JEDDAH: Glitz Lights, which specializes in neon signs and neon art, started off as a passion that turned into a business.
It was founded by 24-year-old Saudi graphic designer Layan Farhan in 2017 and is the first online store in the Kingdom that specializes in neon signs.
“Glitz is a neon business that I started where I can share my ideas and creativity in the form of lights, and what better way to do that than in neon,” Farhan told Arab News. “I’ve always been obsessed with neon. I was always surfing the web for them and looking at international works. Locally, I just see restaurant signs, I never saw the beauty of neon lights with colors and shapes. You can get so creative with it.”
During her travels abroad she saw how neon lights were made and saw the beauty of their colors.
“It made me want to dive deeper in this field. It made me think, why don’t we have neon shops here? Instead of it being a sign outside a restaurant, it should be part of the interior. It can be anywhere — home, work, or something small for an outdoor area.”
She thought about it as a business idea for a while and decided to take a step forward during Ramadan in 2017.
“I rented a booth at an event and sold small neon lights. I researched a lot about neon lights so I could explain to people what they are and how they can be a unique decorative item. I received very good feedback.”
She said many people thought that the company’s founder was a man because it was unusual for women to deal with electricity, glass tubes and bulbs. As the owner of the company, it was important for her to learn the details about a product before handing it over to the customer.
“It was strange at first, a girl running a business like this. People would always be surprised when they found a girl was running the business. I learned a lot through this experience. In these three years, me, as a girl, I learned about things I wouldn’t have thought of learning before (about) electricity, lights and such.”
Customers can find different colors, shapes and sizes of neon lights. They can also customize their own sign.
The company’s Instagram account shows slogans, images and even Saudi Arabia’s national emblem of two crossed swords and a palm tree — all in neon.
“To me, neon signs are a popular way to enhance your interior design whether you’re at home or at the workplace. It's a new and modern way to enliven any space.”
Safety is always a priority with Glitz Lights, and the company always ensures the correct voltage for the size of the light. “We pay attention to every detail. We would never use high voltage on small lights.”
Find the store on Instagram: @glitz.lights
