Meet Dina Thabit

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dina Thabit. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dina below.

Dina, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence and self-esteem have evolved over time, shaped by experience and learning to trust myself. Growing up, I was taught that confidence isn’t about perfection but about facing challenges head-on and growing from them. Even with over 20 years of experience in retail, launching DinaDecor was a leap into the unknown. It pushed me to trust not only in my skills but in my instincts and vision as well.

The hard work I put into learning, experimenting, and overcoming challenges has been essential in building my confidence. It wasn’t just about the experience I had; it was about committing to the process and learning from every setback. Through this journey, I’ve embraced the idea that progress matters more than perfection, and mistakes are simply part of the process. Each challenge has become an opportunity to grow.

Surrounded by a supportive network, I’ve been able to push forward with confidence. Their belief in me has been invaluable, helping me realize that confidence is built step by step, through every decision, challenge and triumph. Confidence is not a destination but a continuous practice, evolving with each experience

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Dina, and I am the founder of DinaDecor, a home décor brand specializing in luxury, curated and handmade ceramic home decor from Portugal.

I have always had a deep passion for home décor—creating spaces that feel warm, elegant, and full of character. My inspiration comes from travel, from wandering through pottery studios and home décor boutiques around the world, discovering unique pieces that tell a story.

Originally from Iraq, I moved to the United States in 1995. As an immigrant and a mother of two, following my passion and chasing my dreams wasn’t possible. Stability and responsibility took priority, leading me to a successful career in corporate retail for over 20 years. But deep down, I always knew that when the time was right, I would take a leap and create something of my own.

Last April, I made a bold decision to leave behind my corporate retail career and pursue my true passion—home décor. This journey led to the creation of DinaDecor, a brand founded on high-quality, handmade ceramics that beautifully blend tradition with modern sophistication.

It has been incredibly rewarding to watch DinaDecor establish itself in high-end retail stores, museum shops, and interior design projects. We recently had the privilege of exhibiting at Shoppe Object, one of New York’s prestigious trade shows. Additionally, we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with showrooms and luxury furniture stores, expanding our reach and bringing our curated collection to a wider audience. Seeing my pieces showcased in thoughtfully designed spaces, and working with people who truly appreciate the craftsmanship, has been both exciting and deeply fulfilling.

Building DinaDecor has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to its continuous evolution. I’m excited to share more beautifully curated pieces with the world, expand our presence in high-end design and collaborate with creative minds who appreciate true artistry. More than just a brand, I want DinaDecor to stand as a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.

No matter where your journey begins or how long it takes to take that first step, there is always room to create something extraordinary. My hope is that my story inspires others to chase their dreams with confidence and determination.

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?

Resilience
Every business journey comes with setbacks, rejections, and uncertainty. What keeps me moving forward is the ability to push through challenges while staying focused on my goals.

My Advice: View obstacles as opportunities for growth. Stay solution-focused, build a strong support system, and keep going with confidence.

Relationship-Building
Success in home décor, like many industries, is built on strong connections. Genuine relationships have shaped my journey, opening doors and creating new opportunities.

My Advice: Be authentic, offer value, and surround yourself with inspiring people—meaningful connections lead to unexpected possibilities.

Adaptability
Entrepreneurship is full of unexpected challenges, and being able to pivot has played a major role in growing DinaDecor.

My Advice: Stay open to learning, embrace change, and keep evolving

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My skills, expertise, and industry knowledge come from 20 years of experience in corporate retail, where I’ve gained a strong foundation in business strategy, problem-solving, and decision-making—essential qualities that have driven the successful launch and growth of DinaDecor.

Beyond my professional background, mentorship has played a significant role in my journey. I am especially grateful for the guidance of my SCORE mentors whose expertise and support helped me navigate challenges and refine my business approach. I highly recommend SCORE to any entrepreneur looking for valuable insights and mentorship.
https://www.score.org/

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