Creating Success Around the World - Michelle from Dubai
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Creating Success Around the World. The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.
Every Wednesday our hosts will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world.
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Introducing this week's guest from Dubai - Michelle
Here's the hosts. Click on the buttons to visit them and see who they are featuring this week.
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My name is Michelle from Misala Handmade! I was originally from Hong Kong but I am currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to follow my husband's job. The UAE is in the Middle East and is extremely hot in the summer. Currently we are experiencing highs of up to 47 degrees during the day! Luckily there is air conditioning almost everywhere but still it can get fairly bad getting in and out of the car!
What do you create?
I design and handmake coin purses and larger bags with kisslocks. I make them in all sorts of shapes and styles imaginable.
Why do you create?
It started out as an experiment for myself to understand what I would really want to do with my life. Three years ago, I quit my job as an engineer and moved to Dubai with my husband without actually lived outside my home country before. Being an expat housewife, there is only a limited amount of things you can do at home, especially in this climate. I was almost depressed but my husband persuaded me to follow my heart and pursue my own interest, so I started making bags at home.
Do you sell your creations? If so, how? Where? And is it profitable?
Yes. You can buy my creations at my Etsy online store: misala.etsy.com
Despite having started this project a bit more than two years ago, it is still more of a personal project than a truly profitable business. I focus on bringing joy and happiness to my customers, and I would go all the way regardless of the cost to do so. I wish to bring the best shopping experience to anyone buying from my shop and that, I believe, is the core value of Misala Handmade.
What mistakes have you made or lessons you have learned in your crafting?
Before starting my Etsy store, I was trying to sell my crafts at a local craft fair. Although I did not make much of a success selling my crafts, there was so much to learn in the few times I've been there and it was the inspiration for me to sell my crafts online. It is through this experience that I learned that people, when they were shopping, will judge not only on the quality of the product but also the presentation. They are looking for a full shopping experience from the moment they discover the shop up until many years after their purchase. It the craft seller's job to make sure the customer is happy for the entire duration of this experience.
What, to you is success? Have you achieved it yet, or are you on your way towards success?
I work to build Misala Handmade as a name that people will think of when they are looking for high quality handmade bags and purses with unique designs, and I truly hope I am on my way towards this! One customer at a time, I hope to convert those who buys my creations into a true believer of Misala Handmade!
So what's next?
Summer is a really good time to grow a brand and to get better prepared for the crazy Winter months! I am working hard to build up my portfolio of designs so my customers can have their most desired items when they are doing holiday shopping!
Thanks for your lovely answers Michelle - and for sharing your beautiful work with us!
Do go and visit shop and check out more of her wonderful creations!
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