Abu Dhabi: Senior students on the Applied Media Bachelor degree programme complemented their artistic talents with the elementary steps of taking products from concept to design to manufacture — and then selling these products in the Design Bazaar that took place on Wednesday at Abu Dhabi Women's College (ADWC.)
"Designers tend to be satisfied getting hired by others without realising the full potential reward of their talent. They remain employees, while the manufacturers horde the financial rewards. The idea here is to reverse this stereotype and make the students understand that their designs have great value if they retain the rights to manufacture and sell their own products. I wanted them to learn how to launch their own businesses," Applied Communications Professor Philip Toews said.
Students in this event got to exercise their entrepreneurial skills, celebrate the launch of their creative spark and get a taste of their success. In this spirit the Design Bazaar was an opportunity for the students to explore the business potential of their artistic creations and skills. Along with their designs, students prepared comprehensive business plans with the intention of seeking venture funding for their businesses from venture capital such as the Khalifa Fund.
On a stand with hand-drawn T-shirts and shoes Fatima Al Shamsi told Gulf News: "I started drawing on a Starbucks cup, then on my own shoes, then on my T-shirt and this is how I got the idea."
Unique designs
Noura showcased T-shirts decorated with pearls and accessories, while Rahma Al Muhairbi designed stickers for BlackBerry covers. "The stickers shop that printed my illustrations requested a partnership," Rahma said.
Shaima Al Maisari stitched Arabic calligraphy and was encouraged to market her unique designs, while Luluwa Khalfan designed an organiser case for women's handbags.
"In my future shop I will make a section where people can come and design their own bed linen or just buy mine," Afra Al Hameli said.
Shamsa Al Ameri designed gift packages while Hoda Abbas printed her designs on T-shirts and leggings.
"Today is a starting point and I will continue; sales turnout is good," Hoda said.
Ameenah Abu Haliqa designed bed sets that carried the main national teams' logos. Nada Al Suwaidi made date jam.
"I was approached to sell this exclusively to Starbucks, but I want to sell this to Emirates Palace, as dates are a national product representing our identity."
All of the products sold well, with several students completely selling out. The bazaar was a showcase for the business potential of these creative Emirati designers who were all excited about starting their own business.
"This initial commercial success underlined the business value of the considerable design skills of these talented and inspiring students. With this success behind them the students will now go on to approach funding bodies in the hope of growing new businesses in the marketplace," Prof Toews added.
