A Journey of Passion and Perseverance: The Inspiring Story of Lara Tabet

From Concorde Jets to Hospitality

Lara Tabet’s journey into the world of hospitality began at the tender age of 18 on a Concorde jet to New York. This first business trip, meant to familiarize her with her father’s acquisition of a kitchen company, became a defining moment. Born into a conservative family with strong values and an entrepreneurial father, Lara inherited a similar drive to carve her path. “That trip made me realize I wanted to be part of the family business, which included a group of hotels,” she recalls.

Building a Global Perspective

Lara’s upbringing involved frequent relocations across various countries, from the United States to the UK and Switzerland. These experiences fostered her ability to integrate into diverse cultures and build lasting friendships. This adaptability later proved invaluable in her hospitality career, where understanding different cultures is a key asset.

Academic and Professional Beginnings

Lara’s academic journey took her to the Institute Hotelier, César Ritz in Montreux, Switzerland, where she majored in hospitality management. After three years of rigorous training, she returned to the family business, starting from the bottom and working her way to the top. “My father and uncle, both my role models, mentored me through this journey,” she says, reflecting on over 20 years of dedication to the hospitality industry.

A Chance Call That Changed Everything

In a twist of fate, a phone call invited Lara to audition for a new English language TV station in Dubai. What started as a casting opportunity evolved into a successful television career, where she produced and presented nine shows. “Every interview confirmed I was in the right industry. I loved every moment of it,” she reminisces. This foray into media opened numerous doors and set the stage for her next venture.

The Birth of Luxury with Lara

As Lara’s television presence grew, luxury brands began approaching her to be their ambassador. Jewelry lines, skincare companies, real estate developers, and fashion labels sought her expertise. This led to the creation of her brand, Luxury with Lara. “The concept of a brand ambassador was new, and social media was just taking off. It was exciting to be involved from the beginning,” she explains.

Defining Success

Lara views success as a series of small achievements over time, each fulfilling and rewarding in its way. Whether in television, hospitality, or charity work, she finds joy in her diverse accomplishments. “Success is enjoying what you do,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of passion in overcoming industry challenges.

Future Ambitions

Despite a packed agenda, Lara dreams of developing her skincare, perfume, and makeup line. However, time constraints have delayed these plans. “It’s something I want to pursue when I can dedicate enough time to it,” she reveals.

Embracing Change and Technology

Lara acknowledges that while the desire for luxury remains constant, technology has revolutionized marketing, especially with the rise of social media. She aims to leverage these platforms to connect with her audience more effectively. “Social media has become a major marketing platform, and I plan to develop myself to take advantage of it,” she says.

Inspirational Leadership

Among her role models, Lara holds His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, in high regard. She admires his vision, which has transformed Dubai into a harmonious home for over 220 nationalities. “His vision has changed not only a city but an entire society,” she remarks.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For budding entrepreneurs, Lara stresses the importance of having a dream, vision, goals, and passion. “Work hard and smart, be dedicated, committed, and resilient. Never give up,” she advises. Recognizing that setbacks are part of the journey, she encourages perseverance and forward-thinking.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Lara starts her day at 5 AM with prayers and meditation, followed by back-to-back meetings. Time management is crucial for balancing her professional and personal life. A pivotal decision to step back from hospitality management to focus on her children underscored her commitment to family.

Mentoring and Empowering Women

While Lara hasn’t formally mentored anyone, she seeks to empower women through her networking events. She believes in sharing experiences and knowledge to help women develop their skills and interests. “Women today are more empowered, educated, and ambitious. The opportunities are greater, and this is exciting and stimulating,” she notes.

Looking Ahead

Lara’s current focus is on enhancing her media presence, especially through video content. She recognizes the need for sophisticated, well-edited videos to engage her audience effectively. Her work aims to positively impact society by empowering women and sharing knowledge.

In conclusion, Lara Tabet’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and perseverance. From her early days in hospitality to her dynamic roles in television and luxury branding, she continues to inspire and empower others with her story. As she looks forward to future ventures, her unwavering commitment to her passions and values remains her guiding light.

For more insights and updates, follow Lara Tabet on Instagram at @Luxurywithlara.