In this episode of The Business Narrative, we had the pleasure of speaking with Shahd Alzaki, a trailblazer in the events management and digital marketing world. From a background in architecture to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Shahd’s story is a testament to resilience, risk-taking, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

A Passion Discovered

Shahd’s entrepreneurial journey began during her university years when she realized that her true passion lay not in architecture but in marketing, events, and PR. While she studied architecture, she found herself increasingly drawn to entrepreneurship. By working multiple part-time jobs and taking internships across industries like HR, finance, and digital marketing, Shahd began preparing herself for her future as a business owner.

The Launch of Creative Matter

In 2014, Shahd took a bold step by founding her first startup, Creative Matter, a creative agency that specializes in digital marketing, events management, and video production. What made her journey even more remarkable was that she started her business with zero capital, relying on her network and passion to build her agency from the ground up.

Through sheer determination and a relentless focus on building a portfolio, Shahd and her team started landing high-profile clients, including major government entities. One pivotal moment was when Shahd successfully organized a significant conference in Bahrain, solidifying her credibility and changing her family’s perception of her career choice.

Facing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

Shahd spoke openly about the challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field. From skepticism within her family to doubts from industry peers, she was often told she wouldn’t last in events management. However, these doubts only fueled her drive to succeed. Shahd’s resilience and the qualities she believes women naturally bring to the table—like multitasking, creativity, and quick decision-making—were crucial in overcoming these barriers.

Her tenacity and ability to turn “no” into motivation helped her build a thriving business, proving that women can excel in industries traditionally dominated by men. Today, 90% of her team consists of women, and Shahd is proud to lead by example.

Navigating the Pandemic and Pivoting the Business

The pandemic posed significant challenges for Shahd’s events business, as the world of corporate and entertainment events came to a halt. However, Shahd chose to pivot rather than close her agency, rebranding Creative Matter and expanding its services to digital marketing and video production. This strategic shift allowed her business to not only survive but thrive, achieving remarkable growth over the past four years.

Shahd emphasizes that pivoting during times of uncertainty requires calculated risks and careful analysis of available resources and market trends. Her willingness to adapt and innovate during tough times was key to her agency’s success.

The Power of Networking

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Shahd offers one crucial piece of advice: build your network. “Your network is your net worth,” she says, highlighting how essential relationships are in the early stages of business. Shahd used her existing network to secure her first clients and offered them discounted rates to build her portfolio. She also attended every business event she could, further expanding her circle and establishing herself in the industry.

What’s Next for Shahd?

In addition to running Creative Matter, Shahd has co-founded a production studio and an esports company called Pro Code, where she is working on building the first platform in the Middle East to train gamers professionally. Her diverse ventures demonstrate her passion for education and mentoring, something she actively pursues by training and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Shahd’s journey offers a wealth of lessons for anyone looking to start their own business:

• Resilience is key. Stay strong in the face of challenges and use negativity as motivation.
• Networking is everything. Build and leverage your connections to get started.
• Passion fuels success. Choose a business area that you are truly passionate about, as that will help you stay committed even in tough times.
• Adaptability is crucial. Don’t be afraid to pivot your business when circumstances change.
• Take calculated risks. Entrepreneurship is about stepping into the unknown, but make sure your risks are well thought out.

Final Thoughts

Shahd Alzaki’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and breaking through barriers. Her journey reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about making money—it’s about passion, resilience, and believing in yourself when no one else does. If you’re ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, Shahd’s advice and experience can be an inspiration to follow your dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Follow Shahd Alzaki on Social Media:
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