Latest news with #Hushday
The National
20-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Money & Me: ‘Raising Dh2 million in funding for my start-up is a milestone'
For Jennifer Cohan Solal, buying a home in Dubai and raising funds for her UAE-based retail start-up are major financial milestones. The French citizen, 37, who lives on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah with her husband and two children, is chief executive and co-founder of Hushday, a premium flash sales platform. The company offers limited-time flash sales from luxury and premium brands in a members-only space for the digital-first generation. In April, it raised more than Dh2 million ($550,000) in pre-seed funding. Launched just this year, Hushday offers members access to sales across fashion, beauty, accessories, electronics, home and leisure products. The company is already considering plans to grow beyond the UAE and expand operations into Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. 'We're not here to patch a post-Covid inventory issue. We're here to open a new, scalable path for growth for brands who want to reach a younger, price-sensitive, digital audience,' says Ms Solal, who has lived in Dubai for more than two years. 'We found our paradise here as entrepreneurs. There's something very inspiring about the UAE's pace, vision and ambition. It's the best choice we've ever made.' Before moving to the Emirates, Ms Solal worked in fashion and e-commerce sectors for more than 12 years and studied marketing at a French business school. Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it? I grew up in a fairly privileged environment. Both my parents were doctors, but nothing was handed to them. They arrived in France from Algeria with nothing, and built their lives through hard work and education. That influenced me the most, seeing first-hand how much it takes to succeed and how deeply independence and resilience are rooted in our family culture. So even though we never lacked anything, my parents always told me to be careful and thoughtful about money, and above all, to rely on myself. That mix of stability and drive has shaped every decision I've made. How did you first earn? My first job was with a start-up when I was 18. I launched a luxury concierge service company in Paris by procuration for a woman who had an amazing idea, but no time to execute it. So, I did everything from A to Z for her and gained more recognition and experience than money. I enjoyed the feeling of autonomy, the sense that if I wanted something, I had the power to go out and make it happen. My first real job was with The Other Store, and my job was to create and manage e-commerce websites for brands. I was 20 years old and got paid €1,000 ($1,154) a month. Any early financial jolts? The biggest financial setback was when I left the corporate world to launch my first start-up, L'Ultime, in Paris. I call it the first digital native vertical brand in pastry. Although the brand gained strong visibility in France, the media attention was incredible and the revenue looked exciting, I quickly learnt the difference between revenue and profit and between brand hype and sustainable growth. So, it was humbling, but also an incredible experience. I met a lot of inspiring people and understood the deeper mechanics of running a business. It made me a stronger and responsible entrepreneur. How do you grow your wealth? I'm in reinvestment mode, so I pour most of my capital into building a long-term vision for Hushday. I have also invested in Dubai real estate. My husband and I purchased a villa on Palm Jumeirah two years ago. We also have property investments in France. Are you a spender or a saver? I'm more of a spender now, but spend consciously. I invest in my business, in quality experiences with my family and in our lifestyle. But I aspire to become more of a saver in the years to come because I want to build a legacy and create a financial foundation that brings freedom, not stress. Have you been wise with money? Yes, I've always been careful with money. I don't take reckless risks such as big spending sprees or flashy purchases, apart from the occasional luxuries I need during sales or beautiful family trips. I've never lived beyond my means. I was raised to be intentional with money and that has stayed with me. Even now as I build my company, I make sure that every dirham I spend serves a purpose and receives a return on investment. What has been your best investment? My best investment was on my own education and self-development, in my children's education and in Dubai. We love this city and feel aligned with its energy and ambition. We are committed to creating something meaningful here for our family and the ecosystem. Any cherished purchases? Yes, everything in our home is a cherished purchase. All items, from the furniture to the decorations, have been chosen with intention. I spent a lot of time and energy to build our home. I love the feeling when people walk in and say it doesn't feel like a house, but a home. Every morning, my husband and I almost cry when we wake up and see the sun and sea in front of us. How do you feel about money? Money is just a consequence, it's not a goal. It gives you freedom, but it doesn't define success. For me, what matters most is creating an impact, leaving a mark and building something lasting. Being the richest person in the cemetery never interested me. I want to do something that lives beyond me and make my children and family proud. Any financial advice for your younger self? Start saving earlier, not out of fear, but to gain freedom. Understand that money buys you time, leverage and peace of mind. Use it to invest in skills, ideas and people who elevate you. Never confuse visibility with value. Also understand that growth is quiet, but compounding is magic. Any key financial milestones? Raising our first round of funding for Hushday was huge, not just because of the capital but the confidence it signalled from people who believe in our vision. Another milestone was buying our home in Dubai before we moved here from Paris. It was a statement of trust in ourselves, in our family and in the life we're choosing to build here. What luxuries are important to you? Spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new places and getting lost in different cultures. When we will eventually be free from work, my husband and I plan to do a world tour. So, it's not always about price, but about the richness of experience and emotions. What are your financial goals? Financial independence is non-negotiable. But right now, my main focus is on creating value and building Hushday into the future leader of premium private sales in the Gulf region. I want to create strong returns for investors and build a brand that resonates across borders.
Mid East Info
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Hushday launches in Dubai: A new era of luxury shopping begins with curated flash sale
A new name is shaking up the luxury shopping scene in the Gulf. After weeks of suspense and a wave of early buzz, Hushday officially launched this week – just days after raising a pre-seed funding of $550k (Dh2 million) -and it's already being described as the future of premium private sales in the region. Born from a simple idea — that luxury shopping should be thrilling, effortless, and always a step ahead — Hushday offers limited-time flash sales on some of the world's most coveted brands, at exclusive prices reserved only for members. Available now in the UAE, and soon across the GCC, introduces a new way to shop: faster, smarter, and with a strong sense of community. No more endless scrolling, no more hunting for deals in crowded malls or waiting for your next trip to Europe. Hushday puts the best of global fashion at your fingertips, blending insider access with digital ease. 'The UAE was the natural place to launch Hushday – a region that understands luxury, embraces technology, and thrives on exclusivity,' says Jennifer Cohen Solal, co-founder and CEO. 'Our model is simple: limited access, limited time, exceptional brands.' From the very first sale, the tone is set: Eres, Faithfull the Brand, Ginette NY, and Rochas headline a first curated drop designed to reflect the platform's DNA — elegance, rarity, and modern femininity. Each flash sale is available only for five days with new drops unveiled weekly, across fashion, beauty, accessories, kidswear — and soon, home décor, electronics, travel and leisure. Access to Hushday is not public. To join, customers need a referral code from an existing member or join the waiting list on the website. Once inside, they unlock a seamless, personalized experience: curated selections, intelligent product suggestions powered by browsing behavior, and loyalty rewards for engagement and referrals. Designed mobile-first and operating from Dubai, the experience is polished yet addictive — sleek visuals, countdown timers, and product pages that evoke more of a showroom than a store. 'We're not just launching a platform — we're creating a new kind of morning ritual,' explains Jennifer Cohen Solal. 'One where shopping is once again exciting, intentional, and a little bit secret.' Hushday is not just for the fashion-obsessed — it's for anyone who appreciates great design, loves a good deal, and prefers curated over cluttered. With regional investors already backing the project, the team — composed of French entrepreneurs Jennifer Cohen Solal, Jean Thillaye du Boullay, and Riad Djabri — plans to rapidly scale across the GCC, with a dedicated mobile app launching soon and exclusive offline events already in development. Whether you're looking for that perfect vacation dress, a timeless piece of jewelry, or a unique designer find, Hushday makes the hunt part of the pleasure — without sacrificing taste or time. To request your invitation, visit
CairoScene
29-04-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Dubai Luxury Startup Hushday Nets $550,000 in Pre-Seed Funding
The startup plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait by 2026. Apr 29, 2025 Dubai-based luxury startup Hushday has raised $550,000 in pre-seed funding ahead of its official launch on May 2nd, 2025. Positioned as the Middle East's first invitation-only premium flash sales platform, Hushday will curate private events featuring luxury brands, offering users exclusive access to discounted high-end goods. The funding round saw participation from regional tech investors, reflecting rising interest in digital platforms that address both brand needs and shifting consumer behaviours in the luxury space. Hushday's platform focuses on helping luxury brands manage excess inventory without compromising their market positioning, while providing users with curated shopping experiences. Built on a mobile-first, referral-only model, Hushday integrates AI-driven recommendations to personalise the shopping experience. It also offers loyalty rewards to encourage repeat engagement among its exclusive customer base. Co-founders and CEOs of Hushday stated that expansion plans are already in motion, with the platform aiming to enter Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait by 2026.
Wamda
28-04-2025
- Business
- Wamda
UAE's premium e-commerce Hushday raises $550,000 pre-seed
UAE-based premium e-commerce platform Hushday has raised $550,000 in a pre-seed funding round from undisclosed regional investors. Founded in 2025 by Jennifer Cohen Solal and Riad Djabri, Hushday offers consumers an invitation-only platform with access to luxury and premium brands' excess inventory while allowing brands to maintain pricing control and brand positioning. Hushday plans to launch in the UAE and expand to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, tapping regional demand for premium retail. Source: Zawya Dubai-based Hushday, the region's first premium flash sales platform, has raised over AED 2 million ($550,000) in pre-seed funding from regional tech investors. The startup aims to develop a new channel for luxury and premium brands to expand in the Middle East, according to a press release. Hushday is a GCC-first model, created locally for brands and consumers who seek exclusivity, experience, and execution. Jennifer Cohen Solal, CEO and Co-Founder of Hushday, said, 'We're not here to patch a post-COVID inventory issue. We are here to open a new, scalable path for growth — for brands who want to reach a younger, price-sensitive, digital audience without damaging their equity.' Hushday was designed as a strategic distribution layer, allowing brands to activate curated drops in a brand-safe, high-conversion environment and reach valuable new audiences. Jean Thillaye du Boullay, COO and Former Carrefour executive, elaborated: 'This is not just about clearing stock. It is about reaching a new audience with purpose — and turning each campaign into both revenue and retention. From curation to delivery, we handle the full experience with precision and speed.'
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hushday to launch Middle East's first premium flash sales platform
UAE - Dubai-based Hushday, the region's first premium flash sales platform, has raised over AED 2 million ($550,000) in pre-seed funding from regional tech investors. The startup aims to develop a new channel for luxury and premium brands to expand in the Middle East, according to a press release. Hushday is a GCC-first model, created locally for brands and consumers who seek exclusivity, experience, and execution. Jennifer Cohen Solal, CEO and Co-Founder of Hushday, said: 'We're not here to patch a post-COVID inventory issue. We are here to open a new, scalable path for growth — for brands who want to reach a younger, price-sensitive, digital audience, without damaging their equity.' Hushday was designed as a strategic distribution layer, allowing brands to activate curated drops in a brand-safe, high-conversion environment and reach valuable new audiences. Jean Thillaye du Boullay, COO and Former Carrefour executive, elaborated: 'This is not just about clearing stock. It is about reaching a new audience with purpose — and turning each campaign into both revenue and retention. From curation to delivery, we handle the full experience with precision and speed.' Source: Mubasher All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Mubasher
