Her Story
About Heba
Heba X is the founder of NAJD, Najd NYC, a skincare and body care brand inspired by the beauty traditions and rich heritage of the Arabian world. She launched the business in New York City in 2023, starting from zero with only five jars while maintaining a full-time job, and she currently works with the UN. Heba holds a bachelor's degree in banking and finance from Wales and an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago. She has also taken online courses from Australia focused on ingredients and their effects on the skin. Drawing from her own experience with sensitive skin, she developed the brand to blend Eastern and Western approaches using contemporary skincare and French applied perfumery, emphasizing healthy, effective products. Heba speaks five languages and attributes her success to her father's support along with continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability. She values being ethical and honest with customers, delivering products that truly benefit users rather than focusing solely on profit, and strives for excellence in all her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heba
01What do you attribute your success to?
My father's support has been key, along with continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability. I started from zero with only 5 jars and built the brand while maintaining a full-time job.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never wait until you feel completely ready. Some of the biggest opportunities come before you feel prepared for them. This advice from a book has stayed with me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never let fear control you. Believe in yourself, invest in your education, and take that first step despite any fears holding you back.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
High competition, maintaining quality and compliance, effective marketing in a competitive space, and balancing a side business with a full-time job as a young woman entrepreneur.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being ethical and honest with customers is crucial - delivering a brand that truly affects and benefits users rather than focusing only on profit. Excellence at work, doing everything to the best of one's ability.
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