A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Hafidha Abbas, a name gaining recognition in the UAE’s marketing landscape, has a story shaped by resilience, determination, and self-discovery. Growing up in a supportive family, she was inspired by her military father’s lessons in perseverance and her mother’s sacrifices. These early life influences helped build the foundation of her unstoppable drive, but the path to success was far from easy.
“I always admired my parents’ strength, and their lessons have guided me through difficult times,” Hafidha shares. Despite these strong family roots, her journey to discovering her true passion was marked by exploration and overcoming challenges.
The Unexpected Career Path
Hafidha didn’t start with a clear direction towards marketing or media. Like many, she explored different careers, from receptionist roles to marketing management, before rediscovering a childhood dream—journalism. This rekindled passion for communication and storytelling brought her to the UAE, where she soon found her niche.
“I never really planned to get into marketing or social media at first,” Hafidha explains. “I always thought I’d stay in Algeria and work in a more traditional field. But when I moved to the UAE, everything changed.”
Her initial roles involved typical administrative tasks, but it wasn’t long before she worked her way up to Marketing Manager at Vesla Motors. This role, she says, is key to her personal growth and her career ambitions. As she produces video reports for the company, she’s gaining the experience she needs to pursue a future in audiovisual presenting—a lifelong dream.
Challenges Along the Way
The transition to the UAE was far from smooth. Hafidha faced cultural adjustments and self-doubt, not to mention skepticism from her own family. They were uncertain about her decision to leave Algeria and pursue a career that relied heavily on social media. Add to that the everyday challenges of the corporate world—harassment, financial struggles, and uncertainty—and it’s clear that success didn’t come without obstacles.
“I faced harassment at various jobs, and there were moments where I doubted my decision to leave home. It was tough, but those experiences made me stronger,” Hafidha reflects. “I had to prove to myself and others that my determination was enough to get me through.”
One of her most challenging moments was being fired from a position she had worked hard to secure. Initially, it felt like a personal failure, but Hafidha quickly reframed it as an opportunity for growth. She realized that aligning her career with her passions and skills was the only way forward.
“That experience changed me 100%,” she says. “It forced me to think about what truly matters in my career, and now, I’m more focused and determined than ever.”
The Power of Self-Inspiration
When asked who inspires her the most, Hafidha’s answer is simple—herself. While many people look to mentors or role models, Hafidha draws strength from her own journey, learning from each setback and embracing the lessons along the way.
“The most inspiring person in my career has been myself,” she says confidently. “Overcoming the challenges I’ve faced has shown me how resilient and strong I am. I’ve learned that I can conquer whatever comes my way.”
Despite her self-reliance, Hafidha also emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with supportive friends and family. They remind her that she’s never truly alone, and that sense of belonging has fueled her determination.
Embracing Growth and Redefining Success
As Hafidha’s career has evolved, so has her definition of success. In the early stages, like many young professionals, she viewed success through traditional lenses—job titles, salaries, and external validation. But over time, her perspective shifted to a deeper, more meaningful understanding.
“Success used to mean titles and promotions,” she reflects. “But now, I see it as pursuing my passions, staying true to my values, and making a positive impact on others’ lives. It’s about finding joy in the journey and helping others along the way.”
This growth mindset has shaped her approach to work and life. Hafidha sees obstacles not as setbacks, but as opportunities to learn and grow. Whether it’s overcoming self-doubt or navigating the complexities of the marketing industry, she’s learned that resilience is key.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of resilience,” she shares. “Setbacks are inevitable, but they teach you so much. Every challenge has made me stronger, and I now see them as stepping stones toward greater success.”
A Legacy of Empowerment and Courage
Looking forward, Hafidha hopes to leave a legacy in the marketing industry that goes beyond personal achievements. She wants to be remembered for breaking barriers and inspiring others, particularly young women, to chase their dreams fearlessly.
“I hope my legacy will be one of empowerment and resilience,” Hafidha says. “I want future generations to feel free to express their true selves and make an impact in the world.”
Her advice to her younger self and others is simple: “Trust your instincts and believe in your potential. No one knows your abilities better than you, even if you haven’t fully discovered them yet.”
With an unshakable belief in herself, Hafidha Abbas is on a mission to make a lasting impact—both in her career and in the lives of those she inspires.
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