Written by: Mahmoud Demerdash
Date: 2024-10-16
Crafting Communities, One Story at a Time
Once again, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Omar Seadawy, the visionary founder of Town Writers, as he graces our cover to share updates on his ever-evolving journey in the real estate world. Since our last feature, where we explored how Town Writers redefined the notion of home as a space for crafting personal stories, Omar has continued to push the boundaries of development and community building. This time, we delve deeper into the man behind the company, his passion for equestrianism, the influence of his time in Rome, and the latest projects that continue to shape Town Writers as a unique force in the Egyptian real estate market. With a global outlook and a personal touch, Omar is not just developing properties but creating spaces where stories come to life, drawing from personal and professional experiences.
Town Writers' Evolution
The Growth of Town Writers Over the Past Year
Though Omar Seadawy is a man of few words, his work speaks volumes, with each project he creates telling a story far more powerful than any statement could convey. Since our last edition, Town Writers has continued to evolve, cementing its role as a dynamic force in Egypt’s real estate market. Mr. Seadawy shared that the company’s strategic focus on community-driven development has only deepened with new projects to enhance residents’ quality of life. “We’re always looking for ways to make our clients’ lives better,” Omar explained, emphasizing how recent economic shifts have opened new opportunities for real estate investments. This community-centric approach is what sets Town Writers apart, fostering a sense of connection and belonging among its residents.
Mr. Seadawy’s approach to business is rooted in storytelling. “You see them as people; we see them as stories,” he explains. “We’re called Town Writers, but we just create the town for the writers. We pay attention to people’s stories—what do they want, their goals, their dreams?” This unique perspective reinforces the idea that understanding the needs and aspirations of clients and customers is vital in crafting meaningful experiences. It’s this storytelling approach that makes Town Writers’ developments so intriguing, each one a unique narrative waiting to be lived.
Town Writers has also honed its marketing strategy, effectively utilizing both traditional methods like billboards and innovative digital strategies. A standout achievement this year has been the success of their Notion project, which Mr. Seadawy proudly shared is “going very well and mostly sold.” This success story is a testament to the company’s commitment to creating spaces that tell unique stories and has resonated strongly with buyers. With the majority of units sold, Town Writers is now focusing on future projects at the end of the year. Mr. Seadawy hinted that the team is already in the planning stages for new developments, continuing their mission to design spaces that meet market demands and elevate their residents’ lifestyle experiences.
Town Writers continues to strengthen its partnership with LXIAS, leveraging their collaboration to refine marketing strategies and enhance the company’s brand presence within Egypt’s competitive real estate market. Mr. Seadawy described their partnership with LXIAS by saying, “I love our partnership with LXIAS because they truly understand our vision and quickly bring it to life. They’re a powerhouse when it comes to transforming a brand and catapulting it further.” Each step they’ve taken has centered around pushing the goalpost further and community engagement, keeping Town Writers at the forefront of the industry. As a result, their reach has expanded, and they’ve successfully positioned themselves within the market’s latest trends, poised for even more tremendous growth in the coming years.
Real Estate Trends and Future Directions
Adapting to Egypt’s Shifting Real Estate Market
As Egypt’s real estate market continues to evolve, Town Writers has remained agile in its approach to development, capitalizing on recent economic shifts. According to Omar Seadawy, the current economic environment has positively impacted the sector, driving more people to invest in real estate as a stable asset. “Many are seeing the long-term value in property investment, and we’ve adapted to meet that demand with projects that resonate with both investors and residents,” he explained. When discussing the Egyptian customer, he chimes in, “The Egyptian customer is highly engaged and deeply invested in the real estate market.”
As Egypt’s real estate market undergoes rapid change, he further highlighted that one of the most significant developments over the past year was a major real estate deal between Egypt and Dubai, “From my perspective, the biggest development this year was the deal between Egypt and Dubai in Shael. It’s a crucial milestone that I believe will elevate our real estate industry to the next level.” which has had a profound impact on the sector. “The partnership between Egypt and Dubai opened up new investment avenues and created a surge in interest within the market,” he noted. This deal has driven more people to see real estate as a prime investment opportunity, and Town Writers has responded by aligning its projects to meet this rising demand.
With numerous Egyptian firms investing across the MENA region and Africa, this decade has showcased the visionary approach of Egyptian architects, driven by their ambition to expand their influence beyond national borders. When asked about expanding beyond Egypt, Mr. Seadawy explained, “There are no plans to invest in other countries yet, as we’re far from finished investing in Egypt. There’s still so much to accomplish here, and it will be a long time before we consider expanding beyond.” He further says, “I love Egypt, its market, its customers, and everything that makes it unique. Doing business here gives me a sense of comfort, and it’ll be a while before I even consider moving on.”
Expanding into Fashion and Other Ventures
Branching Out: Fashion and Beyond
Beyond real estate, Omar Seadawy has successfully expanded into the fashion industry with the launch of two brands, Teela and Beyreck. When inquired about his foray into fashion, Mr. Seadawy stated, “Over the last three years, I’ve ventured into fashion, launching a clothing line made entirely from Egyptian materials. I now have multiple production sites across Egypt, and I’m hopeful we can expand even further.” These ventures complement his work in real estate by embracing the same commitment to storytelling and design. “Much like real estate, fashion is about identity and expression,” he explained. “Through Teela and Beyreck, we’re crafting brands that speak to consumers’ lifestyles, just like we do with our developments.”
Managing multiple businesses may seem daunting, but it’s all about building the right teams for Omar. “Each of our ventures has its own dedicated, talented team that understands the brand’s mission and operates independently to execute our vision,” he shared. This approach allows him to balance his focus across different industries without losing sight of the core values he upholds in all his endeavors: innovation, quality, and a strong customer focus.
When asked why he diversified beyond his main business, Mr. Seadawy said, “I focus on customer needs—what the client is looking for—and aim to fill those gaps. A true businessman doesn’t limit himself to just one industry.” Looking ahead, Mr. Seadawy envisions both fashion brands growing into household names while continuing to support the broader vision of creating experiences that resonate with consumers on a personal level. For him, these projects are business ventures and creative outlets that align with his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for design.
Rome’s Influence
The Lasting Impact of Rome on Seadawy’s Approach
Omar Seadawy’s time in Rome profoundly influenced his outlook on business, storytelling, and design. “I was born in Italy; it’s my other home,” he shared, emphasizing his deep connection to the culture and its values. This connection has instilled in him a keen appreciation for the details that define exceptional work. “I learned from Italy that they care about every single thing,” he explained. This meticulous attention to detail has become a guiding principle in his own ventures, where he believes that every element, whether in real estate or fashion, should resonate with purpose and meaning.
The average Italian’s dedication to their craft has left a lasting impression on Omar, shaping his approach to new challenges. He often draws inspiration from the Italian ethos of quality and passion, which he sees as essential in creating spaces that tell stories. “It’s about focusing on what truly matters and ensuring that every project reflects that commitment,” he said. Whether developing a new property or launching a fashion line, Mr. Seadawy strives to incorporate this philosophy, ensuring that his work not only meets expectations but also elevates the experiences of those who engage with it. This blend of Italian influence and his visionary drive continues to guide Omar as he navigates the complexities of the real estate and fashion industries.
Equestrianism and Personal Life
Balancing Business and Passion for Equestrianism
Omar Seadawy’s passion for equestrianism plays a significant role in shaping his leadership style and approach to business. “My hobbies are riding horses and motorcycles,” he noted, highlighting how these interests not only provide him with joy but also impart valuable life lessons. He believes that horse riding teaches essential skills such as care and navigation, emphasizing, “It teaches you to traverse challenges, and I’ve taken that lesson into life.” This perspective helps him approach business obstacles with a clear mindset, knowing that thoughtful navigation is critical to success.
Moreover, he recognizes that horses, like people, have feelings and require attention and care. “They take care of themselves and how they look,” he shared, drawing a parallel between the nurturing he offers to his equine companions and the relationships he fosters with clients. This understanding allows him to create connections based on empathy and respect, enhancing his ability to build meaningful partnerships across all his ventures.
Omar's personal life is enriched by his family, and he proudly shared that he is a husband and father of two. When asked how he balances work and family, he smiled and said, “The work never stops, but I make sure to prioritize what’s important.” It’s clear that this balance has helped Omar build not just a thriving business, but also a fulfilling personal life that informs his approach to work. Balancing these passions has allowed Omar to stay grounded, and he continues to draw inspiration from both his family and his hobbies.