Lebanese-born Rabia Zayyat has made her way to the top of the Arabic media world, while staying humble and absolutely true to herself. She began her career as a TV presenter at Beirut’s NBN channel, slowly making her way to the top and today, she hosts her very own -extremely successful-TV show “Baadna Maa Rabia”, on Al Jadeed TV. Not only is she at the top of her game in media, she has also proven to be a very talented designer through the gorgeous designs of her new clutch line “Kanz”.
Could you tell us more about yourself? How did your media career start?
I am a Lebanese TV personality and I was born in Tyre – South of Lebanon. I am married to the poet and TV personality Zahi Wehbi and I have four kids. I started my media career approximately 15 years ago in a program about beauty and fashion on NBN channel, then I switched to social programs and in 2011, I moved to Lebanese channel “Al Jadeed” and presented “Baadna Maa Rabia”, which lasted for five years.
Have you always wanted to enter the media world?
Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamt of being a media personality, but my destiny was to study business management. I got married to my first husband and travelled to Africa, and after maternity and divorce I came back to Beirut to start my professional life from zero, so I chose media – my first love – and started my career as a TV personality and mother of two back then.
How did you take on the initiative to start your own TV show “Baadna Maa Rabia”?
The idea of “Baadna Maa Rabia” was born after Al Jadeed channel saw that this kind of program fits me well and I can’t deny that at first I didn’t like the idea, but with time I became fond of this program because it helped bring joy to people in a time when the Arab world was surrounded with wars. “Baadna Maa Rabia” entertains people and gives them the space for pleasure and fun.
Could you tell us more about your TV show?
I am now preparing for a new program entitled “Maa Rabia”, which is also an entertainment show but with a modern feel. It will focus on all new and different talents, from fashion to singing, dancing, acting and many more.
What inspired you to start you own clutch line “Kanz”?
I have been thinking for a long time to launch my own line because I love fashion, beauty and art. After many consultations with my relative and partner “Yara Ghossein”, who is specialized in marketing and fashion at Istituto Marangoni in Italy, the idea of “Kanz”, which mixes between business and philanthropy, was born.
Did you find it challenging to balance between your TV show and your new design line?
I am a woman who loves challenges and I don’t find pleasure in life without hard work, and I don't like wasting my time in social relations and visits, so I decided to go through this experience. By organizing everything, we can balance between our activities and succeed.
What’s the inspiration behind your clutches?
“Kanz” line mixes between art, philanthropy and business, and the collection is 100% Lebanese made, as the materials used are Lebanese. As for the embroideries and beading, we give these tasks to women in the mountains, as well as Palestinian and Syrian refugees and Lebanese orphanages in order to give these women the opportunity to improve their conditions of living. This line is inspired by the Sufi culture and art, which I love, and has a spiritual and aesthetic character.
How would you describe your collection?
“Kanz” line mixes between the past and the present, as every clutch is unique in order to give the woman who carries it a feeling that she is special and distinguished.
What kind of woman carries a “Kanz” clutch?
The woman who has a “Kanz” clutch is delicate, intellectual and loves fashion and uniqueness.
What’s next for your TV show? And your clutch line?
Wait for my show which will air very soon. As for “Kanz”, the beginning has been great and we promise you are amazing launches.
Cindy Menassa
