Jamilla Paul has spent more than 30 years building an extraordinary career, positioning her as one of the region’s most respected figures in hair artistry, education, and luxury beauty. Known in Ras Al Khaimah as the “Hair Doctor,” she has built a reputation for blending world-class skill with a deeply personal approach, redefining what modern haircare and mentorship look like in the UAE. Today, her brand Artilla stands as an expression of her artistry and the culmination of a career marked by resilience, passion and entrepreneurial drive.

Artilla, her premium hair and nail lounge at Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, brings to life her identity as a creative. “Firstly, the name itself is derived and inspired from my name, Jamilla, combined with the word art” The salon reflects the duality she feels within herself. “There are two sides to Artilla, a little bit like my personality (being a Gemini), I created a brand of two energies.”

The first is her boutique salon space, deliberately intimate yet full of expertise and energy. “We may be a small boutique space, but we make lots of noise with our experience for our guests.” Known for what she calls “affordable luxury,” Artilla offers curated packages for cutting, colouring and styling, with every detail designed to make the process seamless, often allowing clients to receive multiple treatments at once. “Alongside fabulous hair, we have in-the-chair add-on services like manicures and pedicures… so whilst your hair is being coloured, you can have your manicure and pedicure at the same time.”

The second side of Artilla reflects Jamilla’s experience in global events and high-level productions. “Artilla’s second personality is pop-up salons for events… whether it is a royal VVIP wedding or a pop-up salon in a hotel for an event, whether that be corporate or celebrity, this is our specialist area.” Her expertise has positioned her among the few salon owners in the region capable of managing large-scale glam teams. “I have personally managed teams of 55 hairstylists at one event, and sometimes I have 110 artists at one event.”

Her impact is rooted in a deep commitment to raising standards in the industry. “My focus is on building my brand and making it a success, and I do this through consistent growth in education for my teams and strong development programs. My business is built on skills, and this is so important to me.” After only one year of operation, Artilla has already gained an impressive reputation. “We may only be small, but how we make people feel is amazing.”

Mentorship is central to her leadership and through Artilla and her position as Regional Creative Director for Schwarzkopf, she is able to train and guide others in the industry, helping to improve overall standards. “This is easy for me. I find people with the right attitude because when I have this, I can teach them anything.” Her philosophy is grounded in growth and trust. “I have to be surrounded by great energy, that is the key.”

But behind the polished artistry and entrepreneurial prowess lies a woman who has rebuilt her life through sheer determination. “I am a mum of two boys… I financially lost everything I had ever worked for over the last 20 yrs, and I have spent the last five years rebuilding my wealth and my life through sheer determination.” Her honesty underscores the grit behind her success and today, she stands not only as a salon owner but as Creative Director for global haircare brands and a property owner in the UAE. “It goes to show anything really is possible if you work hard enough for it.” 

Her greatest reward? “Seeing people grow and supporting individuals to become the best version of themselves is my biggest passion.” For young women hoping to follow in her footsteps, her advice is refreshingly direct. “Just do it and learn along the way… It is important to be surrounded by people with a growth mindset and commit to learning something new every day.”

Looking ahead, Jamilla’s ambitions remain bold and purposeful. “I want to become the number one business in creating amazing pop-up experiences… I also want to keep supporting businesses and individuals to grow through my mentoring and educational courses.”