Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Yara. It’s a pleasure to have you here. Your journey is truly inspiring. Let’s start from the beginning—can you tell us a bit about how you first got involved in the business world?
Yara Salman: Thank you for having me. My business journey began quite early. When I was 17, I started managing my father’s food franchise, Burger Land. It was an incredible learning experience. I was thrust into a leadership role at a young age, and it taught me a lot about business management and operations. It also sparked my passion for entrepreneurship.
Interviewer: That’s an impressive start. You’ve made quite a mark in various sectors, from beauty to entertainment. What motivated you to branch out into these different areas?
Yara Salman: I’ve always had a diverse range of interests. After my initial success with Burger Land, I wanted to explore other areas where I could make a difference. The beauty industry was a natural fit for me, and I saw an opportunity to introduce new concepts to Bahrain. For instance, opening Yara Beauty Salon allowed me to bring cryotherapy to the region, which was quite exciting. As for the medical sector, I saw a growing need for advanced cosmetic and health services, which led me to establish Hospitalia by Yara.
Interviewer: Speaking of innovation, introducing cryotherapy to Bahrain was a significant move. What inspired you to bring this technology to your country?
Yara Salman: Cryotherapy fascinated me because of its potential benefits in beauty and health. I saw it as a way to offer something unique to our market and provide people with cutting-edge treatments. It’s always been important for me to bring new and effective solutions to Bahrain, and cryotherapy was one such opportunity.
Interviewer: Your medical center, Hospitalia by Yara, also stands out with its advanced features like the robotic pharmacy. Can you share more about what sets it apart?
Yara Salman: Hospitalia by Yara is designed to be a comprehensive center for beauty and health. The robotic pharmacy is one of the innovations we introduced to enhance efficiency and accuracy in medication dispensing. Our center combines traditional services with modern technology to provide a holistic approach to healthcare. We’re not only focused on cosmetic procedures but also on dental and dermatological care.
Interviewer: You’ve also ventured into the entertainment industry with MJ’s Bowling Lounge. How did that project come about, and what was your vision for it?
Yara Salman: MJ’s Bowling Lounge was a collaborative effort with my brother, Mohamed Salman. We wanted to create a space that offered more than just bowling. Our vision was to build an entertainment complex that includes a five-star restaurant, a coffee shop, and a karaoke venue, making it a one-stop destination for leisure and social activities. We aimed to offer a unique experience that caters to a wide range of interests.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about your work with Burger Land. You’ve made significant changes to the restaurant chain, including a healthier menu and new locations. What drove these changes?
Yara Salman: The changes were driven by a desire to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and promote healthier eating options. We wanted Burger Land to reflect a more modern and health-conscious approach while still honoring its roots. Opening new locations and updating the menu were part of our strategy to stay relevant and meet the needs of our customers.
Interviewer: Your accomplishments have earned you the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society’s Entrepreneur of the Year award. How did that recognition impact you?
Yara Salman: Being named Entrepreneur of the Year was a tremendous honor. It was a validation of all the hard work and dedication that went into building my businesses. It also motivated me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities. Recognition like that encourages me to keep innovating and striving for excellence in everything I do.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to follow in your footsteps?
Yara Salman: My advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Embrace them with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and build a strong network. And most importantly, stay passionate about what you do. Passion will drive you through the tough times and help you achieve your goals.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, Yara, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s been a pleasure learning about your remarkable journey.
Yara Salman: Thank you. It’s been wonderful to discuss my experiences, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.
