Summary
Highlights
Noor Al-Idlibi, a 20-year-old from Aleppo, Syria, shares her journey of establishing a company with a capital of one million euros. She expresses her excitement for this being her first Arabic podcast and discusses her early life in Dubai and Germany.
Noor initially entered politics at the age of 13-14, aiming to make a significant impact. However, after realizing the limitations of politics in bringing about rapid change, she transitioned to business at 16, believing it offered a more direct path to enact change and fulfill her vision.
Noor's business idea stemmed from her personal experience with apple cider vinegar, a healthy but unpalatable drink. While in America, she observed the popularity of 'Oli Pop' soft drinks, which incorporated healthy ingredients like apple cider vinegar without compromising taste. This inspired her to create a similar healthy, low-sugar beverage for the German market.
Noor and her co-founder Max worked with laboratories and universities for months to perfect their drink formula, ensuring it was healthy and sugar-free. After developing the product and a strong strategy, they launched it. The idea quickly went viral on LinkedIn, attracting investors and leading to the company's rapid growth.
Noor highlights the biggest challenge was finding the right people—co-founders, investors, and team members—who believed in her vision and were committed to the project. She recounts how some individuals made promises they didn't keep, but through perseverance, she built a strong team.
Seeing her product in people's hands fills Noor with joy, but she also constantly seeks ways to improve. She describes herself as proud when she knows she can achieve her goals with God's help, acknowledging that constant self-criticism is part of her drive to excel.
Noor encourages young Syrians to leverage the internet and their creativity to make a difference. She shares an inspiring story of a graphic designer from a poor Arab country who taught himself complex skills in 10 days to secure a job, emphasizing that hard work and determination can open doors.
Noor passionately urges Syrian youth to seize the opportunity to rebuild and innovate in their country, drawing parallels with how major companies emerged after World Wars in other nations. She believes that despite instability, Syria presents a chance for young entrepreneurs to establish impactful businesses.
Noor shares a personal anecdote about landing an internship with a major company (Douglas) by boldly emailing the CEO, highlighting the importance of taking initiative and not being afraid to ask. She criticizes those who dismiss her achievements due to her age or gender, asserting that her hard work speaks for itself.
For young women starting a project, Noor advises them to write down their dreams, connect with people, and persistently pursue their goals, regardless of initial setbacks or negative opinions. She emphasizes that passion and dedication are key, even when facing skepticism from family or peers.
Noor addresses her 30-year-old self, expressing her hope that they have helped their community, grown their business, and continued to be an inspiration. She prays for continued love for her work, a significant impact on society, and remaining a role model for others, guided by her faith.
For Noor, success is primarily about making an impact rather than fame or money, believing that financial gain is a byproduct of positive influence. She also describes the current and upcoming flavors of her healthy soft drinks, including strawberry-lemon, orange, ginger-lime, and an anticipated cola version.