Meet Caroline Haidar

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caroline Haidar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Caroline , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room has actually been an advantage. It gave me the drive to build something from the ground up—turning a simple idea into a thriving business that now generates a six-figure income. As the founder of Nasma of NY, I created a space that didn’t exist before, one that not only teaches Levantine Arabic but also preserves and celebrates Arab culture in a way that is accessible, engaging, and community-driven.

When you’re the only one, you learn to turn challenges into opportunities. You stand out, and that visibility allows you to pave the way for others. I’ve embraced that by staying true to my mission, leading with confidence, and proving that representation matters—not just in language education but in entrepreneurship as a whole.

That’s exactly why I built Nasma of NY—not just as a language school, but as a cultural center where kids and adults who have ever felt like “the only one in the room” can find a space to belong. It’s a place where they can connect with their roots, embrace their identity, and feel proud of who they are. My goal has always been to create a welcoming community where our language and heritage thrive, and where no one ever feels alone in their journey.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Caroline Haidar, the founder of Nasma of NY, a cultural center dedicated to teaching Levantine Arabic and preserving Arab heritage. What began as a simple idea—creating a space where people could learn Arabic in a natural, engaging, and culturally immersive way—has now grown into the largest Levantine Arabic program in NYC, reaching students worldwide.

What makes Nasma of NY special is our exclusive focus on spoken Levantine Arabic, taught through a unique method I developed after years of experience. Our classes go beyond language learning—they are about reclaiming identity, building confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging, especially for those in the Arab diaspora who have felt disconnected from their roots.

In addition to our language programs, we’ve expanded to offer children’s books, cultural flashcards, and interactive workshops that celebrate our traditions. This year, I’m particularly excited about expanding our classes beyond Manhattan to Astoria, Brooklyn, and soon, New Jersey, as well as bringing our Levantine Arabic program to more NYC schools. We’re also launching a confidence and identity workshop for Arab girls, providing them with the tools to embrace their heritage with pride from an early age.

Nasma of NY is more than just a language school—it’s a movement to keep our culture alive, one story, one conversation, and one student at a time.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three key qualities have been instrumental in my journey: resilience, creativity, and cultural authenticity.

Resilience – As an entrepreneur, there were countless challenges—doubts, setbacks, and moments where I felt like I was the only one pushing this vision forward. But resilience kept me going. My advice: Embrace challenges as part of the process. Stay adaptable, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.
Creativity – Nasma of NY was built on the idea that language learning should be engaging and culturally immersive. Thinking outside the box led me to develop unique teaching methods, create Levantine Arabic textbooks, and expand into interactive cultural products. My advice: Find innovative ways to solve problems and bring your vision to life. Don’t limit yourself to traditional paths—explore new approaches and mediums to connect with your audience.
Cultural Authenticity – Staying true to my mission of preserving and celebrating Arab heritage has been at the heart of everything I do. It’s what makes Nasma of NY stand out and why students connect so deeply with our programs. My advice: Know your “why” and stay rooted in it. Whether you’re building a business, a brand, or a community, authenticity is what will make you stand out and build lasting impact.
For those early in their journey, my biggest advice is to start before you feel ready and trust that growth comes through experience. Stay open to learning, surround yourself with supportive people, and never underestimate the power of consistency.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is passionate about speaking Levantine Arabic and connecting with its culture. Whether they’re part of the Arab diaspora reclaiming their heritage or a non-Arab eager to immerse themselves, what matters most is curiosity, commitment, and openness.

They should:
✅ Want to speak, not just study – Our method is conversation-based.
✅ Value culture – Language and heritage go hand in hand.
✅ Be consistent – Progress comes with regular practice.
✅ Enjoy interactive learning – We use role-play, storytelling, and real-life scenarios.

Whether for personal, professional, or family reasons, my ideal client sees language as a bridge to deeper connection and belonging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nasmaofny.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levantine_arabic_nasmaofny/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-haidar-987167121/