In Conversation with Stephanie Farah

At just 25, she took a leap of faith, channeling her passion into Empyre Communications. What started as a small, boutique agency, a dream fueled by her own grit and vision, has since grown into a powerhouse that’s partnered with more than 300 brands. 

She’s not just a founder, she’s a leader who navigates the demanding world of business while making time for what truly matters her own well-being, exploring new places, and cherishing her family. Her journey is a testament to the power of courage and staying true to yourself. It shows that with enough persistence and confidence, you can build something real and impactful without sacrificing who you are.

 

Can you tell us a little about your journey and what inspired you to start Empyre Communications?

I founded Empyre Communications in 2017 at the age of 25, with the vision of building a boutique agency that could offer brands a more personalised and impactful approach to communications. 

After years of working with international and regional names, I saw a gap for an agency that combined strategic thinking with creativity, but also placed relationships at the heart of everything. Empyre was born out of a desire to be that partner for clients helping them grow while building lasting connections with their audiences.

Stephanie Farah

 

What were some key lessons you learned working with top regional and international brands before launching your own agency?

I learned the importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity. Every brand has its own DNA, but the ability to localise campaigns to truly resonate with regional audiences is critical. 

I also saw firsthand that PR is not just about coverage, it is about storytelling, strategy, and alignment with business goals. These lessons continue to shape how I lead Empyre today.

 

How did your early experiences shape your approach to running a boutique agency?

My early career exposed me to both large networks and smaller independents. I understood the agility and creativity of boutique firms, but also the structure and process of global agencies. 

At Empyre, I fused the two: we operate with the flexibility of a boutique agency, but maintain the systems, professionalism, and accountability of a larger firm.

 

What were the biggest challenges you faced as a young entrepreneur in the PR and marketing industry?

The biggest challenge was being taken seriously. At 25, pitching against established agencies required proving not only our creativity, but also our reliability. Building trust was critical. 

It meant working harder, delivering beyond expectations, and showing that youth was an asset bringing energy, innovation, and fresh thinking to the table.

 

How would you describe your leadership style and the culture you’ve built at Empyre Communications?

My leadership style is collaborative yet driven. I believe in empowering my team, giving them ownership, and creating an environment where ideas can thrive. 

The culture at Empyre is one of creativity, accountability, and support. We celebrate wins together, learn from setbacks together, and always strive for excellence.

 

How do you empower your team to stay creative and innovative in a fast-changing industry?

We encourage continuous learning, whether that’s being inspired by what other brands in the market are doing, or understanding what new tools are in the market to further help us create dynamic campaigns. 

I also believe creativity comes from trust; when the team feels safe to take risks and experiment, true innovation happens. At Empyre, we embrace curiosity and challenge ourselves to think beyond the obvious.

Team Empyre Communications

 

Empyre has grown to work with over 300 brands across multiple sectors. How do you maintain quality and consistency across such a wide portfolio?

We’ve built strong processes and internal systems that ensure every campaign, regardless of size, meets our standards. More importantly, we treat every client as a partner, not just a project. 

That personalised care ensures consistency. Our managers are deeply involved, and I remain hands-on to guarantee the quality that Empyre is known for.

 

What sets Empyre apart from other PR and marketing agencies in the region?

Our one-stop-shop 360 approach is key—we offer PR, influencer marketing, social media, events, and brand collaborations under one roof. But what truly sets us apart is our boutique nature: we give the same level of passion and attention to every client, whether a global brand or an emerging local business. We are relationship-driven and results-focused.

Outside work, what are some passions or hobbies that inspire and recharge you?

I love traveling – it really recharges and refreshes me. It allows me to come back to work with full energy and sparks the creativity in me. 

I am also passionate about wellness, whether it is fitness, nutrition, or mindfulness, as it keeps me balanced and energized. Spending time with loved ones is equally important; it grounds me and reminds me why I do what I do.

 

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your personal and professional life?

My parents have been my greatest influence – they instilled in me resilience, humility, and the value of hard work. 

Professionally, I am inspired by leaders who combine creativity with strategy, and who push boundaries in their industries while uplifting others along the way.

 

As a female leader, what advice would you give to women aiming to start their own business?

Do not be afraid to take risks, ask questions, or make mistakes – they are part of the process. Surround yourself with mentors and a strong network

Most importantly, trust yourself; confidence and persistence are your strongest assets.

 

How do you balance your professional growth with personal life and wellbeing?

Balance does not come automatically it requires intention. I set boundaries where possible, prioritize my health, and make time for family and friends. 

I also see personal wellbeing as fuel for professional success; when I am recharged, I lead better and create better. It is about integration, not perfection.

 

What exciting plans or goals do you have for Empyre Communications in the next few years?

We are focused on expanding our regional footprint, while continuing to strengthen our portfolio in the UAE. Most importantly, our goal is to keep delivering meaningful campaigns that create lasting impact for our clients.

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