Lifestyle

OFW mom turned CEO opens 1st Filipino-owned modeling agency in Dubai

Behind the glitzy and glamorous world of fashion are gutsy and hardworking men and women striving to change stereotypes, empower women, and promote diverse representation.

For Filipina Glitzy Al Banna, CEO of the first Filipino-owned modeling company in Dubai, setting up her own business after years of working as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was a way to inspire women and fellow Filipinos to reach for their dreams and achieve success doing something that they love.

Originally from Iloilo, Glitzy came to Dubai in 2000 landed a job as a beauty consultant before working for a well-known UAE real estate company.

She eventually left her job at the company after experiencing discrimination from one of her co-workers.

This was when she realized that working overseas is both a privilege and a responsibility for all OFWs, “People will always have their opinions but at the end of the day, we should only focus on our goals and success is the best way to show non-believers who you really are.”

We need to be proud that we have the chance to work abroad and represent our country. When we go out of the Philippines, we should always think that we are models and ambassadors of our country,” she added.

Glitzy also worked for an Abu Dhabi government entity before deciding to stop working to become a stay-at-home mom to her two-year-old daughter, Ameera.

Idle hours spent staying at home did not sit well with the active mom. Deciding to going down the fashion route seemed to be the most obvious choice for Glitzy, who considers fashion as her life.

“I realized that sitting down in the house is not my calling, I know I needed to do something where I can take care of my family but also have something for the development of my career.”

Glitzy got all the support she needed from two equally outstanding Filipino women, veteran modeling manager and the agency’s COO Ingrid  Aureada, and professional makeup artist and CSO Florence “Yhence” Sioting.

We brainstormed and we started planning everything two years ago. And then the rest was history, we finally decided to start Niche Modeling Agency, the first full production modelling agency run by three Filipina ladies,” she said.

In July, Niche Modeling Agency opened a shop and became a home to stylists, photographers, and international models.

The agency’s list of clientele is growing both internationally and in the UAE, modeling for international brands like Dior and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as other top UAE hotels and businesses.

Credit: Ingrid Aureada/Facebook

Credit: Ingrid Aureada/Facebook

Glitzy says Filipinos who are looking to open their own business, whether in the UAE or back in the Philippines, should stop just dreaming and start acting on their dreams for themselves and their families.

“Work hard but also work smart. You can be a dreamer but you also need to wake up, act, and make things happen. I also believe in one of the best quotes in life from HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, “Nothing is impossible”. Stay optimistic and do everything with good intentions.”

Related Articles:

https://filipinotimes.net/top-stories/2017/08/28/did-you-know-ofws-can-loan-up-to-p2m-to-start-business/

https://filipinotimes.net/news/2017/08/24/ofw-turned-entrepreneur-shares-success-story/

Related Articles

Back to top button