The GRAZIA Career Edit: Meet The Founder Of UAE-Based Secondhand Marketplace, Reloved
Photo: Supplied
When you picture building a business, you might not immediately imagine someone answering emails at 5am with a baby on one hip and a dog lead in the other, but in the case of Annie Stacey, that's her reality.
Noticing a gap in the secondhand market in the UAE, the mum-of-one and now entrepreneur embarked on a journey to build Reloved – a new sustainable resale marketplace for those living in the region.
In this edition of the GRAZIA career edit, Annie shares with refreshing honesty her approach to tackling the unknown and how she's building a business from scratch, while navigating new motherhood and dreaming big for 2025. My current role is…
AS: HR manager (currently on mat leave) & Founder and CEO of Reloved. When I was younger…
AS: I wanted to be a mermaid! But in all seriousness, I wanted to have my own business. My favourite subject at school…
AS: …was the playground at lunch time, or I loved practical classes like science, catering, IT or childcare. My career path so far has been…
AS: Incredible and filled with a lot of right place at right time moments. People have given me opportunities, and I have always felt so grateful and lucky. I left school to train in beauty therapy, which I soon realised I hated and just did it because one of my best friends was studying it too. I then got an opportunity to work for my dad, who is a finance advisor and then moved into an office manager role for an electrical company. I was bored with the UK and decided to go travelling when my boyfriend (now husband) said he would move somewhere if we could still both work, so we agreed to move to Dubai for one year. I managed to get a role working for the investigations and forensics team as a project coordinator in which I have managed to transfer to HR and progressed there, where I was extremely lucky to have the most amazing maternity leave in the UAE and currently off spending each day with my baby. The role the UAE has played in my career is…
AS: Opportunities. I am a believer that your network is your net worth. I launched Reloved in November 2024, and the people who have supported me is why it has been such a success so far. I was inspired to enter the tech space because…
AS: There was a gap in the market and I needed an easy platform to buy and sell my items! It's a daunting place and you're relying on tech rather than a person, but it also has its advantages and it's exciting! My daily routine consists of…
AS: – 5am wake up, emails and reply to DMs – 6am baby wake up, feed and dog walk – 7am gym – 8am Reloved work and strategy – My afternoons are often spent on the beach, dog walks or being outdoors with my son. – 5pm – 6.30pm is time with the baby where my husband and I split dinner, bath and bed. – 6.30pm – 7.30pm is time with my husband where we have dinner at the table and catch-up, plan our week and next couple of days.
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm I work on the business and try and give myself a 30-minute device detox before bed! The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career is…
AS: Starting my business from scratch, teaching myself tech lingo, and my biggest hurdle in my corporate career has been public speaking and visiting high-risk locations such as Iraq – I am in the best hands when I visit these places, but it's still a surreal moment. The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
AS: Launching my business and having a baby all within the space of a couple of months of each other. I am mad and honestly wonder how I juggle things at times. My poor husband is my sounding board and I am a hormonal mad woman at times! A quote I live by is…
AS: You only live once, enjoy life – money will come back around, but your time won't. What I hope for 2025 is…
AS: To bring Reloved to everyone's attention and hopefully receive an award or two, as well as being recognised for being a sustainable and up-and-coming brand!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Grazia USA
15 hours ago
- Grazia USA
The GRAZIA Guide To ICD Brookfield's Wellness Week In Dubai
Photo: Supplied Here at GRAZIA, we're always looking to recharge and reconnect, particularly in such a busy city. However, always bringing balance to its work-hard, play-hard environment, Dubai continues to deliver on the wellness front. Making its return for 2025, Wellness Week is back at ICD Brookfield Place from June 9 to June 15. Now in its third year, the annual programme has become a standout moment in Dubai's calendar, offering a dynamic, week-long journey through movement, mindfulness and modern wellbeing. Designed to nourish both body and mind, the week-long event invites wellness enthusiasts, tenants, and conscious creatives to reconnect with themselves, with their community and with the city around them. Drawing inspiration from global wellness festivals, the programme is thoughtfully curated to offer a deeper experience of balance and self-awareness. From guided breathwork sessions and cutting-edge recovery stations to expressive art therapy and energising fitness classes, every activation has been created to awaken a deeper connection to the self while also encouraging exploration, play, and reflection. This year's edition brings even more to the table, with a roster of top-tier wellness brands, expert practitioners, and creative collectives coming together under one roof. Throughout the week, guests can take part in energising fitness classes and workshops led by local favourites such as Reform Athletica, 1REBEL, and Embody Fitness. Intimate talks and guided meditations offer insight into mindfulness, recovery, and nutrition, while holistic beauty brand Y12 will be hosting daily experiences, offering restorative treatments in line with the event's ethos of full-body care. The week also features appearances by leading voices in the wellness space, including a talk by renowned fitness entrepreneur and Fitnesswork founder, Joshua Oguntuase. A whole host of experiences await guests from a lively Ripe Market Wellness Pop-Up featuring conscious local brands to a transformative 9D breathwork experience guided by Arsalan Alhashimi, the day is packed with opportunities for exploration. Embody Fitness will host a guided ice bath therapy session, while Reform Athletica leads sound baths and microform classes. To wrap up the week in true community style, indulge in the much-loved Fred's Coffee Party this Sunday, June 15, from 11am to 2pm. This relaxed social gathering invites guests to enjoy nourishing brews, wholesome bites, and meaningful conversations in a laidback setting. With more than 100 lifestyle and cultural events hosted annually, ICD Brookfield Place continues to lead the charge in redefining what work-life balance looks like in Dubai. For the full schedule, visit
Grazia USA
a day ago
- Grazia USA
Life, Styled: Dubai-Based Influencer Amelia Waney Takes GRAZIA Through 7 Chic Outfit Pairings
Media: @ameliawaneyy Instagram Life, Styled , GRAZIA's newest series where fashion and everyday style collide, returns yet with another creator known for her unapologetic sense of style. For the second edition of this new series, we tapped into the effortlessly stylish mind of Dubai-based fashion influencer, Amelia Waney, who took GRAZIA inside her chic wardrobe to show seven standout looks for seven days. Whether you're looking for edgy casual 'fits, a classic denim look, or a timeless ensemble, Amelia brings you all the outfit inspiration you need to elevate your everyday. Photo: @ameliawaneyy Instagram No one can deny the power of a flattering top and the perfect pair of ankle-length denim jeans. Versatile style that surely goes above and beyond, Amelia makes a strong case for casual chic, opting to wear a thin strapped babydoll top in black, high-waisted blue washed jeans, and the current cult-favourite accessory of the season, a pair of black mesh ballet flats. Topping it all off with a Chanel wallet which she reimagined into a shoulder bag. Stylish , as said. Media: @ameliawaneyy Instagram When it comes to colour pairing, you best believe Amelia will always deliver a masterclass. Even in its utmost simplicity, she elevated the white monochrome look with a white high-necked tank top and a pair of soft flowy cotton trousers. With a dash of a mocha mouse Bottega Veneta oversized leather pouch, undoubtedly matching the colour of the year, she further finished with a touch of brown tinted sunnies and a Louis Vuitton LV Sneakerina. Photo: @ameliawaneyy Instagram Perfecting the art of summer dressing, this time, Amelia opted to transform her silky floral-printed scarf into the summer's favourite styling hack; a bandeau top. She added contrast to her brown and yellow-toned top with sleek satin wide-leg trousers in black and sandals, which she paired ever-so chicly with a Hermès black Birkin in Epsom leather. Photo: @ameliawaneyy Instagram Set for day and night dressing, Amelia wore an asymmetrical design with a fluid fabric that drapes elegantly over her shoulder. Complementing her feminine silhouette, she paired it with a matching flowy skirt set by Nora The Label, accessorised with shimmering gold heels which featured a metal pointed-toe cap, rounding off with a long black Andiamo clutch in Intercciato leather. Photo: @ameliawaneyy Instagram Keeping things simple yet surely elevated, the influencer wore a maxi beige dress by Staud. Showcasing an off-shoulder style, the dress featured a ribbed-knit waist design that flowed down for some flattering definition. Adding a pop of colour, she accessorised with a red mini Bottega Veneta Jodie bag and a set of dainty gold jewellery. Photo: @ameliawaneyy Instagram Arguably the most laid-back ensemble of the bunch, Amelia embraced the simplicity and versatility of a short-sleeved white shirt. She balanced the uber-relaxed look to make a head-turning statement with a Zimmermann maxi skirt. Alluring with its blue-toned and the fashion house's classic prints at the forefront on lightweight fabric, she accessorised with a dainty beaded pearl clutch bag. Photo: @ameliawaneyy Instagram Making a case with another monochrome look, the influencer paired her crystal-embellished corset by Odd Muse, with sleek high-waisted flared trousers. With an undeniable alluring accessory, she perfectly matched the flower crystals with a silver metallic THEMOIRÉ x Ounass leather clutch. topics: Life Styled, Amelia Waney, FASHION, Dubai, UAE, 2025 Fashion, STYLE, DUBAI BASED INFLUENCERS, DUBAI INFLUENCERS, INFLUENCER, Influencer Approved
Grazia USA
5 days ago
- Grazia USA
Paige DeSorbo Announces Exit from 'Summer House' — & Gives GRAZIA the Inside Scoop on the Luxe Loungewear Line She's Been Secretly Building
Photo Credit: Chris White After seven seasons of turning Bravo drama into must-see TV, Paige DeSorbo is stepping away from Summer House . But make no mistake — she's not slowing down. In fact, she's stepping fully into her next era as a founder, fashion entrepreneur, and multi-hyphenate creative with the launch of Daphne, her new luxe loungewear label designed for staying in — and looking incredible while doing it. 'I feel like, truly, I've been the past six months stepping into a new era of work and personal life,' DeSorbo tells GRAZIA USA in an exclusive interview. 'It just felt most authentic to me now.' The debut of Daphne and the announcement of her departure dropped in the same week — a deliberate move that symbolized more than just a career shift. It marked a transition from reality star to business visionary, something she's quietly been working on for over three years. A Brand Born in Bed As fans of Giggly Squad and her Amazon Live series already know, DeSorbo has long been the unofficial ambassador for matching pajama sets, oversized tees, and being unapologetically horizontal. But behind the comfort-first aesthetic is a founder with a clear point of view — and a desire to disrupt what we expect from loungewear. 'Since the day I got on Summer House , I definitely wanted to come out with something that really aligns with me,' she lets GRAZIA in on. 'And I remember thinking, maybe three or four years into the show, I missed it. I missed the mark… But I'm so thankful that that happened because anything I would have come out with at that time, really, I don't think would have aligned with me. I wouldn't have loved it as much as I love Daphne.' The pandemic was a turning point. 'Obviously, everyone was home and needed loungewear,' DeSorbo recalls. 'And I was just like, if I see one more tie-dye set, I'm going to freak out. This is done.' That moment of frustration became the spark for her very first piece: the Hannah Tee, named after her best friend and podcast co-host, Hannah Berner. 'Hannah legitimately wore the same T-shirt every single day during COVID,' DeSorbo says. 'At one point, I was like, have you washed it?… I went into the team and was like, 'What if we make it more authentic to Hannah and we put stains on it?' And they were like, 'We don't love it. We know this is your brand, but we are going to stand firm on this one.'' Still, the real-life inspiration remained baked into the design — and that authenticity has shaped the entire collection. Photo Credit: Coliena Rentmeester Childhood Memories, Croc Compatibility, and the Perfect Capri Every piece in Daphne has a story. For the 32-year-old, it wasn't just about creating something stylish, but designing from a place of personal memory. 'From my childhood, I had this pair of pajama pants — I honestly think they were from the Gap or Old Navy — and I had them for so long they became Capri pants,' she shares. 'They were the softest, I'd washed them a million times. So we came out with a pointelle Capri.' That sense of 'wanting what doesn't yet exist' became the foundation for silhouettes and fabrics that are not only cozy but functional for real life — whether you're lounging, working from home, or slipping on a kitten heel for a midday coffee run. 'I think my personal favorite is the poplin pant and the little matching crop top,' DeSorbo admits. 'It looks like you might have been awake for a couple of hours, but probably not.' 'I made it versatile for the gigglers,' she adds. 'If you're a Croc girl, I feel like it will still go.' Creating Without Pressure — And Loving It Perhaps the most refreshing part of DeSorbo's founder journey is how much she enjoyed it. As a mental health advocate, and someone who hasn't shyed away from sharing her own journey with her fans, one might think adding such a large new venture to her plate would cause added stress and anxiety, right? Wrong — and another proven point that founding a fashion brand has always been at the crux of what DeSorbo has felt called to do. Unlike many celebrity brands that can feel rushed or overly strategic, Daphne came together slowly, lovingly, and totally on her terms. 'I didn't put pressure on myself to have it out by a certain date or make sure it was on Summer House ,' she explains. 'It really did become like, 'This is fun.' We're all fashion girlies in the room. We all want to see what a different button looks like. I don't feel like an adult because I'm just like, this is a fun thing that we're doing after school.' Still, the design process wasn't without surprises. 'Everything takes so long,' she came to be surprised by. 'If I got a sample back, I could stare at it for literally five seconds and see three things I wanted to change. It was like, okay, well, that's going to take a couple of months to get those buttons in or to change how this falls.' Even details like piping weight or stitching depth had to be carefully reconsidered. 'There's so many little decisions that you don't think about,' she says. 'But again, my team made it so easy. So everyone was like, okay, we'll wait for the buttons.' Photo Credit: Coliena Rentmeester Leaving Summer House — But Not the Spotlight When asked about the decision to leave Summer House , DeSorbo made it clear that it was all about timing — and authenticity. 'I'm so incredibly grateful to Summer House ,' she says from the heart. 'I truly wouldn't have any of the platform or any of the fan base that I have without it. But I don't plan on disappearing.' 'This sounds cliché, but I'm so excited to go to my parents' house for three weeks this summer,' she adds with a laugh. 'I can't really put my finger on it, but it was just a feeling inside. I felt like I was stepping into a new era.' The Notes App, The Cat, and The Easter Eggs For a line so sleek, it's full of personal Easter eggs — some only her mom would notice. 'I had a shirt from Forever 21 in ninth grade and it looked like the poplin crop top,' DeSorbo reveals. 'I've thought about that shirt for so many summers because I'm like, that was the perfect summer shirt.' Even the name Daphne has a sentimental origin — not so surprisingly to the Gigglers though. 'I felt like a middle school girl with a crush when we were coming up with different names,' she continues. 'I kept writing the names on pieces of paper and looking at it and then texting it and seeing what it looked like… A man came up with the name Daphne. I had already obviously had Daphne [the cat], but he said, 'What about Daphne?' And right when he said it, I was like, it's perfect.' And the real Daphne? She's the brand muse in more ways than one. 'She sleeps 22 hours of the day,' DeSorbo laughs. 'So she inspires a lot of, like, okay, we're lounging, we're sleeping, we're cuddling.' 'Daphne's eyes are this piercing blue. And so it was important to me… I want our coloring to be more in the blues. I feel like people would have expected me to do pink… but the Daphne blue, I feel like I never really see it.' When asked if she used her Notes app to jot down never-before-shared ideas that contributed to the creation of this passion project, she jokes in a very Paige-coded way, 'My Notes app? Like, literally, I'd be arrested. I would never show anyone those. Those are diabolical. If I die, someone has to delete my Notes app.' What Comes Next While the June 10 launch introduces the brand, DeSorbo is already dreaming beyond it. She envisions Daphne as a lifestyle brand that can grow with her — and her audience. 'I'm already getting so many messages like, 'When are you going to do men's?' And I'm like, I just don't care about them yet,' she jokes. 'I see Daphne growing with me as my life grows… I literally had a moment the other day where I was like, Wait, kids' pajamas are going to be so great in a couple of years.' But no matter how big the brand gets, the energy will remain the same: fun, personal, and for the girls. 'I'm very excited for Daphne. I'm excited for the girls to experience it,' DeSorbo says with a smile. 'I'm so connected to the Gigglers. I can't wait to hear their feedback because it's for them.' 'I truly feel like this is my art that I'm giving to the people and then letting them critique and criticize,' DeSorbo shares. 'But it's definitely been one of those things where I think about seven-year-old me and fantasizing like, 'Okay, one day I'm going to have a fashion line, and what's it going to be?'' Now, that fantasy is her reality — one that she built with intention, humor, and heart. From pandemic-daydreamed mood boards to a thoughtfully executed launch, Daphne isn't just Paige DeSorbo's next business move — it's the culmination of years of quietly dreaming, diligently creating, and staying true to herself. And for that seven-year-old girl who once imagined her own fashion line? She didn't just get there — she did it in matching pajamas.
