Power couples discuss building businesses together at SEF 2026

February 01, 2026 / 9:53 PM

Sharjah24: Running a company with a life partner means work and home life often blend together, creating challenges that test relationships as much as they strengthen them. This was the key insight shared by the founders of Eleven Green and House of Pops at the ninth Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026). In a candid session, these entrepreneurial couples spoke openly about what it takes to succeed together—emphasising discipline, trust, and resilience.

Founders share their journeys

Two of the UAE’s most well-known founder couples—House of Pops’ Mazen Kanaan and Marcela Sancho, and Eleven Green’s Sultan and Kinda Chatila—reflected on their experiences during a panel moderated by Lara Geadah of Cameo Communications. The discussion, titled “Navigating Startups and Personal Life with Power Couples,” provided valuable insights for both new and experienced entrepreneurs.

Roles, rituals, and reality checks

A crucial lesson for both couples was the importance of clear roles. At House of Pops, overlapping responsibilities early on led to tension. “This was one of our biggest lessons,” Sancho explained. “I handle manufacturing and people, while Mazen focuses on business, marketing, finance, and operations.” Kanaan added, “You have to decide whether you’re building a family business or a company that will last. We chose the latter, even if it hurt profitability.”

Integrating family and business

For Eleven Green, family life is part of the brand’s rhythm. “Every time we open a branch, we’re the first customers, along with our kids,” Kinda Chatila shared. This ritual strengthens the bond between business and family.

Managing disagreements

Disagreements are inevitable, but how they’re handled is key. Sultan Chatila recalled a chaotic opening night when a grill malfunctioned. “We argue, no doubt,” he said. “But we have a solution: daily 90-minute morning walks, where we vent and even resolve conflicts.”

Professional accountability

For Kanaan and Sancho, balancing professional accountability with personal relationships was challenging. “If she didn’t submit a report on time, I couldn’t treat her differently,” Kanaan noted. Yet these pressures revealed their resilience. Sancho once drove a van to fetch ice cream, showing her dedication and teaching Kanaan the depth of her commitment.

Grwth through collaboration

Working together, the founders found that personal growth was as significant as business growth. “Mazen pushes me every day—through podcasts, courses, even public speaking,” Sancho said. “Marcela taught me unconditional love,” Kanaan added. At Eleven Green, honesty is key. “She’ll tell me if something’s missing in my sauce,” Sultan said.

Sustaining passion in a competitive market

In the F&B industry, creativity must be constantly renewed. “We travel for inspiration, and we stay involved in the creative process,” Kinda explained. For House of Pops, staying true to health and wellness is the challenge that keeps the brand sharp.

None of the founders claim to have found perfect balance. “You’ll never get it right,” Kanaan said. “It’s always evolving, and you’re always growing through it.”