New business ideas paying off

BAHRAIN women are proving they can compete in a sector dominated mostly by men thanks to new and innovative businesses.

Around 50 businesswomen promoted their businesses, some first of their kind in the country, at an exhibition for female entrepreneurs.


The Women's World Charity Exhibition was held yesterday under the patronage of Al Noor Charity Welfare Society president Shaikha Lamiya bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

The one-day event was held by Bahrain-based Diva Conferences and Exhibitions at the Mšvenpick Hotel.

The objective was to promote the role of women entrepreneurs, share their experiences and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

It showcased services and products that interest women, including mothers and brides.

Stands were decorated with cupcakes, chocolates, hand made accessories, abayas and jalabiyas among others.

Some businesswomen say they came up with ideas when they were looking for a particular service or product and found there were none in Bahrain.

Suha Sawan, with her partner Deena Al Ansari, has just opened the first mobile spa in Bahrain.

The former bankers said that after working long hours they would be craving for a massage in the comfort of their homes.

"It then clicked, why not establish a spa that is mobile and goes wherever the customer wants?" said Ms Sawan.

The idea does not target working women alone, but also those who don't have time for spa treatment or simply don't have transportation.

The Mobile Spa was opened last February and has been so far gaining many customers, said Ms Sawan.

"The whole idea is you call our number and our staff come to you with their equipment and you just relax and enjoy the treatment," she said.

"This saves you the trouble of driving to the place and not completely enjoying your massage because you need to drive yourself back home."

Bahraini mother Fatima Al Eskafi was frustrated when she couldn't find matching baby accessories and bed for her two-year-old daughter.

"I then decided to design my own and ask my mother, who is a great tailor, to make them," she said.

Thus the business started and it brought new ideas and income to the former housewife.

"I started making different designs and even designed a full room with matching bed sheets, bag and accessories for babies," she said.

Her business, called Sweet Memories, is now celebrating its first anniversary.

Meanwhile, other female entrepreneurs told the GDN they thought the market needed better quality products.

Indian Reena Gupta, owner of Lavanya collection, roamed malls and examined Indian accessories when the idea of opening her own authentic Indian boutique came to her.

"I felt there was no variety in the products sold here," she said. "So I decided to import from different parts of India and start my business."

Her mobile boutique sells Mojadi (traditional Rajasthani shoes), heavy saris, home decors and bags from different areas in India.

Though the business started only last December, Ms Gupta said it was going well.

"Bahraini women like attractive bling clothes and so Indian clothes and dŽcor attract them," she said.

"My boutique's uniqueness is that you can buy a piece and wear it for everyday, not necessary in full Indian look."

Ms Gupta was working in the banking industry in the UK when her family moved to Bahrain. She was unable to work as she was taking care of her two-year-old daughter.

"This job allows me to be with my daughter and do something I love," she said.

Offering giveaways at baby showers, wedding ceremonies or at any other occasion was the drive behind Extravaganza.

The shop, owned by Bahraini interior designer Wala'a Al Tahoo, creates giveaways for all occasions.

"As many occasions shops there are in Bahrain, there is not one specialised in giveaways," she said.

Her business, which has been blooming for the past 10 months, allowed her to have her own shop on Budaiya road.

The 25-year-old said people mostly like to purchase giveaways for baby showers.

"It's the trend now and my shop is always called for baby giveaways," she said.

One business, just completing its first year, has already started franchising in countries like South Africa and Oman.

Clever Cooks, owned by Bahrain residents Letitia Booysen and Radhika Sil, aims to bring children and adults together for cooking classes.

"Our idea is to promote healthy eating and to call families to cook with their children," said Ms Sil.

Cooking classes can also be organised for birthday parties, camps and events, she said.

"We are going to open our new headquarters in four weeks in Sa'ar," said Ms Sil.

She said their business had been franchised, promoting healthy eating and fun cooking lessons for everyone. basma@gdn.com.bh