MEET ELEANA DOBI, Brand Ambassador of Quintessentially in Albania

By Rudina HOXHA

Quintessentially, the world’s leading lifestyle management group, is the pioneer of the concept of lifestyle management. With its Headquarters in London and with more than 35 offices worldwide, served by a global network of lifestyle managers and luxury specialists on-hand 24/7/365, and armed with deep, pointed local knowledge and 51 languages between them, Quintessentially takes the concept of luxury concierge to an entirely new level.

Recently the interest of Quintessentially has expanded over the region including Albania. Therefore, the company has appointed a brand ambassador in Albania. She is Eleana Dobi who is a well-known image in the Albanian business sector.

She talks with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE about her career and her professional journey crowned recently with her assignment as brand ambassador of Quintessentially making her think aloud that being in the right place in the right moment is key. Eleana also explains the services and the benefits of being a member of Quintessentially.

Full interview below:

Let’s start early in your career. Can you tell us a bit about your studies? What was that experience like?

Well, allow me to compliment you for the tremendous work you do with Trailblazing Magazine. I follow your content and interviews and I am grateful for this opportunity to showcase a bit of myself and my professional career.

When I first went to business and marketing school, I assume like many other young women at the time, I didn’t have a clear path in my mind. I simply placed my bets on a safe and conservative field of study. I was an excellent student, I was confident, outspoken, and I thought I would at least gain a decent education in business school. I don’t believe I was the only one who thought the same, and statistics have shown that there was a very high concentration in economic degrees at the time. Nevertheless, it was worth it.

Employment opportunities were limited, but not unavailable. An excellent student could always find an average job in a private company. Someone might find this statement as a low blow for the labor market for the specific education, but considering the circumstances at the time - high unemployment, and gender bias – I believe it was “fair for the time and that moment”. Maybe “too” competitive, impartial as some may say, frustrating for some others, but the way I see it in retrospective: it was hard race with hurdles, which helped many young women become educationally overambitious. I had help from family and friends to find jobs. But that was it,

I gained little know-how, so professionally I had marginal benefits.

I always wanted financial and professional independence.

That is the main reason that pushed me, to pursue a secondary education in law. As I mentioned above – I was educationally overambitious – and again I am assuming I was not alone. I thought that the only way out, the path to success, was through more and more education.

I remember one of my professors asking a question about what made a person intelligent, a question only himself was able to answer – “an intelligent person, is a person who is able and willing to adapt”. There were and there are real role models, successful young women, whose stories are rarely told. It is a shame because there’s a whole new young generation looking for inspiration. All the education that we put through, all the challenges that we have faced growing professionally, everything should serve as an example or as a case study for the next in line.

To what extent, did your years of studies and work contribute to your being the Ambassador of a worldly prestigious brand as Quintessentially? What is your role as brand ambassador?

Every little detail matters as we grow. Maybe not right away, or maybe not in an understandable way, but every experience shapes who we are. In between studies or work experiences we get a feel of how life really is. If we simply push ourselves to explore a little more, we find real opportunities, and all we need is alternatives. Sometimes we get lucky, and sometimes we write are own luck. It is important, that at any point in our lives to have multiple alternatives from which to choose from, whether they are friendships, professional choices, life opportunities, career ambitions.

I manage a retail mall in Tirana. It is an exciting gig; I deal with all business processes involved at running the mall. It is a communication intensive job. I am dealing with retail clients, business owners, and business managers, operational staff, investors, and other stakeholders. Yet, in between running the mall and managing family responsibilities, I felt there was time and space for some extra activities.

That is when I met Katarina Larisa Ham, the founder and CEO at Quintessentially SEE, an intelligent and charismatic woman, who spoke passionately about life, travel, work, and family. She was looking for a local partner to help develop the business in Albania, and I was looking for my next project.

After a few meetings and discussions about Quintessentially, Lara proposed that I become brand ambassador for Quintessentially SEE. Being a brand ambassador consisted in representing the Quintessentially brand and spreading the knowledge about the exclusive value-added services. Whether it is a new acquaintance, a business partner, or a friend, I never miss the chance to speak about the values of the brands I represent, so I felt it was the right match for me. Quintessentially is a true authority on luxury and provides the outmost personal service for high networth individuals. It is sophisticated and rewarding for all its members.

What is all about Quintessentially? What did it impress you about it?

Being the brand ambassador for Quintessentially is an opportunity to learn and develop professionally. As part of a larger network of devoted professionals, it is a chance to outgrow myself while building valued relationships. Imagine me as that one resourceful friend, who is always willing and able to turn into a reality your imagination, with bespoke recommendations, according to your tastes and aspirations. It might sound more complicated, yet it is not, it is very personal, and the results must be nothing short of remarkable.

How much are you enjoying contributing for this brand besides your work as a businesswoman?

I love it! I feel independent, free to do what I love, happy to recommend a memorable experience. I have the flexibility to work at my own pace and I feel happy every time a member is satisfied, and they are always satisfied. Our goals are aligned.

Are high-class Albanian people showing interest in becoming members of Quintessentially? What benefits do they gain out of this membership?

Quintessentially is a learning experience. It is a convenient resource that caters to all lifestyle needs. It is a service for curious and lively individuals, ranging from CEO’s and philanthropists; individuals who are keenly interested in self-improvement; who wish to save more of the most valuable commodity they have – time.

Albanians travel a lot, and our main purpose is to make their lives easier while abroad. Whether it is a hard-toget restaurant reservation, a last-minute sold-out sports event, a dinner on a glassier with a view of the polar lights, or a meet-and-greet with a VIP/A-list celebrity, a private party, Quintessentially is there to make it a reality.

Albanians value their children’s education. Quintessentially has a unique ecosystem, which enables expert advice, access, and support in exploring and placing their member’s children in some of the best and most exclusive educational institutions all around the world. Whether our members are relocating, searching for real estate opportunities, or simply travelling to some secluded location, Quintessentially’s global concierge service is there to support while providing a seamless experience.

How does Quintessentially make the service more tangible to its customers? Can you explain the service concept through a concrete case?

Quintessentially is a luxury lifestyle management company that offers its clients a range of services including travel, entertainment, health and wellness, education, relocation, and concierge services. The company provides personalized, high-quality experiences that meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual client.

Travel and entertainment

One concrete case that illustrates the service concept of Quintessentially is a client who wants to plan a luxury vacation to an exotic destination. The client contacts Quintessentially and is immediately assigned a dedicated lifestyle manager who will work with them throughout the entire planning process. The lifestyle manager takes the time to understand the client’s preferences and interests, as well as their budget and timeline for the trip. Using this information, the lifestyle manager creates a customized travel itinerary that includes recommendations for luxury accommodations, fine dining experiences, and exclusive activities and events. The itinerary is tailored to the client’s preferences and includes all the details necessary to ensure a seamless and stressfree travel experience.

Throughout the planning process and during the trip itself, the lifestyle manager is always available to answer questions, provide recommendations, and make arrangements as needed.

Health assessments

Quintessentially’s approach to health and wellness is focused on providing personalized, high-quality care and support to help clients achieve their health goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Health assessments are designed to provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of their current health status and identify any potential health risks or concerns. The assessments may include a range of tests and evaluations, such as blood work, genetic testing, and physical exams.

In addition to health assessments, Quintessentially also offers access to top medical professionals and facilities around the world. This includes assistance with medical appointments, medical concierge services, and assistance with medical emergencies.

The company strives to provide its clients with the support they need to live their best lives.

Education

Quintessentially offers bespoke educational services for families, including school placement, tutoring, and educational consultancy. The company provides a personalized approach to education that is tailored to the needs of each individual child.

Quintessentially Education works with families to understand their educational objectives and then provides guidance and support to help them achieve those objectives. This can include everything from finding the right school or university to providing one-on-one tutoring and educational support. Relocation

Quintessentially offers a range of concierge services related to relocation. These services are designed to make the process of moving to a new city or country as smooth and stress-free as possible. Services range from language and cultural training, immigration and visa services, school placement, to home finding and settling in services.

Quintessentially can assist with finding and securing a new home, whether it is rental or a purchase, help with the moving process, from packing and shipping to unpacking and organizing, settling in, such as setting up utilities, finding local amenities, and navigating the local area.

Overall, Quintessentially’s relocation services are designed to provide comprehensive support to clients who are moving to a new location.

Tell us please your definition of Luxury.

The outmost convenience in life, material things or services tailored to one’s needs and desires. Access to exclusivity, privacy, and to beautiful material things and experiences. I believe that Luxury is a state of never ending nurture of the senses and of self-improvement.

What are your personal goals for 2023?

Health is always a priority. It is important to be well, and to feel well. I intend to work out a little more this year and to have a healthier lifestyle. My husband loves hiking and I love travelling to exotic places, so I hope one of us will compromise for the other (for sure it will not be me, I don’t compromise for comfort and luxury). I want to spend more time with my children, they grow so fast, and I want to be a great mother.

Work is an important element for the perfect balance in life. I want to get done more yet work less. I plan to spread the knowledge on Quintessentially, and sign up more members to our luxury concierge services. Also, 2023 sounds like a year for trying new things, or making changes. I want to make a meaningful change this year, I don’t know what it is yet.