Leaders

The education sector, particularly early childhood development, is increasingly recognizing the importance of hands-on learning, creativity, and problemsolving. As technology continues to dominate, many educators and entrepreneurs are focusing on experiential approaches that cultivate curiosity and practical skills. This shift emphasizes immersive, play-based learning that equips children with critical thinking and independence. In a market where traditional methods often fall short of fostering holistic growth, a fresh perspective is essential to nurture the next generation’s potential. Understanding this, Lina Sadek, a passionate advocate for hands-on learning, established Studiyo Lab, a pioneering center that empowers children through creative, skill-based workshops.

Lina Sadek is the Founder & CEO of Studiyo Lab, a first-of-its-kind center in the Gulf region dedicated to hands-on, experiential learning for children. With a background in international relations, she pivoted into the marketing and branding industry, where she realized the power of authenticity in education. Lina’s vision for Studiyo Lab is to foster creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence through immersive, skill-based activities that inspire children to explore and develop their passions.

Below is an excerpt of Lina Sadek’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur Review magazine.

Give us a glimpse of your educational journey. How does your educational background impact your work as an entrepreneur?

My educational journey has been unconventional yet profoundly influential in shaping my entrepreneurial path. I pursued international relations and third-world development but found myself charting a different course upon returning to Dubai, where opportunities in my field were limited. Instead, I entered the marketing and branding domain, where I discovered the critical importance of authentic messaging and consistent representation. This foundation taught me that a brand mirrors its creator’s principles and values, and I’ve carried this philosophy into my entrepreneurial ventures.

When launching Studiyo Lab, I prioritized authenticity over aggressive marketing. I believed in refining our offerings and ensuring they resonated with our core values before scaling visibility. This principle of handson, experience-driven learning reflects my belief in nurturing curiosity and creativity, a philosophy rooted in my personal experiences and passion for impactful education.

What led you to establish Studiyo Lab? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise.

I actually started Studiyo Lab back in 2016, driven by a deeply personal journey and a belief in the transformative power of hands-on learning. As a mother, I witnessed how immersive, play-based activities significantly impacted my son’s early development, particularly in language and critical thinking. This sparked my curiosity about educational tools and inspired me to create an environment where children could engage in purposeful, skill-based exploration.

Today, Studiyo Lab stands as the first center of its kind in the Gulf region, offering a meticulously designed curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and designs awareness. Each session empowers children to build, create, and collaborate in a safe and inspiring environment. By addressing the lack of experiential learning opportunities in traditional education, Studiyo Lab transforms young minds, nurturing creativity, confidence, and a passion for lifelong learning.

What are the key roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the Founder & CEO of Studiyo Lab? What are your key focus areas in terms of driving growth for the company?

As the Founder & CEO of StudiyoLab, my role is multifaceted and dynamic, encompassing everything from strategic vision to hands-on execution. At the core, I’m responsible for building and nurturing a team that shares my passion for innovation in education. I carefully select individuals who align with our mission, ensuring we cultivate an environment of collaboration and constant evolution. Key responsibilities also include overseeing the creative direction of our workshops and projects, making quick, agile decisions to ensure we stay at the forefront of educational trends. I model the philosophy of experiential learning by engaging in every aspect of the business, whether it’s curating new projects, exploring partnerships, or representing the company at exhibitions.

My focus for driving growth lies in expanding our reach within schools, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where we integrate project-based learning with classroom curricula. Additionally, I’m spearheading strategic partnerships with the arts community and local governments, enhancing our offerings and ensuring we remain an enriching, alternative educational resource.

Empowering young minds through creativity and hands-on learning, Lina Sadek is shaping the future of education

What are the key challenges you face as an entrepreneur in the early education space, and how do you overcome them?

One of the greatest challenges I faced as an entrepreneur in the early education space was navigating the impact of COVID-19. We were forced to shut down, and reopening without certainty about the future was a significant hurdle. Overcoming this meant holding onto my deep belief in the importance of hands-on learning for young children, which fueled my determination to push forward despite the odds.

Another challenge was redefining our educational offerings post-pandemic. I realized we needed a foundational course to empower kids to work independently with tools, something that had been overlooked. Through careful self-reflection, we identified gaps and adapted our programs. By hiring the right team and focusing on innovation, we refined our offerings and repositioned Studiyo Lab to better serve the community. This resilience and continuous adaptation were key to our recovery and growth.

Throw light on the most significant professional milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey. What is your success mantra?

The most significant milestone in my professional journey is establishing a center that challenges the technology-driven narrative of today’s education landscape. Amid a world dominated by AI, robotics, and coding, I chose to focus on the power of hands-on learning. This center provides children with immersive, tactile experiences, from woodworking to soap-making, that nurture creativity and self-confidence, skills that are essential in today's world, by collaborating with different artisans.

My success mantra is rooted in curiosity and resilience. Overcoming challenges like my battle with cancer and the business impact of COVID, my passion has always driven me forward. Believing in the transformative power of hands-on making, I never gave up, even when I doubted myself initially. Today, I embrace the journey, learning from every experience and surrounding myself with a team that fills my gaps, propelling the vision forward. In essence, it's about believing in the process and never ceasing to evolve.

Lina Sadek, the Founder, Studiyo Lab

Lina Sadek is the Founder of Studiyo Lab, a pioneering educational center in the Gulf region focused on hands-on learning for children. Through woodworking and design technology for children 5 years onwards on specialized child-safe machines, she blends creativity and education to foster problem-solving and critical thinking. Lina’s vision is to empower young minds through immersive, skill-based experiences, nurturing confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.