Saudi Entrepreneur Alaa Balkhy Gets Candid About Success And Failure | Bazaar Belief
The founder of The Arab Creatives Directory talks achievements, regrets, and everything in between
Born in Jeddah and raised in Montreal, this serial entrepreneur works as a cultural consultant, art director and illustrator. Jetting between NYC and the Middle East, she’s garnered an impressive resume, collaborating with Cartier and Netflix, launching her own slow fashion label, Alaa Bint Hashim, and being the force behind an ever- growing (and game-changing) global database of Arab creatives.Â
What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about creating! Whether it’s a brand or a product, a service or an event. There is something so magical and therapeutic about the process.
The key to success is…
Being true to yourself and honouring your values. Don’t be afraid of failing – it’s part of the process.
What do you enjoy about your job the most?
The people. Constantly meeting new people that are both amazing and inspiring.
What gives you the most gratification?
When my work or words inspire someone. I want to be the person that I needed when I was 13.
Your proudest achievement?
Back in 2011 when I launched Fyunka, my illustration brand, I never realised that it would be so successful. At the first pop-up I held in Riyadh, I was amazed and overwhelmed by the response. I’m also very proud of the collaborations I worked on with Baby-G and Rimmel.
Your role model?
I have different role models for different things in life; Emily Weiss when it comes to entrepreneurship in the product market. Martha Stewart when it comes to food and lifestyle. And Oprah Winfrey for her motivational speaking.
What values do you most admire in others?
Honesty, generosity and being open.
What would you tell your younger self?
Failing is part of the process and you need to trust the universe when things are not going your way. And that you are amazing and you deserve all the love in the world.
Your biggest regret?
Not going to therapy sooner in life and thinking at 21 that I knew it all, and didn’t need to learn from other people.
What do you still want to learn or change about yourself?
I want to learn about new things that interest me, and to constantly challenge myself.
What one experience in life taught you the most about yourself?
When my younger brother and I moved to New York by ourselves in 2012, I learned how to depend on myself and how to manage outside of my comfort zone. Every day was a challenge that I learnt so, so much from.
Who or what feeds your soul?
Food, travel and discovering new places. And connecting with like-minded creatives.
The value you most admire in yourself?
My closest friends know that I’m a ride-or-die.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s September 2020 Issue