Dubai-based entrepreneur Emily Abraham has transformed early financial hardship into a remarkable business success story. The 48-year-old British expatriate, who co-founded pre-loved luxury retailer Love Luxury, credits her disciplined approach to money management to experiences of having “very little” earlier in life.
Now residing in Dubai for three years, Abraham maintains an unconventional perspective on wealth, viewing money as “leverage” rather than a measure of worth. Despite operating within the emirate’s glamorous luxury sector, she maintains grounded financial habits, saving an impressive 80% of her income while reinvesting profits back into her growing business.
In an exclusive reflection on her financial journey, Abraham describes money as neither inherently good nor bad, but rather a tool that reveals character. “In some hands, you divide, inflate egos, and tempt people to measure worth in numbers instead of values. In other hands, you heal, feed and build futures,” she addresses in a hypothetical letter to money.
The entrepreneur emphasizes transparency in financial matters, regularly discussing money with her husband Adam and rejecting the notion that finances should be taboo. Her approach to wealth management was forged through necessity—learning to budget “down to the last penny” during periods of financial constraint while raising children.
Abraham’s philosophy centers on financial discipline and charitable giving. She advocates saving half of one’s income, noting that “the peace of mind that comes with financial stability is priceless.” Her long-term vision involves transitioning from income-driven work to full-time charitable endeavors focused on helping children in need.
The businesswoman considers her greatest financial achievement the founding of Love Luxury and the strategic reinvestment of all profits back into the company. She views past financial challenges not as regrets but as essential learning experiences that shaped her current success.