Rana Al Omani is an entrepreneur, fitness instructor and animal rescuer.

More than 20 years ago, Rana was among the first female restaurant owners in Kuwait. Following her multiple passions, she has also started a successful fitness business, bringing many new practices to Kuwait. Nowadays, Rana runs Buongiorno restaurant and devotes a lot of her time to rescuing and nurturing animals, especially cats.

In this episode we have discussed what kind of drive one must have to persevere in restaurant business, why fitness and dancing are a refuge from daily stress, and how saving cats is both fulfilling and challenging. Can one person attempt so many different paths in life and is life balance just a myth?

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Altaf and Sharifa are close collaborators, who, after 10 years of friendship and thriving corporate careers, joined forces when they found themselves ready to start something of their own.

Both felt inspired to venture into the footwear business, one typically dominated by men, and founded THUNA. Each piece of the brand harmoniously embodies both of their personal styles and is designed with comfort and practicality in mind.

In this episode we are discussing the challenges and joys of running a female business and tackling entrepreneurship as a partner duo. The founders believe that every woman needs a good pair of shoes to get her through the day and remind her to celebrate every step of her journey. Sharifa and Altaf are also discussing the hurdles they faced when they first started the company, and the organic growth of Thuna. What skills and qualities they both bring to their business, what research you need to take to make a perfect shoe, and how empowering women is embedded in the very core of their business values, as well as the inspiration they draw from the rich heritage of Kuwait, all in this episode of Culture Corner.

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Liane AlGhusain @lianeya is a Palestinian-Kuwaiti artist and writer. Liane is a textile artist experimenting with a number of forms, including video, sculpture, and text. Her main research interests are in the fields of mysticism, feminism, post-colonialism and science fiction. Liane holds BA and MA in English literature and creative writing from Stanford University and MFA in Art and Media from NYAD.

In this episode we were reflecting on her artistic path, and how much her art is influenced by the land and people of Palestine. Prior to working on some of her most valuable art, Liane has visited Palestine. This experience was transformational and is visible in her art, her writings as well as her most recent endeavor - Stitch in for Palestine - a community meetup to learn and share the art of tatreez, an intricate Palestinian embroidery craft.

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED