artist Archives - Jalya

HEBA MOHAMED

Emily Gruz — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 17:41:53 +0000

Heba Mohamed’s business is Edmonton based. She makes home decor pieces, wall art and customized unique gifts, as well as jewelry and accessories.

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When did you start your business? Was there something/someone who inspired you?

I started the business on January, 2019. I am a Fine Arts graduate. Art and design have been always my passion and hobby. Starting this business has been always a dream that finally came true. I have been decorating my house with my art work. My friends always encouraged me to start selling my work and start a business. Serious steps were taken when I felt bored of giving my daughters’ school teachers almost the same gift every year. I decided to make something personalized to each teacher. I bought coffee mugs and started drawing on them things related to the teachers with their names on them. My close circle of friends started encouraging me and asking me to do the same thing to their kids’ teachers’. Then from my friends to their friends to an Instagram business page to what I may call a small local business.

Would you say you reached all of your goals since you started or do you have more to achieve?

My goals are endless. Every time I achieve a goal I have a new one in mind. My goals are getting bigger every day. I get inspired every day to do something new and creative. I feel like 24 hours a day are not enough. Sometimes while discussing business with a client, a new idea pops with a new goal.

What are the ups and downs when dealing with the Arab community?

The best thing about the Arab community is that they support each other. The support I get from my friends is very heart warming. The Arab culture is very rich in art and Arab women like to be unique when it comes to giving gifts to each other. So my Art pieces fulfill this need especially when I add the Arabic calligraphy to a commissioned piece. The downs are not a lot, actually. It’s the habit of negotiating the price. Usually the first phrase is, “oh that’s expensive, do you have a better deal”, though they know it’s cheaper than everywhere else and they are going to have their commissioned piece done with me anyways.

What would you change if you had to do it all over again?

I wouldn’t change a thing. I am taking it one step at a time. I am fully satisfied with where I am standing today. But, maybe I would have started the business earlier and be more courageous to present what I can do outside my close circle.

What challenges has Covid-19 brought to you and your business and how did you overcome them?

Finding supplies are my biggest challenge these days. It’s so hard to find most of the supplies here in Edmonton as most stores run out of some major items I use frequently. That made me start ordering online, which takes longer than expected sometimes due to the COVID-19 situation. Sadly, it slows down the time taken to finish the piece I am working on. Also, it affects the price. It’s more expensive now than when I first started, so I have to explain myself all the time to the clients when it come to the price part.

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MARYAM CHEBLI

Emily Gruz — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 18:18:42 +0000

Maryam Chebli is an Edmonton based artist, specializing in Islamic abstract canvas’s. Her brand goes by the name of ‘Custom Arts’ and you can view her beautiful paintings on Instagram. She offers custom designs of your liking that can fit any space of your home! Be sure to check her out!

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A post shared by 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘮 |𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 (@_customarts_)

When did you start your business? Was there something/someone who inspired you? Custom Arts was established in May 20th of 2018, with the objective to satisfy client’s expectations through affordable customized designs. Would you say you reached all of your goals since you started or do you have more to achieve? Being an entrepreneur means you are a leader & contributor in various ways, which conveys to the fact that your goals are in fact ceaseless and limitless.

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A post shared by 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘮 |𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 (@_customarts_)

What are the ups and downs when dealing with the Arab community? My work is handmade therefore long hours of precision, corrections, layering etc. are dedicated to every single piece. Aside from that, I truly adore every minute of dealing with the Arab community since it stems from my deep passion for art, specifically Islamic themed paintings. What would you change if you had to do it all over again? If I had to go back in time and do this all over again, I would not change anything. What challenges has Covid-19 brought to you and your business and how did you overcome them? Art is unbounded therefore it can be purchased at any point without the worry of Covid-19 restrictions.

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A post shared by 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘮 |𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 (@_customarts_)

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AATIF JUTT

Emily Gruz — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 20:21:37 +0000

Aatif Jutt is an Edmonton based artist. He paints anything from cars, to celebrities, and even abstract traditional Arabic scripture. Aatif has recently launched his online store called, Aatif Studios, for all of his artwork. Be sure to check him out!

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A post shared by AATIF Studios (@aatifstudios)

When did you start your business? Was there something/someone who inspired you?

I started my business about two years ago, close to the end of 2018. I was inspired by a few world renowned artists that turned their passion into a career. I was initially in school for computer engineering, but later chose to pursue my true passion rather than what was said to be a “good” career. Follow your dreams!

Would you say you reached all of your goals since you started or do you have more to achieve?

Yes, I think through true love of the work and passion, that anything is possible. I have achieved a lot a goals so far, Alhamdulilah, which just means I need to push myself further and push to reach higher up!

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A post shared by AATIF (@aatifjutt)

What are the ups and downs when dealing with the Arab community?

Everyone is supportive of the work, and I’m glad to be able to have my artwork around the Arab community. I feel there should be more support and representation for artists in the community, as art has true power.

What would you change if you had to do it all over again?

I would choose to have been more confident in my passion and started earlier! I feel the time is always now, keep smiling and taking the next step with faith.

What challenges has Covid-19 brought to you and your business and how did you overcome them?

Artwork isn’t the first thing that people are looking to buy whilst the economy is struggling, and when we are uncertain about the future. However, I feel art creates a warm space at home and with everyone being in lockdown/quarantine people had a chance to reorganize their environment and decorate their space. So business hasn’t been too bad, Alhamdulilah. The focus has always been on creating better art, and what yields from that in regards to business will always come with honest work and passion. 🙂

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