By Bhavna Batra
In the world of architecture and interior design, few journeys capture the spirit of resilience, vision, and partnership as compellingly as those of Shalise and Carina. Individually, they pursued their dreams against odds, shaped by their unique experiences and driven by an unyielding commitment to creating transformative spaces. Together, as partners in Dubai’s Ornare franchise, they’ve built a legacy not only in luxury design but also as champions of female empowerment. Here is the story of their lives, their shared vision, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Shalise’s journey began over a decade ago when she moved to Dubai, a city teeming with opportunity and creativity. Living in Dubai for 13 years profoundly shaped her worldview, exposed her to vibrant cultures, and refined her aesthetic in ways that set her apart in the competitive luxury market. Dubai’s rich diversity introduced her to innovative design techniques and ideas, grounding her vision in both resilience and adaptability. Yet, her design philosophy was further rooted in her Italian studies, where the emphasis on aesthetics and craftsmanship cultivated a keen eye for detail. Balancing these European influences with her Brazilian heritage—a culture that celebrates color, nature, and warmth—Shalise developed a unique approach to design that harmonizes elegance, sustainability, and a deep sense of place.
Carina’s story, on the other hand, is marked by grit and a relentless pursuit of her dreams. From a young age, she worked at an architecture firm, serving coffee and gradually immersing herself in the world she aspired to join. Lacking formal education in the beginning, Carina relied on her own determination, seizing opportunities to learn and grow. When her firm offered to fund her studies, Carina recognized it as her gateway to a future in architecture. This defining milestone laid the foundation for her career, allowing her to evolve from an eager dreamer into a successful architect. Her journey from serving coffee to becoming a partner in architecture is a testament to the idea that perseverance, self-belief, and the courage to dream big can turn even the most modest beginnings into incredible achievements.
For Carina, reaching the milestone of becoming a partner in her architecture firm was a victory over a lifetime of challenges. Her journey has been an embodiment of resilience, underscored by her belief that self-awareness and unwavering passion can transform lives. For her, architecture became “a generous mother,” providing a nurturing space where she could excel and contribute her unique vision. This achievement was not only career-defining but also profoundly shaped her philosophy—dream, plan, execute, and repeat. Her success underscores the message that hard work combined with strategy is essential in realizing one’s dreams.
Shalise, too, has reached incredible milestones in her career, especially with her work in the luxury market at Ornare. Through her deep relationships with clients, Shalise has developed a reputation for understanding and translating their visions into luxurious spaces that embody elegance and functionality. Her work in fostering emerging talent and advocating for sustainable practices within the design industry has made her a true innovator in the field. These accomplishments have allowed her to create lasting impacts that extend far beyond her individual projects, shaping the industry and inspiring those who follow in her footsteps.
Shalise and Carina’s partnership unfolded almost serendipitously. Their connection sparked instantly when they met in Dubai, and the synergy between them was undeniable. Despite coming from different backgrounds and career paths, they shared an alignment of values, principles, and aspirations that would soon form the bedrock of their business partnership. Their collaboration officially began when Carina returned to Dubai for a project, and the two spent nearly two months working closely together.
Carina jokes that their story is destined for Netflix, a tale of dreams intersecting at the right time. In 2020, when the world shut down, Carina found herself stranded in Dubai due to the pandemic. During this period, Shalise and Carina paid a visit to Ornare, where they discussed the possibility of purchasing the franchise for the GCC region. It was a turning point for them both, setting the stage for their impactful work together.
Shalise and Carina bring complementary strengths to their partnership. While Shalise’s pragmatism, organizational skills, and keen business acumen keep operations efficient, Carina’s creativity and relationship-building skills help foster trust with clients. Their shared vision is enhanced by these differences, allowing them to continually innovate and elevate Ornare’s offerings in Dubai’s competitive luxury market.
Each of these remarkable women has faced challenges that tested their strength and resilience. Carina’s path in the early months of the pandemic was fraught with uncertainty, yet she adapted quickly, working with Shalise to stabilize and grow their business. For Shalise, building a career in the competitive luxury market of Dubai presented its own hurdles. Yet, her tenacity and ability to build genuine connections with clients allowed her to overcome these obstacles. Together, they’ve learned to approach conflicts constructively, relying on a shared vision and mutual respect to navigate differences.
Their journey as business partners has taught them the importance of valuing each other’s strengths. In times of conflict, they seek alignment rather than focusing on differences. By consulting trusted mentors or team members, they gain fresh perspectives that help them work through challenges constructively, strengthening their partnership and reinforcing their commitment to their shared goals.
Shalise’s passion for interior design stems from her belief that the spaces we inhabit profoundly shape our lives. She draws inspiration from her interactions with other creatives and her observations of emerging trends, allowing her to stay innovative in a dynamic industry. For Carina, the pursuit of passion goes beyond architecture. She challenges herself continually, whether by running marathons or exploring human psychology, seeing these pursuits as essential to her growth both professionally and personally. Carina’s drive to learn and push her boundaries is a core aspect of her identity, fueling her motivation to keep evolving as a designer.
Their work at Ornare caters to a luxury clientele in Dubai, focusing on understanding each client’s unique needs, dreams, and expectations. Their designs don’t merely create beautiful spaces; they aim to improve the quality of their clients’ lives. Shalise and Carina also dedicate themselves to empowering other women in business, having both faced and overcome challenges that many female entrepreneurs encounter. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship, they offer resources and guidance to other women, helping them find confidence and voice in their respective fields.
Carina has a message for young women who feel limited by their circumstances: “Look inside yourself and see what is limiting you.” For her, the key to success is empowerment through self-awareness and strategic planning. Shalise, too, advocates for women in male-dominated fields, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths and to build a strong network. “Limits exist only within our minds,” she says, urging women to believe in themselves and take actionable steps toward their dreams.
Looking forward, Shalise and Carina aspire to expand Ornare’s influence by introducing Brazilian design to the GCC and Africa, aligning luxury with the post-pandemic desire for comfort and personal connection. In their legacy, they envision a world where creativity thrives on inclusivity and empowerment. They seek to inspire not only through innovative design but also by championing collaboration and support for female entrepreneurs. As they continue to grow, they aim to become a beacon for women worldwide, demonstrating that success and personal fulfillment are attainable through determination, community, and a commitment to the modern feminine.
For Shalise and Carina, inspiring others means leading by example, not by showing their own power but by illuminating the potential within others. They advise young women to surround themselves with supportive individuals, set clear goals, and constantly pursue growth. In their view, each step, however small, brings one closer to one’s dreams, reinforcing their message that the only limits are the ones we set in our own minds.
Together, Shalise and Carina have not only built a thriving business in Ornare but have also crafted a powerful narrative of resilience, partnership, and empowerment. Their story continues to inspire a new generation of designers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, proving that with vision, courage, and mutual support, anything is possible.
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