Let female entrepreneurs blossom, says Hashemi

Dubai: Sahar Hashemi, co-founder of Coffee Republic strongly believes that being a woman is in no way a handicap. "I think it's just used as an excuse to not do things," she says. However, she does acknowledge that not all societies are as progressive as the UK, where she found her calling as an entrepreneur.

"We don't have legal barriers but we do have emotional barriers out there," she says, referring to the UK, "but there are other places that have to overcome social and infrastructural barriers and that's where I think we need to play a role."

This role, in her opinion is one that encompasses inspiration, motivation and encouragement.

"We have to show women that every one of us has the entrepreneurial spirit within us and it's just a matter of willing to believe that. Of course in countries where it is harder for women, then it's up to the host country to help create the right environment and then bring in success stories from other parts of the world that can share their stories and guide people in the right direction," she says.

Although she's given up her stake in Coffee Republic and is in the process of embarking on a similar journey with confectionery, Hashemi is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and is excited about the fact that she's clueless.

"I love the idea of just not knowing and then discovering," she says, citing Dame Anita Roddick as one of her biggest idols.

"I'm not disappointed with her decision," Hashemi says of Roddick's selling The Body Shop to French cosmetic giant L'Oreal. "I mean she's 60 and obviously wanted to make sure that her product was in good hands. I won't say she sold out."

When asked if Hashemi would ever do the same, she replied that it couldn't be ruled out.