12 Dec 2022 411 0  

A Supportive Husband Was The Secret Of Aya Mortada Designs!



We all went through a long sitting with our aunts & grandmoms when they gave us some advice about how to choose our future husbands. They tell you he should be kind, well-educated, have a respectful job, and have the ability to protect you & your family’s future! But no one will tell you that you should be with a supportive partner who can encourage you to find yourself as well as support you to discover your real passion & be happy. This is how Aya Mortada, the owner of Aya Mortada Designs, found her real passion until her brand became one of the most well-known online stores in Egypt that gained celebrity's trust. We had an interview with Aya to know more about her journey & how the support of her husband helped her.

Hello! Tell us more about yourself, please.

Hello, my name is Aya Mortada, I'm 32 years old, with a bachelor's degree in interior design, I'm married and a mother to two beautiful boys.

 

 

Where did you get the idea of your project?
I started with the painting project; I made a few paintings and they didn't go well so I stopped for a while, and then I found my passion in the yarn so I learned crochet from youtube and started my small business. One day, I saw a reel for a Turkish woman sewing those beautiful coasters and placemats, so I got inspired and decided to give it a try. My husband brought me a sewing machine for my birthday and from here I started!

What were the obstacles that faced you when you started your own business?
The biggest obstacle was marketing my business, I wanted to reach more people as I can and get their trust.

The other obstacle is the materials, Unfortunately not all the materials are available so I do my best to find the replacement that gives me the quality I need.

Who's your biggest supporter in your business journey?
My biggest supporter is my Husband, and family , friends, they were always pushing me forward and encouraging me.

How do you balance your business with your personal life?
I do my best to make this balance, so I made a schedule for work and planned my day. I wake up early in the morning so I can have enough time to finish my work early and have the rest of the day for my family.

If you have kids, how do you handle their needs alongside business needs?
Family comes first, I do my best to not dereliction in their rights, they need my attention and care, they are my biggest project.

What's your plan for Aya Mortada designs ?
My plan for Aya Mortada Designs is to have a workshop and shipping worldwide.

How do you support other women through your business?
"كان الله في عون العبد ما دام العبد في عون أخيه " ..

I believe in this so I try to be kind and helpful for anyone asking me and give them the advice they need.


Does the project have a sentimental effect on you? And how?
Yes sure, especially when I get nice feedback it would make my day, and when someone asked for a customized piece and it came out how they expected and maybe more oooh I could be happy for a week.

How did it feel when you launched your project & shared your first product?
I was so excited, it was a kelim crocheted basket. My friends supported me in the beginning and started to order it so I was really happy.

How do you usually get inspiration?
I make a lot of searches to see new designs and when I like something I try to do it in a different way. Some clients inspire me with their ideas.

 

How did you manage your brand’s marketing? Was it hard to handle it?
Yes in the beginning it was so hard but I didn't give up ,my brother is a graphic designer he helped me alot in advertising and page designs. Also, a friend of mine is a blogger (Sarah Tharwat) . She helped me too and told her followers about me , then I started to make reels and share posts and a lot of stories.

What types of yarn do you usually use?
I usually use jute and cotton.

Have you considered tutoring? Teaching other girls?
I did consider tutoring but I try to find time for it. I usually make stories while I'm working, hopefully it's useful for someone.

I did teached some girls online for free because when I started I wished for someone to help me,to put me in the right direction.

What’s the closest product to your heart? And why?
Honestly I love all my products , because they are handmade with alot alot of love .

What's the most valuable advice that you can give a woman who's planning to start her own business?
Don't think about obstacles, write your goals, don't waste your time, love what you do, and do it with a lot of passion.

And never compare yourself with others, focus on your aim, and believe in success and you will reach it for sure.