Angelique founder of KYUB, is a budding entrepreneur from Dubai, gracefully navigated the hurdles of launching a business during the COVID-19 pandemic. With an eye for design and an unparalleled resilience, she's reshaping the face of vintage tile-work furniture. We conducted a remote interview with her to uncover her inspirations, challenges, and visions for the future.
Q: In the context of COVID-19, what were the paramount challenges you faced in kickstarting your business?
Angelique: The absence of face-to-face interactions and creative collaboration was quite limiting. Additionally, shipping disruptions put our international outreach on pause.
Q: Conversely, did the pandemic present any silver linings for your startup journey?
Angelique: Absolutely! It granted me the valuable time to solidify my business foundation. And thanks to tools like Zoom, remote collaborations have become a seamless process.
Q: For aspiring entrepreneurs during these unpredictable times, what guidance can you share? Angelique: It's vital to amplify your digital footprint — a strong online presence, especially on social media, is indispensable. And remember, consumers are now gravitating towards quality and are keen to support local businesses. Innovate and adapt!
Q: For aspiring entrepreneurs during these unpredictable times, what guidance can you share? Angelique: It's vital to amplify your digital footprint — a strong online presence, especially on social media, is indispensable. And remember, consumers are now gravitating towards quality and are keen to support local businesses. Innovate and adapt!
Q: Share three unique facets about you as an entrepreneur.
Angelique:
Entrepreneurship runs in my blood — I grew up admiring my father's business acumen.
I'm simultaneously pursuing my bachelor's degree while helming my business.
Numbers aren't my strong suit; Excel has always been my trusty ally!
Q: Being based in Dubai, do you cater mostly to a local clientele?
Angelique: Our core customer base is indeed local, owing to our expertise in grand custom designs. Yet, our recent website launch has connected us to patrons globally, spanning from Spain to Hong Kong. We're just a message away for any bespoke design inquiries!
Q: Could you shed light on your furniture's shipping process?
Angelique: We partner with DHL Express for international shipping. Typically, our pieces reach patrons in 2-4 weeks. We're committed to offering competitive shipping rates, and currently, we're focusing on dispatching our smaller-to-medium models. But we're excited to expand our international offering soon!
Q: With no prior experience in tiling, how did you master the craft?
Angelique: My journey began with exhaustive YouTube research. However, invaluable insights came from my suppliers, leading to months of trial and error to perfect our furniture's craftsmanship.
Q: Vintage tile-work furniture is witnessing a revival. Why do you think it resonates with people? Angelique: The allure of vintage — be it fashion or music — is timeless. The resurgence of décor from the 60s to 80s is a testament to that. Plus, tile-work, known for its durability, complements modern utilitarian demands, making it a favourite for establishments seeking a blend of style and function.
Q: Where do you source your design inspiration from?
Angelique: Dubai's architecture and interiors captivate me. But I must credit platforms like Instagram for a wealth of inspiration, with accounts like @oshsdesign and @gustafwestman topping my list.
Q: What can we anticipate from your brand in the foreseeable future?
Angelique: While tiles remain my passion, I'm intrigued by materials like plexiglass and Italian marble. We're on the brink of unveiling diverse models, especially catering to our international audience. And, I'm eagerly looking forward to pop-up events and potential collaborations!
Angelique's journey, characterized by resilience, creativity, and adaptability, paints a compelling portrait of modern entrepreneurship against the backdrop of a global pandemic. It’s stories like hers that inspire and guide others on similar paths. And don't forget, every venture starts with a single step — be it in business or interior transformation. Make yours now!
KYUB's website: https://www.shopkyub.com/
KYUB's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopkyub/
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