“My Mother Built It. I Refused to Let It Die” -Tamara Mosly

Mo catches up with old friend Tamara Mosly who took over her mother’s 38-year-old business: Fantasy Party. What began as a family venture has evolved into one of Saudi Arabia’s most recognisable local brands, bringing joy to generations of children through events, gifts, toys, costumes, and celebrations.

 

Tamara reflects on her mother’s legacy of building and growing the business during a very different era in Saudi Arabia, in an industry that was once viewed rather unconventional. Together, Mo and Tamara explore the responsibilities of parenthood, the realities of burnout, and the ongoing journey of finding purpose, fulfillment, and joy in an ever-evolving world.

 

0:00 Intro

3:16 Facing Tradition as Women in Business

5:37 Lessons from a Strong Mother

7:43 Growing Up Saudi & Lebanese

9:41 School, Rebellion & Street Smarts

12:02 Applying to the Ivy League… and Getting Rejected

14:00 Growing Up Inside the Family Business

15:37 The Golden Era of Children’s Parties

20:02 Returning to Saudi Arabia During Vision 2030

21:27 Building the F1 Jeddah Guest Experience

22:26 Bringing the British Museum to Madinah

24:00 Witnessing Saudi Arabia’s Transformation Firsthand

25:04 Training 300 Saudi Drivers for Formula 1

28:13 Why Saudi Teams Outperformed Expectations

32:19 From Formula 1 to the Red Sea Film Festival

34:42 Miscarriage, Burnout & Pushing Through

41:24 Motherhood, Work & Hidden Struggles

43:32 Saudi Arabia: Then vs. Now

48:39 How E-Commerce Nearly Killed a 38-Year Legacy

53:06 Taking Over the Family Business

56:00 Choosing Gratitude Over Success

58:27 Loss, Aging & Staying Connected

1:02:06 Health, Motherhood & Losing Yourself

1:04:13 The Truth About Work-Life Balance

1:08:06 Guilty Pleasures

1:10:12 The Dream She Had to Let Go Of

1:15:21 Confidence, Emotions & Feeling Understood

1:18:45 Final Reflections