Young joy provides inspiration

While Samar Nabulsi, the co-founder of retail store Big on Children, would love to be a saver she says in reality that is not possible. Instead she saves to spend on her two daughters.

Samar Nabulsi would love to be a saver, but would spend money where she feel it is worth spending. Jaime Puebla / The National

Samar Nabulsi is the co-founder and managing director of Big on Children, a kids’ store that sells personalised toys such as music CDs, DVDs, alarm clocks and growth charts. The Jordanian, 31, who moved to Dubai 10 years ago and has two daughters aged two and three, first opened her Dubai Mall store in 2012.

Describe your financial journey so far.

I consider myself very lucky. As a female Arab, our parents continue to support us financially for as long as we live. I tried to break this formula when I moved to Dubai. I wanted to prove to myself and society that a woman can survive on her own. It was very difficult, I actually don’t know which was more difficult: surviving on a very low income in hospitality or saying no to my parents’ very generous support. Slowly but surely, I grew with Dubai. The more challenging it became to shine in Dubai, the more determined I became and, relatively quickly, I achieved financial stability and started my own business in 2012.

Are you a spender or saver?

I would love to be a saver, but in reality I am not. I spend money where I feel it is worth spending. If it is something that would make my life or my family’s lives easier I am all for spending that money. I think being in such a dynamic and cosmopolitan city like Dubai with so many activities, restaurants, unique retail offerings and entertainment, saving is quite difficult.

What is your philosophy towards money?

Philosophically, I hate it. In reality we cannot live without it. We work so hard to provide the best for our children and ourselves. Unfortunately the best comes with a very hefty price tag. We spend the money on our children’s education to make them stronger and ready to face the challenges of the real world. In business, you have to spend money to make money. Nurturing a business is like nurturing a child, and in this world money is the master key to allow us to achieve these goals.

Have you made any financial mistakes along the way?

I think every financial loss made me stronger and more vigilant to enable me to start a successful business. The retail industry is always a tricky one, but by finding unique products that we can offer and pinpoint the gap in the market to fill with creative ideas and must-have products we strive to ensure financial stability.

If you won Dh1 million, what would you do with it?

I would spend it on medical research centres in the Middle East, specifically for children with illnesses and special needs. I have always had a passion for helping children in need, especially those who are born with long-term illnesses or extra chromosomes. I believe these people are so special and they deserve to live a special and relatively easy life. I know that there is a medical solution out there for all those children and with the right resources and research centres, we could find the cure.

What has been your biggest financial lesson?

I was never involved in the stock market but I learnt a lot from those around me. “Quit while you’re ahead and don’t get too greedy” is a phrase I constantly heard after the crisis in 2008. A lot of people suffered major losses and they all have one thing in common: regret. I would like to say they learnt their lesson but as humans, that is probably wishful thinking. I live my life and run my business in a way where I never want to regret anything.

What do you enjoy spending money on?

My children. I just can’t help it. I find myself spending a lot on educational toys and any educational aspect that would help my children develop intellectually. I think this is what drove me to invest in children’s products. The joy of seeing them smile inspires me.

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