Today we’d like to introduce you to Maisha Abdullah.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? Starting out for me was drawing, making clothes for my dolls and anything else I could think up. I was an only child, so I spent a lot of time entertaining myself by being crafty. I saw this in both of my parents which is how the name Honey Beloved came about. They always had some type of business of their own, from beekeeping to sign painting, sewing, restaurants and too many others to name.
So, I’ve always had that desire in me to be on the path of an entrepreneur. Enrolling in art school was top priority after Cosmetology school and some years worked in that industry. I then worked in Graphic Design; Print Production and honed my skills as an illustrator after hours. Which all helped me to get more into designing. Wanting certain fashions and the need to express all of my ideas, I gradually started creating designs for myself. It began with sewing, upcycling clothing, making jewelry, printed items, and accessories. In doing so people became aware of my talents and would inquire often. All of this has led to creating this brand which has allowed me to house all of my learned and self-taught skills in one place. I’ve become fully immersed in all of the possible ways that I could ever choose to be creative.
So what's new for Honey Beloved?
The latest big addition to Honey Beloved is my collection of illustrated products. Illustration has always been my first love. And now items such as greeting cards T-shirts, mugs totes and more have been added to the brand. Overall, HB is an Emporium for shopping. I want you to be able to find fashion in many styles, home decor, to lovely gifts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been very smooth days which I am grateful for. But this journey has by no means been a smooth road! It has required a lot of time dedication, discipline, sacrifice, molding of myself and letting go. I’ve had to close a studio. Let go of belongings and an apartment and still keep going. The good days and struggle days have helped me get to where I am. It does in a sense get easier over time because you learn and grow along the way. You understand how to harness more of the good days and how to navigate the choppy waters as well. And that starts to look like a balanced life the better you get at the two.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The best description of what I do and specialize in is the design and creation of handcrafted goods primarily in fashion and art. I am mostly known for sustainable jewelry crafted from scratch using upcycled materials. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and all that I’ve actually achieved. I have often felt like a late bloomer because I took so much time developing myself in so many areas before I really showed people what I could do. My ability to grow and manage multiple creative disciples is what now sets me apart from others because I took the longer route.
How do you define success? I define success as being happy with yourself, with your essence in any moment in time. Because that is literally all you have…yourself. You have to work with your mind and how you perceive experiences. Because your perception is the only thing defining what success looks like. Not awards or accolades. Defining yourself through achievements is not a true measure of success.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed, please share, like and you know the rest!
@honeybeloved14
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