Dreams, Celebrating Women
It is a tribute to her journey, dreaming big, challenging everything, and above it all staying true to herself. It is a journey capturing the spirit of celebration not just for our dreams but for all the dreams of others with whom we are in contact. I found myself left in admiration for her courage and creativity as we finished our conversation. Like many women in Dubai, She is that beacon of hope reminding one that all things are possible with passion and persistence. Here, then, is raising glasses to dreams, women, and Dubai's vibrant spirit.