Business | My Career Designing a new path for Emirati women

As a creative woman with strong determination, it is fair to say that Azza Al Qubaisi has inspired many young entrepreneurs in the UAE. A UAE jewellery designer of international fame, she is the founder and owner of the Arabian Workshop for Jewellery and Gemstones (ARJMST) in Abu Dhabi and has always tried to combine the beauty of nature, UAE heritage, tradition and contemporary and futuristic design elements in her diamond, gold and silver products. "I value the rich cultural and social milieu I have been brought up in. I want to foster it in a way that influences mankind. And that can be done only through art,'' she said. Born in the Capital in 1978, Azza created and launched the brand the (ARJMST) in Abu Dhabi and founded the Voice Gallery in 2007, which was the first to specialise in designer jewellery in Dubai. She introduced many collections, including Life, Eternity, Echo, Emirates and Desert Springs. Through these collections Azza aims to nurture the environment she cherishes. Azza graduated from London Guildhall University (1999-2002). She has held several fairs in the UAE and abroad such as those held in London and Helsinki. At these expos, Azza was a pioneer in the field of silver jewellery making and designs. By the time she was 26, she had her own line of jewellery ARJMST. But starting out as a young businesswomen in 1997 was tough. "The first two years were disastrous as no one appreciated my work; nor respected what I was doing. By the third year, people started to appreciate my work and this is attributed to having clear goals and family support," she recalls. Al Qubaisi considers the future of jewellery designing and making as bright for the UAE designers, due largely to the fact that there is little competition in the country. She has received many awards for her work. The UAE nominated her to represent the country at an international workshop for women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. She also shares her experience as an entrepreneur in workshops and seminars for young Emirati students in schools and colleges. Tips Key to being a successful designer, Azza Al Qubaisi said, is that one should understand and learn from nature, the environment and be imaginative to create. Copying others is a big mistake. "I always seek to be unique and not repeat my designs. My collection is primarily of limited editions or pieces ordered by someone. I prefer to keep my pieces rare and distinguished."