From Lockdown Hobby to Thriving Business: Amal's Journey with Embroidery

It's fascinating to see a young entrepreneur succeed in a traditional craft since technology dominates all aspects of our lives. Amal Ahmed, the young artist who found her passion for embroidery and turned it into a thriving business. ِAmal's hobby which began in a tough and confusing time quickly blossomed into a source of income and a creative outlet that brings joy to her customers. Co magazine delves into Amal's inspiring journey, from her initial foray into the world of needle and thread to her ambitious plans for the future.

It is a great chance to meet Amal and learn more about her. Amal is 23-year-old, a computer science student from Alexandria, Egypt. During our interview, Amal explained that she had an unexpected opportunity during the COVID-19 lockdown. With life on pause and studies transitioning online, she turned to embroidery as a hobby to pass the time but quickly her hobby blossomed into a passion and, ultimately, a thriving business.

"Challenges marked my initial foray into embroidery. Learning the craft from scratch, I faced a steep learning curve and struggled with finding the right techniques. However, I insisted on success in this field. I honed my skills, starting creating beautiful pieces, and gifting them to my family members who were impressed by my talent.", Amal reported. This encouragement led her to establish a Facebook group to showcase her work and connect with potential customers.

Amal's journey wasn't without its obstacles, she stated: “I faced some difficulties at the beginning as I don't have the experience of how to show or present my products, particularly product photography, and I was unsure of how to best way to show the beauty and quality of these products." Also “I encountered the challenge of managing multiple orders with varying designs, but I tackled this something by the unwavering support from my family and friends who help me most of the time." 

Despite the hurdles, Amal's dedication and talent shone through. Her work garnered positive feedback from friends and family, who encouraged her to continue. She embraced constructive criticism, "Like all art crafts, I have good and bad feedback but I used to consider all that, actively seeking advice on improving my techniques and exploring different embroidery styles. This commitment to continuous learning drove me to dedicate a year to mastering this craft, watching countless tutorials and meticulously refining my skills.” Amal explained 

Amal's march extended beyond the needle and thread. She immersed herself in the world of embroidery, Amal mentioned: "My passion for embroidery makes me more interested in learning about the row materials that I use, sourcing high-quality supplies, and mastering the art of product packaging."

She added: "I cared to join online communities, connecting with other passionate embroiderers who shared their knowledge and expertise. This collaborative spirit fostered a strong sense of community and helped me to grow my hobby and my business."

Today, and after this inspiring journey of trying and learning, embroidery became Amel's primary source of income. Even though she acknowledges that she still has a long way to go before reaching professional mastery, she remains dedicated to continuous improvement and overcoming any challenges that come her way.

Amal's passion for embroidery is evident in her approach. She finds joy in creating beautiful pieces and derives immense satisfaction from seeing her customers happy with their unique creations. Even when facing stress, she finds solace in her craft, allowing it to be a source of relaxation and creative expression.

 She understands that the demands of her customers are constantly evolving, and she's dedicated to offering fresh, innovative designs. "Embroidery is one of the oldest crafts," she explains, "but we need to adapt and evolve to keep up with the times constantly."

Amal's dedication to her clients goes beyond simply creating beautiful pieces. She prioritizes building genuine connections and listening attentively to their needs and desires. She aims to deliver a product that perfectly reflects their taste and vision. "I love the pleasure I see in my customers' eyes when they receive their finished pieces," Amal states. "It's often more than just a transaction; it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Amal's ambition extends beyond her current online presence. She dreams of opening her gallery, a space where she can showcase not only her exquisite embroidery but also her other artistic creations. "I have so many pieces that I keep for myself, and I want to share them with the world," she says. "A gallery would allow people who don't shop online to experience my work firsthand, see the materials I use, and choose what they love."

Amal's vision goes even further. Amal envisions a space that transcends a simple gallery, becoming a hub for aspiring embroiderers. "I want to offer workshops and classes, providing a welcoming environment for people to learn and explore the art of embroidery," she explains.

Our interview with Amal sank deeply into her dreams and ambitions, when we asked her about the idea of opening her showroom, she reported: "Showroom opening is one of my plans in the future but it is still in its early stages. It's a big step that requires careful planning and a dedicated team to provide high-end products. Right now, I've just graduated and still building my business, and I need to focus on my current workload. But I'm thinking about it."

Amel's journey is an inspiration to anyone with a dream. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their passions, experiment, and never give up. "You might discover talents you never knew you had," she says. "Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they seem daunting. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve."

Amal's story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Amal admits: "I feel great happiness when I do these actions because they remind me of my late father (mercy upon him), he was in love with colors and I always feel him as I work. Amal's not just creating beautiful pieces; she's building a community, sharing her skills, and inspiring others to follow their dreams. Amal believes in the saying "The journey to success does not require searching for new land, but it requires caring about success, desiring to achieve it, and looking at things with fresh eyes."