Interview with Reem Al-Khalifa, Young Bahraini Entrepreneur, Founder of Green Bar

I recently got a chance to interview a young Bahraini entrepreneur Reem Al-Khalifa, who founded her own company, Green Bar Inc. in 2006. Green Bar products include oils and moisturizers, all made from natural ingredients. Reem makes sure to use local ingredients as well to promote what the region offers in terms of nature.

First, can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?
I studied art and visual communications but wasn’t satisfied, I felt I needed expression with my senses a little bit more. Then through my yoga practice I was able to accept and be more aware of my love for herbs, and gave them my attention, even though they seemed like a distraction to my family and friends. I was attracted to plants and what they offer, fragrance, flavor and therapy.

What is Green Bar?
Green Bar is my plant essence bar where I make my natural perfumes. I believed in oils for a very long time, but thought it ridiculous… and forgot about it because I was too lazy to look for proof. Then through my personal studies on Ayurveda which is the Indian health/medical compliment to yoga, I realized that yes oils are used for healing and my investigation started from there.

Now Green Bar offers beautiful oils fragranced naturally celebrating what the earth offers. We have a very beautiful planet with lots of goodies.

What made you think about creating this line of products?
It was because of my passion to upgrade life in the simplest form with the most authentic and pleasant ingredients.

Why did you decide to use regional ingredients?
We have very beautiful exotic ingredients that no one is celebrating. Just a little creativity and improvisation can go a long way. They are a form of my expression to celebrate the island.

What has been the reaction of people to this initiative, particularly in Bahrain?
Very positive. People have been very supportive, and also very curious about the oils.

Do you plan on expanding beyond Bahrain? Will this product be available region-wide? And where do you currently ship to?
It is available in retail stores in Bahrain, and available through the Internet worldwide.

What makes Green Bar products different than other herbal oils and moisturizers?
What makes it different is that I don’t approach it to treat you. I think everyone is just fine, all they need is a little lightheartedness, so even though it’s like a fragrant pharmacy with a lot of healing potential, I like to approach it for the beauty of each fragrance.

Do you feel that Bahrain has a friendly business environment for young entrepreneurs?
Yes it does. But one cant slack off on the follow-up. Everyone I have found is pretty happy to help. However, being an island follow up is very essential.

Finally, do you have anything else you wish to add?
Fixation leads to the best exploration. Follow your curiosities; the reason why a cat has 7 lives is because she gets many chances for having such a virtue… that’s what I believe at least. Everyone else just has one life.