As the founder of Queen B, I’ve always been proactive in my entrepreneurial journey, seizing every chance to learn, network, and grow my business. But my latest adventure took me on an unexpected and deeply fulfilling path – creating a family legacy cookbook.
It all started when I joined the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) last year. I was eager to network, meet new people, and spread the word about my business. One day, an email from Dubai Business Women Council caught my eye – they were launching their ‘Women Who Empower’ initiative with Canon, offering courses in photography, videography, and printing. Without a second thought, I signed up for all three.
Mastering the art of visual storytelling
Over the next six weekends, my fellow participants and I committed ourselves to learning from three incredible trainers. The photography course introduced me to the “triangle of challenges” – ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. I spent countless hours with my camera set to manual mode, capturing stunning images of birds and animals at Jebel Ali. The satisfaction of mastering these settings was immense. I found myself taking better photographs for my business website and Instagram, and I even started creating beautiful family photo albums.
Videography was a whole new beast. I had never made a movie before, and the thought of it was daunting. But our patient director, Nahla Al Fahad, a renowned Emirati filmmaker, guided us through each step. From creating storyboards to using AI tools and understanding shot compositions, I learned it all. Equipped with two Canon cameras – a big one for photography and a small vlogger camera for videography – I set out on this challenging journey.
Despite the obstacles, I persevered and was immensely proud of my two-minute movie. This project sparked an idea that was close to my heart: a family legacy cookbook. This cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a tribute to our heritage, capturing cherished family stories and traditions. It’s a way to preserve our culinary history and pass it down to future generations, ensuring that our family’s unique flavors and memories live on.
The printing course expanded my horizons beyond the paper I had always used for my art. Art Plus introduced us to the possibilities of printing on walls, tiles, glass, and metal. I decided to have my favorite photograph printed on acrylic, and the result was breathtaking. I also created packaging for the legacy cookbook, a mock-up of which I am truly proud. As an artist, I now use the printing press at least three times a week to print art for my customers. Having access to a printing press also allows me to create personalized gifts, such as coasters featuring children’s artwork for teacher gifts. The quality of printing is extraordinary, and you can print just a single piece, opening up a world of creative possibilities.
Stepping out of comfort zones
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have embraced the power of lifelong learning, networking, and seizing opportunities. Initiatives like “Women Who Empower” support women in exploring new skills and industries, fostering both professional and personal growth. The knowledge gained from these courses can be woven into business marketing, creating meaningful mementos, or simply exploring new creative outlets.
I believe that everyone should venture into such opportunities to learn and grow, regardless of gender. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new experiences, we can unlock our full potential and enrich our lives. I am committed to seeking out initiatives that empower and inspire, striving to take Queen B to new heights and positively impact the world around me. My dedication to learning is unwavering; even when stuck in a traffic jam due to flooding, I watched the course session on my phone, unwilling to miss a moment of magic.
For me, this experience with the Canon workshops organized by Dubai Business Women Council has been incredibly insightful and transformative. I have gained new skills, made valuable connections, and found ways to apply my learning to both my business and personal life. I encourage everyone to explore such opportunities in life, as they can open new realms of possibility and help us grow in ways we never imagined.
