#LifeLessons - The Biggest Life Learnings Of Latika Chawla

NAME: Latika Chawla

AGE: 41

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @giftbag.ae

JOB TITLE: Co-Founder at Giftbag.ae

Latika Chawla is the co-founder of Giftbag.ae which she set up in 2011, just around the same time she became a mother for the first time. What began as a small online store has grown into a platform that delivers gifts for every occasion across Dubai and the UAE. From birthdays and anniversaries to seasonal celebrations and corporate events, Giftbag.ae has become part of people’s milestones and everyday moments.

For Latika personally, it has been a journey of building a business while raising a family, one that has taught me that progress doesn’t come from waiting for perfect conditions, but from taking small, consistent steps forward.

Latika shares with us her biggest life lessons so far:

#LIFELESSON – 1 - Start Before You’re Ready

I started Giftbag.ae around the same time I became a mother for the first time. Most people assumed I was crazy—why take on a new business at a time when life was already changing so dramatically? But I’ve learned that waiting for the “perfect” time is an illusion. It never comes. Some of my best decisions have come from jumping in, trusting my instincts, and figuring it out along the way. Looking back, I realise the courage to begin, even when it felt overwhelming, set the foundation for everything I’ve built since.

#LIFELESSON – 2 - Build on What You Love

For me, gifting has always been my love language. I love the thought, effort, and joy behind giving. That passion turned into a business that now serves thousands of people every year. From helping someone surprise their partner with flowers, to designing bespoke hampers for a corporate client’s Diwali celebration, the essence is the same—gifting creates connection. My lesson is simple: build on what you love, because passion is the best fuel. It sustains you when business is tough, and it makes the victories sweeter when you succeed.

#LIFELESSON – 3 - Redefining Balance

As a mother and entrepreneur, I’ve often felt torn—was I doing enough at home, and enough at work? The truth I’ve come to accept is that balance isn’t about splitting yourself equally—it’s about being fully present wherever you are. Some days, I’m at my son’s school event and my laptop stays closed. Other days, I’m deep in planning a new launch and my family cheers me on from the sidelines. Balance isn’t perfect—it’s fluid. And that’s okay. What matters is that the people you love feel your presence, and you feel aligned with your choices.