Abu Dhabi: “Determination, focus, and a clear idea of what benefits your business will deliver to the market,” are what a young entrepreneur believes to be the main ingredients for founding a new business.
Darine Hounaine Williams founded “Mother, Baby and Child” magazine, a Dubai-based business providing information on caring for babies and toddlers — focusing on health, education and psychology, what to expect in raising a child, as well as where and what fun activities a family can do with young ones.
Williams is an example of a spirited young woman, a graduate of Wollongong University with a degree in marketing, who saw herself as a leader. She had the courage to take a bold step into a domain many industry veterans would even hesitate to consider.
She was pregnant with her son, Davaughn, when she made the commitment to start “Mother, Baby and Child.”
Her motivation to succeed and her conviction in her objectives and ideas far outweighed her fear of failure.
Williams has accomplished a lot in a short period of two years.
What drove this young woman to start a business is not “making fast money” but how she saw herself as a professional.
“I have always worked for myself, and could never see myself working for someone else,” she says. “During my university years, I ran an independent small operation as a promoter at corporate events, gala dinners and mall events. I also taught cooking and French. It was very satisfying to be my own boss, working at my own pace,” she says.
Her induction into publishing was charity work for “H.E.L.P” (Help Everyone Live Peacefully), a charity and corporate social responsibility magazine, online and print, which sends its proceeds to charity.
She came across the idea of a parenting magazine as she was conducting research. “I liked the idea because it was different, and thought it would make a difference to mothers like me. I wanted to make my son’s life better, but I did not find the information I wanted to be readily available. So, I decided to produce a publication that was credible and has information a mother would need,” Williams says.
“Mothers need credible information. They need a reliable source — what better than a magazine that provides them with what they require? Our articles and information are backed by doctors, real research and statistics. Along with fantastic tips, information and articles, we also provide a fun twist via vouchers, competitions, events and coffee mornings,” she says.
The challenges to Williams’ new venture were not unique. They included enormous levels of commitment, determination, hard work, tenacity and an unshakable positive attitude.
“There are several challenges in setting up a new business. The first was reaching a level of certainty — beyond personal feelings — that the idea would be successful. So, I did enough research, which was also necessary to convince others to provide a working environment and funding so I can begin printing and publishing,” she explains.
Sacrifice
Taking time away from her family was a sacrifice Williams believes was a hard but necessary step.
“It wasn’t easy. Sacrificing time away from family and friends did have an impact on my marriage. I worked late, sometimes until midnight. But, over time, I learned to manage my time better. I also knew the job better, and things now get done smoother, faster with fewer mistakes. Overall, the investment is well worth it. I have become a better mother and business person. I was able to benefit much by wanting to give to my child and learned a lot about motherhood, parenting, family and the community — all very important in my life,” she adds.
While female entrepreneurs are never short on self-motivation, research conducted by Abu Dhabi University along with Qatar University showed that motivation and support of their families were instrumental to their motivation, and especially in taking that bold first step.
“My family have always been my biggest fans and supporters. My father, Dr Tareq Hounaine, always taught me to be a strong and diligent lion in this jungle we live in today,” says Williams.
“Additionally my husband, Liam, is a die-hard entrepreneur and also is a publisher. Seeing him so motivated and encouraging has really inspired me to strive harder and be better.”
Williams believe that attitude is as important to succeeding as the idea itself. She doesn’t believe in negative attitudes or pessimism. “The only way forward is paved with optimism and positivity. Challenges and bad days are a part of life, but one must always put a smile on one’s face no matter the obstacle. It is vital in today’s world to push through and move up,” she says.
She shares one of her favourite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
