Nadine Mustafa Zoya Sakr is a prominent fashion model, entrepreneur, and longtime supporter of wellbeing and integrative living. The half-Lebanese, half-Russian model is much more than what meets the eyes. Despite her astonishing stature and beauty, she is a well-educated businesswoman and a devoted mother. Zoya majored in psychology and resided in Lebanon until 2006 when she relocated to Dubai. She was selected as the very first model representing Lebanon in an international contest at the age of eighteen where she was named Miss Beauty International in Venezuela. Sakr’s personality was molded by her Russian mother, who adored blossoms, and her Lebanese father, who was a physician. They submerged her in a milieu that valued and cared towards the county’s abundant stunning features as much as artistry. In a cozy setting at the Socialita event, we chatted with the amazing Zoya Sakr on everything related to her life, business, and plans.
Why did you decide to partake in the event this year?
It is my second time this year, I came the first time upon meeting Yasmine Sarwat where I found great potentials in her. I was amazed and taken by how the event is on another level this year. The well-organization of the event, the quality of the crowd, and the mesmerizing brands and talents were absolute winners of this year’s edition. I am so happy to be back and show support to her and all designers.
What was your first memory associated with flowers like?
I remember my childhood house and vacations in Russia, wherein our garden was always flooded with pink peonies.
What was the inspiration behind the ‘Flowers Society’?
It’s a new brand that I launched a month ago, a contemporary concept associated with artistic flowers. My brand was inspired by my mother’s garden, which was constantly overflowing with rose petals and peonies. Surrounded by that scenery, I was genuinely happy and always carried the passion to create a similar one in my heart. The Flower Society’s mission is to bring art enthusiasts and aficionados to the same table. I do collaborations with international artists every six months, in three weeks, I’m launching my new collection.
How would you describe your style of flower arrangement?
I prefer things to convey grandeur, but I don’t enjoy it if there are way too many hues and it’s too cluttered. This is why we’re all about enormous arrangements and grandiose expressions of affection but in a basic, simplistic design.
You did a collaboration with Cartier for the Cartier Women’s Pavilion, how did that come about?
The Flower Society and Cartier have a sturdy partnership when it comes to collaboration. Since I am a journalist, I work with them regularly on different content production where I do interviews for them with various celebrities and such. I love the ‘Women Pavilion’ and how it empowers women, sheds the light on the achievers, and chooses amazing spokespersons from all over the world like Nadine Labaki and many more.
How about your collaboration with Nada Debs, the Levantine designer?
This studio was developed as a space for artisans to display their work and express themselves. I’d like to do a lot more collaborations in which artists create custom vases for The Flower Society. I want individuals to be able to purchase a vase from me so that it will add vitality to any space. On this project, I’m enamored to work with Dina Debs, she is a powerful and successful woman with a unique vision.
How does the ‘Flower Society’ contribute to humanitarian causes?
we try to help as much as possible regularly with the NGO, it’s important to help with whatever you can, it can be through donations or awareness on social media.
Do your children look up to you?
My daughter is seven years old; she is like a sponge at the age, always sees her mom working. My son on the other hand is a bit older and more aware of what’s happening now. The other day he told me “Mom, I am so proud of you, that both you and dad are taking on different big projects each on your own”. That was the sweetest thing to hear.
What principles are you bringing them up to?
I just want them to be genuine, simple, true to themselves, and grounded. If they are authentic to themselves, people will believe as well as respect them.
You have accomplished a lot, why did you still join Harvard Business School?
I didn’t come from a business school background. Instead, I majored in Psychology and Political Science. I opted to return to school for Executives at the age of forty. I needed to tackle several flaws to improve my leadership skills. I wanted to broaden my knowledge on a professional scale. I had heard good things about Harvard Business School and had always appreciated the instructional strategies, so I intended to pursue them. I spent two years commuting between Boston and Dubai, and I’ve learned a lot since then, which has encouraged me to start my own company.
