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Success Spotlight #8
| Name: |
Nazira
Mulla |
| Business: |
Laiqa
Arts |
| Nature
of Business: |
Paintings
on glass, henna body art and flower making |
| Date
Business Established: |
March
1996 |
1. What made
you go into business for yourself?
Since the age of 10, I have been interested in being in business
for myself. In my home country of India, I used to do decorate people's
hands with henna for wedding and celebrations and was making money.
I came to Canada in 1995 and thought about what I wanted to do for
about a year. I have a B.A. in economics and thought about working
in that field. I also loved doing my arts and crafts work. Finally,
I saw a brochure for an entrepreneurial training course offered
at the Community Business Resource Centre. I decided to take the
course. That was the beginning of Laiqa Arts. I wanted to set up
my own business because I liked having control over my work. I liked
being able to choose what kind of glass paintings to do and express
myself as I wished. I also felt that the potential to make more
money on my own was a factor.
2. What was
hard about it?
What has been difficult and still is to a certain extent is finding
the right supplies for my glass paintings. The type of glass painting
I do is very popular in India and the necessary supplies are readily
available. I thought that it would be the same in Canada. Marketing
has been a challenge for me. I know that it is very important, but
I find it difficult to approach stores. I would rather concentrate
on creating paintings, flowers, etc. Fortunately, I have some family
members who have helped me out in the area of marketing.
3. What was
something surprising about it?
As I stated earlier, glass painting is very popular in India. The
type of glass painting I do looks like stained glass. I have found
stores willing to sell my products but a very cheap price. There
are cheaper, mass produced products that look similar to my work.
Often, store managers want to sell my work at the same price.
4. What do
you really love about having your own business?
I love being able to make my own schedule. I also love being able
to work at home. Basically, I love the independence. What advice
would you offer upcoming entrepreneurs? My main advice would be
to do the proper research before you start your business.
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