2008 40 Under Forty: Mariette Barsoum
Mariette Barsoum
Age: 30
Title: Owner/Design Director
Company: Divine Kitchens
Company location: Westborough
Residence: Framingham
Career highlights:
I am living the American dream. Less than a decade ago, I was living and going to college in Egypt, where I was born. Fate introduced me to my husband, who was living in the United States. After we were married, I came to the U.S. and worked at several jobs to learn the local language (I have a linguistics degree, but had never been to America). I ended up working at a kitchen dealer and loving the whole kitchen and bath design industry. I opened Divine Kitchens four years ago when a customer handed me a sizable check, saying, “You have to open your own firm.” It was the vote of confidence I needed to go out on my own and we haven’t stopped since.
Community involvement:
I believe in being a good citizen and giving back to the community. At Divine Kitchens, we offer our showroom free of charge to any local charity or organization for meetings or events. We have two live kitchens where they can prepare and serve food or showcase a local chef. We’ve hosted several local organizations for successful fundraising events including Ovations for a Cure.
Biggest professional success:
I’d have to say opening Divine Kitchens. I never imagined a decade ago that I would be a successful business owner in the United States. Every customer we please is another great success and the awards we are winning are just icing on the cake.
Businessperson you admire most:
I really admire Warren Buffet. He has built various successful businesses offering products and services that people need. He is really the definition of an American entrepreneur. Although he is known as the richest man in the world, he is personally very frugal. I love the fact that his huge success comes from low-tech businesses.
If you weren’t doing the job you’re doing now, what would you do?
I would be working in the hotel industry in Egypt. That’s what I had planned to do with my linguistics degree, until fate stepped in!
If you were stuck on a desert island, what book would you want to have with you?
The Bible.
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