This month, we spoke to Yara Salman, the owner and CEO of a group of companies in the beauty, healthcare and well-being fields – Hospitalia by Yara, Farmacia by Yara and Animalia by Yara are some of them. Learn more about her businesses and insights about success.
“My formula for success involves staying focused, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and embracing challenges as learning opportunities.”
– Yara Salman
OHLALA – Today, you have many ventures under your name. What was your first business, and what made you start it?
Yara Salman – My first business was YBL, one of the first beauty lounges in Amwaj Island. I started it when I was 17, while still in university. Despite my young age, I was always career-driven and passionate about beauty and wellness. I realised that my strengths lie in operations, problem-solving and building systems. Taking risks and embracing challenges have always been part of my entrepreneurial journey.
OHLALA – What are the businesses that you have today? How do you see them connected? Do you have a favourite?
Yara – Today, I own Hospitalia by Yara, a medical centre (with two branches, Budaiya and Riffa) and Reviv IV Therapy. Haute Health (also has two branches) is a healthy lifestyle café. Farmacia by Yara, which is Bahrain’s first robotic pharmacy, featured in Forbes Middle East. YBL with beauty salon services. Animalia by Yara and Animalia Cat Café. These businesses are interconnected through a shared focus on health, wellness and beauty. While it’s difficult to choose a favourite, Hospitalia by Yara holds a special place in my heart due to its significant impact on healthcare in Bahrain.
OHLALA – The beauty universe is, without a doubt, in the DNA of your company, but what made you expand to the other sectors?
Yara – Beauty is the core of the business. However, I realised after taking my Master’s from RCSI in healthcare management, that health and taking care of yourself from within will result in beauty, and that’s why we have recently gotten deep into biohacking your health and wellness using the latest and best technologies. That includes IV therapy, red light collagen beds and healthy food you put into your system. My Master’s degree led me to realise the importance of holistic health and wellness. This understanding inspired me to expand into sectors like biohacking and animal care.
OHLALA – What is the differential your businesses bring to Bahrain?
Yara – Our businesses differentiate by consistently offering the latest products and services in the medical and beauty industries. We achieve this through ongoing training, research and partnerships. This commitment to innovation ensures that we remain at the forefront of our respective fields.
OHLALA – What was your main goal when you started? Have you gotten where you wanted to be already?
Yara – My initial goal was to impact others in their lifestyles and ways of living. While I’ve achieved significant success, I continue to set new goals and strive for continuous growth and innovation.
OHLALA – What has been your latest launch? Can you tell us more about it?
Yara – Our latest focus at Hospitalia has been biohacking and reversing ageing. We offer services like Reviv IV drips, superfood options at Haute Health, red light therapy and a hair restoration department. Additionally, we have recently introduced a unique hair brush line. At Animalia, we have launched an adoption programme as part of our commitment to animal welfare. As a passionate animal lover, I’ve always wanted to help stray cats and dogs find loving homes. Through this programme, we rescue animals, provide necessary medical care and prepare them for adoption. Dr Caroline, our Belgian veterinarian, conducts thorough health checks, cleans them up and vaccinates them before they are available for adoption.
OHLALA – How do you feel about accomplishing so much in your professional career at such a young age? Do you have a formula to share with us?
Yara – I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and accomplishments I’ve achieved at a young age. My formula for success involves staying focused, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and embracing challenges as learning opportunities. Remember, setbacks are temporary and perseverance is key. Additionally, it’s important to learn to say “no” and set boundaries. In my early years, I struggled with this, but I’ve learned that it’s essential to prioritise your needs and avoid taking on too much. By saying “no” to opportunities that don’t align with your goals, you can focus on what truly matters and avoid future negative consequences.
OHLALA – What do you like most about Bahrain? Do you think this is an entrepreneur-friendly country?
Yara – I love the quality of life and supportive environment that Bahrain offers. The country’s commitment to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship has been instrumental in my success. I have received numerous awards and recognition for my achievements, and I am proud to be a young female entrepreneur in the Kingdom. Bahrain is a great place for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.