Kelly Hodgkin, CEO of KMH Events shares the inspiring story of starting her modelling and promotions firm in the UAE
Being a businesswoman might not have been on the agenda, but Kelly Hodgkin, CEO of KMH Events has taken the industry by storm and how!
Crediting her husband as her inspiration, spend 5 minutes with the entrepreneur and learn all about her journey to the top.
Can you tell us a little about your background and journey in starting a business in Dubai?
I am originally from London. I was working in Glasgow in 2008 when I got offered a job as a PA in Dubai. I sold everything and moved over but things with the job didn’t work out. I had a month to find something else or move home. I happened to meet someone who needed help starting a modelling agency and I became involved before starting my own modelling and promotions firm here in 2009.
As well as running the agency, I became an investor in several other businesses and I decided to become a business mentor because I knew I could use my experience to help others navigate entrepreneurship and achieve their own business goals.
How has being an entrepreneur in Dubai influenced your connection to the community and your sense of belonging?
I think starting my business journey here has given me an instant feeling of belonging and being part of something – I have always had a great experience doing business in Dubai and it has helped me grow and continues to help me be a better businesswoman.
Could you highlight someone in Dubai who has played a significant role in supporting your business journey, and what impact did they have?
I would have to say my husband – he started his business journey around the same time as me, and his support and valuable insights were so helpful. He inspired and continues to inspire me to think bigger all the time.
What do you appreciate most about conducting business in Dubai, and how does it contribute to your entrepreneurial journey?
I would say the number of other entrepreneurs here helps – It’s such an inspiration to see how many entrepreneurial people come here with the same goals and dreams – so the community feel is appreciated during the highs and the lows we all experience.
What common misconception about starting a business in Dubai would you like to dispel based on your experience?
That it’s hard to be a woman in business in Dubai. I do not believe it is any harder being a female business owner here than a male. The infrastructure is so supportive of women in business, they encourage you and help to facilitate a lot of opportunities.
Share a memorable moment where you experienced genuine hospitality and support of the Dubai community in your entrepreneurial endeavours.
There are so many times I have experienced genuine hospitality from the community here in Dubai – I feel this happens on a daily basis. It’s not a rare occurrence.
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