Eight years ago, I was living in the Middle East with my husband and two young children. I loathed my full-time corporate job because I was burnt out and exhausted, and everything felt hopeless.

Then on a trip to Australia, I spotted women wearing stunning summer kimonos. Suddenly I had a vision of creating a fusion between East and West, creating designs that married the Arabic abaya and Japanese kimono.

And so, my e-commerce journey began. I founded iland co. and began selling at local markets.  My kimonos sold well, and I knew my business had potential. But I was still working my full-time job, and it was time to take a leap of faith.

So that’s what I did. I set up an online store and started making my business dream a reality.  And then, guess what? I didn’t make a single sale. I quickly realised that traffic and sales don’t come just because you press ‘publish’ on your website and run a few social media posts. (So unfair!!)

So, I began researching and studying everything I could about e-commerce, digital marketing, copywriting, social media, and Facebook ads, but I couldn’t get enough!

I sought the help of international fashion industry experts. I hired a business coach and I attended a million conferences and masterminds. I was determined to make it work.

Then, I tested different strategies, learning the hard way through trial and error. I wasted time on the wrong things and money on many things that didn’t work.

THEN I REALISED ...

e-commerce is a numbers game, and only 1 - 3% of website visitors were likely to convert. I soon understood that the lack of traffic, not my products, was the problem. Then I discovered Facebook Ads, and I've never looked back!

Facebook and Instagram Ads became my new superpower.

I learnt how to manage my own ad account by adopting the latest strategies and tactics. Finally, traffic and sales began to grow.

(I can still remember having my first $5K month. I was so excited – my hours and hours of hard work were beginning to pay off.)

My Facebook Ads brought in consistent traffic and amazing returns on my investment. My website visitors were adding to their carts like nobody’s business.

Plus the branding, customer service, and user experience work I had put in was leading to glowing reviews - which encouraged others to buy.

I HAD CRACKED THE ADS CODE...

I could hardly believe my eyes as I watched my sales hit $10K, then $20K, $50K, $100K, $170K and more.

It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I couldn’t be prouder of my achievements, and I recently sold my e-commerce business for a great return.

AND I WANT THE SAME FOR YOU.