Own it With Samina

Transformative Business Strategies for Entrepreneurs - EP 12

🚀 In this compelling episode of Own It with Samina, host Samina Chowdhury sits down with Dr. Helal Al Helal, a transformative leader reshaping how freelancers and service-based entrepreneurs build sustainable, culturally aligned businesses across the Gulf region and beyond. He explains how cultural understanding and systematized frameworks can boost long-term success. Dr. Helal also elaborates on his creation of Zia Freelancers Canvas and its role in organized project management. The conversation touches on balancing tradition and modern business practices in the Gulf region, leveraging storytelling in branding, and the impact of AI on future businesses. 🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury 👤 Guest: 🏡 Dr. Helal Al Helal – Coach, Marketer, Creator of Zaria Freelancers Canvas Dr. Helal Al-Helal is a Kuwaiti marketing strategist, educator, and founder of Zawya Community, a platform empowering freelancers and solopreneurs across the Gulf. With over 17,000 hours of coaching experience, he created the Zawya Freelancers Business Canvas to help individuals build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses. Dr. Al-Helal is the recipient of the 2025 Solopreneur Coaching Excellence Award and is recognized for reshaping how freelancing is perceived and practiced in the region. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How culture, identity & upbringing shape professional paths ✔️ The story behind the 15-block Zaria Freelancers Canvas ✔️ The growing psychological impact of AI on society ✔️ How generational shifts (Millennials → Gen Z → Alpha) will reshape marketing ✔️ How to balance tradition with modern business expectations in the GCC 🎵 Whether you're an entrepreneur, agent, or coach—this episode provides deep cultural, strategic, and psychological insight. 💼 Connect with Dr. Helal: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/helal-al-helal-345920215/ 🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina: 🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/ 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate [https://iconsofrealestate.com/] - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

From Home Cooking to Global Recognition - EP 11

🚀 In this inspiring episode, Samina Chowdhury speaks with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Asma Khan, founder of the iconic Darjeeling Express in London. Asma shares her journey from Kolkata to Cambridge to culinary stardom, how she empowers women through her all-female kitchen, and why food is deeply personal and political. This is more than a food story—it’s a movement of culture, sisterhood, and resilience. 🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury 👤 Guest: 🏡 Asma Khan – Chef, Restaurateur & Author Asma Khan is a renowned Indian-born British chef, restaurateur, and advocate for gender equality in the culinary world. The founder of Darjeeling Express in London, Khan celebrates authentic Bengali and Mughlai cuisine, led by an all-female, self-taught kitchen team. She made history as the first British chef featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. A passionate voice for empowering women in food, Khan was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and continues to break barriers, challenging industry norms and creating a space for diversity and inclusion. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How Asma transitioned from law to world-renowned chef ✔️ The mission behind her all-female kitchen ✔️ Food as a tool for storytelling and social change ✔️ The importance of honoring one’s roots and family recipes ✔️ How she built Darjeeling Express from home cooking to global acclaim 🎵 Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, or advocate, this episode offers valuable insights! 💼 Connect with Asma Khan: 🌐 Website → https://www.darjeeling-express.com/ 👻 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/p/Asma-Khan-100077447815664/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/asmakhanlondon/ 🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina: 🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/ 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate [https://iconsofrealestate.com/] - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Strategies for First-Time Home Buyers Revealed - EP 10

In this episode of Own It with Samina, host Samina Chowdhury welcomes longtime mortgage partner Faisal Khan of Mortgage Affiliates. With over 20 years of experience serving South Asian and diverse communities, Faisal brings unmatched insight into how to navigate home financing—whether you're a first-time buyer, a self-employed borrower, an investor, or a foreign national. They explore creative solutions like renovation loans, business-owner lending strategies, and using gift funds the right way. 🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury 👤 Guest: 🏡 Faisal Khan – Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Affiliates 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why you should start with the lender—not the home search ✔️ The three key pillars of a successful loan: income, credit, down payment ✔️ Renovation loans as a strategy to bridge affordability gaps ✔️ Lending options for self-employed, new immigrants, and foreign nationals ✔️ How gift funds work—and how to avoid disqualifying mistakes 🎵 Whether you’re upgrading, investing, or buying from abroad—this episode is a must-listen for mortgage clarity. 💼 Connect with Faisal Khan: 🌐 Website → https://www.affiliates.mortgage/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/MortgageAffiliatesInc 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fkhan71/ 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-khan-580a982b0/ 🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina: 🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/ 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate [https://iconsofrealestate.com/] - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Creating Fun and High-Impact Real Estate Teams - EP 9

In this episode of  Own It with Samina, host Samina Chowdhury sits down with Pat Hiban to discuss his journey from the early days of real estate to building a successful team that prioritized fun and growth. Pat shares how his unconventional approach, including challenges and playful team-building activities, created an atmosphere where team members thrived. They also dive into the importance of mentorship and leadership in fostering success in real estate. 🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury 👤 Guest: 🏡 Pat Hiban – Real Estate Mentor and Team Leader 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How to build a successful and fun real estate team ✔️ The value of mentorship in shaping top producers ✔️ Using challenges to foster team spirit and growth ✔️ Why personal growth and fun lead to business success ✔️ Tips on transitioning from solo agent to team leader 📇 Connect with Pat Hiban: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/pathiban/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pathibangroup/ 🌐 Website → https://www.hiban.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathiban 🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina: 🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/ 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate [https://iconsofrealestate.com/] - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Investing in London: Real Estate Insights for Investors - EP 8

In this episode, host Samina speaks with Mehmet Bayram, a seasoned real estate expert from the UK with over 22 years of experience. Mehmet shares his journey from working with major real estate chains to building his own brokerage. He provides valuable insights into the thriving UK real estate market, particularly in London, offering advice for investors on rental demand, property types, and financing options. From rental properties to student housing, discover why the UK remains a top investment destination. 🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdry 👤 Guest: Mehmet Bayram – Real Estate Expert and Broker Mehmet Bayram is the founder and principal agent of HomeRare Real Estate, a boutique agency specializing in luxury properties across London. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Mehmet transitioned from a corporate estate agency to establish HomeRare in 2018, aiming to provide personalized, client-focused services. His deep knowledge of the Bromley and Southeast London markets, combined with a commitment to integrity and bespoke service, has earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Mehmet is also an active community advocate, contributing to local initiatives and supporting charitable causes through his business. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why London remains a prime investment location for real estate ✔️ Key differences between buying new developments and older properties ✔️ How student housing and Airbnb can offer strong returns ✔️ The financial considerations when investing in the UK real estate market ✔️ How to choose the right location for investment: central London vs. the outskirts ✔️ Practical tips for overseas investors and how Mehmet helps them navigate the market 🎬 Whether you're looking to invest in central London or exploring opportunities in the outskirts, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge on real estate investments in the UK — tune in to make informed investment decisions and find the right strategy for you! 📇 Connect with Mehmet Bayram: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/iammehmetbayram/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehmet-bayram-9aa80141/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/mbayramkw/ 🌎 Website → https://iamrealestate.co.uk/ 🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury: 🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/ 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate [https://iconsofrealestate.com/]