Well hello there!

I’m Christie

I’m delighted you popped by to learn a bit more about me.

I’m a busy wife, and mum of two daughters and one Goldendoodle named George. Together, we form a chaotic but lovable family who spends way more time listening to Taylor Swift than we care to admit.

When I came to Abu Dhabi in 2023, I’d just left a twenty year career in the Canadian public service as a program and project manager. I carried lots of experience and knowledge with me that I didn’t want to go to waste… but also, I knew that I wanted to use them on my own terms. So I set off to explore my entrepreneurship options.

Fast forward to today… I am still in the business of serving the public. Women to be specific. I am passionate about helping women who come to Abu Dhabi find their footing and live a professional life on their own terms, just like what I’d longed for when I got here.

For many, including myself, moving to Abu Dhabi meant an opportunity for rebirth, and fulfillment in doing what I loved to do, the way I love to do it. There’s no better way to be of service than to help other women grow to their full potential.

This website is full of knowledge, and resources that I have gathered and crafted along the way. As an avid lifelong learner, I promise to never stop learning about new programs and services available to women in the region. I promise to always share what I believe to be enriching. And most importantly, I promise to always say “I don’t know, but I can find out,” if I don’t have the answers to your questions.

If you haven’t already, come and find me on Instagram and give me a follow. There, you’ll be alerted to almost everything that gets added to this website.

Christie’s favorite things

favorite way to spend days off…

playing board games


song on repeat….

September


favorite snack…

salted popcorn


most often, you’ll find me…

in the kitchen, cooking

always in my hand…

my phone


an app I can’t live without…

Canva


favorite way to give back…

sharing food


favorite way to learn…

talking to people

You may be wondering….

The short answer: because I genuinely care about your job fulfillment.

The long answer is because I have spent almost a lifetime ensconced in public policy and programs – either writing, interpreting, or applying them. If there is anyone who can help demystify bureaucracy, I’m your gal.

Well, because as a die-hard learner, I spend a lot of time researching and fact-checking information. I’m programmed to ensure that whatever I put out there, to the very best of my knowledge, is thoroughly researched and true.

What’s more: if I don’t know the answer to your question, I always make it a personal mission to find out, and I find out using the same rigorous process as I do with the rest of the information I learn.

No, I am not a ‘typing centre’. While I support my clients in their business application process, I do not currently have the capacity to apply on their behalf.

My application support packages are outlined on the services page and detail how my support works.

At the moment, I am only focusing on Mainland licensing.

That being said, I do have knowledge about Free Zone licensing and am happy to walk you through the process of choosing the license that is best suited for you.

I do not now, or ever take a commission for my advice on licensing from the licensing authorities. You can count on the fact that my advice is never based on the interest of my financial gain.

Chances are, yes!

Thanks to my research and my love of constantly meeting and and learning from new people, I have a variety of contacts I am happy to share if I am unable to help you.

I only share referrals to people and businesses that I would trust with my own needs. As a champion of women-owned businesses, to the best of my ability, I strive to refer others to businesses and services that are owned and operated by women.

Absolutely! While those who are not yet in Abu Dhabi can’t necessarily apply for a business license, (you need an Emirates ID for a Mainland license,) I am happy to offer my ‘sounding board’ services to help those who aspire to entrepreneurship in Abu Dhabi upon their arrival.

Get to know me a little more...

I’m a fun-loving, self-deprecating mama who just crossed into her forties. In my short life, I have experienced tremendous wins and intense grief. I have loved, lost, laughed until I cried. I have traveled to many countries on almost every continent. I have met so many people and experienced so many different perspectives that have enriched my own.

I am a staunch believer that absolutely everyone on this earth has a purpose and a story that matters.

I’m unequivocal about supporting everyone, no matter of their past, present, future, or who they are. Everyone is always welcome to be heard.

I’m super people-y… so please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to me.

so we can work on that dream of yours…