Rana Adel pioneer of inspiration in the girl world through "Girl Space"
In today's digital landscape, where community and empowerment take center stage, Rana Adel has emerged as a transformative leader. As the founder of Girls' Space—a vibrant community dedicated to uplifting women—and FreshStart, a public relations agency that champions authentic storytelling.
Her journey is fueled by a passion for creating supportive environments that emphasize love, care, and encouragement. In this interview, we delve into her inspirations, the challenges she faces, and her vision for the future of women's empowerment in the digital age.
Get ready for an adventurous experience with Rana.
Hello Rana,
•Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to create Girls' Space and FreshStart?
My journey started with a degree in Economics and Political Science, and at 18, I began my career in research. I later transitioned to journalism and ultimately found my passion in digital marketing. I had the opportunity to work with international agencies and major media outlets like CBC, where I became a digital manager at a young age. My career took me to Jordan, where I worked as a marketing consultant and managed one of the leading agencies in the Middle East.
The idea for Girls’ Space came from my personal experiences. Supported by a strong network, I wanted to create something meaningful for women facing challenges. In 2020, I founded Girls’ Space as a safe haven for women and girls to learn and inspire one another. We collaborate with celebrities to share their stories, offer business insights to entrepreneurs, and provide health advice through specialists. We celebrate remarkable women and, in 2024, expanded our vision to include men, recognizing that equality benefits everyone.
I’m grateful for the support from partners like Galleria40, which has been crucial in establishing our events as a hallmark of excellence.
FreshStart Agency was a long-held dream of mine, allowing me to focus on my own path after years of hard work. FreshStart is a marketing and PR agency that encompasses Girls’ Space, offering services like social media, production, and PR. The name symbolizes my desire for a new beginning, and despite the challenges, it has been incredibly rewarding to pursue my passions on my own terms.
What personal experiences have shaped your vision for empowering women?
Like many women, I've faced challenges that taught me resilience and the importance of maintaining kindness. I realized these challenges often stem from misconceptions about life, relationships, and boundaries, especially at work.
This insight drives my vision for empowering women. By fostering awareness, we can help them thrive. Through Girls’ Space, I aim to create a supportive community where women can share stories, learn from each other, and receive expert guidance to build a more equitable society..
How did you conceptualize Girls' Space, and what are its core values?
Girls’ Space was born from my journey and the challenges I faced as a woman. It’s a supportive platform for women and girls to share experiences, learn, and grow together.
Our core values include:
-Empowerment: Equipping women with tools to overcome challenges.
- Community: Fostering a strong support network.
- Inspiration: Sharing stories of resilience to motivate action.
- Education: Providing resources on health, relationships, and personal development.
- Equality: Advocating for a society where all can thrive.
Girls’ Space is a movement aimed at creating an inclusive world for women and girls, making a lasting impact through our initiatives and collaborations.
Can you share some success stories or impactful moments from the Girls' Space community?
Girls’ Space has profoundly impacted many women, exemplified by a poignant story of a 26-year-old who, after losing her fiancé, struggled with grief and suicidal thoughts. With immediate support and therapy, she rebuilt her life over four years and found renewed purpose. Another inspiring example is a young entrepreneur who, with mentorship from Girls’ Space, successfully launched her business and now mentors others. These stories underscore the power of community, mental health support, and the resilience of women, reinforcing Girls’ Space's mission to empower and support women.
In your view, how important is community support for women in today’s world?
Community support is essential for women today, providing a foundation of strength and resources that significantly impacts their personal and professional lives. Being part of a supportive community helps women build confidence and empowers them to pursue their goals. Knowing that others believe in their potential can be incredibly motivating.
Moreover, community support opens doors to valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations, which can lead to new career prospects and personal growth. A strong community also offers emotional support and a sense of belonging, both of which are crucial for mental well-being. It provides a safe space for women to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
Additionally, communities serve as excellent platforms for sharing resources, knowledge, and skills. Women can learn from each other and access insights that may not be readily available on their own. A united community can also advocate for women’s rights, working towards societal change and amplifying their voices to influence policies for a more equitable world.
In essence, community support is a cornerstone for fostering resilience, growth, and empowerment among women. It creates an environment where they can thrive, support each other, and collectively strive for a brighter future.
What future projects or initiatives are you excited about for both Girls' Space and FreshStart?
We are incredibly excited about the future projects and initiatives for both Girls’ Space and Fresh Start. Our commitment to creating high-quality content with a clear mission and vision continues to drive us forward. We are currently collaborating with new platforms and programs that align with our goals, and we are thrilled about the potential these partnerships hold.
One of our most cherished partnerships is with Galleria40, our main partner in success. From day one, they have provided unwavering support, love, and encouragement, helping us achieve remarkable results. Our partnership with Galleria40 has grown stronger each year, and I truly consider them a part of our family.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting announcements on the horizon. While I can’t reveal everything just yet, I can share that we have already begun preparations for our major annual event in February 2025. This year, we are expanding the event to include both women and men, emphasizing our commitment to creating an equal society. We believe that achieving true equality requires the involvement of all genders.
Additionally, we are planning to bring in prominent figures from across the Middle East, not just Egypt, to participate in our initiatives. This will help us broaden our impact and foster a more inclusive community.
Stay tuned for more updates, as we have many exciting things in store that we can’t wait to share with you!
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs and creators?
My advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs and creators is to embrace your unique vision and stay resilient in the face of challenges. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Believe in Yourself: Confidence is crucial. Trust in your abilities and the value of your ideas. Self-belief will help you navigate through obstacles and keep you motivated.
Seek Support and Mentorship: Surround yourself with a supportive network. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer valuable insights. Community support can make a significant difference in your journey.
Be Open to Learning: The entrepreneurial landscape is constantly evolving. Stay curious and open to learning new skills and adapting to changes. Continuous learning will keep you ahead of the curve.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Failure is a part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of being discouraged, view it as a learning experience. Each setback brings valuable lessons that can help you grow and improve.
Focus on Your Passion: Let your passion drive you. When you are passionate about what you do, it reflects in your work and inspires others. Passion fuels perseverance and creativity.
Network and Collaborate: Building connections with other entrepreneurs and creators can open doors to new opportunities. Collaboration can lead to innovative ideas and mutual growth.
Prioritize Self-Care: Entrepreneurship can be demanding. Remember to take care of your mental and physical well-being. A balanced lifestyle will help you stay focused and energized.
Stay True to Your Values: Let your values guide your decisions and actions. Authenticity resonates with people and builds trust in your brand.
By embracing these principles, you can navigate the entrepreneurial journey with confidence and resilience. Remember, your unique perspective and creativity are your greatest assets. Keep pushing forward, and don’t be afraid to dream big.
Nadeen Sami