Emirati businesswoman Mayassa Al Tajir, a business graduate and mother of two, sat down with Abu Dhabi Week to talk about her passion for travel, art, literature, mythology and her boutique, Shabby Chic.
First launched in Dubai in 2011, the glitzy shop has now spread to ten concessions, including House of Fraser and WTC Mall Abu Dhabi, with two more planned for 2015, at Hamleys and House of Fraser, Yas Mall.
“My friends have always described me as being shabby but chic at the same time,” she says. “I honestly found it rather flattering. I thought it sounded cute to describe a young girl’s world.”
The shop features products personally hand-picked by Al Tajir during her travels to Paris, London and the States.
“I have always had a love for glamour,” she told us. “I believed that the young girls in the region would appreciate a niche ‘tween’ market targeted just for seven to 12 year olds, so I created a little piece of girly fairytale in a world of pink and glitter.”
“Our concept is very candy-centric, but without the candy! We are all about the sweet and the quirky, boasting a unique product range that cannot be found anywhere else in the GCC.”
Despite being targeted mainly at tween girls, the label appeals to women of all ages, as it offers unusual and glamorous products such as novel nail art, Hello Kitty cosmetics, hair chalk, neon hair mascara and more.
“Currently our most popular products are our neon and glow in the dark cosmetic range, our LED light hair extensions and nail candy,” she said. “Personally I am a fan of our Pretty Yum Thing detangle hair spray, which anyone with long hair will appreciate – it’s a lifesaver in this climate.”
For more information visit: www.shabbychic.me
