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'Have the courage to persevere'

Talking work and life with Eva Hachem, Co-Founder, Dress Come True

How do you typically start your workday?
One of my twin boys usually wakes me up before 6am. So, after taking care of them and spending some time with the family, I begin working. The morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. I use The 5 Second Journal by Mel Robbins to focus on the most important actions to achieve that day and why it matters to me - then, all other tasks are managed throughout the day. I use the same tool for gratitude, listing things I am grateful for everyday - it sets the right emotion for the day.

Describe your work in a sentence.
I connect brides and businesses selling their wedding dresses in the Middle East with brides-to-be looking for their dream dress through my website www.dresscometrue.com.

What do you love most about your job?
My husband Andy Werner and I get to help brides-to-be find their dream dress and look their best on their wedding day. Every bride deserves her dream dress without breaking the bank. With a concept like ours in the market, brides no longer have to 'settle' for a dress because they are limited either by choice or price. In a way, we are completing a part of their fairytale.

What has been your most challenging experience to date and how did you resolve it?
Bringing the idea of our business to life has been challenging. We faced many roadblocks and delays, but we managed to overcome them. Building a business can take a toll on you and requires a lot of dedication, resilience and believing in yourself and your idea.

What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
Worry less. Worry is like a rocking chair - it takes you nowhere! The challenges you will really face have never crossed your mind and the things you worry most about will rarely materialise.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?
As an entrepreneur, a work-life balance can sometimes feel like a myth. Andy and I are always trying to achieve work-life integration where both worlds can merge together. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, as we've been raising twin boys, who are just a little more than a year old, whilst building up the website. But we know we are working towards the life we want for our family, so it's all worth it.

Any advice for youngsters getting into the professional arena?
Always be willing to grow, improve and develop new skills. Be resilient, don't get deterred easily. You will face challenges, whether you're in a corporate position or building your own business, so have the courage to persevere.

A fictional character you think would make for a good role model - and why?
My heroine was always the legendary Chinese character Mulan. She is a modest, unassuming warrior; courageous, smart and noble - though awkward at the same time. Most importantly, she is far from the typical princess mould.

What is your greatest dream, professionally?
For me, seeing our business become the go-to marketplace for brides-to-be across the Middle East would be my greatest professional dream. I want to help take some of the stress out of wedding planning by helping brides find their 'dress come true'.
- Staff reporter