Ola Hamdoun’s journey into the world of marketing and public relations is a powerful story of passion, resilience, and vision. What began as a spark inspired by family quickly grew into a lifelong dedication to strategic communication and creative marketing across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Her company, Dot and Dash Marketing, founded during the uncertainty of the COVID 19 pandemic, has grown into one of the region’s leading marketing agencies. With major campaigns and collaborations with top influencers and brands in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Ola Hamdoun’s story is one of courage, hard work, and innovative thinking.
The Spark That Started It All
Ola Hamdoun’s passion for marketing was ignited early on by watching her brother work in the media. The way he communicated stories and influenced audiences fascinated her. This early exposure helped her see the power behind strategic communications and how marketing could shape perceptions and behaviors.
“I realized that marketing was a perfect fit for me because it combines creative thinking with strategic planning,” Ola Hamdoun explains. “I love the challenge of coming up with fresh ideas and creating something unique that stands out.”
Her natural curiosity and love for communication led her to explore PR and influencer marketing, fields where creativity meets the need for meaningful connection.
Learning the Ropes: Agency to Client Experience
Before starting her own business, Ola Hamdoun gained valuable experience working both at marketing agencies and on the client side. This dual experience helped her understand the industry from different perspectives.
At agencies, she worked directly with clients, learning how to design campaigns and manage expectations. On the client side, she understood the brand’s needs and how marketing efforts translate into business growth.
This combined knowledge would become crucial when she decided to launch her own marketing agency.
A Bold Move in a Difficult Time: Launching Dot and Dash Marketing
In 2020, when the world was grappling with the COVID 19 pandemic, Ola Hamdoun made the bold decision to start Dot and Dash Marketing. Launching a business during a global crisis was a huge risk, but Ola Hamdoun’s belief in her skills and vision pushed her forward.
“It was scary, but I trusted myself and the support around me,” she says. “The pandemic made everything uncertain, but it also showed me how important resilience is.”
Despite lockdowns and economic instability, Dot and Dash began managing large scale campaigns and connecting brands with influencers. Over five years, the agency has steadily grown and built a reputation as one of the MENA region’s go to marketing firms.
Connecting Brands with People: The Power of Influencer Marketing
Ola Hamdoun’s agency specializes in influencer marketing, a strategy that leverages trusted voices to connect with audiences authentically. This approach has proven especially effective in the region, where consumers value personal recommendations and genuine brand experiences.
“We don’t just look for influencers with big followings,” Ola Hamdoun explains. “We find those who truly align with the brand’s values and can create authentic connections.”
Working with top retail brands in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Dot and Dash crafts campaigns that go beyond traditional advertising. Their influencer partnerships help brands engage deeply with their customers and build lasting loyalty.
Growing a Team and Expanding Regional Reach
Ola Hamdoun’s vision for Dot and Dash is clear: to become one of the leading marketing agencies in the MENA region. To achieve this, she is focused on growing her team and building strong operational capabilities.
“We want to be able to handle even bigger projects across the region,” she says. “By investing in people and processes, we ensure that our agency delivers consistent, high quality results.”
Her commitment to regional expertise and understanding local markets is a key part of this strategy. It allows Dot and Dash to tailor campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences and maximize impact.
Lessons Learned: Resilience and Self Trust
Looking back on her journey, Ola Hamdoun says the most important lesson she has learned is the power of resilience and believing in yourself.
“Starting a business during a pandemic tested me in every way,” she reflects. “But it also proved that confidence and dedication can help you overcome the toughest challenges.”
This experience has shaped how Ola Hamdoun approaches her work and life. She knows that setbacks are part of growth and that trusting your skills and instincts is essential for long term success.
Leaving a Legacy: Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs
Ola Hamdoun hopes her story inspires others, especially young women and entrepreneurs, to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
“I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t give up, even when things were hard,” she says. “I want Dot and Dash to set a new standard for creativity and impact in the MENA marketing industry.”
Her vision extends beyond business success. She wants to contribute to the region’s growth by helping brands connect better with their audiences and by supporting the next generation of marketing professionals.
Advice to Her Younger Self: Believe and Move Forward
If Ola Hamdoun could give her younger self advice, it would be simple but powerful: trust yourself and don’t let fear stop you.
“I would tell myself to believe in my skills earlier and not be afraid of failure,” she says. “Success comes from pushing through challenges and staying dedicated to your vision.”
Her experience launching a business in uncertain times confirms that resilience and self trust are the keys to making your dreams a reality.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Following
Ola Hamdoun’s story is a shining example of how passion, creativity, and courage can create success, even in the most difficult circumstances. Her work at Dot and Dash Marketing shows that with the right mindset, strategic thinking, and a strong team, it is possible to build a thriving business that influences an entire region.
For those interested in marketing, entrepreneurship, or just inspiring stories of resilience, Ola Hamdoun’s journey offers valuable lessons and hope. As she continues to grow her agency and take on new challenges, there is no doubt that her impact on the MENA marketing scene will only get stronger.
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