Zeina Chouman: A Journey of Passion and Resilience
Meet another talent from IC, Zeina Chouman Class of 1996, who ventured into the world to grow her passion and follow her dreams, both Locally and in the United States of America.
Zeina graduated from IC in 1996 from the French Philo program and went to continue her studies majoring in Business at the University of Michigan. Shortly after starting her degree, Zeina was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), prompting her return to Beirut. This pivotal moment didn’t deter her; instead, it ignited a fierce determination to achieve her dreams with precision and a focused plan. She moved back to Beirut and graduated from the Lebanese American University (LAU) in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Accounting.
Raised by parents who work in the commerce sector, in a household of 6 family members, Zeina always admired the business world but also kept a spot for fun and creativity in everything she does. The idea of having her own cafe was always brewing in her head since her last year in high school, while always creating and experimenting in the kitchen since she was 16.
Through college years and soon after graduating, Zeina went on a travel quest aiming to learn more about the food and beverage industry while attending international fairs and broadening insight and connections in the industry. She had multiple brief work experiences in different random fields; as a translator for screens international, and a waitress at an international chain.
When timing was ripe, Zeina grabbed the opportunity with determination to follow her dreams. In 2012, She opened “Urbanista” in Beirut, an all-day cafe with 2 branches in Lebanon; one in Gemmayzeh and another at ABC Achrafieh. In 2019, Zeina also opened another fast casual café in Manara Beirut called “YOU” located in Dalfa Bay Beirut.
Being a passionate person and an avid traveler, with an initial motive to venture into different industries based on spotting a need in the market for new concepts and experiences, she took another leap of faith, and ventured into the beauty industry. In 2020, She opened “MIYU” beauty & wellbeing a non-toxic nail & beauty salon and is currently on its 5th year of business, running smooth and growing.
Soon after Aug 4, she was at a cross road in her life, and she had to take the decision to relocate. Being a doer by nature, with time as her guideline, she made up her mind, and moved with her family to Washington, DC area USA. However, that didn’t hinder her business in Lebanon, she kept the cafes and the beauty spa running while managing them overseas and delegating authority to her reliable team. “CEO to all my concepts, I create and operate with the right structure and reliable team. As every business idea, risks and obstacles are always involved. All can be solved when the team is committed to working head, heart and hands. There’s no secret formula.”
Once relocated to WASHINGTON DC area, and true to her passion, Zeina opened two businesses in USA; She opened in July 2023 MIYU beauty & wellbeing in Falls Church Virginia offering same beauty & wellbeing services in addition to yoga and reformer Pilates classes. In March 2024 Zeina opened “Zazzy”, a polished fast casual Lebanese restaurant in Arlington, VA. Zazzy has just been nominated as the Best New Restaurant in Arlington VA in the new ARL now Readers’ Choice Awards, competing against prominent restaurants such as Wagamama, Colada Shop, Carbonara. What a determined business woman with great ambition and successful professional success. Let’s Zazzy got top 3 place as best new restaurant. Zeina has two strategic partners in her businesses in Beirut and one co-founding managing partner in MIYU USA. Zeina is the sole owner of Zazzy restaurant.
IC, to Zeina, was always the perfect nurturing environment for her to flourish and spread her wings; “I can’t stress enough about the importance of that learning and connection.” The fond memories growing up at IC helped shape Zeina to what she is today. The determination IC built in her, and the love of a good challenge acquired at IC, helped her to embrace challenges and venture confidently into the business world. “If I were to send a message to current IC students, and fellow Alumni’s”, I would say: “Whatever comes along, Hustle and eat life alive! Just make sure you’re enjoying the journey!”