Samarah was born to immigrant parents in the 1970’s, She was the first female in the family to graduate with Honours in Law from Manchester University. Samarah moved to London working in Corporate Finance and Corporate Immigration for multinational firms including Price Waterhouse Coopers and Ernst & Young before setting up UK Immigration Solutions in 2006, which has grown from strength to strength.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in? (50 words response)
I feel at home in both London and Lancashire, my family life with children is in London, but the extended family is all in Lancashire. Hailing from Asian heritage family is at the core of our heart!
2) What are your proudest achievements? (50 words response)
Graduating and seeing my parents smile, when I was dressed in my gradation gown. I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate and the first female in our whole family. I did not realise the enormity of the achievement until years later.
3) What inspires you? (50 words response)
My children and parents inspire me. My parents arrived in the UK without any knowledge of language and cultures, yet they thrived! I want to achieve more to inspire my children to be the best they can be.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career? (50 words response)
My gender, hijab and heritage! However, these obstacles only made me more determined and stubborn to be successful. I did not let other’s prejudice hold me back and often I am told that I defy the general perception of an Asian muslim woman due to my confidence and character.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? (50 words response)
My family, especially my late father. I am blessed with having a very entrepreneurial family who gave me the platform to be confident and believe in myself. My father taught me the meaning of working hard with honour and slow and steady wins the race.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role? (50 words response)
Meeting people from all walks of life, to hear stories of real people’s struggle and to be instrumental in their new lives, where they are successful and thriving with their loved ones.
7) And the worst? (50 words response)
Not knowing when to stop working!! it is very hard running my own business, as I feel that I need to always keep working. I am getting better at having defined work/not working times!
8) What are your long term goals? (50 words response)
I have recently started a new company Anglo German Education, assisting students study in the UK and establishing UK Universities abroad. we are excited to grow the access to British education all over the world.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change ? (50 words response)
I would re-join the European Union, I believe that it is a travesty for future generations not to have the same luxury of access to Member States and the rights that it provided.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why. (50 words response)
Mohammed Ali, I would ask him his life story, he was a phenomenal athlete, an activist and extremely intelligent. He used his sharpness to debate with World Leaders and he challenged boundaries. Through his work he became a hero to the poor, black and minorities. his legend will continue for centuries!
