Aleksandra Mojse quit her job last year as a senior interior design manager with a Dubai-based real estate developer to take a leap of faith and launch a boutique design studio.
The Serbian, 34, started Moy Design Studio, an interior design consultancy. Becoming an entrepreneur was a natural step as her family business Mojse Jewelry is one of the oldest and most renowned jewellery shops in Novi Sad, Serbia. The business was founded by her grandfather in 1938.
She was raised in Serbia, where she studied interior design and started her career.
“I always knew I wanted to get out of Serbia, because I wanted more,” Ms Mojse says.
Shortly after, she moved to Dubai 11 years ago and worked for several international design studios.
She currently lives in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle.
Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it?
My family was always comfortable financially and my parents were very careful with how they spent money. While there was always money, it was spent either for education or health. There was no unreasonable spending on luxuries. My family also travelled a lot at a time when not a lot of people in Serbia could afford to.
I learnt to value money and the importance of saving because my family had a lot of investments. They invested in apartments and retail shops. So, I learnt to spend wisely, think about the long term, invest and grow money.
How did you first earn?
I started working as an interior designer at my professor’s studio after I finished university. I do not remember what the pay was, but it was enough to cover my living expenses in Belgrade. I was also saving a bit on the side.
Any early financial jolts?
Not very early on. But I faced a financial challenge last year when I left my job, where I was in a high position earning a very good salary, to open my own company. I had to reduce my living expenses, because every business is challenging at the beginning. There was no regular cash flow for the first one or two months. So, I had to invest a lot of money both to open the company and sponsor my lifestyle. I was giving salaries to my team as well.
How do you grow your wealth?
I have a versatile investment portfolio, including stocks. I had invested in cryptocurrencies. I also invest in assets such as apartments in Serbia and Dubai, and own retail shops that I rent out.
I plan to purchase more properties and invest in more businesses to grow my portfolio.
Are you a spender or a saver?
I am a bit of both, but tend to lean more towards saving because I love to invest. Apart from spending on health and personal growth, I also love to travel. I spend a certain amount of money on travel each year but I'm a wise spender.
Have you been wise with money?
Considering my real estate portfolio, my design venture and the fact that I'm planning to open more businesses says that I have been wise with money. I have spent some money on luxury goods, such as bags and shoes, but at the end of the day, it was always wisely spent.
What has been your best investment?
My current company, because it is my passion and has a bright future, as well as the apartment I live in. I designed and executed the building in which I purchased this apartment. The returns are very high on this building.
How do you feel about money?
I feel it's a valuable asset. When used properly, it can multiply. We need to have a very healthy relationship with money.
Any financial advice for your younger self?
Since I was quite balanced and had a healthy relationship with money early on, the only advice I would tell my younger self would be to start investing early, don't be afraid to take calculated risks and spend less on clothes.
Any key financial milestones?
When I moved to Dubai, my second job was my first milestone because I was earning enough to afford a comfortable lifestyle. My second milestone was when I started working for Ellington Properties where I was earning quite significantly. My third financial milestone is in the making. It will materialise once my company is more established and grows more.
What luxuries are important to you?
I always love to have a good quality bag, shoes and a car. Apart from that, having assets that compound in value. These need to exist in order to be able to purchase luxury items.
What are your financial goals?
To create a strong financial foundation, expand my investment portfolio, open a few more businesses and grow my current company. I am also interested in donating to charity.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
World%20Food%20Day%20
%3Cp%3ECelebrated%20on%20October%2016%2C%20to%20coincide%20with%20the%20founding%20date%20of%20the%20United%20Nations%20Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organisation%2C%20World%20Food%20Day%20aims%20to%20tackle%20issues%20such%20as%20hunger%2C%20food%20security%2C%20food%20waste%20and%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of%20food%20production.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
