The world of entrepreneurship is a challenging terrain that requires resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Racha who embodies these qualities is the subject of our focus. Her journey, which spans the vibrant streets of Nigeria to the dynamic landscape of Lebanon, is proof of the power of perseverance and the spirit of entrepreneurship. This interview chronicles her inspiring story, from humble beginnings in the generators industry to the forefront of the events industry, and her diversification into various sectors, shattering stereotypes along the way.
Ignition of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Amidst personal loss, with the passing of her mother to cancer during her university years, Racha’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited. We asked Racha what initially inspired her to pursue entrepreneurship, and she answered,
“The initial spark for my journey into entrepreneurship ignited during my childhood. Growing up, I witnessed my parents navigate the challenges and rewards of running their own business. Their resilience, passion, and dedication left an indelible mark on me, planting the seeds of curiosity and ambition.
However, life’s challenges, including significant losses and traumas, force a crucial decision: succumb to victimhood or embrace resilience as a fighter. For me, leveraging personal pain as a catalyst for growth, made me even more determined to achieve my dreams, using success as a balm for past wounds and reclaiming what was lost. It was the combination of inspiration from my upbringing and an innate desire to make a difference that fuelled my entrepreneurial journey from its inception.” She narrated the journey.
Rising to the Forefront of the Events Industry
The events industry is a competitive field that demands creativity, attention to detail, and a knack for creating unforgettable experiences. Starting in the humble yet foundational confines of the family’s generator business, Racha grasped the intricate dynamics of enterprise management. She told us about her motivation to make a switch to the events industry,
“Transitioning from the generators industry, which I had been deeply involved in with my family, to the events industry in 2017 was a strategic decision fuelled by a combination of factors. While the generators business provided invaluable experience and insights into entrepreneurship, I recognized the burgeoning potential and dynamic nature of the events industry. Witnessing the transformative power of events to bring people together, create unforgettable experiences, and drive positive change, I was inspired to pivot toward this exciting sector. Moreover, I saw an opportunity to leverage my existing skills and knowledge to innovate within the events space, offering unique solutions and elevating the industry standard. Ultimately, the decision to make the switch was driven by a desire to embrace new challenges, explore untapped opportunities, and continue to evolve personally and professionally.” She explained.
Racha’s events company quickly gained recognition from multinational news outlets. We asked Racha, what factors are responsible for this rapid success, and she said with a smile,
“Several factors. Firstly, our unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work, from event conceptualization to execution. Secondly, our innovative approach to event design and management, allows us to deliver unique and memorable experiences that resonate with both clients and attendees. Finally, our team’s collective expertise, creativity, and passion have been instrumental in driving our success. In essence, it’s a combination of our dedication to quality, innovation, networking, and teamwork that has propelled us to achieve rapid success and gain recognition on a global scale.”
Diversification and Strategic Foresight
However, Racha’s ambition was not confined to a single arena. Embracing challenges head-on, she diversified her portfolio and invested in multiple industry sectors, from consumer goods to real estate. She revealed her strategy for identifying and investing in new business opportunities,
“My strategy revolves around a combination of market research, strategic partnerships, and a keen eye for emerging trends. Moreover, I place great emphasis on forging meaningful partnerships and relationships within the industries we operate in. These collaborations not only provide invaluable insights and access to new markets but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose.
Diversification has been a cornerstone of my approach, driven by a desire to explore new horizons and challenge the status quo. Each investment decision is deeply personal, and guided by intuition, experience, and strategic foresight.
At the heart of it all is a commitment to continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally. By embracing change and remaining adaptable, I strive to position myself and my ventures at the forefront of innovation, creating lasting impact and value in every endeavour.” She clarified.
Shattering Stereotypes in Male-Dominated Spheres
As a car enthusiast, Racha became the first female owner and ambassador of BAC MONO, the pinnacle of Formula 1 road legal cars. She opened up about influencing the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry,
“I think nowadays we see many women have taken the role of influencing the industry and to be honest for me growing up my fascination with cars was met with raised eyebrows and scepticism but that only fuelled my determination to prove that my love for automobiles knows no gender.
When I became the first BAC MONO owner as a woman it was a great accomplishment for me to be the only woman to own an f1 road legal car and even during my first event, there had to be cars! Car’s display, cars race! It was just part of me! Also, during that time I was elected vice president of the Lamborghini club in Lebanon being the only female owner of a Lamborghini Aventador! I mean your car can tell a lot about your personality!
Basically, I see myself as a trailblazer, challenging stereotypes and carving out a space for women in a world often perceived as exclusive to men. Whether it’s under the hood, behind the wheel, or at industry events, I’m constantly pushing boundaries and proving that passion and expertise transcend gender.” She affirmed.
Perseverance and Resilience
Behind the glitz and glamour of Racha’s success lie tales of perseverance and resilience. We asked her to share an instance where she faced a significant setback and how you turned it around, she said,
“Wow! I encountered numerous challenges and setbacks, and truth be told, each setback served as a valuable lesson or wake-up call for me to strive for even greater success. In fact, I view setbacks as signals prompting me to pause, reassess my approach, and either refine my strategies or gracefully pivot when necessary.
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant setbacks I faced was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It wreaked havoc on the events industry, disrupted supply chains, and affected all facets of my business. However, I firmly believe that patience and ingenuity are paramount in times of adversity. It’s about finding innovative solutions to navigate obstacles, ensuring that you emerge victorious in the end. It’s not merely about weathering the storm but thriving amidst the challenges, demonstrating resilience, and seizing opportunities for growth and transformation.” She spoke boldly.
Venturing into the World of Fashion
As Racha ventures into the world of fashion, fuelled by her lifelong passion and love for all things beauty, she eagerly anticipates the next chapter of her entrepreneurial journey.
“Having navigated diverse industries such as consumer goods and real estate, I understand the importance of innovation, adaptability, and strategic vision.
One key perspective I bring is a deep appreciation for consumer insights and market trends. In my previous ventures, I honed the ability to identify evolving consumer preferences and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This keen understanding of consumer behaviour serves as a foundation for creating fashion offerings that resonate with target audiences and drive brand success.
Furthermore, my entrepreneurial journey has instilled in me a relentless drive for innovation and a willingness to take calculated risks. I’m not afraid to challenge conventions and push boundaries, whether it’s experimenting with new design concepts or exploring innovative marketing strategies.” she continued about the unique perspectives she can bring from previous entrepreneurial experiences.
In reflecting on Racha’s journey, what stands out is her unwavering tenacity and courage. Her path teaches us that in the tapestry of life, it’s the challenges that carve out the contours of our character and define our ultimate success. Racha described her leadership style, and how has it evolved over the years as she managed multiple businesses,
“My leadership style can be characterized as adaptable, collaborative, and visionary. Over the years, as I’ve managed multiple businesses, my approach to leadership has evolved significantly.
Initially, I adopted a more hands-on approach, meticulously overseeing every aspect of operations and decision-making. While this level of involvement was essential in the early stages of building my businesses, I soon realized the importance of delegation and empowering my team.
As I gained confidence in my team’s capabilities, I transitioned towards a more empowering leadership style, fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and creativity. I encourage open communication, actively soliciting input and feedback from team members, and empowering them to take ownership of their roles.
Moreover, my leadership style has become increasingly collaborative as I’ve recognized the value of leveraging diverse perspectives and skills within my team. I strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective ownership over our shared goals. At the same time, my leadership remains grounded in a clear vision for the future. I provide strategic direction and guidance, aligning team efforts toward our overarching objectives while remaining agile and adaptable in the face of changing market dynamics.
Overall, my leadership style continues to evolve as I learn and grow from each experience, but at its core, it is centred on empowering others, fostering collaboration, and driving towards shared success.” She spoke with enthusiasm.
In defying expectations and shattering barriers, Racha proves that the path to success isn’t paved with privilege, but with unwavering tenacity and a heart overflowing with courage. We asked her long-term goals for businesses, and how she plans to achieve them, she continued,
“Having a positive impact on the communities we serve that’s my goal for my business. To achieve this, first, we have to always be innovative, staying ahead of market trends and evolving consumer preferences. Second, I am all about teamwork and team development so I must empower our employees and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. Third is the continuous collaboration with strategic partners who enable us to leverage complementary strengths and resources, expanding our reach and capabilities while maximizing value for our stakeholders.
Finally, let’s not forget sustainability! Environmental and social responsibility are integral to our business ethos. I am committed to implementing sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations, from sourcing to production and distribution, to minimize our environmental footprint and create positive social impact.” She ensures the responsibilities.
Before concluding we asked Racha what advice she’d give to someone who looks up to her and wants to start their business journey, she proudly shared her views,
“My advice to someone aspiring to start their own business journey is to embrace the journey with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn.
First and foremost, follow your passion. Choose a venture that aligns with your interests, strengths, and values. Passion will fuel your motivation, sustain you through challenges, and inspire others to rally behind your vision.”
With this Racha wrapped up this insightful interview.
