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    Solutions Leisure Group’s CEO on foundational breakthroughs and key business insights

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    Solutions Leisure Group co-founder and CEO Paul Evans, on foundational breakthroughs and the key insights that have ignited and grown a global business.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    I usually wake up around 6am and have a quick coffee on our terrace with my partner, Dom. We’re for- tunate to live on Palm Jumeirah, and that sense of calm you get overlooking the water as the sun comes up over the horizon is something special. I’ll then check messages and scan emails, touch base on any meetings I have during the day and get ready for a workout. Depending on the day, I’ll either walk the beach and take some time to reflect and ground myself or go to the gym. We’ve been training with the boys from Benzone for a few years now and they’ve been epic. So-much-so they now host a bootcamp for our team three times a week on our office rooftop, which I’ll try and get to once a month, too.
    What are the pillars of DNA that define Solutions Leisure Group as a brand?
    Our mission is to create the moments people live for, and we’re working hard to ensure we live and breathe that through every channel. From our team members to our guests, the brand design and the experience creation, the moments matter, big and small. Whilst we fly by the seat of our pants at the rate of change, we’re often steering, we remain grounded with our pillars: Excellence is the standard; Leadership is the strength; Relationships are the source and Mindset is the solution.

    “our mission is to create the moments people live for, and we’re working hard to ensure we live and breathe that through every channel”

    Solutions Leisure Group offers lifestyle and holistic experiences. Was this the plan from the outset?
    Freek and I first landed in Dubai in 2013 after 13 years developing the entertainment destination that is, today, Egypt’s Hurghada Beach. Our little brown Dutch bar soon turned into 20 venues, turning the sleepy seaside town into a tourism and nightlife hotspot. But the Arab Spring came, and we lost it all, making the move to Dubai with nothing much more than the clothes on our backs. It was here we noted that, amidst the glitz and glam of the Dubai social scene, there was very little for the everyday patron; the average guest who just wanted to enjoy quality food, great vibes and a consistently good time. So, we introduced the once-favourite Q43 restaurant and bar to the region, quickly followed by our acquisition of the iconic Karma Kafe, and conceptualisation of Asia Asia and Lock, Stock & Barrel. We saw our brands growing with our guests, and realised it wasn’t about creating a product anymore, but, instead, a lifestyle. Something that serviced various needs, both emotive and physical. People wanted community and experience – a break away from the day to day with a guaranteed consistency of enjoyment. So, we focused on the quality and experience as the heart of our venue design to enable our product to, not just meet, but exceed expectations. We introduced the family entertainment sector with Wavehouse, and then Central, which soon saw the industry follow. Both within the group itself and within our venues, we are focused on lifestyle experiences that are brand-led and culture-based. We no longer hire for the experience our rockstars have, but for the experience they can create. They are brand ambassadors – a visual and verbal representation of who each brand is and what it stands for. We see every person who joins us as entering our home, creating a lifestyle experience that exuberates fun, energy and ignites trust through a relationship that is, both, valued and nurtured.

    You built everything yourself from the outset. How did you overcome the challenges?
    We’ve always been known for our middleman sector, but that’s certainly changed these past few years. The F&B scene in the UAE is becoming fiercer and fuller than ever, and I think our team has gone above and beyond to really set the bar across design, marketing and operations. They own their brands – own their careers and have blown me away with their dedication and passion as a whole. It might not have changed the industry, as such, but it’s certainly separated the term employees from the team. I feel our real ability to overcome challenges has been our ability to come together. The last few years has seen a real shift in the way brands unite. We no longer deem ourselves as competing, but rather complementing each other, creating opportunities that feed our industries and create epic moments we really do live for. And that’s pretty remarkable. Big brands are opening doors to smaller ones, enabling some incredible creative collaborations that feel authentic and accessible. Similarly, competitive brands are working together to bring out the best in one another and enter entirely new markets. It’s like the world began to trust and open its mind and stop working so hard against one another. That openness has led to some super cool experiences being created – and some we are looking forward to being a part of.

    What are the pivotal milestones you are most proud of – and how has this shaped your understanding of success?
    From seven venues, to 21, and counting, in the space of 24 months, my proudest achievement? My team.
    The past decade of business has shown that, throughout everything Solutions Leisure has grown through; all that the group has come to be known for – it was because the team are, as I call them, Spartans. Commitment, discipline, courage, and the fortitude required to stand one’s ground to push through. Those are the characteristics of a Spartan. We have come together in adversity, learning through the challenges and celebrating the wins, because I know they are stronger together. Through the hard work, kindness, and all-embracing nature of each team member, it’s honestly one of the best places to work in the Middle East – if not the world. The team’s ability to take it all in their stride pushed Solutions Leisure into an entirely new ballgame. And that invigorating sense of reaching new heights in the group has put us where we are today; confident, motivated, inspired and ready for the next challenge.
    How do you approach scaling without compromising quality and what factors do you consider when launching a new venture?
    We decide against the safe route, branching into partnerships that enable us to conceptualise projects that aren’t just hospitality-focused, but experience-led, driven by brand immersion and memorable moments. It isn’t about how hard we work, but how smart; how creative we are and how much we trust our gut when it comes to what’s next for the industry.
    This mindset grew the group from six to 21-and-counting venues in just three years, introducing a whole new sector of beauty, wellness, fitness and retail to its portfolio, and expanding into Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. Our approach? As a group, we don’t define our target market anymore. And, as controversial or as ridiculous as that may sound, it’s because they’ve become such an integral part of us; so, embedded in how we design, operate and imagine the brands we deliver, they naturally evolve into what we need them to be.
    Instead, we’re conceptualising experiences. The Boujee Boot Sale at So Much Trouble makes our consumers the brand ambassadors, giving them a place to sip and shop one another’s vintage and pre-loved luxuries. Our bespoke brunch crawl personalizes our venue with an exclusive chauffeured party bus between each stop. What had worked before, didn’t work now, so finding an omni-channel approach to dining and socialising slowly opened doors to a new sector for the region; one we wanted to grab by the horns and make our own – entertainment. Be comfortable in what you don’t know, both in leadership and collaboration. A key player to some of the leadership partnerships we’ve implemented in our group leans exactly to this – complementary skill sets and ideologies that drive our senior management to think differently, more laterally and outside their own box. Similarly, we’ve removed the stigma around aligning ourselves with our competition. We’re not here to gate keep – we want to work with those that better us; that better our product and service and create more enhanced moments for guests. From putting branded F&B outlets into our own, to branching out from our usual entertainment, we don’t say now, and we don’t keep our secrets to success to ourselves. It’s all about the end game.

    Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what knowledge did they impart?
    Freek and my business partners. You don’t succeed alone. I think that’s something many people overlook. They see success as solely individual – as something they need to achieve by themselves. But I’ve learnt that isn’t the case. Success is collaborative. You need to surround yourself with individuals that bring out the best in you; that inspire you, compete with you and drive you to be the absolute best you can be. Individuals who know when to push the gas as much as when to slow down.
    What advice would you give to yourself starting out?
    Embrace the challenge. It’s meant to be hard – that’s the thrill, that’s what makes it all worthwhile, that’s what gives it a purpose.
    Where do you get the motivation to be consistent and are there any practices which have helped you with this?
    I am big on perspective. We spend so much of our early life worrying; comparing ourselves and try- ing to keep up. Time wasted trying to be something we think we should be, instead of leaning into the journey and grabbing a hold of opportunities as they arise. Enjoy the absurdity and find excitement through the growth. Celebrate the milestones and find passion through the journey. That’s what keeps it interesting.
    What new projects are in the pipeline for Solutions Leisure Group?
    2025 is our biggest year yet. We’ve got an entire new destination to develop with one of the most iconic brands in the GCC, an exciting partnership with one of the world’s most recognised five-star hotels for our wellness division, and a further expansion of some of our staple brands including some pretty major collaborations and experiences, like Stanley Cup, Roll DXB, Namshi, Ounass and more…
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      Managing Director at Raffles The Palm on the ever-evolving hospitality industry in Dubai

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      Nestled gracefully on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Raffles The Palm Dubai emerges as a haven of luxury, seamlessly blending modern opulence with the timeless charm of Arabian hospitality.
      The resort’s architecture is a spectacle in itself, offering stunning views of both the Arabian Gulf and the dynamic Dubai skyline. Each meticulously designed room and suite is a testament to the fusion of contemporary aesthetics and traditional Arabian influences, providing guests with a truly immersive experience.
      In a deatiled conversation, Ayman Gharib, Managing Director at Raffles The Palm Dubai, Area General Manager at Raffles Seychelles and Raffles Bahrain, talks to Emirates Man about the luxury property’s rebranding in 2021, it’s position in the Dubai hospitality scene and what’s the plan for future when it comes to eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism.
      Can you share insights into your nearly three-decade journey in luxury hospitality, particularly your significant roles at Raffles?
      Throughout my career, I had the privilege of contributing to the dynamic and complex landscape of luxury hospitality in various prominent roles. I joined Raffles in 2009, initially leading Food & Beverage operations at Raffles Dubai. Here, I learned the intricacies of delivering memorable experiences to guests, allowing me to understand the essence of hospitality and setting the tone for my career growth. By 2011, I was given the chance to prove myself as Hotel Manager, a significant milestone in my career. As my career progressed, I took on roles of increasing responsibility, and the journey reached new heights with my appointment as General Manager at Raffles Dubai in 2014. Subsequently, in 2017, I undertook the challenge of the pre-opening phase of Sofitel Obelisk, earning the title of Managing Director. These experiences allowed me to navigate the complexity of the industry and enriched my expertise in delivering impeccable experiences to a discerning audience. I have been fortunate to witness the evolution of the hospitality industry, adapting to increasingly sophisticated and knowledgeable travellers and evolving global trends. Throughout my time at Raffles, I have endeavoured to embody leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, contributing to the success of every project I led. I aspire to create a legacy of excellence at Raffles and the luxury hospitality sector.
      How did your leadership style contribute to your rise from Food & Beverage operations to the position of Managing Director at Raffles The Palm Dubai?
      In the early stages of my career in Food and Beverage, I focused on cultivating collaboration, empowerment and commitment to excellence. A strong team is the backbone of a successful hospitality establishment, and leading with adaptability and a genuine focus on people, I attained positive outcomes during my tenure in Food and Beverage. As I transitioned into broader leadership roles, I maintained an inclusive and strategic leadership style, aligning departmental goals with business objectives. Upon becoming Managing Director at Raffles The Palm Dubai, my leadership style evolved to encompass a holistic view of hospitality operations. I implemented strategic initiatives to uphold the brand’s commitment to luxury and exceptional service. In this role, cultivating a collaborative and positive culture and making strategic financial decisions were key factors in contributing to the property’s success.

      As the Managing Director of Raffles The Palm Dubai, what strategies did you employ for the property’s rebranding and repositioning in 2021?
      As Managing Director at Raffles The Palm Dubai, I navigated this exciting journey focusing on enhancing guest experiences. We implemented strategies to elevate the property’s profile, ensuring alignment with evolving consumer trends. We expanded accommodations, introduced gourmet F&B outlets to elevate the culinary offering, enhanced the menu of our luxurious spa, and implemented a robust sales and marketing strategy to enhance visibility and drive business. The goal? To transform the property into an iconic destination, and trust me, the results speak for themselves.

      With added responsibilities in 2023, overseeing Raffles Seychelles and the upcoming Raffles Bahrain, how do you plan to leverage your experience for the growth of these properties?
      Drawing from my multi-property management experience, I plan to contribute to their success on an international scale, reflecting my passion for leading diverse teams to excellence. Throughout my career journey, I obtained invaluable insights into the luxury hospitality sector and a wealth of experience that I am eager to channel into the growth of the properties. I aim to streamline processes, fostering efficiency and collaboration. In tandem with operational refinement, my vision includes the implementation of strategic plans tailored to each property’s unique strengths and the demands of their respective markets.
      Can you highlight key achievements and unique features of Raffles The Palm Dubai under your leadership, including the growth in accommodations, F&B outlets, spa, and event spaces?
      Since the grand opening, Raffles The Palm Dubai has seen quite the success. We secured a top spot on Trip Advisor, witnessed substantial profit growth, and raised the stakes with 387 luxury accommodations, seven top-notch F&B spots, a Club Lounge, a luxurious spa, and vast event spaces. It’s all about upholding the utmost standards of quality and service, ensuring an experience that stands the test of time. The impeccable service provided at Raffles The Palm Dubai is widely recognized and appreciated by our discerning guests, and in 2023, we were voted as the 2nd Best Resort in the region according to Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
      What challenges did you face during the various phases of your career, and how did you overcome them to achieve your current leadership position?
      In the early stages of my career, navigating the dynamic hospitality landscape was a significant challenge. As travellers increasingly seek unique experiences, ensuring our offerings meet elevated expectations becomes crucial. This involved innovating services and amenities, crafting even more personalised experiences that resonate with individual preferences and create lasting memories. Managing multi-property operations presented unique complexities where balancing the diverse demands of different locations while maintaining consistent standards across properties required a nuanced and strategic approach. Hospitality is an ever-changing industry, so adopting a people-focused approach through building resilient teams, fostering adaptability, and maintaining clear communication was essential. With that in mind, staying attuned to industry trends and data, enables us to anticipate demand but also provides an insightful understanding of the contemporary consumer’s preferences. It’s a commitment to not only keeping pace with change but also being at the forefront, setting the standard for what discerning guests expect from an ultra-luxury hospitality experience. I believe that each challenge served as an opportunity for growth, contributing significantly to my journey and culminating in my current leadership position.

      In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, how do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies to enhance guest satisfaction?
      Staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies is crucial for enhancing guest satisfaction. I prioritise continuous learning by actively reading industry publications, attending relevant business trips, and participating in city events. Additionally, I foster a culture of innovation within my teams, encouraging them to share insights and ideas. Collaborating with travel experts and staying connected with other industry leaders helps me remain informed about emerging trends and advancements. This proactive approach ensures that our properties at Raffles are equipped with the latest technologies and trends, ultimately enhancing the overall guest experience. Moreover, recognising the importance of guest feedback on platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google, and others is integral to understanding modern consumers’ preferences. Analysing and incorporating this feedback provides valuable insights into guest expectations, allowing us to tailor our offerings and services to align with contemporary preferences. We are proud to have a multicultural team, and knowing that it is the foundation of understanding consumer behaviours, adds depth to the beauty of hospitality. The diverse perspectives within our team contribute to a nuanced understanding of cultural preferences, enabling us to create a more inclusive and personalised experience for our guests. This cultural richness is not just a facet of our team; it’s a fundamental element that enhances the warmth and authenticity of hospitality.
      With sustainability gaining importance, how does your hotel implement eco-friendly practices and contribute to responsible tourism?
      Since the hotel’s opening, we have kept sustainability practices at the core of our operational decisions. We are proud to be the first ultra-luxury hotel in the UAE to receive the ISO 14001:2015 certification for our Environmental Management System in 2021. Our commitment extends to water conservation through efficient landscaping and recycling, along with the elimination of single-use plastics from guest room amenities and access cards. We have even launched an in-house water bottling project. In our food and beverage outlets, we prioritise sustainability by sourcing local, seasonal ingredients, and supporting the ecosystem and local businesses while minimising our carbon footprint. Partnering with Neutral Fuel LLC to recycle used cooking oil into biofuel further underscores our dedication to eco-friendly practices. To round off the efforts, we recently formed a Sustainability Committee comprising our most dedicated colleagues. This collaborative effort aims to identify and implement innovative ideas to ensure continuous improvement in our environmentally friendly practices. These practices solidify our position as leaders in sustainable hospitality and champions of responsible tourism.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied by @rafflespalmdubai More

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      How I got my job as… Founder of this bespoke multi-wellness space in Dubai

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      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.
      This week we chat with CEO & Founder of Blended Wellness and Partner & Creative Director, Solutions Leisure Group, Dominique Laird. The group is a pioneer of the approachable dining, nightlife and entertainment scene, creating the moments people live for, from day to night. With brands such as STK, ULA, En Fuego, Asia Asia and more, the portfolio has expanded over the years and it continues to grow.
      The multi-wellness destination, Blended, combines fitness with a host of pampering options, making it a one-stop for all your self-care needs. Founded by Laird, the concept began with her vision to redefine the meaning of beauty standards in the region. She wanted to create a space where individuals can feel at home and focus on improving their own self-care needs. With a more medical approach to aesthetics, this venue offers an extensive array of cutting-edge treatments such as botox, fillers, threads, or even an IV Drip to boost energy levels.
      To delve more into her journey as an entrepreneur, Emirates Woman sat down with Laird to see how it all began.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      From an early age, I resonated towards ways I could express myself creatively. Whether that be picking up a sketch pad, stitching a Barbie fashion line or choreographing musicals before bedtime. At school, art was the subject I looked forward to, the freedom within the curriculum was unlike math, science and history. It gave room for artistic license, with little to no incorrect answers. I was drawn to opportunities that celebrated individuality, where your work was almost incomparable to others. Art made me happy. Being creative felt natural, it felt easy.
      What was your first job?
      My first work experience was at Toni & Guy. My cousin, Samantha, was head colourist and managed to get me a junior position. I loved working in an environment where the team’s main priority was to make people feel good.Through skill and creativity the team changed people’s mood for the better. Adding value with each swish of a comb.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      Following my passion for creativity and arts, at 16 I moved to London to train in musical theater on a full scholarship. Dancing made me feel alive, without judgment. Expressing emotions through movement felt more natural to me than speech. Classes lead to shows, castings lead to tv and theater. Teaching turned into Contracts, contracts turned into travelling the world and landed me in Spain, Greece and eventually Egypt, where I ran the entertainment for the global music brand, Ministry of sound for Solutions Group. Still wanting to feed my creative need on multiple levels, throughout my career as a performer, I became a professional hair and makeup artist, which gradually combined itself with avant-garde editorial creation and conceptual design for stage and catwalk. I was happily blending all my skills together, building my portfolio with not only performance, but with design and creative direction. My job role today, Group Creative Director of Solutions Group, combines my love of Art, entertainment and design. I am lucky enough to lean on my creative energy to develop concepts, brands, interior design, entertainment, production and all the fun elements in between.

      What inspired you to enter the wellness space?
      Although performing was my passion, it fast-became my downfall. Unobtainable, unsustainable beauty standards became something I very quickly obsessed with. The place where I found the most peace, quickly became a cage of self-hate and disappointment. I was trapped in a very dark place for what seemed like an eternity. After 10 years, both my body and mind were failing to sustain a normal level of daily activity. After accepting the need for change and admitting to myself that I controlled my own happiness, I started the journey of recovery, the same one I walk today. I quickly developed a very good understanding of the importance of self-love and mindfulness. I channeled every ounce of my being into wellness and celebrating individuality in others and myself. Wellness isn’t just a word. It’s a mindset, a lifestyle, an all-encompassing journey that everyone deserves. When the opportunity arose to create a space for people to experience and benefit from multiple aspects of wellness in a single space, I wasn’t going to shy away.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      I don’t have a role within Blended Wellness, I have a goal. I aspire to provide support, knowledge and guidance. To offer experiences and events that inspire and celebrate as many people as physically possible. I aim to provide result driven wellness treatments, services and activities that empower and elevate the mind, body and soul. I want to make a difference to how my guests feel. I want them to know, they are worth it. Every single day.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      Get up, get dressed, get at it. Every morning starts with a sleepy coffee and a small struggle to prize myself into my gym gear. I work out every day, not only for the physical benefit, but the mental clarity and strength it provides. I don’t negotiate with myself. Mind over matter. Something my partner, Paul, and myself firmly believe in. My days are fast-paced, multilayered and far from straight forward. I am organised chaos, always running towards a deadline, deciphering a 4am idea or juggling a new build project. I split my time between being a very busy Creative Director for Solutions Group with my CEO role for Blended Wellness – both, I absolutely adore.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Don’t follow in anyone’s footsteps. Your journey is your own. Find your passion, figure out what it is you are truly good at. Everyone has something that lights them up, just figure out what yours is and run with it. Don’t let pride or the fear of failure dictate the direction you walk. Choose your path and stick to it, relentlessly.
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      Speak to yourself with kindness. Treat yourself with respect. Look at your reflection and acknowledge you are one of a kind. Nobody is you.

      And what is the worst?
      I make a conscious decision to forget negative or hurtful advice or opinions. Holding onto words that fail to resonate or benefit me have no place in my mind.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      Cultivating an acceptance of who I was and how I wanted to feel. Battling through the pain and sadness in order to truly believe I was worthy and deserving of experiencing self love.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @dominiquelaird More

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      9 wanderlust-inspired accounts to #follow on Instagram this month

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      40 mins ago

      Looking for new travel-inspired accounts to follow on Instagram for where to go this summer? Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide of restaurants and hotels to fill your feed with a host of aesthetic venues.
      Banyan Tree AlUla@banyantree.alula
      A sustainable sanctuary set in the heart of the desert valley.
      Bungalo34@bungalo34
      Where effortless style meets casual beachside bliss.
      Ancient Greek Sandals@ancientgreeksandals
      Cool craftsmanship.
      Olivia Von Halle@oliviavonhalle
      Luxury loungewear designed for evenings out and in alike.
      Christopher Esber@christopher_esber

      Directional cuts for a cool girl vibe.
      Anantara Golden Triangle@anantara_goldentraingle
      A jungle base where you can explore Nature in Thailand.
      Six Senses Ibiza@sixsenses.ibiza
      The best of bohemian luxe.
      NOMAD
      @from.nomad

      An eco-conscious brand for key summer attire.
      Eres@eres

      Discover the French savoir-faire through its swimwear, lingerie and activewear collections.
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @by_eva_ More

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      How I got my job as… Founder of this luxe hospitality group

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      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.
      This week Emirates Woman spoke to Aizada Usenova, Founder & CEO of Aiza Hospitality which currently has around 30 restaurants in their portfolio including such as EVA Beach House, Saya, Milky Jar and more.
      Established in 2015, this leading hospitality group has a vast portfolio of fine dining, casual dining and lifestyle concepts.
      To understand Usenova’s entrepreneurial journey, Emirates Woman spoke to her to delve into how it all began.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      My Favorite subject at school was art, the classics and music. From early childhood I love to draw and paint and create art projects.
      What was your first job?
      My first job was as the assistant of a director in a large construction company. Whilst studying at university, I wanted my independence, and this job was the first stepping stone in my career to understand the intricacies of how businesses run. It was also my opportunity to step out from the shadows of my family and earn my own living.

      What brought you to Dubai?
      They say in Dubai you cannot dream big enough and my goal was to reach the sky. The desire to become an international restauranteur brought me to Dubai. I wanted to expand my F&B business globally and to create a brand that would conquer the world. In 2019, the brand Saya Brasserie was created here in Dubai, which is now franchising on a global scale with branches in Los Angeles, London and even Libya.
      What inspired you to enter the hospitality space and become and launch Aiza Hospitality?
      From early age I was very interested in different and unique concepts of restaurant. It was my big dream to open a restaurant from being a child and having an interest in hosting parties for my friends. At the age of 23, I opened my first project in my hometown in Bishkek and it had tremendous success in the city. After this, my passion was ignited even further, and I started to open more restaurants. At the age of 26, I already had around five projects.
      Talk us through the portfolio. What are the new launches in Dubai?
      The Aiza Hospitality portfolio has more than 40 restaurants all over the world in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and UAE. And each concept has been designed and developed taking into the many factors including the target demographic, specialty cuisines and delivering a memorable hospitality experience for our guests. The portfolio is vast; we have a coffee shop chain, steakhouses, sushi projects, Italian cuisine, a few nightclubs, a Beach club, and numerous restaurants. We will be opening additional restaurants in Kazakhstan this year and we are also planning to enter into the Uzbekistan Market which is developing at an incredible rate now. In the UAE, we are planning to expand and open a few more Saya Brasserie concepts as the goal is to achieve around 100 branches across the world. Our dream is to take Saya across the globe and what better place to start than Dubai.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      I like to take a hands-on approach within my role as the head of Aiza Hospitality, but the aim is to build a company that will be successful globally with amazing projects that not only I, but my team are extremely proud of.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      My daily routine revolves around my family and work. My day begins with my children and after I make sure to get them off to school, I try to get myself into the gym to work out. I feel like I need to have this balance as being a restauranteur, there are no shortages of food tastings and special dishes I need to try every day! From the gym I move into my daily meetings which revolve around trying to visit at least 2 different venues in my portfolio every day. Management meetings are a key part of my day which I prioritize to set weekly and monthly goals and to hear from my team about guest feedback, improvements for the venues and to hear from my team what they need. For me, teamwork is everything! At 7pm, I try to get home for family time and spend the evenings with my husband and kids. I call the weekends our “Holy time” as I exclusively spend time with my family trying to do different activities. We really enjoy spending time outdoors, especially going to different parks to cycle around. I find this time with my family to be really calming and necessary relief from the crazy work-week schedule.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      I advise everyone to proceed with caution. This is not the job for the faint-hearted, especially when you’re coming into the international market. High levels of care are needed. I know many people who have successful restaurants in their home countries who think that taking the brand abroad will also mean success in other countries. Market research is key! A great understanding of the market, the competitors and more so, the business practices is needed. I also believe that you need to live in the city you want to expand into for at least half a year to understand how it works. I also believe that the most important factor to consider is location. Location is EVERYTHING! And finding the right location isn’t easy. But once you do, and you have the right concept with the right location, you will always succeed.
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      That everything has a reason. If something happening, then this happening for the best, even if you think that this is the worst. I always feel that is it important to believe in success and to take steps towards achieving it and never stop trying.

      And what is the worst?
      I will let you know when I receive it!
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      I think the hardest challenge was navigating Covid. As a restauranteur, there was no manual on “How to Deal with Covid” as a business owner and this was the hardest challenge I have ever had to face. It affected every one of my outlets globally. Our restaurants are dine-in experiences, and we value the interaction with our guests above all else, and having to shut down was heartbreaking as I knew not only how it would affect me, but also my teams all over the world. It was a really hard time and there was no precedent on how to navigate something that no one knew anything about.
      What are the future plans for the brand?
      The future plan for Aiza Hospitality is to grow and hopefully, conquer the world.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @evabeachhouse More

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      Aman New York is the perfect mix of peace and fast-paced

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      Life

      by Amy Sessions
      2 hours ago

      East meets West and old meets new. Manhattan’s iconic Crown Building is reimagined as Aman New York, where the city’s original architectural splendour and Aman’s harmonious design language collide, projecting the inimitable tranquillity of Aman in the heart of Manhattan’s midtown. It boasts a year-round Garden Terrace, flagship Aman Spa and spacious suites that are among the largest in the city.
      The Stay
      Among the most spacious in the city, Aman New York’s Suites and Signature Suites are inspired by the airy architecture of Aman’s properties in Southeast Asia. Ideal for business or leisure guests alike, they offer never-before experienced sense of sanctuary in the very heart of Manhattan’s midtown – an invitation to switch off from the outside world. From the Junior Suite on Fifth Avenue to the Aman Suite, each offers a functioning fireplace, a first in New York City, while bathrooms (the dividing doors alone took two years to design) are opulent and oversized with oval soaking bathtubs designed to deliver peace at the end of a busy day.

      The Dining
      Bringing Aman’s eastern roots to one of the West’s greatest cities, Nama celebrates the Japanese washoku dining tradition with authentic, uncomplicated and elegant dishes that champion the world’s finest produce. The restaurant also features a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for hosting omakase fine dining experiences.
      The Wellness
      In the heart of Manhattan, Aman Spa New York reaches new, uncharted heights in the city, epitomising the phrase urban sanctuary with over 2,300 square metres (25,000 square feet) of space dedicated to wellbeing. Bringing to life the fullest expression of Aman’s health and wellness concept yet, it offers unmatched facilities including two luxurious private Spa Houses, along with transformative experiences and cutting-edge wellness and performance science, acting as a wellspring for enhanced wellbeing beyond its physical boundaries. Occupying the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors, Aman Spa New York is imbued with a deeply contemplative ambience designed using natural materials to create a grounding environment. Every detail has been carefully considered to ease guests along their wellness journey, whether consulting with a functional and integrative medical doctor, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or experienced Physiotherapist.

      The Hero Experience
      A quintessential New York concept reimagined by Aman, the Jazz Club brings a sense of occasion back to Midtown Manhattan in speakeasy style. Nightly live performancesinclude jazz, alongside a range of other genres that stem from this great class of music, while an array of New York DJs invoke the energy of celebration and the nostalgia of years-goneby. Whether you’re usually in bed at 9pm or not, this is a must visit while you’re in the city that never sleeps. You won’t regret it.
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