Debbie Baertschi is the chief executive for Asia and Africa at MOXiT.com, an e-commerce platform that sells luxury bags and accessories. Ms Baertschi, 47, from Switzerland, first came to Dubai in 2007 as the chief executive of the German real estate company Engel and Volkers. After the global economic crash, she worked as a company adviser for a couple of years before returning to Dubai to join MOXiT.com, another German company, as it entered the local market
Describe your financial journey so far?
I was born with commercial DNA and earned my first money at the age of nine. I used to go to auctions with my father and collected used, empty Coca-Cola bottles. For every 10 bottles, I used to get 2 Swiss francs (Dh8). My first salary was at the age of 24 as an assistant marketing manager at American Express. In between I had many ventures. I am a good skier and I used to give private skiing lessons. Or in the summer I used to collect fruit on farms. I also did some consulting business and gave advice to start-ups.
Are you a spender or saver?
I like to spend. I like beautiful things and I have rather expensive tastes. When I was younger, I always used to spend up to the limit. There was the excuse about the miles you collect, thus justifying that you are doing a good thing. But I learnt in the last 10 years or so that it is healthy to save. And it is healthy to be balanced. I enjoy that I can purchase what I want and in cash. In the cycle of economics it is good to spend. I am representing the modern behaviour of many people, but now I am a selective spender – I know exactly what I want and what I need. I am a scientific shopper and I love fashion, so I’m perfect for this industry. When you are younger, you are less mature and waste much to find your own style. In the last few years I have found my balanced style and I am critical of what I spend.
What is your philosophy towards money?
I love to spend but also love to save. Philosophy is something that can’t be explained. It is something also identified by my job. We need the client to spend, but we want to give them some savings. At MOXiT.com we help customers to save on luxury goods.
Have you made any financial mistakes along the way?
I have always been lucky. I have a good smell for investment, and have never made a bad investment. But I should have probably listened to my father and started saving a little earlier. I was rebellious back then. In Switzerland you are born with two to three bank accounts, as relatives give you bank books when you are born. I found saving was old-fashioned. But it is a good cushion. I have learnt to love to save.
If you won Dh1 million, what would you do with it?
The top of my list of monetary wishes is to buy an apartment. I am in Dubai for two reasons – Dubai is my home and it is a brilliant hub for travel. It is also safe and secure. Dh1m would go on the top of [my investment plan] to buy a beautiful home here. I live in The Address Residences and want to buy an apartment here as a home and as an investment. I would also support friends.
What do you enjoy spending money on?
Travelling. I am a world traveller and I have filled seven passports. I have travelled to 100 countries and worked in 16. I would love to go to Brazil and the Seychelles, in fact any island. I have never been to Tibet. I would love to discover China more. And I would like to go to Japan.
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