Meet Stephanie Massamiri, Senior Communications Executive at Red Havas
Stephanie started her career in the world of fashion design with a burning desire to work in highly motivating environments. After obtaining a degree from ESMOD in 2015 in Haute Couture and a BA in Marketing and Innovation from CNAM, she went on to gain hands-on experience at top-of-the-line fashion houses Zuhair Murad and Rabih Kayrouz, before working as a Press Assistant at Kenzo, Paris. In 2017, she returned to Dubai where she is now a Senior Communications Executive at Red Havas, handling an impressive portfolio of fashion brands such as Kenzo, CH Carolina Herrera, and Purificacion Garcia. Through her time at the agency, Stephanie has developed a reputable record, both internally and with clients. She’s known for her dedication and her ability to contribute to the strategic positioning of brands within the region.
Why did you join this industry?
PR is so diverse; every day is different and the dynamics associated to the job is very exciting. I’ve always dreamt of having a job that requires me to challenge myself and come up with creative ideas in order to help businesses/brands grow. Working in PR has made this dream a reality.
How did you land your first job?
I started as an Assistant Fashion Designer for an Haute Couture brand where I was also heavily involved in supporting the PR team. I found myself easily relating to the job as I love interacting with new people. This helped me land my first job, unveiling my passion for PR.
Who do you look up to?
My parents, who have followed their dreams no matter how insane they may have seem. I’m very lucky to have them support mine. They have taught me that the sky is the limit and that anything is possible if you just believe.
What’s the best advice you have received so far?
Don’t regret anything you do because in the end, it makes you who you are.
What’s the best advice you have given so far?
Every morning, you have a choice: to continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them. And don’t rush a permanent response to a temporary feeling.
How do you feel about the stigma sometimes associated with Millennials and Gen Z?
Growing up in Dubai, I have been fortunate to have opportunities to follow my dreams. Despite the stereotypes Millennials and Gen Z face in society, I have worked hard to reach my goals and I believe we can all rise above these stereotypes and be the best we can be.
What do you think you specifically bring to the organization you work for?
I am a very dedicated and passionate person. I bring a lot of enthusiasm in my work and always strive to use creativity and innovation in everything I do. This results from my artistic background.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned at work?
Tasks can be challenging but that doesn’t mean that we should give up. We have to learn to embrace the situation and make the best out of it. It’s important to always realize our strengths and develop them. We should only look back to evaluate how much we have achieved.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?
I feel proud to be a part of establishing and main- taining brand image in the region, as well as the emotional benefit of what it represents.
What’s the most frustrating thing about your job?
The world of PR is fast paced. It is a hands-on job, working with either a single brand or many brands, which makes the job highly competitive and very demanding. Deadlines can be frustrating at times, especially when several projects need to be delivered simultaneously. Nonetheless, I love to see my hard work paying off!
If not this, what would you be doing?
PR being a dream job, it’s hard to picture myself doing anything else. However, art remains my hobby and fashion will always be my passion. That being said, I would choose to go back to being a Fashion Designer.
Would you start your own venture in the future?
Life is full of possibilities. However, the pandemic has taught us that the future is indeed unpredictable. I have learned during the past months to focus on making great achievements in the present, in preparation for a better future.
