A Bold Leap: How One Couple Found Success in Dubai
A New Beginning: Leaving the UK Behind
In a bold move fueled by ambition and disillusionment, Jason Kwao and Sumekka Selliah-Kwao decided to relocate from the UK to the vibrant city of Dubai. Seeking a fresh start far removed from the gloomy weather and economic challenges of their home country, the couple yearned for warmth and new opportunities. Little did they know that their leap into the unknown would lead to astounding success.
The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
Jason, only 28, had already tasted the entrepreneurial spirit. After dropping out of university, where he felt his studies were unfulfilling, he immersed himself in the world of e-commerce. Initially, he began sourcing homeware products from a warehouse and selling them on Amazon, a venture that sparked excitement and profit. His passion for business was evident as he rapidly transitioned to working with an agency, where he managed high-value accounts and brought in approximately £8,000 a month.
Despite these achievements, Jason felt a sense of burnout. He and Sumekka decided to move to the Dubailand area in December 2023, envisioning a lifestyle filled with sunshine and possibilities, away from the UK’s relentless hustle.
Launching Intermast
With ambitions running high, the couple co-founded their own commercial selling agency, Intermast, in January 2024. Despite initially facing financial strains, as they had invested all their savings and were preparing for the birth of their second child, their entrepreneurial spirit shone through.
Operating within the business-to-business sector, Intermast focused on helping clients capitalize on selling products through Amazon. Their journey was challenging, laden with late rent payments and sleepless nights filled with stress. Yet, armed with determination, they navigated the pitfalls of startup life.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
By January 2025, only a year after launching, Intermast had grown exponentially. The couple had expanded their team to five members, a significant milestone that underscored their success. Incredibly, the business was valued at £1 million, reflecting the impact of their hard work and strategic business approach.
Reflecting on their journey, Jason stated, “When you start to do the right things, people eventually see the value of what you’re doing.” His perspective resonated through the challenges they faced, proving that perseverance pays off.
A Story of Resilience
Jason’s path to entrepreneurship was nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Croydon, south London, he experienced firsthand the harsh realities of life, including crime and instability. Despite struggles at school, where he was suspended for a month, he achieved commendable academic success. This resilience fueled his drive to become an entrepreneur.
After a series of part-time jobs – from cashiers to pizza delivery – he stumbled upon an opportunity that pivoted his career. Learning the ropes of e-commerce from a former housemate, Jason found himself buying products on loan and reselling them, leading to his first major financial success with a £10,000 month in sales.
The Dubai Dream: Family and Future
Now living in a spacious three-bedroom villa with their children, Sofia Amari and 11-month-old Amias, the Kwao family enjoys a lifestyle that Dubai offers. Jason’s reflections on their move to the city highlight how it represents endless possibilities for growth and happiness. With the grind of daily operations now assisted by their expanding team, the couple looks forward to the adventures that lie ahead.
While the challenges of starting a new business were daunting – from hospital appointments to residency applications – the emotional and financial rewards have been well worth the risk. Their story serves as an exhilarating example of testing one’s limits and embracing the unknown, all while discovering the potential that lies beyond one’s comfort zone.
