Founder Of Ribambelle Yulia Fedorishina On Her Parenting Mantra, “Courage First, Magic Second”
Bazaar Junior discovers the drive, dreams and decisions that led to entrepreneur and mum-of-three Yulia Fedorishina co-founding family favourite Ribambelle
“I couldn’t find a space I felt comfortable in, without constantly apologising on behalf of my
children. So, I created it,” Yulia Fedorishina tells Bazaar Junior, beaming with pride. When she became a mum, Russian-born Yulia discovered a niche in the hospitality market that was not being exploited. The former PWC-executive realised that the elevated restaurants she frequented didn’t welcome her children, but kids-centric spots provided no joy for the adults to revel in family time together. Armed with an INSEAD degree, she embarked on a new project in 2014, and co-founded Ribambelle, a concept that has mushroomed to
encompass seven worldwide locations, including a UAE outpost on Bluewaters Island. Its USP? Providing a haven where parents can enjoy chilled Champagne and feather-light carpaccio, while their little ones run riot in a play area, with entertainment and activities thrown into the mix. Yulia explains, “We are a restaurant first – with entertainment that redefines kids’ experiences. Expect gourmet food and service in a children’s world.”
Given that the Leaders Club handed Ribambelle their Palm d’Or award for the most innovative restaurant concept, it’s clear that Yulia’s instinct was right; “It felt like recognition for both our hard work and testament to me as a mother,” she says. Despite the accolades, becoming a business owner meant the bubbly personality had to develop a steely core.
“Suddenly, I was the one people criticised. I had to stop caring about opinions and start caring about results. The best professional advice I received was ‘Keep the main thing the main thing.’ One focus a day protects your bigger goals from daily noise.”
Not content to rest on her laurels, aside from nurturing her new space in Dubai, Yulia has also set up an events company that can provide elaborate set-ups at locations across the city. A recent request? A cosmic-themed celebration in the desert that evoked a moon landing. She is also able to put her finger on the zeitgeist of what is cool for kids; “Our most popular themes at the moment centre around Labubus. This kicked off in May of this year. It’s the only request that is not tied to a cartoon. It shows a shift: kids want trends, not stories any more; this makes me sad. Saying that, one of the most unusual themes we had to bring to life was a llama party – with real llamas! That was unforgettable.”
When talking about her recent expansion into the Middle East – plans include further imminent openings throughout the region – Yulia says that “Dubai is different from other places because it is the only city with such a broad mix of nationalities and which one you belong to doesn’t matter – only vision and drive do.” And although she has her own outpost to frequent, you’ll also spot her family at OliOli, Green Planet, and “skating almost every Sunday morning” at the Ice Rink at Dubai Mall. The moment schools break the whole clan embark on adventures with recent trips including jaunts to the Royal Malewane in Kruger Park in South Africa and Greece’s Sani Resort where “parents enjoy the luxury while children have endless activities on offer. Once the kids are over seven, I think it is important to show them the world. We’ve taken our brood to Iceland, Australia and Africa – all wonderful cultural experiences.”
Yulia is an inspiration for so many aspiring entrepreneurs. When pressed as to the secret behind her success, the YPO member confesses she can “motivate other people where there is chaos and see that order is initiated.” But the person she cites as having the biggest impact on her is not a business personality, but “my mother – she taught me endurance and grace.”
Now seen at all the chic parties across the city, the dynamo who has also launched high-end catering company Palette 33, has no plans to slow down. When asked how she balances being mum to Evgeny, 18, Kate, 10, and eight-year-old Alisa, she evokes her mantra; “courage first, magic second”.
Imagery Supplied
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Junior Autumn/Winter 2025 issue
