Money & Me: ‘I launched two businesses in one year with no investment’

Hollie Briant remembers moving to Dubai from Surrey in the UK in 2014, four days after graduating in retail management and textile design.

She began her career working in visual merchandising for cosmetics brand Huda Beauty.

“I always had an entrepreneurial head and had a wake-up call when I lost my dad to cancer four years ago,” says Ms Briant, 32.

“I realised life’s too short and started my business last year. Now, I've got two.”

Her first venture is You&I Bridal Boutique, an international, luxury designer bridal boutique in Dubai Media City.

She noticed a market gap in bridal dresses for foreign residents in Dubai.

Ms Briant drew on her experience working as a bridal stylist in the UK and made a profit in her first year of operations – where 100 brides said “Yes to the Dress!”

She cites bringing seven exclusive designers to the Middle East as her biggest achievement.

Ms Briant launched her second business, a hen party e-commerce website called Dazed and Engaged, in April, with her business partner, Amelia Smith.

She lives on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai with her husband, a marketing professional from South Africa.

In her spare time, Ms Briant hosts a podcast called The People of Dubai, where she interviews residents from different walks of life.

She enjoys early morning walks with a cup of tea and listening to music, date nights with her husband and exploring new restaurants. She also loves travelling, listening to audio books as well as hosting guests and friends at home.

Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it?

My dad had his own property business. I was taught to never forget the value of a pound and always taught to save for a rainy day. I got paid less than £5 ($6.4) an hour for my first job. When I looked at stuff to buy, I always connected it to the number of hours I had to work.

We never discussed money. I never asked anyone how much they paid for something. I think it's something very private. The wealthiest people don't discuss their wealth. But we always talked about valuing and respecting money.

How did you first earn?

I started off cleaning a bridal shop and steaming the dresses. However, I just put myself out there and started interacting with customers. The manager saw sales coming in and noticed the way I was communicating.

I got promoted to a bridal stylist. That's how I learnt the ropes of the industry, to communicate and, most importantly, the foundation of selling.

Any early financial jolts?

I have never been in debt. My parents always taught me to pay off my credit card and not live beyond my means.

But when I was at university, I had to fend for myself. I had two jobs and it was a real wake-up call. That was the first time I was dropped in the deep end.

I was pretty much living by week by week. I wouldn't call it a setback. It was a learning.

How do you grow your wealth?

I have overseas investments. One thing I've learnt in the past five years is to use the exchange rate to your advantage.

I've been fortunate enough to own my first property in Dubai ... that's been a huge asset.

Are you a spender or a saver?

A bit of both. I always have saving in the back of my head. But in the first two years of being an entrepreneur, I've not been able to save much as I always put money into my businesses and been focusing on the numbers.

We track our finances and spending. Anyone can cut back and save but it's something we're doing more and more of. It comes in waves, especially living in an expensive city.

Have you been wise with money?

Being self-employed, you have to be wise with money. If not, you won't survive.

I've always saved, been mindful and done what I can to grow and not forget my worth.

What has been your best investment?

Buying my first property, especially for the price we paid versus what we would have paid as rent, it's allowed us to save. So, we've invested very well on that.

Another one is investing in myself. When you're in sales, you need to be in the right mindset. If you're in a negative mindset, it’s hard to deal with the challenges you face every day owning your businesses. If you're not investing in your mindset, the people around you, your sleep and quality time, that will have a huge impact on the financial numbers.

I don't believe there's a set textbook on selling, it is an art. You need to be able to read body language, listen, work with the customer’s budget and their emotions. I invest in growing those skills through training.

I'm very conscious of the people I have around me.

Any financial advice for your younger self?

Save for a rainy day. I remember when I was buying my property and simultaneously looking to set up certain things in business, I was falling a little bit short.

If I would have saved that amount five years ago, I would have had it. But if we had hindsight, we would be millionaires.

Any key financial milestones?

Launching two businesses with no investment in one year. My businesses are not consultancies, they involve a lot of investment in stock, rent, branding, with huge outgoings.

What luxuries are important to you?

Health and the freedom to travel are luxuries. Being able to travel and see the world is a luxury in itself and it educates you. I think it's one of the best degrees you can have.

What are your financial goals?

To try and double sales in You&I Bridal and Dazed and Engaged. Also, to have investments within the next few years to grow the business.

In five years, I also want my bridal boutique to become one of the market leaders in luxury and bespoke wedding dresses in the region.

How do you feel about money?

It can be a blessing and a curse. I've learnt to respect and appreciate it.

Money doesn't define what you are, but I love the feeling of earning, as it gives me a sense of independence.