This week, Emirates Woman speaks to Kristie Romanos Hobeiche, Artistic Director of Esposa Group—the largest bridal chain in the GCC—and founder of her eponymous couture label, Kristie Romanos, where she crafts refined elegance with a modern perspective for the discerning bride.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
Here, Hobeiche shares her journey from sketching gowns as a child in her family’s store to leading a bridal ecosystem across the region, the emotional power of a bride’s first fitting, and how she balances creative vision with strategic leadership in a business built on legacy and heart.
What was your favorite subject at school?
Art was always my sanctuary. I was naturally drawn to drawing and illustration, using them to express emotion before I could fully articulate it. As a child, I sketched gowns, silhouettes, and textures, not realizing this would shape my career. Creativity came instinctively. Those early classroom experiences laid the foundation for my work today. Art taught me vision, patience, and the power of storytelling through design.
What was your first job?
My first job started well before I formally entered the industry. During summer vacations, I spent time at our family store, observing, learning, and assisting the team. While not a formal role, it was formative. I gained early exposure to customer interactions, craftsmanship, and the pace of retail. This experience instilled a deep respect for the business and shaped my entrepreneurial mindset and emotional connection to bridal.
What brought you to Dubai?
As Esposa Group grew into the largest bridal chain in the GCC, I saw an opportunity in Dubai. The city needed a boutique offering a curated selection of high-end international designers in one refined location. Dubai is global, sophisticated, and fashion-forward, and it deserves a bridal destination to match. This vision led to the creation of Esposa Privé, which elevates the bridal experience to new levels of exclusivity and luxury.
What inspired you to enter the space and launch your brand?
Watching my parents build this legacy with dedication and heart inspired me. However, what motivates me daily is witnessing a bride’s reaction when she tries on her dress. That emotional transformation is powerful. It represents confidence, joy, and identity coming together. This experience inspired me to create my own collection, designing gowns that evoke the same sense of magic.
Talk us through the concept.
The Kristie Romanos collection embodies refined elegance with a modern perspective. It is both timeless and contemporary, structured yet soft. Each piece celebrates femininity through subtle drama and architectural detail. I emphasize couture craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and clean silhouettes. The concept empowers brides to feel sophisticated and effortlessly radiant.
What are the key elements of your role?
My role balances creative vision with strategic leadership. I oversee design direction and ensure we understand each bride’s personality and aspirations. Attention to detail is essential, from fabric selection to final fitting. I lead and inspire my team, fostering a culture of excellence. Ultimately, my role is to translate emotion into design while guiding the business forward.
Talk us through your daily routine.
I begin each morning with my children and family before transitioning to work. I arrive early at Esposa Privé to align with the team and set the day’s direction. My afternoons are dedicated to bridal consultations and fittings, each uniquely personal. I also focus on business strategy and development. I reserve a quiet creative hour daily for sketching and envisioning future designs.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Passion is important, but discipline and resilience are equally vital. Learn every aspect of the business, not just the glamorous side. Seek mentors who challenge you. Stay true to your vision while remaining adaptable. Most importantly, create something that moves you emotionally, as that will inspire others.
Tell us more about the pieces and services.
The collection features couture-level bridal gowns with meticulous tailoring and luxurious hand-finished details. We provide custom bridal consultations, personalized fittings, and bespoke adjustments to ensure perfection. At Esposa Privé, each bride receives undivided attention in an intimate, curated setting. Our service extends beyond the dress, crafting a memorable journey. Every piece is designed to feel exclusive and deeply personal.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
“Never stress about anything; keep it cool.” This advice is simple but powerful. The bridal industry is emotional and fast-paced. Staying calm bring clarity and supports better decision-making. Composure builds trust, It reminds me that elegance starts with attitude.
And what is the worst?
Earlin my career, I was advised to play it safe and follow existing trends That advice never resonated with me. Innovation requires courage and risk. Replicating trends leads to a loss of identity. Our strongest designs have come from trusting instinct rather than fear.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Balancing creative ambition with the realities of scaling a large bridal business has been challenging. Growth requires structure, while creativity needs freedom. Achieving harmony between the two took time and experience. There were moments of pressure, especially during expansion. These challenges ultimately strengthened both the brand and my leadership.
What lies ahead for the brand?
The vision is to continue regional and international expansion while maintaining exclusivity. I aim for the Kristie Romanos label to become a globally recognized couture house. We are exploring new markets and enhanced customization. Innovation in fabric, silhouette, and experience will remain central. The future is about growth while preserving intimacy.
Esposa Group is recognised as the largest bridal chain in the GCC. How has building such a wide-reaching bridal ecosystem shaped the way you approach modern bridal wear in the region?
Being part of Esposa Group has provided valuable insight into the diversity of brides across the GCC. We understand regional preferences, cultural nuances, and evolving tastes. This perspective enables us to anticipate trends rather than react to them. It also highlights the importance of blending modesty, luxury, and global fashion influences. The ecosystem informs our design strategy through data, emotion, and experience.
As one of the owners of Esposa Group, how do you balance business leadership with maintaining a strong creative vision across such a large bridal portfolio?
Balance comes from a clear vision and effective delegation. I ensure every collection aligns with our core identity of elegance and quality. While I oversee creative direction, I empower strong teams across departments to execute with precision. Strategic planning supports creativity rather than limiting it. Ultimately, leadership and artistry complement each other when guided by purpose.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
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