I am at an exciting point in my career - for many reasons. For the first time ever, I am managing my own in-house team; a team of young, dynamic and creative strategists and designers, all building what the future of the creative community in Abu Dhabi will look/feel like. With this privilege, I am reminded every day of the responsibility I have to lead effectively, to provide clarity and relieve anxiety as we tackle an enormous ecosystem. If I could magically know everything-there-is-to-know about one thing, it would be: how to lead creative teams. A life long journey, I assume. Outside of my 9-to-5, I am only just beginning my entrepreneurial journey — with both a product line and a service. The thing I need most is mentorship, constructive critique & an honest exchange of ideas. To be with people who’ve walked these paths before and who have the generosity of spirit to share what they’ve learned. Everything from supply chain, to production, to confidence in marketing the work.

1833/١٨٣٣ has come about like a breath of fresh air — a true calling for like-minded (and different-minded) people to come together and coalesce around something bigger. It will undoubtedly be the biggest cultural reset we’ve seen in a long time, and a life-altering experience for its members. There is an exquisite quality and thoughtfulness behind the offerings, in a way that I have not seen before. If I was offered this membership, I would see it as a place for learning, for growth and - of course - for fun! There is no learning without exchange, and there is no community without genuine care. I plan on being an active contributor to this community, and plan to confront many of my fears through this opportunity (whether it be public speaking, or putting myself out there). I hope that I can bring insight from everything I am learning at MIZA about our ecosystem in a manner that is productive, and moves us together towards a better space for creative practitioners - whether that is in the spaces we inhibit, the communities we’re building, the microcosms we’re creating, the regulatory frameworks that bind us, the inspirations we can access, etc. I plan to listen — to do my part in making the necessary changes/moves that we wish to see in the wider ecosystem that we operate within. I am also happy to provide support to anyone who is looking for advice on any of the topics that I have knowledge/experience in; whether that is real estate, strategic advice, design/architecture — or even custom matchboxes!

My creative curiosity started with architecture - through architecture, I learned the importance of beauty, form, function, experimentation, connection, discipline, starting over, and all that comes with falling in love with something you’ve created. The most foreign thing it taught me was solitude; how to sit with my own thoughts and watch them pass, when naturally, I am a textbook people-person. Today, I spend my free time doing a few things: finishing up a dry mixology course, creating a designer matchbox brand, hosting intimate dinners for friends (and plus ones), and building a small creative studio that helps small businesses with strategic advice. Although they may feel random, or a little disjointed - these interests/hobbies/dabbles have allowed me to connect with people in deep and meaningful ways. They’ve taught me the importance to conversation and of listening, and have been the basis of many incredible relationships and projects and moments.