A dream that was over a decade in the making has now become a fully-fledged luxury brand for this Emirati designer.
Fatma Al Otaiba had envisioned creating a luxury handbag brand for well over 10 years and in 2019 took the plunge to launch Odeem, a homegrown UAE label designing unique pieces focusing on a wide variety of leather skins and textures.
Initially launching with three styles – the Nikita, the Igor and the Sascha – Odeem now comprises of over 10 handbag styles, all unique in shape and materials. After all, as Fatma herself explains, “Odeem was born to create the perfect bag for women, stylish, timeless and comfortable to use.”
Over four years on, the brand now has its own retail space amidst the creative and curated walls of Kulture House in Jumeirah and has become hugely popular in the region and beyond.
GRAZIA sat down with Fatma to learn more about the brand’s story, how she turned her passion into a successful business and what 2024 has to hold for Odeem.
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My current role is…
Being a wife, a sister, a mother, a daughter, and the creative director of Odeem.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
An Archaeologist. I was always fascinated by history as well as the effect of Indiana Jones 80s movies.
My favourite subject at school was…
Geometry and biology.
My first job was…
Being a mother, which was the loveliest of all, to which I added being the creative director of Odeem later.
My career path so far has been…
At its beginning. I am still looking forward to growing in my career path.
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The role the UAE has played in my career is…
Paved the way for all locals and residents to pursue our dreams. The leadership and hunger for growth and success have made us all follow our dreams.
The story of Odeem is…
How I was able to turn a passion and interest in a business that now is part of my life. Odeem was born to create the perfect bag for women, stylish, timeless and comfortable to use.
My daily routine consists of…
Being up early, taking my kids and dropping them off at school, and doing some exercise.
My role as Founder & Creative Director entails…
Creating the collections, overlooking the production, as well as marketing. Day-to-day business, and plan what are our next steps to grow Odeem.
The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career…
Is self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
When we opened our first physical store at Kulture House for Odeem.
A quote I live by is…
“Consistency is key in achieving goals and objectives”.
What I hope for 2024 is…
To always keep on learning and growing, both on a personal and professional level.
