One InSPArational woman
Mrs Shabana Karim opened The Nail Spa in 2002, and since then has expanded operations to include four stores and more than 120 staff throughout Dubai.
Although she was born in India, Mrs Karim was raised in Pakistan before moving to Dubai, and eventually taking up residence in Jumeirah Islands in December 2005. After proudly telling us about her three children, a daughter in New York, a son who works at DIFC and her youngest son who attends Jebel Ali School, we found out just what motivates and inspires Mrs Karim.
What does “inspirational” mean to you?
To me, “inspirational” refers to something, or someone that can move you to take action. It could be a piece of writing that motivates you, or even a person who is seen as a role model and inspires you to follow in their footsteps.
Out of all the “inspirational” women in the world, who would you cite as your role model?
I honestly have to say that I see Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah (of Jordan) as someone who has managed to juggle motherhood with her official responsibilities very well. She is an inspiration for all women in the way she has contributed to society and she does all this with such grace and dignity.
What is the best advice you have ever received in terms of who you are today?
That anything is possible! You should never give up because you hit an obstacle – there is always a way around it.
What is your greatest achievement in either a personal or professional sense?
Well, personally, I have to say my greatest achievement is my children. I am very proud of who they are today, they are kind, compassionate and go-getters. And professionally, I think it’s the contribution I’ve made to the lives of the people who work for me. I am very proud of the differences that come about in their lives because they are working for my business.
Have you set any goals for the future?
My primary goal is to maintain the standard of The Nail Spa and BioSculpte ME that our customers expect, and also to raise the bar just a little bit each day.
What advice do you have for women who are considering starting a business in the UAE, or are trying to “make their mark” on the corporate world?
The best advice I can give is to start small, consolidate every step of the way and never forget that it is the people who work for you that help you grow and succeed. You can’t do it alone!
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Story by: Stacey White, Kara Keough
Photography: Mariam Al Nakhi, Reham Ibrahim