From a young age, Mayar Soliman was immersed in the world of entrepreneurship. Watching her father build his business from the ground up instilled in her a deep appreciation for resilience, dedication, and the courage to chase big dreams. “Seeing his resilience and drive inspired me to follow a similar path and shaped my career ambitions,” Mayar recalls. These early lessons became the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey of innovation, creativity, and leadership in Egypt’s business landscape.
The Early Spark: Learning from Family Hustle
Mayar’s childhood was filled with lessons about work ethic, problem-solving, and seeing opportunities where others saw challenges. Her father’s entrepreneurial journey fascinated her; she witnessed first-hand how passion, patience, and persistence could turn a small venture into a thriving business. Inspired, Mayar developed a mindset of spotting gaps and thinking creatively about how to fill them, an approach that would later define her entrepreneurial career.
Discovering Opportunities: From Cosmetics to Corporate Gifting
The first major step in Mayar’s entrepreneurial journey came with Locken, a cosmetics brand co-founded to fill a glaring gap in the Egyptian market. “I noticed that while demand for high-quality makeup was huge, local options didn’t match international standards,” she explains. Locken was born from the vision to offer cosmetics that Egyptians could proudly showcase in their collections, combining quality, creativity, and beauty in every product.
While co-founding Locken with two partners, Mayar noticed another overlooked market: corporate gifts. Banks, telecom companies, and other organizations often distributed gifts that were ignored or discarded. To change this, she founded The Good Things, a venture she leads independently, creating thoughtful, innovative gifts people truly value. Each gift is designed to evoke excitement, joy, and personal connection, redefining corporate gifting into a memorable experience.
Achievements That Speak Volumes
Mayar Soliman’s ventures quickly gained recognition and trust from major brands, a testament to the quality and innovation she brings. Collaborations with companies like Vodafone, Google, and the National Bank of Egypt highlight her ability to deliver products and experiences that resonate. “It matters deeply because it shows that both Locken and The Good Things are trusted to deliver value and experiences worthy of their clients,” she shares.
These achievements reflect more than just business growth. They represent the credibility, dedication, and high standards Mayar has maintained since starting her entrepreneurial journey.
Overcoming Challenges as a Young Female Entrepreneur
Being a young woman entering male-dominated industries came with its own set of challenges. Early on, factories and suppliers were hesitant to take her seriously. Yet Mayar’s determination never wavered. By proving the quality and potential of her ventures, she gradually earned respect, attention, and trust from key players in the market. “Over time, as the businesses grew and proved themselves, so did the respect, focus, and attention on my business,” she notes.
This journey taught her valuable lessons about resilience, confidence, and the importance of believing in oneself despite obstacles. Her story is particularly inspiring for young women looking to break into entrepreneurship, demonstrating that persistence and hard work can overcome even deeply ingrained biases.
Expanding Horizons: Growth and Innovation
Looking ahead, Mayar is committed to expanding both Locken and The Good Things. At Locken, she aims to broaden the product range and make Locken Skin the go-to brand for all cosmetic needs. With The Good Things, she continues to innovate in corporate gifting, ensuring each product sparks genuine delight and leaves a lasting impression.
Both ventures reflect her long-term goal of building brands that are not only innovative and memorable but also deeply connected to people’s lives. Through her work, Mayar demonstrates that business can be both profitable and meaningful, a philosophy that sets her apart in the Egyptian entrepreneurial landscape.
Valuable Lessons Learned Along the Way
One of the most important lessons Mayar has learned is that nothing ever goes exactly as planned. From unexpected delays to unforeseen challenges, the journey of entrepreneurship is full of surprises. “I’ve learned to always prepare multiple backup plans and plan ahead because unexpected changes can happen at any stage,” she says.
This mindset of adaptability, resilience, and proactivity has helped her navigate both ventures successfully. By anticipating challenges and staying flexible, Mayar ensures that her businesses continue to thrive even in the face of obstacles.
Redefining Egyptian Brands on a Global Stage
Mayar Soliman is passionate about showing that Egyptian brands can compete globally through innovation, quality, and creativity. With Locken, she aims to make locally made cosmetics that meet international standards and instill pride in Egyptian consumers. Through The Good Things, she seeks to transform corporate gifting into an experience people remember and treasure.
Her vision extends beyond business success. She wants to leave a lasting impact by raising the bar in both industries. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who created experiences that people truly connect with,” Mayar says, reflecting her desire to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Advice to Her Younger Self
Reflecting on her journey, Mayar offers advice to anyone pursuing ambitious goals: “Trust the process and don’t be discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Challenges are part of the journey, and every obstacle teaches you something valuable.” She emphasizes the importance of patience, adaptability, and confidence, believing that consistent effort and dedication always pay off.
Her advice is particularly poignant for young entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of starting a business, reminding them that setbacks are often stepping stones to success.
A Lifestyle of Innovation and Passion
Beyond her business ventures, Mayar Soliman embodies a lifestyle of creativity, passion, and constant learning. She balances her professional commitments with personal growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a vision and pursuing goals with intention. Her approach to life reflects the same principles that drive her businesses: quality, authenticity, and meaningful connections.
Mayar’s journey is also a source of inspiration for those looking to make an impact while staying true to their values. She proves that success is not solely about financial gains but also about creating experiences and products that resonate deeply with people.
Inspiring a New Generation of Entrepreneurs
Mayar Soliman’s story serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a modern entrepreneur. From observing her father’s hustle to building successful ventures in cosmetics and corporate gifting, she has demonstrated vision, creativity, and perseverance. Her work highlights the importance of spotting opportunities, innovating solutions, and building trust with clients and consumers.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, her journey is a roadmap. Identify gaps, take calculated risks, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and create meaningful products that leave a lasting impact. Mayar’s story is a reminder that determination and innovation can transform industries and inspire others to follow their own entrepreneurial dreams.
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