E71: One Facebook Comment Forced Her to Start a Business with Nadia Al Shimmari

Nadia launched Hello&Goodbuy, a pre-loved boutique in Abu Dhabi, after replying to a stranger's Facebook comment with a promise she hadn't built yet. Since January 2022 it has saved roughly 20,000 pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories from potential landfill, and it still nearly closed.

You'll hear how she started with 2,000 dirhams, why 65% of her stock is donated and its proceeds fund girls' education in Uganda, what 250 free tickets taught her about no-shows, why she barely uses AI, and the March that left her with 1 booking days after paying a full year's rent. It is an honest look at what a mission costs when the numbers get tight.

This episode covers sustainable fashion, pre-loved clothing in Abu Dhabi, social enterprise, bootstrapping a small business and women founders in the UAE.

About Guest: Nadia, founder of Hello&Goodbuy (HGB), a by-appointment pre-loved boutique in Abu Dhabi.

Connect with Nadia:

Instagram: @helloandgoodbuy.uae | @nadia.al.sh

LinkedIn: Nadia Al Shimmari

Website: https://hgb.earth/

Connect with me:

Instagram: @laurie__drummond

LinkedIn: Laurie Drummond

Website: https://laurie-drummond.com/