Startup of the Week: Creating one’s own way to success

JEDDAH: Most people especially youngsters continuously seek the answer to one question: What is the key to success?
In search of an answer, many people spend a fortune in attending conferences and seminars where experts or successful entrepreneurs share their success stories to serve as a source of inspiration to the participants.
People who are interested in reading start collecting how-to books in their quest to succeed in life.
To be honest, there is no fixed formula or strategy for success. As a matter of fact, the very concept of success varies from person to person. It is, however, better to set aside this philosophical debate and focus on the general notions about success.
It is said that the key to success is doing what you love. When one transforms his passion into a profession, it becomes easier to stand out in the crowd.
Hisham Abu Al-Ainin, a Saudi businessman, is supporting arts and crafts in his unique way. He is the owner of Jeddah’s famous sewing machine shops — Art and crafts. It is the go-to place for those interested in crocheting, knitting and the accessories.
Abu Al-Ainin’s mother used to crochet dolls and his father owned a shop dealing in sewing machines. So, his mother’s interest and father’s business influenced his thinking and he developed an interest in art and culture.
Abu Al-Ainin said: “In 2011, I joined my father’s business. I became the local distributor for a number of international brands including the German brands ‘PFFAF’ and ‘Madera,’ the American brand ‘Simplicity.’ Later, I added quilting machines as well.”
“I have about 50 kinds of different needles, 250 different color tones of a variety of wool and cotton threads of various materials,” he said.
Art and crafts shop is not only an authorized distributor for sewing tools but also a great motivation for all visitors to learn more about this craft as Abu Al-Ainin and other crochet instructors organize educational workshops in different institutes and universities to help to keep this craft alive.
Abu Al-Ainin also wants to introduce environmentally friendly products to combat pollution and make the world a better place to live. He wishes to introduce products such as the jumbo crochet and knitting yarn called “Hooked Spaghetti,” which is basically a recycled fabric.
“This large thread is in the form of ropes and weighs one kilogram. It is suitable for the manufacture of carpets and bags,” he said.
Abu Al-Ainin also motivates productive families interested in crochet to showcase their products at his showroom in Sultan Mall. By doing so, he not only adds variety to his available collection but also provides local talent a platform to showcase their skills and earn money.
During a visit to the shop, this writer met Jumana Al-Beid, a graduate of the Saudi Center for Fine Arts. Al-Beid is interested in crochet and teaches the basics to amateurs and beginners.
She said she gets inspiration from the handicrafts and eye-catching works of art available at the shop. These products, she said, help her relax and set her mind free from stress.