From Passion to Business: Dana Malaeb’s Rise in Fashion
Dana Malaeb has carved out a powerful presence in the fashion world, combining artistry with entrepreneurial drive. As the co-founder of Lemonade Fashion—a pioneering platform merging social engagement with commerce and defining the new generation of tech. Her artistic work has been celebrated on the runway at Beirut Fashion Weeks for three consecutive years, and she’s become a prominent voice in the industry through her own fashion platform on LBCI. Driven by a vision for innovation and bold but mindful fashion, Dana is shaping a future that pushes creative and commercial boundaries alike.
Right out of university, Dana’s career took off. Her creations quickly gaining recognition for their boldness and creativity. “I graduated from uni to the runway,” she reflects, marking the start of a journey filled with exciting opportunities and challenges. Dana’s success didn’t come by waiting for opportunities; she embraced every chance to push her boundaries. Her journey has not only shaped her as a designer but also as an entrepreneur, leading her to co-found Lemonade Fashion, a platform that’s redefining how social intersects with commerce to shape the future of social retail and define the next generation of tech companies in the region. Dana, through Lemonade is on a mission to pave new paths in retail, advocating for value-based choices and innovative retail habits.
Dana is currently working on a “secret” design project, one she’s incredibly excited to reveal. As she balances her personal projects with her role at Lemonade, she’s driven by a deep commitment to innovation and artistry. “As a designer, I’ve always wanted to highlight the importance of being bold and present and not taking a backseat in life,” Dana shares. Through her work, she encourages others to embrace individuality and set high standards, proving that the only limitations are the ones we place on ourselves. Besides her segment on LBCI Tv where she created her own twist to present fun informative fashion tips, she does so off camera as well. Dana teaches Fashion design, to university students and students from underprivileged backgrounds alike, she also consults and gives workshops on styling, design and fashion retail in the time of e-commerce.
Support from her family has been invaluable in Dana’s journey. Their love and encouragement have given her strength, celebrating her highs and standing by her through challenges. Living between Lebanon, Abu Dhabi, and Athens, she is never short on inspiration. Each place offers its own spark: Beirut with its rich culture and resilience, Abu Dhabi where she’s an active force in the fashion and entrepreneurial communities, and Athens with its timeless artistry. These cities fuel her creativity and sense of purpose, while music and her dog provide moments of calm amidst her fast-paced life.
Dana’s journey is a testament to her belief in staying flexible, embracing every opportunity, and maintaining honesty about her goals. She advises young designers and entrepreneurs to stay patient, take care of their minds and bodies, and remain consistent, no matter how small the steps may seem to the world. “It’s harder to sit down and wait for things than it is to go out and try making them happen,” she notes. Her career has been marked by this proactive mindset, allowing her to carve out a meaningful space in the fashion industry, both as a designer and an entrepreneur.
Lemonade Fashion represents more than just a business for Dana—it’s a movement. Headquartered in the United States and operational in San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, and Armenia, the company embodies her vision for a new kind of platform. And one which combines so much of her skills and dreams in life. As an entrepreneur, Dana envisions Lemonade growing into a tool that promotes sustainable and conscious retail habits, encouraging customers to make value-based choices. With her eyes set on the future, Dana’s ambition is to contribute to a more mindful, innovative, and community-driven fashion landscape.
For Dana, success isn’t solely about accolades or fame; it’s about making a positive impact and staying true to one’s values. Her journey from university to the runway, and then to co-founding a groundbreaking fashion startup, is a story of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Dana Malaeb’s legacy is one of courage and creativity, a reminder to others that with dedication and vision, dreams can transform into reality.
connect with Dana on Instagram.
