How I got my job as… founder of an aesthetic content creation studio in Dubai
This week, Emirates Woman speaks to content creator Khadija Hallouty, founder of Khyn Studiō, an aesthetic content creation studio in Dubai.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
Here, Khadija shares her career journey and how she brought her idea to life.
Khadija Hallouty, founder of Khyn Studiō
What was your favourite subject at school?
Art & Literature without a doubt; I even studied Languages & Literatures at Paris La Sorbonne University. Looking back I think I was always drawn to storytelling, whether through visuals or words. I loved how also art let me bring ideas to life, and literature made me see the power of perspective. I truly think I didn’t realize it at the time at all, but those subjects shaped everything I do now.
What was your first job?
I will always remember my first job – it was actually in retail, working in a small boutique in Paris center. It taught me a lot about customer service, time management, and the importance of paying attention to the smallest details. French are such perfectionists; it really gave me was a deep appreciation for creativity and the process behind making something look polished and put together. I used to stay a bit longer to watch my boss make a dress from scratch – it was fabulous. I learned also a lot about how important it is to create an experience, and looking back I am grateful for it even though at the time I knew I wanted more.
“Dubai felt like the perfect place to bring my vision for Khyn Studiō to life, offering a blank canvas where anything is possible through a mix of innovation, culture, and massive potential.”
What eventually brought you to Dubai?
I’ve honestly always felt like a bird, constantly moving, drawn to places that challenge and shape my creativity. I was born and raised in Paris; Paris gave me a deep connection to culture, history, and the art of storytelling. I left for Miami when I was 22 years old. Miami taught me to embrace boldness, vibrancy, and the power of diversity. But what brought me to Dubai was the opportunity to combine the best elements from both places in a city that’s growing rapidly as a global creative hub. Dubai felt like the perfect place to bring my vision for Khyn Studiō to life, offering a blank canvas where anything is possible through a mix of innovation, culture, and massive potential.
What inspired you to enter the creative space and launch Khyn Studiō?
As an established content creator myself for over a decade, I’ve poured my heart into countless projects—from fashion editorials to brand campaigns to UGC content. Over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate the art of interior design—how every piece, every detail, can transform a space into a place that fuels innovation. Through all those years, one thing became clear: no matter how strong your vision is, having the right space to bring it to life is crucial. I can’t count how many times I found myself struggling to create in environments that didn’t inspire me or reflect my creativity. That’s when I realized: why not create it myself? Khyn Studiō was born out of that realization—a space built for creators, by a creator. It’s more than just a studio; it’s a place where ideas can flow freely, where every corner is designed to inspire and support the creative process. Every detail, from the lighting to the layout, was chosen with intention—to provide the perfect environment for photographers, videographers, and content creators to bring their visions to life.
What are the key elements of your role?
My role is a dynamic blend of leadership, creativity, and strategic vision. I’m not only responsible for the daily operations, but I also serve as the visionary behind the space – constantly thinking about how we can evolve and stay ahead of trends. Whether it’s designing the space to inspire creativity, curating the right atmosphere, or collaborating with clients to bring their ideas to life, I’m always looking for ways to make the studio a place where innovation can thrive. I’m deeply involved in every aspect, from ensuring we have the right tools to overseeing every detail that makes Khyn Studiō unique. At the heart of it, my goal is to create a space that doesn’t just meet the needs of content creators, but one that also pushes boundaries and helps them realize their fullest potential.
Talk us through your daily routine as a founder.
My daily routine as a founder is a mix of creativity, leadership, and a lot of moving pieces. I start my day by checking in on emails and planning out the key things I need to focus on. I always have this habit to spend some time reflecting on the bigger picture—how we can grow, stay on trend with the aesthetic, and make the studio an even better space for creators. The day itself involves a lot of creative work—whether it’s designing new set-ups, tweaking the studio’s layout, or brainstorming fresh ideas for content. I also stay on top of everything that’s happening behind the scenes, from managing my assistant to making sure the studio is running smoothly. A big part of my day is also exploring new trends, gear, and inspiration to keep the studio ahead of the curve. It’s a mix of planning, creating, and constantly evolving and I’m loving it!
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
My advice is simple: don’t give up on yourself. The road will be harder than you probably expect, and there will be moments when you feel completely lost, when nothing makes sense, and when it seems like the world is telling you to stop. But that’s exactly when you need to keep going. It’s in those moments of struggle, pain, and uncertainty where you’ll find your true strength. Don’t be afraid to fail, because those failures aren’t the end; they’re just stepping stones to the life you’re meant to build. Stay true to your passion, no matter how small the steps feel at first. People will doubt you. You’ll doubt yourself. But if you hold onto your dream, no matter how hard it gets, you will build something beautiful, something worth all the pain, tears, and sleepless nights. It won’t be easy. But the moments of joy, pride, and growth that come after the struggle will be more powerful than you could ever imagine. Keep pushing, because the world needs what you have to offer. Don’t let go of that fire inside of you.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I ever received was, ‘Don’t be afraid to dream bigger than you think is ever possible.’ It sounds simple, but it completely changed the way I approach everything. There was a time when I limited myself, I was completely letting my limiting belief taught at an early age to always play it safe because I feared failing. But I’ve learned that the dreams that seem too big are often the ones worth chasing. They push you beyond your comfort zone and make you grow in ways you never thought possible. That advice taught me that there’s no such thing as ‘too much’—that if you believe in your vision, work relentlessly, and stay true to your passion, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. It’s not about the destination, but the journey of discovering how far you can really go. So, dream big and don’t let fear stop you. The possibilities are endless when you believe in your own potential.
And what is the worst?
The worst piece of advice I ever received was, ‘Stick to what you know.’ Early on, I was told to stay in my lane and not to venture into areas that felt unknown or uncomfortable. The truth is, often people don’t know exactly what they’re doing at first—and that’s okay. I certainly didn’t. But it’s those moments of uncertainty, those leaps into the unknown, that create real growth. If I had played it safe, Khyn Studiō would never have come to life. Sometimes, you must dive in, even if you don’t have all the answers, because that’s where the real learning happens. It’s in those messy, uncertain moments where you discover not just what you’re capable of, but what you’re truly passionate about. The real magic comes when you stop being afraid of the unknown and just trust that you’ll figure it out along the way.
Tell us more about the services offered?
At Khyn Studiō, we offer a variety of services designed to cater to the diverse needs of content creators, brands, and photographers. We provide three aesthetic trendy distinct studio spaces—each with its own unique vibe—so you can find the perfect environment for your shoot, whether it’s for fashion, product photography, or creative content, the best is you have access to all of them when you book the studio! Not everyone has an aesthetic place or a ton of props & lighting equipment to shoot with; that’s what we offer to creators so brands can keep working with them by delivering exquisite content and brands to sell massively through visuals. Along with the studio space rentals, we also offer equipment rentals to ensure you have everything you need to bring your vision to life. We’re not just about providing an aesthetic space; we’re about creating an unforgettable experience for our clients.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
The biggest challenge I had to overcome was learning to believe in myself when everything felt uncertain. There was a point when I almost gave up—when the weight of it all seemed too much. Starting Khyn Studiō wasn’t just a business move; it was a piece of my heart. I put everything into it—emotionally, financially, and mentally—and there were days when I doubted if I was strong enough to make it work. I remember the sleepless nights, the moments when I felt completely overwhelmed, questioning if I was even capable of building something like this. The hardest part wasn’t just getting the studio up and running, it was the inner battle of trusting that all the sacrifices, the tears, the doubts, would lead to something greater. I had to learn to be okay with the discomfort of not knowing what tomorrow would look like. And in that uncertainty, I found my strength. The challenge wasn’t in the failure I feared; it was in finding the courage to keep going, to keep believing, even when I felt like I wasn’t enough. Now, looking at Khyn Studiō, I realize that every moment of doubt was part of the journey—and it was worth it.
What are your goals for the future?
Looking ahead, my goal is to open multiple locations and grow Khyn Studiō into something even bigger – to have more space with its own vibe, giving everyone—from photographers to designers to brands—the perfect place to bring their vision to life. Whether it’s more specialized setups for different industries or larger, flexible spaces for bigger projects, I want to ensure that Khyn Studiō can adapt to the ever-evolving creative world. My dream is to build a community where talent from all over the world can come together, collaborate, and push the limits of what’s possible. This isn’t just about opening more studios it’s about creating a platform that helps both creators and brands tell their stories and build something powerful together.
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