Hanane Bouchouicha-Sykora, the Founder of Zaphira Nature, says having a strong support system is crucial

Can you share your journey into the business world?
My journey into entrepreneurship was shaped by both my background and my personal experiences. I studied accounting and audit at ESAA in Algiers, which gave me a strong analytical and financial foundation. However, I’ve always had a creative side, and I knew I wanted to build something meaningful. The idea for Zaphira came when I realized there was a gap in the market for high-quality, ritualistic hair care solutions specifically designed for textured hair.

I decided to take the leap and create a brand that not only offered premium products but also celebrated self-care and beauty as a ritual. Partnering with my husband, who has a strong business background, helped bring this vision to life. Since moving to Dubai in 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to expand and refine the brand in a dynamic and international environment.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
My inspiration came from personal frustration—like many women with textured hair, I struggled to find products that met my needs without compromising on quality or experience. Many available options either focused too much on technical aspects like the Curly Girl Method or were overly basic.

I wanted to create something that blended effectiveness with a sensory experience, incorporating phytoaromatherapy and high-end formulations. That’s how Zaphira Nature was born—a brand that transforms hair care into a luxurious ritual.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman, and how did you overcome them?
Being a woman in business comes with challenges, especially in industries where leadership is still male-dominated. One of the biggest hurdles was being taken seriously as an entrepreneur rather than being seen as someone pursuing a “passion project.” I had to prove that Zaphira was a serious business, not just a beauty brand, by being meticulous in my strategy, financial planning, and execution. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has also been a challenge, but I’ve learned to structure my time and surround myself with a reliable team.

How do you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
I would describe my leadership style as visionary yet collaborative. I set a clear direction for Zaphira, but I also value input from my team. Over time, I’ve learned to delegate more and trust the people around me. In the beginning, I wanted to oversee every detail myself, but as the business grew, I realized the importance of empowering my team and creating a culture where everyone feels invested in the brand’s success.

What strategies do you use to motivate and empower your team?
I believe motivation comes from purpose, so I make sure everyone at Zaphira understands the deeper mission behind our brand—helping people embrace their natural beauty. I also prioritize open communication, recognizing achievements, and creating an environment where new ideas are encouraged. When people feel heard and valued, they bring their best to the table.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How did they impact your journey?
I’ve drawn inspiration from multiple sources. While I didn’t have a formal mentor, I’ve always admired women who built successful brands from the ground up, like Huda Kattan and Joelle Mardinian. As Arab businesswomen in male-dominated industries, they’ve not only broken barriers but also redefined beauty and entrepreneurship on a global scale. Their ability to merge creativity with business acumen, leverage their personal brands, and expand internationally showed me that it’s possible to build something both meaningful and financially sustainable. I also learn a lot from my husband—his strategic mindset complements my creativity, and our partnership has helped shape Zaphira’s growth.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the business world?
Believe in your vision, but also back it up with knowledge and strategy. Passion alone isn’t enough—you need to understand your industry, your numbers, and your customers. Surround yourself with the right people, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Most importantly, don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—start where you are and refine along the way.

Can you highlight some of your proudest achievements in your career so far?
One of my proudest moments was seeing Zaphira Nature evolve from an idea into a recognized brand. A major milestone was the launch of our first product range, Souffle Méditerranéen, comprising eight premium hair care products, during Beauty World 2024. Showcasing our brand at such a prestigious event was a defining moment, as it allowed us to introduce our unique approach to textured hair care to a wider audience. Receiving our trademark in Dubai was another significant achievement, solidifying our presence in the region. Seeing customers genuinely connect with our products and share how they’ve transformed their hair care experience continues to be incredibly rewarding.

How do you manage work-life balance, and what tips do you have for other women striving to achieve this balance?
Balancing business and family life is always a work in progress. I’ve learned to be intentional with my time—when I’m working, I’m fully present, and when I’m with my family, I try to disconnect from work. Having a strong support system is crucial. I also believe in setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care—if I’m burned out, I can’t give my best to my business or my family. My advice to other women is to embrace flexibility and let go of the idea that you have to do everything perfectly. Balance is about making choices that align with your values, not about doing it all at once.