Designers&Us: a community for designers to showcase, connect, and thrive
Tarek Derke’s entrepreneurial journey has been anything but conventional. At 37, he is the Founder and CEO of Designers&Us, a platform designed to elevate global designers and bridge the gap to the UAE market. With a background in Business Management and Communication, Derki’s path is marked by adaptability, a relentless drive for innovation, and an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration.
Derke’s career began in technology, where he worked as a distributor across multiple countries, starting with Syria and later expanding into Lebanon. By the age of 25, his business footprint stretched into markets such as Iraq, Turkey, and Lebanon, showcasing his ability to thrive in challenging conditions. However, the political unrest and economic instability in Syria in 2017 marked a turning point. Forced to pause his operations and relocate, Derke faced the difficult task of rebuilding from scratch. But in this adversity, he found valuable lessons in adaptability and resilience, which would serve as the foundation for his future ventures.
The Birth of Designers&Us
When Derke arrived in Dubai in late 2017, he studied the local market, particularly the fashion sector for three years. He noticed a significant gap: talented global designers often struggled to break into the UAE market, hindered by lack of visibility or exploitation by concept stores. This presented a unique opportunity. Derki saw the chance to create a platform that would support designers and provide them with direct access to their target audiences.
This vision gave birth to Designers&Us, which launched officially on 1 September 2023. The platform offers designers a space to showcase their collections and build a global presence while ensuring their artistry is celebrated and their talents recognised.
A Vision for Empowerment and Innovation
Designers&Us is more than a marketplace—it’s a curated ecosystem for creative individuals to grow, connect, and thrive. By providing resources such as brand-building tools, customer engagement platforms, and a supportive community, Designers&Us allows designers to create their niche and establish lasting connections with clients.
Derke’s professional insight underscores the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. He said that bringing teams, clients, and ideas together fosters unique solutions, and emphasised that collaborative environments are key to unlocking new markets and improving processes.
The platform also highlights sustainability, with Designers&Us committing to eco-friendly practices by prioritising natural materials such as organic cotton and silk. This is reflected in their recent chakra-inspired collection, which debuted at Dubai Fashion Week and was designed to promote balance and harmony through sustainable practices.
Leadership, Challenges, and Advice for Entrepreneurs
Building a brand in the competitive fashion industry has not been without its challenges. For Derke, success is not just about having a great idea; it’s about assembling a diverse, strong team and fostering trust, collaboration, and innovation. He believes in the power of a clear vision, resilience, and adaptability—key qualities that every entrepreneur must embrace.
His advice to future leaders? “Take the time to study, to innovate, and most importantly, to believe in your ability to make a real difference. The challenges ahead may seem daunting, but with passion, creativity, and a commitment to solving problems, there is no limit to what you can achieve. Your ideas matter, and if you stay true to them, the results will speak for themselves.”
Personal Growth and Future Vision
As he reflects on his journey, Derke notes that maturity shifts one’s focus from external goals to personal growth and relationships. He noted that life becomes simpler, and we let go of the need for perfection or control. For him, success is about creating something fresh and innovative, offering solutions that challenge the status quo and contribute to a broader movement of conscious, impactful living.
Looking ahead, Derke remains committed to fostering an environment that values creativity, innovation, and sustainability. His journey—from Syria to Dubai, from setbacks to triumphs—continues to inspire those in the fashion industry and aspiring entrepreneurs across various fields.
