Every week, ILQ features a different Qatari startup in our ‘Startup of the Week’ segment. Qatar has some of the most creative, unique, and impactful startups in the region, and we cover them all across a variety of industries in Doha, from fashion and beauty to food and dining, health, education, and more!
This week, we are featuring a new startup company in the market and service sector - MiniMeDoha. It's a developing company that opened in March 2019 with bespoke baby and toddler equipment for hire. Its the only one of its kind in Qatar and allows its customers to hire children's things like books, toys, car seats, strollers, bikes or scooters for children and have them delivered straight to their doorsteps.
They have a huge range of high-end products from famous and trusted brands for kids to use. They provide your babies and toddlers with all the comforts of home to meet their needs during travelling, relocating or repatriating.
The ILQ team was able to do a one-on-one interview with the co-owners of the business, Nina and Zoe— the British expatriate mums who came to Doha six years ago. They are so excited and happy to bring this brand new concept to Qatar which was created based on their experiences when they first got here.
Nina and Zoe: "We found it really hard when we arrived, scrabbling around to borrow things like strollers, sterilisers, high chairs, and car seats, while we waited for our shipping containers to arrive. We were let down when we had to buy second-hand goods that were unreliable, dirty and damaged. It was the same when friends and family came to visit. Where in Doha could I rent good quality products for a short stay? So that’s how we came up with the idea for miniMEdoha."
With these experiences in mind, Nina and Zoe decided to create their own company - the MiniMeDoha - and the rest is history! Everything seemed right and well as people started calling and inquiring about their newly built business. Their concept doesn't only make life easier for parents like them but also comfortable for their children as they move from one place to another.
The ILQ Team: "Why do you think your business is relevant to the people of Qatar?"
Nina and Zoe: Qatar is such a transient community, with people constantly on the move in and out of the country, having the flexibility of hiring equipment makes arriving, departing or visiting a whole lot easier - we can even meet you at the airport with car seats. It can be so hard remembering every last detail. Sometimes you just need help! At miniMEdoha, we provide that help for those who are trying to balance a hectic work and family life.
The ILQ Team: "Do you think start-ups like yours are beneficial to Qatar’s economic growth?"
Nina and Zoe: Absolutely. Qatar is an incredible country and is expanding so quickly and positively. With the World Cup 2022 and Qatar National Vision 2030, the country is only going to get bigger and better. The future increase in visitors will be well serviced with small businesses like ours, aiding the many young families that will be arriving.
Nina and Zoe: Offering a bespoke service is essential for an ever-changing population. Our service has already evolved and we are now collaborating with the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. Offering our bedroom packs in their residences, creating a ‘home from home’ experience for all the family to help them settle in. Being able to adapt and remain flexible, without losing your brand identity, is very important to us.
Ordering and availing their services is simple and easy to follow. Just visit their website, www.minimedoha.com and register. From there the following steps should be followed:
1) Choose your item(s) to hire and select the duration you want them for. There are options for 3, 7, and 14 days and if want for more, you can inform them about your requirements.
2) As you go about checking out the items, select the things you need and put them in your online baskets. Choose the sent button so your orders can be processed.
3) Once the order is finished, you will receive a confirmation notice from your email regarding your order.
4) MiniMeDoha will ask you relevant questions on the things you intend to hire, for example, if the car seat is suitable as per the age of your child.
5) Once everything is finished, they will deliver it on the date and time you requested. Payments are made at the end of the booking period.
Note: Their deliveries are free of charge anywhere in Doha to make it convenient for everyone. Also, they don't require a deposit as they believe that all goods are hired from them on a goodwill gesture.
The ILQ Team: What has the response from your customers been like so far?
Nina and Zoe: We have had huge support from the local and expat community, mainly from mums who faced the exact problems we did when we arrived. We have had so many different inquiries, ranging from grandparents hiring car seats when their grandchildren come to visit, or others needing a full-sized cot when their container has already left the country. Customers are so grateful for the service we offer. It’s encouraging to know miniMEdoha is needed in Qatar and that we can help so many families.
MiniMeDoha may have started a new trend in Qatar when it comes to hiring items and equipment for children, babies, and toddlers and they remain grounded and dedicated to their business. Nina and Zoe continue to strive for better services and are constantly finding ways to improve their ideas to help more people as they grow their startup business.
The ILQ Team: What is your advice for young entrepreneurs who are interested in establishing start-ups of their own?
Nina and Zoe: We believe that if you are passionate about something, follow your instincts and go for it! Do your research and make sure there is a need for what you have to offer. In setting up miniMEdoha, we had to ensure we could deliver on our promises and learn fast. We built our own website, sourced our own equipment, designed our own branding, and spoke to a lot of expats to find out what would have been helpful to them... It was hard work, but if you believe in what you are doing, you will get there!
Telephone: +974 33909303
Inquiries: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minimedoha
Website: www.minimedoha.com
What started as a small idea from life experiences, grew big and is now a reality with two British expatriates mums leading the way. Did you find their business MiniMeDoha helpful in our society? Tell us what you think and write it below in our comment section. Also, please like and share this article - it keeps us going!
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