Qatar’s Trailblazers |
Do jewellery designers in
Qatar support each other?
The Young Qatari Designers
initiative has helped to foster a sense
of community among jewellery
designers here. I’ve met a lot of
other designers through the scheme,
and we keep in touch to support
programmes like this, each year
there are new designers and artists
bursting onto the scene.
What has been your biggest
challenge?
Starting my business and creating
a brand. The first time I showed
| Original piece by Ghada Al Buanin
each other. It’s been great to meet
other designers with different styles,
levels of experience and stories
to tell.
Do you think Doha is a good
city for artists and designers?
Absolutely. Qatar has always
supported the arts. One example is
the Doha Fire Station, which has
been converted to be a residence
for upcoming artists. Thanks to
my jewellery to retailers was at
an exhibition in London. I had
just designed my first ever piece
– the pipe-in-gold bracelet – and
had plans to travel to London in
summer. A friend recommended
that I create a collection and show
it off at an exhibition in London,
and I did. When I returned from
London, I knew that I wanted to
start my own business. But I knew
it wouldn’t be easy!
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