Dreams rarely unfold the way we plan them, but sometimes detours lead to destinations far greater than imagined. For Zachary Claire Cruz, what began as a casual visit to Dubai turned into the defining chapter of her life. Today, she is the Founder and CEO of Impact Studio FZE and InfluencerDubai.ae, two fast-rising ventures shaping the events, luxury concierge, and influencer marketing scene in the UAE.
Claire’s story did not start in boardrooms or luxury hotels. It began with grit. “I came to Dubai initially just to visit my aunt, but that short trip became the turning point of my life,” she recalled. Long before this, she had already shown resilience. Growing up as the eldest child, she supported her family by juggling different roles — a football varsity player, a military officer in the Philippine Air Force, a sideline artist with ABS-CBN in Cebu, and even a contestant in singing competitions and pageantry. She also reached the Top 10 in the Pinoy Big Brother Reality Show on Kumu.
In her city, people called her the “RAKETERA GIRL,” a title that captured her nonstop hustling spirit. “I was never tamed or afraid, and when I came to Dubai, I knew myself — I am a fighter,” she said.
Her first months in the UAE, however, were anything but easy. She took on jobs in customer service, as a receptionist, and as a CEO secretary. Despite the steady work, she felt a stronger calling. “I always dreamed of being a CEO myself,” she admitted. The reality was tougher than the dream — she experienced two job terminations in just over a year, endured heartbreak, and was scammed in a visa deal that left her overstaying.
Yet, even at rock bottom, she refused to quit. Her salary at that time was only 2,500 AED, with 1,500 AED going to rent. “Sometimes I ate only once a day just to save money, and there were even days I didn’t eat because I needed to send money to my family in the Philippines,” she said. The contrast was stark — from having her own room back home to sharing spaces and cutting meals abroad. But these sacrifices, as she would later prove, became the fuel for her transformation.
Turning struggles into opportunities
Instead of being crushed by hardship, Claire used every challenge to carve out a new path. She explored unconventional side hustles: working as a promoter, DJ, crypto-event host, influencer, and B2B service seller. Each experience became a building block. “Through these struggles, I learned resilience, adaptability, and how to build strong networks,” she explained.
Then came her breakthrough — the launch of Impact Studio FZE, a concierge company that delivers events, luxury services, and influencer marketing campaigns. In parallel, she built InfluencerDubai.ae, a platform connecting influencers and brands while supporting entrepreneurs and content creators.
The progress was remarkable. “Now, the amount I used to earn in a whole month, I can make in just 2–3 days,” she shared. Within only two months of securing her license, she was already working with major clients like Hilton, Marriott, Shangri-La, V Hotel, Sheraton, Five Palm, and other top luxury hotels in Dubai.
Her work has gone beyond business. Claire has been invited to speak at networking events, where she shares her story of resilience. She also sponsors sports teams and helps influencers experience free dining and club access, giving both creators and brands avenues to grow together. “What I enjoy most about my work now is transforming my struggles into opportunities for others,” she said.
Her platforms don’t just provide services — they create ripples of empowerment. By opening doors for others, she has multiplied the impact of her own journey.
Building a vision beyond borders
Dubai reshaped Claire’s understanding of success. “Working in Dubai has pushed me beyond my limits,” she said. “The city’s fast-paced and ever-changing environment forced me to adapt quickly, network relentlessly, and think bigger.” She believes the greatest benefit of working abroad is reinvention — the ability to grow into new roles, embrace risks, and turn failures into stepping stones.
But her ambitions do not stop with her present success. Claire envisions expanding Impact Studio FZE into global industries such as real estate, travel, crypto, and luxury experiences. For InfluencerDubai.ae, she is already planning to develop a dedicated application that will streamline collaborations and empower creators worldwide. “My vision is to build a platform that uplifts creators, empowers entrepreneurs, and helps fellow Filipinos shine internationally,” she shared.
Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her personal philosophy: setbacks are not endings but redirections. She draws strength from faith, determination, and the belief that sacrifices are worthwhile when they build a better tomorrow.
For those who may be struggling abroad, Claire offers words grounded in her own experience. “Be adaptable — things won’t always go as planned, but flexibility will save you. Don’t fear failure — use it as a teacher, not an enemy. Build genuine relationships — trust and sincerity are more valuable than titles,” she advised. “Stay curious and confident — believe in yourself even when no one else does. No matter how difficult things get, remember: you are stronger than your struggles. Let your failures sharpen you, not break you.”
Looking back, what started as a simple trip to visit family has evolved into a journey of self-discovery, reinvention, and influence. Claire has gone from surviving on barely enough to leading a company that partners with some of Dubai’s most prominent names. She has turned her narrative of hardship into one of growth, proving that with resilience, vision, and courage, new beginnings can arise from the most unlikely circumstances.
