‘MY VISION IS TO BUILD A BUSINESS LEGACY’
SAHAR VAKIL, HEAD OF BRAND DEVELOPMENT, MARINA HOME
Ifeel privileged... to be a part of the Marina Home family legacy that has built a reputation based on authenticity and quality. As second generation, we share immense respect and admiration for the journey our founders have had to create the brand from humble beginnings and evolve to its current identity organically.
My vision is... to shape the business into a sustainable model and develop a diversified retail portfolio for our future-facing holding group, Marina Retail Corporation. To stay true to our innovation-led heritage and expand our home proposition to global customers. Remain committed to always live up to our role as ‘inspirators’ through our brand and never lose sight of experiential authenticity.
Working in advertising taught me… about grit. Driving through challenges creatively. The art of managing people. The pursuit of substance. The advertising industry, in its glory days, offered an incredible platform for aspiring frontrunners to shine. The endless experience it gave us, built our vision to nurture brands in every category.
I worked every university summer. Although I was the only girl in the family, my father
raised me to be strong and daring (aka ‘rough and tough’ in his astute words). He didn’t see the wisdom in offering us readymade opportunities and rather, encouraged me to find my own ground. He believed in the importance of experiencing the world, and learning through travel. We’ve always been an adventurous family who remained grounded in our culture and values. And so, in my quest to be independent, I will never forget my novice excitement to land my first summer job. I remember how I didn’t care how glamorous the role would be, I just wanted to get started. I worked one summer as a receptionist at a small wholesale jewellery packaging operation in Deira Gold Souk; the next summer I was the youngest sales rep of the Intercontinental Deira’s Priviledge card sales team, making cold calls from their offices. These were humbling experiences that helped me absorb the discipline and commitment to work ethic. How to go the extra mile and put in hard work.
The decision was not planned. As far as I can remember, the desire to be independent was my ultimate driver. Independent in ideas, principles, and standing. Daughter to a selfmade man, I too wanted to find my personal path and make my parents proud. I wanted to step into my own career opportunities and experiences and learn as much as possible. I began agency life in 2003, back when the Marina Home brand was deepening its roots in the hearts and homes of expatriate communities. Determining the future of the brand as a family business was still premature. However, by the end of 2013, at the peak of its growth opportunity, I reassessed my career direction. I was ready to steer my contribution towards the success of our legacy, our home-grown brand.
Is it easy to balance? Sometimes I feel guilty for making it inadvertently look as though its easy for other women. The reality is that it is hard work. As a working mom, there is a constant guilt-factor that we learn to come to terms with. Guilty for not doing more in every role. Although it is physically and emotionally draining, being able to drive a career while raising your children is liberating, gratifying and personally rewarding; knowing that you can give a part of your life journey to building something for yourself. It’s a personal choice that in today’s age, we have the right to make. It’s a commitment to a stretched routine that would never be possible without the help of a loving support network. In my large household, revolving around my precious three daughters, I am blessed to have a support system I can trust, that enables me to pursue my dreams.
I admire my parents. For the difference they have made in so many lives. They always believed that the greatest rewards come from giving. It’s about bettering the lives of others, being a part of something bigger than yourself and making a positive difference. Forty years ago, they started hand-in-hand and built everything from scratch through sweat and tears, on values that have remained important in our lives till date. They didn’t have the safety net that we do today. They dedicated themselves to giving us that.
My husband is my anchor. My safe harbour. We balance each other out. We’re a team. He is my constant pillar of strength who reminds me that I can achieve anything. From two very different worlds, we met 15 years ago at our first agency job and knew soon enough that we were meant for each other. We grew independently in our careers in the same creative industry. The most incredible father to our daughters and son to my parents, he understands me; my quirks, value system, goals and above all, shares my vision of building a business legacy whilst being a devoted mum, daughter, sister, and more.
Just because we grew up together doesn’t mean we step in effortlessly. We put conscious efforts to build new relationships at work, establish professional trust and get to know each other again in light of our roles – how each of us perceive things, strategise and communicate. The roles of a father and uncles don’t apply in the framework of corporate directives and measures. We each invest in accountability to safeguard our harmonious partnership. The future awaits the second generation and we must manage the pace of change. It is a matter of building up the right momentum; if you go too fast people can’t adapt, let alone follow.
Lessons to pass on. In the exciting possibilities that await our children, we would want nothing more than for our daughters to find their individual passion and calling. The business world may or may not be their preference, but as parents, it is our responsibility to pass on life lessons to shape the women they will be and the difference they can make. We try and teach them to enjoy the simple things in life and hold value for experiences over objects. We want them to cherish the relationships in their lives through respect, humility and generosity. We want them to be bold in the face of adversity yet compassionate and considerate of others first. We want them to learn from mistakes and find creativity in trials. To work hard for their dreams through sincerity and dedication. Working with family.
The entrepreneurial bone. It was in my teenage years when I recall the entrepreneurial spark had lit. An amateur desire to create something out of nothing and present it to the world. Through it, I wanted to explore my capabilities and leave a mark. It was the profound high school entrepreneurial programme that empowered me and allowed me to realise my leadership skills. It was a priceless experience that played an instrumental role in the academic direction I then chose for my undergrad.
We want our children to be bold in the face of adversity yet compassionate and considerate of others first. We want them to learn from mistakes and find creativity in trials.