Many people who move abroad carry dreams of stability and success, often fueled by the hope of creating a better life for their loved ones. For one Filipina entrepreneur, that journey began in 2008 with nothing more than determination, grit, and a modest salary of AED 2,000. Her name is Aisha Soriano Nottath, Founder & General Manager of The Profile Document Clearing Services LLC and Tharwa Gifts Trading LLC, and her story in Dubai is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the courage to build opportunities not just for herself, but for others as well.
Starting out with AED 2,000 and a dream
When she first set foot in Dubai in 2008, Aisha brought with her both excitement and responsibility. She had a family to support back in the Philippines, and every dirham she earned had to be managed with discipline. “When I first arrived in Dubai in 2008 with a salary of only AED 2,000, the biggest challenge was learning how to stretch that limited income to cover both my living expenses and my responsibility to support my family back home,” she shared. Rent, food, and transportation required careful budgeting, and at times the pressure felt overwhelming. “It taught me discipline and financial responsibility very early on,” she added.
Her first role was as a sales executive, where she quickly understood the importance of resilience and adaptability. Despite the low pay and tough beginnings, she channeled her energy into learning and producing results. Within six months, her hard work paid off. She was promoted to Sales Manager, a turning point that shifted her confidence and opened new doors.
“Being promoted to Sales Manager within just six months was a turning point in my career,” she recalled. “It gave me a tremendous boost in confidence, because it showed me that my hard work, persistence, and results were being recognized. At the same time, it also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and take on greater responsibility, not just for my own performance, but for leading a team, motivating them, and ensuring we met ambitious sales targets together.”
That role was more than a promotion—it was the foundation of leadership. It made her realize that she was capable of going beyond employment and creating something that would be her own one day.
Pursuing education and stepping into entrepreneurship
For many overseas workers, time is consumed by balancing work and personal life. Yet for Aisha, the desire to grow pushed her to take on even more. While working full-time, she made the bold decision to pursue further studies, completing an MBA with a specialization in Marketing Management.
“Pursuing an MBA while working full-time was one of the most challenging but also most rewarding decisions of my life,” she said. Her motivation came from the belief that education would open new doors. “I wanted to strengthen my knowledge in business and marketing so I could understand the bigger picture—not just sales, but strategy, leadership, and management.”
Balancing work and study meant sleepless nights and sacrifices, but the reward was worth it. Her MBA not only expanded her knowledge but also gave her the courage to transition from employee to entrepreneur. “Completing my MBA gave me not only academic knowledge but also the confidence to take bigger steps, such as starting my own business,” she explained.
That step came in 2015 when she founded Tharwa Gifts Trading LLC, where she continues to serve as Founder & General Manager. The company specializes in gift items for women and children. Her decision was rooted in her professional background in retail and her deep understanding of consumer preferences. “Before starting my own venture, I had already worked in retail, handling kids’ dress materials and accessories, as well as gift products. This exposure gave me a clear understanding of customer preferences, product potential, and the growing market value of gift items in Dubai.”
Launching Tharwa Gifts Trading was not an unfamiliar leap but rather a continuation of what she already knew, now applied to her own vision. Over the past decade, the company has operated successfully, teaching her lessons about innovation, customer care, and perseverance. “That’s why the business has sustained itself successfully for the past 10 years, and it has been one of my greatest learning grounds as an entrepreneur,” she reflected.
Expanding horizons with a new vision
By 2025, after a decade of managing Tharwa, Aisha sought to expand her entrepreneurial footprint into a completely different industry—corporate services. She established The Profile Document Clearing Services LLC, where she also serves as Founder & General Manager. This venture is designed to ease the burden of government transactions for individuals and businesses in the UAE.
“What sets this venture apart is the vision behind it: to simplify government transactions and documentation for both individuals and businesses,” she explained. For her, the inspiration came directly from personal experience. “While handling Tharwa’s company documentation, staff visas, and other official processes, I often faced challenges, delays, and confusion. These experiences opened my eyes to the struggles that many others go through when dealing with official paperwork.”
With this awareness, she built The Profile to offer more than just paperwork assistance. “Unlike my earlier venture in retail, this business is built on providing solutions and peace of mind. We don’t just process documents—we guide our clients through the entire journey, ensuring they feel supported and confident at every step.”
The Profile’s promise is reliability, transparency, and professionalism. By focusing on affordability and customer service, the company positions itself not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner for expatriates and businesses alike. “Through this company, we aim to provide reliable, affordable, and high-quality services that remove the stress and confusion for clients, empowering individuals and businesses to focus on their growth while we handle their official paperwork efficiently,” she said.
This expansion marks not just growth in her portfolio, but also a widening of her mission: to build businesses that serve people and make life easier for others.
Inspiring others through perseverance and gratitude
Looking back at her 17-year journey in Dubai, Aisha recognizes that every struggle became a stepping stone. From starting with a modest income to becoming a leader and eventually an entrepreneur, she has carried lessons of perseverance, adaptability, and faith.
“My journey in Dubai has been filled with challenges, but every stage has shaped me into the person and leader I am today,” she reflected. “From sales executive to entrepreneur, from student to MBA graduate, from employee to employer—I have learned that determination, hard work, and faith make anything possible.”
She is also quick to acknowledge the people who have been with her throughout her journey. “I am deeply grateful to my husband and family, whose unwavering support has been the foundation of my success,” she shared.
To fellow overseas workers and aspiring entrepreneurs, her message is clear: “Never lose sight of your purpose. Many of us come to Dubai with big dreams, but the reality of starting with a small salary, living away from family, and facing cultural adjustments can be overwhelming. My journey started with just AED 2,000 a month, yet I turned that challenge into motivation.”
Her advice to OFWs is rooted in discipline and growth: “Be disciplined with your finances, invest in learning, and use every job as a stepping stone. Each role, no matter how small, can teach you valuable lessons if you approach it with commitment and an open mind.”
For those dreaming of business, she emphasizes courage and preparation. “Start small but think big. Don’t be afraid to take risks when the time is right, but prepare yourself with knowledge and experience first. Entrepreneurship is not just about profit—it’s about resilience, leadership, and serving others with honesty and passion.”
Above all, she believes gratitude and faith anchor success. “Stay grounded and grateful. The journey is never easy, but with determination, faith, and perseverance, you can create a future that not only uplifts you but also inspires and supports your family and community.”
