Confucius says, "if you choose a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life." These words couldn't be truer for Jumana Al Darwish, who is finding success by spreading smiles to children and parents alike around the world through her business, The Happy Box, which she co-founded with her sister-in-law over breakfast in New York City back on New Year's Day in 2014.
With the ultimate ambassador in her young daughter, affectionately known as the brand's Chief Confetti Princess, there is no mistaking The Happy Box is an initiative filled with love, laughter and joy - and it's contagious! Just scrolling through The Happy Box's Instagram feed takes you behind the scenes into their wonderful world of imagination and creativity - complete with unicorns and glitter galore!
If you're looking for the ultimate inspiration, grab your favourite cuppa (she's also a big coffee fan!), and meet Jumana.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELFI am a 34-year-old Jordanian mom of one who has called Dubai home for 10 years now. I grew up in the UN arena where my father was a diplomat for many years. Through the nature of his job, I have had the opportunity to live in a number of cities and meet people from an array of cultures and backgrounds. I always believed in making a difference and changing the world. While it may sound "utopian- like" to some, I have always felt it has enlightened my path and has been a guiding force in many of the decisions I've made throughout my life.
I followed in my father's grand footsteps and acquired my Master of Science degree from the University of Oxford, specializing in Evidence-Based Social Intervention. I have held numerous positions with various governments and non-profit entities over the past 12 years. Nearly two years ago, I left a beloved career working for Dubai Cares, to create and co-found The Happy Box in an attempt to seek happiness and contentment and make family a priority.
WHAT MOTIVATED & INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
It was a real light bulb moment and I am so thankful that I took the risk and went for it. My husband, daughter and I were in New York indulging in delicious French toast with my brother and sister-on-law, on New Years Day 2014. We were talking about happiness and what it meant to us, and I confessed that despite feeling incredibly blessed and like I already should be happy with everything that I had, I was still unhappy with the lack of quality time with my daughter. I knew other families out there felt the same way - life is so demanding, and just taking a few moments here and there to completely focus on family and on creating beautiful moments have to become a priority. These are the feelings that inspired The Happy Box!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Created in 2014, the concept behind The Happy Box is about discovering true happiness. I believe happiness is created when balance is incorporated into one's daily lifestyle. From the outside looking in, one would think I had it all; a beautiful and healthy family, a supportive circle of friends, and a career that gave me safety and security. However, I always felt something was absent in my life that could only be fulfilled by enjoying more quality time with my loved ones. I knew other families out there could relate to this feeling. Life, at times, can be incredibly demanding. It's important to take a few moments to focus completely on family and creating beautiful everlasting memories. I made it my mission to create The Happy Box, a social enterprise that could assist in strengthening the family unit and spread happiness.
WHAT WERE THE FIRST FEW STEPS YOU TOOK TO GET YOUR BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING?
For any start up, the first rule of thumb is to have a dream, one that you truly believe in and are willing to do whatever it takes for that dream to become a reality! Visionary leadership is a must. The availability of a financial resource to get you moving for the first year, hiring the right team members that share your vision and believe in your mandate, a strong product that you continuously refine based on the feedback you receive from your target audience, a reliable network of suppliers, and an awesome logistics arm like Aramex.
Word-of-mouth has been so effective for us. Our customers love to tell their friends about us and then they come and shop with us. Social media is also a great resource for raising awareness - everything is so fast-paced and visual now, which is why we love to have our own social media platforms to announce new launches, repost our customers' beautiful imagery, and feel like our followers are on this journey with us.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SO FAR WITH RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS?
Learning to best manage our time and resources was key, as well as figuring out how to run a home-based business. When we first launched The Happy Box, I was still working full-time at Dubai Cares, so it felt like there weren't enough hours in the day, and late nights became the status quo as well as long weekends of work, work, work. Logistically, there was the challenge of figuring out how to fit a business into our home at the time, and my house was taken over by all-things The Happy Box.
HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?
The Happy Box is now my full-time job, but I really wouldn't have it any other way, because when you are passionate about something, it's not work anymore - it's part of your life and you can't be without it! We now have a dedicated Happy Studio where all the magic happens. Bit by bit, we figured out how to make things work!|
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I love how rewarding it can be. We are so overwhelmed with all of the amazing feedback we've had. I put my all into every part of the business. When it is your own dream, you feel so passionate about making it work. I also get to spend a lot more time with my family, especially my daughter, Ayla, who gets to help out a lot with The Happy Box.
- Embrace the craziness! It'll be chaotic, but it's worth it!
- Never, ever give up on your dreams and your ideas. Run with them and make them happen in any way you can! And don't be afraid of dreaming big - the bigger, the better.
- Have a great support system - I really appreciate my family, friends, and our Happy team. They've helped us get to where the brand is today.
- Always work on solidifying great personal relationships because these relationships will be key in taking your business forward. I've learned that the network of mumpreneurs in Dubai is made up of amazing ladies with beautiful ideas and the readiness to help you, work with you, and advise you - and that's just priceless. Never underestimate who you know, and always network, network, network.
- Work hard and make sure that you've put your all into it and have no regrets.
HOW DO YOU KEEP MOTIVATED THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES?
There are times when it can be a little tough and very scary; having your own business is such a whirlwind. Whenever I feel a little unmotivated, I just look back at what I have achieved already and it's a real pick-me-up. I also have the most supportive family and team around me - I couldn't feel any luckier.
DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?
I also believe greatly in the power of teamwork. Without a resource base that is allegiant to your mandate, one can never achieve true success. I am blessed to have an amazing team of happy officers that share our dream and are dedicated to making that dream a reality.
If I could go back in time to when I was 20 I would tell myself...
That you'll be okay, just believe in yourself!
