Asaad got her bachelor degree in financial management from Jeddah, and then traveled to Vienna to study for an MA in international relations. She started her business “Bijoux Yasmin“ in 2008 while working for the United Nations in Vienna.

“It was very tough to actually manage a full time job at the United Nations and also take care of my daughter, but I was able to pull it off,” said Asaad.

What makes Bijoux Yasmin unique is that there are only two items of each design that she makes. Her collection is also distinct in the sense that she pays particular attention to the finer details of the accessories she makes. The concept is like a fairy tale for every simple, but rich, woman. The accessories she makes contain precious and semi-precious gems and pearls that reflect her love for simplicity.

Asaad’s daughter, Yasmin, was the inspiration for the brand’s name. “She is very crafty and artsy and she loves getting involved in everything I make, whether it is decorating cupcakes, or cooking a traditional rice dish or even making jewelry,” said Asaad.

Her pieces are also inspired by her daily life in the artsy city of Vienna and her rich Saudi origin in heritage and culture. “So many things inspire me, the combination of colors in nature, and our rich heritage with deep beautiful colors of red, blue, green and gold. Living in Vienna is very inspiring as it is simply one of the most charming cities I’ve ever been to. My work experience as well in an international environment gives me this continuous inspiration to mix our styles and tastes,” she said.

The idea of designing an accessory line came to Asaad when she visited a store selling stones and beads. “I just bought some pearls and crystals and the necessary tools. The owner of the store showed me the basic steps to make an earring, and I just took it from there,” she said.

She first started making her own earrings, and the feedback from friends encouraged her to start her own business and sell her designs. She now buys needed material from Austria, the Czech Republic, Thailand, Greece and Germany.

“I love to create unique and inspirational pieces, that’s basically why I don’t launch many collections a year, I prefer to take my time and think the designs through, as this is also my hobby and not my career. I think I will try to motivate myself to make two or three collections a year,” Asaad said.

Bijoux Yasmin explores the classic beauty of femininity and elegancy. The designs reflect and represent the classic age but with a sassy and classy twist.