Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Rahman.
Nancy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career at a publishing house in Dubai as one of their first employees which exposed me to the first-hand experience in running a business. At my second job, I worked with a semi-govt private equity that was responsible for all major infrastructure and developments in Dubai, once again exposing me to global profiles, ideas and the excitement of growth. Soon, I caught the bug for seeing something start from scratch into a global success.
My first entrepreneurial journey began in the glitzy world of PR in Dubai. The city was experiencing a huge real estate boom and growth (at the time) and I was excited to be a part of it. From PR, I moved into boutique Real Estate marketing and investments. Without any notice several businesses were hit hard by the financial crisis in 2008, my business being one of them. It was a difficult closing shop, letting go of people and losing investments. I took a couple of years sabbatical during which I met my husband. We both moved to Chicago from London/Dubai and that’s when I restarted my career. I did not know a single person in this city!
After spending time in Chicago’s professional events- I soon came to realize that Chicago was one of the warmest cities in the US (people) and the most authentic American city that truly represented American culture yet globally renowned. However, due to popular culture, people back home were more fascinated with NY, LA or Miami and never the Midwest. In 2011, Chicago still maintained a reputation for hitting low on the ‘hip’ factor, limited eateries and disappointing fashion on the street.
I noticed a slow but blooming growth in trend amongst the youth, who focused on unique Midwestern quality, aesthetic and style. I was compelled to document this movement on a blog since I wasn’t able to work and from there started the Chic.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
After being hit by the economy, it was hard getting myself back up and rebuilding from scratch. Coming to Chicago from the Middle East without a job or network was the real challenge and it took a while to re-establish myself in a completely new market. Building a following and a voice was hard business as well as wearing many hats in order to meet/deliver consistency and quality for our readership.
Please tell us about The Chicago Chic.
The Chicago Chic is a dedicated community of contributors that catalogue modern American culture with a focus on design, style, innovation, disruption, and change. Our goal is to expose the international reader to the globally inspiring & desirable American life.
We document contemporary American culture, right here from the heart of Chicago, have an online shop and hold out a few fun events! I’ve started the company and pretty much run the show. 🙂 What’s different about us is the general direction and voice- most of our contributors who are multi-cultured & well traveled.
What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
Playing on the beach with my sister in Dubai when there were only 2 or 3 beach clubs around and zero development… Zero. Fond beautiful memories with my family I treasure to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thechicagochic.com
- Email: admin@thechicagochic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thechicagochic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechicagochic
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thechicagochic
Image Credit:
Thanwi Kassim
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
