Rawan Al Barakati is a simple and young at heart Saudi woman who was born and raised in Jeddah. Her story is like many other Saudi women who are ambitious and creative and dare to do something different. Having studied at Dar Al-Hanan and graduated from King AbdulAziz University with a bachelor’s in computer science, she pursued her master’s degree from the UK.

“I got my master’s degree from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom in advanced computer science. Before that, I worked for Amiantit and The National Commercial Bank (NCB) in IT related roles,” Al Barakati told Arab News.

She admits she conceived the idea of making memorable souvenirs when she was expecting her son. “I wanted to make my own special giveaways and room decor for the hospital,” she said.

She wanted the giveaways to be something that couldn’t be found in regular stores. Apart from being practical, she wanted for everyone to keep them and not get rid of them the moment they got home. Consequently, she came up with the idea of making crocheted flower magnets, and thus, her journey began.

Her simple idea, along with strenuous labor matched with great results and appreciation, embarked Al Barakati on a journey toward her destination. She scrutinizes her situation and vision of gifts she makes with “love” and customized precision.

“For the hospital decoration, I didn’t want to waste money on flowers that would soon welt, balloons that would deflate or foam that would just be wasted later. I thought that it would be lovely if anything I put can then be used to decorate my baby’s nursery,” she said.

Hence, she stitched a branch carrying birds and camouflaged leaves with her baby’s name carved on the stuffing with knitted letters.

“Everyone loved the things I made. I was encouraged by friends and family to sell my craftwork. So, soon after that, I created a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/madewithlove.hmgifts) and invited my friends to join it,” she added.

Al Barakati crafts each piece herself. She takes inspiration from various elements online but believes in designing her own handcrafts. Her self-taught art spurs tangible gift items that almost follow an algorithm.

“I draw the template, hand-cut the pieces and hand-stitch them together. Some are filled with fiberfill and some are framed. I also make crocheted items,” she explained.

Although she works from home, her domestic business hopes to reach out to markets once she owns her own shop, which she plans on opening soon.

“Made with Love” represents my passion to create something unusual, put a smile on someone’s face, add a little positive energy and share the love with everyone,” she says.

She deems her customers to be those who appreciate and value the beauty of handmade products. “My items are appealing because they are unique, colorful, cute and full of love,” she added. Her “Made With Love” gift range offers hanging ornaments that can be used as tapestry setting, party toppers, personalized wall-arts (framed or on string), key-chains, smartphone covers and makeup pouches. Al Barakati also does crochet items for napkin cozies, flower magnets, bookmarks, potholders/wall art, coasters, bowls and baby beanies.

“I also provide one-on-one and duet crochet classes for anyone who’s interested in learning how to crochet,” she added.

If you want to contact Al Barakati for orders, you should know she requires a period of two to three weeks. Her items start from SR30, and she says it depends “on the customer’s budget and requirements.”

With more women setting up businesses at home, this is one story among thousands. “I love the creativity part and that I make things others love and find inspiring. I appreciate the kind and positive feedback I always get from my Facebook fans. It certainly keeps me motivated,” she said.

Conclusively, fair amount of gratitude and positivism may be the right push in the direction for those women who inspire to be young entrepreneurs. So, make sure what you do, is “made with love.” It might just be what you are looking for.