I am a Saudi fashion designer and consultant with a contemporary, lively and upscale style.
I started out by designing abayas and jallabiyas with a modern and unique twist a few years ago, using color palettes that are subtle while finding ways to always make sure they’re sophisticated and elegant. As my skills developed, and I realized I had talent and an eye for fashion, I decided to utilize my abilities by turning my passion into a career — not only in design but also as a fashion consultant.
The most amazing part of my job is being given the opportunity to help people, by boosting their confidence and encouraging them to create positive changes in their wardrobes and lifestyles.
My late mother always loved to follow the latest trends, and she inspired me by helping me to find my own love and admiration for fashion. She was fashionable, elegant and had her own style. But she also taught me that fashion is more than just the latest looks; she helped me realize that style means discovering who you are and being true to yourself, and that elegance is the ultimate and enduring form of fashion. Now, as a mother of three, I work to ensure that my children learn the same lessons.
Throughout her life, my mother gave me many opportunities to showcase my passion, she was my idol and I looked up to her. I have focused on pursuing my dream while offering a different image of Saudi Arabia from the one that is held by many people, especially foreigners. I always work to ensure that I am helping to preserve the identity and roots of our people.
I spent the majority of my life living abroad, in the US, and I think this has allowed me to approach Saudi fashion in new and exciting ways. I have personal experience with different cultures, which has given me a unique perspective in merging them.
My fashion style focuses firstly on being comfortable and relaxed, and secondly on being dramatic and romantic.
As my skills developed, and I realized I had talent and an eye for fashion, I decided to turn my passion into a career.
I began my foray into fashion consulting by shopping for close friends and family. Slowly, word started to spread and more people started to request that I do the same for them. Their burgeoning interest inspired me to pursue this as a career.
This spurred me on to further my education and I took an intensive course at the internationally renowned Sterling Style Academy in New York City. Upon my return to Jeddah, I set about launching my career.
A big part of what I do is provide consultations to my clients. I try to change their lives for the better, and that makes me happy. It is a beautiful thing when my consultations are able to change the attitudes that people have about themselves and increase their confidence because they are finally satisfied with how they look. It gives them a feeling of empowerment.
My consultations involve getting to know my clients: their preferred styles, skin color, body shape and how much they are willing to change their style. I work with people who have differing budgets and pride myself on being able to work within financial limits while not limiting my clients’ looks based on any of their restrictions.
Working in my field sometimes can be challenging, as I value my privacy. The obligation to always be prepared for questions from fans and to dress in a way that keeps people satisfied means that there is the pressure of always worrying about what I need to wear, which can sometimes be tiring.
But I love what I do and it makes me happy to be able to help people — and at the end of the day, that is what matters the most.
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