Editor’s Word: Over time, immigrating to different international locations has turn into more and more widespread, particularly for Nigerians (and Africans typically). We name it Japan. Over the approaching weeks, Mayowa Adegoke will likely be working with BellaNaija Options to discover what it means to be African in Dubai. We are going to invite Africans to study how they stay, work and reply to social change on one other continent.
This partnership goals to shine a highlight on profitable African immigrants in Dubai, bringing you tales from their day by day lives.
This week we’re working with Ola Flami Graceis the artistic director and founding father of Olarsgrace, a female-oriented modern womenswear model primarily based in Dubai.
Hey Ola, how are you?
Hiya. I am doing nice. Thanks.
nice! As an African, how is life in Dubai?
I would say it wasn’t a foul expertise. It’s particularly difficult for Nigerians, but when you realize what you’re doing, why you’re there and have the fortitude to persevere, you may navigate it. Like anyplace else, Dubai has its execs and cons, however in the end it comes right down to your potential to navigate it.
Inform us a bit about your background and what introduced you to Dubai
I have been on fairly a journey to this point, beginning with six years within the company world, shifting into retail, and in the end constructing my profitable model. My entrepreneurial journey has been guided by God’s grace. I initially aspired to be a profitable lady within the company world, working for six years at corporations corresponding to Jumia and Emirates. Nonetheless, I all the time had a ardour for enterprise and it did so effectively that I ultimately give up my company job and went into enterprise full time. After venturing into retail with nice success, I started creating my very own designs underneath the model Olarsgrace, which turned extraordinarily widespread. We rebranded and improved our operational processes, in the end attracting worldwide recognition and clients. Nonetheless, we face challenges with worldwide funds as Nigerian companies don’t readily settle for fee retailers corresponding to PayPal. To deal with this subject, we’re contemplating relocating our enterprise operations to Dubai to realize entry to new markets and obligatory instruments for seamless operations and buyer purchasing expertise. We’re nonetheless working arduous to attain our objectives whereas frequently enhancing our strategy.
So that you all the time wished to be an entrepreneur, proper?
I’ve been an entrepreneur for so long as I can keep in mind. I labored in lots of industries and tried out many concepts – style, retail and inside design. I have been profitable in some companies and I’ve realized from others. I consider the principle takeaways from my journey have been the artwork of constructing key relationships and self-development, and {that a} deep understanding of my area has been essential in getting a job or mission. The mixture of those elements, coupled with God’s grace, has confirmed adequate to fulfill my wants all through my journey.
As an African, what challenges have you ever confronted in your journey to Dubai?
I might say that one of many challenges as a Nigerian, not simply in Dubai however in my expertise working a enterprise, is the stereotypes that Nigerian passport holders face in comparison with different international locations. Basically, it’s a must to show that you’re higher than the typical nationality. Whereas some Nigerian immigrants might have their shortcomings, for my part the actions of some alone don’t cowl all the nation. I consider the Nigerian authorities can do extra to enhance bilateral relations by way of international relations within the worldwide area. For instance, the well-known visa subject between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates has not but been absolutely resolved, with some individuals who have lived and labored unable to resume their visas that expire twice a 12 months, leading to unemployment in some circumstances. This stays true, amongst different stereotype-based points. Nonetheless, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to fulfill pleasant and fantastic folks within the UAE who’ve turn into family and friends.
So did you expertise any form of resistance due to your nation of origin?
I might say sure and no. On the one hand, there are institutional boundaries, corresponding to visa bans, which might be past our management and should have unintended penalties. For instance, when Nigerians have been banned from coming into Dubai, this had a big impression on companies corresponding to Olarsgrace, which serve Nigerian clients touring to Dubai for tourism and purchasing. Nonetheless, resistance corresponding to racism or condescension? No, I stand tall, exude confidence, and am revered in any room I step into. I am a assured and dynamic younger black lady you will need to join with.
It’s protected to say you’ve settled in and succeeded in Dubai
To me, success is relative and an ongoing course of. Whereas I thank God for the place we’re in our journey, course of, and community in Dubai, we’re not but the place we need to be, so the journey continues. Nonetheless, in terms of settling in, I’m settling in effectively not solely in Dubai but additionally within the United Arab Emirates. I efficiently transitioned my enterprise right here whereas constructing a brand new community of wonderful folks, together with associates and enterprise associates.
Evaluating the life-style in Nigeria and Dubai, what modifications did you make to cool down?
I’ve to work tougher and earn more money. I did not do something I did not know earlier than shifting there. We performed a feasibility research. I like touring so I’ve been to Dubai a number of instances earlier than. Settling in was not that difficult as I used to be already used to their lifestyle in Dubai. Please observe that residing in Dubai and visiting as a vacationer are two totally different experiences.
What are some issues that Africans seeking to immigrate to your nation ought to take note?
Perceive your state of affairs and why. It’s essential to ask your self some key questions. What are you doing? Why transfer? Have you ever thought of adopting a long-term technique, or is it simply because others are doing it? Do you’ve got sufficient sources to advertise this measure? In the event you resolve to do that, what limitations may you encounter? These questions and extra are crucial to creating a considerate choice. The explanation folks generally fail is that they do not ask questions and do not perceive why.
What steps can Africans in Dubai take to assist them thrive?
Absolutely perceive your causes and aims for shifting to Dubai. With the correct causes comes the correct plan or technique to set your priorities accurately. I might additionally level out the significance of monetary administration and self-discipline; Dubai is an enthralling metropolis and it’s simple to get carried away if you do not have the correct priorities, however finally you’ll perceive the worth of this ability.
What are three issues Africans keen to maneuver to Dubai ought to keep in mind?
Residing in Dubai is totally different from visiting as a vacationer. Have a stable plan. Issues are fairly costly in Dubai, and if you do not know what you are doing or do not have sufficient self-discipline, you may stumble. Don’t lose give attention to why you’re shifting. Like most individuals, you’re an expat right here to discover a method to enhance your life, do not lose your self making an attempt to slot in with everybody else.
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Thanks a lot Ola Grace for having this dialog with us. Catch the following episode on Wednesday. Would you prefer to be featured on BellaNaija or share your article with us? Ship us an e mail: [email protected]
