Female Founder Spotlight: Khevna Jilla, Familierge

Tell us about yourself and your background

My career began in marketing, where I spent over 15 years working across a range of industries including retail, F&B, and luxury. After receiving my undergraduate degree from The University of Manchester, I joined a marketing graduate scheme at a global telecoms retailer. Over the years, I built a strong foundation in brand strategy and consumer insight, working with both multinational retailers and regional lifestyle brands across the UK and UAE.

But behind the professional timeline lies a deeply personal journey. I’m a mother to two beautiful boys, and like many working mums, I’ve navigated major life transitions while striving to stay grounded and resilient. I’ve grown through challenges, including raising children, relocating countries, and overcoming personal struggles from my past – all of which have shaped not just who I am, but why I started Familierge.

What led to you founding Familierge?

The idea for Familierge came to me while planning my son’s first birthday staycation. I had recently moved back to the UAE with two young children, was working, navigating ongoing house renovations, and trying to organise a meaningful celebration, and it was all far too overwhelming.

That moment made me realise just how unsupported families can feel when juggling everyday life with major transitions, and that’s what sparked the creation of Familierge – a bespoke lifestyle concierge service dedicated exclusively to families. I wanted to build something that would ease the pressure on busy parents.

Every great company is driven by a powerful mission. What is the mission behind Familierge?

Our mission is simple yet profound: to give parents their time and peace of mind back. Familierge exists to remove the stress of planning, coordinating, and juggling family life – so parents can focus on what truly matters: their children, their relationships, and themselves.

We combine logistical expertise with emotional intelligence, knowing that a smooth relocation, a well-planned holiday, or a reliable nanny can dramatically improve a family’s quality of life. I built Familierge not just as a service, but as a partner in parenthood.

How long did it take from your initial idea to launching the company?

The seed of the idea had been brewing since 2022, after I moved back to Dubai. I officially started working on Familierge in April 2023 and launched later that year. So it took around 12–14 months from concept to creation – time spent researching, building a trusted network of partners, and designing a service model that truly works for busy families.

As the only concierge service in the UAE dedicated to families, what is the biggest pressure facing families in the UAE right now?

One of the biggest pressures is time poverty – parents are stretched thin between demanding jobs, long commutes, after-school activities, and the day-to-day logistics of family life. Life in the UAE moves at an incredibly fast pace compared to many other countries, and the pressure to keep up – professionally, socially, and personally – can be intense.

For many families, especially expats without extended support systems, this creates a constant feeling of being behind or overwhelmed. Families are craving more meaningful connection and balance – they want to be present with their children, not just “managing” them. That’s where support systems like Familierge can make a real difference.

Who do you work with?

We work with a wide network of trusted local partners –  from government service providers for visa and relocation support to vetted childcare professionals, housekeepers, wellness providers, and anyone who supports families and shares our values.

Our clients are families relocating to or visiting the UAE – typically working parents who value their time and want the reassurance of high-quality, reliable support they can trust.

Tell us about the services Familierge provides.

We offer a comprehensive suite of lifestyle concierge services tailored exclusively for families, including:

  • Travel Planning – personalised itineraries featuring family-friendly activities, dining, and logistics
  • Childcare Solutions – securing qualified babysitters, tutors, sleep trainers, night-nannies and more
  • Household Support – assistance with sourcing and hiring live-in or live-out help
  • Family Essentials – from healthy meal prep and children’s supplies to preparing for a new baby
  • Event Planning – organising birthdays, baby showers, and special celebrations
  • Relocation Assistance – support with school searches, staffing, and community integration

Every family has different needs, so we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We take time to understand each family’s lifestyle, priorities, and preferences, and then personally oversee every detail — whether that’s finding a bilingual nanny, planning a holiday around nap schedules, or sourcing home staff within a tight timeframe. We also carefully vet all our partners and providers to ensure quality, trust, and alignment with our family-first values. Ultimately, I just want to make sure that parents feel fully supported, whatever stage of life they’re in.

What would you say has been your biggest achievement since launching Familierge? Is there a success story or client case study that perfectly illustrates the value you bring?

One of our proudest moments was helping a newly relocated single mother of twins settle into Dubai. She was overwhelmed with school applications, lacked local support, and was close to burnout. We stepped in and within just a few weeks, she had a nanny, both children enrolled in the right school, her home fully set up, and time to finally breathe.

What stood out in that experience was how emotional the impact was. She told me that for the first time since moving, she felt like she could exhale. And that’s what we aim to do – not just tick boxes, but truly shift how families feel during difficult transitions. The logistical side of what we do is important, but it’s the emotional transformation that really drives our purpose.

The UAE continues to capture the attention of families looking to relocate. In your view, why is the UAE the ideal place for families to relocate to right now?

The UAE offers an incredibly family-friendly lifestyle – excellent schools, safe and well-maintained communities, high-quality healthcare, and a strong sense of cultural diversity. One of its biggest draws is the overall quality of life – from modern infrastructure and convenience to a vibrant social scene and year-round sunshine.

For parents seeking both opportunity and stability, it provides a balanced, future-forward environment where families can thrive. With long-term visas, attractive property investment options, and ongoing development, the UAE has never been more appealing for families looking to settle.

As a female leader and mother, what is your advice for female entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

Start before you feel ready. You don’t need a perfect plan – you need purpose, resilience, and belief in yourself. Let your experiences shape your offering; your authenticity is your biggest asset.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’m learning that building a business isn’t about doing everything alone – it’s about creating a support system, both professionally and personally. Lastly, don’t let anyone tell you motherhood is a limitation. It’s your superpower.

What is your future vision for Familierge?

I want Familierge to become the go-to family concierge brand in the region, eventually expanding to other family-centric hubs globally. I also hope to launch digital services and community-led support platforms for parents navigating relocation or major life changes — especially those who may not have access to bespoke services but still deserve support.

Beyond business growth, I want Familierge to be part of a larger movement — one that normalises asking for help, celebrates involved parenting, and gives families space to flourish. As a mother, I want my boys to grow up seeing the value of hard work and empathy in action. My hope is that Familierge becomes a brand known not just for service, but for supporting parents with heart.

Looking back, every personal challenge has brought me one step closer to this mission. Familierge is more than a business — it’s a reflection of my journey, my values, and my desire to make family life more manageable for others. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and proud and grateful to be able to build something with purpose.

Where can readers find out more about you and Familierge?

You can visit www.familierge.com or follow @familierge on Instagram to learn more about our services and how we support families across the UAE. I also regularly share insights, experiences, and updates on my personal Instagram and LinkedIn profiles, so feel free to connect with me there.

I’m always open to meaningful conversations – whether you’re a parent in need of support, a fellow entrepreneur, or someone who simply shares the vision of making family life a little easier. I’d love to hear from you.

Editor-In-Chief of Bizpreneur Middle East