Nina Ismail Sabri is sporting a Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase King Gold White Pave

Throughout her life, Nina Sabrina Ismail Sabri is used to assumptions from others that she is a ‘princess’.

The daughter of a politician and wife of a fashion designer, Nina certainly looks the part with her flowing hair, girlish features and angelic smile. “It doesn’t help that I love to wear pink most of the time too,” she says cheekily.

But those closest to Nina will attest that behind her demure looks is a fiery and passionate woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants.

READ ALSO: The inspiring story of likeminded multitasker and entrepreneur Ung Yiu Lin

Even now as she is expecting her first child with husband Jovian Mandagie, this dynamic entrepreneur is still hard at work overseeing her business ventures: Peterana Kindergarten, Capello by Nina, Fluff Bakery and more recently, a beauty company.

After Nadia Nasimuddin, Nina is the second female Generation T Lister to be chosen by Hublot to share her story on what drives her to excel.

Here are 5 things to know about this go-getter.

1. She’s a tough cookie
   Growing up as the only girl amongst her three brothers toughened her up. “I am very competitive and I always want to win. Once I want something, I work hard to make sure I get it,” she says.
2. She is meticulous and organised
   Being ambitious by default also means that she is committed to making plans and sticking to them with precision. “I am quite a perfectionist. I list down my goals and work towards making them happen,” she divulges  
3. She has a soft spot in her heart for kids
   Scroll through her social media and you will often see pictures of Nina carrying or playing with children. The godmother of Lisa Surihani’s second child finds joy in the company of little ones. “Children are the future leaders of our country and educating them is the first step towards change,” says the mum-to-be.
4. It’s all about balance in her marriage
   While her husband shares her ambition and drive, Nina reveals that Jovian’s adventurous spirit fuses well with her meticulous nature. “He would plan spontaneous trips and activities for us. Being with him has made it easy for me to go with the flow now,” she says.
5. Her current mission is to help small local beauty businesses
   Her latest venture Sephia Beauty creates beauty products for small local businesses. “Normally, new businesses go to China for production to start up their own skincare line or cosmetics. Sephia offers the same service with comparable prices but with better quality,” she explains.

Brought to you by Hublot

Photography: Allan Casal and Shaffiq Farhan
Hair: Joey Yap
Makeup: Jean Cheah and Fibiee Liew using  Decorté
Location: Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur

For more entrepreneurship tips, discover how fellow Generation T Lister Bryan Loo merges chaos and order to succeed.