I love talking and writing about milestones. It makes me feel strong, happy and alive. One milestone in You Rock’s path, was definitely opening the shop. My first flagship shop in the heart of Dubai, close to Dubai Mall.

Business Bay in 2017 was a huge, dusty and very loud construction site. But I saw the vision for this beautiful surrounding, well placed in the heart of Dubai. The shop is small and very high and I call it happily my “little chimney”.

It was a pioneer act, to believe in this little grey hole in the wall, surrounded by endless construction sites. But I had a vision and proudly signed the lease agreement. Just a few weeks later, the planning was done and fit out started. Obviously, I faced every problem you can face, but it only made me fight even harder for this little piece of retail space.

Fit out was terrible delayed, but in September 2018 the doors to You Rock (The Shop) opened and it is still there, wrapped in a giant black ribbon, just like our Signature Gift Boxes. And throughout the past three years, the surroundings have changed.

Bay Square is just across the street and sets a dynamic work atmosphere with banks, coffee shops and restaurants; all potential clients and dear friends. Dubai Mall is a 6 minute walk and we literally benefit from the shadow of our majestic Burj Khalifa, which shines bright in the middle of Downtown Dubai.

The shop is storage, packing station and serving customers at the same time. RTA recently added a service road, which makes our area pedestrian friendlier.

The RTA boat station is right behind the shop and public Marina parking beside the building is being constructed at the moment. The loud, dusty construction sites are coming to an end and I am happy we stayed.

This is home; love what you do and do what you love!