From starting out with boxes stacked in her living room to building Little Ones Arabia into a trusted online destination for families, Kristina Sarksyan’s entrepreneurial story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. Inspired by her own journey into motherhood, she saw a gap in the market for thoughtfully designed, high-quality baby products and turned that vision into a thriving business. In this Q&A with Dubai Diaries, Kristina shares the milestones that shaped her path, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her perspective on how women entrepreneurs are driving innovation in the UAE
What inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey, and how did you identify your current business focus?
My journey began in 2017, shortly after becoming a mother for the first time. Experiencing the need for high-quality, thoughtfully designed baby products in neutral calm colors inspired me to enter the distribution business. I was passionate about bringing trusted international brands to families in the UAE and the region. Over time, this passion naturally evolved into launching Little Ones Arabia, an online store dedicated to offering curated baby and kids’ products as well as gifting solutions.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped the path you’re on today?
A defining moment was when I secured my first distribution partnership with a well-known European brand. I had no background in distribution, logistics or retail, but the challenges I had proved that I could learn, adapt and grow. I literally started from a bunch of boxes in my living room. That early leap of faith shaped the way I approach every opportunity today—seeing challenges as stepping stones for growth rather than obstacles.
What unique opportunities in the UAE have been pivotal to your success as a woman entrepreneur?
The UAE is uniquely positioned for entrepreneurs. The country is open and likes to welcome new global brands. Here, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to take bold steps, and the multinational consumer base makes it an exciting market to introduce innovative products for families.
How do you approach challenges such as funding, scaling, or competition in this market?
I approach challenges with resourcefulness and creativity. Instead of focusing on funding, I emphasize building strong relationships with suppliers and partners, and I reinvest profits strategically to grow sustainably. I am always in touch with end customers and I choose to listen to what parents actually need. As for competition, I stay in my niche and focus on curated selection of products, quality, and personalized service.
How have government policies, incubators, or private sector initiatives supported your business growth?
The UAE government has created a very entrepreneur-friendly environment with streamlined processes for setting up and running a business with ease. I know that nearly every problem can be quickly solved over a phone call and within a day.
As a woman leading a business in a fast-evolving economy, what leadership values guide your decisions?
I believe in authenticity, empathy, and resilience. Leading with empathy has helped me build long-term relationships with both end customers and business partners. It is also about being able to adapt quickly and response to market changes, it is essential in such a fast-moving economy like the UAE.
What have been your biggest lessons on resilience and adaptability as an entrepreneur?
One of the biggest lessons is that setbacks are temporary, but the learning you gain from them is lasting. The pandemic, for example, tested every aspect of my business. I had to adapt quickly and it led me to the launch of an online store Little Ones Arabia, offering same day delivery of products we distribute as well as curated gift bundles for babies. Adding a personalize touch with a handwritten card was a simple but significant point to gain trust among the clients. I learned that resilience is about staying calm as much as possible even in difficult times, staying creative and search for solutions rather than focus on problems.
How do you see women entrepreneurs shaping the UAE’s business and innovation landscape over the next decade?
Women entrepreneurs will continue to be powerful drivers of innovation. We bring fresh perspectives, especially in industries like e-commerce, health, education, and sustainability. Over the next decade, I believe women-led ventures will increasingly set new standards in customer experience, technology-driven solutions, and social impact initiatives in the UAE.
What advice would you share with young women in the UAE aspiring to start their own ventures?
Do your research first. Ask questions, seek help and advice from professionals. Start small, but start with conviction. Don’t wait until everything feels perfect. Surround yourself with a supportive network, be open to learning, and most importantly, believe in the unique perspective you bring as a woman in business.
How important has mentorship and networking been in your journey, and do you actively support other women entrepreneurs?
Networking has been one of the most important parts of my entrepreneurial journey. Building strong relationships with like-minded business owners—even from completely different industries—has given me new perspectives and invaluable insights. Exchanging experiences has often inspired me to take new turns in my own business.
I also believe in giving back. I actively support women in business by offering advice when I can and, just as importantly, by connecting them with trusted contacts from my own network. Sometimes a single introduction can open doors to opportunities, and I find a lot of fulfillment in helping other women entrepreneurs grow and succeed.
