logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2020
32m 40s

Mona Ataya: Mumzworld Founder

Kerning Cultures Network
About this episode

Mona Ataya, a serial entrepreneur, started early by selling chewing gum in grade school. Now, she runs the region’s largest online baby store, Mumzworld. She talks about the balancing act of being a mom and running a leading e-commerce company and how her Palestinian background contributed to her entrepreneurial spirit. 

This episode was produced by Hebah Fisher and Tamara Rasamny, with editorial support by Dana Ballout and Alex Atack.  Sound design and mixing by Mohamad Khreizat, fact-checking by Zeina Dowidar. The original sting for al empire was composed by Ramzi Bashour. al empire is a Kerning Cultures Network production. Search ‘Kerning Cultures Network’ to hear other podcasts like this one, and follow @kerningcultures on Instagram to stay in touch!

This episode is supported by Calo, an app that provides personalized meal plan subscriptions. Download Calo here https://bit.ly/41il08u to get 10% off using code KC10


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
May 2023
Nooriyah: DJ, Producer and Radio Host
A chance encounter got Nooriyah into the world of radio hosting from which she began to DJ and curate music mixes. Her visually rich music compilations were unique, highlighting how some of the most iconic Western pop songs sampled Arabic melodies. When she started posting them o ... Show More
27m 51s
May 2023
Majid Al Maskati: Music Artist, Majid Jordan
There wasn’t a huge emphasis on music education when Majid Al Maskati was growing up in his home country of Bahrain. But an unlikely chain of events would somehow lead this young man with big dreams from a small Gulf island to co-create a hit single for Drake and get signed under ... Show More
30m 53s
May 2023
Maha Abouelenein: CEO & Founder of Digital & Savvy
Young Maha Abouelenein was always full of confidence. It was a trait her dad instilled in her from a very young age and she carried it with her throughout her life. It helped her launch her career in Egypt in the late 90s, starting in the telecoms business and later navigating se ... Show More
28m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2018
Mona Ataya on Building Two Hugely Successful Businesses
Mona Ataya founded Mumzworld in 2011 to fill a void for mothers that she herself faced twice: firstly while preparing to become a mother of twins and couldn't find local resources, and then later in trying to buy her children quality, affordable toys. Prior to Mumzworld, Mona co- ... Show More
40m 42s
Jul 2025
From Bank Job to Beauty Mogul: How Mona Kattan Built a Fragrance Empire
Mona Kattan - entrepreneur, fragrance fanatic, and founder of Kayali - joins us for an unfiltered conversation on building a beauty business with soul. In this episode, Mona shares how she went from working in finance to launching one of the fastest-growing perfume brands in the ... Show More
53m 51s
Feb 2024
Mounira Jamjoom on entrepreneurship, career paths and motherhood
Mounira Jamjoom, co-founder and CEO at Aanaab and Emkan Education, shares her story in an exclusive interview with Karim Sarkis, partner at Strategy. Listen to this episode, part of our ongoing series with Middle East alumni, to learn about a leader's path through academia to con ... Show More
39m 31s
Mar 2019
Elissa Freiha: Entrepreneurial Journey
Marilyn sits down with Womena founder Elissa Freiha, who shares her entrepreneurial journey and all the challenges and victories she has faced along the way. Elissa launched Womena in 2014 from Dubai. It started as an angel investment network and today has turned into part accele ... Show More
31m 19s
Apr 2022
Ep#5 - Ayah Tabari (CEO of Mochi) on using momentum to drive progress & not taking life seriously
Ayah Tabari is a Middle Eastern fashion designer and founder of Mochi (https://allthingsmochi.com). Over the course of the past 10 years, she has gone from building her brand in her parents' house in Dubai, to building a women's clothing line that is globally unique and stocked b ... Show More
54m 5s
Sep 2021
Be The Boss Of Your Own Life With Leena Khalil
In this episode, Leena Khalil demystifies the world of entrepreneurship by sharing her incredible journey from bringing Mumzwolrd to life by being its co-founder, to giving it away. Being an absolute powerhouse of experience in finance and entrepreneurship, Leena shares her story ... Show More
47m 50s
Apr 2023
Mona Mirza | Inspiring Growth, with du | Ramadan Miniseries
Joining me today is Mona Mirza, Founder CEO of Biolite Aesthetic Clinic. Having worked in the beauty industry since the age of 18 in London UK, Mona’s experience spans over 30 years. She began her career as a cosmetologist & at the start of the beauty laser revolution in the 90’s ... Show More
15m 37s
Jul 2024
Pali Roots: Stitching Palestinian Heritage into Every Thread with Aminah Musa
Joining us today is Aminah Musa, an entrepreneurial spirit deeply rooted in her vibrant Palestinian heritage. Aminah's journey is a testament to innovation and cultural pride, intertwined with her family's unique background. Born in Jerusalem during a wedding—a beginning as extra ... Show More
44m 54s
Jun 2020
#ABtalks with Mona Kattan – مع منى قطان | Chapter 21
Mona Kattan is an Iraqi-American entrepreneur and businesswoman who also runs Huda Beauty, a global cosmetics line along with her sister, Huda Kattan. Not many have known the ‘real’ Mona outside the world of beauty and business…until this interview. Mona herself admits to being c ... Show More
58m 51s