Yes We Can

A new generation of Lebanese entrepreneurs are turning their dreams into reality. With fresh, dynamic ideas, and in fields that range from health and well-being to fashion and design, these newcomers are leaving their mark on present-day Lebanon and reinventing the country’s future.

Photography Marco Pinarelli

VANESSA ZUABI AND LARA NOUJAIM

ENTREPRENEURS

Vanessa Zuabi and Lara Noujaim teamed up to found Mint Basil Market, an online shopping platform that sells healthy and organic food as well as beauty, bath and body products. Named one of the top women in tech in the MENA region, Noujaim was formerly director of marketing at Gamecooks, a Lebanese VR and gaming company. She specializes in digital marketing and previously worked for the likes of Yahoo and Google in Silicon Valley. Zuabi spent nine years in Washington, DC, where she specialized in strategic partnership and business development. She previously worked and consulted for the Aspen Institute, the Clinton Global Initiative and HSBC Bank. The two young women are continuously inspired by their budding venture: “We get happy and appreciative messages, calls and emails from customers who have been unable to access products that fit their health needs, and they are able to find what they need through Mint Basil Market.”

Q: What’s the most challenging thing about your work?

A: Trying to keep pace with the demand for our products. We’re excited at how Mint Basil Market is steadily growing.

Q: What’s the freshest thing you ever created?

A: We’ve built an amazing community. Our customers and partners are the heart and soul of our business, and it’s because of them that we’ve continued to grow and expand.

Q: If you could do only one thing for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

VZ: I think I’ll continue to put my heart, soul and passion into health and wellness since it’s always been integral to my lifestyle. Mint Basil Market is one manifestation of this passion. LN: I’ve always been passionate about Lebanon – if I could do only one thing for the rest of my life, it would be to seek out as many interesting stories about my country as possible and to share them with the rest of the world.

Q: Which travel destination would you like to visit and never have before?

VZ: Vietnam and Cambodia to visit Buddhist temples and monasteries. LN: Nazareth and Jerusalem, because of their deep history and importance in religion.

Q: Which is your favorite spot in Lebanon?

VZ: Hamra – it’s chaotic but feels like home. LN: Beit Mery – my favorite place to be after dealing with the craziness of Beirut all day.

Q: If you could live anywhere outside Lebanon, where would it be?

VZ: California since it’s where I grew up. LN: Spain – I love people’s energy there.

Q: Which living person do you admire most and why?

VZ: My parents because they led by example and taught their four daughters to be strong and resilient in the process. LN: My mother because she’s one hell of a strong woman.

Q: Describe yourself in just one word.

VZ: Resilient. LN: Energetic.