Women in Bloom - Rhea & Andrea
Spring is a time of change and renewal, and Salim Azzam in Bloom features 7 women blooming in their respective fields.
Rhea and Andrea Bouez are sisters and chefs. As women in a male dominated industry, the Bouez sisters continue to break norms and challenge the status quo by bringing in different work ethics into their workspace. The Bouez sisters are big fans of spring due to the diversity of ingredients and herbs it offers.
Rhea Bouez
What do you do?
I’m a DJ and lately a sous-chef/baker in the making!
Why do you do what you do? How did you get into it?
The only way for me to do something is to love it. So, I do what I do because I love it excessively. As for how I got into, my sister pushed me into the cooking world. And the DJ-ing part because I’ve always been obsessed with sounds and music since I was a kid. I studied sound engineering and design, and ended up playing music and organizing parties.
What are your aspirations for the role of women in your industry?
Engineering – whether in the music or mechanic world – has long been perceived as a male-dominated environment. But this is changing, and it needs to continue changing. Twenty years ago, things were different than they are today because women have come a long way – and I’m super proud.
What is a most recent win you had as a professional in your industry?
The most recent win has been with my sister, when we took over Peck Restaurant. Since then, I’ve felt grateful for embarking in such an interactive and human venture.
What is your favorite thing about spring?
I love the fresh wind.
What does Salim Azzam mean to you and how do you engage with the brand?
Salim himself is a free bird and I love birds; I have lots of them inked on me. I have a thing for flying objects!
Andrea Bouez
What do you do?
I cook!
Why do you do what you do? / how did you get into it?
I love making people happy with my food, it’s my therapy. I got into it from the age of 10 and started testing on Rhea & our brothers. One of my favorite things is to see someone enjoy a really good meal.
What are your aspirations for the role of women in your industry?
The hospitality industry, especially the kitchen, has been a male dominated one for a long time. Women have historically achieved a lot in this industry in Lebanon, but they weren’t always given the credit they deserved. But this is changing. More women are joining the industry and standing their ground. Having more women in assertive roles is slowly introducing a different work ethic and environment.
What is a most recent win you had as a professional in your industry?
I am very grateful that Rhea, Carma, and I were given the opportunity to repurpose and manage a small restaurant in Beirut. This has been our first step in the restaurant scene and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Something smaller but as important: I am meeting more young cooks and producers moving towards a sustainable approach, looking to change the food scene in Lebanon. And this warms my heart.
What is a most recent win you had as a professional in your industry?
The weather, the flowers, the herbs, the ingredients, everyone’s mood.
What is your favorite thing about spring?
A breath of fresh air. The passion he has for his craft, his country & his heritage is inspiring.
What does Salim Azzam mean to you and how do you engage with the brand?
Simply put, I would buy everything he makes.
Rhea wears Shawb T-shirt
Andrea wears Shwab T-shirt & Pink Bird
Photographed by Mohamad Al-Rifai