The Success Story behind the House of Pops
"From the start, I had a hunger for running my own business.
Though I began with a typical 9-5 at a multinational, I always felt an urge for more control.
After 14 years of learning and growth, I found my path. My previous job opened my eyes to the growing Health & Wellness trend, revealing a market gap.
The official journey began with my partner, Marcela, now my wife. Together, we brought House of Pops to life while balancing a full-time job, pouring our energy into this dream day and night.
In the early days, it was just Marcela and me, handcrafting pops in an industrial kitchen and selling them at the Ripe Market—sometimes literally on a bike.
A year later, we opened our first store at Kite Beach and gradually expanded into hotels, schools, and supermarkets. COVID brought challenges, but we adapted by shifting online and through phone orders.
By 2021, we expanded internationally, growing from two people to a team of over 90, covering six channels, with a production space in Jebel Ali.
Challenges arose at every stage. Initially, balancing a full-time job with building a business was mentally taxing, but positive feedback kept us going.
Entering the HORECA channel was another hurdle, with countless rejections before we gained traction. COVID forced us to be agile, and as we grew, managing cash flow and attracting talent became our focus.
Today, House of Pops operates across six channels, from stores and hotels to supermarkets and online platforms. We’ve expanded into Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Hungary.
Beyond pops, we’ve introduced plant-based gelatos, which received an amazing response at Ripe Market, where it all began.
To entrepreneurs: the journey isn't as easy as it may seem. There were plenty of setbacks—failed flavors, rejected pitches, deals that fell through at the last minute.
But success isn’t a straight path. When you hit a roadblock, pause, learn, rest if needed and keep pushing forward."
HOUSE OF POPS FOUNDER & CEO MR MAZEN KANAAN - UAE & LEBANON
The Success Story behind the PLAYBOOK
"I'm Wafa AlObaidat, Founder and CEO of PLAYBOOK, a digital platform supporting women and executive leaders in MENA.
My entrepreneurial journey, inspired by a passion for uplifting women and youth, began in Bahrain. With determination, I built a movement that encourages women to reach their potential, epitomised by the Women Power Summit, MENA's largest women's support event.
My curiosity about human potential led me to explore entrepreneurship and creativity. After a decade in communications, I realised my experiences and passions were invaluable assets.
Facing challenges, I launched the Women Power Summit, overcoming funding obstacles with determination and a dedicated team, transforming it into a success. This evolved into the Women Power Podcast and Network, fostering a supportive community for women leaders.
PLAYBOOK emerged to provide women with inspiration, practical tools, and mentorship. Featuring masterclasses, speaker sessions, and a networking lounge, it’s revolutionising career advancement. Looking forward, I envision women leading across industries, driving innovation and growth. PLAYBOOK nurtures leaders to break barriers and achieve equity.
Playbook is dedicated to championing diversity, sharing success stories, and offering actionable strategies through personal playbooks, focusing on transformation and community building.
It supports networking, live events, and mentorship, extending its impact to financial wellbeing, aiming to secure prosperous futures for women and reduce the $28 trillion global economic loss from unequal gender participation.
In a strategic move, PLAYBOOK acquired Women Spark, a collective of women angel investors, establishing the largest network of female angel investors in the region. This acquisition empowers women to become influential global investors, expanding the network and enhancing diversity worldwide. Together, Playbook and Women Spark enable women globally to invest in the region and support women-founded ventures.
Balancing work and family as a mother, I emphasise resilience and passion, aiming to inspire my children.
PLAYBOOK's impact extends beyond individuals, fostering strong communities and economies. My journey highlights the power of vision and determination in creating inclusive futures."
Wafa's Advice is: "Believe in the power of your vision and persist through challenges with resilience and determination. Surround yourself with a strong network of mentors and peers who inspire and support your entrepreneurial journey."
PLAYBOOK FOUNDER & CEO MRS WAFA ALOBAIDAT - BAHRAIN AND UAE
The Success Story behind the FALA GROUP
"Fala group started in 1997 by my father Ihsan Kurbaj and my mother of course.
We started with transportation at the time when Dubai was being built.
Started with moving sands and building material from A to Z.
Then we got involved in construction, demolition, got into investments after that real estate, agriculture, schools, medical trading and e-commerce. Multiple sectors.
The journey goes on hopefully.
Our long term vision for our family Business is deeply rooted in the values and principles that our father instilled in us.
And hopefully we will be able to do the same for our children, which is the third generation.
We see our business not just as a mean to generate income.
It's more of a legacy that we want to nurture and we want to grow for future generations hopefully.
We envision expanding our reach while maintaining the quality and personalized touch that our customer shave gotten to and have come to love basically.
I would say it's more about creating thriving enterprise that our children would be proud of, one day to inherit and of course to continue that tradition of excellence, integrity and community involvement."
From a modest construction firm in Dubai back in 1997 to a thriving multi-industry conglomerate led by the second generation of the Family.
Fala group’s remarkable growth across sectors like agriculture, medical services, real estate, education and investments showcases their commitment to quality and innovation.
The Group’s success story exemplifies how strong leadership and innovation can shape diverse sectors and inspire future entrepreneurs.
Proud to highlight such an inspiring story!