Sophia Fakhry Rebeiz Q: As the co-founder and GM of The Smallville Hotel, what inspired the birth of this brand, and what was your vision from day one? A: I spent many years living abroad and was inspired by international boutique hotels that blend creativity, personality, and functionality into guest experiences. What felt normal overseas was missing in Lebanon, a place that wasn’t just a hotel, but a playful, design‑driven space reflecting youthful energy.  That contrast sparked the idea for The Smallville Hotel, a concept quite unusual locally at the time, but one I believed Beirut needed. Q: Hospitality is often seen as a male-dominated field at the executive level. How did you navigate your path to the top? A: From day one, I’ve always believed there are no limits when a woman sets her mind to something. I support and mentor many young women, even before taking this role, and I hold myself to high standards of refinement and creativity. I don’t let societal expectations define my path; I work with determination to achieve excellence, pushing boundaries in both service and design. Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and leader in Lebanon, and how did you turn them into opportunities? A: It’s true that in corporate Lebanon, especially in hospitality, women often encounter resistance or underestimation. I refuse to stand aside. I assert myself through logic, vision, and results. I make sure my presence is felt by contributing ideas, solving problems, and delivering a consistent, creative guest experience. In doing so, I’ve turned many skeptics into believers. Q: Smallville is more than a hotel — it’s a creative space with personality. How do you infuse that identity into the leadership culture? A: I see The Smallville Hotel not just as a space with personality, but as a vibrant lifestyle destination that celebrates diversity and creativity, especially for corporate guests looking to break free from the ordinary. Our leadership philosophy is rooted in building dynamic experiences across all touchpoints: from wellness and spa services, to culinary journeys, to rooftop events that bring people together. I take pride in having nurtured multiple identities under the Smallville brand, each one reflecting our passion for innovation, inclusivity, and bold hospitality. Q: You’ve built a brand that feels inclusive, bold, and forward-thinking. How intentional was that in your leadership approach? A: It was very intentional. From the décor to inclusive service policies, every decision reflects our belief in welcoming individuality and pushing creative boundaries. While in earlier years some staff members wore Superman-themed elements, like T-shirts, today the brand’s focus has evolved to a more modern, polished experience. Our team still embodies that playful spirit through artful design, creative programming, and expressive spaces. We’ve built our brand identity from the ground up, tailoring it to be inclusive, dynamic, and ever-evolving. Q: What does female leadership mean to you — and how do you personally uplift the women around you, whether on your team or in your network? A: Female leadership, to me, is about amplifying others through example and support. I mentor, provide platforms, and actively empower women on my team and in the broader hospitality community. Encouraging growth and confidence in the women I work with is something I see not just as a duty but as one of my greatest strengths. Q: What role do women-led businesses like yours play in shaping a more balanced and progressive business landscape in the region? A: Women‑led ventures challenge stereotypes and open new possibilities. By achieving visibility and impact through hospitality, design, and entrepreneurship, we shift norms and inspire future leaders. We help shape a business culture that values creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration—making progress more accessible in the region. Q: Can you share a defining moment in your journey that affirmed you were exactly where you were meant to be? A: A defining moment came when guests began responding emotionally to our spaces, calling Smallville their “second home” or expressing heartfelt appreciation for the design or service. That kind of response across diverse people showed me we weren’t just building a hotel; we were creating experiences and memories. It confirmed I was exactly where I needed to be. Of course, I don’t want to leave out various reviews we received from guests who enjoyed the superhero theme and how they felt like they were on an adventure never seen before within hotels in the country Q: What do you believe are the most powerful traits a woman leader can embody today? A: Resilience, creativity, vision, and the confidence to assert those qualities with finesse. A leader must be resourceful, inclusive, and courageous in decision‑making. And above all, gracious: uplifting others while standing firm in one’s identity and leadership. Q: Finally, what message would you like to send to aspiring women entrepreneurs who are dreaming big but unsure where to begin? A: Start with clarity on what matters to you. Be intentional yet bold. Support others, set high standards, and believe in your value. There will be obstacles, but if you lead with vision, work ethic, and empathy, you’ll create spaces that welcome others to grow with you. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-fakhry-6ba04710b https://www.instagram.com/super_by_sophie/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/executivewomen_/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveWomen