Zina Ashour, founder of Women in Crypto Arabia, is not your typical crypto consultant. Her days blend market research and tokenomics with breathwork, beach walks, and sudoku puzzles—reflecting a philosophy that balances innovation with introspection. In this inspiring interview, Zina shares her unconventional path into the blockchain space, the early challenges of translating a radical technology to a skeptical audience, and her mission to make Web3 more inclusive. With candor and clarity, she proves that you don’t need a coding background to shape the future—you just need conviction, curiosity, and the courage to start.

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?
As a crypto consultant, my days are rooted in both structure and exploration. Mornings start with a strong coffee and an hour of exercise to energize my mind and body, followed by breathwork or meditation to ground myself before diving into work. I then organize my priorities for the day and begin with a thorough scan of the crypto market—tracking trends, updates, and key developments.

My afternoons are more dynamic: I break at midday to spend time with my family, which keeps me centered and connected. Then I’m back to work, whether it’s analyzing tokenomics, creating educational material, supporting clients, or planning blockchain-related meetups and events. No two days are exactly the same, but I love that—it keeps things exciting.

Did you always know that working in the industry you represent was what you wanted to do? How did you decide on it?
Not at all. When I was younger, the blockchain and crypto space didn’t exist as it does today. But I always knew I wanted to build something meaningful, something that leaves a real impact and empowers others. I’ve long believed in the transformative power of education and technology, which led me to co-found a startup focused on empowering children through learning. That passion evolved—and when I discovered blockchain’s potential, I felt deeply aligned with its promise to reshape the world.

What first got you interested in the industry you work in?
My journey began with a startup idea that integrated blockchain and crypto for smart investing. The more I explored, the more I realized this wasn’t just technology—it was the foundation of a new financial paradigm. What fascinated me most was how blockchain could address real-world issues that traditional finance hadn’t been able to solve: transparency, accessibility, and empowerment. The decentralized nature of it all—the ability to give power back to people—felt revolutionary. And I knew then that I wanted to be part of that change.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Coming from a background in marketing, stepping into crypto meant diving headfirst into both finance and tech—both felt like two complex worlds at that time. One major challenge was simply the lack of reliable educational resources when I started. It was a constant process of self-learning, connecting with early adopters, and experimenting.

Another challenge was communicating the value and potential of crypto to others—especially when the space was still new and often misunderstood. Convincing people to believe in something so radical wasn’t easy, but I’ve always been drawn to challenges that have purpose behind them.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the industry you represent? What do you wish you had known?
Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or full confidence—this is a space where learning by doing is a superpower. We are still in the early stages of this revolution, which means the opportunities are abundant and evolving. Educate yourself, get involved, and explore how blockchain can serve your interests—whether it’s launching a project, investing, or building financial independence.

I wish I had known earlier that you don’t need a technical background to succeed in crypto. I initially thought deep financial or coding expertise was a must, but the industry thrives on diverse skill sets—marketing, strategy, education, and business development all play a huge role. There’s also no single path to success; whether you’re an investor, builder, educator, or strategist, you can shape your role based on your strengths. The key is to start, experiment, and find where you bring the most value. This space needs diverse voices and fresh perspectives.

What do you do to unwind after work?
Connecting with nature is my go-to. Beach walks help me reset, and evening yoga is great for winding down. I also love spending time with friends, whether it’s a night out or just catching up over dinner.

Lately, I’ve been completely hooked on sudoku puzzles—it’s my newest addiction. There’s something about the logic and problem-solving that helps me disconnect from work while still keeping my brain engaged. I also enjoy reading, but more on topics that expand my knowledge—whether it’s industry insights, self-development, or emerging technologies. It’s a way to keep learning while relaxing at the same time.