Sameera Ameer

Making her mark in a very male dominated industry, children’s furniture designer Sameera Ameer is adept at holding her own. Based in Dubai, Sameera is emerging as a notable children’s furniture designer. A graduate from the Chelsea College of Art and Design and the Academy of Design, Sameera founded Wild Child Designz, a bespoke furniture line aimed specifically at children along with providing a high end interior design service. Having launched her initial collection in 2014, Sameera has handcrafted unique pieces which capture and ignite the fantastical imagination of children. Working hard to be a role model for her two young daughters, it is to the credit of this young mumtreprenuer that she has launched her own successful business in a male dominated environment in the Middle East. With plans of going global, Sameera is breaking the mold and blazing a trail in her chosen career.

- Tina Edward Gunawardhana

Why did you decide to launch a business designing children’s furniture?

In University I worked on several projects that involved interior design for children. The process involved interacting and working closely with young kids and I realised just how much I enjoyed designing for that age bracket, as opposed to adults. Then when I had my own daughters, I could not find furniture for their rooms that was unique, modern and durable other than the standard identikit Ikea and Pottery Barn pieces. So I jumped on the opportunity to fill that gap with Wild Child Designz.

Have you had any previous design experience?

My background is in interior design. I studied for two years in Sri Lanka where I grew up - and two years in London at Chelsea College of Art and Design. In between I had a few internships, both back home, as well as in London. I got pregnant as soon as I graduated from Chelsea College and went on to be a full-time mum, until I launched my business in 2014. There is nothing like being a mum to prepare you for entrepreneurship!

How difficult was it to get your products into the market?