From Harvard Alumni to Supporting Women in The Workspace: Meet HRH Al Joharah Bint Talal Al Saud a true role model for Entrepreneurs & Beyond!

If you’re unaware of Her Royal Highness’ work for women in the fashion industry, then you certainly recognise Al Joharah Bint Talal Al Saud for impeccable style and demeanour. Having graduated from Harvard, the princess is now focusing all her work on championing female entrepreneurs and supporting up-and-coming businesses. She is a positive and inspirational voice for entrepreneurs in KSA. Princess Al Joharah Talal Al Saud is the embodiment of kindness and an example for women worldwide. As part of our Gems of Arabia section, we speak to HRH and–cards on the table, she’s everything you expect and more.

What message do you want to send to female entrepreneurs in the KSA looking to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry?
Taking a step into the fashion industry is a huge step; it is something visual where the whole world can see what we are made of; it is a portrayal of oneself, using your talent and creativity, to represent your great nation. You should be very proud of entering a field which is so demanding with huge competition in showing what you can offer; I salute you.

Can you tell us more about your recent involvement with Global Women’s Virtual Fashion Forum & show?
I was greatly honoured to be a part of the forum amongst some of the world’s greats, where they have accomplished so much for women in this industry. I spoke of the struggles women have faced in the past, how times are changing, and the challenges Mothers face in bringing up their children in a technological advancing world. It is a very informative platform for both women and men with a worldwide audience through the virtual aspect. It would be good to see more platforms so more people can benefit from various audiences from all sectors and industries.

“There can never be an excuse to achieve greatness and accomplish your vision; just read the success stories of women who made it, and you will feel motivated.”

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as a female Saudi entrepreneur?
I learned something very simple, if you continue after a struggle, you are a real entrepreneur, but if you give up, this isn’t your field. There can never be an excuse to achieve greatness and accomplish your vision; just read the success stories of women who made it, and you will feel motivated. In the past, life as a woman was ten times harder than it is today; we now have access to all the platforms to help us succeed; if you are serious about your vision, go for it and always find solutions.

You’re also the chairwoman of ATLAL ALMAJD. All your work is geared toward supporting up-and-coming businesses. Can you tell us what your strategy is?
At Atlal Almajd, we work with individuals and establishments with a structure, and a goal is motivating and has an end game. We will help them to grow, expand and fly. We work with different foundations and fields to be a helping hand in the development of others, if we don’t contribute back to our country, then we are useless. Doing nothing for others is the undoing of oneself.

What do you think is the most important thing people can do to draw more attention to new entrepreneurs in the KSA and the importance of their footprint on a global scale?
As I always quote, “Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world that it was crooked.” Make your story heard, make it great with all the struggles and successes and let people follow and make their stories even better. In the end, you are giving the most exciting and intriguing review of your country and the support our country and government are giving women of this great nation and throughout the world for decades to come.

“Make your story heard, make it great with all the struggles and successes and let people follow and make their stories even better. “

How important is tradition for you, and how do we integrate tradition with today’s modern world?
One of my favourite quotes is, “Take tradition and Color it.” Never forget what our ancestors were proud of and the principles we grew up with and take it to the next level with vision, talent and creativity and do it with pride so we can always have our own identity no matter how the world changes and expands.

If you had one piece of advice for young female entrepreneurs in the KSA, what would that be?
Never surrender to challenges and use excuses to move forward; always find a solution that matches your needs.

What is style to you?
It is personality and expression.

What is authenticity to you?
Being true to oneself.

– Art adaptation is by Ivan Katalanic
– Photography by Norah Alamri.
– Production by Authenticite for Tiffanyandco & Marie Claire Arabia