Marriam
“I think that being a woman, we are often underestimated, and that’s why I always tell my team to use it to your advantage! Let them underestimate you and then prove them wrong!”
Former news journalist Marriam pioneered Arab News' "Life & Style" section before founding Niche Arabia, a top luxury communications agency focusing on Saudi Arabia. She's an editor for global publications like Harper’s BAZARR Arabia, Marie Claire Arabia, and author of "Under The Abaya: Street Style From Saudi Arabia," an internationally acclaimed book showcasing Saudi fashion and empowering women through 100% of its sales supporting academic scholarships. Marriam's career centers on elevating Saudi women's visibility and narratives, defining her as a pioneering change-maker. This is her story.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
M: My favourite thing about myself is that I am confident person, and I can say that without feeling cocky! Lol I’m confident enough to be secure with myself and that enables me to be a more collaborative person.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
M: Yes. I would tell you that in 2016, I went to the United States to speak about female entrepreneurship as a Saudi female entrepreneur and realized during that talk, even though I was talking about my job and what I do, people were still asking me about these very stereotypical questions and I knew right there and then that even in our current time, Saudi is still a country in obscurity and that many people still hold many misconceptions on Saudi and it’s female population, specifically and that’s what inspired me to create “Under The Abaya” as a platform.
P: What is one piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
M: One piece of advice I’d give my younger self is to always think long-term. When we are young, we tend to look at just what is in front of us; whereas as you mature you begin to realize the importance of looking at things from a bird’s eye view perspective.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
M: I think that being a woman, we are often underestimated, and that’s why I always tell my team to use it to your advantage! Let them underestimate you and then prove them wrong.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if she were here now?
M: I would say Joan of Arc. Someone that says hell to the rules, I’m gonna fight for what I want to fight for and do it no matter what.
I would tell her, thank you for not fitting into the norms and doing what you believe in, no matter what people say.
This March (2022) marks five years since “Under the Abaya” was published. This marks five years of female empowerment within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which Marriam and her team will be celebrating.