A Foundation in Family Business
Entrepreneurship runs in Nabeelah Munshi’s blood. Growing up in a household where both of her parents were entrepreneurs, she developed a deep understanding of business from an early age. Whether helping out at her mother’s beauty salon or observing her father’s work, Nabeelah absorbed valuable lessons that would later shape her own career path.
“I believe I learned a lot of skills, especially selling, just by watching my mom at her beauty salon,” Nabeelah reflects. “Those experiences gave me a strong foundation and instilled in me the entrepreneurial mindset.”
It was through these early experiences that Nabeelah’s love for business and creativity blossomed. She knew that she wanted to do something that allowed her to express her creativity, and that led her to marketing.
Discovering Her Passion for Marketing
Nabeelah’s “aha” moment came during her first marketing class. It became clear to her that marketing was the perfect blend of creativity, psychology, and human behavior—all areas she had a deep interest in. “I always wanted to do something fun and creative,” she explains. “When I took my first marketing class, I knew right away that it was the field for me. I’m also fascinated by human behavior, so it felt like the perfect mix of all my interests.”
Her passion for marketing fueled her drive to learn more, eventually leading her to establish her own business. But like many entrepreneurs, Nabeelah’s journey wasn’t without challenges.
Building a Business by Accident
Interestingly, Nabeelah didn’t set out with a grand business plan. After graduating, she started her business almost by accident, taking on clients gradually and learning as she went. “In the beginning, there’s a huge learning curve,” she recalls. “You’re not only providing the service you’re selling, but you’re also running a functional business with all of the systems that need to be in place to maintain it.”
She had to navigate unfamiliar territory, including project management, client relationships, and scaling her services—all while still honing her marketing skills. Early on, she faced challenges in managing her projects, and it affected her clients. “I had serious issues with project management in the beginning, which really impacted my clients,” Nabeelah admits. However, her determination to improve pushed her to develop better systems and processes. “I’m proud to say that we haven’t missed a deadline since we revamped our system.”
Gaining Clients’ Trust Through Instagram
One of Nabeelah’s proudest achievements is the trust she has gained from her clients, many of whom have found her through her Instagram. “The fact that people trust me and want to work with me via mostly my Instagram is pretty cool,” she says. Her ability to connect with people online and offer value through her marketing expertise has enabled her to grow her client base, both online and locally in Dubai.
Working with a diverse range of clients has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career so far. “I definitely think my biggest achievement is working with tons of clients online and locally in Dubai. I’ve learned so much through the process, and it’s been rewarding to see the positive impact I can have on their businesses.”
Inspiration from Marie Forleo
Nabeelah’s entrepreneurial journey has been influenced by many, but one figure stands out—Marie Forleo, the founder of B-School and a prominent marketing coach. Nabeelah discovered Marie in 2017 through her YouTube channel, where she instantly connected with her fun and accessible approach to marketing. “Marie made marketing super fun,” Nabeelah shares. “I got her B-School and copywriting course, and it really helped me get started.”
Marie’s blend of storytelling and business acumen has inspired Nabeelah throughout her career, showing her that marketing doesn’t have to be dry or overly technical. It can be fun, engaging, and impactful, something that resonates with people on a personal level.
Striving for Leadership and Growth
Despite her success, Nabeelah is constantly seeking to improve. One area she is focusing on is leadership—a skill she believes is essential for growing her business. “Right now, I’m working on my leadership skills because I don’t think I’m great at it yet,” she candidly admits. “But it’s essential to build a great team if you want to grow a business.”
She understands that leadership plays a critical role in managing a team and scaling a company, and she’s committed to honing this skill as she continues to expand her business. By building a strong team, Nabeelah aims to not only improve her services but also create a supportive and dynamic work environment.
The Importance of Setting Boundaries and Valuing Your Work
One of the most significant lessons Nabeelah has learned throughout her career is the importance of setting boundaries with clients and valuing her work. Early in her business, she struggled with this, often going above and beyond without setting clear expectations. However, she quickly realized that setting boundaries wasn’t just about protecting her time—it was about delivering better results for her clients.
“Setting boundaries helped me do better for my clients and provide a service they loved,” she says. By valuing her work and maintaining professional boundaries, Nabeelah has been able to serve her clients more effectively and ensure that both she and her clients are happy with the outcome.
Taking Responsibility and Staying Motivated
At the core of Nabeelah’s drive is a strong sense of responsibility for her own life and success. “I just take responsibility for my life,” she says. “My motivation comes from knowing that I’m responsible for the outcome of my life, so I just have to do what it takes to get to where I want to be.”
This mindset has kept her grounded, even during tough times. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Nabeelah continues to push forward, confident that persistence and hard work will always pay off. Her advice to others is simple: “Keep doing what you’re doing—it will pay off.”
A Journey of Growth and Inspiration
As Nabeelah Munshi continues to evolve as an entrepreneur, her journey serves as an inspiration for others who aspire to build something meaningful. From helping out in her family’s businesses as a young girl to running her own successful marketing company, Nabeelah’s story is one of passion, persistence, and growth. She hopes to continue expanding her business, improving her leadership skills, and inspiring others to take charge of their own lives.
Click here to check her Instagram.
