Karen Comber - Boutique Group

Director of Interior Design

Ultra Luxury Hospitality and Development

Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

We need to show how awesome we are and what amazing influence we can bring to the world. The fact that we can multi-task having children, running homes and having careers should be celebrated. We also need to remind other women that we should support each other and not see each other as the threat. Don't be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone. Great things come from putting yourself in new environments. I recently moved to a new country after an amazing opportunity was presented to me.

Have you faced any challenges in your career as a woman and if so, how did you overcome them?

I feel we all face challenges in our careers as women especially in the construction industry where we are still the minority. Interior design though is seen as quite a feminine industry so at the beginning of my career there weren't many challenges. It's only since rising through the ranks to management and leadership roles that I have started to feel some resistance from others. The better you get at what you do can be seen as threatening to others when the experience and knowledge should be celebrated. So long as we all work together and pull on everyone's strengths then success can be achieved and enjoyed by all.

Is there another woman on whom you would like to shine a light, in the luxury property industry and why?

Actually there are few ladies in the forum who are championing how awesome we are. One amazing lady who stands out for me is Debbie Hunter from Hunter Ops. We got to know each other online during the pandemic and have become firm friends. She is fantastic at what she does along with being the queen of connecting people and knows everybody in the industry. On top of that she is a joy to be around.

I must also mention Sameera Desai, a brand consultant who I recently worked with. In addition to being an amazing results driven branding specialist, as part of the branding process she also turns her hand to counselling. An unexpected and well received add on!

How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in the luxury property industry?

It would be great if there was a mentorship programme within the luxury property industry. Personally I started as an artist and then became a designer. I didn't do a business or marketing degree and this is one area where I would love some regular guidance. I believe it scares a lot of women from pursuing their dreams of becoming their own boss.

What is the best advice you have been given?

'Juniors think they know everything, Seniors know they dont know everything'. . You can be awesome at what you do, but there is no shame of showing naivety and asking for help. I think women find it easier to show this vulnerability and being in a more mixed environment allows for this.

At The Luxury Property Forum we truly believe in “you cannot be what you cannot see”.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, throughout March we are shining a light on our wonderfully inspiring female members who are all leaders in luxury property. If you are an LPF Member and would like to celebrate a senior female member of the your team, please get in touch at marketing@theluxurypropertyforum.com

Karen Comber - Boutique Group - Women in Luxury Property