High above Dubai, on the 53^rd floor of the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel, Lama Jammal sits on a plush couch, unwinding after a day of shooting. The city’s skyline stretches out behind her, a breathtaking backdrop visible from every corner of the room as she recounts her journey from the glitzy world of fashion to the warmth of the culinary industry.

“I studied hospitality because I wanted to become a chef”, she begins, eyes lighting up with a spark of nostalgia as she recalls her early love for cooking. Kindled in her childhood, this passion was nurtured in a time when the kitchen was a place of joyful creativity and warmth.

Her mother, a remarkable cook in her own right, was the heart of the kitchen, effortlessly turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Growing up, the space became her playground. “I love how cooking allowed me to bring joy to others,” she recalls, a smile playing on her lips as she reminisces about the countless family dinners where laughter and conversations flowed freely.

Her deep passion for food naturally led Jammal to pursue a career in the culinary world, studying in renowned institutions and working in prestigious hotels. Yet, a part of her longed for something more – a connection to home, to the roots of her culinary inspiration. “I got really homesick,” she admits despite the job’s excitement.

Returning to her hometown, Jammal opened a concept store, wanting to blend fashion and food. “I started with the concept store, and then I never got around to the café,” she laughs, reflecting on how the fashion side of the business took off, leading to the opening of a second store and the launch of her own brand.

But life, as often, had other plans for Jammal. Dubai was a turning point. The city’s energy matched her own, but motherhood brought a shift she hadn’t anticipated. Jammal’s vision of life is divided into what she likes to call “different cups”, each representing a vital aspect – family, friends, career, relationships, spirituality.

Her idea for Lama Mamalu Kitchen (@mamalukitchen) was born from the necessity to fill all of those cups to the top. With her new life, hosting dinners had become difficult, but her love for bringing people together remained. “I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I could teach my wonderful housekeeper how to cook for dinner parties so I could continue entertaining?”

This simple yet ingenious idea quickly resonated with other mothers in her community. From hosting intimate pop-ups to teaching classes for all ages, her culinary school grew organically, as she started her award-winning venture, Easy Freezy.

As the setting sun fills the room, she imagines her future focused on growth and expansion. “I remember the first class I had after Covid, with just eight women wearing masks. It was small, but it was the day I knew we were going to be okay,” she recalls. The resilience and adaptability she had cultivated over the years had served her well, and that day marked a turning point, a realisation that her business would survive and thrive.

Balancing the demands of her business with family life is no small feat, but she approaches it with the same passion and determination that has guided her entire career.

As she continues to grow her culinary ventures, Jammal remains focused on the path ahead, proving that success is not just about what you achieve but how you align it with the life you want to live.