Juhi Yasmeen Khan of JYK fashion house
indian national Juhi Yasmeen Khan is many things — an entrepreneur, fashion guru, public relations and marketing expert… and a philanthropist. She is the founder of JYK Fashion House and, although this is a full- time job in itself, she always makes time for social issues, such as founding Women Helping Women, a women empowerment help group. Her recent initiative is the Friday Market that aims to raise awareness for Dar Al Ber Society, one of the oldest organisations in the UAE, that supports underprivileged members of society by paying for basic requirements. The idea behind The Friday Market is simple — it gives UAE residents a chance to buy big brands, with a percentage of the proceeds going towards helping the underprivileged.
“The Friday Market is one of the small ways I feel like I am contributing to peoples’ happiness,” says Juhi. “Something as small as getting a free gift through the market or when parents see their kids having a good time in the play area can bring joy to someone’s day.”
Moreover, The Friday Market celebrated International Women’s Day this year by inviting over 200 female la-
bourers to the market and showing them a good time — complete with free food, gifts and live entertainment. There was also a lucky draw, where winners won exclusive gold and pearl pendants.
“It was a chance for women to interact with other distinguished ladies, health professionals and even RJS,” explains Juhi. “After a hearty dinner, they were taken back to their rooms with gifts and a goody bag. You could see their happiness — many women said it was the first time they had ever been invited to such an event — and their pleasure was infectious.”
Organising an event like this takes time and effort, but Juhi considers it her duty. “God has given me so much,” she explains. “I had a good life growing up and my father tried his best to help people too. So I consider it my duty to give back, and it makes me happy.”