#LifeLessons - The Biggest Life Learnings Of Annie Stacey

NAME: Annie Stacey

AGE: 32yrs

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @anniestacey and @reloveduae

JOB TITLE: Founder & CEO, Reloved & Senior HR Recruiter Manager

Annie Stacey is the Founder and CEO of Reloved, the UAE’s homegrown platform that makes buying and selling secondhand items easy, trustworthy, and sustainable. Having called the UAE home for over 11 years, Annie balances her life as a business leader, devoted mum to her little boy, Barney, proud dog mum to her adopted “lion-lookalike,” Milo, and wife to her ever-supportive, routine-loving husband, Dan.

With a background as a Senior HR Manager for a leading risk consultancy firm in DIFC, Annie has always been passionate about empowering people and strengthening communities. Through Reloved, she’s combining that passion with purpose, driving the movement towards circular shopping, sustainability, and conscious consumption across the UAE.

When she’s not championing sustainable change, you’ll find Annie soaking up the sunshine, catching up with friends over lunch, or enjoying long family walks with Milo.

Today Annie shares her biggest life learnings to date with us:

#LIFELESSON – 1: Life is short - do what makes you happy.

For me, that’s more than just a saying, it’s the principle that guides everything I do. Time is the one thing we can’t buy back, so every decision I make is rooted in purpose, passion, and a desire to live a life that truly feels meaningful.

After more than a decade living in the UAE, I’ve built a life that reflects my values. One that balances family, business, and community impact. As a mum, wife, and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that happiness doesn’t come from perfection or constant motion; it comes from being present and aligned with what truly matters.

Through Reloved, I’ve been able to bring that philosophy to life. The platform is my way of encouraging others to live more consciously: to buy, sell, and share in ways that give back to both the community and the planet. For me, success isn’t just about growth; it’s about creating something that inspires others to think differently and live intentionally.

Life moves fast, but I’ve found that when you fill it with meaning, purpose, and people you love, that’s where true happiness lives.

#LIFELESSON – 2: Don’t sweat the small stuff - karma handles that.

That’s a mantra I live by. Over the years, I’ve learned that the energy we give out shapes what comes back to us and that worrying about things beyond our control only drains the energy we need for what truly matters.

For me, staying calm, kind, and focused has been key to both personal and professional growth. Whether I’m leading a team, building a business, or balancing motherhood, I’ve found that maintaining integrity and grace, even in the most challenging moments, always leads to the right outcomes.

This belief in balance and good energy is also at the heart of Reloved. I built the platform with positive intent: to connect people, support sustainable living, and help others find value and joy in giving items a second life.

My philosophy is simple: invest your time in the good, let go of what doesn’t serve you, and trust that what’s meant for you will always find its way back. Because when you focus on kindness and purpose, karma takes care of the rest.

#LIFELESSON – 3: Growth begins outside your comfort zone.

It’s a belief that has guided me through every chapter of my life. I’ve learned that the most transformative moments often begin with uncertainty, the leap before the landing.

From stepping into motherhood to launching my own tech platform, I’ve discovered that true confidence is built through courage. Every challenge, every risk, and every uncomfortable step forward has shaped my growth, both personally and professionally. I’ve come to realize that comfort zones are where dreams stay ideas, but action is what turns them into reality.

Founding Reloved was one of those defining leaps. What started as an idea became a mission to reshape how people in the UAE think about secondhand shopping and making it accessible, sustainable, and community-driven. My journey is proof that meaningful change rarely happens when you play it safe.

My philosophy is simple: embrace the unknown, trust your instincts, and take the step even when it feels uncertain. Because on the other side of fear is growth and that’s where confidence, purpose, and real progress are born.