Right from her childhood, she was determined to make a niche for herself and stand apart. One of twelve sisters and two brothers, Ameera Al Alawi, Owner of Sephra Bahrain, recalls how her tryst with chocolates goes back to her early days as the ‘Sweets Girl’ who organized chocolate fountain parties for family and friends. The journey has been illustrious, challenging and rewarding. Here’s how!
Tell us briefly about yourself: Where you were born and raised, any special childhood memories?
I was born in Manama and I spent my early childhood years between Manchester, Uk where my father studied his Masters, and my home village Bilad Alkadeem. We moved to Sihla when I was around 6 years old. I did all my studies in Bahrain, and I got my bachelor degree from the University of Bahrain in 2005.
I lived my childhood within a big family, my wonderful loving parents, eleven sisters and two brothers. Growing up with those many sisters, as wonderful as it is, made me realise at a young age that I had to stand out to be noticed. That really effected the way I think now and proceed with my job.
My childhood memory is huge, I still see almost every moment of me growing up. I remember my kindergarten, our old house, the old village, my school, my friends, and everything in between. One of the dearest memories that I clearly remember is when my
sisters and I used to climb to the top of the storage cupboards in my sisters’ room, which were really high and sit inside them, and close the doors, and then hang our puppets outside with threads and move them to make a show for the rest of the family. We used to organise the show for hours before we started it. It was such an epic time we had.
Tell us about your business— when and how it was founded.
In my childhood, I was called the ‘Princess’, which my name translates into. But I was also called the ‘Sweets Girl’ as I was crazy about sweets and always bought tons of them sharing them with my friends and family. This passion for sweets is my business
now. I used to organise lots of chocolate fountain parties for my family and friends, and that’s where the business idea came from and came alive in 2013.
Sephra Chocolate Fountains are recognised worldwide as being the highest quality chocolate fountains available. Our chocolate fountains run quietly and deliver a beautiful cascade of chocolates. Sephra fondue chocolate for chocolate fountains was specifically created to flow perfectly without the addition of oil to the chocolate. We take great pride in providing our customers with a wonderful experience using our Sephra Chocolate Fountains and our delicious Sephra fondue chocolate for chocolate fountains.
Before Sephra, I was involved in other businesses related to fashion and advertising. I sold the first, and still active with the second, Noa interactive. I’m also now a co-owner of 365 Rent a Car and the founder of Princess Parlour Properties.
What various kinds of food machines do you manufacture as one of your business enterprises?
We offer a wide range of other food machines and mixes, but the most demand applies to the waffle-makers and the premium waffle mix, crepe makers and the luxury crepe mix, alongside with our famous fountains and chocolate.
What have been the initial challenges that you had faced with your enterprise?
The biggest challenge I faced starting up my business is finding the right employees. I remember having to go myself and do the sales with the office work and everything else all by myself. I overcame this challenge by finding the right people to depend on.
What according to you are the essential qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship demands commitment and dedication more than most jobs. It requires an unwavering passion and open-mindedness. Thinking ahead is a must, and having your goals always ahead of you.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur?
In my opinion, the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur is seeing yourself successful, achieving, and learning to full potential.
Where do you see your company in the next 5 years?
I’m looking forward for Sephra’s future growing with me as the biggest name in chocolate fountains in the Middle East and Africa.
What is the future of chocolates in an increasingly health conscious society?
Cacao is actually considered a high antioxidant food. The added sugar is a bit of a concern. However, we have our dark chocolate with a minimum percentage of added sugar, and to compare with other sweets and candy bars, our chocolate is usually dipped in with all sorts of fruits. So that adds vitamins and fibre to the equation.
What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs of Bahrain?
To all aspiring entrepreneurs I’d say: Believe in yourself and take action. The world is full of great ideas, but success comes only through action.