In Dubai, a city that epitomizes the fusion of cultural heritage with cutting-edge modernity, Nicolai de Guzman has risen as a beacon of ingenuity and tenacity. Serving as the Chairman and Chief Design Officer of Ichiryu Ramen House Dubai, he and his brothers have crafted a thriving business from their collective passion. This feature chronicles Nicolai’s journey from a challenging upbringing in the Philippines to achieving entrepreneurial success, underscoring his dedication and innovative spirit.
Nicolai’s story is one of ambition, fueled by a desire for a better future.
“I grew up in a very financially challenged family,” he recalls with The Global Filipino Magazine, highlighting the stark realities that pushed him toward seeking opportunities overseas.
With a background in Banking and Finance, thanks to a scholarship from the Rotary Club, Nicolai quickly realized his true calling lay in the realm of design. This realization led him on a path that diverged from conventional expectations, toward a career that resonated with his creative soul.
His journey abroad began at the age of 25 when he moved to the UAE, initially working as a graphic designer before quickly ascending through the ranks of the creative industry. Nicolai’s career saw him contributing to high-profile projects for global brands such as Adidas, Netflix, Google, and TikTok, among others.
Reflecting on these achievements, Nicolai shares, “The first proud moment I ever had was when I saw the billboard that I did along Sheikh Zayed road for adidas.”
However, the pinnacle of Nicolai’s career has been the establishment of Ichiryu Ramen House with his brothers. In this venture, Nicolai has been able to marry his passion for design with his entrepreneurial spirit, creating a space that not only serves delicious food but also showcases his personal collection of Japanese art and memorabilia.
“I am very honored that I am able to do what I’m passionate about and work hard for my own business,” Nicolai states, emphasizing the joy and satisfaction derived from his work.
Despite the successes, Nicolai’s journey has not been without challenges. He shares poignant memories of his early struggles, from barely having enough money for transportation to working multiple jobs to support his education. These experiences have instilled in him a profound appreciation for hard work and the value of money, principles that have guided him through his entrepreneurial journey.
Looking ahead, Nicolai dreams of expanding his business endeavors and giving back to the community. Inspired by his own experiences with scholarship, he aspires to create opportunities for education and development for underprivileged children.
“I am not planning to change millions of lives, if I can even help 1, 10, or God-willing 100 more kids then I know they would pay it forward as well,” he explains, outlining his vision for a future where success is shared and multiplied.
For fellow Filipinos navigating the complexities of life abroad, Nicolai offers words of wisdom and encouragement: “Life is the most challenging but the most beautiful thing we have. There is no shortcut in life. Get out of your comfort zones. Stay humble and love other people.”
His advice reflects a life lived in pursuit of growth, love, and happiness, emphasizing the importance of resilience, humility, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Through his work, Nicolai continues to inspire not only the Filipino community in the UAE but also aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives worldwide, proving that with passion and hard work, any dream is within reach.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 10 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
