Neelam Keswani has lived in Dubai all her life, and is currently the founder of Glammazle.com. She has previously worked with Cobone, the Entertainer, and alshop.com, as a director and sales manager. Her interests include make-up, boxing and cycling with her fiancee on an evening out. Neelam can be described as a hardworking professional who shows dedication, creativity and commitment to any company that she is working in.
Interview with Neelam Keswani
If you had to stay on a desert island for a week and had all necessities, what 3 things (or people) would you take to accompany you?
The first thing I would take is Gerard Butler. Do I have to take 3 things? If I had Gerard Butler, I don't think I would need anything or anybody else.
2. Did you always want to be an entrepreneur? What was your journey like?
Yes, I always knew I would start my own business one day. I initially worked with Entertainer and I then did a few years working as the sales manager in Cobone. But I knew entrepreneurship would always be at the end of the path. The fact that I worked with these companies made it easier to start my own company. The reason I founded an online makeup company was because I had already worked with and had experience with online organisations, and I loveeeee make-up. I just decided to put the two things together! Honestly, it was a smooth and enjoyable process because I turned my passion into work.
3. What piece of advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Take the plunge. Until you don't, you won't if you will swim or drown. Always take the plunge.
4. Entrepreneurship is risky; what is the biggest obstacle you've faced so far?
Surprisingly, it's the stock; we always sell out super quickly! It's because glamazzle.com is a small retailer and so we don't receive a lot of stock in the first place. Look around the room; all these packed boxes haven't even been put up on our website and they're already sold out! Apart from this, we haven't faced many major challenges... I'm very thankful because I believe that Dubai is the only country where women support women. That is why I was able to start my own company as a female living in Dubai.
5. Why is glamazzle.com different to all other online retailers?
We are different because our company is based on customer happiness; we are a customer-centric business. All products are delivered quickly, they are affordable and we offer the latest products. To us, every customer is important. I always tell people 'We have zero customers, but have 50,000 friends'. When you have this type of outlook and relationship with our customers, the business will be a lot more successful.