This young lady is still in her early 20s pursuing her studies at King Saud University, but she has already carved a niche for herself in the field of accessories designing. Her designer products are sought after by the young and the old alike in the Kingdom. Meet Malak Al-Saleh who is fast emerging as a role model for girls her age. From using beads initially, she graduated to using technology to develop her hobby, now a flourishing business. She spoke to Arab News about her hobby, her passions and how it transformed her life.
Q: How did you enter the world of accessory designing?
A: I used to watch my mother work on her handcraft, making accessories for us at home and also for relatives and friends. I would help her choose material needed, keeping up with the latest trends on TV and the Internet. I became hooked to this hobby and started to make my own collection. My relatives and friends admired my work and there was a demand for my accessories, so I started selling my products to them and to others. That’s how I started my business.
Q: How did you develop your work and how did you market it?
A: Whenever I made any piece of accessory, I would photograph it for authentication. I also noticed that many girls and women were advertising their various products on Twitter and Instagram. I then opened a dedicated account for my business and started uploading pictures of my products with their prices.
Q: Do you also sell your products through a shop or do you just depend on advertising through social media?
A: I started off by selling my products directly to my friends and acquaintances, but right now I sell mostly online.
Q: What raw materials do you use and what steps do you take to produce your accessories?
A: It depends on the design, but mostly I like to use crystal and pearl beads that are rich in color and a joy to look at. After I collect my raw material, I start off by drawing various designs and once satisfied with them, I begin to implement my designs.
Q: Do you have an assistant to help you with your work?
A: No, I make my accessories with my own hands, but I do seek other opinion, and sometimes customers have their own particular tastes and requirements.
Q: So, do you accept exclusive orders? How is that done?
A: Yes, I do receive special orders, and that’s usually through the Whatsapp application.
Q: How are your prices?
A: My prices range from SR 15 to SR 70, depending on the size of the piece and raw materials used.
Q: What is your target group of customers?
A: I don’t really target a specific group, because the range of my accessories can be used by anyone — from children to teenagers to adults.
Q: What is your ultimate goal and who is your inspiration and role model in this field?
A: I am very ambitious; also, as a member of my community I would like to add a creative touch to my surroundings. My ultimate goal is to become a famous accessory designer both locally and internationally. As for inspiration, it is everywhere, and I admire anyone who is talented in this particular craft.
Q: Which celebrities would you like to wear your accessories in the future?
A: Julianne Hough and Jennifer Lawrence.
