Nadia Al Jar is a Bahraini artist who was interested in paintings even as a child. Although she did not choose to study art as a career, she never lost her interest in painting.

When the opportunity came, she decided to set up her passion for art as a business. Her company, Nadia Art was thus established. While working on her business, she is also the project manager of the Bahraini Society for Women Development, the chairperson of the American Women Association and a member of the Bahrain Fine Arts Society. She tells us more about her journey into art and how she was able to meld her business with her passion.

What inspired you to get into art and to turn your skill into a business?

Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, honorary president of the Bahrain arts society has always encouraged us as Bahraini artists and his example inspired us to continue our art. I’ve always loved painting so when I was living in Cleveland, Ohio, I practiced the techniques of art hoping to bring back to Bahrain new ideas and inspiration. I started to participate in a number of exhibitions concentrated in my heritage and the culture of Bahrain. This passion and inspiration for art gave me an idea to convert my art painting to a business especially souvenirs and gifts as it is a very interesting tourist merchandise.

Nadia Art is a business that contains new design concepts where paintings can be printed on fabrics, scarves, cups, cushions etc. This is a unique concept and empowers people to own art through wearable and useful products.

What is your vision for Nadia Art?

Our company vision is to be acknowledged as a market souvenir and gifts leader, delight our customer and visitors to Bahrain with exceptional art quality and a brand of innovative designs supported by our art inspirations.

What were the challenges that you faced when you were setting up your company?

• As Nadia Art is only a small business, we regularly face many challenges.
• Lack of resources (budget / people / time)
• Increasing visibility or generating quality leads
• Choosing the right social media platforms for the business
• Producing and delivering content takes a lot of time
• Keeping up with trends and technology.

How were you able to overcome these challenges?

Having a good location helps with making my business more visible. My customers have been my best source of advertisement as I am now getting clients by word of mouth. Cash flow is a problem for small businesses but I do believe that you need to “spend money to get money”.

How are you marketing your business in a way that is responsive to today?
A. Leverage

By leveraging our community who are interested in art, craftwork, and souvenirs and keep on pitching / presenting my business wherever I am. For this, I’ve already developed a compelling elevator pitch and am now searching for opportunities to get in front of customers with my marketing message.

B. Collaborate

I actively participate in exhibitions, promotions or social media with other companies / organizations.

C. Network

A strong network is one of the greatest assets any business person can have. Get to network now, shake some hands, and get to know how to give a speech.

D. Social Media

Popular social media channels include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google Plus and Snapchat. Each of these social media platforms are unique in its own right and I use most of them in my business.

What tips can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
The most important points to be successful in business is to have the passion and motivation and confidence in your project and ideas. You should be willing to take risks, be flexible and patient.