Achieving Financial Freedom: Establishing a Business Leads to Personal Financial Independence
Deepika Nahata, the founder of WashOn Laundry, a family-owned business based in Dubai, has been credited with providing financial independence and more autonomy in decision-making for herself and her co-founder. Established five years ago, WashOn Laundry now employs over 100 people and offers services beyond laundry, including shoe cleaning, bag restoration, carpet, curtain, and sofa cleaning, catering to both individuals and businesses.
Nahata's financial advice for her younger self is to not wait to be financially ready before starting a business. Her best investment, she says, has been building WashOn Laundry. The co-founders have taken crucial financial decisions independently, and saving and reinvesting profits have helped enhance the business by updating equipment and expanding services.
Nahata was raised as a saver and learned to separate her needs from her wants. This frugality paid off when she faced a financial jolt due to a broken washing machine and lack of savings, forcing her to borrow money from a neighbour. Since then, Nahata only chooses to spend on things that add value and offer her something in return.
WashOn Laundry's growth strategy is focused on expanding its presence across multiple cities within the UAE. This strategy is likely in line with broader regional trends favouring multi-city franchise expansion and service diversification. While specific details on franchise models or technology integrations particular to WashOn are not explicitly mentioned, the expansion may align with these trends, aiming at scalable, city-wide presence and possibly integration with complementary services.
In her personal life, Nahata lives in Murooj Al Furjan with her husband, who is a software engineer, two sons, and her in-laws. Spending quality time with family is important to her.
[1] Regional trends between 2025 and 2035 in the MENA region. [2] WashOn Laundry's current growth and expansion strategy in the UAE.
[1] Entrepreneurship in the MENA region is expected to witness significant growth between 2025 and 2035, with a focus on multi-city franchise expansion and service diversification as seen in the case of WashOn Laundry.
[2] Deepika Nahata, the founder of WashOn Laundry, has adopted this strategy, aiming to expand her business's presence across multiple cities within the UAE.
[3] In the news, WashOn Laundry's growth and strategic poise for expansion have garnered attention, offering insight into the resilience of small-business entrepreneurs in the UAE.
[4] For broader analysis, the growth strategy of WashOn Laundry and its potential alignment with regional trends demonstrate the rising importance of diversification and expansion for small businesses in the UAE.
[5] Beyond her business achievements, Nahata's focus on personal finance is evident as she advises her younger self not to delay starting a business until being financially ready.
[6] Features about Nahata's journey and her financial advice can inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs in the region, fostering a culture of business ownership and financial independence.
[7] With WashOn Laundry's success, Nahata has set an example in leadership and diversity-and-inclusion, both in her business and in society, as a woman of color breaking barriers in the UAE's business landscape.
[8] As a model for other family-owned businesses, Nahata's emphasis on investing wisely, such as building WashOn Laundry, can lead to financial success and personal fulfillment, highlighting the potential for growth in the UAE's business world, particularly for women entrepreneurs and small businesses.
