Voices of UAE: The Journey of Donna Mae Josephine Carillo – A Story of Strength, Dreams, and Unstoppable Will

By Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh.

The streets of Iloilo City, Philippines, were filled with the laughter of children playing, the scent of home-cooked meals, and the dreams of a little girl named Donna Mae Josephine Carillo. But Donna’s dreams were bigger than the narrow roads of her hometown. She didn’t just want a good life—she wanted a great one, not just for herself, but for everyone she loved.

Her mother’s words rang in her ears since childhood: “You are meant for greatness.” It was more than just advice—it was a promise. Little did she know that one day, she would stand in the heart of Dubai, not just as an entrepreneur but as an inspiration to many.

Life was never easy for Donna. She worked as a call center agent, an immigration consultant, an account officer, an executive secretary, and a sales executive before stepping into the world of business. Every job she took was like a stepping stone, teaching her a new lesson, preparing her for something bigger.

Then came 2015—the year of change. With just AED 1,500 each, Donna and her husband Rami Hajjar took a risk. They had no big investors, no grand offices—just a vision and unwavering faith. Inspired by her sister in Hong Kong, who encouraged her to sell gold jewelry online, Donna took the first step. And in that moment, she unknowingly changed the game forever.

She introduced live selling of gold in the UAE, something no one had done before. At first, there were doubts. Who would trust an online seller? Who would buy expensive gold without seeing it in person? But Donna believed. And soon, people started believing too. What started as a small business from home turned into something bigger than she ever imagined.

Gold was just the beginning. Donna and Rami’s hunger for innovation led them to a new dream—D&R Pure Watches. A watch is not just a timepiece; it is a legacy. Rami, with his background in mechanical work and design, envisioned crafting unique watches that would last for generations. Donna, with her sharp business mind, turned this vision into reality.

They worked tirelessly, pouring everything they had into their business. The late nights, the failures, the setbacks—none of it could break them. They didn’t just build a brand; they built a symbol of quality, trust, and timeless elegance, And the world noticed.

Donna was honored with awards such as:

• Most Prominent Quality Jewelry and Watch Provider (International Award)
• Global Trends Business Leader Award – World-Class Provider of Quality Jewels
• Brand Asia Awards – Top Global Brand Recognition
• Remarkable Woman of Inspiration and Outstanding Entrepreneur
• MELA Award for Most Inspiring Business Leader and Entrepreneur of the Year
• Pinnacle Awards – Asia’s Most Reliable Jewelry and Watch Business

These were not just trophies on a shelf. They were proof that dreams, no matter how impossible they seem, can become reality.

But behind the success was a journey filled with struggles. There were days of doubt, nights of exhaustion, and moments of defeat. As a Filipino entrepreneur in Dubai, Donna faced skepticism. People underestimated her. Suppliers ignored her. Competitors doubted her.

She could have given up. But she remembered her mother’s words: “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” So she fought harder. She proved herself not with words, but with actions. And slowly, respect replaced doubt. Today, D&R Pure Jewels is a household name, built on honesty, perseverance, and faith.

But her toughest battle wasn’t in business—it was personal. Losing her father was a heartbreak like no other. He never got to see how far she had come, how much she had built. But instead of letting grief break her, she used it as fuel. Every success, every milestone, was dedicated to him.

Amidst the empire she built, Donna’s greatest pride is not her business, but her family. Her husband, Rami, and their son, Raphael Hajjar, are the heart of everything she does. No matter how busy she gets, she makes sure to pause—to laugh, to love, to create memories.

She and Rami expanded their empire beyond jewelry and watches. They created D&R Elegant Events LLC, an event planning company that organizes concerts, parties, and grand celebrations. Because life, no matter how challenging, should always have moments of joy.

Donna’s journey is not just a success story—it’s a message. A message to every dreamer, every hustler, every person who dares to believe in something bigger.

Her advice to those chasing dreams? “Never forget where you came from. Trust the process. Work hard, but work with a heart. Success is not just about money; it’s about the people you uplift along the way. And above all, always keep faith in God.” She believes in one truth: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

From a little girl with big dreams to a woman who built an empire—Donna Mae Josephine Carillo is proof that no dream is too big, no obstacle too strong, no journey too hard. Her story is not over. In fact, it’s just getting started.

This is Donna Mae Josephine Carillo’s story.

This is the Voices of UAE. This is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and an unbreakable dream.

Voices of UAE is an initiative by DXB News Network, operated by Markazia Solutions LLC FZ in Dubai. This platform is dedicated to sharing compelling stories and insights from individuals across the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the nation's rich tapestry of experiences.

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Disclaimer: Voices of UAE is an initiative by DXB News Network, operated by Markazia Solutions LLC FZ Dubai. This article is intended for inspirational and informational purposes only. All views, achievements, and experiences mentioned are based on personal journeys and should not be construed as financial or professional advice. For more information, visit dxbnewsnetwork.com.

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