Latest news with #TheMeadows
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
Money & Me: ‘Seeing our business break even has been a milestone'
Sisters Chandini and Chanchal Guria came together to work on their passion for health and bootstrapped their business, Ekaya Wellness Studio, in Dubai last year. The yoga and Pilates instructors previously had separate careers, with Chandini, 34, employed as a journalist, while Chanchal, 30, was working in property management. The Indian siblings arrived in the UAE from Hong Kong in 1998, after their father moved to the country for work. Chanchal completed her bachelor's degree in finance accounting and management at the University of Nottingham, in the UK. Chandini went to the London College of Fashion, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in fashion design and development. But writing was her passion, so she joined Dubai Week as a journalist and also worked with insydo Dubai. After spending five to six years in the industry, she felt burnt out and decided to become an entrepreneur. The sisters started selling yoga mats and launched Meow Yoga, an e-commerce brand, as a side business. They currently live with their parents and brother in The Meadows, Dubai. Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it? Chanchal: Wealth was a bit up and down. The reason we shifted from Hong Kong to Dubai was because my dad went out of business there, and he got a job here. Dubai wasn't so expensive back then, so we were on a saving curve. From a young age, our mother would tell us not to buy stuff – that put it in our heads that money is quite important and we're short on it. During the global financial crisis, our money was stuck in property. We saw some bad times. We had to move out of our house into a small apartment. And then, we rebounded. It taught us to know our limits, save when possible, but also enjoy it when you have the money. Don't spend on things you don't need. But there's nothing wrong indulging yourself once in a while. Chandini: Although we went through ups and downs, our father always tried to make sure all our needs were met, and it taught me the importance of hard work and a support system. What did your first job pay? Chandini: As a junior writer with Dubai Week, I earned Dh6,000 ($1,633) a month in 2015. Chanchal: In 2016, I interviewed with Nakheel and was hired as a property management co-ordinator on a starting salary of Dh9,500, and I worked there for nearly five years. Any early financial jolts? Chandini: When I quit my job, I didn't realise that living on your own savings and starting a business is expensive, so I ran out of money really quickly. How do you grow your wealth? Chandini: I'm still at a point where I need to save money before I focus on growing my wealth. My future plan is long-term investments, such as in properties and companies that I believe in. Chanchal: I don't have a lot of investments either. I have savings accounts. Investing in our wellness business was the first step in growing our wealth. We hope to see our income grow after a year and a half and then open up the next centre. Are you a spender or a saver? Chandini: Even though I'm a spender, I have no regrets because most of the things I pay for are about my well-being, such as massages, workouts and wellness activities. Chanchal: I'm the complete opposite. I love to save money, but I do feel like spending on yourself and for the right thing – it is important to splurge a little sometimes to have a good time. You have to enjoy what you earn. It's OK to go out and have nice dinners once in a while, but not to do it every single day. Have you been wise with money? Chandini: I'm pretty wise with money. It sounds a bit contradictory to my statement that I'm a huge spender, but I do it for the right reasons, and I have no regrets about what I spend on. So even though my savings aren't huge, I think I am wise with money. Chanchal: I like to always keep track of what I'm spending on in an Excel sheet, as I studied accounting and I'm obsessed with numbers. What has been your best investment? Chandini: It's nice having a business where you are supporting staff and the community. But my best investment is my Kindle. I can't even describe how much joy it brings. Chanchal: Definitely, our business Ekaya, considering the time and effort we put into it. It pays back in different ways. And we've already hit break even. Any cherished purchases? Chanchal: I just bought myself a new car, so I'm obsessed with that. It's the Range Rover Velar. Any financial advice for your younger self? Chandini: I grew up as a shy, quiet kid who never really stood up for herself. I would tell my younger self to not be scared to ask for what you deserve, whether it's a raise or a promotion. What luxuries are important to you? Chandini: The most important luxury to me is spending quality time with my family and friends. Chanchal: One of the biggest luxuries is finding time for yourself. I have started to find time to do things that make me happy, such as getting a massage once a week and scheduling time to play badminton. What are your financial goals? Chandini: My goal has always been to become financially independent. I want to be able to support and care for my family alone. Chanchal: My financial goal is to be independent. I would also like to see our business grow as much as possible. In one and a half years, I hope we're able to open a second location. Any key financial milestones?
BBC News
02-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Nottingham tram derails after being hit by car
Commuters in Nottingham are facing delays after a car crashed into a Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Queens Walk in The Meadows at about 07:50 BST on said the car crashed into the tram and "caused it to derail, which damaged the power line".Nottingham Express Transit, which operates the trams, said there was no service between Nottingham Station and Ruddington Lane, adding it was "working to resolve the issue" and advising users to check its website. Nottinghamshire Police said the car's occupants "sustained minor injuries", adding the vehicle had been recovered from the junction between Robin Hood Way and Queens Walk has been closed while police and other emergency services recover the tram.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Edinburgh set to welcome 'old man pub for all ages' by The Meadows
Edinburgh's pub scene has welcomed a new spot by The Meadows. Seamus's is opening up on Brougham Place, taking over from The International bar. The new venue has promised an 'old man pub for all ages'. Owners are currently running a competition to win a one per cent share in the pub, which can be done by sending a beer emoji through their Instagram account. READ MORE: Scottish dad tragically took his own life after abuser moved back into area READ MORE: Edinburgh road closed and buses diverted as emergency services on scene of crash READ MORE - Edinburgh man's sweet act for girlfriend as she opens up on devastating Crohn's diagnosis READ MORE - Edinburgh 'class clown' lands Netflix series role after mum urged him to pursue acting Locals were quick to comment with excitement at the news. One commented: "Good luck, I will pop in when you open." A second added: "I will be there when you open I'm old and regular!" If, like us, you're wondering who Seamus is - look no further. Owners have told his tale on their site. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox It reads: "Seamus was born in 1862 on the bustling streets of Longford Ireland. At the age of two, Seamus's father lost him in a poker game, six months later, Seamus won himself back. "Determined to make his mark on the world, Seamus stowed away on a Ryanair flight to Edinburgh, nestled among bags of Taytos and dreams of dartboard domination. Upon landing, he quickly showcased his unmatched skills at cards, pool, and darts in all of the city's best old man pubs. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "He then set up his own games leagues and eventually opened his own pub—Seamus's – an old man's pub for all ages and sexes. With his quick wit and banter, he quickly became Longford's best export since… eh… Pat the Baker… and your one Maura from Love Island." So, at least that's cleared up.
