Latest news with #Yvon
Emirates Woman
12-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
How we got our job as... Co-founders of the luxury fashion label Yvon
This week we chat with Karina Ross and Almira Shnaider, Co-Founders of the luxury fashion label Yvon. Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series 'How I got my job as…' where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they'd give to those starting out; and the hurdles they've had to overcome. Founded on a deep friendship and a shared creative vision, Karina and Almira began their journey in Kazan before launching Yvon, a brand inspired by Parisian elegance and the transformation of femininity. Since its inception, Yvon has grown into a name synonymous with refined silhouettes, timeless detail, and an enduring connection to nature – each dress inspired by a flower from a meaningful book the duo found together in Paris. With a presence in Dubai and a focus on international expansion, the brand continues to evolve with each collection. To delve into their story, Emirates Woman spoke to the co-founders to see how their journey in the fashion world began. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@yvonthelabel) What was your favourite subject at school? KR: Mathematics. I was passionate about its precision and beauty. I had a sense that it could reveal the truth behind everything – like solving an eternal riddle. AS: Mine was geometry, a subject that blends logic with the ability to visualise and express it through drawing. I remember diligently sketching figures in my notebook. What was your first job? KR: I earned my first money at 18, working as a nightclub photographer. During that time, I was scouted by a modelling agency in Russia – a moment that shifted my path from behind the camera to in front of it, marking the beginning of my journey in the fashion industry. AS: I dreamed of becoming a flight attendant since childhood. Growing up with a father who was a pilot, I was always fascinated by the world of aviation. Watching him travel the world and hearing his stories ignited a deep passion. I turned that dream into reality and worked as a flight attendant for four years. What brought you to Dubai? KR: I signed a contract with an agency in Dubai, fell in love with the city and made it my home. My love to Dubai never vanished. AS: 'Karina was actually the one who brought me to Dubai, and now I split my time between Kazan and Dubai. Talk us through your daily routine? KR:My daily routine is rarely the same – it's easier to talk about my monthly routine. I travel a lot for work, directing marketing campaigns twice a month all over the world. My constants include daily calls with the YVON team, staying active, and dinners with friends. The only thing that's truly consistent is my morning coffee. AS: My day begins with a glass of water, a cup of coffee, and checking my messages. I shower, make breakfast for my son, drop him off at kindergarten, then listen to my favourite songs – usually singing along – before working out and heading to the office to focus on YVON production. In the afternoon, I pick him up, we grab his favourite cake, then have dinner and wind down at home. I light a candle, pour a glass of wine, read a book, shower, and start again. On Fridays, I have a small tradition of buying fresh flowers for the house. What inspired you to launch Yvon? KR: Almira and I first met 10 years ago at a French café in our hometown of Kazan. Shortly after, we travelled together on our first trip to Milan, and from that point on, an everlasting friendship began. Soon after, we visited Paris together. The charm and beauty of the city became an endless source of inspiration – the inspiration to create a brand. AS: We felt a desire, a need, to do something of our own. A vision started to take shape. We wanted to create a brand that stands for beauty and quality. Clothes with a perfect fit for everyone, in every size. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@yvonthelabel) Talk us through the concept and where the name Yvon comes from? KR: Originally, YVON was an old French male name that only recently began to be used for women. Our dresses reflect that very transformation – strong on the inside, feminine on the outside. What are the key elements of your role? KR: We've split our roles. While Almira handles production, development, fabric, and hardware selection, I'm responsible for marketing, social media, PR, and all visual components. AS: We trust each other's decisions 100 percent. There's very little interference in each other's work, which really boosts our efficiency and creates a great working environment. What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps? KR: Passion, patience, and endurance. AS: Don't do it unless you're prepared to make a lot of sacrifices. Tell us more about the pieces? KR: A book with 400 different flowers was our starting point for creating a dress – a book we bought together on our first trip to Paris. In that sense, everything began with Paris and still connects back to it. Every time we create a collection; Almira selects a flower from that very same book to match each dress. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@yvonthelabel) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? KR: Beauty is the power that comes from a free decision. And what is the worst? AS: Don't go into business with your best friend. What's the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? KR: Balancing family and business at the same time. AS: 'The temptation to give up will be strongest right before victory.' What's lies ahead for the brand? KR: We're focused on expanding our presence in the U.S. and European markets, while also growing our product portfolio with a wider range of accessories to better meet customer needs. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Associated Press
07-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Singapore's Female Entrepreneurs Find Global Success on Amazon
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 March 2025 - Every year hundreds of entrepreneurs are launching their brands on Amazon to reach millions of customers in North America and beyond. Ahead of International Women's Day, read the inspiring stories of Singapore female entrepreneurs and innovators who are making their mark globally on Amazon through products such as dog toys, health foods, baby essentials, and lifestyle homeware. After several years in the corporate world, Ruth realised that something was missing in her life—a deeper sense of purpose. Driven by her lifelong love for dogs, Ruth founded Race&Herd in 2020, using her expertise as a certified dog behaviour expert to create science-backed toys for dogs that require high physical and mental stimulation. When Ruth saw her dog Dinky's enthusiastic response to a horse ball, she identified an untapped market opportunity. 'Race&Herd recognised what other brands had overlooked—dogs have natural herding instincts that traditional toys weren't addressing. This insight led to the creation of our signature herding ball, establishing Race&Herd as the pioneer in this innovative product category.' With a vision to make Race&Herd a global brand, Ruth launched her business through Amazon Global Selling. As demand for Race&Herd products continues to grow today, Ruth has expanded her reach to more markets in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. 'Seeing my ideas transform into products that make dogs happy is the most rewarding part of what I do. There's nothing quite like watching your vision materialise and knowing it's making a positive difference by bringing people and their pet closer together.' Ruth's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: 'Keep your passion alive! While competition can be fierce, stay connected to what excites you and keep innovating—because innovation is what keeps you ahead of the competition.' 2) Yvon, CEO and Founder, Hegen For Yvon, the journey to entrepreneurship has been driven by a strong will to make a positive impact on mothers and their experience with breastfeeding. Yvon's vision birthed the now-iconic 'Sqround' (square-round) bottle —an innovative design without screw thread, making it easier for babies to hold, and to simplify stacking and storage for mothers. 'Initially questioned by the industry, the 'Sqround' bottle, featuring the award-winning Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ (PCTO™) innovation, redefined convenience with its effortless one-hand closure. Our no screw-thread Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ innovation set Hegen apart and helped make us a leader in innovation in the mother and baby industry,' says Yvon. As a woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated baby care industry, Yvon says she faced the challenge of making her voice heard, and had to break barriers with resilience and unwavering determination. 'Each obstacle became an opportunity to challenge limitations and push boundaries, not just for myself but for other women in business.' Yvon's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: 'Dream big and never limit what you can achieve! When we allow ourselves to dream boldly, we can unlock possibilities that we never thought were possible.' In 2016, Hegen began selling in the Amazon US store ( and has since expanded to after finding success in the U.S. Becoming an Amazon seller has opened the brand to marketing and selling globally -- allowing Hegen to reach mothers around the world easily. 3) Ann and Christina, Co-Founders, Nook Theory In 2020, during the pandemic, home became the center of everything—work, leisure, family, personal and social life. Ann and Christina, best friends turned business partners, saw an opportunity to bring more warmth and comfort into homes everywhere. They founded Nook Theory, a lifestyle brand offering everyday living items – such as their best-selling Better Days insulated bags, eco-friendly bamboo plates and reusable multi-pockets shopping bags) - designed to seamlessly blend function, style, and sustainability. Nook Theory is now a thriving home and lifestyle brand in the Amazon store, reaching customers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. When asked about the challenges of being women entrepreneurs, Ann replies: 'Entrepreneurship is a constant balancing act of highs and lows. When challenges arise, don't let them weigh you down. Always remember your strength and your 'why' [you are doing this], and let them be the driving force to turn setbacks into comebacks' Ann and Christina's advice to entrepreneurs: 'When launching a business, it's easy for entrepreneurs to fall into the trap of overthinking— getting stuck in analysis paralysis and never taking the first step,' Christina shares. 'Research and risk analysis are important but the key is to act quickly because the market can shift. Don't overthink —just take that first step!' 4) Riyana, Founder, Everiday Foods Riyana's journey began with a passion for holistic health, born from her own struggles: a demanding job in finance and a host of health issues which forced her to re-evaluate her lifestyle. Earning her certification as a Holistic Nutritionist (NTP) and recognising her clients' desire for healthy yet authentic Asian pantry staples, Riyana launched Everiday Foods on Amazon in 2023. Leveraging Amazon Global Selling, she expanded from her Singapore kitchen to the U.S., meeting an overseas demand for unique Asian flavours such as gluten-free and vegan chili sauces and sambals. When asked about the challenges of being a woman in business, Riyana replies: 'Honestly, being a woman has been an advantage in many ways. The entrepreneurial community—especially in the food and wellness space—has been incredibly supportive and I've found that women-led businesses often attract a loyal, engaged customer base.' Riyana said her challenges came from being a solopreneur having to build a business from the ground up: 'I had to wear many hats, from product development to operations to marketing, which can be overwhelming. Learning to delegate and build the right support system has been key to overcoming these hurdles.' 'I also doubted if I could compete with bigger brands. Overtime, I learned that authenticity and building a strong brand identity matters more than size. Leveraging my expertise in nutrition and creating products I truly believe in helped me push through those doubts.' Riyana's advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs: 'Start before you feel ready. Build a strong network, know your numbers, and trust your unique approach — that's your strength.'
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Singapore's Female Entrepreneurs Find Global Success on Amazon
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 March 2025 - Every year hundreds of entrepreneurs are launching their brands on Amazon to reach millions of customers in North America and beyond. Ahead of International Women's Day, read the inspiring stories of Singapore female entrepreneurs and innovators who are making their mark globally on Amazon through products such as dog toys, health foods, baby essentials, and lifestyle homeware. 1) Ruth, Founder of Race&Herd After several years in the corporate world, Ruth realised that something was missing in her life—a deeper sense of purpose. Driven by her lifelong love for dogs, Ruth founded Race&Herd in 2020, using her expertise as a certified dog behaviour expert to create science-backed toys for dogs that require high physical and mental stimulation. When Ruth saw her dog Dinky's enthusiastic response to a horse ball, she identified an untapped market opportunity. "Race&Herd recognised what other brands had overlooked—dogs have natural herding instincts that traditional toys weren't addressing. This insight led to the creation of our signature herding ball, establishing Race&Herd as the pioneer in this innovative product category." With a vision to make Race&Herd a global brand, Ruth launched her business through Amazon Global Selling. As demand for Race&Herd products continues to grow today, Ruth has expanded her reach to more markets in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. "Seeing my ideas transform into products that make dogs happy is the most rewarding part of what I do. There's nothing quite like watching your vision materialise and knowing it's making a positive difference by bringing people and their pet closer together." Ruth's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: "Keep your passion alive! While competition can be fierce, stay connected to what excites you and keep innovating—because innovation is what keeps you ahead of the competition." 2) Yvon, CEO and Founder, Hegen For Yvon, the journey to entrepreneurship has been driven by a strong will to make a positive impact on mothers and their experience with breastfeeding. Yvon's vision birthed the now-iconic "Sqround" (square-round) bottle —an innovative design without screw thread, making it easier for babies to hold, and to simplify stacking and storage for mothers. "Initially questioned by the industry, the "Sqround" bottle, featuring the award-winning Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ (PCTO™) innovation, redefined convenience with its effortless one-hand closure. Our no screw-thread Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open™ innovation set Hegen apart and helped make us a leader in innovation in the mother and baby industry," says Yvon. As a woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated baby care industry, Yvon says she faced the challenge of making her voice heard, and had to break barriers with resilience and unwavering determination. "Each obstacle became an opportunity to challenge limitations and push boundaries, not just for myself but for other women in business." Yvon's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: "Dream big and never limit what you can achieve! When we allow ourselves to dream boldly, we can unlock possibilities that we never thought were possible." In 2016, Hegen began selling in the Amazon US store ( and has since expanded to after finding success in the U.S. Becoming an Amazon seller has opened the brand to marketing and selling globally -- allowing Hegen to reach mothers around the world easily. 3) Ann and Christina, Co-Founders, Nook Theory In 2020, during the pandemic, home became the center of everything—work, leisure, family, personal and social life. Ann and Christina, best friends turned business partners, saw an opportunity to bring more warmth and comfort into homes everywhere. They founded Nook Theory, a lifestyle brand offering everyday living items – such as their best-selling Better Days insulated bags, eco-friendly bamboo plates and reusable multi-pockets shopping bags) - designed to seamlessly blend function, style, and sustainability. Nook Theory is now a thriving home and lifestyle brand in the Amazon store, reaching customers across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. When asked about the challenges of being women entrepreneurs, Ann replies: "Entrepreneurship is a constant balancing act of highs and lows. When challenges arise, don't let them weigh you down. Always remember your strength and your 'why' [you are doing this], and let them be the driving force to turn setbacks into comebacks" Ann and Christina's advice to entrepreneurs: "When launching a business, it's easy for entrepreneurs to fall into the trap of overthinking— getting stuck in analysis paralysis and never taking the first step," Christina shares. "Research and risk analysis are important but the key is to act quickly because the market can shift. Don't overthink —just take that first step!" 4) Riyana, Founder, Everiday Foods Riyana's journey began with a passion for holistic health, born from her own struggles: a demanding job in finance and a host of health issues which forced her to re-evaluate her lifestyle. Earning her certification as a Holistic Nutritionist (NTP) and recognising her clients' desire for healthy yet authentic Asian pantry staples, Riyana launched Everiday Foods on Amazon in 2023. Leveraging Amazon Global Selling, she expanded from her Singapore kitchen to the U.S., meeting an overseas demand for unique Asian flavours such as gluten-free and vegan chili sauces and sambals. When asked about the challenges of being a woman in business, Riyana replies: "Honestly, being a woman has been an advantage in many ways. The entrepreneurial community—especially in the food and wellness space—has been incredibly supportive and I've found that women-led businesses often attract a loyal, engaged customer base." Riyana said her challenges came from being a solopreneur having to build a business from the ground up: "I had to wear many hats, from product development to operations to marketing, which can be overwhelming. Learning to delegate and build the right support system has been key to overcoming these hurdles." "I also doubted if I could compete with bigger brands. Overtime, I learned that authenticity and building a strong brand identity matters more than size. Leveraging my expertise in nutrition and creating products I truly believe in helped me push through those doubts." Riyana's advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs: "Start before you feel ready. Build a strong network, know your numbers, and trust your unique approach — that's your strength." Hashtag: #AmazonGlobalSelling #AmazonSingapore #InternationalWomen'sDay #IWD The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Amazon Global Selling
