Entrepreneurship runs in Lara Geadah’s veins. As a teenager, while most kids were focused on school and social media, Lara was already experimenting with business. She vividly remembers showing up at her grandparents’ weekend mixer with a briefcase full of nail polish, offering to do the guests’ nails for 3,000 LL per hand. While her family did not need the money, the thrill of selling a service and earning from her own initiative ignited a spark that would define her career.
It was not just about making money. Lara was inspired by her father, an entrepreneur who led by example. She admired his ability to identify opportunities and create value, and she wanted to follow in his footsteps. That entrepreneurial DNA drove her to think beyond conventional paths and gave her the confidence to pursue ventures that others might consider risky.
Discovering the Power of PR
Lara’s journey into public relations began with a simple realization: PR has the power to shape perceptions, drive business growth, and influence decisions. She recognized that the right strategy, when executed well, could be a game changer for clients.
Choosing PR was not accidental. Lara knew the industry’s value, understanding that helping clients secure visibility and build credibility could lead to measurable, tangible results. But she did not just want to be part of the traditional PR world she wanted to disrupt it.
A Game Changing Model: Performance Based PR
The PR landscape in the UAE was dominated by agencies charging large retainers with no guaranteed outcomes. Many businesses, especially startups and SMEs, struggled to afford PR services that often did not guarantee results. Lara saw an opportunity to make PR accessible and results oriented.
She launched the UAE’s first performance based PR model, a system where clients only pay for coverage once it is published. By removing the financial risk of traditional retainers, she opened doors for brands to receive top tier media exposure without breaking the bank.
This approach was revolutionary. Not only did it help brands gain visibility, but it also built trust and transparency in an industry that often relied on promises rather than measurable results. Lara’s innovative model turned the traditional PR approach on its head, giving countless brands a chance to shine at a fraction of the cost.
Starting from Scratch: Challenges and Triumphs
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Lara’s path was far from easy. She had no prior experience in a PR agency and limited capital to get started. Her first steps were bold and uncertain, taken during the unprecedented times of the COVID 19 pandemic. While many businesses were retreating, Lara decided to take a leap of faith.
She initially launched Woman’s Guide, a magazine dedicated to empowering women and celebrating their stories. But soon, she realized her true calling lay in building her PR agency. She shifted her focus entirely, determined to create a brand that would redefine PR in the UAE.
The early days were a grind. Lara hustled tirelessly, juggling multiple roles from strategist to marketer to operations manager. She learned to navigate challenges through sheer determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to take risks. Today, looking back, she takes pride in having built something from nothing, proving that perseverance and vision can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Mental Gym: Flexing the Mind for Life
Lara’s ambition does not stop at PR. She is also the founder of the UAE’s first “Mental Gym,” a groundbreaking concept designed to strengthen mental and emotional resilience. Unlike traditional gyms, Mental Gym focuses on developing life skills that are rarely taught but essential for personal and professional success.
Here, participants learn skills related to love, health, finances, and overall well being. The goal is simple: to give people the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges confidently and effectively. Lara describes it as a place “where people come to flex their mental muscles, not their bodies.”
Mental Gym reflects Lara’s forward thinking approach to life and business. She understands that success is not just about external achievements it is also about cultivating the inner strength, intelligence, and resilience needed to thrive in all aspects of life.
The Role of Collaboration and Kindness
For Lara, success is never a solo journey. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals who complement your vision and skills. But it is not just about expertise it is also about values. Lara believes that treating people with kindness and respect is key to building a thriving team.
“You can’t do anything alone. Surround yourself with people who are great at what they do and treat them with kindness,” she advises. This philosophy has guided her leadership style, enabling her to create a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation flourish.
Inspiring Others Through Her Journey
Beyond her ventures, Lara is deeply passionate about inspiring others. She wants her story to serve as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that resourcefulness, creativity, and grit can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Her early hustle, the launch of her magazine, the transformation of her PR agency, and the creation of Mental Gym are all examples of her relentless pursuit of excellence. Each endeavor reflects her belief in taking bold action, embracing risks, and learning from every experience.
Making a Lasting Impact on the PR Industry
Lara’s ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy in the PR industry. By introducing performance based PR and making media exposure more accessible, she has already changed how businesses approach public relations in the UAE.
She envisions a future where PR is more transparent, results driven, and inclusive. For Lara, success is not just measured by personal achievements it is about creating opportunities for others and reshaping industries for the better.
“I want to be remembered as someone who helped shape the PR industry for the better giving countless brands the opportunity to be featured and gain exposure at a fraction of the cost,” she says.
Balancing Life, Work, and Ambition
Despite her numerous professional commitments, Lara maintains a strong focus on personal growth. She prioritizes continuous learning, mental well being, and cultivating meaningful relationships. Her lifestyle reflects a balance between ambition and mindfulness, showing that success does not have to come at the expense of personal fulfillment.
Whether it is mentoring young entrepreneurs, expanding her PR agency, or developing innovative programs at Mental Gym, Lara’s life is a testament to purposeful living. She demonstrates that with clarity of vision and dedication, it is possible to achieve both professional excellence and personal satisfaction.
Looking Back: Lessons Learned
Reflecting on her journey, Lara emphasizes the value of resilience, adaptability, and self belief. She acknowledges that every challenge she faced was an opportunity to grow, and every setback was a lesson that prepared her for the next stage.
“Looking back, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I hustled hard and made it work with whatever resources I had and I’m proud of myself for that,” she shares. This mindset has allowed her to not only achieve remarkable success but also inspire others to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.
Conclusion
Lara Geadah’s story is one of vision, determination, and innovation. From a teenage entrepreneur selling nail polish to a PR industry disruptor and founder of Mental Gym, she has consistently challenged norms and created opportunities where none existed.
Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to take risks. Through her work, Lara has empowered brands, influenced lives, and shaped industries, leaving an enduring impact on the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Her story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, and individuals seeking personal growth, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible.
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