Nada Alawi’s journey from working in the oil and gas sector in Houston to becoming a celebrated digital creator and entrepreneur in Bahrain is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up, Nada was always drawn to creativity and design. Despite pursuing a conventional career path in the energy sector, she never let go of her passion for art.
In 2011, she and her sister Noor Alawi took a leap of faith and co-founded ANNADA, a luxury lifestyle brand that merges fashion with artistic expression. Starting with scarves featuring original artwork by regional artists, the sisters created a platform that celebrates both cultural heritage and modern design. Today, ANNADA has expanded its offerings to include apparel, accessories, and home décor—all designed to bring beauty and elegance into everyday life.
Nada’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Transitioning from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship required resilience, patience, and a willingness to learn. Financial constraints, market uncertainties, and skepticism from peers were all part of her early experience. Yet, Nada’s belief in her vision and her dedication to creativity kept her moving forward.
ANNADA: a brand where art meets fashion
ANNADA is more than just a brand; it is a canvas where art and fashion come together. Each product tells a story, celebrating Middle Eastern culture while adding a contemporary touch. Nada Alawi’s philosophy is simple: elegance should be accessible and meaningful, not just luxurious.
The brand quickly gained recognition for its quality and originality. ANNADA’s pieces are now featured in top retail stores across the GCC, including prestigious outlets like Saks Fifth Avenue Middle East. By integrating art into wearable fashion, Nada Alawi has created a bridge between creativity and commerce, allowing customers to experience cultural expression in everyday life.
ANNADA also emphasizes collaboration. Nada Alawi has always believed in supporting local artists by showcasing their work through her products. These collaborations not only highlight emerging talent but also foster a sense of community and cultural pride.
A vision beyond fashion
Nada Alawi’s passion extends far beyond creating beautiful products. She is dedicated to cultivating a culture of art appreciation and creative engagement. In November 2024, she inaugurated the ANNADA Gallery in Manama, Bahrain, celebrating 50 years of art with renowned artist Abbas Al Mosawi.
The gallery is designed to be more than just an exhibition space. It serves as a platform for artists and art lovers to connect, exchange ideas, and experience creativity in an intimate and meaningful way. For Nada Alawi, the gallery represents a culmination of her mission: to inspire, educate, and bring joy to those who encounter her work.
Nada Alawi has also leveraged her digital presence to create accessible art experiences. Through Instagram and other platforms, she shares behind-the-scenes insights into her design process, life lessons, and the philosophies that guide her business. This combination of personal storytelling and professional expertise has made her a relatable and influential figure in the online creative community.
Struggles and determination
Nada Alawi’s story is also one of perseverance in the face of obstacles. Balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities, navigating a competitive business landscape, and breaking into the luxury market were significant challenges. There were times when growth was slow and success uncertain.
However, Nada Alawi viewed challenges as opportunities. She focused on learning from mistakes, adapting to changing trends, and maintaining authenticity in her work. Her resilience and problem-solving mindset became key drivers of ANNADA’s success, proving that determination and creativity often go hand in hand.
Recognitions and achievements
Nada Alawi’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as one of the most influential women in retail in the Middle East and received the Bahraini Female Entrepreneurship Seal, an honor bestowed by Her Majesty Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. These accolades reflect her impact not only in business but also in promoting cultural and artistic development.
Her leadership extends beyond her brand. Nada Alawi has served on advisory boards, contributing to economic and cultural initiatives in Bahrain. Through mentorship and community engagement, she encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, to pursue their passions and create meaningful work.
A digital creator with purpose
Nada Alawi’s digital presence is integral to her influence. Through Instagram and other social media platforms, she shares glimpses into her personal life, her creative process, and the vision behind ANNADA. Her content is a mix of motivational messages, lifestyle insights, and artistic showcases, appealing to a broad audience.
By sharing her journey authentically, Nada Alawi inspires others to embrace creativity as a source of happiness and fulfillment. She emphasizes that art is not only for professionals but for anyone who seeks joy, self-expression, and beauty in their daily lives.
Lifestyle, inspiration, and influence
Nada Alawi’s lifestyle reflects the values she promotes through ANNADA. She prioritizes mindfulness, creativity, and meaningful experiences. Her followers are drawn to her authentic approach, blending elegance with everyday practicality. Nada Alawi’s life demonstrates that success is not only measured by business achievements but also by the impact one has on others and the ability to bring positivity into the world.
She also uses her platform to promote mental wellness and self-care through art, encouraging her audience to find personal happiness in creativity. Whether designing a new collection, curating an art exhibition, or sharing a reflective post online, Nada Alawi embodies a lifestyle centered on joy, balance, and purposeful living.
Looking ahead
As ANNADA continues to grow, Nada Alawi’s vision remains focused on combining art, culture, and entrepreneurship. She plans to expand the brand internationally while maintaining its commitment to regional artistry and craftsmanship. Her story is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs and artists, demonstrating that with passion, dedication, and authenticity, one can transform dreams into reality.
Nada Alawi’s journey teaches us that embracing creativity, taking risks, and persevering through challenges are keys to success. Through ANNADA and her digital influence, she continues to inspire countless individuals to pursue their passions, celebrate their heritage, and create beauty in the world around them.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read Next – Top Healthcare Options: Clinics in Yas Island Abu Dhabi
