We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Riwa Jardak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
RIWA, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Through years of life and professional experience, I’ve learned that the road to success is often one you must walk alone. The most important battles in life are fought alone. While we may be surrounded by supportive family, friends, and mentors, in the end, no one can do the work for us—because no one else is us. And that, in itself, is a unique strength.
I have always been a girl driven by passion—passion for entrepreneurship, fashion, life, colors, positivity, and achievement. One day, I woke up and made the decision to pursue what I love. I combined my experience, passion, and strength, and I chose to walk this road, even if I was the only one in the room who looked like me. I told myself: The regret of not trying will always be greater than the regret of trying and experiencing the journey. And that’s how my journey began.
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?
I am an entrepreneur with a deep passion for fashion, creativity, and innovation. After years of building a successful career, I felt the urge to embark on a new challenge—one that allowed me to blend my experience with my love for design and aesthetics. This led me to launch my own fashion brand, built from the ground up with a focus on quality, originality, and timeless style.
What excites me most about my journey is the ability to create something meaningful and impactful. I started with a simple yet powerful concept, ensuring every product reflects both craftsmanship and individuality. From sourcing high-quality fabrics to designing unique pieces and curating an elevated brand experience, every detail matters.
Currently, my brand is expanding, with a growing presence in select high-end boutiques in Dubai. We are also enhancing our e-commerce platform to reach a global audience. Looking ahead, I’m focused on scaling the brand, introducing new collections, and collaborating with creative minds who share the same vision.
Beyond fashion, my journey is about inspiring others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. I believe in the power of resilience, passion, and taking bold steps toward what truly fulfills us.
Stay tuned—exciting things are on the horizon!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
Resilience – Entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, uncertainties, and moments of doubt. But I’ve learned that success comes to those who keep going, no matter how tough the road gets. I built my brand from scratch, faced setbacks, and still pushed forward. My advice? Develop a strong mindset. Accept that challenges are part of the process, and instead of fearing them, use them as fuel to grow.
Strategic Thinking – Passion alone isn’t enough; you need a solid plan. I didn’t just jump into fashion blindly—I researched the market, sourced the best materials, built a strong brand identity, and structured my business wisely. For those starting out, I recommend learning the business side of your passion. Whether it’s finance, marketing, or operations, gaining this knowledge will set you apart.
Adaptability – The market evolves, trends shift, and unexpected obstacles arise. Being able to pivot and make informed decisions in real time is crucial. I started with T-shirts, but my vision expanded as I learned more about the industry. I embraced e-commerce, built strong partnerships, and positioned my brand strategically in Dubai. My advice? Stay open-minded, always be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to evolve.
At the end of the day, the key to success is believing in yourself, putting in the work, and never settling. Your journey will be unique, but these qualities will help you navigate it with confidence and purpose.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I have a vision that goes beyond limits—where even the sky isn’t the limit. This business is not just about fashion; it’s about redefining the industry, stepping where no one has stepped before, and creating something truly groundbreaking. I have the plan, the expertise, and the drive to bring this vision to life. While I am fully committed to making it happen, I recognize that the right strategic collaboration—someone who shares the same passion for fashion and entrepreneurship—could accelerate this journey in ways never seen before. It’s not about just any partnership; it’s about the right synergy, the right mindset, and the boldness to do what hasn’t been done before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.riwajardak.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riwa-jardak-86390021b
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