Hollie Briant, a British expat living in Dubai for the past 11 years, has recently fulfilled her entrepreneurial dream by setting up her own bridal boutique, Dazed & Engaged. In her almost 10-year career in the beauty industry, Hollie has invested her life savings into this venture, showcasing her dedication and commitment to making her dreams a reality.
When asked to describe money in one word, Hollie chooses the word “security”. For her, money provides a sense of security that allows her to plan for the future and feel financially stable. Reflecting on her younger years, Hollie acknowledges that she wishes she had been more mindful of her spending and focused on saving for her future plans. Despite this, she appreciates the valuable lessons money has taught her along the way.
Hollie attributes her relationship with money to how she was raised. From a young age, she learned the importance of hard work and financial independence through paying rent and managing her own expenses. This experience instilled in her the value of working for a living and the freedom that comes with financial stability.
When it comes to money management lessons passed down from her mother, Hollie acknowledges the importance of saving for the future but also recognizes the need to take calculated risks. While her mother’s conservative approach served her well in some aspects, Hollie believes that exploring different opportunities and investments can lead to financial growth and prosperity.
One of the most profound experiences Hollie had with money was when she realized the impact of making smarter financial decisions while purchasing her first property. This moment served as a wake-up call to prioritize saving and investing wisely, ensuring that she doesn’t miss out on future opportunities due to careless spending.
If Hollie could offer one piece of advice about money to her younger self or her child, she would emphasize the importance of working smarter, not harder. Understanding one’s worth and making strategic decisions about earning, saving, and investing money can lead to long-term financial stability and personal fulfillment.
In terms of savings, Hollie views it not just as setting aside money but as making investments in her businesses and personal growth every day. By consistently allocating resources towards growth and development, she aims to build a solid foundation for her future financial security and aspirations.
Hollie’s greatest financial decision so far has been investing her savings and time into Dazed & Engaged, a business that has become a leading destination for bridal and hen party accessories. While profitability is important, she takes pride in creating something meaningful and influential within an industry that resonates with her deeply.
Reflecting on her financial journey, Hollie’s biggest regret involves crypto investments, which taught her the importance of sticking to what she knows best and conducting thorough research before making investment decisions. Despite the setback, this experience has reinforced the value of informed decision-making in financial matters.
