The Middle East is swiftly becoming a vibrant center for female entrepreneurship, with women founders leading the charge in breaking barriers and transforming the business landscape. These pioneering women are not only driving economic growth but are also challenging traditional norms, introducing innovative solutions, and offering fresh perspectives that are reshaping the region’s future. One such inspiring leader is Sejal Nagjee, the CEO, Owner, and Creative Director of Milestone Dubai. Sejal’s journey from being an international table tennis player to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and creativity. Growing up in a home where art and cultural expression were central, she developed a deep appreciation for color, form, and storytelling. This was influenced by her mother's dual role as an artist and entrepreneur, along with her father's legacy of excellence in various fields, which provided a strong foundation for her professional life.

Throughout her 17 years representing India in table tennis, Sejal won 140 national and international medals, an achievement that instilled in her a mindset of strategic thinking, and the pursuit of perfection. These qualities seamlessly transitioned into her business career, where she now leads Milestone with a unique blend of artistic insight and athletic discipline.

At Milestone, Sejal is dedicated to creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspire and elevate the quality of life for her clients. Her holistic approach ensures that every project resonates on a deeper level, offering both aesthetic delight and practical solutions. Sejal credits her success to her strong support system, particularly her family—her parents, husband, and son—whose unwavering belief in her abilities has empowered her to pursue her dreams and overcome challenges. Her journey reflects not only professional achievements but also personal growth and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every endeavor. Let’s hear more from her in this interaction.

Could you walk us through your transition from a sportsperson to becoming an Ikebana enthusiast and landscape design expert? What inspired you to establish Milestone Dubai?

After retiring from table tennis in 1995, I sought a new creative outlet to channel my passion for beauty and design. My interest in Ikebana, along with my certification from the Ohara School of Ikebana and the Indo-Japanese Association in Bonsai, sparked a journey into floral arrangements and interior design. Encouraged by my husband Rajesh, who served as my business coach, and inspired by the positive reactions to my projects, I recognized my potential in the design field. The transition from sports to design was seamless, as both require discipline, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Landscape design- allowed me to blend my love for nature with my artistic skills, creating inspiring and harmonious environments.

In 2000, I founded Pure Joy in Mumbai, where I designed over 25,000 floral artifacts that were sold to lifestyle stores. As the company grew, I expanded into home and interior design. Upon moving to Dubai in 2003, I established a floral design studio, which quickly evolved into Milestone Landscaping. Milestone represents the culmination of my passion for design and entrepreneurship, specializing in transforming indoor and outdoor spaces. Over the past 21 years, we’ve completed more than 1,000 projects, including interior design, landscaping, home renovations, villa extensions, fit-outs, and custom carpentry. With an in-house team of architects, engineers, designers, and a fully equipped carpentry factory, we deliver high-quality, innovative solutions, managing everything from design to handover for a seamless client experience.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to pursue a new venture, Galleria Exclusive, focused on designing large, customized wall art. This endeavor will allow me to further explore my creative passions and offer unique, personalized art pieces that elevate and transform spaces.

In your view, what are some of the most significant challenges you face as a landscape designer, and how do you address these obstacles?

A major challenge in landscape and interior design is aligning client expectations with industry trends. We ensure clear communication, offer creative, budget-friendly solutions, and flawlessly execute projects. By providing comprehensive in-house services, we eliminate gaps between design and build functions. Our refined processes deliver low ownership costs over 10 years using eco-friendly materials and skilled workmanship. We also handle all regulatory approvals and maintain our work, ensuring longevity, quality, and outstanding results.

Highlight the most significant milestones you've achieved in your professional journey. What has been your success mantra over the years?

Being recognized among the 'Top 10 Best Women Founders in the Middle East 2024' is a profound honor that reflects the dedication and hard work I've invested throughout my career. This accolade is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the significant experiences that have shaped my journey. Representing India in table tennis for 17 years, during which I won 140 national and international medals, taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, and strategic thinking—qualities that have been instrumental in my success as an entrepreneur. Establishing and growing Milestone in Dubai has been another major achievement.

Over the past 21 years, Milestone has completed over 1000 projects, transforming spaces with innovative, high-quality solutions in interior design, landscaping, home renovations, villa extensions, fit-outs, and custom carpentry. Our commitment to excellence has earned Milestone numerous accolades, including four Emaar Best Garden Awards. My success mantra has always centered on dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for excellence. Growing up, I was deeply inspired by Nadia Comăneci, who achieved the first perfect 10 in Olympic history at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Her autobiography introduced me to the concept of striving for perfection in every area of life, which has driven me to aim for excellence in everything I do.

How do you anticipate the landscape design industry will evolve in the Middle East in the coming years? Which emerging trends do you believe will have the most significant impact?

The Middle East is increasingly focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly designs. Rising environmental awareness is driving demand for water-efficient landscaping, native plants, and smart irrigation systems. Utilizing local plants, we can create resilient landscapes suited to the region's climate. Technological advancements, such as design software and augmented reality, will streamline the design process and enhance client engagement. Additionally, there will be a trend toward multifunctional spaces that blend aesthetics with practicality, catering to entertainment, relaxation, and functionality. By embracing these trends, we can deliver innovative, impactful designs that address both client needs and environmental challenges.

Sejal Nagjee, CEO, Owner & Director, Milestone Dubai

Sejal Nagjee is a resilient leader with a 21-year track record of excellence in landscape and interior design. She values dedication, collaboration, and perseverance. With the mindset of 'rest if needed, but never quit,' Sejal has successfully led over 1,000 projects, consistently fostering alignment and support to achieve outstanding results.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor of Commerce with Finance and Accounting

• Diploma in Interior Design

• Neuro - Linguistic Programming Practitioner

• Master Teacher - Ikebana, Ohara School of Ikebana, Japan

• Master Teacher - Bonsai, Indo -Japanese Association

• CEO Business Growth Program

Awards and Recognitions won

• Shiv Chhtrapati Best Sports Person of the Year and Indian Team Member Maharashtra , India Jan 1990

• 140 national and international awards in table tennis

• AsiaOne Greatest Brands & Leaders Awards 2023-24

• 'Super 100' by GrayMatter and Gulf News

• Finalist, Dubai Design Awards 2019

• Emaar Best Garden Awards

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leaders : Women are inherently strong, multitaskers with a natural balance and nurturing ability. If we embrace the mindset of 'rest if needed, but never quit,' we can achieve anything.