We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dana Azzi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dana below.
Hi Dana , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
When it comes to my mission at House of Rebels, it’s deeply rooted in my personal journey and experiences. I’ve had the privilege of working in the finance and product management sectors across various global cities for over 17 years, and I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with startups on their business and fundraising strategies. Throughout this journey, I encountered incredible innovation and untapped potential, particularly within the realm of women entrepreneurs.
My mission is to empower and support women entrepreneurs, unleashing their entrepreneurial spirit to thrive as visionary leaders. This mission is profoundly meaningful to me because it marries my passion for helping others, my expertise, and my dedication to making a lasting impact.
The journey towards this mission actually began with ‘The Rebel Chronicles,’ my blog where I interview and meet countless women entrepreneurs. These interactions ignited my passion for empowering women to succeed in the entrepreneurial world. I strongly believe that when women are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they can achieve extraordinary success!
My goal is to redefine what it means to be a successful woman entrepreneur, and my mission at House of Rebels is the driving force behind this aspiration. It’s not just about having a mission; it’s about creating a tangible impact and enabling others to do the same!
Dana , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey in the world of finance and business spans over two decades. I’m a dedicated professional with a commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, and an unyielding belief in the potential of innovative startups.
My career initially led me to prominent global cities such as Paris, Geneva, New York, Dubai, London, Beirut, and Montreal. Over the course of 17 years, I gained invaluable experience in finance, working in diverse roles and locations. Beyond my finance journey, I spent over seven years as a product manager in international banks, honing my skills in product development and strategy.
During this time, I also delved into the world of startups, collaborating with them on business and fundraising strategies. This inspiring experience became the catalyst for the birth of House of Rebels, a consultancy firm that’s close to my heart.
At House of Rebels, we’re committed to our mission: unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit within women, empowering them to thrive as visionary leaders. We provide advisory services in market research, business planning, fundraising, and tech startup consultancy. For certain clients, we also have a consulting collective, which allows us to tap into specialized expertise through our trusted business collaborators. This collaborative approach enables us to provide a well-rounded, comprehensive solution to our clients’ unique challenges. The goal is to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve extraordinary success and make a lasting impact.
What sets our business apart is not just our expertise, but our unwavering dedication to diversity and empowerment. We’re proud to support and nurture women entrepreneurs, guiding them towards a path of success that may have seemed unattainable before.
In a world where challenges persist for women entrepreneurs in various industries, we’re committed to rewriting the narrative. We believe in the transformative potential of women in the business world, and we’re proud to contribute to their journey.
As a Chartered Financial Analyst with an academic background from McGill University, ESCP Europe, and ESA Business School, I’ve built a foundation that combines knowledge, experience, and passion. What I want potential clients and followers to know is that we’re more than a consultancy firm; we’re a support system that fosters growth and change. We’re dedicated to making the entrepreneurial journey accessible, irrespective of gender, and our commitment to this cause is unwavering.
In summary, at House of Rebels, we’re dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs redefine success. We’re proud of the work we do, and we invite you to join us on this journey of transformation and empowerment.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has undeniably been the power of my network and the strength of word-of-mouth referrals. While I employ various marketing and outreach tactics, the heart of my growth lies in the relationships I’ve fostered.
My clients and collaborators often become my most passionate advocates. They share their positive experiences with House of Rebels within their professional circles, both online and offline. This ripple effect has led to organic, authentic connections with new clients who appreciate the personalized approach I bring to my services.
Beyond that, I’ve built a network of like-minded professionals and entrepreneurs who share my commitment to empowering women in business. This network not only serves as a constant source of support and inspiration but also opens doors to collaborations and referrals. I’ve found that when I focus on building meaningful, lasting relationships, growth naturally follows!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that profoundly illustrates my resilience is a pivotal moment in 2020 during the onset of the pandemic. In August of that year, the Beirut explosion, a devastating tragedy, forced my husband and I to make a swift and challenging decision to move countries, more precisely to move to my home country of Canada.
Upon arriving in Canada, I was faced with the daunting reality of starting over. It had been over 15 years since I last lived in Canada, and my professional connections and network were based in Beirut. The sudden shift required me to adapt to an entirely new environment while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic.
As a content creator at the time, my blog, The Rebel Chronicles, was deeply rooted in the Lebanese market. However, in the face of adversity, I viewed this as a unique opportunity to exhibit resilience. I promptly refocused my efforts towards the Canadian market, despite the many hurdles that lay ahead.
This shift involved not only adapting to a new geographical location but also understanding the local culture and industry dynamics. Most significantly, it meant rebuilding my professional network from the ground up. For someone who had lived abroad for over 15 years, this was no small feat.
With determination, I embraced the challenge. I sought to establish new connections, comprehend local intricacies, and rekindle my professional network. In a remarkably short time, I not only revitalized my network but also broadened the horizons of The Rebel Chronicles into my consulting business, House of Rebels.
This experience reaffirmed my belief that resilience encompasses not just bouncing back from adversity but thriving in the face of the unknown. It reinforced the value of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the significance of forging connections across borders. My journey through this transformation has not only reshaped my professional trajectory but also fueled my passion for making an impact, regardless of the challenges that come my way.
Contact Info:
- Specialized Startup Consulting business: www.houseofrebels.ca
- Instagram: @houseofrebels.ca
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
profile.php?id=61552736674528 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
dana-azzi-cfa-31315336 and https://www.linkedin.com/ company/house-of-rebels-ca - The Rebel Chronicles Blog: www.therebelchronicles.com
- Instagram: @therebelchronicles.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
therebelchronicles - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
rebelchronicles - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCFyoI9j_ AdPFrU5b2SWdkag