Inside the mind of a Buyer with Nahid Kermali

Faiza Bouguessa is joined by Nahid Kermali, Buying Manager at Ounass, for an honest conversation about the business behind fashion, precision in creativity, and the discipline it takes to build longevity in an ever-evolving industry. With over fifteen years shaping the region’s luxury landscape, Nahid reflects on her journey from Bloomingdale’s New York to Dubai’s retail scene, and what it means to curate brands that truly resonate. She opens up about balancing intuition with data, creativity with structure, and motherhood with a demanding career, all while staying anchored in purpose and integrity. Together, they explore the delicate relationship between designers and buyers, the unseen rigor behind every collection, and why trust, clarity, and consistency remain at the heart of every enduring partnership. LISTEN TO THE BOUQUESSA VOICE 🎧    • Inside the mind of a Buyer with Nahid Kermali   ABOUT THE BOUQUESSA VOICE A podcast by designer Faiza Bouguessa, The Bouguessa Voice spotlights visionary minds shaping culture, creativity, and business from the Middle East to the world. Each episode explores purpose-driven leadership, craftsmanship, and the stories behind meaningful success. ABOUT FAIZA BOUGUESSA Founder and Creative Director of Bouguessa, Faiza is known for her refined vision of quiet luxury rooted in culture and craftsmanship. Through The Bouguessa Voice, she opens honest conversations with leaders redefining what it means to build with purpose. #TheBouguessaVoice #FaizaBouguessa #NahidKermali #BouguessaConversations #WomenInFashion #FashionPodcast #CreativeConversations #VoicesOfFashion It is a grounded and insightful exchange on resilience, evolution, and what it really means to build a career and a brand that lasts. 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – Nahid’s journey from New York to Dubai 01:15 – What it means to be a buyer 02:30 – Beyond buying: brand activations & pop-ups 03:30 – Balancing career and motherhood 05:30 – Structure, routine, and discipline 06:30 – Data vs. intuition 07:40 – The evolution of the Middle Eastern customer 08:40 – Spotting trends and staying ahead 09:00 – How designers should approach buyers 10:20 – What catches a buyer’s eye 11:15 – The role of communication and PR 12:30 – Keys to a successful buyer–designer relationship 13:20 – What buyers look for in a collection 14:20 – Best-performing categories at Ounass 15:45 – The importance of consistency and calendar 17:00 – Sustainability and creative rhythm 18:00 – Building long-term partnerships 19:30 – How many SKUs a brand really needs 21:30 – What makes a brand ready for Ounass 22:45 – Anecdote: meeting Victoria Beckham 24:10 – Reflecting on growth and purpose 25:30 – Advice to her younger self