Trad

IN PARTNERSHIP

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK MATHEW; ALL JEWELLERY DHAMANI; ALL FASHION BRIAR PRESTIDGE Mirna Trad is an individual with an unwavering spirit, determined to succeed. Despite the obstacles she has faced, she has gone on to write two impactful books, using her own life experiences to inspire others. She’s also set to launch her own skincare brand later this year. In this interview with Emirates Woman, Trad shares the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey and how she hopes to help others all around the world.

husband and children as an adult, disregarding all her hopes and dreams. What inspiration do you hope people take from your books? My mission is to shed light on the issues that all women are facing, especially the taboo subjects that no one is highlighting in this region including depression, addictions and the effect of “fake” social media. I aim to give hope to others by sharing real stories and ideas for a brighter and more successful future for women in our region. I also hope to aim to shed light on the serious issue – one that is close to my heart – of animal cruelty, that many humans neglect most of the time. The ideas explored in my books are inspired by my own experiences in life. UnTalk us through your career. My career started at a very young age due fortunately, no one at the time helped me realise that I am not alone to financial issues in my country and family. I started as a waitress at and gave me the strength I needed to continue with my fight to reach the age of 14 and continued working in the hospitality industry until I my goals, so I hope I can be that inspiration to many. graduated from college. I then moved into the corporate world work- What is a philosophy that you live by in your professional life? My phiing for hospitals and construction companies and that lead me into losophy is not to be afraid to live up to your dreams and focus only on a managerial position, but it didn’t fulfil my potential and dreams. your goals. Those who love you will be by your side and toxic individuHowever, I was afraid to take the first step, but once COVID-19 start- als may try to disrupt your plans, but they will never succeed. Always ed it was a sign that I needed to focus on myself and fulfil my goals. trust yourself. Thus, I decided to make my first dream come true – becoming an au- What are your plans for building your own business? I have started thor. Due to lockdown, I wrote my two books in a short period of time. this from a passion of mine which is natural skincare. Going back to The first book, After Midnight, is a biography our roots to nature, my brand will avoid using of my life as a working teenager. The second is chemicals that are bad for our health in the long Viva, which tells the story of a young woman facing the challenges of following her dreams “In my opinion run. Thus, I started building a connection with suppliers mostly in the tropical countries that to success and the problems she faces with her family and society. Currently, I’m deeply com- an entrepreneur are the richest when it comes to organic herbs. The brand is also focused on helping women in mitted to two important subjects I’m passionate about: female empowerment in the Middle is a person who their communities. We are now focusing on the marketing side of the business, which focuses East and animal welfare which still needs a lot of education in this region. My plan is to orga- dares to follow on the importance of using organic products, which are also cruelty-free. We aim to have our nize seminars in the future, be it virtual or live, related to these two subjects. I’m also estab- their dreams.” products available online before the end of 2022. How has your life impacted the message you hope lishing my skincare brand which will be organic to share with others? My rough start as a teenager and cruelty-free. The brand is inspired by natu- made me an activist for women’s rights, especially ral beauty and the resources of the tropical environment in countries in the Middle East. It led me to write my books to highlight the issues such as Thailand and Nepal. The brand, which will be called ‘Everly that many women face on a daily basis. On my social media platforms, I Ever After’, is also dedicated to women all over the world. also focus on many taboo subjects to show women they are not alone and How did your childhood shape your outlook on life and approach to busi- that they will be able to make it someday. Part of my work is also dedicatness? Since I was a teen, I was convinced that I would never achieve ed to my infinite love of animals since they don’t have a voice to express anything without a fight as my family’s financial situation wasn’t per- the injustice they face. These matters led me to base my future company fect. I was also working in the hospitality industry, especially in the on helping women and make them my suppliers, especially since I had to night scene, in a country that takes advantage of young women that match it with products that are cruely-free with no animal testing. are trying to make their lives better. Thus, these situations shaped me Looking back over your career, can you tell us about three challenges to be a very goal oriented person that faces any challenge head-on, you’ve had to overcome? My first and the biggest hurdle I’ve had to trying to find the best solution to succeed. overcome is going against society’s rules. I’ve had to free my thoughts As a successful author, you’ve penned two books After Midnight and and forget bad situations that I encountered as a teenager. The secViva. Can you expand on the topic of these? After Midnight is a biography ond is putting my feelings aside when it comes to business. As women, of my life as a working teenager and the challenges that a young woman we can be sensitive creatures and to survive in the business world, we faces by the mindless and heartless men that manage or attend the night must be tough. Finally, the biggest challenge has been to put myself scene in a country which takes advantage of young women that are try- first and then help others along the way because as I grow, my help will ing to go through their hard life and try to make it in this world. The be more impactful and meaningful. story sheds light on my life after the nightmares of the night life slav- On the opposite end of the spectrum, what have been the key mileery and how a person can still make it, conquering all obstacles in the stones? As a writer and through my social media platforms, I have way. This story is mainly addressed to young women who are confronted been able to help many women by sharing my experiences. I have rewith these tragedies, to let them know they are not alone ceived numerous messages sharing their experiences and their thanks.

Viva is a story of a young woman facing challenges to achieve her Being able to help people is the biggest milestone. goals to be successful and the problems she faces with her family and so- Do you have any mentors who have helped you throughout your cacietal pressures. The young woman comes from a family that struggles reer? My inspiration has been from the strong women working in difwith financial hardship. In order to escape this quickly, she marries her ferent fields. It made me think about myself, to focus on becoming the husband, but it ends up being an unhappy marriage. It tells the story of person I have always dreamt of being and forgetting about the negative her finding her feet, focusing on her dreams and believing in her potential, thoughts, to learn about my potential and how to develop it. leading her to financial stability and independence. The choice is hard, This is The Entrepreneur Issue – what does being an entrepreneur mean especially for a young woman where her main duty in society has been to to you? In my opinion an entrepreneur is a person who dares to follow make others happy; her parents and siblings as a young girl and then her their dreams and will do everything in their power to make it happen.