Bizpreneur

Tell us about yourself & your journey to founding Ralee

My journey in design has always been rooted in creativity and visual storytelling. My background spans over a decade in marketing and brand activation with the world’s best brands like Reebok and Apple. These experiences taught me how to understand people’s needs and desires, which naturally carried over into my passion for interior design.
Founding Ralee Design was a way for me to express my deep love for creating spaces that evoke emotion and harmony. A huge influence on my work is my passion for Feng Shui. I truly believe in the power of energy flow in a space and how it can impact our well-being and success. Incorporating Feng Shui principles into my designs allows me to create environments that not only look beautiful but also feel balanced and inviting.
At Ralee, my goal is always to design spaces that tell a story-spaces where people feel connected, at peace, and inspired. For me, interior design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating an atmosphere that enhances the way people live and thrive.

Tell us about Ralee

Ralee Design is a boutique interior design firm that focuses on creating unique, personalized spaces that reflect the individuality of our clients. What sets
us apart is our holistic approach – we believe in designing not just for aesthetics but also for the energy and functionality of a space.
At Ralee, we specialize in high-end residential and commercial interiors, where we blend timeless design with modern touches. Our services range from full-scale interior design projects to bespoke furniture design, where we craft custom pieces tailored to fit perfectly within a space. Every project is approached with a fresh perspective, and we work closely with our clients to ensure their vision is fully realized.
One of the cornerstones of our philosophy is the integration of Feng Shui principles, which I’m very passionate about. This allows us to design spaces that aren’t just visually appealing but also promote a sense of well-being, balance, and harmony. Whether it’s transforming a home or a corporate office, our mission is to create environments that enhance the way people live and work.

What current trends do you see in the interior design industry in MENA?

In the MENA region, interior design is evolving rapidly, blending traditional influences with modern, global trends. One major shift I’ve observed is a growing emphasis on sustainable design. Clients are increasingly interested in eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and designs that have environmental impact, which is a refreshing and forward-thinking trend.
Another significant trend is the use of natural elements. There’s a strong focus on integrating organic materials such as wood, stone, and plants into interiors to create a connection with nature, which ties into the global trend of biophilic design. In the region, this often includes a fusion of luxury with nature-using high-end finishes with earthy tones and textures to create spaces that feel both opulent and grounded.
Additionally, personalization and bespoke designs are on the rise. Clients in the MENA region want their homes and workspaces to reflect their personalities and values, so custom furniture, unique layouts, and personal touches are in high demand. This aligns perfectly with our work at Ralee, where we emphasize designing spaces that feel deeply personal to each client.
Lastly, smart home technology is becoming a must-have. People are looking for homes that are not only beautiful but also functional and tech-
integrated, from automated lighting and climate control to smart security systems. This trend is reshaping the way we approach both residential and commercial projects, offering new ways to combine convenience with cutting- edge design.

What are the top three challenges you have faced as an entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, there have been quite a few challenges along the way,
but I’d say the top three are:
1. Building a trusted team: One of the biggest challenges in starting Ralee was finding the right people to bring the vision to life. As a creative director, it’s crucial to have a team that not only understands your vision but can also add their expertise and elevate the project. It took time to find professionals who are not only talented but share the same passion and commitment to excellence.
2. Navigating the competitive market: The interior design industry, especially in the MENA region, is incredibly competitive. There are many talented designers and firms, so finding ways to differentiate Ralee and carve out our niche was a challenge. Focusing on personalization, incorporating Feng Shui, and ensuring every project is truly one- of-a-kind helped us stand out, but it required a lot of strategic thinking and persistence.
3. Balancing creativity with business management: As a creative, it’s easy to get lost in the design side of things, but running a business means you have to wear many hats. From managing budgets and operations to marketing and client relations, balancing creativity with the business side has been one of the most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship. However, over time, I’ve learned to delegate and trust my team with the business side, which allows me to focus more on the creative direction.

With a corporate background, what has been the biggest challenge in your entrepreneurial journey?

The biggest challenge coming from a corporate background has been adjusting to the lack of structure and support that I was used to. In the corporate world, you have teams handling everything from finance to marketing, but as an entrepreneur, you’re wearing all the hats, especially in the beginning. It can be a lonely world.
The unpredictability of running your own business was also a big shift. There’s no set roadmap, so you have to constantly adapt and make decisions on the go. But at the same time, the freedom to shape Ralee exactly how I want and be fully creative has been incredibly rewarding, even with the challenges.

What motivates you every day to wake up and do what you do?

Seeing my designs come to life. The excitement of creating spaces that truly transform how people feel. I love seeing the impact a well-designed environment can have on someone’s life, and the joy my clients experience when their vision comes to life keeps me going. Plus, the creative process never gets old-it’s what I’m most passionate about!

What does a day in your life look like?

A day in my life is pretty dynamic! | usually start my morning with a workout at the gym-it helps me clear my mind and get energized for the day. After that, I dive into design work, whether it’s sourcing materials, sketching ideas, or meeting with clients. I’m often on-site checking progress or collaborating with my team to bring our projects to life. In between, there’s always answering calls, picking up kids and getting some coffee to keep me going! My evenings are usually spent catching up on emails and trying to spend some quality time with the family.

What is your advice for women who are dreaming of building their first business?

Do it. The big difference between women who are entrepreneurs and the ones who are not is they actually did it as opposed to dreaming of it. Don’t worry, jump, the net will appear!

What are your goals for the next 5 years?

I would like to focus on customizing more furniture and launching an exclusive and high-value unique piece. I have been obsessed with art over the years and I want to be able to translate this into unique furniture pieces. I want to focus on creating unique pieces that are conversation starters in any room! Where can readers find out more about you?
Check out : Bizpreneur Middle East