Decoupage thriving business for Saudi woman

ABHA: A local businesswoman here is using the art of decoupage to create a thriving enterprise.
Nora Ismael takes plain and old items including vases, boxes and ceramic dishes and turns them into desirable consumer products with colorful decorations. She believes that she has created a niche for herself in this country because many other women are into “feminine” businesses such as cooking and beauty salons.
“It all started when I was young. I was completely independent and used to sew wallets out of jeans for pocket money. I insisted at one stage that I did not need an allowance from my father for three months. When it was evident to me that I could make a living out of my project, I invested all my efforts in it.”
Ismael said that decoupage is admired by many Saudi businesswomen. There are many women involved in this type of art, who are constantly trying to improve their skills, but few have turned it into a business, she said.
She said she dreams of establishing a fully integrated center for Saudi women to learn the art, and with more exhibitions so that they can display their products. She believes that many more women would start developing this art form into a business in the future.
She urged Saudi women to take a chance and try decoupage and other businesses rather than just remain in the food and beauty industries. “They must try to discover new horizons even though they are afraid of what society might say.”
Abdullah Al-Malghouth, an economist, said Saudi woman can become successful in many industries if they put their minds to it. This would also help to boost the country’s economy, he said.