Hoda and Mona Salameh
For Mona Salameh, chocolate is more than a craft; it is a family story rooted in passion and tradition. Her mother, Hoda, began creating her own chocolate recipes at home in the 1980s with the support of her husband, turning their home atelier into a reference for fine chocolate in Beirut. Together, they founded Hoda et Chocolat. In a statement, Mona said: “Since the 1980s, my mother, Hoda, has been creating her own recipes at home with the help of her husband. Indeed, her home atelier became a reference in Beirut for fine chocolate, and , I decided to leave the world of high-end cosmetics and luxury to join the family’s workshop.”
Mireille and Yasmina Hayek
For Mireille Hayek, founder of Em Sherif, motherhood and entrepreneurship share the same values of care, dedication and perseverance. Working alongside her daughter Yasmina, she blends Lebanese culinary tradition with modern creativity. Together they continue expanding Em Sherif globally while preserving the authentic spirit, warmth and hospitality that define their family driven vision. Mireille stated: “My daughter Yasmina and I form a formidable team. I bring my knowledge of the market and Lebanese culinary techniques, while she contributes innovative cooking methods and a strong design perspective.”
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
