Denise Schmitz, founder of painting community We Love Art, says her mother instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in her. Victor Besa / The National
Denise Schmitz, founder of painting community We Love Art, says her mother instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in her. Victor Besa / The National
Denise Schmitz, founder of painting community We Love Art, says her mother instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in her. Victor Besa / The National
Denise Schmitz, founder of painting community We Love Art, says her mother instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in her. Victor Besa / The National

Money & Me: ‘I’d rather spend on experiences than materialistic things’


  • English
  • Arabic

Former paralegal and catwalk model Denise Schmitz founded We Love Art after arriving in Dubai in 2013 and finding a social and artistic gap.

The painting community brand evolved out of her giving lessons to friends, and she now hosts popular Paint & Grape sessions, courses for adults and children and corporate events.

When Covid-19 restrictions halted live events, she launched art boxes, featuring video tutorials and interactive guides to enable home-painting experiences, which now ship globally.

Ms Schmitz, 35, previously worked as a recruitment and learning and development consultant in Dubai and the Netherlands, where she grew up around artists and entrepreneurs.

She lives with husband Shane, their son, 6, and daughter, 2, plus Bear the dog in The Meadows, Dubai.

How did money feature during your childhood?

My dad worked in the government. He survived a brain tumour, but it made family life difficult as he was in hospital and my parents had three children under the age of seven.

Mum was the main breadwinner and worked several jobs to make ends meets, and at some point had her own clothing store. She was quite entrepreneurial and instilled that in us.

My parents had us when they were in their 20s, living in a small apartment on the outskirts of The Hague. Mum always says: “Never forget where you are coming from.”

What was your first experience of saving?

My grandad was a banker and gave a task to all the children, to save 1,000 guilders (Dh5,000), and he would double it. He wanted to teach us determination and that saving for later is important.

I was eight, but you can still understand the value of money. If you grow up where things are not just given — you need to work — you understand pretty quickly.

We would receive pocket money, but not much, so I would go around neighbours to wash cars for money. I would clean houses and sell my paintings. I sold my first drawing for about Dh10.

It took me years to save 1,000 guilders. I was the only one who got there, at 14. The others would work, but would spend their money.

I wanted to make sure I succeeded. It teaches you to be entrepreneurial, to make your own money and, if you want something, you need to work for it. I like those life lessons; it is the same with my children.

How else did you earn?

When I was 14, I worked in a perfumery earning about Dh10 an hour, and did lots of cleaning jobs.

When I was 16 or 17, I was scouted by a modelling agency, did photo shoots and catwalks. I started studying law when I was 18.

You need to do a lot of reading — with modelling, you do a lot of waiting — so I would take books and study between takes. Modelling paid for university and I did it after and during my master's. It paid for loads of things I wanted.

Then I realised being in a law firm was not really for me and went into recruitment.

How did We Love Art happen?

When I came here with Shane, he had colleagues, but I didn’t know anyone. I wanted to find down-to-earth, authentic people where I could connect in a real way.

Denise Schmitz says she doesn’t have materialistic wishes or care about cars, bling or brands. Victor Besa / The National
Denise Schmitz says she doesn’t have materialistic wishes or care about cars, bling or brands. Victor Besa / The National

I have always had passion for drawing and painting, and was searching for some sort of community where I could create and meet like-minded people. There was nothing like that.

Nine years later, I don’t have only people who have a big passion for art — people want to connect with each other, to forget about life and work.

Are you still a saver?

Naturally. It is not that I am deliberately saving. It is just so [that] when I want to spend on something, I can and I will. Life is short.

I am not someone who wants to save for the pension. Of course, I keep it in the back of my mind, but I want to make sure I live now, especially when the children are so young. I want to give them everything I can in the way of experiences … not like free money, they still need to work for money.

How do you grow your wealth?

I have several savings accounts and property in Dubai — my house. This is a really good investment because you are living in it and can make it the way you want. This is the foundation of our family.

I invest in cryptocurrency, but I have not invested in stocks. It is something I am going to focus on this year.

I don’t feel happier if I am on a luxurious yacht, versus in the back garden. I am happy with both, as long as the company is good
Denise Schmitz,
founder of We Love Art

I make sure money is in different areas, so if one fails I still have other “bets”.

Do you celebrate financial milestones?

Always, any kind of success. For example, my first salary (in Dubai); from that I bought my piano, then started piano lessons.

When we had our first big corporate event (with We Love Art), from that money we went on holiday. I make sure every time we “win” something, or do something good, and it could be small, I celebrate. You need to celebrate all your stepping stones.

What is your cherished purchase?

We had a third child, Beauden, who passed away after birth, 24 hours later, in 2017. I have a necklace which has his hand print and my ring has his hair.

It didn’t cost a lot, but this is my most cherished investment. It is the worst thing as a parent that you lose your child.

It is important that we talk about it, because no one really knows how to respond. It is one of my missions, apart from spreading happiness with We love Art … just giving awareness.

How do you feel about money?

You need a base layer. Mum always said that as well. Once you have that, once the stress around money is gone, if you earn a lot more, it doesn’t really matter.

It depends on what your expectation is. As long as we have a good roof, food on the plate and still have a couple of experiences per year, this is a perfect base layer of money.

From a business point of view, the more we earn, the more we can invest into business, the more the business can grow, the more we can give different experiences to customers.

Are you wise with cash?

It depends on what you define as wise. I spend wisely in that my interest is not materialistic.

But I want to make sure if I look back on my life, I can say: “I have done the experiences, gone on the holidays I wanted, seen my friends and family enough.”

For me, it is about balance. I am not a big splurger, but it is not that I hold myself back; on holiday, maybe I want to do kite surfing. I would rather have a little remorse over an extra experience than a materialistic thing.

What are your future goals?

I would like to expand to Saudi Arabia or other areas in the Middle East. We are looking for investments to reach that goal probably sooner rather than later, and at some point I would work towards an exit.

We are also thinking of buying property in the Netherlands or Ireland. It is important we have a comfortable base layer for when we and the kids grow older, that we can give them financial security.

Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
​​​​​​​Penguin Press

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FOLD5
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Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EEtihad%20Airways%20operates%20seasonal%20flights%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20Nice%20C%C3%B4te%20d'Azur%20Airport.%20Services%20depart%20the%20UAE%20on%20Wednesdays%20and%20Sundays%20with%20outbound%20flights%20stopping%20briefly%20in%20Rome%2C%20return%20flights%20are%20non-stop.%20Fares%20start%20from%20Dh3%2C315%2C%20flights%20operate%20until%20September%2018%2C%202022.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20Radisson%20Blu%20Hotel%20Nice%20offers%20a%20western%20location%20right%20on%20Promenade%20des%20Anglais%20with%20rooms%20overlooking%20the%20Bay%20of%20Angels.%20Stays%20are%20priced%20from%20%E2%82%AC101%20(%24114)%2C%20including%20taxes.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

The five new places of worship

Church of South Indian Parish

St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch

St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch

St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais

Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais

 

While you're here
Quick%20facts
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

About Takalam

Date started: early 2020

Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: HealthTech and wellness

Number of staff: 4

Funding to date: Bootstrapped

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm

Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: L/100km

Price: Dh306,495

On sale: now

Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

Most%20polluted%20cities%20in%20the%20Middle%20East
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MOST%20POLLUTED%20COUNTRIES%20IN%20THE%20WORLD
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History's medical milestones

1799 - First small pox vaccine administered

1846 - First public demonstration of anaesthesia in surgery

1861 - Louis Pasteur published his germ theory which proved that bacteria caused diseases

1895 - Discovery of x-rays

1923 - Heart valve surgery performed successfully for first time

1928 - Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin

1953 - Structure of DNA discovered

1952 - First organ transplant - a kidney - takes place 

1954 - Clinical trials of birth control pill

1979 - MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scanned used to diagnose illness and injury.

1998 - The first adult live-donor liver transplant is carried out

Updated: July 08, 2022, 6:02 PM`