Rita Makhoul, communications consultant extraordinaire, is marking her return to Kuwait with one magnificent bang. If you don’t see her rallying people to get something amazing done, then she’s probably locked herself up in some secret location dreaming up a campaign idea.

Rita considers her return to Kuwait a natural phenomenon. “There seems to be a consensus that everyone would rather leave Kuwait than stay here.” Like everyone else, we all leave to experience something new and different, or as Rita adds, “To click that refresh button. I have returned refreshed and having gained great life and work learning experiences. I think the best way I can describe why I chose to return here is very simple: Kuwait is home.”

Extremely passionate about her field, Rita has over ten years of industry experience, “I could easily be married to my job! My communications experience in the consumer industries in the region, mainly in the automotive, fashion and F&B industries, has allowed me to develop an understanding of the intricacies of this niche.” Back with a plan, of course, she went on to establish Onyx Communications, working closely with small to medium businesses, especially start ups. “Kuwait has loads of local entrepreneurs who launch some great concepts and it is very exciting being with them at the starting line when everything is still being conceptualized. We work with our clients as their partners and nurture the needs of their small business to witness it grow and bloom together.“ Stay tuned to this one guys, she is whirlwind of fun, creativity, and we only expect better things to come for Rita.

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Determined.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Affectionate.

What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked?

“Is THAT your real hair?”.

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

One morning I woke up and decided “today I’ll jump out of a plane” … and I did! (With a parachute, of course!)

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

Bazinga!

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

There isn’t a specific place I’d like to live. I love the idea of moving to a different country every couple of years and absorbing cultures through experience (Dear family & friends, before you pick up the phone to call me, I said it’s an idea! I’m not moving away again!) I moved away for a couple of years and chose to return to Kuwait. I love it here and can’t imagine being anywhere else right now! I’d like to spend my retirement years in Cuba living the simple life.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?  

Since I’m answering questions about myself, a Margaret Thatcher quote came to mind “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

*giggles* I don’t think scientists are capable of genetically (or insert another scientific term here) creating an animal that would have the all the traits I’d like in a partner.

What do you miss about your childhood?

The excitement I used to feel when I would wake up on Thursdays (a weekend in those days) to watch cartoons with my brothers.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I can’t imagine myself being called anything else!

How would you describe your handshake in one word?

A handshake. Very ordinary.

What is the toughest part of your character?

I’m very hard on myself. I’m a perfectionist who sets high performance standards for myself and I am overly critical if I don’t meet those standards. It’s what motivates me to get things done.

Who is your favourite historical figure?

Does Count Dracula count? (you see what i did there? No? Ok. Moving on) Seriously though, I judge people by their actions and there are many historical figures who may have represented things that I respect, such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Che Guevara, but I can’t consider either of them as my favourite historical figure since other aspects/traits they had are not ones I admire.

What in the world do you least desire?

Negativity.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

Acceptance. If people were more accepting of one another the world would be a tad better.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

What don’t they like?! I’m a joy to be around, loads of fun, kind-hearted and honest! (oh and very modest too!)

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”

Inner peace. Happiness is a choice we make and we find it through inner peace.

For more on Rita’s work, check out www.facebook.com/OnyxComms and connect with her on Twitter, @rampurple.