QatART handmade community March 2015

What is your background and when and why did you decide to start your own small business?  In 2000, I graduated with a degree in Mass Communication, specializing in PR. Back home in Egypt, I had a business named “Cute Baby”. We focussed on manufacturing of babies’ clothes (ages 0-12 months), with special attention on newborns. When I moved to Qatar leaving this business behind, I decided to start Tutu Corner.

DOAA RYADTutu Corner facebook @Tutu Corner in qatar

Instagram @ tutu_corner_in_qatar

We heart the gorgeous tutu dresses made by Doaa and we wanted to know more about her creative talent and her local small business. Read an interview we had with Doaa at our last market at Katara on 20th March 2015.

QatART handmade community March 2015

What sort of products do you market? I design and make tutus by hand. Along tutu dresses for girls, I also do hand painted t-shirts, headbands and shoes allowing me to offer complete outfits from head to toe.

How does your work differ from others of its genre? I spend a lot of time designing and coming up with new ideas that suit the local Qatari market. Also, my materials are carefully se-lected and imported, as I am not satisfied with local supplies. I am very dedicated and committed to my clients, especially trying to fulfill short notice orders.

How do you stay inspired? When you do what you like, inspiration is always present. I love the smile on a little girl’s and her mum’s face when they see my tutus on display in markets or when they come to get their own. This keeps charging my inspiration all the time.

Where do you buy your supplies? My raw material and supplies are all imported.   How does your creating process work? It depends on the theme of the event, especially in certain occasions such as Qatar National Day or Gargaan day to name just few. Oftentimes, my creations are custom orders made according to size and colors required by the client. Each custom order is unique and different from previous orders.   What's the best thing about setting up your own brand? When I see my brand’s name and tag on my products, I feel proud of what I am doing. I base my confidence on the satisfaction that I provide to my clients: delivering what they desire in the best time possible.   Who are your customers and where do you sell your work? My clients are from all nationalities. Any family with kids is a perspective client. I sell my products at markets and online through my social media presence.    Why do you like being a designer in 10 words or less? Being a designer is a blessing: when you see your end product and knowing you are the only one to understand the beginnings of the idea and how it was made.   Name something you do in your spare time. I have another full time job as a mum for wonderful 3 boys, 12, 7 and 2 years old. They take up all of my time.   Where would you like to travel to next? I would like to go to Paris for vacation.   Any exciting news to share? I am expanding my business to all GCC countries.

What recent project have you enjoyed doing? I received an order for an “Anna” tutu dress from the movie “Frozen”. It took me a while until I was satisfied with the end result – to make it as cute as possible. When I delivered the order, the customer was very happy. But in general, I enjoy all my work and all my products.   What do you love about being a QatART Member? I love being part of the team. We all share ideas and care for and support each other.

Do you feel QatART helped your business to grow and in which way? Yes for sure! QatART opened lots of doors for me. It helps marketing my products through two monthly markets in Katara. It also en-courages us to know more about related businesses and talents through organized workshops and presentations.

Tell us 5 words to describe yourself. Hard-working, committed, talented, creative and sociable.   Do you have a motto? “HANDMADE WITH LOVE”

What are your 5 favorite findings at our today’s market? 1. painting by Emma Ze Merveilles By Caro' 2. handcrafted card by ACMania 3. crochet baby shoes by CrochetCandy 4. spoons by Tasbeeh El Abhar Designs 5. wall art by Les Cherubins

QatART handmade community March 2015