DUBAI — Amina Bahari’s entrepreneurial success story is a testament to the power of financial literacy and smart spending. After a seven-year relationship ended, Amina relocated from Sudan to Dubai in 2013, uncertain of what the future held. But with two invaluable assets—discipline and a deep respect for money—she quickly turned a lack of clear direction into a thriving business venture.
Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Amina learned early on that money is earned, not given. Her father, the sole breadwinner of the family, ensured that every penny had a purpose. “Before we got any allowance, we had to justify our needs with a budget breakdown,” Amina recalls. “He taught us to think critically about spending and saving—skills I would later use to build my business.”
Fast forward to today, and Amina is the co-founder of Stay Flawless, a beauty lounge in Dubai that reached its break-even point within just nine months and currently runs with a 34% profit margin. But the road wasn’t always smooth.
After over a decade of corporate experience in brand and marketing across the GCC, Amina knew she didn’t want to stay in a job forever. “I saved aggressively, learned how to read profit and loss statements, and took time to understand every part of running a business—from logistics to customer service,” she explains. In 2021, alongside her business partner, Hadeel Ismail, Amina invested Dh600,000 of personal savings into launching Stay Flawless. With careful planning and deep market understanding, revenue surged by 105% from year one to year two, followed by a 45% increase in the following year.
But even successful entrepreneurs face setbacks. One of Amina’s earliest business lessons came from trusting a contractor who promised a low-cost fit-out. The contractor disappeared with Dh150,000, forcing Amina to learn a painful but crucial lesson about due diligence and professional delegation.
“Always do background checks and keep your emotions in check—especially when you’re excited. That setback taught me the power of contracts, references, and clear communication,” she reflects.
Amina’s disciplined financial upbringing also taught her the importance of paying yourself first—a practice many entrepreneurs overlook. “We included fair remuneration for ourselves from the start. Too many business owners end up dipping into savings or running up debt because they forget this,” she says.
She also advises against overreliance on credit. “We only use credit for short-term liquidity, not long-term funding,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of strong cash flow management, accurate forecasting, and building emergency reserves.
Amina’s Top Financial Tips for Entrepreneurs:
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Save with Intention, Not Just Fear
Amina started investing in 2020 with a clear plan. “Savings are great, but inflation erodes idle money. I looked for investments aligned with my values and long-term goals,” she says. “Passive income creates stability.” -
Spend Where It Matters
Her spending philosophy? “Splurge only where there’s a return—whether financial or emotional.” Amina prioritizes investing in her team’s training, wellbeing, and branding. “Happy teams create happy clients, and visibility in competitive cities like Dubai is key.” -
Build Financial Confidence Early
From childhood budgeting to negotiating with siblings, Amina’s early financial exposure gave her the confidence to manage her business and personal finances fearlessly. “Transparency, structure, and open discussions about money shouldn’t be taboo,” she advises. “They build trust and lead to better decisions.”
Final Takeaway: Finance is Freedom
Today, Amina enjoys both financial stability and personal freedom. Her days mix business meetings, salon reviews, beach walks, and even poetry writing. “Financial planning doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life,” she says. “It means you get to enjoy it on your terms.”
Her advice to those seeking financial control:
“Track every dirham. Save with purpose. Delegate smartly. And always negotiate—life and money are both flexible if you ask the right way.”
