This week we chat with Tariq Abu Samra and Jaya Arunasalam, the co-founders of BloomingBox. This premium corporate gifting brand, has established itself in the UAE.
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.
Overall, BloomingBox is a haven for flower enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find an exquisite array of floral arrangements, from elegant bouquets to charming centerpieces, meticulously crafted to captivate the senses and stir the soul. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a touch of nature’s beauty in your life, the blooms at Bloomingbox.com never fail to inspire awe and wonder.
Beyond floral arrangements, customers can choose from an assortment of blossom chocolates, macarons, tiny cupcakes, colourful bonbon chocolates and hampers in collaboration with leading brands. Each gifting element is crafted to delight the senses and add a touch of sweetness to any celebration.
With same-day delivery options available, BloomingBox brings joy and beauty to your doorstep whenever you need it most.
To delve into the journey of these UAE-based entrepreneurs on how their journey began.
What was your favourite subject at school?
TS: While I’m not the best example of a person who likes school or studying, I would have to say my favourite subjects were Chemistry and Math.
JA: I was more focused on my extracurricular activities while in school, such as scouting, sports and building friendships. It was always a dream to attend culinary school after high school.
What was your first job?
TS: My first unofficial job started when I was nine. I had a strong interest in carpentry and took on small projects for people who needed specific items. Later, at twelve, I worked with my grandfather to help refurbish our family house. My first official job was as a Sales Executive for Cobone.com.
JA: My first job was as a kitchen helper in a pastry kitchen right after high school. My first hospitality job was in the US after my studies in Switzerland.
What brought you to Dubai?
TS: I was born and raised in Dubai.
JA: I moved for work and a job opportunity. I was working at The Langham in London and moved to Dubai to work at Madinat Jumeirah in 2006.
What inspired you to enter the floral Industry and launch BloomingBox?
Tariq: We both noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, affordable gifting options that also deliver a seamless customer experience. The online gifting industry was largely overlooked at the time, providing us with the opportunity to bring a fresh approach.
Jaya: I was drawn to the compelling idea that Tariq presented and was eager to explore something outside of the hospitality industry.
Talk us through the concept?
TS: BloomingBox is a premium online gifting platform crafted to offer a wide range of gifting categories, including flowers, cakes, treats, hampers, plants, exclusive brand collaborations, and more. With a strong focus on customer service, we aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable gifting experience from selection to delivery, ensuring every gift creates a memorable impact.
JA: Our initial concept was very different from what BloomingBox is today. Early on, we realized that to build market trust, we needed to manage the entire process—from client engagement to final delivery.
What are the key elements of your role?
Tariq: From a high-level perspective, I see myself as the brand’s guardian. My role spans overseeing design and development, product quality, customer service, marketing, and the overall website experience. Additionally, I share responsibility with Jaya for strategic planning and financial management. I focus on setting a clear vision for the brand while creating an environment where team leaders are empowered to own their roles and drive the brand’s success.
Jaya: Key focus areas include overall operations, managing operating costs, negotiating with suppliers and vendors, establishing an effective company structure, and organizing the team to ensure smooth, efficient workflows. More recently, I’ve been overlooking our expansion to KSA.
Talk us through your daily routine.
Tariq: I’m an early riser. First, I drop my daughter to school and then make sure I’m at the office by around 9am. It’s a ritual to have lunch with the team as it allows me to connect with them on a personal level. Most of my days include a sports activity after work. Then some quality time with family and friends.
Jaya: I start the day by going through my emails, followed by a gym session. I head to the office around 11am and do a walk through the warehouse to connect with the team, followed by updates from the Head of Operations on yesterday’s performance and the week ahead. I then meet with other department heads to align on priorities. Since our recent launch in KSA, I’ve been frequently traveling between the two cities to support with our establishment there.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
TS: My main advice is to approach everything with both logic and emotion. When decisions are made by combining the mind and heart, the outcome is often balanced and fulfilling. Logic can keep you grounded in your reasons for starting, while emotion encourages you to keep pushing forward when things get tough.
JA: Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who have greater experience. If someone inspires you, invite them for a meal to learn from them—it’s a humbling and valuable experience.
Tell us more about pieces at BloomingBox.
TS: BloomingBox is more than just a gifting platform— we act as a design house dedicated to creating memorable pieces. Every product undergoes an intensive process, from ideation and concept development to design and production. Our team carefully considers each detail, including packaging, floral elements, and presentation, to ensure every item embodies our commitment to quality and beauty. Whether it’s a floral arrangement or a curated gift box, BloomingBox designs each piece to make a lasting impact on the gifting experience.
JA: Beyond our products, we prioritise creating a holistic customer experience by examining every step of our customer’s journey and interaction with us. From browsing to delivery, we carefully consider all channels and touchpoints to ensure a seamless and positive experience that resonates with each recipient. Our goal is to make every gift memorable, not just through the product itself, but through the entire process.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
TS: One of the best pieces of advice I received – For anything you aim to achieve, ask yourself, “What does that look like?” This question often brings clarity to the steps needed to make it happen. In business, I’ve learned that while engaging with those more experienced or influential can feel uncomfortable, it’s often rewarding. And, a reminder: the way you love yourself sets the standard for how others will love you.
JA: If you want to spend money, start earning!
And what is the worst?
TS: The worst advice I received, though well-intentioned, was after my first startup failed—I was told to go get a job.
JA: Don’t take risks; play it safe!
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
TS: Me. My own limitations and fears.
JA: In the early days, we were focused on raising funds and overlooked our own potential to shape our own path to success.
What’s your future for the brand?
TS: Global domination, product diversification. BloomingBox isn’t just here to transform the gifting industry, we’re committed to being part of every single emotional transaction and meaningful connection shared between people.
JA: Our current focus is on regional expansion and driving efficiency through automation to scale our operations effectively.
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