A Remarkable Journey
You don’t need seed capital to succeed; you only need drive, determination and wit.
The story of Christina-Maria Khater is the story of a remarkable journey, transitioning from a young woman raised in the conservative society of KSA, to becoming a notable female entrepreneur.
Khater is today the founder and managing director of KristiesLab company for marketing and event management solutions, in its three divisions: Moments for weddings, People for brand ambassadors and hostesses, and Experiences for corporate events.
At a very young age, with just a laptop and a mobile phone, Khater built a profitable company from the ground up, based on the idea that passion will help clients find their own voice. Khater’s detail-oriented vision is to create unforgettable celebrations, often including fresh and cutting edge innovations. Her events range from society weddings in exclusive settings, to progressive products’ launches and music soirées, all conceived and brought to life based on trust, friendship, putting clients first and tireless determination.
Khater is also a speaker in Lebanon and throughout the MENA region in conferences and speaking engagements. In 2016, she was selected to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Silicon Valley, USA where the 44th President of the United States, President Barack H. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden chaperoned the event.
Women Empowerment
Christina-Maria Khater created a successful business through KristiesLab company, learned from it and is now helping other women through another success story; the women empowering NGO “Unconditional”, which she established in 2014.
Acknowledging the fact that despite the great progress, many women in the Middle East are still not active participants in politics or in the workforce. Aiming to assist women reach their potential, because “a woman can do whatever she wants”, Khater speaks out for women’s empowerment in order to secure greater political and economic participation.
Unconditional empowers women to be independent by providing consultancies and mentoring, and Khater makes sure on a daily basis to support women through collaborating with working from home ladies and young women seeking part-time jobs to secure an income that will help them pursue their higher education and further dreams.
This commitment and efforts weren’t unnoticed as KristiesLab has won several national and international awards in the women empowerment field: The Silver Stevie Award-Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Europe, Middle East, Africa in 2016, and the Woman in Business & The Professions World Award – Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Europe, Middle East, Africa in 2017. In 2019, KristiesLab has been certified and recognized by the UNGC for women’s empowerment principles in the work place in NYC after scoring 88% on gender equality. KristiesLab was also chosen in 2019 as pioneer for Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) by the Global Compact Network Lebanon (GCNL), which concerns gender equality that is part of Khater’s mission in life.
Giving Back
Christina-Maria Khater has built the success of her business based on the trust of its community, for which she will forever remain grateful, hence her determination to give back to the community and stand by its people, especially in the most challenging times.
Besides actively volunteering with several local NGOs such as Animals Lebanon, Beirut Marathon Association, Lebanese Autism Society and others, Khater has launched two initiatives following the outrageous Beirut blast on August 4th, 2020. The first initiative was “One home at a time”, through which KristiesLab was able to restore 87 houses with the help of its team and resources. The second was “Flip for Beirut”, an art initiative aiming to support 90 families whose homes and livelihoods were severely impacted by the Beirut port explosion. Through digital illustrations created by Lebanese and non-Lebanese illustrators, KristiesLab aims to keep the spirit of Beirut alive.
Achievements
2023
Mother Iconic Records Awards
Christina Khater was awarded at the “Mother Iconic Records Awards” ceremony in the presence of leading media figures and Arab influencers.
2021
Flip For Beirut
Flip for Beirut is an art initiative created by KristiesLab; following One home at a time. It aims to support 90 families whose homes and livelihoods were severely impacted by the Beirut port explosion.
2020
One home at a time
One home at a time is an initiative created by KristiesLab after the Beirut port explosion. This initiative was able to restore 87 houses with the help of KristiesLab team and resources.
2019
Certified and recognized by the UNGC for women’s empowerment principles
KristiesLab has been certified and recognized by the UNGC for women’s empowerment principles in the work place in NYC after scoring 88% on gender equality
2019
Pioneer for SDG 5 GCNL
Organized by the United Nations Global Compact and Global Compact Network Lebanon
2017
Joined the United Nations Global Compact New York City
KristiesLab joined the United Nations Global Compact New York City in 2017 – Participant ID: 119921
2017
Joined Vital Voice’s VVGROW
KristiesLab has joined Vital Voice’s VVGROW and was chosen to be part of a fellowship program at Harvard
2017
Woman in Business & The Professions World Award – Female Entrepreneur of the Year
KristiesLab has won the Woman in Business & The Professions World Award – Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Europe, Middle East, Africa.
2016
Represented Lebanon in the Global
Entrepreneurship Summit GES
KristiesLab has represented Lebanon in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit GES: Hosted by President Barack Obama
2016
Silver Stevie Award-Woman
Entrepreneur of the Year
KristiesLab has won the Silver Stevie Award-Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Europe, Middle East, Africa
2014
People’s Choice Award
KristiesLab has won the Brilliant Lebanese Award